NW China's internet celebrity city sees tourism boom during Qingming holiday Xinhua) 08:52, April 07, 2024 A staff member cooks malatang at a store in Maiji District of Tianshui City, northwest China's Gansu Province, April 3, 2024. Tianshui has garnered considerable attention in the cyber world thanks to the popularity of Tianshui's malatang, a numbing-spicy hotpot. When it comes to the real world, the city received 309,000 and 348,600 tourists on April 4 and 5, the first two day of the three-day Qingming holiday, with tourism-related revenue of 177 million yuan (about 24.47 million U.S. dollars) and 198 million yuan (about 27.37 million U.S. dollars), respectively. (Xinhua/Ma Xiping) Customers are pictured in a store serving malatang in Maiji District of Tianshui City, northwest China's Gansu Province, April 3, 2024. Tianshui has garnered considerable attention in the cyber world thanks to the popularity of Tianshui's malatang, a numbing-spicy hotpot. When it comes to the real world, the city received 309,000 and 348,600 tourists on April 4 and 5, the first two day of the three-day Qingming holiday, with tourism-related revenue of 177 million yuan (about 24.47 million U.S. dollars) and 198 million yuan (about 27.37 million U.S. dollars), respectively. (Xinhua/Ma Xiping) Tourists pose for photos at Fuxi Temple scenic area in Qinzhou District of Tianshui City, northwest China's Gansu Province, April 4, 2024. Tianshui has garnered considerable attention in the cyber world thanks to the popularity of Tianshui's malatang, a numbing-spicy hotpot. When it comes to the real world, the city received 309,000 and 348,600 tourists on April 4 and 5, the first two day of the three-day Qingming holiday, with tourism-related revenue of 177 million yuan (about 24.47 million U.S. dollars) and 198 million yuan (about 27.37 million U.S. dollars), respectively. (Xinhua/Ma Xiping) A drone photo taken on April 5, 2024 shows tourists visiting the Maiji Mountain Grottoes in Maiji District of Tianshui City, northwest China's Gansu Province. Tianshui has garnered considerable attention in the cyber world thanks to the popularity of Tianshui's malatang, a numbing-spicy hotpot. When it comes to the real world, the city received 309,000 and 348,600 tourists on April 4 and 5, the first two day of the three-day Qingming holiday, with tourism-related revenue of 177 million yuan (about 24.47 million U.S. dollars) and 198 million yuan (about 27.37 million U.S. dollars), respectively. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhimin) A drone photo taken on April 5, 2024 shows tourists visiting the Maiji Mountain Grottoes in Maiji District of Tianshui City, northwest China's Gansu Province. Tianshui has garnered considerable attention in the cyber world thanks to the popularity of Tianshui's malatang, a numbing-spicy hotpot. When it comes to the real world, the city received 309,000 and 348,600 tourists on April 4 and 5, the first two day of the three-day Qingming holiday, with tourism-related revenue of 177 million yuan (about 24.47 million U.S. dollars) and 198 million yuan (about 27.37 million U.S. dollars), respectively. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhimin) Volunteers greet tourists at Tianshui South Railway Station in Tianshui City, northwest China's Gansu Province, April 3, 2024. Tianshui has garnered considerable attention in the cyber world thanks to the popularity of Tianshui's malatang, a numbing-spicy hotpot. When it comes to the real world, the city received 309,000 and 348,600 tourists on April 4 and 5, the first two day of the three-day Qingming holiday, with tourism-related revenue of 177 million yuan (about 24.47 million U.S. dollars) and 198 million yuan (about 27.37 million U.S. dollars), respectively. (Xinhua/Ma Xiping) Tourists visit Fuxi Temple scenic area in Qinzhou District of Tianshui City, northwest China's Gansu Province, April 4, 2024. Tianshui has garnered considerable attention in the cyber world thanks to the popularity of Tianshui's malatang, a numbing-spicy hotpot. When it comes to the real world, the city received 309,000 and 348,600 tourists on April 4 and 5, the first two day of the three-day Qingming holiday, with tourism-related revenue of 177 million yuan (about 24.47 million U.S. dollars) and 198 million yuan (about 27.37 million U.S. dollars), respectively. (Xinhua/Ma Xiping) Customers enjoy malatang at a store in Qinzhou District of Tianshui City, northwest China's Gansu Province, April 4, 2024. Tianshui has garnered considerable attention in the cyber world thanks to the popularity of Tianshui's malatang, a numbing-spicy hotpot. When it comes to the real world, the city received 309,000 and 348,600 tourists on April 4 and 5, the first two day of the three-day Qingming holiday, with tourism-related revenue of 177 million yuan (about 24.47 million U.S. dollars) and 198 million yuan (about 27.37 million U.S. dollars), respectively. (Xinhua/Ma Xiping) An aerial drone photo taken on April 5, 2024 shows tourists visiting the Maiji Mountain Grottoes in Maiji District of Tianshui City, northwest China's Gansu Province. Tianshui has garnered considerable attention in the cyber world thanks to the popularity of Tianshui's malatang, a numbing-spicy hotpot. When it comes to the real world, the city received 309,000 and 348,600 tourists on April 4 and 5, the first two day of the three-day Qingming holiday, with tourism-related revenue of 177 million yuan (about 24.47 million U.S. dollars) and 198 million yuan (about 27.37 million U.S. dollars), respectively. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhimin) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) China Railway plans 1,163 extra passenger trains for Qingming Festival return travel Xinhua) 10:50, April 07, 2024 BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- China Railway, the nation's railway operator, said it plans to add 1,163 more trains on Saturday to cope with rising travel demand as passengers start making return trips following the three-day Qingming Festival holiday that ends on Saturday. The company predicted that on Saturday 17.9 million passenger trips would be made via the country's railways. This compared to 13.31 million trips registered on the previous day, according to the company. The Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival focusing on paying tribute to the dead and the worship of ancestors. During the festival period, Chinese people also tend to indulge in outdoor activities and sightseeing. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) On April 16, Mayor Tim Kelly will engage in a virtual signing with Accra, Ghanas Mayor Elizabeth Sackey of a document making Chattanooga and Accra official Sister Cities. Accra, Ghanas capital, will be our first African Sister City, and members of the Sister City Association of Chattanooga are excited to make this our eighth partnership. Most of the credit for this is due to the efforts of Kanika Wellington-Jones and Bea Kennebrew, who have made multiple trips to Accra and developed relationships with a number of people there. They have initiated an art exchange, promoted several business projects, hosted a Ghanaian cooking class for Chattanoogans, facilitated cross-cultural zoom meetings, and connected with several Accra artisans to sell their wares here. We are most grateful to Kanika and Bea for bringing Accra to our attention and for their tenacity in promoting the Sister City possibility to our city government. Moreover, we appreciate Mayor Kellys and his staffs support in this endeavor. We look forward to receiving a Ghanaian delegation in Chattanooga soon and hope to take groups to Ghana in the near future. Other projects are in the works, and the hope is to promote friendships and create greater understanding between residents of our two municipalities. Karen Claypool President, Sister City Association of Chattanooga * * * My great-nephew's paternal grandfather is from Accra, Ghana. A couple years or so ago the entire family traveled to Ghana to celebrate their great-granny's 90+ birthday. From Ghana to Ethiopia and beyond, that invisible thread still connects us all, no matter our station or status in life. Brenda Washington Back in November, reports began swirling that Josh Duggar was looking pretty lonely in prison on visitor days at FCI Seagoville. Insiders claimed the disgraced reality TV star wasnt seen with family or friends during visiting hours. Apparently, he is getting plenty of visitors now. The convicted sex offender received guests last month for his birthday, and now his parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, were spotted at the federal facility. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar spotted visiting Josh Duggar in prison Josh Duggar had a special visit from his parents recently. According to the U.S. Sun, the disgraced Duggar spent several hours talking to his parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, during recent visiting hours at FCI Seagoville, the federal lockup where hell spend the next eight years. Michelle Duggar and Jim Bob Duggar appear on NBC News Today show | Peter Kramer/NBC/NBC NewsWire According to an insider, Josh was seen sitting in the corner of a visitation room, deep in conversation with his parents. The insider could not hear what the trio talked about, but they told the publication that Josh seemed actively engaged in the chat. They stayed for several hours before heading out again. It is unclear what brought the duo to Texas. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar reside in Springdale, Arkansas, more than five hours from Seagoville. The convicted sex offender has other visitors While this appears to be the first time an insider has spotted Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar at the federal lockup, it is unclear if its the first time the couple has made the trek to see their son behind bars. Even if it was their first time at FCI Seagoville, Josh has had plenty of visitors since he was sent to the facility in June 2022. Anna Duggar and the seven children she shares with Josh Duggar have visited him at the facility. More recently, Joseph Duggar was spotted at the Texas correctional facility to see his older brother. He was in the company of a family friend, David Waller. David is reportedly a fairly regular fixture during visiting hours. David is Josh Duggars brother-in-law. He is married to Anna Duggars sister, Priscilla, and lives an hour from the prison. Jill and Derick Dillard | Amazon Studios Related Josh Duggar Vaguely Addressed Molesting His Siblings Years Before Police Reports Were Leaked No other Duggar siblings have been spotted paying Josh a visit. That doesnt mean they havent reached out, though. Jill Dillard did admit she tried to write to her disgraced brother once. During an appearance on Good Morning America, Jill said she sent Josh a Christmas card one year. According to the author of Counting the Cost, the mail was returned to her. She isnt sure exactly why the parcel was returned, but she hasnt written him since. The rest of the Duggar clan shies away from talking about Josh and his crimes. An innovative vaccine could significantly reduce skin cancer fatalities among men, according to promising findings from a recent clinical trial. This groundbreaking research, conducted by scientists at the University of Virginia, focuses on a multi-peptide vaccine designed to combat melanoma, one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer. The trial showed substantial progress in extending the survival of high-risk melanoma patients. Central to this study is a deep dive into the intricate workings of the immune system, with a spotlight on T cells pivotal role in combating cancer. Historically, cancer vaccines have mainly aimed at activating cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, which directly target cancer cells. Yet, this strategy tends to ignore the vital supportive functions of CD4+ helper T cells. These cells are key orchestrators of a robust immune defense, assisting in the maturation of additional immune cells and delivering essential signals that enable CD8+ T cells to operate effectively. So, the study evaluated two different vaccine formulations aimed at engaging key elements of the immune response. One formulation adhered to the traditional method, activating CD8+ T cells using a sequence of melanoma-specific peptides. The alternative formulation adopted a novel strategy, incorporating peptides that target CD8+ T cells along with extra peptides crafted to stimulate CD4+ helper T cells. For almost 15 years, the research team monitored the participants for survival rates and recurrence of the disease. Findings showed that those who received the vaccine containing CD4+ helper peptides had significantly extended survival rates. This advantage was predominantly observed in male patients, suggesting possible biological variances between genders that may affect how immunotherapies work. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Dogs require plenty of exercise and playtime, not only for their physical well-being but also for their mental health. In fact, recent research suggests that activities such as exercising, socializing, playing, and learning are vital in warding off canine dementia. Similar to people, a dogs brain can decline with age, resulting in cognitive issues. However, a study conducted by researchers at the University of Kentucky and the University of California-Irvine shows that engaging in social and cognitive activities can safeguard dogs against the loss of neurons or brain cells and brain structure, both of which contribute to memory and cognitive problems. The research monitored alterations in the brain structure of middle-aged beagles over three years, focusing on those engaged in social enrichment activities. These activities encompassed exercise, socializing, playing with toys, and unrestricted play with peers of the same gender. During the research period, the scientists assessed the cognitive abilities of the beagles. They also looked into brain areas associated with cognitive functions and found that the hippocampus, a region especially susceptible to neuron death and structural decline due to aging, saw an increase in volume across all participating beagles. Additionally, the team further examined two sets of dogs undergoing social enrichment activities, with one group receiving an FDA-approved Alzheimers medication and the other a potential preclinical treatment for the disease. These groups displayed no notable differences in outcomes compared to those engaged in social enrichment alone, highlighting the importance of physical activity in reducing neuron loss in key brain regions responsible for memory. So, the researchers believe that their results carry important implications for human Alzheimers patients, pointing to the advantages of social enrichment. In essence, maintaining an active lifestyle and keeping the brain engaged could be the most effective strategy for staving off Alzheimers disease. Because age-related brain changes and cognitive decline are similar between dogs and people, dogs are a useful model to study treatments for diseases that quicken neuron death and cognitive decline, like Alzheimers, explained Christopher Norris, a professor at the University of Kentucky. Anyone who has ever had a pet dog knows how hard it is to watch them grow old and experience issues with memory, task performance, and thinking. It is unfortunate that aging is marked by worsened cognitive skills, added Elizabeth Head, a professor at the University of California-Irvine. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. April marks the end of Girl Scout cookie-selling season, and Im sure some of you were diligent about picking up your annual boxes of Thin Mints or Tagalongs. Perhaps you have a Girl Scout in the family you want to support by buying cookies or were once a Girl Scout yourself. But once youre hooked on those tiny cookies, its hard to resist buying a box every year. But do you know the history of Girl Scout cookies and how the tradition came to be? If not, allow me, a retired Girl Scout, to explain. The Girl Scouts were founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912. To read more about Juliette and her journey to creating the Girl Scouts, you can read our article about her here. Five years after they were founded, Girl Scouts in America began selling their mothers homemade cookies to fund troop activities. Specifically, a troop in Oklahoma was known for selling cookies in a high school cafeteria as a service project. Then, in 1922, in American Girl magazine, the official magazine for Girl Scouts of America, Chicago director Florence E. Neil published an easy and affordable sugar cookie recipe that Girl Scouts could use for their cookie sales. Back then, the Girl Scouts were encouraged to sell the cookies by the dozen for 30 to 25 cents a dozen. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Home News Baylor University's 'Harry Potter' professor goes viral after blasting JK Rowling for 'hatred of trans people' An English professor at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, went viral on X this week for tweeting about how students in his Harry Potter class have been discussing author J.K. Rowling's alleged "hatred of trans people." "Today in my Harry Potter class [at Baylor], we had a hard and necessary conversation about JK Rowling and her hatred of trans- people," Prof. Greg Garrett, the Carole Ann McDaniel Hanks Chair of Literature & Culture, tweeted on Tuesday. "We decided novelist Rowling, who wrote with compassion about diversity, equity, and inclusion, is worth our attention. Twitter Rowling? Shame on her." 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 Today in my Harry Potter class @Baylor, we had a hard and necessary conversation about JK Rowling and her hatred of trans- people. We decided novelist Rowling, who wrote with compassion about diversity, equity, and inclusion, is worth our attention. Twitter Rowling? Shame on her. Greg Garrett (@Greg1Garrett) April 2, 2024 Rowling made headlines earlier this week for tweeting out a list of biological men who identify as transgender women while calling them men and daring police in Scotland to arrest her for violating the country's new Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act. The law, which went into effect April 1 and created a new criminal offense of "stirring up of hatred," carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison, a 10,000 (about $12,500) fine or both. It defines hate crime as "any crime which is perceived by the victim, or any other person, to be motivated (wholly or partly) by malice and ill-will towards a social group" and enables police to log alleged "hate incidents." "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 wrote in part. "Freedom of speech and belief are at an end in Scotland if the accurate description of biological sex is deemed criminal." The bestselling author also claimed that Scottish women have for several years been expected to embrace a "neo-religious concept of gender that is unprovable and untestable." Rowling drew support from British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who said, "people should not be criminalized for stating simple facts on biology." Tory peer Zac Goldsmith likened the Scottish law to something out of East Germany under the communist Stasi. Garrett's tweet about Rowling, which racked up over 2.2 million views as of Friday night, drew scorn from users on X, some of whom accused him of violating Baylor's statement on human sexuality. Others questioned why Baylor University has a collegiate-level Harry Potter class in the first place. Tuition at the private Baptist research university is nearly $52,000 per year, a price tag that swells to more than $70,000 after books, room and board and other expenses. Garrett, who received a $488,000 grant from the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation in 2021 to "illuminate the ways various forms of American culture have promoted racial myths through the centuries," doubled down following the backlash and suggested he was standing up for the same sort of people Jesus and the prophets did. "I am not unaccustomed to disagreement on Twitter," he tweeted Wednesday. "I'm a Christian, I teach at a great Christian university, and I'm involved in the Christian work of acknowledging the marginalized and dispossessed, those whom the Prophets and Jesus put front and center. Disagree if you must." Garrett, whose pinned tweet on his X profile is in support of Black Lives Matter as of Friday, also reiterated his assertion that Rowling is guilty of exhibiting "hate." "And maybe we could discuss the definition of 'gaslighting' instead of 'hatred,'" he wrote. "If JK Rowling chooses to post negative comments about trans women on a day commemorating the violent deaths of people for being trans and invites the Scottish authorities to enforce an anti-hate law" He went on to claim that he has spoken with Rowling's former bishop in Edinburgh to confirm that she attended church some years ago. "I understand religious disagreements on LGBTQ issues," he added. "My family is Southern Baptist. But there's expressing disagreement, and there's this. Hate is the proper word." Baylor University did not respond to The Christian Post's request for comment by publication, and Garrett directed CP to a January article in the student newspaper Baylor Lariat about his 300-level Harry Potter class. In the article, Garrett likened Harry Potter to a messianic figure. "[Rowling] said early on that the story of 'Harry Potter' the whole seven-volume story was based on the Gospels," Garrett told the outlet, adding that the Christian themes of love and compassion are one of the most powerful messages in the series. Home News Florida man arrested for allegedly smacking Walgreens manager in face with Bible on Easter A Florida man was arrested and charged with felony battery for allegedly smacking a Walgreens employee in the face with a Bible on Easter Sunday. Peter Owens, 35, was arrested again shortly after his release for the Bible-smacking incident when he allegedly stole shoes and a box of Cheez-Its from the Walmart in Tarpon Springs, according to local FOX 35. During the incident at Walgreens at around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, Owens reportedly got into an argument with an employee about a pair of headphones he wanted to purchase, leading to Store Manager Nicole Merck getting involved and demanding that he leave the store. 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 Owens left the store but not before allegedly whacking the manager in the face with his Bible, according to the affidavit from the Clearwater Police Department. "Peter used the brown Bible in his hand and struck Nicole in the face one time before he exited the store," the criminal complaint said. When police apprehended him, Owens admitted that he assaulted the Walgreens employee with the Bible because "she was being rude to him" but noted that "he did not mean to hit her," the affidavit said. Owens posted $5,000 bail and was released from the Pinellas County Jail on Monday. The Tarpon Springs Police Department arrested him again Tuesday and charged him with petty theft for the incident at Walmart. After allegedly snagging a box of Cheez-Its cheddar crackers from the shelf and taking them into the Walmart bathroom, Owens reportedly pilfered a pair of men's shoes, ripped the tags off, tried them on and stuffed them into his duffle bag before leaving the store without paying, according to another affidavit. Walmart's loss prevention officer flagged Owens to police, who subsequently apprehended him and took him back to the Pinellas County Jail, where he remains on a $150 bond as of Friday, according to arrest records. According to The Smoking Gun, Owens has been ordered by a judge to avoid the Walgreens store where the alleged Bible assault took place. The outlet reported that Owens' Bible-whacking was elevated to a felony because he had a run-in with the law in 2020 when he was convicted of assault and battery. Home News Israeli hostage murdered by terrorists in Gaza, officials say Israeli authorities have confirmed the death of a hostage, identified as a 47-year-old farmer from southern Israel, in Gaza. He was murdered by terrorists after months in captivity, according to a Saturday joint statement by the Israel Defence Forces and Israeli Security Agency. Elad Katzir, the farmer from Nir Oz kibbutz who was held hostage in Khan Yunis, Gaza, was among 253 individuals abducted during an attack by Hamas gunmen on southern Israel on Oct. 7. The IDF and ISA announced the retrieval of his body following an overnight raid, saying he died while in captivity of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist organization, which took part in the Oct. 7 surprise attack on southern Israel. 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 body of the abductee Elad Katzir, who according to intelligence was murdered in captivity by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization, was rescued overnight from Khan Yunis and returned to Israeli territory," the Israeli agencies announced in a statement shared with media. Katzir's sister, Carmit Palty Katzir, shared the news on her Facebook page, saying he will "have a grave in Nir Oz," a kibbutz community that came under attack on Oct. 7. She was critical of the Israeli government's failure to secure her brother's release. "Elad was kidnapped from his home in Nir Oz alive and well and filmed twice from captivity," his sister wrote. "He could have been saved if a deal would have happened on time. Our leadership is cowardly and devoid of political considerations and therefore it didn't happen." "Eladi may your memory be laughter, hug and joy, fields and land. That's not how your and our story was supposed to end," she added. "I'm sorry we couldn't save you I love you forever." Elad Katzir was abducted from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his elderly parents on October 7. Palestinian Islamic Jihad forced him to appear in two propaganda videos proving he was taken alive. Today we learned he was murdered in captivity. Elad was a farmer and the pic.twitter.com/40QYGDKxNy Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) April 6, 2024 According to AFP, Israeli forces have brought home 12 bodies of hostages during the Gaza war. Katzir appeared in a distressing video in January, expressing his dire situation and love for his family, according to The Sunday Times. His father was killed in the October attack, which claimed about 1,200 lives, mostly civilians. Katzir's mother, Hannah, also kidnapped, was released in November during a ceasefire; her health significantly worsened by the ordeal. Efforts for a truce continue, with Qatari and Egyptian mediators seeking to negotiate the release of the remaining 129 hostages. In March, Hamas, the terror group that has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, rejected a United States-proposed ceasefire deal that would have secured the release of more hostages. Hamas reiterated its demands for a full withdrawal of Israeli military forces from Gaza. Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza following the Oct. 7 attack with the stated aim of securing the release of the hostages and eradicating Hamas. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry says that over 33,000 people have been killed since the war began. This figure doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants. Hamas reportedly sent a delegation to Egypt Sunday to discuss ceasefire talks mediated with help from the Qatari foreign minister. In February, Israeli intelligence officers said more than a fifth of the 136 individuals being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza at the time were dead. The Israeli military at the time confirmed the deaths of at least 30 of the remaining hostages, according to a copy of the intelligence report reviewed by The New York Times. Meanwhile, unverified intelligence indicated that around 20 other captives might also be dead if unconfirmed reports proved to be true, four officials told the outlet. "Sadly this has been rumored for quite some time and is not unexpected given both injuries sustained on October 7th and previous leaked intelligence showing Hamas murdered hostages while in captivity," Richard Goldberg, a senior advisor at the Washington-based nonpartisan think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told The Christian Post. "This should serve as a reminder of the kind of evil Israel is confronting and reaffirm U.S. support for Israel finishing its military campaign to destroy Hamas." Last week, an Israeli army investigation found that a woman hostage was likely killed by Israeli fire during a rescue attempt. The United Nations has expressed concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, marking six months since the conflict's onset with dire warnings of a potential famine. Home News Over 100 advocates urge Senate to designate religious freedom a fundamental right Over 100 religious freedom advocates and groups from various religious backgrounds have called on Congress to affirm religious freedom as a fundamental right by passing a resolution to recognize the global threats to religious liberty. Bipartisan Senate Resolution 569, introduced by Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, aims to integrate religious freedom into U.S. foreign policy and address worldwide violations. ADF International was among 113 religious freedom advocates and organizations under the International Religious Freedom Roundtable that signed onto a letter sent to U.S. Senate leaders urging them to pass the resolution "quickly." 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 "We have seen firsthand the increasing threats to religious freedom around the world described in the resolution," the letter reads. "From ongoing genocides and mass atrocities perpetrated against religious minority groups, to individuals imprisoned and exiled for their faith and beliefs, from unjust restrictions on religious gatherings and practices, to the destruction of religious sites, these threats against both people of faith and no faith are not only grave violations of fundamental human rights, but also lead to instability, insecurity, and a lack of economic development." Introduced last month, Senate Resolution 569 seeks to establish religious freedom as a core human right and a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. Spearheaded by Sens. Coons, James Lankford, R-Okla., Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., the resolution proposes using diplomatic and sanctions tools to hold violators accountable. The advocates say the resolution "paints an accurate and disturbing portrayal of the religious freedom situation in too many countries. "Because of that situation, the resolution's policy recommendations are vital: promoting religious freedom as an 'utmost priority' in U.S. foreign policy, holding violators accountable using all available diplomatic and sanctions tools, working with global partners, and expanding support for leaders and activists working to protect religious freedom worldwide," the letter reads. ADF International's Legal Counsel for Global Religious Freedom Sean Nelson cited widespread violations against faith communities. "We are grateful to the members of the U.S. Congress who have proposed this vital legislation, and we are hopeful that U.S. influence on this important matter will encourage much needed change throughout the world," he said in a statement. Among other countries, the resolution specifically mentions religious freedom abuses in Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Nicaragua, Iran and Russia. In Nigeria, the resolution criticizes the "government's enforcement of blasphemy laws embedded in Nigeria's criminal and Shari'a codes" that has resulted "in the arbitrary detainment and imprisonment of those who express their religious identity." Violence has greatly impacted Nigerian Christian communities in recent years, with estimates showing thousands of Christians were killed for their faith last year, including targeted attacks in Plateau State during Christmas. Last month, militants armed with AK-47s attacked a school in Nigeria's Kaduna state, kidnapping at least 287 students, marking the second large-scale abduction in Nigeria within a week and underscoring a deepening security crisis in the region. The resolution criticizes "religiously discriminatory policies" in India that target "religious conversion, interfaith relationships, the wearing of hijabs, and cow slaughter" implemented at the national, state and local levels. Those laws "negatively impact the livelihoods of Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits and Adivasis." In January, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom criticized the U.S. State Department for failing to designate India and Nigeria as "countries of particular concern" for tolerating or engaging in severe violations of religious freedom. In Nicaragua, the government has targeted religious leaders who have spoken out against the government. Bishop Rolando Alvarez, sentenced to 26 years for his advocacy before his release and exile in January, represents the broader crackdown on religious figures in the country. In Pakistan, the resolution notes the severe challenges faced by religious minorities, including killings, forced conversions and sexual violence. In Russia, the resolution says "laws on terrorism and extremism are used to target religious minorities such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Muslims, and members of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church for their beliefs." "No person should be punished or persecuted for their faith, and we pray for the day when all can worship and live out their faith freely," Nelson said. Home News Secret faith, many struggles: An interview with an Egyptian Christian An Egyptian lawyer who was born and raised in a Muslim family has opened up about his path to Christ and detailed the challenges that Christian converts face in Egypt. Mussa (real name held for security reasons) discussed his life experiences in a recent interview with Global Christian Relief, a persecution watchdog organization that supports the persecuted Church worldwide. Although he was raised in a Muslim family, many of his closest friends growing up were Christians, which made him interested in what they believed. 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 said he began reading the Bible, asking God to reveal His truth to him and became a Christian. Mussa shared the Gospel with his wife, who also became a believer. But no one outside of his immediate family knows they are Christians, and by all external appearances, Mussa is Muslim. Below is an edited transcript of Global Christian Relief's interview with Mussa: Global Christian Relief: Could you tell us more about the difficulties and challenges ex-Muslims face in Egypt? Mussa: The problems that converts from Islam face in Egypt come from both the state and from society. If any person chooses a belief that is contrary to Islam, then this person is considered an infidel and an apostate from society, and he is largely disgraced and rejected. This applies to those who becomes Christians. They experience a great deal of rejection from society, and their lives could be at risk. Although Articles 40-46 of the Egyptian Constitution guarantee freedom of belief, unfortunately, this is not practically applied. We are supposed to live in a civil state, where we are supposed to be subject to governmental law and not Islamic law. While the state doesn't formally punish those who leave Islam, ex-Muslims are pursued by security forces and charged with defaming religion. When a Muslim changes his religion, he is accused of blasphemy, although anyone who wants to change his religion should be free to do so, as written in the Egyptian Constitution. As soon as security forces learn that a Muslim has changed his religion, a security file is prepared for him, and he is pursued as if he is a criminal. We should have the right to personal faith, yet I cannot make my faith known. Should my beliefs make me a criminal? Unfortunately, this happens to almost all converts and continues for years on end. In addition to being rejected by society, converts often lose their jobs. They can lose everything, and they are threatened with death. The person's family and friends often treat them very poorly. It is very easy for anyone to convert from Christianity to Islam in Egypt, and the procedure for documenting the conversion is a simple visit to state departments. However, it is impossible to officially convert from Islam to Christianity. GCR: Do people who convert to Christianity face difficulties and challenges when they decide to get married? M: Marriage is one of the main difficulties for those who convert. A new Christian wants to marry another Christian, but many Coptic Christian families are hesitant or refuse to allow their children to marry into Muslim families. These societal problems are major issues for those who follow Jesus. There was even a case of a priest who was sent to a labor prison for marrying a Muslim-registered Christian convert to a Christian. It is very difficult for believers of Muslim backgrounds to meet each other to get married since so many live in secret. GCR: Do the children of Christian converts also face problems and challenges? M: Children of converts go through great difficulty. They are treated as Muslims at school, but at home, they are raised Christian. This leads to psychological crises for these children. I took my children to a counselor for these matters. They can feel pressure because if a child says at school that his family is Christian, his family could face problems. Children are unable to understand that in school, he must keep his Christian faith secret and that he must follow another faith and study Islam, which is a basic subject taught in schools. So, he studies Islamic doctrine at school, but he is a Christian at home. These are difficult pressures to put on a child. GCR: Is it possible for newly converted Christians to preach in Egypt? M: Egypt has signed international human rights conventions that allow freedom of belief and the right to proselytize, but it is still not really allowed. I remember a young Christian man, Mina Abdel Sayed. He was a delivery man and had a Bible in his personal handbag. National Security arrested him and charged him with proselytizing. He was imprisoned and tortured to death. On the other hand, all are free to preach Islam, and there are many organizations that do so, even at a government-level. GCR: When will those who have converted to Christianity get their rights, in your opinion? M: I believe that converts will obtain their rights when the constitution is implemented and when acceptance is taught to young children. That is when we'll see equal rights for all, without discrimination. Then, religion will be seen as a private freedom, and we will have the right to choose our beliefs. Home Opinion 6 results if Jesus had not been resurrected As marvelous as Jesus resurrection is, Christians often forget much of its significance. We often assume the resurrection, failing to think about it as deeply as we ought or to teach it as frequently as we should. That is why we must reflect on the significance of Jesus resurrection, not just on Easter, but all year long, for a consistent, maturing faith. In 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, the Apostle Paul rebukes the church because some have denied the possibility of bodily resurrection, and others have spiritualized resurrection. Paul shows how inconsistent that is with the Christian faith because Christianity teaches that Jesus bodily rose from the dead. Here, Paul gives six results of the Corinthians false understanding of Jesus Christs resurrection, which, in turn, helps believers to appreciate its great significance. First, if Jesus had not been raised, then Gospel preaching would be worthless. 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 Paul unfolds the significance of Jesus resurrection in verse 14. If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain. If Christ had not been raised from the dead, all evangelism and Gospel preaching would be worthless. All efforts to tell friends, family, and neighbors about Jesus would be a complete waste. But notice verse 20. But now Christ has been raised from the dead. All evangelistic work IS worth the effort, time, toil, energy, and finances put into it! All ministries aimed at reaching out to the lost ARE worthy of prayer, support, and time. Christs resurrection turns this implication on its head. If Gospel preaching is vain apart from Jesus resurrection, then it is significant because He has been raised. Second, if Jesus had not been raised, then faith in Christ would be worthless and meaningless. In our culture, people say things like, You just have to believe. You need to have faith. This wasnt the Apostle Pauls take on faith, though. Pauls view in verses 14 and 17 was that, apart from Jesus resurrection, faith is a complete waste of time. Some have said, Even if they proved Jesus never bodily rose from the dead, I wouldnt give up on faith. Id still have my faith. Pauls response would have been, Why would you have your faith? It would be utterly meaningless! But because Christ has been raised from the dead, faith is not meaningless, if, it is in the resurrected Savior. Our faith is worthwhile because we believe, not in a dead savior, but in a Risen Lord! When we have faith in Jesus, we are trusting the One who died, rose again, and lives forever as the Triumphant Lord! Third, if Jesus had not been raised, then the Bible would be a false witness about God. Paul and his fellow apostles would be liars about God if Jesus had not been raised because their message was that God had raised Jesus from the dead. This is serious. What Paul is saying in verse 15 is that the New Testament is a book of lies if Jesus is not alive today. But because Christ has been raised from the dead, the apostles and the New Testament are true witnesses of God and His redemptive acts! Jesus resurrection means that our Bibles are completely faithful and worthy of our trust. Whenever we have the privilege to share the Gospel, we are telling the truth about God. Fourth, if Christ had not been raised, our sins would still rule over us. There are two implications presented in verse 17. First, we would be under the power of sin. In Romans 6:11, Paul said, Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. If the resurrection did not happen, then the power of sin would rule over our lives. Not only this, but we would remain under the penalty of sin. In Romans 5:10, Paul wrote, For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. We would still be under the wrath of God if Jesus did not rise from the dead. But because Christ has been raised, sins power has been broken in believers, who are also free from sins penalty. Romans 8:1 is true for us who are in Christ through faith: Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The significance of Jesus resurrection is that we are alive to God in Christ and dead to sin. Fifth, if Jesus had not been raised, Christians would have suffered divine judgment at death. Pauls argument in verse 18 is that deceased believers would be under divine judgment, as would all future Christians at death if Jesus had not been raised from the dead. If Jesus had remained dead, then the apostles, missionaries who died for the cause of Christ, and believers throughout church history, are in hell. And someday if Christ had not been raised, we would be, too. But now Christ has been raised from the dead. Gods judgment has been satisfied through Christs death and resurrection! There is hope for forgiveness, salvation, and sinners beyond the grave! All saints who have gone before are rejoicing in Jesus presence because He has been raised from the dead. And, someday, when we face death, these words can comfort our souls. Sixth, if Christ had not been raised, Christians would be the most pathetic people in the world. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. Verse 19, perhaps, just doesnt ring true in our American culture of peace, joy, prosperity, happiness, and heaven as the cherry on top of it all. So, if Christ has not been raised, and we will not be raised, so what? At least we had a good life, right? Heres how Paul saw the Christian life, however: Its a war against sin, unbelief, and false teachers; and its a war for the souls of peoples of every tribe, tongue, and nation. If Im fighting this war and giving my life for it, and at the end, Im not raised from the dead, Im a fool! The real question is not, Why did Paul think the Christian life was not worth it apart from resurrection? but, Why do we think it is? Jesus resurrection should be moving us to make choices and sacrifices that are absurd in the worlds eyes. But because Christ has been raised from the dead, Christians are the most blessed people on the planet. In the end, we give up nothing, and we get everything by being raised from the dead. Anything we sacrifice will be returned to us a thousand-fold. The solution to self-centered living that says, I dont want to die every day and I dont want following Jesus to cost me, is to remember the significance of Jesus resurrection. Has, perhaps, Jesus resurrection become nothing more than a slogan to us? If Christ had not been raised, evangelism and faith would be worthless, the New Testament would be a book of lies; everyone would still be in sin, facing condemnation at death, and our lives would be the most pathetic on earth. But now Christ has been raised from the dead. Now, evangelism is worthwhile, our faith is significant, the New Testament is absolutely true, we are free from our sins, we have hope beyond the grave, and giving our lives for the kingdom of Christ is the wisest decision we can make all because of the all-significant, all-glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. MANAGUA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Nicaragua on Saturday severed "all diplomatic relations" with Ecuador, following the assault on the Mexican embassy in Quito by Ecuadorian police to apprehend former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who took refuge in the embassy last December. In a statement, the Nicaraguan government expressed its "absolute rejection" and condemnation of the action by the Ecuadorian government, which it described as a "flagrant violation of international law" by forces that should protect the order and security of Ecuadorian citizens and their lives. Nicaragua withdrew its ambassador from Quito in 2020. With this statement on what happened on Friday night at the Mexican embassy in the Ecuadorian capital, it formalized "the rupture of all diplomatic relations." Home Opinion Who do you see when you attend church? Human beings tend to congregate around family members and friends. There is a comfort level in hanging out with people we know and love. But what about those who don't have any family members or friends living nearby? Are you highly motivated to assist isolated people? And what happens when you see an individual, a couple or a family at church who appears to be alone? Do you take the initiative and approach them with a smile and a warm greeting? Or do you rarely if ever even notice such people? Who do you see when you attend church? A heart that loves Christ is a heart that also loves people, including the marginalized in society. You have probably heard the saying: People dont care how much you know until they know how much you care. It is so true! You see, love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:7). 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 Do you strive to protect, comfort, and encourage those at church in need of loving care? Who are you currently praying for and seeking to build up in their faith? Are you so full of the Holy Spirit that your days of lone ranger Christian living are behind you? Do you look forward to getting to church every week to see who God is going to bless through your words, prayers, and compassionate expressions of love and concern? Many people are hurting today, and what better place to gently offer Christs love than at church? Perhaps you are suffering from what I will call the COVID curse. Sadly, a significant number of church attendees across the nation lost their fervor for fellowship with other believers during COVID. Are you one of them? Meanwhile, many followers of Christ today have a growing desire to serve the Lord by serving His bride, the Church. Are you in the flow of what the Holy Spirit is doing in your congregation right now, or have you deceived yourself into believing that you no longer need Gods bride in your life on a weekly basis? Imagine telling one of your friends that you want nothing to do with their spouse. How do you think such a comment would go over? And how do you think Jesus feels when some of His followers avoid and ignore His bride after everything He did to save her? Do you intentionally encourage people in your congregation at least weekly, if not daily? There are of course some toxic congregations where cliques abound and where the spiritual atmosphere is oppressive and stifling. If you have ever attended such a church, you know how discouraging it can be. You might even be finding it difficult to heal from that experience and connect in a positive and meaningful way with a loving church family. Regardless of your previous church experiences, you need what every Christian needs: a congregation where Gods grace is overflowing and the truth of Scripture is building up the body of Christ and motivating believers to engage in Spirit-filled encouragement and support. A lone ranger Christian who is separated from Christs bride could be compared to a 14-year-old living out on the streets, rather than in the protective environment of a loving home with devoted parents. Evangelist D.L. Moody (1837-1899) said, Church attendance is as vital to a disciple as a transfusion of rich, healthy blood to a sick man. And Martin Luther (1483-1546) said, To gather with Gods people in united adoration of the Father is as necessary to the Christian life as prayer. So, may I ask you: How is your prayer life today? And how is your fellowship with other believers going? If you have been neglecting either of these two crucial areas of Christian discipleship, it helps to explain your lack of interest in spending time every week with Christs bride. After the Holy Spirit filled the believers at Pentecost, they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (Acts 2:42). Spirit-filled believers hunger and thirst for the Word of God and for fellowship with one another. They also are grateful to regularly celebrate the Lords Supper with one another in memory of Christs sacrifice on the cross for our salvation, and thankful to engage in much prayer. The early church practiced all four of those things at least weekly, and some of them daily. Why? Because their hearts were overjoyed with the message of Gods redeeming love in Christ and overflowing with the power of the Holy Spirit. And there was a daily expectation and awareness that God was in their midst anointing their gatherings with His presence, peace and power. If you have been suffering from the COVID curse, I encourage you to prayerfully seek out a congregation where you will be able to encourage and serve others. Gods Word on the matter is clear: Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25) By the way, when was the last time you brought a family member or a friend to church? A Christian research organization states that 86% of people who start attending church were invited by a friend. How many of your friends do you think might gladly accept your gracious invitation? If you have been ignoring and neglecting Christs bride, you would be wise to make a course correction. Since the Savior suffered hours of intense agony and relentless pain on the cross in order to redeem sinners like us, what are you and I willing to do for those who desperately need to be forgiven and closely connected to Christ and His bride? So, this weekend, who will you see when you attend church? Five reasons to love 'Doubting Thomas' Thomas the Apostle gets a bad press. He's been known down the centuries as 'Doubting Thomas' because he wanted to see proof that Jesus had risen from the grave. But I wonder if we need to re-evaluate Thomas and take a look across John's gospel at his many good points. It's maybe a minority view, but in a post-truth world, there's lots about Thomas that can inspire our faith. 1. Thomas spoke his mind. In John 11, after Jesus had heard that his friend Lazarus had died, Jesus told his disciples that they were heading to Judea. Some of them pushed back on the idea, pointing out that the people there had tried to stone him. But Jesus declares that he is going to Lazarus, "to wake him" from death. It's Thomas who responds, 'Let us also go, that we may die with him.' Thomas puts into words what many of the apostles may have been thinking. He shows his commitment and loyalty but also prophetically sets out what the risks might be. 2. Thomas asked questions. In John 14, Jesus is comforting his disciples, telling them "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." It's Thomas that asks the question that maybe others are thinking. He asks "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" It's in direct response to that question that Jesus makes one of the most important declarations in any of the gospels. He says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." Questions are good popular 'seeker' programmes like the Alpha Course are based on giving people the chance to ask questions. Much of Jesus's teaching was formed around asking questions, and responding to the challenges put to him. 3. Thomas resisted peer pressure. When, in John 20, the other disciples tell him "We have seen the Lord," it would have been easy for Thomas simply to have rejoiced with them. We do not know why Thomas was not with the others when the Risen Lord appeared, but many people's natural response would have been to have taken their word on trust. Thomas did not. In today's world, Christians are often called upon to conform with the world around. Or to take on trust what others are saying even church leaders. Thomas was prepared to make a stand against potential 'group-think' and seek the evidence for himself. 4. Thomas expressed his doubt. He not only refused to take the word of the others, Thomas spoke out his scepticism and looked for proof. He famously declared, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." Eminent New Testament theologian Paula Gooder has said, "I think people who struggle with faith can know that they're not being told off for doubting or not believing, but can be reassured that Jesus understands the complexity of believing and will show us things when we need them." 5. Thomas saw and believed. Many works of art show Thomas placing his finger into Jesus's side but the gospel account makes no mention of this. Jesus says to Thomas, "Because you have seen me, you have believed," with no indication that Thomas had stretched out his hand. In response to seeing Jesus, Thomas can declare "My Lord and my God!" It's a fulsome declaration that the other disciples do not make. There is an implied criticism from Jesus for Thomas, with his words "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." But I see this as Jesus and the gospel writer addressing generations of Christians who will follow in the footsteps of the first disciples. The Apostles ate and drank with Christ. They spent years travelling with him and learning from him. They knew the sound of his voice, the warmth of his smile and the way he encouraged each of them. We know Jesus primarily through the Scriptures and the witness of the Holy Spirit. Thomas stayed the course. He is with the rest of the disciples in Acts 1, as they gather together after Christ's Ascension to choose a successor to Judas. He is there when the Holy Spirit descends in power. Christian tradition has Thomas travelling to India and making many converts there, and this may perhaps be true. But what is authentic is that Thomas models a faith that engages with and speaks into our post-truth world, full of misinformation and fake news. Ultimately, he proclaims that Jesus Christ is Lord and God. An Apostle for our times. Rev Peter Crumpler is a Church of England minister in St Albans, Herts, UK, and a former communications director with the CofE. 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 Nicaragua on Saturday severed "all diplomatic relations" with Ecuador, following the assault on the Mexican embassy in Quito by Ecuadorian police to apprehend former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who took refuge in the embassy last December. #XinhuaNews WESTLAKE, Ohio -- Police officers arrested a 19-year-old man outside the Regal Cinemas Theater at Crocker Park after witnesses called the department at 12:15 a.m. April 4 to report that a man was brandishing a firearm at the theater. Customers ran out of the theater because of the threatening actions. Witnesses outside the theater pinpointed a suspect for officers. A 19-year-old Elyria man was charged with aggravated menacing, carrying a concealed weapon and felony tampering with evidence. The man had dumped the handgun in a trash can before changing his clothes in an apparent attempt to avoid detection, according to the police department. Witnesses said that several couples argued during and after a showing of the latest Godzilla film. Thats when the suspect pulled out a loaded gun to threaten others. Detectives noted that the gun had no serial numbers and was what is commonly referred to as a ghost gun. Get police blotters by email every weekday for free with our new Police Blotter newsletter. Sign up at cleveland.com/newsletters. Read more from the West Shore Sun UPDATE: Top Ohio Republican legislator says Biden ballot problem is going to be resolved COLUMBUS, Ohio President Joe Biden might not get on Ohios general-election ballot this November because of a scheduling conflict, a top staffer for Secretary of State Frank LaRose has warned Democrats. In a Friday letter to Ohio Democratic Party Chair Liz Walters, LaRoses legal counsel Paul Disantis wrote that while state law sets a deadline of Aug. 7 to certify presidential candidates for the Nov. 5 general election, Biden wont be formally nominated until the Democratic National Convention, which is set for Aug. 19-22 in Chicago. Disantis wrote that Democrats have only two options to avoid Biden being left off Ohios statewide ballot: either move up the date of the convention itself or get the Ohio General Assembly to pass a law by May 9 that creates an exemption for Biden. In the letter, Disantis asked Walters to provide clarification and any information that can assure this office of timely compliance with Ohio law. Ben Kindel, a spokesman for the Ohio secretary of states office, stated in a text that the reason that LaRoses office didnt flag the issue until now was because staff had been focused on last months primary election and was only now starting to prepare for the general election. Its not clear whether the state legislature, which is dominated by Republicans, would be willing to pass such an exemption within the next few weeks. Cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer has reached out to spokespeople for Republicans and Democrats in both the Ohio House and Ohio Senate for comment, as well as to the Biden campaign. The Ohio Democratic Party is reviewing the letter, party spokesman Matt Keyes stated Saturday. Copies of the letter, which was first reported on by ABC News, were provided to cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer by LaRoses office and the Ohio Democratic Party. Even if Biden makes the Ohio ballot, he faces an uphill climb to win the state in November. While Ohio has been a key swing state in the past, ex-President Donald Trump the presumptive Republican presidential nominee this year easily won the state in both 2016 and 2020. However, if theres no Democratic candidate for president on the November ballot, that could have ramifications for other races including Ohios competitive U.S. Senate race between incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown and GOP nominee Bernie Moreno. Moreno won last months GOP Senate primary over LaRose, as well as state Sen. Matt Dolan of Chagrin Falls. Jeremy Pelzer covers state politics and policy for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Read the full letter here: CLEVELAND, Ohio A small plane crashed at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport on Saturday, closing runways on one of the citys busiest travel days. The crash happened about 6 p.m. as the pilot, Aris Delianides, was attempting to land. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that Delianides, 64, was flying a 1981 Beech A36 fixed-wing single engine when he approached the runway. The plane touched down, bounced back up and then nose-dived, according to the state patrol. He suffered injuries that were not life-threatening. A second person on board, Jacqeline Delianides, 62, was not hurt, the state patrol said. They are from Virginia Beach, Virginia. A spokeswoman for Cleveland Hopkins said she could not comment on how the incident happened, as federal authorities are investigating. The crash happened during one of the citys busiest travel weekends of the year, as visitors arrived at the city for the womens Final Four and the eclipse. The airfield closed for about 75 minutes, from about 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., according to Hopkins social media. Numerous flights were disrupted. The flight tracking website Flightaware.com showed 48 delays into and out of Cleveland Hopkins on Saturday and one cancellation. During the incident, several flights were diverted to nearby airports in Detroit and Buffalo. Alaska Airlines nonstop route from Seattle to Cleveland, for example, arrived at Hopkins more than seven hours late after a diversion to Detroit. Alisha Nelson, left, is executive director of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation. The states deliberate process for establishing the foundation ensures that the mistakes of the past -- particularly diverting tobacco settlement funds from their intended purpose of tobacco prevention and control to ease the financial hardships of the Great Recession -- are not repeated, writes guest columnist Dylan Armstrong. HAVANA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Cuba and Bolivia on Saturday condemned Ecuador for violating Mexican sovereignty after Ecuadorian police raided the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas. "All our solidarity with Mexico, in the face of the unacceptable violation of its Embassy in Quito. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which is an essential component of international law, must be respected by all," said Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on X, formerly Twitter. On his social media, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez condemned the police incursion as "a flagrant violation of the Vienna Convention." Meanwhile, the Bolivian Foreign Ministry said in a release that this "flagrant and serious violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations" by Ecuador undermines "the inviolability of diplomatic premises and their personnel." Bolivian President Luis Arce denounced the "serious and unacceptable" incident through his social network and expressed solidarity with Mexico. On Friday night, Ecuadorian police broke into the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest Glas, who was granted political asylum by the Mexican government earlier in the day. Glas is subject to two sentences of 14 years in total in Ecuador for corruption. He had served five years in prison and was granted precautionary measures in 2022. He received the arrest warrant in December 2023 and took refuge in the Mexican embassy. Following the incursion, Mexico suspended diplomatic relations with Ecuador, a day after Ecuador declared Mexican ambassador Raquel Serur "persona non grata." TOKYO, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Anxiety looms over the forthcoming 2025 World Exposition in Japan's Osaka, as a media poll showed on Sunday that 82 percent of entities involved were worried about tepid enthusiasm from the public just a year shy of the event's inauguration. The survey conducted by Kyodo News was responded to by 45 companies, sponsors, and organizations linked with the event, many expressing their concerns regarding public interest and the financial outlay. Less than 50 percent felt Japan's planned spending of 235 billion yen (1.55 billion U.S. dollars) for constructing the expo venue to be "reasonable," the survey showed. Scheduled to run from April 13 to Oct. 13 next year on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay, the expo has been marred by criticisms surrounding its burgeoning costs and sluggish pace of pavilion construction by foreign participants. Among the concerns highlighted, a significant 82 percent cited winning domestic support as the top challenge. Delays in the construction of overseas pavilions and the need for international promotion were also flagged, with 38 percent and 31 percent of respondents citing these respectively. With an anticipated attendance of 28.2 million people, including 3.5 million from overseas, the expo aims to showcase Japan's prowess on the global stage. However, uncertainties linger, especially concerning the financial burden and the ability to attract a substantial audience. The survey, conducted between late February and April, received responses from major companies including ANA Holdings Inc., Kansai Electric Power Co., West Japan Railway Co., and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. CANBERRA, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Australian government minister Ed Husic has accused Israel of a systematic failure to adhere to the laws of war in Gaza. Husic, the minister for industry and science and a member of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's cabinet, on Sunday said the deaths of nearly 200 humanitarian workers in Gaza reflect a failure by Israel to distinguish between combatants and civilians. "I believe this reflects a systematic failure within the Israeli government to genuinely commit to the observance of international humanitarian law," he told Sky News Australia. "That's why you've seen 33,000 Palestinians killed, 14,500 of which are children, and 77,000 injured - and then on top of that, 200 aid workers and 100 journalists." Australian citizen Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom was killed along with six colleagues from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), an aid organization, in Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza on Monday local time. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday published a summary of an initial investigation into the incident, concluding that the strike on WCK aid vehicles was a grave mistake stemming from a mistaken identification. Richard Marles, Australia's deputy prime minister and minister for defence, and Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Friday announced Australia would appoint an independent special adviser to scrutinize the official investigation into the strikes. Husic on Sunday said the decision to appoint the adviser was a big step that would ensure a thorough investigation. Marles and Wong said on Friday that Israel's response to the incident had not satisfied Australia's expectations and asked that all evidence surrounding the strikes be preserved. An engine cowling fell off of a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 and struck a wing flap during takeoff from Denver International Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration said Sunday. The FAA said Southwest Flight 3695 was on its way to Houston's William P. Hobby Airport and safely returned to the gate at Denver at 8:15 a.m. local time. Southwest said customers on the flight transferred to a different aircraft and were scheduled to arrive at their destination three hours late. "Our Maintenance teams are reviewing the aircraft," Southwest said. The FAA said it is investigating the incident. Southwest didn't immediately respond when asked when the plane and engine last underwent maintenance. In response to a request for comment, Boeing pointed to Southwest's statement. The cowling loss comes as the FAA investigates a separate Southwest incident in March. One of its flights strayed off course and flew close to the air traffic control tower at LaGuardia Airport as it attempted a landing in New York. The plane is an older model of the Boeing 737 than the Max jets. Boeing is under heightened regulatory scrutiny after a January incident when a door plug blew off a nearly new 737 Max 9 when the Alaska Airlines flight was at 16,000 feet, causing a near-catastrophe. Boeing's quality control issues have spiraled into safety concerns, slowing deliveries of new Max aircraft. Big Boeing customers like Southwest and United say the issues have affected their growth plans. The long-awaited FAA certification of its 737 Max 7 and Max 10 models is also behind previous schedules. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun last month said that he would step down by year's end, and Boeing replaced its chairman and chief executive of its commercial airplane unit. This photograph taken from Ukrainian city of Nikopol on July 7, 2023, shows the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is under Russian control since the first days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Officials at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant said that the site was attacked Sunday by Ukrainian military drones, including a strike on the dome of the plant's sixth power unit. According to the plant authorities, there was no critical damage or casualties and radiation levels at the plant were normal after the strikes. The International Atomic Energy Agency said Sunday that its experts had been informed of the drone strike and that "such detonation is consistent with IAEA observations." Without apportioning blame, the head of the U.N.'s atomic watchdog agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, warned of the safety risks of such attacks. "I urge refraining from actions that contradict the 5 IAEA principles and jeopardize nuclear safety," he said on the social media site X. The power plant has been caught in the crossfire since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and seized the facility shortly after. The IAEA has repeatedly expressed alarm about the nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, amid fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe. Both Ukraine and Russia have regularly accused the other of attacking the plant, which is still close to the front lines. The plant's six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features. Also on Sunday, three people were killed when a Russian projectile hit their house in the front-line town of Huliaipole in Ukraine's partly occupied southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, regional Gov. Ivan Fedorov said. Later on Sunday, two people were wounded in another shelling of Huliaipole. Separately, three people were wounded in Russian shelling in Ukraine's northeast Kharkiv region, according to regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov. In Russia, a girl died and four other people were wounded when the debris of a downed Ukrainian drone fell on a car carrying a family of six people in Russia's Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said. Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants hold placards and wave Israeli flags during a demonstration in Tel Aviv, on April 6, 2024. Israel said on Saturday its special forces had recovered the body of a hostage killed while being held captive in Gaza, as the Palestinian enclave's dominant Islamist movement Hamas said it would take part in a new round of ceasefire talks in Cairo. Almost six months into the war, Israel has faced protests at home demanding a deal to free the dwindling number of live hostages from Hamas' Oct. 7 cross-border rampage. Western countries, meanwhile, have voiced outrage over what they see as an unacceptably high Palestinian civilian toll and the accompanying humanitarian crisis. The body of Elad Katzir, a 47-year-old Israeli farmer, was unearthed by commandos in southern Khan Younis overnight, the military said. He had been killed by his Palestinian Islamic Jihad captors and buried there in mid-January, it said, citing intelligence information about which it declined to elaborate. Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas, had no immediate comment. Katzir was among 253 people dragged into Gaza by Hamas-led gunmen who killed some 1,200 others in southern Israel, according to official tallies, sparking an offensive that medics in the enclave say has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians. His father Avraham was killed in their kibbutz, Nir Oz, and his mother Hanna was also taken hostage but freed in November under a truce. Qatari and Egyptian mediators have been trying to secure another deal that might return some of the 129 remaining hostages in a longer ceasefire in Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry on Saturday reported one of the lowest daily death tolls in six months, saying 46 Palestinians had been killed in Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours. The Gaza-based ministry does not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants in its reports but local health officials say most of the fatalities have been civilians. Israel says at least a third are fighters. Hamas on Saturday said its fighters targeted three Israeli tanks in Khan Younis with missiles, inflicting casualties. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, though it said earlier that troops had engaged with gunmen in the area. Mark Cuban believes you're capable of greatness as long as you stay open-minded enough to discover your strengths. "I'm a hardcore believer that everybody has something that they're really, really, really good at that could be world-class great. Every single human being on this planet," Cuban recently told the "Lex Fridman Podcast." "The hard part is just finding what that [greatness] is and, in some places, having resources to enable it," he added. "But be curious so you can find out what it is." He has a point, according to psychologists. Curiosity can help you learn more while keeping you better engaged in your career or hobbies, research shows which will make you happier, and more likely to succeed. Even if you don't unlock "world-class" greatness, cultivating your own curiosity throughout life can have long-term benefits. Cuban shared an example from his own personal experience. Despite the fact that he's now a tech billionaire, he said he never showed an affinity for or even an interest in technology until after he'd graduated from college. "I [only] took one technology class in college, Fortran programming, and I cheated on it," Cuban said. It wasn't until after he'd finished school and started working for Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh that Cuban discovered his interest in technology while learning the computer programming language RAMIS. "I realized, 'Oh, this is interesting to me and I like it,'" said Cuban. "And that's what got me a job selling software, and going on from there." At age 23, Cuban left Mellon and moved to Dallas, sleeping on the floor of an apartment he shared with five friends. He got a job selling software, and realized his skill and affinity for sales and technology. "I could go seven hours, eight hours [of coding] without taking a break, thinking it was 10 minutes, because I was concentrating so hard and so excited and really loved it," Cuban said on ABC's "Shark Tank" in 2016. "That's when I realized that I can be really, really good at technology." After getting fired from that sales job, Cuban started a software company called MicroSolutions, which he sold to CompuServe for $6 million in 1990. Five years later, he became a co-founder of AudioNet, which turned into Broadcast.com. That company sold to Yahoo for $5.7 billion in 1999, making Cuban a 40-year-old billionaire. His advice to young people, he said on the podcast: Don't panic if you haven't yet discovered your biggest strengths. Instead, stay curious and open-minded. "You just don't know what that's going to be until you go out and experience different things," he said, adding: "Enjoy your life, find things to smile about, be curious, read, watch, expose yourself to as many different ideas as you can, because something's going to click at some point. You may be 15, you may be 25, you may be 55, but it can happen." Disclosure: CNBC owns the exclusive off-network cable rights to "Shark Tank." Want to make extra money outside of your day job? Sign up for CNBC's new online course How to Earn Passive Income Online to learn about common passive income streams, tips to get started and real-life success stories. Register today and save 50% with discount code EARLYBIRD. AUCKLAND, New Zealand, April 7 (Xinhua) -- In a vibrant celebration of Chinese culture, the "Lanting" Cultural Salon took place in New Zealand's largest city Auckland on Saturday. Hosted by the China Culture Center in Auckland, the event brought together a diverse audience of art enthusiasts, scholars, and community leaders. Mike Dawson, president of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand China Friendship Society, shared his passion for Chinese culture from a young age. "When I was a child, I first saw Chinese calligraphy in Chinese restaurants and I was fascinated," said Dawson, who is recently practicing Chinese writing and calligraphy as well. Carlos Cheung, a New Zealand member of parliament, said in his speech that Chinese calligraphy is important in Chinese culture. "It represents history and is an important window for people to know the country of China. This event also gives an opportunity for more New Zealanders to understand Chinese culture," said Cheung. Both speakers emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and understanding between New Zealand and China. Attendees were treated to a feast of artistic expression. A replica of the renowned Lanting Xu (Orchid Pavilion Preface), a masterpiece by the ancient calligrapher Wang Xizhi, was presented and discussed. Participants marvelled at the delicate brushwork and timeless elegance of this iconic work. Additionally, the exquisite painting replicas of Italian missionary artist Lang Shining (Giuseppe Castiglione) were showcased and discussed. Visitors immersed themselves in the rich fusion of European and Chinese art. Yuan Zong, founder of the Auckland International Gallery, presented a thought-provoking analysis of works by New Zealand Maori artists, highlighting the interconnectedness of artistic expression across cultures. The event was not limited to visual arts. The enchanting sounds of the Guzheng filled the air as a talented musician performed classic melodies. Attendees also witnessed a captivating Song Dynasty tea ceremony. Guests were also invited to interactive sessions to play friendly games of Weiqi (Go) and to try their hand at brushes and ink for a Chinese calligraphy workshop. Among them was Tiana MacDonald, a University of Auckland student who discovered her passion for Chinese culture during her summer school studies. Tiana found the experience both fascinating and rewarding. "I wish I could have a chance to visit China and learn more Chinese," she said. To complete the cultural exchange, delicate flavors of traditional Chinese pastries were served to delight the palate. Constellation Brands stock is looking like it could be ready to break out, with its strong beer business well-positioned for market share gains in the upcoming fiscal year. "It's been a winner and I think it's going to stay a winner," Jim Cramer said. He highlighted the company's anticipated expansion of shelf space in supermarkets and convenience stores as a catalyst, particularly as competitors like Anheuser-Busch Inbev 's Bud Light face reductions. Constellation is behind the popular Modelo, Corona and Pacifico portfolio of Mexican beers. Jim's comments come on the back of a recent Morgan Stanley note, estimating strong long-term beer volume growth in the coming quarters that is "not priced into the valuation" of Constellation's stock. The analysts argue that this is, in part, due to the so-called shelf reset, which happens every spring. It's when major retail stores reallocate their shelf space to the brands that are performing best. Shelf space gains are likely "going to play out over the next couple of months and will take a little bit to show up in results," said Club portfolio director Jeff Marks. But some of that strength is already showing up in recent scanner data from Nielsen, which see beer sales up 11% during the four-week period ending March 23. "There's traditionally buying in the month of April for Cinco de Mayo," Jim said Tuesday. Morgan Stanley anticipates Constellation to continue gaining market share at the expense of Bud Light during this period. That would build on the momentum that pushed Modelo past Bud Light as the top-selling beer in 2023. Modelo's favorable distribution trends have a lot to do with the Bud Light boycott last year over a marketing campaign with a transgender influencer, which resulted in its loss of market share. Next Thursday, Constellation is set to report the final three months of its fiscal 2024, which ended in February. Morgan Stanley expects "relatively in-line" fiscal Q4 numbers due to poor weather in January and February impacting beer consumption. The analysts also see initially conservative full-year 2025 guidance, which would not surprise us. However, Morgan Stanley said that "rebounding volume momentum" in fiscal 2025 Q1 should continue to drive the stock higher. "We prefer volume-driven consumer product stories this year because companies can no longer solely rely on price increases to drive sales growth," Marks added. STZ 1Y mountain Constellation Brands 1 year Shares have gained 9.5% year to date, roughly in line with the S & P 500 's roughly 9.2% advance over the same stretch. The stock has done better than the consumer staples sector's 4 % increase so far this year. Constellation shares were about 3% away from their August all-time highs of $273.65 each. Piper Sandler, meanwhile, recently started coverage on Constellation with a buy-equivalent overweight rating and a $300-per-share price target. That PT represents a nearly 12% increase from current levels of around $266. While echoing distribution tailwinds, the Piper analysts also expect long-term sustainable U.S. share gains in beer helped by positive demographic trends. "With the Hispanic demographic in the U.S. rising, we expect Mexican beer imports to be long-term winners, which benefits STZ," the analysts wrote. Jim described the Piper note, which was out late last month, as "something to get ahead from an event that will make it so the stock goes much higher." Since Constellation tends to boast industry-leading results in its beer business, we're confident it will deliver strong numbers again next week. But we continue to be concerned about its wine and spirits segment, which has been a drag on the overall business for years. Jim has repeatedly said he would like to see the company sell the unit. During November's Investor Day, management forecasted a 1% to 2% drop in fiscal 2024 wine and spirits organic net sales. A month later, when the company reported its fiscal 2024 third quarter , management revised that guidance lower, calling for a 7% to 9% decline. At the time, Newlands put most of the blame on "broader marketplace deceleration," particularly the underperformance in wholesale channels. Over the past few years, Constellation has been trying to boost sales in its wine and spirits business shifting from lower-priced brands to more premium names. The company still has some mainstream wine and spirits brands that it's working to revitalize. To be sure, the company has seen strength in its higher-end wines like Meiomi, Kim Crawford, and The Prisoner. But we just don't like the category, which includes High West bourbon and Svedka vodka. While wine and spirits make up a small part of Constellation's overall business, Jim has said it must go. "They have to get out of the clears and the browns," referring to liquor, given the potential overhang from GLP-1 weight loss drugs. We believe these treatments, including Club name Eli Lilly 's Zepbound, are more of an issue for hard alcohol than beer. We also take some comfort in the presence of activist investor group Elliott Investment Management, which should keep management accountable for decisions around capital allocation and business investments. Constellation management has agreed to work with Elliott, which had a 507,000 share stake, as of the end of 2023. At current stock prices, that would be worth nearly $1.36 billion. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long STZ, LLY. 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. Cans of Corona and Modelo beer are displayed on a shelf at a BevMo store in San Rafael, California, on Jan. 5, 2024. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Tesla 's lost its way. The dominant U.S. manufacturer of electric vehicles once praised as an auto industry innovator has come under mounting pressure in recent months, grappling with growing China competition and waning demand, forcing the Elon Musk-led company to cut prices to lift sales. The issues have rattled investors, dragging down shares by 34% since the start of 2024 and ushering in concerns about Tesla's health and growth potential. The latest U-turn is a sharp reversal after Tesla had soared to a peak market value surpassing $1.2 trillion. Today it's worth about $525 billion. TSLA YTD mountain Tesla shares in 2024 Even the bulls have grown worried, with Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas admitting last week that Tesla's woes could temporarily drive the stock as low as $100 his worst case scenario. Wedbush's Dan Ives called a first-quarter slump in deliveries an "unmitigated disaster." Wall Street is a lot less optimistic than it was. The number of analysts holding a buy-equivalent rating on Tesla is down to just 33%, versus 53% at the end of March 2023, according to FactSet. "We view this as a seminal moment in the Tesla story for Musk to either turn this around and reverse the black eye 1Q performance," Ives said in a note to clients. "Otherwise, some darker days could clearly be ahead that could disrupt the long-term Tesla narrative," Ives continued. While some investors expect emerging themes such as artificial intelligence, a robotaxi project or autopilot involving full self-driving cars to boost Tesla's long-term growth, even those betting on the stock are braced for a long, bumpy road to recovery. Disappointing investors Tesla's inability to meet estimates and boost demand for its models has spurrred the newfound skepticism. The stock dove 12% one day in January after missing analysts' fourth-quarter estimates and warning of slow growth. It dropped more than 6% last week after reporting those disappointing first-quarter deliveries. "The market's not loving stocks right now that can't beat earnings," said Michael Sansoterra, chief investment officer at Silvant Capital Management. "Unfortunately, [Tesla's] life cycle in this particular moment, and what the market is willing to pay for, are at odds." He attributed Tesla's recent quarterly shortfalls to deteriorating profit margins owing to price cuts used to stir demand. CapWealth chief investment officer Tim Pagliara thinks investors and Wall Street baked in "unrealistic expectations" into Tesla's valuation, with a far higher multiple than incumbent manufacturers such as General Motors, Ford and Toyota. To be sure, Tesla isn't alone in its recent distress as enthusiasm for EVs has waned, partly due to a newfound love affair with hybrid vehicles instead. The EV market has suffered in recent months as companies such as Ford have been forced to rethink plans , citing the industry's higher costs relative to internal combustion engine vehicles. The industry's also been stalled by the need for hefty investments in infrastructure, such as charging stations, and technological advancements in battery storage, size and capacity, Sansoterra explained. "It's not done, it's not mature," the Silvant Capital manager said. "It's still a growing industry that's got a ways to go if you think back to the [personal computer] days." Looking beyond electric vehicles Other investors are holding out hope for Tesla, viewing ventures beyond its bread-and-butter auto business as key to the company's recovery. During an interview with CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin this week, Ark Investment Management CEO Cathie Wood said Tesla shares could hit $2,000 over the next five years as artificial intelligence, robotics and energy storage themes play out. The comments from Wood came one day after her firm purchased nearly $40 million worth of Tesla shares. "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." Wood isn't alone in backing Tesla. Altimeter Capital's Brad Gerstner revealed last month a fresh bet on the EV maker , citing its future artificial intelligence prospects and saying the stock already reflects investor bearishness. While the stock will be volatile, he argued that backing Elon Musk and AI was a "no-brainer." A lack of investor understanding of the value of these alternative businesses and their future contribution to Tesla profits is plaguing Tesla shares, according to Corestone Capital's Will McDonough. TSLA 1Y mountain Tesla shares over the last year "Valuing Tesla as a car company is akin to valuing Amazon as a book sale company," the investor said. "You're just not seeing the full picture here." But even those bullish on the stock's long-term potential expect a rough patch ahead. "There are definitely concerns in the marketplace around demand" for Tesla vehicles, said Robert W. Baird senior research analyst Ben Kallo. "Some investors are willing to look out [farther] but there are still the near-term worries. We're in for a choppy quarter or two more." Tesla is due to report first-quarter financial results in less than three weeks, on April 23. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on April 7, 2024, as Yellen begins two days of high-level talks in Beijing. Tatan Syuflana | Afp | Getty Images U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday that the ability to have difficult conversations has put the two economic superpowers on "a more stable footing" over the past year. As they began a meeting in Beijing, Li responded that the two countries needed to respect each other and should be partners, not adversaries, adding that "constructive progress" had been made during Yellen's trip. Yellen said Washington and Beijing had a "duty" to responsibly manage the complex relationship, as she brought her case for reining in China's excess factory capacity to the Chinese leadership. "While we have more to do, I believe that, over the past year, we have put our bilateral relationship on more stable footing," Yellen said. "This has not meant ignoring our differences or avoiding tough conversations. It has meant understanding that we can only make progress if we directly and openly communicate with one another." As the world's two largest economies, we have a duty to our own countries and to the world to responsibly manage our complex relationship... Janet Yellen U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen has made the threat of China's excess production of electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels and other clean energy products to producers in the U.S. and other countries a focus of her second visit to China in nine months. She visited Beijing in July 2023 to try to normalize bilateral economic relations after a period of heightened tension caused by differences over issues ranging from Taiwan to COVID-19's origins and trade disputes. In a further sign of the ties stabilising, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping sought to manage tensions over the South China Sea in a nearly two-hour call on Tuesday, their first direct talks since a summit in November. U.S. and Chinese military officials met their Chinese counterparts last week for a series of rare meetings in Hawaii focussed on operational safely and professionalism. Balanced growth On Saturday in the southern export hub of Guangzhou, Yellen and her main economic counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng, agreed to launch a dialogue focused on "balanced growth." Yellen said she intends to use the forum to advocate for a level playing field with China to protect U.S. workers and businesses. "As the world's two largest economies, we have a duty to our own countries and to the world to responsibly manage our complex relationship and to cooperate and show leadership on addressing pressing global challenges," Yellen told Li. The Economist Intelligence Unit forecasts China's battery manufacturing capacity will outpace demand by a factor of four by 2027, as its EV industry continues to grow. Beijing's support for battery-powered rides has helped homegrown champions like BYD 002594.SZ and Geely 0175.HK grab share in the world's biggest car market, and turn China into the world's largest auto exporter. But rapid growth has also meant China has created excess manufacturing capacity that could be between 5 and 10 million EVs per year, according to consultancy Automobility. Just as the auto industry was grappling with BYD 's rapid rise, Chinese smartphone company Xiaomi has burst into the market undercutting Tesla and vowing to become a global player. Even as Apple this year scrapped development of an electric, self-driving car , Xiaomi's founder and CEO Lei Jun pledged that making a car will not only be his final legacy project, but a product that turns the company into one of the top five automakers in the world in the next two decades. Xiaomi's Hong Kong-listed shares soared last week to a two-year high after the company introduced its electric SU7 sedan at a price about $4,000 cheaper than Tesla's Model 3 and with similar tech capabilities. Wider analyst attention In the last several days, Xiaomi has gained wider attention from auto and tech industry analysts beyond those who previously covered it as only a smartphone play. "Add Xiaomi to the list of capable China auto/tech firms that may represent attractive collaboration candidates as Western legacy auto firms look for ways to achieve higher scale, improved capital discipline and lower execution risks," Morgan Stanley auto analyst Adam Jonas said in a note Thursday. Meanwhile, Tesla last week revealed that its deliveries fell in the first quarter from a year ago . Excluding Covid, that was the first decline in Tesla deliveries since 2012, Jonas pointed out. While he still likes Tesla longer-term , he and his team will hold a client webinar on Xiaomi, Tesla and global EVs on Tuesday. "If Xiaomi can continue to outperform peers on [driver assist] and smart cabin features, we believe it is likely to become a disruption force with large growth potential," Morgan Stanley's greater China tech hardware analyst, Andy Meng, said in a note Monday. Meng reiterated the bank's overweight rating on Xiaomi, and its price target of 17.50 Hong Kong dollars ($2.24). Xiaomi shares nearly reached that price during last week's surge. The stock later gave back much of those gains, and are now little changed on the year. Meanwhile, Tesla shares are down 34% year to date. On Wednesday, Xiaomi said it had received more than 100,000 orders for the SU7, more than 40,000 of which were already locked in and not subject to cancellation. The same day, it held a ceremony celebrating its first batch of car deliveries. Six-month wait times Most customers face wait times of nearly six months or longer, according to Xiaomi's online sales platform. Taylor Ogan, Shenzhen-based CEO of Snow Bull Capital, said that he's watching to see how consumers actually like driving the car before he commits to buying Xiaomi shares. "I don't think it will do particularly well for the stock price [in] the next two quarters," he said in an interview Friday. "After that, this could be a cash cow. This is something that every single avid Xiaomi ecosystem user needs." Months ahead of the car launch, Xiaomi announced a new operating system called HyperOS and a strategy to connect consumers with their homes and cars. The company makes most of its revenue from smartphones, but a significant share also comes from a range of home appliances, many of which are controlled using an app. During the recent SU7 launch, Xiaomi CEO Lei touted that when a driver neared home, connected lights and appliances could automatically turn on to pre-determined settings. Such an ecosystem offers "a built-in recurring revenue model that every CEO would dream of," Ogan said. "On top of that, you can have subscriptions." He said he sees low odds that the SU7 flops, but said it would be difficult for Xiaomi to recover if the car does disappoint expectations. Although Xiaomi is trying to build out its own ecosystem, the company also supports Apple's Car Play system and iPads. "We believe the ultimate outcome [of Xiaomi's EV market entry] would be a faster BEV/NEV penetration in China, thus ICE brands or products would be the main losers," JPMorgan's Nick Lai, head of China equity research and head of APAC auto research, said in a note Monday. He was referring to internal combustion engines, battery electric vehicles and new energy vehicles. Recognition and cash Xiaomi's advantages include existing brand recognition in China, and 110 billion yuan ($15.7 billion) in cash on its balance sheet that can help the company weather a near-term price war, the report said. Lei has said that Xiaomi is currently producing each car at a loss, but noted the company invested in its own factory to boost production. It's not clear whether the facility is fully operational yet, but Lei claimed last month the factory could churn out an SU7 every 76 seconds in a nearly fully-automated process. "Xiaomi also showcased its EV factory with highly automated production lines for key processes (painting, stamping, die casting, body assembly etc.), backed by its smart manufacturing expertise. We believe high degree of automation should help accelerate its EV profitability improvement in the mid to long term," JPMorgan technology analyst Gokul Hariharan said in a separate note. The bank has an overweight investment recommendation on Xiaomi, with a price target of 21 Hong Kong dollars. That's about 35% above where the stock closed Friday. One risk is China's ability to produce electric cars at prices far below overseas competitors has prompted warnings that trade tensions will grow. Only Friday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized concerns about China's overcapacity as she kicked off high-level meetings in the country. But while Xiaomi has hinted at overseas car plans, it has promised to focus on the China market first. Right now, it sells smartphones globally, but not in the U.S. 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. Comedy history should be kinder to David Brenner, a comedian who deserves to be on all those lists of the best stand-up comics of all time. The guy was all kinds of legit, the comic with more Tonight Show appearances during the 1970s and 1980s than anyone on the planet. When he passed away in 2014 at the age of 78, his good friend Richard Lewis eulogized Brenner as the king of hip, observational comedy. For Lewis, though, Brenner was more than that, according to Comedy at the Edge: How Stand-Up in the 1970s Changed America. When Lewis was just starting out, he turned to the more accomplished comic Brenner had already landed Tonight Show appearances by the early 1970s for advice. For starters, Brenner said, Lewis needed stage time at some of the Villages low-rent clubs before taking a crack at Budd Friedmans Improv. Lewis did just that, figuring out how to make people laugh at a strange little joint called the Champagne Gallery. There was a good chance that one out of every two acts were lunatics, Lewis said. A guy would walk on with a seal it was almost Felliniesque. So it wasnt like there was a lot of pressure. Don't Miss With stage time under his belt, Lewis tried an open mic night at The Improv and blew the roof off. Friedman congratulated the young comic, proclaiming him Rookie of the Year. Friedman might have spoken too soon, however. When he offered to put Lewis on the regular show that same night, the young comic bombed miserably. For the showcase, I was tops, Lewis remembered. For the real show, I was in the coal mines. It took years for Lewis to break through, working three part-time jobs during the day and struggling on the Improv stage at night. The exhausted Lewis complained to Brenner that he wished he could quit all the side hustles and devote all of his energy to being a full-time comic. Advertisement What would it take, asked Brenner? Lewis figured he could make it if he had a grand in the bank. Say no more, said Brenner, who wrote a check for $1,000 on the spot. I quit my jobs and Ive never looked back, Lewis said. It was a favor he never forgot, although Brenner says Lewis didnt have the story exactly right. I gave him cash. I never carried checks. Advertisement That sounds like a lot of money to carry around, but even in death, Brenner was known to have a few bucks on him. Part of Brenners final request was for one hundred dollars in small bills to be placed in his left sock just in case tipping is recommended where Im going. This leaves an irreplaceable hole, Lewis said after Brenner passed. He was family. WASHINGTON, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The new quality productive forces will not only invigorate China's high-quality growth but also provide impetus for global sustainable development, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng told a U.S. news outlet in a recent interview to explain the newly emerged economic concept. "In brief, it refers to innovation-led, reform-driven advanced productive forces that will boost total factor productivity and promote high-quality development," Xie said in an interview with Newsweek. "As China strives to expand domestic demand in recent years, new quality productive forces will serve as a catalyst that further brings out the vitality and potential of China's supersized market. The upgrading of traditional industries and the boom of new ones will further energize China's growth, and generate huge investment and consumption needs," he added. An integral part of developing new quality productive forces is opening wider at a higher standard, the ambassador said, adding that high-standard opening-up is the path China must take to achieve greater development, and will also bring dividends to the world. "China's ever-expanding, upgrading supersize market is both a solid foundation for its own growth and a historical opportunity for win-win cooperation among countries," he said. "As new quality productive forces are rapidly taking shape and more favorable measures are rolled out, investors with vision from the United States and other countries are competing to seize the unprecedented opportunities in China," Xie said. Opening-up needs to be a two-way street, the ambassador said, in the sense that it should not be a solo, but a chorus by all. "China has opened its arms to the world, and we expect others to do the same." What people should worry about is not whether China's growth would peak, but whether they would miss the opportunities in China, Xie said. "And rather than speculating about whether the Chinese economy would collapse, what should truly alarm people is how decoupling could drag down global recovery and how geopolitical conflicts could end the eight-decade-long world peace," he said in conclusion. J-10 fighter jets taxi on runway China Military Online) 11:14, April 07, 2024 A ground crew member assigned to an aviation brigade with the air force under the PLA Southern Theater Command signals pilots to taxi on the runway during a round-the-clock flight training exercise on March 6, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Yu Daxian) J-10 fighter jets attached to an aviation brigade with the air force under the PLA Southern Theater Command soars into the air during a round-the-clock flight training exercise on March 6, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Yu Daxian) A J-10 fighter jet attached to an aviation brigade with the air force under the PLA Southern Theater Command flies past the crescent moon during a round-the-clock flight training exercise on March 6, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Yu Daxian) J-10 fighter jets attached to an aviation brigade with the air force under the PLA Southern Theater Command taxi on the runway during a round-the-clock flight training exercise on March 6, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Yu Daxian) A J-10 fighter jet attached to an aviation brigade with the air force under the PLA Southern Theater Command soars into the air during a round-the-clock flight training exercise on March 6, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Yu Daxian) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) ISLAMABAD, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Two terrorists were killed by the Pakistani security forces on Sunday during a clash in North Waziristan district of Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said. The terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire with the security forces, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said in a statement in the afternoon. Weapons and explosives were also recovered from the terrorists, said the statement. A clearance operation had been conducted in the area to eliminate the possible presence of more terrorists, according to the ISPR. At the risk of sounding like an aged aunt peering at the modern world through her eyeglass, pearls firmly clutched in one hand, scented handkerchief in the other, what is wrong with people these days? Specifically, that young Conservative fellow, the gay one, Willy someone-or-other, who used the internet to send intimate pictures of himself to someone hed never met and who turned out to be a honeytrap blackmailing scumbag. Ye gods, as my grandmother would have said, how different from the home life of our own dear (departed) Queen. The fact that he is (soon to be was, I suspect) a member of Parliament is of course shocking, and the reason the story is all over the news. One expects better, etc. Though God knows why: if a lifetime spent in and around politics and politicians has taught me anything, its that they are just as prone if not more so to the temptations that from time to time assail us all. Money, sex, drink, drugs: very few are immune, except perhaps William Hague, who is the one politician Ive ever met who genuinely seems to have no vices (unless you count being stupendously smug and self-satisfied). And maybe Ann Widdecombe. The rest are just as susceptible as the next person. That young Conservative fellow, the gay one, Willy someone-or-other, who used the internet to send intimate pictures of himself to someone hed never met and who turned out to be a honeytrap blackmailing scumbag. Pictured: William Wragg Money, sex, drink, drugs: very few are immune, except perhaps William Hague, (pictured) who is the one politician Ive ever met who genuinely seems to have no vices Years ago, when my ex was briefly Conservative chief whip, most of his time was taken up dealing with parliamentary peccadillos, some so bizarre they defied belief. It was quite an eye-opener. Succumbing to temptation after a few lemonades on a night out, I can understand especially given the intense pressures of the job. Long hours, late nights, chemistry: its easy to see how a chap (or chapette) might lose their head, especially when faced with the enticements of a professional trickster (as this seems to be). But exposing oneself over the internet that, Im afraid, just baffles me. Lets face it, the male human reproductive organ is not the most photogenic of appendages. Arguably, the female equivalent even less so. But, for some reason, women are not nearly as prone as men to capturing their nether regions on camera. This may have something to do with the fact that the male anatomy is somewhat more readily accessible than the female. Still: what the hell is wrong with them? Though Ive never had the displeasure of being sent a d*** pic, probably because Im at an age where I am technically invisible to most men (and waiters), Im led to believe that solicited or otherwise they, or variations thereof, are common currency. To me, this is simply unfathomable. How hopelessly narcissistic or deluded can anyone be to think others want to see a picture of their dangly bits? I suppose its vaguely possible for a gym-honed Adonis, but invariably these people are not like this, and certainly not this particular MP. Succumbing to temptation after a few lemonades on a night out, I can understand especially given the intense pressures of the job.But exposing oneself over the internet that, Im afraid, just baffles me. Pictured: File photo But its not just that. I grew up in a pre-image-obsessed age, when only models and famous people had their photo taken. The rest of us were only very occasionally in front of the camera, in school photos, at birthdays, weddings or Christmas-time, maybe at the beach or on holiday, or in some dreaded passport picture. Grinning like idiots, red-eyed and ungainly unlike todays Instagram-savvy youngsters who snap into all their best angles the second anyone whips out a smartphone. None of us had any idea what to do in front of the lens, hence why we all looked so hilariously awful. But we were, at least, authentic. And far less prone to narcissistic self-obsession. We werent brought up to spend hours staring at our reflections in the tiny electronic pool everyone now holds. Certainly, vanity of the kind it takes to send a picture of arguably the least attractive part of ones anatomy to someone for anything other than urgent medical reasons was not so widespread. But its not just that. Its also a porn thing. Internet porn free, unregulated and uncensored has changed much about society, and none of it for the better. In particular, porn glorifies, encourages and crucially normalises forceful male sexual behaviour, and perpetuates the myth that however much the object of desire may pretend not to be interested in the male and his anatomy, in reality they cant get enough of it. In other words, in the land of hardcore, the one-eyed trouser-snake is king. And this is whats really at the heart of not just the MPs case, but also the growing reports of women receiving unsolicited images. Ultimately, why is anyone surprised that a generation of men raised on internet porn thinks it normal to expose themselves in this way? Not me, thats for sure. An unidentified mother cries out during a demonstration with others who have daughters among the kidnapped school girls of government secondary school Chibok in 2014 Never forget the Nigerian girls Today sees a grim anniversary: six months on from the October 7 attacks, in which Hamas terrorists raped and murdered almost 1,200 Israelis and abducted around 250, including 30 children. But next week marks an equally dark milestone in the annals of Islamist terrorism: a decade since the Chibok school kidnapping in Nigeria. On a night in April 2014, members of Boko Haram abducted 276 teenage girls gathered for a physics exam. A few escaped, but the vast majority were taken as sex slaves and forced to marry jihadists. The fates of more than 100 of the girls are still unknown. My heart goes out to their families and to the victims and families of the October 7 atrocities. I pray to God they do not suffer a similar fate. It has been suggested that Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohens marriage was in trouble before actress Rebel Wilson described him as an a**hole. Still, theres something distasteful about the way Wilson seems to be revelling in the attention, especially given how friends of Fisher say Wilsons accusations were a catalyst in her decision to announce their split. Lets not forget this is a family break-up, with three children involved. Maybe dial down the gloating just a touch? It has been suggested that Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohens (pictured) marriage was in trouble before actress Rebel Wilson described him as an a**hole Still, theres something distasteful about the way Wilson (pictured) seems to be revelling in the attention Let it go, you two Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are at each others throats again. Who knows what the truth is about their rows? One thing is for sure: the only people to benefit when divorce disputes rumble on forever like this are lawyers. As someone who is happily divorced and still great friends with my childrens father, take it from me: far better (and cheaper) to just let go with love and move on. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are at each others throats again. Who knows what the truth is about their rows? Pictured: Together in 2015 Wisely, Scottish police said they would not arrest J.K. Rowling, on suspicion of breaking the new hate crime law, despite her tweets claiming that several trans women were, in fact, men. This is known as misgendering, something the SNP had argued could lead to someone being investigated. Either SNP ministers did not understand their own legislation (imagine!), or the police reckoned that arresting J.K. would simply make them less popular and her more so. Either way, it served to underline the courage of Rowling, who has, ironically, shown herself to be a woman with balls of steel. Wisely, Scottish police said they would not arrest J.K. Rowling (pictured) on suspicion of breaking the new hate crime law Thanks to Londons loathsome mayor Sadiq Khan, the capitals speed limit is now almost universally 20mph. This means that motorists are constantly being overtaken by e-bikes, e-scooters and other plug-in paraphernalia travelling at 30, sometimes 35mph. I wouldnt mind if it wasnt that none of these vehicles are licensed or insured, nor do they pay road tax or parking fees. When will Mr Khans road apartheid end? Two officers have rightly been fired and face prosecution after seven aid workers were killed in Israeli missile strikes in the Gaza strip. Hamas fighters who raped, mutilated and murdered innocent civilians on October 7 should also face the consequences of their actions. But of course they will not. And that is the difference between soldiers and terrorists, and why Israel despite the propaganda war being waged against it deserves our continued support in this ugly conflict. NANNING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- With spring now sprung, the tea harvest is in full swing in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, south China. Longshengyuan Tea in Guangxi has also kicked off its business season in 2024 with booming export orders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries like Malaysia. As of early February, the company had exported 51 tonnes of tea products, with a value of 1.2 million yuan (about 169,000 U.S. dollars). The company's prosperous business offers a glimpse into the benefits brought by the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) on Jan. 1, 2022. In 2023, the company enjoyed export tax rebates of about 1.08 million yuan thanks to RCEP tariff reduction policies, said Feng Wenzhen, head of Longshengyuan Tea. "It greatly alleviated the company's operational pressure and helped us expand into the overseas market for jasmine tea," Feng added. Since the trade pact took effect, more and more Chinese enterprises like Longshengyuan have benefited from the closer trade and economic cooperation between China and RCEP member countries, especially the zero-tariff treatment. China's foreign trade with the other 14 RCEP members amounted to 12.6 trillion yuan in 2023, a 5.3 percent increase compared with that in 2021 before the agreement came into force. The pact has allowed Chinese trade companies to enjoy 2.36 billion yuan of tariff concessions for products imported from RCEP countries, while enterprises in RCEP countries benefited from 4.05 billion yuan of tax breaks for products imported from China in 2023. The agricultural industry has been a key area of trade cooperation between China and ASEAN. With the implementation of RCEP, agricultural enterprises have found new business opportunities in Southeast Asian countries. Eyeing the rising demand for ecological products in the Southeast Asian market, Guangxi's Haijia Food Technology has expanded into a niche market, exporting silkworm pupae to Vietnam. Moreover, the Xinyuan Agricultural Cooperative in a China-Vietnam border town in Fangchenggang City of Guangxi has seen a continuous increase in overseas orders of orah mandarins this year. "We never expected the orah mandarins grown in the village could enter the international market," said He Shenda, head of the agricultural cooperative. SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), a joint venture between SAIC Motor, General Motors and Liuzhou Wuling Motors, saw its vehicle export this year exceed 12,000 units. "It normally takes only two working days to complete the export tax rebate process, which is really convenient. In 2023, the company received export tax rebates of 778 million yuan, greatly alleviating the financial pressure," said Li Chen, the company's tax manager. The tax authorities in Guangxi will continue to implement tax preferential policies and help enterprises better integrate into the RCEP market," said Liu Hu, director of the Guangxi regional tax service. A small, but significant, political donation to Rachel Reeves, the Shadow Chancellor, has just been disclosed. Reeves, who will be Britain's first woman Chancellor of the Exchequer if, as expected, Labour wins the election, has taken 2,800 from FGS Global. The company used to be known as Finsbury group and is headed by its founder, the slick, urbane PR Roland Rudd, who was the high priest of Remain during the referendum campaign. He was also a key figure in the doomed attempt to impose a second Brexit referendum on the country. Rachel Reeves, who will be Britain's first woman Chancellor of the Exchequer if, as expected, Labour wins the election, has taken 2,800 from FGS Global Does that suggest a direction of travel from an incoming Labour government? After all Reeves, after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, will be the most powerful figure in the Cabinet. For sure it does. Look who else has been giving money to fund her work. Step forward Lord (David) Sainsbury, former chairman of the supermarket dynasty, who gave 8million to Remain causes. He's given 84,000 to support the work of Reeves. And then there's former Lloyds bank chairman Sir Victor Blank, who publicly backed Remain and has gifted Reeves 25,000. For her part, Reeves maintains Brexit is closed as an issue. But is it? Labour MP Jess Phillips sums up the view of many colleagues over William Wragg: 'I'm at a genuine loss. Who, when approached by a total stranger, sends them nude images when they are not an MP, let alone when they are?' Labour MP Jess Phillips said she was 'at a genuine loss' over William Wragg's nude pictures incident (Cartoon by Gary Smith) Losing love for Labour? Does anyone remember which political party Manchester mayor Andy Burnham represents? A scan of his re-election campaign leaflet reads: 'Andy Burnham. Vote Andy 2nd May. Greater Manchester leading the Way.' Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. A scan of his re-election campaign leaflet reads: 'Andy Burnham. Vote Andy 2nd May. Greater Manchester leading the Way' It appears even Burnham has forgotten he's representing Labour. Or perhaps he just doesn't want to be associated with the party and its lacklustre leader, Sir Keir Starmer. Nearly a year has passed since the police interviewed Scotland's former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon over the SNP finance scandal (she denies any wrongdoing). In that time, she has spoken only four times at the Holyrood parliament. But she has had time to sign a 300,000 deal for her memoirs. Scotland's former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has spoken only four times at the Holyrood parliament over the last year A barbed message to Humza Yousaf on his first anniversary as Scottish First Minister from Jim Murphy, a former Scottish Labour leader: 'Congratulations to Humza Yousaf... A thread of his most significant achievements to date. He is the only SNP First Minister not to have been arrested.' Well done to Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, who has been made vice chairman of the Yorkshire Society. He was born and brought up in Essex. Last year, the Girl Guides announced that it was going to close its overseas branches in places such as Gibraltar, the Falklands and St Helena. Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle firmly told the Guides, whose chief executive is Angela Salt, that the decision was unacceptable. Salt and the other trustees have now done a U-turn. Girl Guides learn various skills including tying knots yet the trustees seem endlessly to tie themselves in them. Gen Z workers have flocked into the office, leaving many people bewildered and unsure how to deal with the often woke youngsters. Since the pandemic, young people have become increasingly dependent on the welfare state, as the Mail revealed earlier this year. Generation Z is thought to include people born between 1997 and 2012, meaning anyone aged 12 to 27. A report from Deloitte said: 'Gen Z will soon surpass Millennials as the most populous generation on earth, with more than one-third of the world's population counting themselves Gen Zers.' It added: 'As more Boomers enter retirement, Gen Z will be replacing them, bringing with them an entirely different worldview and perspective on their careers and how to succeed in the workplace. Young people aged 20 to 24 change jobs more frequently than any other generation LinkedIn career expert Charlotte Davies (pictured) said Gen Z workers may be less confident interacting with other generations as they worked from home during Covid 'Understanding the forces that shaped their views, career aspirations and working styles is essential for companies looking to attract them.' Car leasing boss James McNeil, 38, told The Telegraph working with Gen Zers was a 'nightmare' as many were 'afraid of getting on the phone' and thought 'everything should be done via email or text'. LinkedIn career expert Charlotte Davies told MailOnline Gen Z were the 'fastest growing audience' on the platform. She said: 'Despite nearly all professionals working in multi-generational environments, there appears to be a lack of communication between different age groups and professionals are slipping into career echo chambers - only speaking to their peers and missing out on ways to boost their career. 'As a generation who entered the workforce amongst hybrid and remote workplace settings, Gen Z are missing out on informal observations and vital cues that traditionally guide behaviour and collaboration, so it's vital that employees actively engage with them in a meaningful way.' Here are her five tips on how to work with Gen Z professionals and one thing to avoid at all costs... Provide opportunities for professional development As four in 10 Gen Zers say opportunities for growth and learning are the biggest priority when evaluating a company's culture and values, it's important that organisations create an environment in which they feel they can thrive. Young professionals are very aware that they might not have lifetime jobs. They are far more likely to have 'squiggly careers' and forge their own professional paths, knowing that they'll face a lot of change and upheaval with new technologies like AI, so invest in opportunities for them to develop professionally. That could be learning and honing a new skill or exposure to a new team or the wider business, for example. Understand what motivates them and why It's well documented that Gen Z are strong advocates for work-life balance and have different attitudes towards work styles. Consider taking a step back to understand why this resonates with them so much. Many young professionals took their first steps into the workplace during the pandemic. The spotlight was firmly on the importance of staying healthy and they learned to work from anywhere. Car leasing boss James McNeil, 38, said working with Gen Zers was a 'nightmare' as many were 'afraid of getting on the phone' and thought 'everything should be done via email or text' (Stock image) It therefore makes sense that they value companies which promote work-life balance and offer flexibility around where they work. This way of thinking will help to promote an understanding and break down outdated and unfounded stereotypes. Create experiential learning environments With the majority of Gen Z professionals entering the workforce in remote and hybrid settings due to the pandemic, they are the least likely to feel confident interacting with other generations even though they recognise the importance of networking for their careers. Encouraging interactive activities like regular team brainstorms, face-to-face meetings and open communication channels can help foster inclusivity. By creating environments in which Gen Zers feel comfortable to share their ideas and opinions, this will engender more impactful collaboration and drive their development. Also, consider inviting them to networking events and introducing them to your connections, this way Gen Z can start to build their professional network and gain confidence in this area. Support soft skills development Our research shows that half of employees recognise that professionals who started their careers in the pandemic, predominantly Gen Z, need additional support with developing soft skills such as communication, leadership and empathy. A total of 38 per cent say they'd ask another generation for advice on career goals, Gen Z demonstrate an openness to learn, so helping plug some of the gaps that the pandemic left can show you're on their side. LinkedIn career expert Charlotte Davies shared her tips for working with younger Gen Z professionals in the office (Stock image) Try opening up avenues to actively engage with your Gen Z colleagues by welcoming them into conversations and asking for their opinions and feedback. Fostering open communication in a workplace is beneficial to all employees and creates stronger teams. With LinkedIn data revealing that communication is the most sought after skill from UK employers, free resources such as Communication Foundations from LinkedIn Learning can be a great help. Ask them to become your reverse mentor LinkedIn data shows that Gen Z are least likely to be approached for advice in the workplace. However, as the next generation of the workforce, their distinct attitudes and values are shaping the ever-changing working world and so their perspectives are particularly valuable to engage with. Consider reverse mentoring pairing younger employees with more experienced professionals to help fill in possible knowledge gaps. This relationship can help you stay on top of current workplace trends and also develop your own career, whilst simultaneously promoting the development of skills such as leadership, communication and networking for your Gen Z colleagues. Be sure to commit to regularly having one-to-one sessions and set meaningful goals from the outset. Do not dismiss Gen Z's workplace values Gen Z are most likely to say other generations have misconceptions about their attitude towards work. Try to leave your preconceptions at the door and take the time to appreciate that they entered the workforce at different and unprecedented times, and have different priorities as a result. Instead of being frustrated, try assessing their perspectives before you dismiss them. This will be best manifested through honest and open communication styles that facilitate active listening and decrease misunderstanding. Additionally, look to support them when it comes to developing more traditional professional skills, such as time management and organisation. As Gen Z value stability and transparency, they are willing and eager to receive instant and continuous feedback, as this compliments their desire to grow. Instead of working against Gen Z's distinct approach to the working world, take advantage of their drive to improve via regular check-ins with line managers that offer constructive and real-time feedback, as this will serve to keep Gen Z employees engaged and motivated. A woman who was forced into an Amish settlement aged 18 by her parents has lifted a lid on the horrific sexual abuse she endured in the community - and reveals how she ultimately escaped. Misty Griffin appeared on a recent episode of the Cults to Consciousness podcast to discuss her traumatic childhood at the hands of her 'psycho stepdad and a sadistic mother.' The duo then pushed her to join the Amish community when she was 18 years old where she was subjected to horrific sexual abuse by her bishop. She claimed that 'the entire community was in on the plot' and not enough was done to protect the young victims. Misty Griffin appeared on a recent episode of the Cults to Consciousness podcast to discuss her traumatic childhood at the hands of her 'psycho stepdad and a sadistic mother' The family moved to live on a secluded ranch on a mountain, where they dressed as if they were Amish, as she dished: 'The isolation was worse than the beatings.' Pictured (left to right): Misty, her stepfather and her sister Misty began by talking host Shelise Ann Sola about her turbulent early childhood. 'My family was from the south. Most of them were not educated at all - they were just full of domestic violence, drugs, crime. That's how my mom grew up,' she dished. Misty shockingly explained how her mother had welcomed three children with her own stepfather by the time was she 19 years old before then marrying him. 'You can see how my mom progressed into what she was. There's no excuse for what she did to me and my sister but you can kind of see how that abuse led her into more abuse.' Her mom was 21 years old when she met a man who would become Misty's stepfather. He was in his late 40s and decided the family should 'move away from society' to live like the Amish. Misty said that her stepfather claimed that the Amish way of life was how god intended husband and wife to live - with children obeying women and women obeying men - without government interference. She candidly revealed: 'I would later find out that he was actually a child molester who was on the run... 'Growing up, there's so many things that you don't know as a kid but then you later find out and it makes a lot more sense. She grew up believing that as a kid 'it didn't really matter if you were being abused.' Pictured: Misty at aged 16 with one of her favorite cows Tootsie Her stepfather started making rules including many that kept Misty (pictured as a teen) separated from her sister and banned them from talking to one another 'He was scared of the police for a good reason so he wanted to be isolated away so he didn't have to fear being arrested or anything like that and have children to abuse - that's what he wanted.' The family moved to live on a secluded ranch on a mountain, where they dressed as if they were Amish, as she dished: 'The isolation was worse than the beatings.' 'My mom was sadistic. She loved to torture people. The more you cried the more she laughed. She loved to inflict pain on people,' Misty said. She described her stepfather as a 'psychopath' who 'loved to torture animals' and 'hated women.' 'I think because of his own demons he wanted to think that women were evil and they were causing him to sin. 'He wanted control of us. He was sexually abusing us and physically abusing us and using us as slaves.' She continued that she grew up believing that as a kid 'it didn't really matter if you were being abused. I didn't think that anybody would care.' 'My stepdad said "I could chop your heads off and bury you under the tree and nobody would know." And he was so right.' Her stepfather started making rules including many that kept Misty separated from her sister and banned them from talking to one another. 'If you he caught us together, we would be punished. That was part of his plan. I think he thought we couldn't escape but we were sisters, we'd whisper in the n ight, we would make plans and when I was 18 and a half I finally did try to escape.' But Misty said that she was caught before she was able to break free after setting out on foot down a six-mile dirt road toward that nearest town. Misty (pictured as a teen) was pushed her to join the Amish community when she was 18 years old where she was subjected to horrific sexual abuse She claimed that 'the entire community was in on the plot' and not enough was done to protect the young victims She was instead taken back to the ranch and Misty's mom and stepfather eventually forced her to go for a 'trial' in a real Amish community where she was accepted because they 'needed new bloodlines.' Misty moved in with a family that had four children and soon settled into the community - learning how to properly dress and caring for the other kids. She claimed that her stepdad had initially tried to 'sabotage' her trial - because he regretted giving away one of the 'worker bees' on the farm - but was able to prove herself with the Amish. But Misty said that from the outset she 'felt this sense of doom.' 'It started when I got in the community and it just got worse and worse and worse and I didn't know what it was. 'I don't know if it was a premonition, I just had this this sense of dread like something bad was going to happen.' And her experience soon took a dark turn. 'For young unmarried Amish girls you are not supposed to ever bring any attention on yourself,' Misty shared. 'Even if you try not to bring attention on yourself but still get unwanted attention and it's noticed, you are blamed. 'If you seem outgoing, if you seem happy, if you're smiling - anything can be construed as tempting a man. 'If he's starts giving you attention then it's your fault so that's what happened to me.' Misty explained that she couldn't escape the attention from the community because she was different to those who had been Amish from birth. 'My Amish dad started paying a little bit too much attention to me and ignoring his wife and then his wife got jealous because he didn't treat her very nice. 'He would ignore her and talk to me which he shouldn't have done and as much as I tried to stop this attention... it seemed like the more attention I got. I just couldn't get away from it.' She said that her Amish mom started treating her 'terribly' as a result by constantly yelling and accusing her of things she had not done. Misty described it as an 'impossible' and 'suffocating' situation. 'My Amish dad wouldn't stop. I think he was doing it on purpose to make her upset,' she shared. The bishop of the church then intervened and invited Misty to go and live with him and his sick wife while working as a maid for the couple who had seven children. She agreed in a bid to 'let things die down at home' but 'knew there was something off about the bishop.' 'I had been warned about him and when I was carrying my stuff out of the house my Amish dad actually stopped me in the doorway and said "you cannot move into that house, he's a bad man, he's a really bad man." 'But because of the Amish rules he was not allowed to tell me why because when you're forgiven in the Amish Church you're not allowed to name that person's sin or you can actually get in trouble.' She moved in nonetheless, sharing: 'I'd grown up with abuse so I thought I can take it. 'It's really sad but with everything that happened to me [before] I was like "I can take it, touchy feely or whatever, I can take it, I can handle it." 'I just heard that he was touchy feely - that's what I thought the issue was and everybody seemed to know it but it was way worse than that.' Misty claimed that the issue of abuse in the community was widespread. 'First I learned about this 14-year-old girl in our community that had been sexually abused by an outsider that lived on the property and she was blamed for it. She has since gone to college, found a job and had a baby before releasing a book titled Tears of the Silenced 'She was 14. They said she was too outgoing so she became messed up. Because of that she was blamed and she was constantly watched. 'This guy was actually a known human trafficker. He was later convicted for human trafficking so this was a bad guy.' Misty continued: 'Then the bishop's wife confided in me that her dad was a deacon in the church and he had molested her and all of her sisters - one sister actually had a child with him.' She explained that the girls' mother had repeatedly gone to ministers to report the behavior - and that the deacon was 'put on a ban' meaning his only penalty was not being allowed to go to church or community gatherings. The woman said that she was not able to go to the police because 'that's not the Amish way,' adding: 'We're not supposed to contact outside authorities.' Misty recalled being taken aback by the situation as she explained: 'I had grown up with a psycho stepdad and a sadistic mother but I hadn't grown up with the idea that the entire community was in on the plot.' Speaking of her own experience with the bishop who had offered her refuge, she shared: 'He started sexually abusing me right from the second day I was there. 'It started out slow like coming up behind me and touching me, pretending that it was an accident at first to gauge my reaction. I was startled but I was kind of expecting it. 'He started doing it right in front of the family... It happened multiple times a day but I was quiet. 'I mean he was the bishop who was I going to tell? The minister? The deacon? And if I did the first reaction was going to be "what are you doing to cause it?"' She continued: 'I just put up with it. It got worse and worse. He was exposing himself and he was laughing. He was doing it for kicks. He just was having a great time. 'I think he realized that I was never going to say anything because I was afraid and that's what they count on.' Misty claimed that one day she went down to the basement and found the bishop with his own 12-year-old daughter who was in a state of undress. She said that he went 'beet red' and ran out the door before his daughter 'pretended like nothing happened.' Misty explained that she was finally able to escape following a 'horrific' attack after running away to a neighbor who was renting a nearby plot of land for horses. She candidly shared that the bishop had 'savagely assaulted' her, explaining: 'There's a lot of things that I can't remember about it. It was so severe and from there I ran to a neighbor. 'He actually caught me when I came out the door. He was waiting at the door to see if I would do that. 'He caught me but I got away from him. I went down to these neighbors and I told her what happened and she was actually a sexual assault survivor herself and not Amish. 'She actually told me "you have got to go to the police, you have got to report this, this is serious."' Misty explained: 'She put me in her truck and drove me to the police. The bishop was standing there when we were driving out the lane and he was smiling. There's this cockiness of "I'm untouchable" - and the scary thing was that he knew it.' Following the attack, she said that she was left with handprints on her breasts and her dress was torn but claimed the police were 'very hesitant to do anything.' 'Nobody bothered to take pictures, to check me out, to do anything.' Police eventually visited the bishop but took no further action. Misty said that she became angry and, despite escaping to live with her step-aunt away from the community, was constantly calling the police station in a bid to protect the bishop's other children still in the house. In one particular call, made about two weeks after Misty left, she said: 'I called the detective again and he was like they're gone. They've all left. The entire family is gone.' The bishop had reportedly 'hired a van, he loaded the entire family in the van, he took all of the money from the church purse and they went to Canada.' Misty escaped the Amish aged 22 and admitted that she found it difficult to adjust to the outside world - but soon found her feet. She began working as a missionary overseas and met her husband, adding: 'Life just started.' She then went to college, found a job and had a baby before releasing a book titled Tears of the Silenced all about the Amish community. Following its success, Misty, who is now working on her nursing masters, ended up in contact with one of the bishop's daughters who told her that he had been reported to CPS. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and is now a registered sex offender. The mother lost all her parental rights because she knew about the abuse with the oldest daughter getting custody of all her siblings under 18. Deborah James' mother Heather has shared her joy after her son Benjamin tied the knot with his partner of more than a decade Ashley Hall in Barbados on Thursday. Heather James, 66, from Surrey, who is the mother of the former deputy head teacher turned cancer campaigner Deborah, who died at the age of 40 in June 2022 following a five-year battle with bowel cancer. Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Heather said her late daughter would have 'celebrated the joy' of her brother's nuptials. The proud mother took to her Instagram account to share a selection of snaps from her son's wedding in the Caribbean country. The caption read: 'What a wonderful time in Barbados celebrating Ben and Ashleys wedding. It was so special to have the families there together with the closest and oldest friends of Ben and Ashley. 'Although two very special people sadly are no longer with us we all celebrated the joy and pride that Sue (Ashleys mum) and Deborah would have felt. Deborah James ' mother Heather gushed with pride after her son Benjamin tied the knot with his partner of over a decade Ashley Hall (pictured) in Barbados on Thursday When sharing the joyful news of the engagement to her Instagram page in 2022, Deborah had revealed that even Prince William had asked Benjamin 'why he hadn't done it (proposed) yet' 'A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and the amazing hospitality that the people of Barbados showed us throughout the wedding celebrations. 'The marriage service in the beautiful parish church of St. James was just perfect. What a way to start your married life together! So proud and filled with love for you both.' One snap showed Heather in a blue floral gown standing on a beach as she beamed at the camera. Meanwhile a slew of snaps showed the bride and groom dancing the night away at their wedding reception. When sharing the joyful news of the engagement to her Instagram page in 2022, Deborah had revealed that even Prince William had asked Benjamin 'why he hadn't done it (proposed) yet.' The royal had visited the mother-of-two and her family to award her with a damehood in May that year, after she raised millions for Cancer Research UK through her BowelBabe fund. Last week, delighted bride Ashley took to her Instagram account to share a selection of group photographs of her 'last night' before the big day, while Heather shared a snap showing her 'three granddaughters... getting excited for the big day.' Heather James, 66, (pictured) from Surrey, who is the mother of the former deputy head teacher turned cancer campaigner, who died at the age of 40 in June 2022 following a five-year battle with bowel cancer, said her late daughter would have 'celebrated the joy' Heather shared a snap with her three granddaughters all donning beautiful gowns for the big day The proud mother took to her Instagram account to share a selection of snaps from her son's wedding in the Caribbean country The wedding invite showed a sweet illustration of the church the couple got married in Ashley changed into a satin white gown after the ceremony and the newlyweds partied the night away with family The youngsters were pictured alongside Ashley, who stunned in a gold halterneck dress. Another photo showed the beaming bride posing with her equally smiley mother-in-law. Ashley looked effortlessly elegant in a floral blue and white maxi dress, while Heather put on a chic display in a matching ensemble. Shared by London-based luxury fashion brand Ridley London on Instagram, the post also included a picturesque image of the groom and his fiancee standing by the sea, in front of a sunset. 'The gorgeous @ashleyclairehall in our blue ikat anenome satin strappy Ophelia maxi, made especially for her for the night before her wedding in Barbados, wishing her and Ben all the happiness for their future & a very special wedding day today,' the brand captioned the post. Revealing the happy news of her brother's engagement in 2022, Deborah wrote on Instagram: 'Ashley Hall and Benjamin James have finally "put a ring on it". I cried and cried...Even Prince William asked my brother why he hadn't done it yet.' Meanwhile a slew of snaps showed the bride and groom dancing the night away at their wedding reception A gorgeous family photo showed the bride and groom pose with family members on a beach The newlyweds rental car was decorated with cans and a 'just married' sign on the back window The couple, alongside their family and friends, including Deborah's mother Heather James (pictured right, with the bride), 66, have enjoyed a fun-filled night in the Caribbean country ahead of the ceremony The bride took to her Instagram account yesterday to share images from her 'last night' before her big day, pictured Delighted bride Ashley took to her Instagram account to share a selection of group photographs of her 'last night' before the big day, while Heather shared a snap showing her 'three granddaughters... getting excited for the big day.' Deborah James ' brother and his girlfriend of over a decade are preparing for their wedding in Barbados Posting a gallery of snaps online, the mother-of-two wrote: 'He finally put a ring on it! Congratulations to @benjaminrjames and @ashleyclairehall for finally getting engaged after 11 years! 'If you ever followed my podcasts, brother banter features highly, and even Prince William joined in on the action recently! 'The question to my brother has always been why havent you proposed! As a family everyone knew they both wanted to, it wasnt like the its been off the cards its just always been apparently about the right time.' She continued: 'So they finally did it and then face timed me from Cornwall and then friends all afterwards - my mouth was still opened for the rest of the day! 'I couldnt be prouder to be able to finally say that @ashleyclairehall will be my sister in law - I adore her. And she makes @benjaminrjames happy which is all that matters and vice versa.' Deborah added: 'Of course Im sad I wont see the wedding but it gave me an excuse to throw my last impromptu party (and I even sat at the table for a bit of it!!).' Following the death of Deborah, Benjamin thanked his 'big sis Debs' for helping him 'find a life that is worth enjoying' in an emotional tribute to the cancer campaigner Benjamin posted the heartfelt words on Instagram before her funeral took place and said her legacy would 'go on forever' When sharing the joyful news of the engagement to her Instagram page in 2022, Deborah had revealed that even Prince William (pictured left, sitting across from Deborah) had asked Benjamin 'why he hadn't done it (proposed) yet.' The royal had visited the mother-of-two and her family (pictured) to award her with a damehood in May that year, after she raised millions for Cancer Research UK through her BowelBabe fund The family went on to celebrate with a stunning meal outside to mark the occasion, with Deborah writing: 'With the help of my sister and niece - it was days of @cricut , kids baked a cake and exploded a mess, and I tracked down all the last minute silver fairy lights, I could find! 'I love curating table scapes and parties and whilst that was the last one in me, Eloise has truly now outdone me so I feel chuffed I can pass on the party train trait! A memory made without us even trying to make it a memory! Win! 'Luckily the rain just held off and my body kept awake for a few hours! Ashley welcome officially to a slightly mad family, but we couldnt be happier you are here.' Following the death of Deborah, Benjamin thanked his 'big sis Debs' for helping him 'find a life that is worth enjoying' in an emotional tribute to the cancer campaigner. He posted the heartfelt words on Instagram before her funeral took place in July 2022 and said her legacy would 'live on forever'. He accompanied the touching words with a selection of images of the pair showing their close bond, including an image of them running the Race for Life, which raises funds for cancer research. Benjamin wrote: 'Big sis, Debs. Thank you for teaching me how to live life to the full since the day I was born - you made me find that life worth enjoying! 'Saying bye is never going to be easy, but knowing you achieved more than any of us could ever dream ofand so, so much moremakes it that little bit more bearable. 'Your legacy will go on forever and well do our very best to make you proud. Take it easy up there. Heres to you x.' Dame Deborah, a podcast host and mother of two who became known as Bowelbabe - after her social media handle - died aged 40 on June 28, 2022 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016. After being diagnosed with cancer when she was 35 years old, she became a viral sensation through her social media content as she danced her way through chemotherapy and lived with 'rebellious hope'. Copenhagen has been described by 'the new Las Vegas' by those looking for a cheap and quick wedding, thanks to Denmark's liberal marriage laws for non-citizens. The Scandinavian country's efficiency means that those looking for no-fuss weddings, are able to organise their ceremony within as little as two weeks for just 253. This is partly thanks to the lack of documentation needed to tie the knot, especially when compared to the 'increasing levels of bureaucracy in the UK visa system' post Brexit. In order to wed in Denmark, all couples need is ID, proof of their relationship (which could be as basic as photographs or messages to each other), proof you are allowed in Denmark on the day of the wedding, and, if you were previously married, a death or divorce certificate. After applying to the government for permission to marry, it has just five days to respond. In particular, this is appealing for couples who have differing citizenships where they may struggle with stricter laws in one country. Another couple show footage from their Danish video on TikTok, joining the 20.3million viewers of the Denmark Wedding hashtag TikTok creator @internationallovestory (pictured with her husband) also chose to wed in Denmark, saying that as an intercultural couple, it was 'easy' The rising popularity of Denmark as a location to marry is also evident on TikTok, where the Denmark Wedding hashtag has some 20.3million views, as well as many videos. Speaking to the Sunday Times, Jesper Hyldal, who runs the office at City Hall, said more registrars have been hired, and the team is working more hours to keep up with demand. According to his numbers, when he started working in 2019, there were '2,266 weddings between Danish couples and 2,797 between foreign couples'. That rose to '2,440 Danish and 4,310 foreign weddings' last year. TikTok creator LoriAnne, known on the platform as @livelifewithabandon is one of the social media users who wed in Denmark He said of the rising numbers: 'We thought it was post-corona business. But its the new normal now.' One TikTok user who wed in Denmark took to the platform to explain some of the reasons she chose the country, in a clip captioned: 'This is not why we chose it but still helpful!' In her video, she said: 'Did you know that Denmark is considered the Vegas of Europe? And not because of the night life. 'But because it's easy to get married and a popular place to elope. 'A lot of countries have different rules for residency, length of stay, where each spouse is from, LGBTQ issues, etc. But not in Denmark.' Finally, says the Sunday Times, there are those who do not want to make a fuss of their big day. The outlet spoke to one such couple, British childhood sweethearts Eddie Goncharuk and Claudia Reid, both 27. Couples have taken to TikTok to share their reasons for getting married in Denmark Couples have taken to TikTok to share clips from their weddings in Denmark Meanwhile, another TikTok creator who uses the handle @internationallovestory made a video about why she and her partner chose to get married in Denmark It says that after getting engaged, they 'spent months fretting over guest lists and costs, toying with venues'. After seeing a TikTok post about the ease of marrying in Denmark, they said they were so 'fed up' with wedding planning, they decided to 'marry at Copenhagen City Hall, with six of their closest friends along for the ride' on Tuesday. Meanwhile, another TikTok creator who uses the handle @internationallovestory made a video about why she and her partner chose to get married in Denmark. Describing themselves as an intercultural couple (from Argentina and Germany), she said the short answer as to why they chose the country to wed is 'because it is easy'. She continued: 'We checked out other options. We had a lawyer in the US who wouldn't recommend getting married in the US especially me travelling with my tourist visa and then going to the US, getting married there, and then eventually staying there. He said that's a no no. 'In Germany, [we] love paperwork. Where I'm from, it's a small town, they couldn't really give us information on what papers we would need for [her husband] Nacho, so that wasn't an option either. 'In Argentina, you need to take a blood test to make sure that you're not related to each other and the results usually take up to three weeks [which] would have taken too long, so [that] wasn't an option.' She continued, explaining that an acquaintance told her about an intercultural couple they knew who got married in Denmark, which was very straightforward and required few documents - and so they decided to wed there. Queen Mary of Denmark looked typically stylish today as she joined Denmark's Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke to open a Deer Park in Copenhagen, amid rumours that she dropped out of a planned trip with her husband Prince Frederik. The Australian-born royal, 52, looked the epitome of country chic in a grey patterned jumper, black Seeland Cottage Quilt Lady Waistcoat and floppy hat. Opting for a glamourous make-up look, the former PR executive wore thick eyeliner and mascara atop a layer of golden foundation. The outing in Naerum 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. Queen Mary of Denmark looked typically stylish today as she joined Denmark's Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke to open a Deer Park in Copenhagen The Australian-born royal, 52, looked the epitome of country chic in a grey patterned jumper, black Seeland Cottage Quilt Lady Waistcoat and floppy hat The outing in Naerum 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 Opting for a glamourous make-up look, the former PR executive wore thick eyeliner and mascara atop a layer of golden foundation 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. This has further heightened rumours over the state of the couple's marriage, after Frederik was pictured with glamorous Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova. Putting any rumours and strife behind her, Mary looked delighted at the outing today, realising a deer and chatting to young fans. Mary seemed to put marital strife behind her as she beamed in delight today Queen Mary of Denmark inaugurates the incorporation of the southern part of Jagersborg Hegn as untouched forest at Naerum Port As part of the day out Mary released two deer into the park Mary chatted to young members of the public who came out to see her There were no signs of trouble in the monarchy as Mary beamed in delight Mary looked in her element as she waved at crowds Mary let out two deer into the park Mary poignantly look over the park today The Australian-born royal chatted to fans Earlier this week, 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 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 Mary looked sharp and put her best fashion foot forward as she attended the event Mary's visit was also tinged with sadness. According to Danish newspaper, Billed Bladet, a Home Guard soldier died from a cardiac arrest while on duty the night before Mary's visit. 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.' Dani found a lump in her breast the day after finding out she was pregnant A mother told to 'prepare for the worst' when diagnosed with breast cancer days after finding out she was pregnant has urged all women to be vigilant with their health. Dani Donne and her husband Mark, from Brisbane, were elated when her pregnancy test came up positive after months of trying and a devastating miscarriage. However, the couple's joy was short-lived as the next day she felt a small, hard lump on her breast while getting changed. Just seven days later, Dani, 36, was told she had breast cancer and would need to undergo treatment as soon as possible. Options were limited as her baby was her number one priority. Despite giving birth to a healthy baby girl, Parker, in April 2023, weeks after finishing her first bout of chemotherapy, the battle was far from over. Dani Donne (right) battled breast cancer while she was pregnant with and after she gave birth to her first daughter Parker (left) now 10 months old Dani and her husband Mark (left), from Brisbane , were elated when her pregnancy test came up positive after months of trying and a devastating miscarriage Speaking to FEMAIL, Dani said her pregnancy was a time of heightened anxiety rather than the joyful anticipation most experience. 'My entire pregnancy I always stressed about her, I didn't care about me at all. I did not care about my treatments, did not care about any of it was that I was just so concerned about her,' she said. Now Dani is warning all women to get their breasts checked regardless of their age and cancer history. 'I was the first person in my family to have breast cancer so it was a complete shock,' she said. 'It doesn't matter how old you are, or whether it's in your family or not because it's not in mine - check your breasts.' Dani lost her first pregnancy at seven weeks in July of 2020. 'I was expecting it to happen. My hCG levels weren't increasing and the doctor said to prepare myself for the worst,' she recalled. The couple waited for Dani's body to recover before trying to start a family again and they fell pregnant in September 2022. 'When I got the positive pregnancy test I was really excited, Mark was a little bit reserved in terms of what had just happened but I could tell deep down he was excited as well. We only had the day of being excited when I found the lump,' she said. Seven days later, Dani, 36, was told she had breast cancer and would need to undergo treatment as soon as possible. Options were limited as her baby was her number one priority At the initial GP consultation, the doctor said the lump - a painless hard mass that was around 2cm-3cm in size - was worrying. A biopsy revealed HER2-positive breast cancer, which is a breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). 'I was on my own when I found out so I think I just went into complete shock. To be honest, I didn't listen to anything the doctor had told me,' Dani said. 'I rang Mark after I found out, and he was obviously asking me a lot of questions, and I had no answers for him because I hadn't paid any attention.' She was in the middle of her first trimester so her treatment options had to be carefully planned so as not to harm the baby. Mater Cancer Care Centre Senior Medical Oncologist Dr Catherine Shannon met Dani when she was seven weeks pregnant. 'You can't safely give chemotherapy in pregnancy until the second trimester, so she had the surgery first as this is a safer approach early in pregnancy,' she said. Treatment options were limited for the 36-year-old as she and doctors wanted to ensure the health and safety of her baby. She started chemotherapy in her second trimester Dr Shannon explained HER-2 targeted treatments are not used during pregnancy due to oligohydramnios where there is not enough amniotic fluid around the baby. Dani had surgery to remove the lump when she was nine weeks along before starting two bouts of chemotherapy as soon as she hit her second trimester. 'I'm one of the lucky ones. You never say that when you've got cancer but I actually didn't get any sickness from the chemo. I lost my hair and that was the only symptom,' she said. 'I had no morning sickness with bub, there was nothing, I kind of just blazed through like a normal thing.' The mum had four rounds left to go when doctors decided to pause treatment to give her a well-deserved break before having Parker - which was lucky because she ended up being born four weeks premature. She was able to deliver Parker naturally in April 2023 and both mum and bub recovered without a hitch. However, she was immediately thrust back into tests and treatments for the breast cancer now that it posed no risk to Parker just two days after she was born. Dani had four rounds left to go when doctors decided to pause treatment to give her a break before having Parker - which was lucky because she ended up being born four weeks early 'I was so overwhelmed with everything and trying to have some sort of routine for myself, bub and Mark but at the same time, I could understand why my oncologist was saying we need all these tests done. We wanted to make sure while I was pregnant the cancer didn't travel anywhere else,' she said. 'It was hard to enjoy the first couple of weeks when you've got all that going on but at the same time, every second I had with Parker, I was happy.' Dani endured her final four rounds of chemo, a second surgery to remove all the margins and potentially affected lymph nodes then four weeks of daily radiation. All her tests came back clear and she wrapped up treatment in September of last year. Dani is taking hormone blockers and going for regular scans to make sure the cancer does not return but is otherwise living blissfully with Mark and now-10-month-old Parker. 'She's just getting into absolutely everything, she's such a happy little baby,' she said. READ MORE: How I missed a 5kg tumour the size of a football growing next to my baby until the 33rd week of my pregnancy... and why they sent me to see a physio Advertisement Dani said her experience serves as a reminder to women to get their breast checked regularly, especially if they notice a lump The mum said even though the cancer made her pregnancy extremely stressful and robbed her of the precious first few weeks as a new mum, she considers herself lucky. 'I stayed positive the entire time. I said to Mark before I started chemo, 'I'm not going to get sick. Everything's gonna be fine,' she said. 'The Mater Mothers were bloody amazing. If I was worried or concerned about anything, they'd squash me in for a quick ultrasound to check that bub was fine. It made the world a difference to know she was okay.' Patients suffering persistent bladder infections could soon receive a vaccine that banishes the painful condition. Research has found the treatment can prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) for up to nine years in more than half of patients. Up to 1.7 million Britons, the majority of whom are women, suffer from recurrent UTIs classed as three or more infections a year. Symptoms include a burning pain when going to the toilet, going more often than usual and feeling as if you still need to go when the bladder is empty. In older patients, the infection can cause a dementia-like condition called delirium. There is also a risk of sepsis, which accounts for about 50,000 deaths in the UK each year. Research has found the treatment can prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) for up to nine years (stock image) The vaccine is given as a pineapple- flavoured oral spray could even be an alternative to antibiotics (stock image) Known as MV140, the vaccine, which is given as a pineapple- flavoured oral spray, could even be an alternative to antibiotics, which historically have been the only way of combating infections. While a number of antibiotics are used to treat UTIs, these medicines have become less effective over time. This is because bacteria can build up a resistance to them. The study, carried out at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, followed 89 participants with recurrent UTIs who were given MV140 nine years ago. It was sprayed under the tongue by a GP every day for three months. The vaccine contains four types of inactivated bacteria meaning they cannot infect the body including E. Coli, the most common cause of a UTI. The findings, presented this weekend at the European Association of Urology Congress in Paris, reveal that 54 per cent of participants have not had a UTI since they took the vaccine. On average, patients went four-and-a-half years without getting an infection. Researchers say that those who did develop a UTI tended to suffer only minor symptoms. Bob Yang, a consultant urologist at the Trust, said: 'Many of those who did get a UTI told us that simply drinking plenty of water was enough to treat it. '[The vaccine] could be a game-changer for UTI prevention if it is offered widely, reducing the need for antibiotic treatments.' UK charging infrastructure is suffering from limited mobile phone connectivity, a new report claims. Two thirds (66.4 per cent) of Type-2 public chargers lack an adequate level of phone signal coverage from all four major network providers to guarantee they can be activated 100 per cent of the time, the RAC Foundation claims. Patchy phone signal means drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) could face problems topping up their car batteries at thousands of locations. Your browser does not support iframes. As of the start of 2024, the Department of Transport (based on ZapMap data) records show there are at least 53,677 public chargers available to EV owners. Of, these, the vast majority - 31,910 - are Type-2 chargers. These Type-2 public chargers can charge up to 8kW slow charging and arent obliged to provide contactless payment. The vast majority require drivers to access them via mobile apps and are reliant on the mobile phone network to provide adequate signal. Britain has four mobile network providers: EE, O2, Three and Vodafone, on which other companies such as Giffgaff and Tesco Mobile can piggyback. A new study by the RAC Foundation has found that UK mobile phone signal is letting down the public charging network, as more than two thirds of all slow Type-2 public chargers have been found to have inadequate signal to guarantee activation 100 per cent of the time Mobile phones are an everyday essential, and becoming increasingly important in the use and functionality of cars today. Yet poor signal from all four network providers - EE, O2, Three and Vodafone - is affecting the functionality of tens of thousands of chargers across Britain READ MORE: Electric car sales continue to falter as an increasing number of drivers turn to hybrids in March The issue for motorists wanting to charge is that unless all four are providing decent signal coverage then theres a risk that either the user or the charger will lack the connection needed to unlock the flow of electricity to be able to charge the EV. And this risk is a very real problem, the RAC Foundation findings uncovered. Across Britain (outside of London) just a third (33.4 per cent) of Type-2 chargers analaysed by the RAC Foundation are in locations where there is acceptable all-network 4G coverage. In London, the situation is slightly better but not to the level youd expect in the capital, where signal is assumed to be near perfect. Even in London, phone signal was not guaranteed to be good enough to ensure that chargers would function properly every time. The risk is that either the user or the charger will lack the connection needed to unlock the flow of electricity to be able to charge the EV Only 39.7 per cent of the slow public chargers analysed in the city had adequate signal. Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, is calling for better mobile-to-car-to-charger infrastructure integration: 'All these systems need to be designed with an eye sharply focused on real-world network coverage, which is often patchy, sometimes non-existent, and not about to become infinitely better. 'Where signal connectivity at a chargepoint is a problem drivers might conclude that the charger is at fault hence undermining the confidence we should be building in the reliability of public charging options for electric vehicles. 'Whats more, the poor connectivity wont get picked up in the new mandatory reporting system applying only to the rapid charger network.' This study comes as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reports that the market share of new pure battery electric cars fell to 15.2 per cent in March compared with 16.2 per cent in the same month last year. There's been growing calls recently for the Government to step up its EV efforts, most notably to slash the VAT on public charging to 5 per cent It also follows widespread criticism from industry leaders after the Chancellor failed to deliver any EV incentives to motorists in the Spring Budget. Experts and manufacturers said the Chancellor 'missed a massive opportunity' by refusing to respond to calls for 'fair taxes for a fair transition'. One of those taxes was the slashing of VAT on public charging to 5 per cent to bring public charging costs in line with home charging energy rates and make it fairer for EV owners without access to home chargers. The RAC Foundation suggests workarounds could include roaming SIM cars that can connect to whichever mobile network is most robust at the charging site, external and/or additional antennae for data, and mast sharing between network operators. Gooding added: 'In order to design reliable connected services that work for motorists we need a better approach to assessing and reporting the adequacy of on-the-move connectivity so that designers, including electric chargepoint providers, can select which of the readily available workarounds would cover for the shortcomings of the mobile networks.' Paul Volkman is a criminal with an impressive resume. The 77-year-old is currently serving four life sentences in an Arizona federal prison for the overdose deaths of four patients, and his connection to the deaths of numerous others. But he was once a high school valedictorian and respected family doctor. A friend who knew him in med school said: I honestly thought that one day I would pick up the newspaper and see that Paul had been given the Nobel Prize in Medicine. Instead, in 2012, Volkman received one of the longest sentences given to a doctor during the opiate epidemic. A DEA agent who worked on his case described him as a murderous drug dealer. Between 2003 and 2006, while working out of cash-only pain clinics in Southern Ohio, he prescribed a torrent of controlled substances painkillers, sedatives, muscle relaxers in a region that was dubbed the OxyContin capital of the world. Paul Volkman, 77, is currently serving four life sentences in an Arizona federal prison for the overdose deaths of four patients , and his connection to the deaths of numerous others Volkman and Philip Eil's father went to University of Rochester together - photos from the time show an uncanny physical resemblance Volkman and Eil fell out of touch after medical school in Chicago - and by 2004 Volkman was the leading purchaser of oxycodone in the country His prescriptions - according to a search warrant, one patient received 270 oxycodone pills, 270 Percocet, 120 Somas (a muscle relaxant), and 60 Xanax in a single visit - were so large that local pharmacies refused to fill them. In response, he and the clinics owner opened an on-site pharmacy. Volkman maintained then, and continues to claim, that all of his prescriptions were legal and appropriate. In 2004, he was the leading purchaser of oxycodone in the country. By now, nearly 30 years since OxyContins launch and subsequent downfall, tales of doctors who broke bad are nothing new. It has been the subject of documentaries, and scripted shows (based on real events) including Dopesick and Painkiller. And one study identified more than 350 criminal cases involving physicians and opiates between 1995 and 2019. The CDC reports that hundreds of thousands of people died from opiate-related overdoses during a similar timeframe, and that prescription opiates account for the first wave of those deaths. But Volkman was different, because I know him personally. He went to college and medical school with my father. Both men were brainy, Jewish guys from the East Coast. They played bridge together and both sang in the University of Rochester Glee Club. Photos from their time at the University of Rochester even show an uncanny physical resemblance. In a letter from jail after his conviction, Volkman wrote: My best days are those in which I am the most angry. In my position, anger and fury is the energy which keeps me going Volkman patient Scottie Lin James (left) died in September 2005 at age 30. 'Everybody loved her,' said her sister Jakkie. Ernest Ratcliff (right) died the following month, at age 38 High school athlete James Estep (left) died in February 2004 at age 32 - his death by overdose was linked to Volkman's prescriptions. Father of three Danny Coffee (right) died in November 2003 at age 47 They fell out of touch after medical school. But when I learned about Volkmans case, I was fascinated. What on earth had happened to this guy? This was in 2009, two years after he was indicted. And Ive spent the years since answering this question. It was a quest that began by reaching out to Volkman, who, as it turned out, was eager to talk. There were at least two defining character traits that I noticed during my 12 years of conversations with Volkman. Foremost was his anger. The targets of his fury were almost too numerous to count. He spoke disparagingly about his mother, his father, his late wife, and his two grown children. During one conversation, he said, of his older brother and lone sibling: I cant stand the son of a bitch Hopefully, hes dead. When narrating the early years of his career, he lashed out at a former supervisor who he felt had stifled his research career and, at other times, described lawyers who had helped patients sue him for malpractice as ethically-challenged, financially struggling barristers who were seeking an easy payout of Other People's Money. His most fiery comments were saved for his criminal case. The federal agency that investigated him was a vicious, criminal organization, corrupt from top to bottom. The expert witnesses who testified against him at trial were whores. A former employee who testified against him was as he told her in a Facebook message that he sent while he awaited the jurys verdict truly disgusting. At his sentencing hearing, he called the judge a heinous criminal. A prescription signed by Volkman for 240 oxycodone tablets In 2004, Paul Volkman was the leading purchaser of oxycodone in the country The graves of two of Volkman's patients, Mark Glenn Reeder and Jeff A Reed In a letter from jail after his conviction, he wrote: My best days are those in which I am the most angry. In my position, anger and fury is the energy which keeps me going. The other pillar of Volkmans personality was grandiosity. Even as his circumstances became more diminished indicted, convicted, and, eventually, imprisoned for life his sense of himself seemed to only grow. At one point, he said the chair of the department where he studied for his PhD had called him the best grad student he had had in 30 years. Elsewhere, he described his skills as an ER physician as almost superhuman. The only time I have made mistakes is when subsequent events provide additional information which changes the results of analysis, he wrote. Those mistakes are not really mistakes, but failure to predict the future. From prison, he boasted that, after his years of legal research related to his case, he was now an accomplished legal scholar. Perhaps his most eyebrow-raising statement came shortly after his sentencing hearing, when he recounted the moment when the judge called him a truly dangerous man. Volkman somehow viewed this as a compliment. Whether she realized it or not, he wrote in a subsequent letter, [the judge] called me dangerous the way Martin Luther was dangerous to the Pope, the way Thomas More was dangerous to Henry VIII, the way Thomas Jefferson was dangerous to George V [sic], the way good, principled, honest, courageous, outspoken men are always dangerous to cruel, evil, corrupt, petty tyrants. Dopesick, starring Michael Keaton, told the fictionized story of a family doctor drawn into the opioid crisis Most of Paul Volkman's employment at Tri-State Healthcare took place in this building, at 1219 Findlay Street, in Portsmouth After leaving Tri-State Healthcare, Volkman ran a pain clinic out of this house, at 1310 Center Street, in Portsmouth. Within weeks, after numerous complaints from neighbors, the house was raided and the clinic was shut down A faded sign for Volkman's offices. Even after his conviction - in the face of damning evidence - he maintained his innocence and claimed all of his prescriptions were legal and appropriate A third defining trait of Volkmans only became clear when I started to independently dig into the events of his life: he was not an honest man. I interviewed dozens of people from his life, career, and period of alleged crimes. I took numerous trips to the overdose-ravaged region of Southern Ohio where his alleged crimes took place. And I tracked down documents from various points in his life and career, including the 4,000-page transcript of his criminal trial. The story I found often strayed drastically from Volkmans tale of a decent man beset by bad luck and the corruption of others. Volkman once described himself as a family man. Yet his son had long been estranged from him, and referred to his father as a jerk and a vindictive, malicious person. His daughter said her father was stubborn, arrogant, and characterized by an unusually limited social awareness. By the end of my reporting, she, too, was estranged from her dad. She told me at one point: He ended up living in his own reality I think. I found his most glaring truth-twisting when I traveled to the troubled region where his pain clinics had been. One of his lawyers had described him as an accomplished, experienced, competent physician working in a rural under-served area trying to help manage the pain of his patients. And at his sentencing hearing, Volkman stated: I have no regrets about my treatments and no apologies to make. Yet the local public health officials I interviewed believed Volkman was contributing enormously to an already out-of-control flow of pills. One family member of a patient who had died described Volkman, bluntly, as a pill doctor. Another the mother of a former patient who was desperate to protect her son while he was in recovery from addiction had gone to the Volkmans office, barged into an examination room and pleaded with him not to prescribe opiates to her son. She would later repeat this story under oath at his criminal trial in 2011. From the witness stand, she recalled how she told the doctor: If you write another prescription in my sons name, I will blow your brains out. Volkman eventually stopped speaking to me after I published an article in Cincinnati magazine in 2017 headlined: The Pill Mill that Ravaged Portsmouth. He called it a vicious, biased screed and said that I showed amazing arrogance and stupidity by writing it. A few years later, we resumed our correspondence briefly. But when I declined his request to help him with research for a long-shot legal ploy to get out of prison, he stopped talking to me for good. So, what did I learn from my 12-year interview with an intelligent man convicted of heinous crimes? Volkman portrayed himself as a family man, but he is now estranged from most of his family, including his daughter, who said: 'He ended up living in his own reality' In Painkiller, Matthew Broderick played Richard Sackler, whose pharmaceutical family Purdue manufactured and marketed OxyContin Perhaps the most memorable and haunting lesson is just how normal he could appear. During our in-person meetings in 2009 and 2010, Volkmans behavior was unremarkable. He didnt shout or fidget. He spoke with an impressive command of legal and medical facts. His hobbies included chess, listening to classical music, and going to the Art Institute of Chicago. If you didnt know anything about his case, you could easily mistake him for a run-of-the-mill highly-educated urban retiree. And some people did. I spoke with numerous people who were taken in by his story. His longtime therapist in Chicago told me that Volkman was a brilliant guy who possessed a great compassion for people. His second wife whom he had married after his indictment was convinced of his innocence as well. (The marriage fizzled after his conviction.) One of his bridge-playing friends, a retired CEO, told me that what Volkman was doing in Ohio sounded to him like Doctors Without Borders, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization dedicated to bringing medical care to conflict zones. This, apparently, was a benefit of working in cash-only clinics that were 400 miles away from his Chicago apartment, and commuting back and forth every week. Aside from a few scattered press reports, people from Volkmans life in the city were reliant on him a bright, highly-qualified, and deeply persuasive man to describe his case. In my time interviewing and researching Volkman, I also noticed how he seemed to assess the world not by independent measures good and bad, just or unjust but, rather, how people interact with him. If you support him, work for his benefit, or otherwise believe in him, he is likely to speak highly of you. In contrast, his anger and vitriol burn hottest toward the people or parties who most directly antagonize him, including the DEA, federal prosecutors, and the judge in his case. In all of the years I reported on his case, his belief in his own innocence has never wavered. In a recent legal filing, from nearly 20 years after his criminal activity began, he wrote: I was practicing good, proper and legal medicine. Every single prescription I issued was authorized and required. I was not then, nor am I now, a criminal. Prescription for Pain: How a Once-Promising Doctor Became the Pill Mill Killer' by Philip Eil is published by Steerforth Press, April 9 NEW YORK, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed and seven others injured in a shooting in suburban Miami in the U.S. state of Florida, according to local law enforcement officials. A fight between customers took place in a bar at CityPlace Doral, a leisure destination in Miami, in the early morning and gunshots were then fired among a security guard, police officers and a gunman. The gunman and the security guard were killed while a police officer from Doral City and six bystanders got shot, reports said. The wounded police officer has been discharged from the hospital while two of the bystanders are still in critical condition. The City of Doral Police Department alongside the Miami Dade Police Department and the Federal Department of Law Enforcement have been working to investigate the cause of the gunfire, said the Doral Police Department on social media. The United States has by far the highest rate of gun-related deaths among wealthy countries. Over 4,200 people died and more than 7,500 others were injured from gun violence in the country so far in 2024, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Netflixs The Gentlemen outfits tell a quintessentially British story - of a second son inheriting a family estate that, as he discovers to his horror, has declined into rack and ruin. Needless to say, it is also a story of Barbour jackets, wellies and Prince of Wales checks. According to social media site Pinterest, the hit show has even helped push 'old money' fashion, including tweed and flat caps. The quiet luxury style of lead character Susie Glass ( HoKaya Scodelario) consistently echoes the Princess of Waless beautifully curated wardrobe, while the outerwear of Eddie Horniman (Theo James) mirrors a dressed down Prince William. Created by costume designer LouLou Bontemps, the wardrobe of The Gentlemen provides endless fashion inspiration, perfectly encapsulating each character in classic-with-a-twist country wear outfits together with luxury fashion designs - plus a strong likeness to our own royal family. Red Checks The checked coats worn by both Kate Middleton and Susie Glass (Kaya Scodelario) from The Gentlemen are surprisingly similar As Susie Glass strides through the snow in a Really Wild red check coat with coordinating beret, her sixties style ensemble was reminiscent of the Princess of Wales when attending an Wales V England rugby match in 2023. Kate layered her custom houndstooth coat by royal favourite Catherine Walker which she had previously worn in 2018, over a black roll neck and carried a Mulberry bag. Fedoras There's a distinct sense of deja-vu when it comes to the matching fedoras. Both Camilla and Lady Sabrina (Joely Richardson) top off their country ensembles with the stylish headpiece. Camilla's Ladies Day outfit with her stunning Fedora was incredibly chic in 2020 Lady Sabrina's Fedora, scarf and jacket are a strikingly similar match Perfect for windy days in the outdoors, Lady Sabrina takes style ques from Queen Camilla and wears hers atop a bouncy blow-dry, pairing it with emerald hues, leather gloves and a demure silk scarf tied at the neck. Ladies in Red Proving their status as power women, both Kate and Susie went head-to-toe in deep tones of red accentuating their slim waists with a wide belt. Both women look remarkably similar wearing the same colour and same square belt Sophisticated yet still glamorous, the Princess of Wales visited a community nursery in Cornwall in 2023 wearing a Gabriela Hearst sweater and skirt, cinching it in at the waist with a ba&sh belt, while Susie went high end in Stella McCartney with the same style large square waist belt. Gala Gowns Dazzling in floor length emerald green sequins, Susie stood out for a gala event wearing a Marchesa gown featuring a beaded bodice and flowing velvet skirt with large gold earrings encrusted with rubies and emeralds. Both women dazzled in green sequined dresses and both wore large drop earrings Dazzling in floor length emerald green sequins, Susie stood out for a gala event wearing a Marchesa gown featuring a beaded bodice and flowing velvet skirt with large gold earrings encrusted with rubies and emeralds. A departure from her usual fashion choices, she clearly took inspiration from Kate and her show-stopping red carpet wardrobe. Previously the Princess of Wales wore this sparkling emerald column gown by Jenny Packham at the Royal Variety Performance in 2023 with similar long sleeves and Missoma gold fan earrings. Power Pink Both Kate and Susies wardrobes are underpinned with an impressive collection of coats which always elevate their cold weather looks. The Princess of Wales in a pink Hobbs coat during a visit to Windsor Foodshare in 2023 Susie Glass wore a pink vintage Windsmoor coat with a pair of Gucci cat-eye sunglasses Both Kate and Susies wardrobes are underpinned with an impressive collection of coats which always elevate their cold weather looks. Among their statement pieces are fuchsia pink wool styles that were inspired by the Barbiecore trend. While giving out food parcels at the Windsor Foodshare in 2023, the Princess of Wales styled her Hobbs coat with a matching rollneck underneath for a monochromatic moment in a look which was repeated in The Gentlemen, this time in vintage Windsmoor and Gucci cat-eye sunglasses. Tweed Tailoring Lady of the Manor Sabrina, played by Joely Richardson, has a wardrobe packed with a selection of tweed blazers always worn with a crisp white shirt and a neat string of pearls, giving her a polished look which is fit for the countryside. The same detailed collars and fit of the jacket with the four buttons done up smacks of royal dressing Here she chooses a Cordings Wincanton tweed blazer with Schoeffel moleskin breeks and Ilse Jacobsen boots which is straight out of Queen Camillas style rulebook, who similarly chose a tweed blazer for an event at Prospect Hospice in Savernake, pairing it with her go-to Russell and Bromley suede boots. Camel Colour Palette A wool Max & Co coat served as the focal point for Kates all-camel look when visiting Scarborough in 2022. Catherine, Princess of Wales visits 'The Street' community hub during an official visit to Scarborough on November 3, 2022 i Susie Glass similarly in a tonal camel palette to Kate's camel coat and knitted dress Worn with a turtleneck midi-length knitted dress and cinched with a slender leather Boden belt, the neutral look was classically elegant. Similarly in a tonal camel palette, Susie Glass also wore her wavy brunette locks down and kept accessories simple and discreet. Mourning in Black November 2016, Duke of Westminster Memorial Large, sweeping, wide-brimmed hats were the headpieces of choice for the stylish pair when attending memorial services. Head to toe in black with wool overcoats and wide-brimmed headpieces Kate choosing John Boyd and Susie in vintage. Dressed head to toe in black, the monochromatic outfits comprised of wool overcoats for both leading ladies, Middleton turning to Alexander McQueen and Glass wearing Courreges. Baker Boy Hats Dapper in tweed for a day at the races, Mike Tindall stayed true to his humble Yorkshire roots by topping his smart tailored suit with a baker boy cap. Groundkeeper, Geoff Seacombe, played by Vinnie Jones wearing a Harkila hat in the baker boy style Mike Tindall staying true to his Yorkshire roots with a baker boy cap Groundskeeper Geoff Seacombe, played by Vinnie Jones, equally stayed traditional for his outdoor endeavours in The Gentlemen wearing a Harkila hat of the same design. Barbour Coats Quintessentially British brand Barbour made many appearances in The Gentlemen and was the coat of choice on many occasions for Eddie Horniman. British brand Barbour made many appearances in The Gentlemen worn by Theo James who played Eddie Horniman Prince William chose a very similar style in blue with top pockets as the Barbour Bedale coat Equally this has always been a go-to for Prince William when on country pursuits, and here in North Wales he chose a very similar style with top pockets as the Barbour Bedale coat which Eddie wore for his first meeting with Susie Glass. Casual Suiting Our royal gentlemen are renowned for dressing in classic British style - with discreet panache. Ray Winstone has definitely taken a page out of Prince Charles's style book in The Gentlemen When not in smart tailoring King Charles dresses down in a tweed blazer with similarly toned coordinating trousers. This is a look often sported by incarcerated gangster Bobby Glass played by Ray Winstone. It is thought similar schemes have netted Mexico's most dangerous cartel hundreds of millions of dollars as it targets elderly American timeshare owners The complex fraud involved an escrow company in Manhattan, a fake Mexican intelligence officer, and domain names registered in Arizona and Reykjavik When James, 76, received a call from an estate agent in Atlanta, Georgia, offering to buy his timeshare, he could have bitten his hand off. James and his wife Nicki, 72, had bought the property in Lake Tahoe, California, in the mid 90s for just shy of $9,000, but only stayed there twice in the last 20 years. The agent gave a slick pitch and a few days later called back with 'good news': he had found a Mexican investor willing to part with upwards of $22,000 for the West Coast retreat. Around six months later, James and Nicki had lost almost $1million as part of a bizarre but sophisticated scam allegedly linked to a deadly Mexican cartel. And they are not alone. Similar schemes have reportedly netted organized gang the Jalisco New Generation hundreds of millions of dollars over the past decade as the ruthless criminals prey upon elderly American timeshare owners desperate to offload their assets. James, 76, and Nicki, 72, from California, were scammed out of almost $1million by a deadly Mexican cartel who made a fraudulent offer for their timeshare in Lake Tahoe The heavily-militarized Jalisco New Generation cartel is primarily known for drug trafficking, but has also scammed American timeshare owners out of millions of dollars in recent years The cartel concocted fake bank statements, such as this one purporting to be from the Bank of Mexico, to convince James of the scheme's credibility The elaborate scams are an unexpected twist for Mexico's most dangerous gangsters, who are better known for drug trafficking and occasionally cannibalizing their victims. But as James' story reveals, organized crime requires administrative acumen, too. Fake Mexican intelligence agents, fraudulent Bank of Mexico statements, escrow companies based in Manhattan and domain names registered as far away as Reykjavik, Iceland, were all involved in duping the Californian out of his entire life savings. At the end of it all, James and dozens of other Americans are left scratching their heads as to how they could have been robbed of so much cash. It began with a phone call in October 2022. A man named Michael called from a supposed realtor called Worry Free Vacations in Atlanta. 'He was good at ingratiating himself,' James told DailyMail.com. 'He had an air of confidence. I thought "this guy's legit".' In hindsight, he may have had a slight accent, possibly Mexican, James recalls, but it barely registered at the time. Michael had wealthy clients who wanted to invest in US timeshares and James had four, with one, in Lake Tahoe, that he was keen to offload. A few days after James was told of the Mexican investor, Michael called back. He had 'ran into a little bit of a thing'. A fee of $2,600 was required for the cross border transaction, but the buyer had promised to cover this. James, who did not want to share his last name, admitted his wife had concerns about this deal from the get-go. But he was reassured when Michael told him the buyer would send the cash to US Commercial Escrow Corps, an escrow company with a registered address in Manhattan. James was given details for the account and when he checked it, the $2,600 reimbursement appeared to have been paid. He even made contact with a representative of the escrow company, who spoke with an American accent. Convinced of its legitimacy, he wired the $2,600 fee to a bank account in Mexico, as requested. But then the deal hit another snag. A different cross border registration fee would cost another $3,600, but the buyer would again reimburse James for his troubles. He checked the escrow account and, as before, this payment appeared to have been made. 'I felt alright,' James said. 'I thought "I'm getting reimbursed for this, all will be well".' Jalisco New Generation uses dozens of call centers in Mexico and even bribes resort employees to leak guest information as part of its schemes to scam timeshare owners The cartel is led by Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, or 'El Mencho' (above) About a week later, Michael called again. And so it went on. The fee total soon hit the $50,000 mark, at which point he was contacted by a man who purported to be from the UIF, Mexico's financial intelligence unit. He demanded heftier fees for various violations James had supposedly committed, with threats of extradition if he did not comply. All the while, his costs were seemingly being reimbursed by the mysterious Mexican investor, who clearly had no limits to his wealth. The money always appeared in the New York escrow account, but no funds were ever released. James was even convinced by the scammers to invest $32,000 in a sustainable housing investment in Mexico. He received paperwork confirming the transaction that appeared to be from the Bank of Mexico, with detailed addresses and letterheads. In total, James was required to make a dozen payments for a variety of reasons. He made his last payment in January, with the grand total reaching a whopping $890,000, spread across various bank accounts in Mexico. A little under a third of this was related to his timeshare, with the rest accounting for by fees for the sustainable housing investment. To fund these payments, James had to borrow $150,000 from his daughter and sell his childhood home. By the time he started to uncover some worrying details, it was already too late. James discovered that the website for the Atlanta estate agency had been registered in 2021, but was taken down just days after his first phone call from Michael. The email address he had for a man who claimed to be from the Bank of Mexico, alongside domain names for other 'Mexican' companies that had been involved in the racket, appeared to have been registered in Arizona and, inexplicably, Reykjavik. 'None of them had any addresses or locations in Mexico,' James said. When DailyMail.com visited the address for US Commercial Escrow Corps in midtown Manhattan, it appeared that the suite number it had provided did not exist, and no one in the building had heard of the company. Jalisco New Generation has grown into one of Mexico's most powerful cartels under El Mencho's leadership. It was established around 15 years ago. James contacted Mike Finn, founder of Finn Law Group in St. Petersburg, Florida, who has represented thousands of people facing an array of timeshare frauds, some of whom appear to have been targeted by Mexican cartels. Finn said timeshare owners are particularly vulnerable because they are unable to offload them in any other way, so when an offer comes in 'their excitement blinds them to the details'. The attorney said the Mexican scams he has come across typically operate in a similar way: instead of fees being deducted from the closing fee, like a US house sale, the fraudsters convince their American victims that the process is different across the border, with vendors required to pay fees separately. 'I had one woman contact me who said her mother had lost her savings to one of these scams,' the attorney told DailyMail.com. 'When I asked her how much that was, she said $1.2million. They were only offering $300,000 for the timeshare.' Once the money has been sent to Mexico, it is hard to get it back, Finn said. The FBI can only investigate if it gets the local authorities' cooperation, while American lawyers cannot file civil lawsuits beyond their jurisdiction. The Jalisco New Generation has previously threatened media outlets and prominent journalists including news anchor Azucena Uresti (pictured) over their coverage of the cartel Timeshare sales hit $10.5billion in 2022, a 30 per cent rise from the year before, according to the American Resort Development Association. But the sector's growing popularity has also brought with it a 79 per cent increase in timeshare fraud complaints received by the FBI over the past four years. American timeshare owners have been scammed out of $288million in the last five years, including to schemes run by Jalisco New Generation, US officials have told The New York Times. Typically, victims like James and Vicki are wiring money to bank accounts held by the cartel's associates, the paper reported. Jalisco New Generation, led by Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, or 'El Mencho', has grown into one of Mexico's most powerful cartels since it was established around 15 years ago. Having started out in drug trafficking, it has expanded into legal sectors of the economy, including selling avocados to the US. For its timeshare scams, the cartel uses dozens of call centers in Mexico and even bribes resort employees to leak guest information. If they are crossed, the results are deadly. Last May, eight Mexican men who worked at a call center run by the cartel were found dead inside plastic bags that had been dumped in a ravine on the outskirts of Guadalajara, a city in Jalisco state. Local prosecutors who later searched the center found a mop with red stains, blackboards with foreign names and details of timeshare memberships. For James, the scam cost him his life savings - and the respect of his wife. 'It was very elaborate,' he said. 'That's why I was sucked in. I just thought there were too many players involved for it to be a scam. 'My wife said from the start that it didn't sound right. Obviously, I should have listened to her. 'She's p***** about the whole thing. But she's kind of resigned herself to the fact that I was the stupid one.' Britain's most tattooed mum revealed that she's been banned from her local church because of her 800 inking's. Melissa Sloan, 46, from Powys, Wales, slammed priests for kicking her out of a service. This isn't the first time the mum-of-seven said she's been excluded - last year, Melissa admitted that she's never invited to any Halloween parties, as she would ironically scare the guests off. But being shut out from the church was the last straw for the Welsh native, who claims that the priest told her: 'You've got to leave' after she was singing 'too loud'. Melissa Sloan, 46, from Powys, Wales claims she got kicked out of CHURCH for her extreme affinity for tattoos According to the Daily Star, Melissa, who has a crucifix emblazoned on her nose, found God when her partner Luke fell ill, praying for his health. The mother actively engaged with church singing and prayers but claims she was 'chucked out' of the congregation mid-verse. She told the Star: 'Everyone turned their back laughing at me. The priest said "you've got to leave", but most of them were laughing at me, nothing new. The priest must be evil to do that. 'I was singing "too loud" and they told me I had to leave, I felt like the odd one out. 'The church is supposed to open its doors to everyone, but I got kicked out of there'. Melissa described it as a surreal moment, attributing it to her loud voice and perceived craziness. Part of Melissa's fondness for Christianity is its open-minded, welcoming nature, but she is in shock and feels let down by the alleged incident. Helpless, Melissa feels that part of the church's remit is helping people, and she places a lot of significance upon the 'love thy neighbour' principle. The mum has gone as far as saying she has 'no faith' in the institution anymore after they judged her for her penchant for getting inked. She even suspects that there must be evil churchgoers out there, for them to throw her under the bus like that, allegedly. The mother-of-seven still wants to maintain good faith and her love for Jesus Although she has been shunned by the church, she still maintains a strong respect for Jesus, and claims he wouldn't judge her like regular humans do. This comes after previous claims where she detailed her struggles finding a driving instructor who's prepared to give her lessons. Melissa said one man almost gave her a chance but she scared him off after their first lesson. The tattooed mother admitted that her looks were capable of startling strangers at first glance. Too add to her woes, Melissa has been unemployed for 20 years as a result of her extreme body art. Advertisement An elderly man has taken a defiant stand against a property developer building a six storey apartment complex where the other half of his duplex used to be. The man, David - who only speaks Cantonese - has lived in a fibro three-bedroom home on Park Road, Auburn, in Sydney's west, since 2004 when he purchased it for $330,000. The other half of the duplex went up in flames in 2017, was demolished in 2018 and was purchased in 2020 by AB Developers. The developers approached David to snap up his side of the duplex - but he was not for turning. An elderly man has taken a defiant stand against a property developer building a six storey apartment complex where the other half of his duplex used to be An elderly Cantonese man has stifled a developer's plans for a massive apartment complex after refusing to sell his half of a duplex in Auburn (pictured) leading to many scratching their heads over the odd-looking home Daily Mail Australia has been told David was offered $600,000 for his half of the home. But he held firm, insisting he would not leave for a cent less than a million dollars. The stand-off has now left the semi split in half. Meanwhile, all work on the 32-apartment complex next door has been indefinitely delayed due to a stop work order enforced by NSW's Building Commission on December 21. The construction site has been left deserted with chairs, scaffolding and fencing left to the elements while workers are kept from the site. The NSW Building Commission found the developers failed to submit critical fire protection, structural and architectural documents on time. His home is now dwarfed by a six-storey construction site which has also been stymied by a stop work order (pictured) 'Designs for the building at the development do not contain the necessary details to produce building work that would achieve compliance,' the order said. 'I am of the opinion that engaging and continuing in the works... could significantly impact the actual performance of those building elements. 'And thereby could result in significant harm or loss to the occupiers or potential occupiers at the development.' AB Developments accepted the finding and indicated they will update their plans before resubmitting to have the order lifted. Meanwhile, David's humble home stands just metres away - dwarfed by the unfinished building - against an open space that once held its mirrored half. David stood firm on a $1million offer after being offered $600,000 for his half of the duplex, even after the developers bought the other half for $575,000 despite it being demolished after a house fire (pictured) The proposed 32-apartment luxury complex (pictured, artist's impression) is now in limbo after three months have passed since the stop work order without the developers submitting new documents The unique half-home recently caught the eye of a passer-by, who snapped a photo which has since gone viral. 'Good on them for standing strong, even though it's half a house,' one local wrote. 'They'll be able to add windows on that side of the house and get more light and cross flow air ventilation,' a second wrote. 'Sometimes people want to live in a simple home that is full of memories... instead of living in a square box with no love or warmth about it,' a third wrote. Others said David was going to have to deal with years of construction while the value of his home deteriorated. 'Now they can enjoy people peering into their yard and house from every angle, and put up with a street full of cars,' one dissenter wrote. 'Probably could have done a sweet deal instead of clinging on to aging fibro and smelly plywood,' another wrote. Daily Mail Australia approached David at the home but he declined to comment. The story is similar to that of 'Miss Stayput' who had a massive supermarket carpark built around her five-bedroom home in East Melbourne after refusing to sell to developers (pictured) One of the most famous instances of an Australian defying developers was Melbourne's famous 'Miss Stayput'. Mary Ann Campigli defiantly watched on as a number of the homes surrounding her East Melbourne home were bought up to make way for a supermarket car park. No amount of money or smooth-talking men in suits could convince Ms Campigli to pack up her things and leave her five-room house. The developers just kept building the carpark around her Camberwell home until it eventually surrounded the entire property. Her determination made her a hero among many in the community with tabloid newspapers lining up to tell her strange story and find out what was motivating her. 'I'm going to fight for my home,' Miss Campigli told the Herald Sun at the time. 'It's all I've got and all I want, and I'm happy here. I won't be kicked around.' David would agree. Do you know more? Email tips@dailymail.com The Princess Royal has topped the league table for Royal duties for many years so it comes as no surprise that she's started this year at full speed. The variety matches the quantity. Ranging from being President of the Save the Children Fund to a role as Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, nothing seems to ruffle her. At the start of the year she, accompanied by her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, Anne visited Sri Lanka where, among her many duties she met the President. A 19-year-old Princess Anne pictured in the grounds at Sandringham. She had first undertaken royal duties the year before Princess Anne with her horse Doublet, after winning the three-day event at Burghley, Lincolnshire in 1971 A proud Queen takes photographs of Anne as she compete in horse trials at Burleigh. Anne became the Three-Day Event Champion on this occasion As Prince Philip is said to have once remarked that Anne was the son he had wished to have When Princess Anne married Mark Phillips, in Westminster Abbey in 1973, she was the first child of a monarch to be wed in a live televised ceremony Then it was back home to Gatcombe for a training day before leaving for Rosyth in Scotland to watch a new naval frigate, HMS Venturer, being built. From a Big Curry Lunch as an Honorary Freeman of the City of London to a Commonwealth dinner at Buckingham Palace - followed by another dinner for the Special Boat Services Association at Windsor Castle - it never stops. And we are still only at the start of the year, with dozens more such appointments lined up. Anne, the Princess Royal is unique. She remains the most enigmatic member of the Royal Family, an aloof and seemingly unemotional woman who has never allowed the ermine cloak of Royalty to fall and expose her real hopes, fears and ambitions. She has a devastating wit, a total disregard for the approval of others, and as a former European Three-Day-Event Champion, which she became in 1971 at her first attempt, her physical courage has never been in doubt. Princess Anne knows exactly who and what she is. Very few men or women are permitted to call her by her Christian name. It is always Your Royal Highness at first, thereafter, Maam to rhyme with jam not anything else. Anne survived a kidnap attempt by a gunman who shot her bodyguard five times; the scandal of being the first and only daughter of a reigning sovereign to be divorced and remarried (to a former servant of her mother), and seen the marriages of two of her brothers, Charles and Andrew, break up in bizarre circumstances. She has seen both her nephews, William and Harry, marry and have children. And seen Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, desert the Royal Family for the United States, to become independent. Not that you will ever hear a word of criticism about any of them from her lips. When she married her first husband, Mark Phillips, in Westminster Abbey in 1973, she was the monarchs first child to be wed in a live televised ceremony. The wedding to husband number two, Tim Laurence, whom she met when he was serving as a Season Officer on board the Royal Yacht, Britannia, was a low key ceremony held at Crathie Parish Church near Balmoral in Scotland, because of the obstacles she would have encountered, as a divorced woman, marrying in church in England. And even in Scotland there were difficulties, as Anne did not give the required fifteen days notice for the wedding. So technically she broke the law. Beginning at the age of 18, when she presented symbolic Leek emblems to the Welsh Guards on St Davids Day, 1970, Anne has continued to pursue her Royal duties with unflagging energy and dedication. Today, well over seventy, there is little sign of her slowing down. She never stops, carrying out up to five different engagements in a day, some of which are stultifyingly boring. Though when I mentioned this aspect of her work to her, Anne's reply was a masterpiece in classic, diplomatic understatement. She merely admitted that: 'Some are perhaps less interesting than the others.' A workaholic, she hates having a day off. As she told me, I do not like sitting around doing nothingI try to fill the time. In carrying out these duties, she has occasionally been required to show a thick skin and keep a straight face at some of the remarks she has to listen to. I was present in Houston, Texas, at a special dinner, where she was guest of honour and the host stood up to welcome her. He opened his speech by asking the Princess 'To congratulate your mother on being re-elected.' She didnt bat an eyelid. The years have not been hard on Anne. She doesnt require the services of a personal trainer to keep her stomach hard and flat, or a hairdresser in constant attendance to keep every strand in place. Neither do her hands show any evidence of a weekly visit from a manicurist. She has beautiful eyes, a fine complexion and she still wears the same size 10 clothes she wore 20 years ago. She claims that many of her outfits are, indeed, that old. As the centuries-old Royal traditions of secret protocols, ancient grievances and stifling class distinctions are discarded there is not one word of criticism from the woman who was second-in-line to the throne when her mother became Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1952. Today, Anne languishes so far out of sight - as her brothers, nieces and nephews all precede her - that she does not even have to seek the permission of the Sovereign to marry or divorce. It now applies only to the first six. Harry just makes it for the moment. Of course, many of the racial, religious and ethnic barriers that surrounded the Royal Family for generations, have tumbled. Princess Anne working for Save The Children fund as patron in The Gambia The Princess Royal seems to be enjoying herself as she accompanies her brother, the King, at last year's Braemar gathering Princess Anne and Prince William take part in her The Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast, hosted by her son-in-law Mike Tindall Princess Anne shares a joke with Kate at a fly-past to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force in 2018 Prince Harry and Princess seem helpless with laughter at the Patron's lunch in 2016, part of the three-day celebrations for the late Queen's 90th birthday She still wears the same size 10 clothes she wore 20 years ago - and claims that many of her outfits are, indeed, that old They had to in order to bring new blood and vitality into the House of Windsor. The days when royalty married royalty have long gone never to return. Its hard to believe now that in 1960, when Princes Margaret married Antony Armstrong-Jones, (later Lord Snowdon) her aunt, Princess Marina, the widow of the Duke of Kent, was horrified, exclaiming: 'How strange to be marrying a subject'. A naturally suspicious woman who does not take easily to strangers, Anne has a close circle of friends, most of whom have known her all her life. To them she is approachable and loyal, so long as none is foolish enough to confuse friendship with familiarity. If one oversteps the mark, the curtain of Royal disapproval descends with chilling finality. She may not be a tactile person, yet as a young woman she had the reputation of being a sexy little number, with several boyfriends, including Andrew Parker Bowles, the former husband of Camilla, now our Queen. He has remained one of her confidants. Anne believes passionately in the Monarchy and gets extremely angry if it is ridiculed and called outdated. Her view is that it is, and can continue to be, a power for the good of the country - but only if it moves forward. It is rare for her to lose her temper. The only way one can tell if she is furious, in fact, is when her jaw muscles tighten and her voice becomes a little shrill. She is not interested in personal popularity and, like her father, the late Duke of Edinburgh, she believes it is not necessary to be liked to be respected, or to become emotional to show compassion. After a visit to a leper camp, where she didnt flinch from the most horrific sights, I asked her how it had affected her. She replied, I have to be realistic. If every case were treated personally I would go nuts. You have to be remote, otherwise you would crack up. Her down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach to her role as President (now Patron) of the Save the Children Fund, the organisation with which she is most closely identified, conceals a natural and inbred haughtiness. Yet no one could accuse her of the petty vindictiveness or unpredictable behaviour shown at times by her siblings. She is entirely consistent, and as one of her personal protection officers said, At least you always know where you are with her. Her relationship with her parents never wavered. It was a mutual admiration society, based on trust, love and respect. Neither could do any wrong in the others eyes. I once asked her if she regarded her late mother as Queen first or mother. She said, 'Remember she has been my mother longer than she has been Queen, so thats how I regard her.' Annes children, Peter and Zara, both born without a title between them, in spite of the pleas of their Royal grandmother to be allowed to make them at least Lord and Lady have fully justified Annes decision. They are sensible, well-adjusted adults living comparatively normal lives, with Zara a World Champion equestrian in her own right. When she married the former England rugby international, Mike Tindall, Anne welcomed her new son-in-law into the family and so did the late Queen. Peter Phillips marriage to the Canadian Autumn Kelly, ended when they divorced in June 2021. Princess Anne made no public comment, though she must have been privately disappointed. Peter and Zara take in their stride the fact that one of their first cousins, Prince William, will one day be their King. The Princess Royal is a loving, if undemonstrative, mother and Grandmother who once claimed she did not possess a natural maternal instinct. However, she has certainly since demonstrated her pride in her children and grandchildren; their mutual affection is plain to see when they are together. And, after more than 50 years of flawless public service, Anne has become acknowledged as the most respected and admired member of the Royal Family today. Princess Anne with Andrew Parker Bowles, former husband of Queen Camilla. He has remained of her closest confidants When Zara married the former England rugby international, Mike Tindall, left, Anne welcomed her new son-in-law into the family Princess Anne with her husband, Tim Laurence and her children Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips For a while, she was thought to be the odd one out - as she put it: 'Ive always been a tail-end Charlie.' Today she is seen as perhaps the woman who is helping to provide the Monarchy with the strength and stability it needs to see it safely into the future. Or, as Prince Philip is said to have once remarked, she is the son he wishes he had. A young farmer has been left more than 1million out of pocket after his fields were flooded by eight-foot deep water when a river burst its banks. Henry Ward, 33, and his heavily pregnant wife Emma are expecting their first child together this month but instead of preparing excitedly for the big day, the farmer is worried about how he will provide for his family. Despite living almost 45 miles from the coast, his Lincolnshire farm has been an island only accessible by boat for the last six months, an experience he described as 'soul-destroying'. He lost 35,000 overnight in October last year, when the Barlings Eau river burst its banks in two places during Storm Babet, flooding his farm and destroying his high-value wheat, rapeseed and vining pea crops. Today, the fields his family has farmed for 70 years are still flooded and he faces a year without a harvest, meaning he will lose more than 100,000 in revenue. Meanwhile, the 1million house he rented out on the farm has been left 'worthless', with his tenant forced to evacuate because of the flood. The heartbroken expectant father told MailOnline the last six months have been 'horrific' and 'soul-destroying'. He is now pleading with the Environment Agency to ditch 'warm words' in favour of some action. Father-to-be Henry Ward, 33, (pictured with his wife Emma) has been left 1million out of pocket by his farm being flooded His farm has been turned into an island surrounded by floodwater and the only way to reach it is by boat Mr Ward's farm first flooded back in October (pictured) but the floodwater has remained for six months, ruining his crops It has also rendered the 1million house he rents out 'worthless'. Pictured: Mr Ward on his boat with the farm and house behind him In some places the water is eight feet deep. By going a whole year without a harvest, Mr Ward will lose out on 100,000 of revenue Yet just around the corner is the Environment Agency's 'bone dry' flood reservoir (pictured behind Mr Ward), which was supposed to save businesses from floods He said: 'It's very frustrating. That's Grade One soil you can grow anything on that land, but now it's too risky to farm. 'I'm not able to earn a living from [the farm]. Fences ruined, debris all over the farm, the soil will be dead. It will need a lot of work to get that land back in a fit state to farm. 'It's soul-destroying. Every day you see it and you think, ''How am I meant to make a living and support my family?'' 'Mentally it has been horrific. It's gone on for months. 'We are going to see this more often. Climate change is coming. We need to set something up properly.' Mr Ward's farm first flooded in 2019, which prompted the Environment Agency to spend 3.5million repairing the riverbank. In the same year, the Environment Agency proudly declared it had been operating flood reservoirs that could hold more than 210 million cubic feet and protect 7,000 homes and businesses in Lincoln. The plan was that floodwater would be diverted from rivers into the designated Environment Agency field. Yet when the crunch moment came in October last year, the Environment Agency flood reservoir remained 'bone dry'. Instead, the river burst its banks into Mr Ward's fields and those of his neighbours before the agency's threshold for opening the floodgates was reached. He said: 'It's happened again four years down the line. It's happened worse this time because there are two breaches in the river bank. 'There's a mile of this river which is completely ruined by these floods. 'They are going to have to spend more than 3.5million if they want to get it back. This is clearly not sustainable.' Henry Ward, 33, and his heavily pregnant wife Emma are expecting their first child together this month but instead of preparing excitedly for the big day, the farmer is worried about how he will provide for his family The tenant living in his 1million home on his farm was forced to evacuate in October because of the flood At its peak, the floodwater covered around 2,000 acres of fields owned by 'six or seven' farmers Mr Ward told MailOnline: 'It's heartbreaking but we have just got to think pragmatically' At its peak, the floodwater covered around 2,000 acres of fields owned by 'six or seven' farmers. One of Mr Ward's neighbouring farmers is Henry Moreton, the Lincolnshire county vice chairman for the National Farmers' Union. His farm was also flooded during Storm Babet. He said: 'If I was stood on my farm two days after Storm Babet, I would need a snorkel. 'I've never seen anything like it in my life.' Almost a third of Lincolnshire is below sea level but that area also produces a quarter of Britain's fruit and vegetables. Last week Mr Ward met with Environment Agency boss Alan Lovell to try and find a solution to the flooding that helps everyone. He said: 'It still just looks like an inland sea. 'We have saved thousands of businesses and houses from flooding, but we can't do that for free. 'It's heartbreaking but we have just got to think pragmatically. 'I'm trying to work with them but it's painful dealing with a government organisation. 'We need to think outside the box. The time for warm words is done. We need to get some work done. 'Why don't we come up with a scheme whereby the Environment Agency lets this land flood in a controlled manner, paying landowners for doing that, keeping businesses and homes from flooding? 'Let's have some joined-up thinking and use it as a public good to improve flooding resilience in the local area.' An Environment Agency spokesperson said: 'We fully recognise our farming communities have been particularly impacted by the winter storms and the damage it caused. 'The flooding to the farmland unfortunately happened because of damage to the earth embankments caused by the winter storms. 'We are working with the affected landowners to drain areas that were flooded using portable pumps across the Lower Witham catchment and make repairs to those damaged embankments. 'We are also agreeing proposals that will put in place a temporary repair on the Barlings Eau river, subject to weather conditions. 'We will continue to work with the local farming community to address any concerns they raise.' They cite health concerns and have even branded the meat an 'affront to nature' Conservative lawmakers in states including Florida, Tennessee and Texas have tabled laws that would make it a crime to produce or sell lab-grown meat Cultured meat is the culture wars' newest bone of contention. Republican efforts to ban and even outlaw production of the food, more commonly known as lab-grown meat, are heating up in states across the country. In Florida, Tennessee and at least five other states, lawmakers have tabled legislation to prevent the development and sale of the products, which are created in labs using cells taken from animals. Advocates of the nascent industry which has received billions of dollars in investment from entrepreneurs including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos say cultured meat is an ethical, environmentally sound alternative to conventional farming. But opponents, many of them on the right, have raised health concerns, talked up threats to the agriculture industry and even described the process as an 'affront to nature and creation'. A piece of lab-grown chicken created by UPSIDE Foods is cooked at one of the company's plants in California. Republican lawmakers across the US have tabled laws to ban the food High-profile investors in lab-grown meat companies include Leonardo DiCaprio and Bill Gates Lab-grown meat involves taking cells from animals including cows, chickens and pigs then 'feeding' them in a highly-controlled laboratory environment with ingredients including amino acids, hormones and sugars to promote growth. The result is different to vegetarian meat alternatives which mimic the texture and taste of animal products. The Food and Drug Administration has given approval to two companies, Good Meat and Upside Food, to create the products. But the technology remains in its early stages and studies have found it is currently more harmful to the environment than conventional farming. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the Republican former presidential hopeful, recently joined the growing herd of conservatives to publicly oppose lab-grown meat. 'You need meat, OK. And we're going to have meat in Florida,' he said in February. 'We're not going to have fake meat. Like that doesn't work.' DeSantis is expected to give approval to a bill passed by the state legislature which would make it 'unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell, hold or offer for sale, or distribute cultivated meat in this state'. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to sign a bill which would make the production and sale of lab-grown meat in the state. He said: 'We're not going to have fake meat. Like that doesn't work' A fillet of lab-grown cultured chicken developed by Eat Just is cooked on a barbecue The governor, who placed culture war issues at the heart of his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, has indicated his opposition is largely about protecting the agriculture industry. 'They really want to go after agriculture because they blame agriculture for global warming, (but) I know the legislature is doing a bill trying to protect our meat,' he said. Florida State Rep Tyler Sirois, who has spearheaded the state's legislation, said last November that cultured meat is an 'affront to nature and creation'. Sirois told Politico that lab-grown meat is part of the 'ESG agenda', referring to progressive environmental, social and governance values. In Tennessee, where farmland covers 45 percent of the state, lawmakers have supported a bill which would ban the sale of cultured meat and impose fines up to $1 million on rule-breakers. The bill is sponsored by State Senator Frank Niceley, whose family is in the farming business. 'This would be the death knell for [cultured meat],' he said. 'And in the long run, we'd be a lot better off.' The recent attempts by predominantly Republican lawmakers to outlaw the industry follow a flurry of investment in cultured meat technology which has so far failed to pay off. Founder & CEO Uma Valeti peers into one of the cultivation tanks at the UPSIDE Foods plant, where lab-grown meat is cultivated, in Emeryville, California Founder & CEO Uma Valeti walks along a row of cultivation tanks at the UPSIDE Foods plant, where lab-grown meat is cultivated Nearly $3billion was pumped into companies and start-ups between 2016 and 2022 by big businesses and investment funds, along with prominent individuals including Bill Gates and even Leonardo DiCaprio. The cash was raised following lofty promises from some industry leaders who claimed lab-grown meat would outsell the real thing within two decades. But given that around 400 million tons of meat is consumed globally each year, those claims quickly proved to be wholly delusional. Lab-grown meat is currently only available in a handful of restaurants across the globe and the laborious and costly development process means it is unlikely to be sold widely any time soon. The industry has also been beset back by issues in the production process. In 2018, samples of prototype cultured duck products made by Eat Just, a San Francisco-based company, were found to contain mouse cells after lab material were contaminated. Industry sources have said the bioreactors where animal cells are grown into meat products are a 'contamination nightmare' which are incredibly difficult to clean. These grim stories have also spurred efforts to ban lab grown meat on health grounds. In his opposition to lab grown meat, Tennessee state representative Bud Hulsey cited the Nuremberg code, a set of ethical rules developed after the Second World War in response to the Nazi's medical experiments on humans. 'Some folks would probably like to eat bugs with Bill Gates, but not me,' said Hulsey, comparing the industry to environmentalists' claims that insects are a more climate-friendly source of protein than conventional meat. Hulsey added: 'I think the Nuremberg code was all set up so you would not experiment on human people with new products and new experimentations without it being tested and tried and found out what it can do. Chicken bites made from lab-grown cultured chicken developed by Eat Just An employee of Eat Just looks at grilled fillet made from lab-grown cultured chicken developed by Eat Just 'We just came through Covid with an experimental shot that had a whole lot more problems than anyone wanted to talk about.' Bills to ban lab-grown meat have also been tabled in Texas, Alabama and Arizona. Some of these efforts have involved strict rules about how lab-grown meat can be labeled and could effectively ban use of words like 'cow' or 'chicken' from packaging, while forcing producers to include terms like 'lab-grown' or 'imitation'. But advocates for the products have claimed this is simply a way to deter consumers from the products by forcing producers to label them with unsavory terminology. The growing campaign in the US follows an outright ban on lab-grown meat in Italy, where it's right-wing government said the industry was a threat to its cultural heritage and farming sectors. Despite these campaigns, America's leaders in lab-grown meat remain certain it will be the future of human nutrition. 'You have a meat industry that is afraid of innovation and is seeking to lobby lawmakers to ban this innovation,' Paul Shapiro, chief executive of California-based Better Meat, told the Financial Times. 'It would be similar to Blockbuster lobbying lawmakers to try to ban streaming video.' Jeffrey Ross Gunter got a prestigious post as U.S. ambassador to Iceland after donating big bucks to Donald Trump. Now his rocky tenure on the volcanic island could hamstring his campaign for the U.S. Senate from Nevada. Gunter oversaw a threatening environment at the embassy, then stayed away and worked from home for a time on the other side of the Atlantic during a peak of the pandemic. Gunter has declared himself 110% Pro Trump' and now finds himself in a Senate primary taking on Army veteran Sam Brown, who is backed by the party's Senate campaign arm, and other contenders in a critical tossup race. He landed in Reykjavic after donating $100,000 to the Trump Victory PAC and $100,000 to the Trump Inaugural Committee, in a well-worn path to diplomatic service. Nevada Senate candidate Jeff Gunter served as ambassador to Iceland during the Trump administration. An Inspector General's report shortly after he left cited a 'threatening' environment With the GOPs prospects to take down incumbent Democrat Jackie Rosen on the line, Gunters fiery and unusual diplomatic tenure is getting a second look, in an illustration of the forces striving for primacy in the GOP amid a push to reclaim the Democratic Senate. Among a series of odd incidents, Gunter, who calls himself a strong Second Amendment backer, sought permission to carry a gun in the low-crime country, while fellow diplomats accused him of being paranoid about his security. 'I was sworn to protect America and American lives in Iceland,' he told DailyMail.com through his spokeswoman. He got confirmed to his post after meeting Trump in 2015, making big donations to support him. The dermatologist whose business includes a string of clinics revealed during his confirmation hearing he hadnt been to Iceland when he was nominated. Now, he is promising to implement an America first foreign policy. An IG report after he left found top staff focused on rebuilding staff morale and normalising embassy operations following the former Ambassadors tenure, and noted he was a non-career appointee. It was a tenure that was still causing aftershocks in the embassy even after he returned to the U.S., after burning through to staff. Gunter is in a crowded field challenging Sam Brown, an Army vet who was injured in Afghanistan who was defeated in his primary bid against Trump ally Adam Laxalt in 2022 Gunter held a fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago that featured a drop-by from Trump, who has not endorsed in the race. Laura Loomer and former Rep. Lee Zeldin were there The AG chided Gunter for his reliance on social media. He took some flack in-country for his post about the 'China Virus,' which echoed one by Trump Gunter's Twitter page features images of Trump. Gunter says he will implement 'America First' diplomacy The Senate campaign arm has already gotten behind Brown, who was defeated by Adam Laxalt in the 2022 primary and who is the leading GOP candidate this year Gunter's run (he is seen here with radio host Leo Terrell) comes in a race where Donald Trump could once again play a pivotal role Despite several months having elapsed since his departure, OIG found at the time of the inspection that embassy staff were still recovering from what they described as a threatening and intimidating environment created by the former Ambassador, according to the 2021 report by career investigators. Auditors mentioned multiple instances where staff reported he had threatened to sue Department officials and staff who disagreed with him, questioned his wishes, or were perceived as disloyal to him. They said he threatened reprisal. He 'flew into a rage' at one official who left snow boots under their desk in winter, and accused others of being part of the 'deep state,' CBS reported in 2020. Gunter denies the accusation and claims the mud-slinging came from people with Democratic ties. That all came during a posting where he leaned heavily on social media outreach over more traditional engagement with locals at a time when Trump was lighting up Twitter and infuriating his rivals. Officials in the public diplomacy section typically spent several hours working with the former Ambassador to produce a single social media post they told investigators after he left. That included a Facebook ad featuring the ambassador posing with actor Orlando Bloom. His post with actor Orlando Bloom drew criticism amid local complaints about getting access to the consulate. The IG report accuses his embassy of relying too much on social media and said staff would spend hours on an individual post But that online post came at a time when the consulate was closed amid the start of the COVID pandemic, and didnt go over well with all the locals. One wrote an angry post calling for him to be expelled after he retweeted a Trump Tweet and called for unity to defeat the Invisible China virus! Trump in his own July tweet had stated: We are United in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus. The ambassador is a man who echoes the same damaging rhetoric of the Trump administration which has endangered Americans in America by inflaming racial tensions, conflating conspiracies with science, and prolonging an epidemic, wrote American expat Grace Claiborn Barborudottir. As a candidate, Gunter touts a Trump retweet that got thousands of posts as among his accomplishments. Despite several months having elapsed since his departure, OIG found at the time of the inspection that embassy staff were still recovering from what they described as a threatening and intimidating environment created by the former Ambassador. Officials said he tried to work from home in California rather than returning to Iceland. Politico reported that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told him to return to Iceland during the pandemic, something his spokeswoman disputed. He's the only ambassador Ive ever heard of who tried to work remote from his home in California, said one national GOP strategist. Among the group of 'political' ambassadors, usually donors, there are some who have problems that rise to the level of needing the attention of senior diplomatic staff in Washington. There are also 'the ones that rose to Pompeo level. And that's when it was bad. And I do remember that this made it all the way up to the secretary,' a former State Department aide during the Trump Administration told DailyMail.com. 'Among senior staff it was like, WTF whats happening?' said the aide. 'Pompeo did not order Ambassador Gunter anywhere,' said spokeswoman Erica Knight, who has spoken to him about it. 'U.S. ambassadors answer to the president of the United States,' he told her. The physician was trying to keep people safe 'as bodies were piling up in Italy' early in the pandemic. According to team Gunter, he was back in D.C. for an ambassadors conference, then went on a planned two-day vacation. He was scheduled to fly back to Siganella Air Station in Italy when the pandemic forced him to cancel his trip. His embassy worked remotely 'out of an abundance of caution.' He flew back May 22, chartering a plane 'on his own dime' when he couldn't get a commercial flight. Republicans are salivating at the chance to knock off Democratic Sen. Jackie Rosen, who just committed to a record $14 million ad buy in the state amid tough polling numbers. Contenders include Brown, an Army vet who suffered burn wounds in Afghanistan, former secretary of state nominee GOP Rep. Jim Marchant, and former lieutenant governor candidate Tony Grady. Trump-backed Republican Adam Laxalt lost his 2022 race to Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D) by less than 8,000 votes. Gunters own financial commitment to the race is coming under question. He told Fox News he was making his own $3.3 million ad buy, but the Cook Political Report said there is no evidence he had done so yet. His camp says the bookings are set to start appearing on the 10th. The longtime California resident who was previously registered as a Democrat in the state has given to a raft of Republicans besides Trump, including critics like Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Trump nemesis former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney although that came back in 2016. His online ads have accused Brown, who endorsed Trump in January, of being a 'RINO' and a 'never-Trumper,' which he firmly denies. As in primaries across the country, the outcome will be shaped by the looming presence of Trump, who is on the way to the GOP presidential nomination. Gunter held a fundraiser last month at Mar-a-Lago, and Trump stopped by the event even asking a crowd that included former Rep. Lee Zeldin and right wing activist Laura Loomer if he should endorse Gunter (the Gunter supporters said he should, according to his team). The candidate has prominently included images of the two men together at the club on his Twitter page, even without an endorsement. 'President Trump knows exactly who the America First candidate is in this race,' Gunter wrote on his page. A source said that this week 'people surrounding Trump have advised against supporting Sam [Brown] and they do not like Sam.' Even a few years out of office with his tumultuous tenure behind him, Gunter hasn't forgotten how to salute the man who elevated him. 'And like I told President Trump at Mar-a-Lago, the strength and conviction I have to win this race is because of his courage. It was an honor to serve as his ambassador and Ill be his closest ally in the U.S. Senate,' he said. A South Carolina family is desperate for answers after their 66-year-old father recently diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia wandered off during a Royal Caribbean cruise with his wife. Edmond Bradley Solomon III, who suffers from the degenerative disorder, was last seen on Wednesday when the cruise he was on with his wife, Mimi, made a stop at Cozumel, Mexico. The pair went to the terminal's restroom after the ship, the Icon of the Seas, was docked, but since then, Solomon has not been seen or heard from by his family. 'When my stepmom, Mimi, came out, he wasnt there,' Solomon's daughter Savannah Miller told WCBD in an emotional interview. 'She thought he might still be in the bathroom so she waited for him for a few minutes. He didnt come out.' Edmond Bradley Solomon III, 66, was recently diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia before his Caribbean cruise He disappeared after he and his wife exited the Royal Caribbean cruise ship that had docked in Cozumel, Mexico, on Wednesday Despite a family member checking in on him, he was nowhere to be seen in the bathroom. At that point, Miller says, his family knew her father was 'lost.' The only reported sighting of him came from a cab driver who said he was hailed by the missing American on the Isla de la Pasion road. Municipal authorities say a taxi driver, responding to an alert about Solomon, said he was flagged down by the lost American around 2:30 pm, drove him to a road with beach access and was paid by Solomon with a wrist watch because he said he had no money, according to Mexico News Daily. Before his vanishing, Solomon was wearing was a white T-shirt, grey shorts and dark sunglasses. Miller told WCBD that his disorder - which is behavioral and doesn't affect his memory - makes him say 'odd things' and behave 'erratically or oddly because hes just doing what he knows how to do' 'He cant process the same way you or I can,' Miller added of her father, a former critical care nurse at Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston. Solomon and his wife went to the terminal's restroom after the ship was docked but since then, he has not been seen or heard from by his family - including daughter Savannah who is helping raise the alarm A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help with the search after the family contacted the Mexico City's U.S. Embassy and the consulate. The fundraiser has already raised more than $15,000 toward its $5,000 goal as of Saturday evening. 'The local military is actively searching. Mimi is at a hotel in Mexico. There are many unknowns right now and we want to help relieve any upcoming financial burdens,' organizer Marissa Aldridge wrote. A tearful Miller, who advocated that the 'best thing that anyone can do is just spread the word,' said she would be heading down to Cozumel to join the search with Mimi, who has remained in the area. 'Im really looking forward to having Mimi by my side and being able to give my dad a hug again,' Miller said. A former president of the TUC has been removed from the judging panel of an employment tribunal concerning a Christian social worker because of fears he could be perceived as biased against him. Mohammad Taj was recused from the tribunal of Felix Ngole in Leeds after lawyers raised concerns about the panel member's pro-LGBT leanings. Mr Ngole, 46, from Barnsley, is suing the NHS-backed care firm Touchstone Support after claiming he was denied his dream job because of his strong Christian beliefs. He had been offered a role as a mental health support worker but says the offer was rescinded after bosses discovered he had been involved in a legal case over his right to free speech. Mr Ngole's lawyers, from the Christian Legal Centre, made an application asking Mr Taj sitting as a lay judge to recuse himself from presiding on the case, saying his past comments on LGBT issues could lead to a perception of bias. Former president of the TUC Mohammad Taj, who has been removed from the judging panel of an employment tribunal concerning a Christian social worker Felix Ngole, 46, from Barnsley, is suing the NHS-backed care firm Touchstone Support after claiming he was denied his dream job because of his strong Christian beliefs Mr Taj served as president of the Trades Union Congress from 2013 to 2014 (Stock image) Deciding on the application, employment judge Jonathan Brain ruled that 'Mr Taj shall be recused', adding that his campaigning through the unions 'went beyond equality' and 'beyond equality treatment'. Mr Taj served as president of the Trades Union Congress from 2013 to 2014. This is the second time in a month that a tribunal concerning a Christian employee has been disrupted because of the issue of perceived bias. A whole panel in Nottingham recused themselves due to a 'perception of bias' in the case of a Christian teacher. Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: 'In recent months, the Christian Legal Centre has uncovered bias in four cases. 'This should trouble everyone who cares about open and transparent justice.' BEIRUT, April 7 (Xinhua) -- A Hezbollah fighter was killed and two civilians were injured on Sunday in Israeli airstrikes on the village of Kafr Kila in southeastern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources said. The sources, who spoke anonymously, said that Israel carried out eight airstrikes on six border towns and villages in southern Lebanon and fired 45 shells on 10 towns and villages in the south in the evening, destroying 12 houses and damaging 35 others. Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters attacked several Israeli sites near the Lebanon-Israel border. The military sources also confirmed the launch of about 25 surface-to-surface missiles from Lebanon toward northern Israel, some of which were intercepted. 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. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. The confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel have killed 413 people on the Lebanese side, including 261 Hezbollah members and 74 civilians, according to Lebanese security sources. The Tory MP at the centre of a 'honeytrap' sexting scandal has been linked to a suspected sting operation which ultimately helped to bring down Boris Johnson. Senior party sources allege that William Wragg helped to bring allegations of sexual misconduct against key Johnson ally Chris Pincher in June 2022. The scandal over Mr Pincher groping two men at the Carlton Club in London led to his resignation as deputy chief whip and an eight-week Commons suspension before he quit as an MP in September 2023. Mr Pincher had been in charge of the so-called 'Operation Save Big Dog' to stop rebel MPs from ousting Mr Johnson. But friends of the former prime minister believe Mr Pincher and other Johnson loyalists were targeted by critics which included Mr Wragg to destabilise his premiership. Senior party sources allege that William Wragg (left) helped to bring allegations of sexual misconduct against key Boris Johnson (right) ally Chris Pincher in June 2022 The scandal over Mr Pincher (pictured) groping two men at the Carlton Club in London led to his resignation as deputy chief whip and an eight-week Commons suspension before he quit as an MP in September 2023 Other sources even claim Russia helped with the efforts because of Mr Johnson's opposition to Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, although there is no suggestion Mr Wragg is linked to disinformation spreading. Senior Tory figures told The Mail on Sunday yesterday that Hazel Grove MP Mr Wragg was closely connected with one of the men who made allegations about Mr Pincher's behaviour in the Carlton Club, the spiritual home of the Tory Party. A source said: 'One of the men who claimed to be assaulted by Mr Pincher was in close contact with Mr Wragg that night, and messaged him to effectively say, 'We've got him'. 'I believe it was a 'sting' to bring down Chris as the precursor to getting rid of Boris completely.' On Thursday, Mr Wragg admitted sharing fellow MPs' personal phone numbers with a man he met on a dating app in an apparent 'honeytrap'. Mr Wragg could not be reached for comment yesterday. But allies sprang to his defence and insisted he would not have been involved in any plot to target Mr Pincher. Friends of the former deputy chief whip have privately raised fears that he was the victim of a sting but without knowing who could have been behind it. And last night, Johnson ally Nadine Dorries questioned why Mr Wragg was not being disciplined by the Tory Party after last week's revelations which sparked police and security investigations. Former Cabinet minister Ms Dorries told The Mail on Sunday: 'One has to ask the question what is the real reason why No 10 are circling the wagons to protect William Wragg in this way? Senior Tory figures told The Mail on Sunday yesterday that Hazel Grove MP Mr Wragg was closely connected with one of the men who made allegations about Mr Pincher's behaviour in the Carlton Club, the spiritual home of the Tory Party. Pictured: The Houses of Parliament 'It totally stinks and it's utterly bizarre when other MPs have lost the Whip for far less.' She added: 'Boris Johnson was removed from his post as PM for not removing the Whip from Chris Pincher quickly enough. It's not like Wragg has made a significant contribution to the Tory cause.' However, senior part members have thrown a protective arm around Mr Wragg, with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt praising his 'courageous and fulsome' apology for his behaviour last week. Mr Wragg has already said he intends to leave the Commons at the next election. But last night one Tory critic, who does not wished to be named, said: 'He should, for once, do the decent thing and resign his seat now.' A foreign sex offender who raped a teenage girl has avoided deportation after winning a ten-year asylum battle to remain in the UK, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Judges ruled that deporting the rapist to Eritrea, East Africa, would breach his human rights because he had previously dodged military conscription and was at risk of being punished if he returned. The hugely controversial decision is among more than 360 immigration rulings made in February and March by the Upper Tier Tribunal, which examines asylum and deportation appeals. In an exclusive audit by this newspaper of the tribunal's recent decisions, we can also reveal how: A Jamaican drug dealer who has been deported from the UK three times only to then repeatedly sneak back into the country has won his bid to stay. An alleged crime boss accused by the Indian government of money laundering won his appeal against a Home Office decision to deny him asylum. A Jamaican woman twice convicted of possession of drugs with intent to supply is still fighting deportation 22 years after she entered the UK. An Italian drug dealer won an appeal against deportation despite being described as having 'operational control' of a telephone line used to supply Class A drugs. Our audit of cases comes after Home Secretary James Cleverly called for a light to be shone on tribunal decisions, many of which are shrouded in secrecy because judges often impose draconian reporting restrictions. A foreign sex offender who raped a teenage girl has avoided deportation after winning a ten-year asylum battle to remain in the UK, The Mail on Sunday can reveal (file pic) Home Secretary James Cleverly has called for a light to be shone on tribunal decisions, many of which are shrouded in secrecy because judges often impose draconian reporting restrictions Indeed, we can reveal that 47 of the 110 decisions made by the Upper Tribunal during the first two weeks of March involved cases where asylum seekers or foreign criminals were granted anonymity via court orders. Among them was the sex attacker who the Home Office had been trying to deport from Britain since 2014 after he was jailed for raping the teenage girl. The tribunal ruled he cannot be identified and is instead known only as 'LF'. Court papers reveal that prison and probation officials said he still poses a 'medium risk of harm to the public'. But a judge confirmed an earlier ruling which upheld his appeal against the Home Office's refusal to let him stay in the UK. Meanwhile, another migrant granted anonymity is an Indian national who sought asylum in 2019 but, along with his mother and brother, is alleged to control an organised crime group involved in drug and human trafficking, and the financing of terrorism. The man denies the allegations. Tory MP Nigel Mills said: 'These decisions sound like they are completely out of touch with the public mood. 'The idea that somebody who has sexually assaulted a young person should ever be allowed to stay is utterly ludicrous.' In another case, Jamaican Andrew Wayne Hunt won his appeal despite being convicted of money laundering in 2004 and possession with intent to supply cocaine and amphetamines in 2015. Tory MP Nigel Mills said the tribunal decisions are 'completely out of touch with the public mood' and said it was 'utterly ludicrous' to allow someone to stay in the UK who has sexually assaulted a young person He was deported to Jamaica in 2006, 2008 and 2010 but on each occasion he returned illegally. In July 2023, First-tier Tribunal Judge Nadine Clarkson ruled his fourth deportation would have 'unduly harsh consequences' for two of his six children, which blocked his removal from the UK. Astonishingly, two judges said it is likely they would have reached a different conclusion. The Home Office said it was 'doubling down on removing foreign offenders', adding: 'Anyone convicted of a crime and given a prison sentence is considered for deportation at the earliest opportunity.' A nurse and her husband are facing sex crime charges after child porn and a video of her having sex with the family dog were allegedly found. Joely, 53, and William Mitchell Keen, 52, were arrested on March 27 after dozens of disturbing photos and videos were allegedly discovered on his phone. They allegedly included at least one video of Joely engaged in 'multiple sex acts' with the couple's Great Dane - the world's biggest dog breed. Police uncovered the video after confiscating her husband's phone after he was charged with indecent exposure on March 13. Joely, 53, and William Mitchell Keen, 52, were arrested on March 27 after dozens of disturbing photos and videos were allegedly discovered on his phone They allegedly included at least one video of Joely engaged in 'multiple sex acts' with the couple's Great Dane, and child porn The couple's home was raided by heavily armed police and they were taken away in handcuffs The father-of-two, who goes by Mitchell, was caught masturbating while following children around a H-E-B supermarket in Spring, just outside Houston. Further investigation led to him also being charged with indecency with a child by exposure - and the discovery of the videos. The couple's home was raided by heavily armed police and they were taken away in handcuffs while their two children, aged 18 and 10, and three dogs were rescued. 'We don't know what kind of environment they were exposed to on a regular basis. Maybe they weren't exposed to anything. Maybe they were exposed to a lot,' Montgomery County Constables Lieutenant Ken Washington said. Mitchell is a former US Navy sailor and Joely a family nurse at nearby Total Men's Primary Care until she was fired on Monday. The couple pictured with a photo of their son who died in 2012 when he was just two Joely is a family nurse at nearby Total Men's Primary Care until she was fired on Monday Joely was charged with bestiality and Mitchell with possessing fewer than 100 images of child pornography a third-degree felony. Both were released on bail, Joely on $5,000 and Mitchell on $50,000, but did return to their home for several days. Left parked in their driveway was a truck with a 'Wildlife Rescue and Relocation' sticker on the back. Neighbors told local news the couple were know for their affinity with animals and one joked he used to call Mitchell 'Pet Detective'. Joely was charged with bestiality and Mitchell with possessing fewer than 100 images of child pornography a third-degree felony Their two children were sent to live with relatives. 'It's not normal. In the 20-plus years I've been doing this job, it doesn't cease to amaze me,' Washington said. 'Something comes up every now and again when you are investigating a crime. So when these detectives were going through this investigation, and they find the images and the video and the sexual acts - that's extremely concerning. 'But then you see an animal involved, which makes this odd.' The RAF may have to recall three Voyager aircraft leased out to holiday tour firms so they can be used in the Rwanda asylum programme, this newspaper can reveal. The Home Office is thought to be in negotiations with private aircraft operators about using their planes to transport migrants to Rwanda, but it is understood that many are reluctant to be involved. The RAF is believed to be the Home Office's 'back-stop' to get the scheme off the ground. But one senior RAF source said: 'At the moment we are maxed out, meaning that we have zero capacity for additional missions. 'The only way forward is to bring the lease aircraft which are flying to the Mediterranean back into military service.' The RAF may have to recall three Voyager aircraft leased out to holiday tour firms so they can be used in the Rwanda asylum programme It comes as Rishi Sunak faces criticism that he has failed to push the Treasury to fully fund the Rwanda scheme. This includes a reported 27 million upgrade of the Boscombe Down base in Wiltshire from where the Rwanda flights are due to leave. A Whitehall source said: 'Rishi bows to Treasury officials because he's a technocrat.' But a Government source said that Mr Sunak had 'invested a significant amount in getting the Rwanda scheme up and running'. In 2022, Mallorca-based Privilege Style originally hired to provide Rwanda flights pulled out of the deal following pressure from Left-wing campaigners. One former Home Office Minister said yesterday that if any private airline did volunteer, it would want its insignia removed from the exterior of the aircraft. A Government spokesman said: 'Stopping the boats is a priority for this Government. 'We have robust operational plans in place for flights and we are working towards ensuring the first flights leave for Rwanda as soon as possible.' Thousands of more residents have been evacuated while others have been warned to prepare to leave following a mammoth downpour in NSW over the weekend. More than 100 flood warnings remained in place for towns along the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers on Sunday morning after Friday's monster deluge. Thousands of residents across Sydney's west and north-west have been evacuated while 146 were saved from flood waters since Saturday morning. Water levels are expected to peak on Sunday before subsiding after clouds parted over the weekend with little rain predicted to fall until Tuesday. NSW's State Emergency Service (SES) is now conducting crucial damage assessments across the state with a number of properties damaged or classed as 'non-habitable'. The NSW Government on Sunday announced a disaster recovery package for over a dozen communities affected by flooding. Thousands of residents in Sydney's north-west have been evacuated and over 140 rescued after floodwaters along the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers peaked on Saturday Floodwaters came close to swelling above the Windsor Bridge (pictured) as it peaked at 9.35m on Saturday night Major concerns were held for the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers after the Warragamba Dam spilt over on Saturday morning. The dam released 200 gigalitres of water into the system downstream every hour. The Hawkesbury River peaked at 10.52m in North Richmond, far north-west Sydney, about 9pm on Saturday leading to major flooding. READ MORE: Evacuation alert as Warragamba Dam spills over and mans body is found at Penrith Advertisement Those levels fell to 8.98m early on Sunday and expected to fall below the moderate flood level of 7.9m on Sunday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). Floodwaters at Windsor, just up-stream, sit above the moderate flood level at 9.35m and is expected to remain steady into the week. Meanwhile, the Hawkesbury Rivers near Lower Portland continues to rise and is predicted to break the minor flood level of 4.6m. Minor flooding has rapidly eased across the Nepean River, having peaked at 8.58m at Menangle Bridge on Saturday night and fallen to 3.96m by Sunday morning. Hawkesbury mayor, Sarah McMahon, said the community is now stuck waiting for waters to subside. 'Potentially our farmers, home owners and residents who are down on the lowlands will need to see if their properties and their businesses have been impacted,' she said. NSW SES superintendent Scott McLennan said the agency is working to support the community. 'We are working through a range of warnings as the situation changes,' he said. 'With the peaks of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River passing overnight, we will start seeing the gradual falling of the river and that debris starting to move down stream. '[Sunday] will be more about supporting those communities that have been isolated.' The NSW Government revealed 13 LGAs affected by the floods will be granted access to a disaster relief fund to help replace essential household items and repair homes Other communities have started the gruelling cleanup task after Friday's deluge led to flash flooding across NSW's East Coast (pictured) The SES is conducting damage assessments across the Illawarra and Sydney's Northern Beaches after a number of properties were damaged during the deluge. The agency reported 20 properties damaged by flood waters in the Illawarra, six of which are now non-habitable. SES crews will also continue to conduct patrols across flood affected areas and isolated communities before assessing damage across the Hawkesbury and Nepean. Up to 300 people could be trapped in the Megalong Valley near the Blue Mountains, according to mayor Mark Greenhill. 'We're looking at whether or not we can put a temporary bridge in to get across the broken gap and perhaps potentially get vehicles in,' he told the ABC. 'In the meantime, we've got helicopters on stand-by to drop provisions into the Valley should they be needed.' A number of communities remain isolated as floodwaters cut access to essential roads Flooding are expected to recede on Sunday and into Monday before communities start to recover from the deluge The torrential downpour has created a mess of the streets and everything on them (pictured, a car in Wollongong) The Blue Mountains is one of 13 LGAs where residents are eligible for government funding to restore essential household items and repair their home. The other LGAs include Camden, Hawkesbury, Kiama, Liverpool, Penrith, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly and Wollongong. Emergency Management Minister, Catherine King, said it was crucial for communities to promptly begin recovery efforts. 'I want to thank those who have worked hard to start the clean-up efforts so quickly and I want to assure those whose lives have been disrupted that we will support them through their recovery,' Ms King said in a statement. 'The NSW Government is continuing to assess the damage and fully understand the impact of this disaster, and the Australian Government stands ready to respond to any requests for assistance.' The SES is performing crucial damage assessments across the state as floodwaters drop early next week, with a number of homes deemed non-habitable A Real Housewives star and her husband are pushing to have their $3.7 million home's historic designation removed over the original owner's 'anti-immigration' views - after getting banned from refurbishing it because of its protected status. Dr. Arnold Mahesan, a fertility specialist, and his wife, entrepreneur and former Real Housewives of Toronto actor Roxanne Earle, purchased the home in 2022 for $5 million CAD (approximately 3.7 USD), unaware at the time of its heritage designation. Located at 64 Woodlawn Ave West in Toronto, Canada, the 6-bedroom house was constructed in 1906 for Stapleton Pitt Caldecott, a former Toronto Board of Trade president with anti-immigration views. The couple claimed they only learned of the property's heritage status last year when they attempted to alter its steep stairway and realized they needed city permission due to the designation. Now, they are petitioning the city to remove the heritage designation from their century-old home over the original owner's 'racist beliefs,' according to CBC. Dr. Arnold Mahesan, a fertility specialist (right) and his wife, entrepreneur and former Real Housewives of Toronto actor Roxanne Earle (left) purchased the home in 2022 for $5 million CAD (approximately 3.7 USD), reportedly unaware at the time of its heritage designation Located at 64 Woodlawn Ave West in Toronto, Canada , the 6-bedroom house was constructed in 1906 for Stapleton Pitt Caldecott, a former Toronto Board of Trade president with reportedly anti-immigration views Now, the couple is petitioning the city to remove the heritage designation from their century-old home over the original owner Stapleton Caldecott's 'racist beliefs' 'Stapleton Caldecott would've been appalled by us living in the house he commissioned,' Mahesan said at a Toronto Preservation Board meeting on March 28. The two-and-a-half story home is situated on a spacious 50x179 lot, and boasts historical architectural features. The city mandates approval from the preservation board for alterations to historic homes. The couple argued that the home should be exempt from preservation requirements due to the racist views held by its original owner in 1906. Despite the couple's appeal, the board ultimately rejected their request. However, the final decision rests with the City Council. Their lawyer, Michael Campbell, said they are not giving up. 'We intend to realize every opportunity we can to try to convince council to repeal the designation,' Campbell told CBC. But a city report clarified that the home's preservation designation stemmed from its architectural significance, not its ownership history. The couple argued that the home should be exempt from preservation requirements due to the racist views held by its original owner in 1906 A city report clarified that the home's preservation designation stemmed from its architectural significance, not its ownership history (Pictured: the home's recently renovated kitchen) The report said the historical significance came from the fact the house was designed by architect Eden Smith, and not because it was made for Caldecott The report said the historical significance came from the fact the house was designed by architect Eden Smith, and not because it was made for Caldecott. The report states, 'Staff maintain that the property is valued as a fine representative example of an early 20th-century house form building designed in the Period Revival style influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement.' 'It is distinguished by its asymmetrical plan with the projecting bays, the complicated roofline with the gables and the distinctive canted chimneys, and the decorative wood strapwork,' it continued. Although the city agreed to remove references to Caldecott from heritage documents, they maintained the designation. The City Council's decision is anticipated to be announced in May. Earle criticized what she perceived as the board's endorsement of racism and vowed to continue their pursuit to remove the heritage designation The couple clarified that they have no immediate plans to renovate or demolish the house, but said they are determined to address what they view as a celebration of racism within their living space. Earle criticized what she perceived as the board's endorsement of racism and vowed to continue their pursuit to remove the heritage designation. Speaking to CBC, she called the decision a 'smack in the face,' and said she is not fighting for this as a 'tactic.' 'How would I know that a city like Toronto has a preservation society which intends to celebrate racism more than the people living in the homes?' she asked CBC. 'How is that something an average homeowner is supposed to know?' The couple clarified that they have no immediate plans to renovate or demolish the house, but confirmed their determination to address what they view as a celebration of racism within their living space. 'I have no plans of developing this house or changing this house,' she told CBC Toronto. 'My issue is that I've done great work in this city and yet still I have to be racialized by living in a house that is celebrating something so anti everything that my husband and I are.' A bank teller stopped a woman from transferring $6million to a scammer who was pretending to be a conveyancer she was buying a house from. The woman, in her 50s, walked into an NAB branch in Erina, on the NSW Central Coast, on Monday wanting to transfer her entire life savings to secure a property. She showed an invoice that had been sent via email to customer advisor Nikki Alvaro, who immediately noticed multiple red flags, including the company name. 'The company name on the invoice looked completely different from the normal property exchange company (PEXA) and the money was going to one bank, when I know PEXA is normally a different bank,' Ms Alvaro told 7News. A bank teller (pictured) has stopped a woman from transferring $6 million to a scammer who was pretending to be a conveyancer she was buying a house from The bank teller asked the customer to call the conveyancer and confirm the BSB and account numbers. The woman was reluctant to follow the instruction at first but quickly relented - and the response she received horrified everyone. READ MORE: The Australia Post scam you need to ignore Advertisement 'The conveyancer told the customer, "I haven't even sent you an email because I haven't even got a price yet" and he confirmed he didn't bank with the bank the money was going to,' Ms Alvaro said. It is understood the scammer had compromised a real conveyancer's business email, obtained all the relevant information, and altered the payment details so the money would go straight into their own account. According to Ms Alvaro, everything looked legitimate but she had a feeling that something didn't look right. Aussies lost $16.2million to payment redirection scams last year. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the industries most commonly targeted by these scams are traditionally those that regularly deal with large transfers of money, such as the real estate and legal sectors. The woman, in her 50s, walked into a NAB branch in Erina, on the NSW Central Coast, on Monday wanting to transfer her entire life savings to secure a property 'Scammers are sophisticated criminals and are becoming more targeted in how they exploit Australian consumers and businesses,' ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said in a statement. 'These criminals are posing as genuine businesses that a consumer has recently dealt with, sending fake invoices with altered payment details so that the money ends up with the scammer. 'If you receive an invoice via email, take the time to call the business on a number you have found yourself to confirm that the payment details are correct.' The customer later sent Ms Alvaro a bouquet of flowers and a note thanking her. Britain is to deploy a Royal Navy warship to help get more aid into Gaza, the UK has announced. Alongside the vessel, which is not being named for security, the Government announced a 9.7million package for aid deliveries, logistical expertise and equipment support for a humanitarian corridor in the eastern Mediterranean between Cyprus and Gaza. Last week the RAF airdropped more than 10 tons of food into Gaza for the first time amid fears that 1.1million people face 'imminent' famine in a 'catastrophic' humanitarian crisis. Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron said the UK and its allies needed to 'explore all options' including sea and air deliveries to 'ease the desperate plight of some of the world's most vulnerable people' in the territory. News of the UK's support for the international aid effort came as Israel marked six months since the October 7 attacks in which Hamas killed more than 1,100 people and kidnapped about 250. The Royal Navy will be using one of its ships to deliver aid to Gaza. It's not known which vessel will be used. Pictured is aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales with RFA Mounts Bay The UK has already airdropped 10 tons food supplies into Gaza for the first time as the Defence Secretary urged Israel to allow more aid into the war-torn territory It is also nearly a week since an Israel Defence Forces air strike killed three British aid workers in Gaza, in an attack the IDF later admitted was a 'grave mistake'. The UK Government continues to call for further safety measures to protect aid workers on the ground in Gaza from being caught up in the fighting. Lord Cameron said: 'The situation in Gaza is dire and the prospect of famine is real. We remain committed to getting aid to those who so desperately need it. 'Along with the US, Cyprus and other partners, we are setting up a new temporary pier off the coast of Gaza to get aid in as quickly and securely as possible. 'Land access remains crucial to deliver aid at the scale now required. The opening of Erez and the Port of Ashdod is hugely welcome and something the UK has long been calling for. 'Israel has also agreed to increase the number of aid trucks entering Gaza to a minimum of 500 a day. 'But we need to continue to explore all options, including by sea and air, to ease the desperate plight of some of the world's most vulnerable people.' The RAF airdropped more than 10 tons of food into Gaza last week for the first time amid fears that 1.1million people face 'imminent' famine in a 'catastrophic' humanitarian crisis Palestinians inspect the damage of buildings destroyed by Israeli airstrikes on Jabaliya refugee camp on the outskirts of Gaza City, Tuesday, Oct 31, 2023 The British armed forces have dropped 40 tonnes of aid into Gaza in recent weeks to tackle the bottleneck in supplies reaching Palestinians. The five air drops have seen supplies including water, flour and baby formula parachuted into the territory. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said the RAF had played a 'central role' in delivering aid. He added: 'We are now going further, working with international partners to set up a humanitarian maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza. 'A new temporary pier on the coast of Gaza will be critical to supporting these efforts, by hosting cargo ships to deliver aid by sea.' Locals have lashed out at plans proposed by King Charles to build 2,500 homes on 320 acres of farmland in a historic market town. Residents of Faversham, in Kent, have criticised the proposals put forward by the Duchy of Cornwall which they believe will 'swallow up' the town and turn it into an 'urban mass'. The plans, which were first announced when the King, as the then Duke of Cornwall, managed the Duchy in 2018, seek to build 120 homes each year across a 20-year period. An application for consent for an initial 261 homes was submitted to the local council in December last year, sparking outrage among locals who argue the town does not have the infrastructure support such a development, The Telegraph reports. Some have claimed the proposals will negatively impact the local environment and contradict the King's love for the natural world, while others say it will increase traffic and air pollution. Locals have lashed out at plans proposed by King Charles to build 2,500 homes on 320 acres of farmland in a historic market towns. Pictured: Charles views the renovation work taking place at Llwynywormwood in 2008 The plans (pictured), which were first announced when the King, as the then Duke of Cornwall, managed the Duchy in 2018, seek to build 120 homes each year across a 20-year period Pictured is a concept drawing of what some of the homes in the new Faversham development could look like The plans state there will also be space earmarked for 'food stores and independent retailers, craftmakers and producers', while a new high street will feature a range of restaurants, cafes and office spaces The houses are earmarked for a plot of land to the south-east of Faversham which was acquired by the Duchy in 1999. The proposals have been put forward to address the housing crisis and will deliver an 'ideal town' in line with a similar urban development in Poundbury. It will deliver 'affordable homes designed and built to the same high-quality standards, indistinguishable from market homes', according to a website for the development. The website adds: 'South East Faversham will be an attractive, modern and enjoyable place in which people can live, work, shop and relax. It will be guided by local needs and inspired by the character of Faversham.' There will also be space earmarked for 'food stores and independent retailers, craftmakers and producers', while a new high street will feature a range of restaurants, cafes and office spaces. 'There will be a new primary school and options are being explored for a care home and potentially a range of health related facilities,' the website states. A new 'employment area' will also feature on the eastern part of the site and will include 'light industrial and distribution businesses encouraged to relocate nearer junction 7 of the M2'. Faversham's cricket club will also be relocated in the new development, with its current location being redeveloped into housing. The plans were recently put out for public consultation with Swale Borough Council, prompting a number of angered locals to voice their concerns. Speaking out against the plans, resident Peter Hall wrote: 'Do you really want it to be on your watch that all our historic villages are swallowed up into one urban mass, and so much vital agricultural land will be lost forever?' Residents of Faversham (pictured), in Kent, have criticised the proposals put forward by the Duchy of Cornwall which they believe will 'swallow up' the town A view of the Faversham Creek in 2022. The houses are earmarked for a plot of land to the south-east of Faversham which was acquired by the Duchy in 1999. Faversham is located in Kent, in the south east of England, around ten miles from Canterbury Richard Winnett added: 'The Duchy proposes such a development with the consequential loss of a huge area of fine productive agricultural land. This seems totally at odds with HRH's public stance on environmental and farming issues.' Sarah Vomley added: 'I always thought the Duchy cared about the environment and green spaces, seems I was wrong. They also can't (or won't) maintain the houses they already have.' Another resident Angela Penrose, also wrote on a Facebook campaign group: 'It seems there's no end to the greed of Prince William and King Charles!! 'It's a disgrace that they pose as environmentalists when in fact they're like all developers and it's purely about the money! And what about food security?? All this Grade 1 and 2 farmland being concreted over.' James Addicott added: 'My family are very proud 3rd-generation Duchy farmers and they feel ashamed and betrayed. No honour, just greed. We were hoping the Royals were maybe oblivious to it all, with good intentions, but it's all a gloss.' Sharon Onciu claimed the village of Selling where she lives, which is southeast of Faversham, would be 'destroyed' if the plans went ahead. She wrote: 'The Duchy of Cornwall is I understand the Prince of Wales? If the Duchy truly believes this will benefit this part of the world they are wholly misguided. We are already stretched to the limit.' 'No one I have met supports this application. In truth we live in constant fear about what the duchy's next move will be and how it will destroy yet more of our beautiful countryside.' The Duchy of Cornwall, who have put forward the plans, is a private estate established by Edward III in 1337. The houses are earmarked for a plot of land to the south-east of Faversham which was acquired by the Duchy in 1999, when the estate was managed by the then Prince Charles Prince William (pictured with his father), who is the Prince of Wales, now controls the estate after inheriting it from his father, King Charles III when he was made King Prince William, who is the Prince of Wales, now controls the estate and its 345million property portfolio - which includes 128,000 acres of land - after inheriting it from his father, King Charles III when he made made King. The Duchy, which reportedly had a 21million income last year, is passed to the eldest son of a reigning British monarch. Inheriting the Duchy has made the new Prince of Wales the biggest private landowner in Britain, with a 1.2 billion holding across 23 counties, including farms, housing developments, seven castles, woodland, coastlines and commercial property. Although Prince William is new to the role, over the past few years he has been learning about the Duchy in preparation. A spokesman for the Duchy of Cornwall told The Telegraph: 'South-east Faversham will, if planning permission is granted, follow in the footsteps of Poundbury, Nansledan and other sustainable Duchy developments and become one of the most environmentally friendly neighbourhoods in the United Kingdom. 'It will prioritise access to green spaces, sustainable transport and will focus on the community's needs including affordable housing and a new primary school as well as new traffic infrastructure and healthcare services. 'New green spaces including meadows, orchards, allotments and woodland means biodiversity is set to increase by 20 per cent while a focus on sustainable travel and building a walkable neighbourhood is expected to generate 20 per cent fewer car trips compared to similar-sized communities.' The King and Queen wave as they arrive at St George's Chapel in Windsor The King smiles as he leaves the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle on March 31 Earlier this week it was revealed King Charles is reported to be feeling 'over the moon' after his cancer treatment has started well. While his doctors are keeping a close eye on his health insiders told the paper that he is 'itching to take the reins' and return to his role as King. And they claim he wants to follow in his mother's footsteps - following her mantra that 'he needs to be seen to be believed'. No upcoming trips have been confirmed, Buckingham Palace has confirmed to MailOnline. The King hopes to be back for the Trooping the Colour in June and the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France the week before, The Sun reports, but this is expected to come after his traditional post-Easter break. On Sunday the monarch was in high-spirits this morning as he made a 'gentle' return to public life in his most significant appearance since being diagnosed with cancer. The 'happy' monarch was seen smiling and waving at well-wishers as he arrived in his maroon state Bentley limousine for the service being held at St George's Chapel. The King's cheery appearance provided reassurance to the public after he took a step back from his official duties following his diagnosis in February. The time has come. It's not too late. The Conservative Party must now confess its sins. Tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. No more cover-ups. No more 'line-to-take'. Throw yourself on the mercy of the British people. Ask for our forgiveness. Beg for our mercy. Seek redemption. Things have gone too far for more leadership elections and internal beauty parades such as Penny vs Priti. On the three subjects closest to the British public's hearts the economy, the NHS and immigration the Government has scored F for Fail. It may not be guilty of perjury deliberate, intentional lies but as a country we certainly feel a sense of disillusionment, disappointment with what our democratic system has provided for us. We live in a world of fake news and alternative facts. We are sometimes bewildered. Uncertain. Not sure what's true and what's not. Or if perhaps it's all lies. Let's start with the money. Everyone knows that the No1 item of Government expenditure is the NHS. But who knows the next biggest expense? Is it, perhaps, education? Or defence? Crime? The environment? It's none of these. The second largest UK public expenditure is now interest payments on Government debt. In 2022/23, they amounted to 112billion the equivalent of 9.7 per cent of all Government spending. As every household knows, the one thing you can't cut back on is the interest payment on your mortgage. Likewise, the two biggest items of Government expenditure the NHS and loan interest are fixed and cannot be reduced. So much for ministers' plan to cut Government spending to pay for tax cuts. Lord Saatchi pictured with Baroness Margaret Thatcher at the Saatchi Gallery in 2010 As people's knowledge of money is at least as good as any economics professor from LSE, we have all worked out that taxes have gone up and that the chances of us getting any significant tax cut in the near future are virtually nil. Contrast that with the more respectful approach to public opinion of Margaret Thatcher a politician who changed my life with her support for the advertising agency I ran with my brother. She strongly believed, and wanted to explain to us, that lower taxes could mean higher tax revenue in the long run. But realising that sounded quite mad, she created a great think-tank, The Centre For Policy Studies, to explore the subject. Its first director, the Tory Sir Keith Joseph, wrote letters to senior academic economists saying: 'I much admired your recent lecture/article/speech. I wonder if by any chance you might be free for lunch one day to discuss your ideas further.' The result was that by the time the 'mad' tax-cutting proposal became famous Conservative policy, it was ready to be supported and endorsed by an illustrious body of Britain's top economists. Four general election victories in a row followed. Without such a thoughtful, rational explanation today, any tax cut offered to us will be seen for what it is a last-minute pre-election bribe. We will remain unmoved by it. Wouldn't it be better to confess the truth about the situation Britain is in so we can consider it for ourselves? The same, of course, applies to the NHS Britain's proudest achievement since the Second World War now in a sorry state, with record low public satisfaction. We have all felt the same. Our glow of pride in our health system slowly darkens to ambivalence, concern about the present and anxiety about the future. How about some straight talk on this subject, too? We are not going to pay more tax for the NHS. We are paying enough tax already. We are also not going to pay extra for NHS treatment because it's meant to be free at the point of use. All the while, there is a new Government approach to health. Top secret. Very hush-hush. They will deny it, of course, but it is essentially what I call 'Rationing by Waiting'. Your knee operation, for example, will still be free, it's just that you will have to wait a year. If you don't like the delay, pay extra. We are not going to pay more tax for the NHS. We are paying enough tax already. We are also not going to pay extra for NHS treatment because it's meant to be free at the point of use. Pictured: Rishi Sunak We have grown used to 'tiered services' from airlines or streaming TV channels. The NHS has joined the club. Its managers are now actively instructed to commission private hospitals and encourage doctors to send them their impatient patients. Furthermore, in its investigations into how future care will be funded, the Department of Health is considering new 'Premium' and 'Premium+' features, which give the account holder that's you a 'blue tick'. The monthly fee for extra features will be set by the patient, who can choose from one of several price/treatment options. So much for truth in healthcare. This brings me to the touchiest subject of all immigration. We, the people, were told, flat out, that Brexit would stop the flood of immigrants taking our jobs, our houses, our school places and our hospital beds. Instead, we belatedly discovered (a tribute to our free press) what actually happened. Unbelievably, while blocking EU immigrants in the name of 'national sovereignty', the Government opened our borders for an invasion of immigrants from the rest of the world. One million a year. A city the size of Birmingham. Can we fit them all in? Who knows? Are these new citizens required to do jobs we won't do? Nobody knows. It is never discussed. Meantime, at 1.9 million per immigrant departure to Rwanda, perhaps it might be cheaper to put them up at The Ritz with an unlimited Harrods credit card. And the moral of the story? Politics is an intellectual activity. We can spot the flaw in a political argument from a mile off. We dislike waffle, cliches and platitudes. They are an insult to our intelligence. The Government has recklessly picked a fight with an opponent it cannot beat we the people. It forgot that we are not 'petitioners', as in the reign of Henry VIII. It's all our money. All the salaries. All the staff. All the lightbulbs. All the heating. All the phones. We pay for everything. We own the place. It's best not to treat us like mugs. Call me sad, but I have probably seen more public opinion research than any living person. One thing is certain. The British public is the most sophisticated and aware electorate in the world. Perhaps they might also be the most forgiving of a sinner who makes a sincere confession. l Lord Saatchi is former chairman of the Conservative Party and The Centre For Policy Studies. His new book, Orgasm, is published on September 7. Shakespeare's Globe theatre has been criticised for warning audiences that its current production of Othello contains 'stage blood' and 'prop guns and knives'. Some of the biggest names in British theatre hit out last night after the London venue produced a lengthy trigger warning for its modern-day version of the Bard's story of jealousy, betrayal and murder. The Globe's guidance picks out 'issues of domestic abuse, misogyny, anti-black racism, offensive language, violence, including murder, references to suicide, and scenes of a sexual nature'. It also warns the production uses 'stage blood and weapons (including prop guns, tasers, knives and batons), flashing lights and loud gunshots'. Some of the biggest names in British theatre hit out last night after the theatre produced a trigger warning for Othello Othello which tells the story of the rivalry between the eponymous Moorish military commander and his scheming 'friend' Iago ends with the title character, consumed with jealousy, murdering his beloved wife Desdemona The Globe's guidance picks out 'issues of domestic abuse, misogyny, anti-black racism, offensive language, violence, including murder, references to suicide, and scenes of a sexual nature' Othello which tells the story of the rivalry between the eponymous Moorish military commander and his scheming 'friend' Iago ends with the title character, consumed with jealousy, murdering his beloved wife Desdemona. It is currently playing at The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Sir Richard Eyre, the former director of the National Theatre, described the warnings as 'ridiculous' and 'infantile'. Dame Janet Suzman, who starred in a 1979 production of The Duchess Of Malfi and who directed a production of Othello ten years later, said: 'If grown-up people bother to spend their good money on tickets to go to the theatre, they are obviously willing to pay for the experience of a work of the imagination. 'People who like horror films know what they're in for. Same for the theatre!' Dame Maureen Lipman said: 'Is this a totally different tribe from the people who listen to 'killer rap' and watch horror movies and play wipeout video games?' A spokesman for Shakespeare's Globe declined to comment. Reform UK has dropped two of its election candidates and suspended a third after a Mail on Sunday investigation uncovered a series of offensive remarks including the suggestion that 'brown babies' came from a particular sex act. Pete Addis, who was standing in South Shropshire, has posted a slew of offensive material in recent years, including calling for Sir David Attenborough to be 'killed off' and being banned from Facebook for 30 days for using the racial slur 'ch**ky'. Mr Addis has also shared sexist remarks such as calling Labour frontbencher Angela Rayner a 'slag' and a 'trollop', and telling journalist Ava Evans that 'I'd s**g you' after a 'few more' pints of beer. In perhaps his most vulgar outburst, the refrigeration company director said in December 2022: 'B*m s*x, this is where brown babies come from!' Pete Addis (pictured), who was standing in South Shropshire, has posted a slew of offensive material in recent years, including calling for Sir David Attenborough to be 'killed off' and being banned from Facebook for 30 days for using the racial slur 'ch**ky' The investigation also unearthed comments by Amodio Amato, running for the Stevenage seat, who has declared London is an 'Islamic State' and that there would be 'a Muslim army run by Sadiq Khan ' Iris Leask, 69, representing Reform in West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, has bizarrely called for meat-eaters to 'eat other humans' and for the human race to be 'obliterated' The investigation also unearthed comments by Amodio Amato, running for the Stevenage seat, who has declared London is an 'Islamic State' and that there would be 'a Muslim army run by Sadiq Khan'. The semi-retired mechanical engineer, 69, has also said that Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf is 'most certainly a Hamas terrorist supporter' and shared the conspiracy theory that Michelle Obama is 'a transvestite'. And Iris Leask, 69, representing Reform in West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, has bizarrely called for meat-eaters to 'eat other humans' and for the human race to be 'obliterated'. The computer company director has also said that former defence secretary Ben Wallace 'should be left to die' in Afghanistan and, in a separate post about pet evacuations from Kabul, said Mr Wallace should 'die with them' if the rescuers failed. Last night, a Reform UK spokesman said: 'Amodio Amato and Pete Addis have been removed from their candidature with immediate effect, for comments that clearly breach any basic idea of decency. Iris Leask has been suspended pending further investigation.' When Mr Addis was approached for comment by the MoS at his home in Ludlow, Shropshire, before his removal had been announced, he said he 'obviously' regretted making the remarks, adding: 'The trouble is that I write stuff and people take it literally, when it's a joke. It's just being silly really.' When asked about his comments about Mr Attenborough, Mr Addis, 41, said: 'Well, I don't like the bloke'. And when questioned about his 'ch**ky' remark, he said: 'There was nothing meant by it, it was because we had a lot of ch**kies, you know Chinese food when we were growing up, that wasn't intended to be racist, it was something my mum tagged me in to.' Reform's candidate for Exmouth and Exeter East - Garry Sutherland. Sutherland was found guilty in June last year of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog by kicking it in a Dorset country lane and was banned from owning a dog for two years and told to pay 1,964 in compensation Amelia Randall is standing in Herne Bay and Sandwich, in Kent. She is a self-proclaimed psychic fortune teller who sold spells for up to 200 on Facebook in 2019 while offering 'mystic psychic readings' for 14.99 on her now-deleted OnlyFans page Yvette Maxwell-Darkes, the candidate for Swindon North, has expressed support for Tommy Robinson, arguing that the convicted criminal 'has very good things to say' and that 'I actually like him he stands up and says things that most people think' Jacqui Harris is the Reforme UK for the party in Kenilworth and Southam, in Warwickshire. She was suspended as a Tory councillor in 2019 over comments on Twitter in which she suggested that the anti-Semitism row within the Labour Party could be part of an Israeli conspiracy Richard Brown - Reform's candidate in Harrogate and Knaresborough. Brown shared the false claim that doctors refused to treat Boris Johnson on the basis that he didn't have Covid, and claimed the pandemic was an 'illusion' that had been 'planned' by the Government 'since 2016' Reform UK the successor to Nigel Farage's Brexit Party has enjoyed a surge in the polls which has led to panic in Downing Street that Mr Farage could make a dramatic political comeback. But the party has come under fire in recent weeks amid the string of sackings of candidates over their activity on social media. Today's revelations come after The Mail on Sunday last week published the details of candidates with questionable pasts. They included Garry Sutherland, standing in the Exmouth and Exeter East constituency, who was found guilty in June last year of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog by kicking it in a Dorset country lane. Amelia Randall, standing in Herne Bay and Sandwich, is a psychic fortune teller who sold tarot card readings on the website OnlyFans, which predominantly makes its money from selling amateur pornography. Three people have been rushed to hospital after a unit complex went up in flames. Emergency services were called to an apartment block on Devonshire Street at Surry Hills, Sydney, at 3.30am on Sunday. A fire had broken out on the second floor with firefighters quickly extinguishing the blaze before the flames could spread to surrounding units. Paramedics treated two people at the scene before rushing them to Royal North Shore Hospital and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital with serious burns. Three people have been rushed to hospital after a unit complex went up in flames (stock image) A third person was treated for burns to her legs before being taken to St Vincent's Hospital in a serious but stable condition. A crime scene has been set up and an investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched. Rishi Sunak has vowed that Britain will stand by Israel's right to defend itself from Hamas as he marks six months since the October 7 attack. But the Prime Minister has warned the Israelis to ensure aid gets into Gaza more swiftly, and said the UK remains 'appalled' by an Israel Defence Forces air strike which killed three British aid workers. Today marks six months since the October 7 attack, in which Hamas militants breached the barrier between Gaza and Israel, they killed more than 1100 people and took 250 more hostage, approximately 130 of whom still remain in captivity. Mr Sunak said: 'But the whole of the UK is shocked by the bloodshed, and appalled by the killing of brave British heroes who were bringing food to those in need.' 'Six months later, Israeli wounds are still unhealed. Families still mourn and hostages are still held by Hamas.' Rishi Sunak has vowed that Britain will stand by Israel 's right to defend itself from Hamas as he marks six months since the October 7 attack the Foreign Secretary who placed further pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) after the killings of three British aid workers in an air strike by the Israel Defence Forces A view of extensive destruction in the hospital and its vicinity after the Israeli army withdrew from inside the Al-Shifa Hospital and the surrounding areas west of Gaza City, April 2 2024 He added: 'Today marks six months since the terrorist outrage of October 7 - the most appalling attack in Israel's history, the worst loss of Jewish life since the Second World War. 'We continue to stand by Israel's right to defeat the threat from Hamas terrorists and defend their security.' He called for an immediate humanitarian pause in the fighting, 'leading to a long-term sustainable ceasefire'. The October 7 attacked was the trigger for Israel's ongoing military action in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 33,000 Palestinians, according to the territory's Hamas-run health authority, as well as mass displacement of the population and an ongoing humanitarian crisis. His message was accompanied by a piece in the the Sunday Times from Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary who placed further pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the killings of three British aid workers in an air strike by the Israel Defence Forces. Lord Cameron issued a warning over Israel's compliance with international law. He said there is 'no doubt where the blame lies', adding: 'This must never happen again.' John Chapman, 57, James 'Jim' Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, were the three Britons who died in air strikes carried out by the IDF on their aid convoy on April 1. Seven volunteers were killed in a series of strikes in Deir al-Balah, in Gaza, on Monday The Prime Minister highlighted the growing toll on Palestinian civilians, and said the UK had been 'straining every sinew' to get aid into Gaza, while emphasising the need for Hamas to release its captives. A Royal Navy ship is to be deployed to the eastern Mediterranean to help launch a new sea corridor for supplies, alongside 9.7 million in UK funding, the Government has announced. David Lammy MP, Labour's shadow secretary of state for foreign, Commonwealth and development affairs, similarly called for Israeli hostages to be returned home, and condemned the 'intolerable death and destruction' of the IDF's military campaign. In recent weeks, the Government has come under pressure to reveal whether it has received legal advice about continuing arms sales to Israel. Mr Lammy said: 'The UK Government must also unequivocally commit to complying with international law in this conflict, including following the licensing criteria governing arms sales, as well as calling on Israel to implement the provisional measures in the ICJ's binding January ruling in full.' He also insisted there was a need to 'look forward to how we can build a just and lasting peace out of the horrors of this war'. Royal Navy ship to be sent to Gaza as part of 9.7m aid package from Britain amid fears a catastrophic famine could kill thousands of Palestinians By Tom Cotterill Britain is to deploy a Royal Navy warship to help get more aid into Gaza, the UK has announced. Alongside the vessel, which is not being named for security, the Government announced a 9.7million package for aid deliveries, logistical expertise and equipment support for a humanitarian corridor in the eastern Mediterranean between Cyprus and Gaza. Last week the RAF airdropped more than 10 tons of food into Gaza for the first time amid fears that 1.1million people face 'imminent' famine in a 'catastrophic' humanitarian crisis. Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron said the UK and its allies needed to 'explore all options' including sea and air deliveries to 'ease the desperate plight of some of the world's most vulnerable people' in the territory. News of the UK's support for the international aid effort came as Israel marked six months since the October 7 attacks in which Hamas killed more than 1,100 people and kidnapped about 250. The Royal Navy will be using one of its ships to deliver aid to Gaza. It's not known which vessel will be used. Pictured is aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales with RFA Mounts Bay The UK has already airdropped 10 tons food supplies into Gaza for the first time as the Defence Secretary urged Israel to allow more aid into the war-torn territory It is also nearly a week since an Israel Defence Forces air strike killed three British aid workers in Gaza, in an attack the IDF later admitted was a 'grave mistake'. The UK Government continues to call for further safety measures to protect aid workers on the ground in Gaza from being caught up in the fighting. Lord Cameron said: 'The situation in Gaza is dire and the prospect of famine is real. We remain committed to getting aid to those who so desperately need it. 'Along with the US, Cyprus and other partners, we are setting up a new temporary pier off the coast of Gaza to get aid in as quickly and securely as possible. 'Land access remains crucial to deliver aid at the scale now required. The opening of Erez and the Port of Ashdod is hugely welcome and something the UK has long been calling for. 'Israel has also agreed to increase the number of aid trucks entering Gaza to a minimum of 500 a day. 'But we need to continue to explore all options, including by sea and air, to ease the desperate plight of some of the world's most vulnerable people.' The RAF airdropped more than 10 tons of food into Gaza last week for the first time amid fears that 1.1million people face 'imminent' famine in a 'catastrophic' humanitarian crisis Palestinians inspect the damage of buildings destroyed by Israeli airstrikes on Jabaliya refugee camp on the outskirts of Gaza City, Tuesday, Oct 31, 2023 The British armed forces have dropped 40 tonnes of aid into Gaza in recent weeks to tackle the bottleneck in supplies reaching Palestinians. The five air drops have seen supplies including water, flour and baby formula parachuted into the territory. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said the RAF had played a 'central role' in delivering aid. He added: 'We are now going further, working with international partners to set up a humanitarian maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza. 'A new temporary pier on the coast of Gaza will be critical to supporting these efforts, by hosting cargo ships to deliver aid by sea.' Half of British men admit basing their hairstyle on celebritites styles with 3 per cent even saying Simon Cowell's mop is an inspiration. A poll for health platform Hims found that 48 per cent wanted to look like stars, with David Beckham (16 per cent), Brad Pitt and Ryan Reynolds (both 11 per cent) on top. But a third would shave their head at the first sign of baldness. Known for pushing style boundaries, Beckham has sported several 'dos that have often sparked debate over the years, such as his frosted tips faux hawk haircut in 2003. With shorter sides and a central strip of slightly longer hair styled upward, the style is one of his most enduring and is as popular now as it was 20 years later. Other hairstyles he has worn with confidence include long locks which he often tied back, to nineties style curtains and a quiff. Known for pushing style boundaries, Beckham has sported several 'dos that have often sparked debate over the years, such as his frosted tips faux hawk haircut in 2003 Three per cent even said they had taken Simon Cowell's mop is an inspiration A poll for health platform Hims found that 48 per cent wanted to look like stars, with David Beckham (16 per cent), Brad Pitt and Ryan Reynolds (both 11 per cent) on top The health and wellness platform found British men also look to stars such as Idris Elba, Chris Hemsworth, Jason Momoa and Justin Bieber for hairstyle inspiration. Over a third (36 per cent) of the 1,000 men polled said their hair is the most important part of their look, with 21 per cent saying they think about how it looks all the time. On average men touch up their locks at least three times a day, with Generation Zs (aged 18-29) going even further and refreshing their hair five times daily. The prospect of going bald is a serious worry for men based in the UK, with 37 per cent admitting they would feel far less confident if they lost their hair. Almost a fifth (18 per cent) admit worries about receding hairlines and going completely bald play on their mind constantly. Three in ten (31 per cent) are breaking a sweat about feeling less attractive, while a fifth dread others making jokes about them at their own expense. Dr Mia Jing Gao, medical advisor at Hims, which provides a range of treatment options for men experiencing hair loss, said: 'Our research shows that male hair loss significantly impacts men's confidence and, consequently, their day-to-day lives. 'Despite concerns, many men are either unaware that treatments are available or are too afraid to seek treatment due to the substantial stigma surrounding the issue.' A pair of North Yorkshire Police officers are facing a regulatory probe after a man said to be black was allegedly struck and pepper sprayed as he was being restrained following a traffic incident. The force referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the traffic stop on January 26; the watchdog has since told both officers they may face criminal charges. One of the two officers involved in the stop has been suspended as the ombudsman continues making inquiries. Both are being investigated for gross misconduct. North Yorkshire Police, meanwhile, says the officers had found it necessary to use 'force' because the man in question, in his 40s, 'became violent' as he was being arrested in Tockwith, near Wetherby. The IOPC says it was made aware of the incident after the force referred itself and its officers to the watchdog following the arrest. North Yorkshire Police referred itself to the independent watchdog following the incident in January this year One of the two officers has been suspended pending the outcome of the IOPC probe. Pictured: Alverton Court in Northallerton, the headquarters of North Yorkshire Police The Mirror, which first reported the story, says it understands the man who was the subject of police attention was black. A source at the IOPC told the paper there was 'no evidence (of race) being a factor at this stage'. The regulatory body said in a statement that the man was 'aggressive' towards officers, who responded by using Pava spray, a synthetic form of pepper spray. Body-worn camera footage suggests the man was 'struck while being restrained'; the IOPC's enquiries will focus on 'the level of force used'. It has already taken statements from other police officers present as well as ambulance staff who were called to the scene. A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: 'On 26 January 2024, North Yorkshire Police received a report of a road traffic collision in the Tockwith area. 'Officers attended, and arrested a man in his 40s in connection with the incident. The man became violent towards officers, who used force to restrain and arrest him. 'He was taken to custody, and subsequently released on bail while enquiries continue. 'Following concerns raised about the officers' use of force, the incident was referred voluntarily by North Yorkshire Police to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) who are investigating the circumstances. 'Following a review, one officer was subsequently suspended from duty. We want to reassure our communities that we take concerns of this nature very seriously, and will continue to work closely with the IOPC.' An IOPC spokesperson added: 'We have established that officers were responding to a road traffic collision and were involved in an incident with the man who, the early evidence suggests, was aggressive towards officers. 'Body worn footage shows PAVA spray being deployed and the man being struck while being restrained. 'The officers have been served with notices informing them they are under criminal investigation and that their conduct is under investigation at the level of gross misconduct. 'The serving of notices does not mean that criminal charges or conduct proceedings will necessarily follow. 'Our independent investigation is looking at the actions and decision-making of police, including the level of force used to restrain the man. Our investigation began following a conduct referral from the force on 2 February. 'As part of our investigation, IOPC investigators have secured and reviewed footage from police body worn video and obtained accounts from other officers present and ambulance staff. 'NYP continue to fully cooperate with our investigation and will be informed of any updates in our investigation.' The partner of a young diver who drowned last month has been commended for her 'boundless fighting spirit' after trying to save her boyfriend. Cosi Palmer was spearfishing with Sam Hamilton when he drowned off the coast of Dawesville, in Western Australia, on March 24. Ms Palmer 'fought like hell' to try and save her partner, performing CPR on him and taking him to shore on their kayak. In a statement, she paid tribute to Mr Hamilton describing him as hardworking, strong and stubborn. 'He held his breath for too long and his body was pushed to the limits,' she told The West Australian. Cosi Palmer (pictured right)was spearfishing with Sam Hamilton (left) when he drowned off the coast of Dawesville Ms Palmer reminisced about the way Mr Hamilton used to ride the waves, lift her with one hand and make everyone laugh, saying he was 'the greatest gift' and he will be missed by his family and friends. Ms Palmer has been recognised for responding quickly after finding Mr Hamilton floating face down in the water, unconscious and not breathing. Amid the shock, she activated the EPIRB on their kayak, called Triple-Zero and threw seats off her kayak before pulling him on board. Ms Palmer then performed CPR while taking instructions from the emergency services operator before turning on an electric motor to get the kayak closer to shore. She was met by the Marine Rescue Mandurah crew, who continued giving CPR before applying a defibrillator. A paramedic was lowered from a helicopter to continue efforts, but there was no response. Mandurah marine rescue skipper Jim Mitchell said giving continuous CPR would have been exhausting for Ms Palmer. He said Ms Palmer did everything right and never gave up. 'I had been thinking about what I would say to (Cosi), in the presence of her and Sam's family, all the way back from the scene of the incident,' he said. 'I said to her, 'You fought like hell to save him! And you never gave up'. Ms Palmer reminisced about the way Mr Hamilton used to ride the waves, lift her with one hand and make everyone laugh, saying he was 'the greatest gift' and he will be missed by his family and friends 'I felt I had to reassure her of her boundless fighting spirit to save him, and also let the families know of her incredible courage and inner-strength and clear thinking,' Mr Mitchell said. Mr Hamilton's father, Andrew, said the family were 'eternally grateful' for Ms Palmer's strength, determination and presence of mind. In the wake of the tragedy, he said she was 'truly amazing' and that she 'she absolutely spent herself in trying to save him'. 'Cosi, you are beautiful, brave and strong,' he wrote in a letter. Sam would be so proud of you.' Leafy, affluent Hampstead in north-west London is a much sought-after place to live. However, a new study has found that its also the worst place in Britain to have a fracture. In the study, the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) mapped nationwide data on how long patients with hip fractures need to wait for surgery with information on which areas have no Fracture Liaison Services a dangerous combination, according to the ROS. It then used the findings to draw up a list of the UKs ten worst performing hospitals when it comes to broken bones. The list is topped by the Royal Free Hospital in London, close to Hampstead Heath. Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) are vital for the early detection of osteoporosis, a condition which puts sufferers at a higher risk of breaking bones. The list is topped by the Royal Free Hospital in London, close to Hampstead Heath. Pictured: Hampstead High Street FLS can reduce the risk of a serious broken hip by catching patients after the first, usually minor, fracture and putting them on medication to prevent subsequent breaks. The Mail on Sunday is campaigning for the roll-out of FLS in every NHS Trust in England and Wales. (Scotland already has 100 per cent coverage.) Currently they are available in only just over half, leaving tens of thousands of people mainly women without treatment. Labour MP Judith Cummins, who co-chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Osteoporosis and Bone Health, said: This research highlights the life-changing role that Fracture Liaison Services play and paints a grim picture of the geographical inequality in access to care across the UK. Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) are vital for the early detection of osteoporosis, a condition which puts sufferers at a higher risk of breaking bones. (Stock Image) 'A timely FLS assessment after that first break can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, preventing painful, sometimes major breaks from ever happening. Now is the time to act to end the injustice of this postcode lottery. Establishing FLS in all NHS Trusts would cost just 30 million a year while freeing up hospital beds and preventing people from dropping out of the workforce, campaigners have argued. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: We are working with NHS England to explore the provision of Fracture Liaison Services across the country. Were also taking longer-term decisions to look at how we can better manage and treat osteoporosis through our Major Conditions Strategy. Donald Trump has raised $50.5 million at a Florida fundraiser for his 2024 re-election campaign - the highest amount ever raised at a single event. Saturday's $250,000-a-ticket bash was held at the $110 million Palm Beach home of Trump supporter John Paulson and his fiancee Alina De Almeida. The enormous amount is almost double the $26 million Joe Biden's campaign recently raised at a New York City bash which boasted the added star-power of former Democrat presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. 'It's clearer than ever that we have the message, the operation, and the money to propel President Trump to victory on November,' Team Trump told DailyMail.com. The presidential hopeful was supported at the dinner by wife Melania, who broke her recent low-profile to dazzle in a tropical, pink jumpsuit. Donald Trump, pictured with wife Melania has raised $50.5 million at a Florida fundraiser for his 2024 re-election campaign - the highest amount ever raised at a single event Trump and wife Melania are pictured with supporter John Paulson and his fiancee Alina de Almeida at the couple's Palm Beach home where the fundraiser was held on Saturday The presidential hopeful was supported at the dinner by wife Melania, who broke her recent low-profile to dazzle in a tropical, pink jumpsuit The enormous amount is almost double the $26 million Joe Biden 's campaign recently raised at a New York City bash attended by former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton Around 100 guests were invited to Paulson's home for an 'inaugural leadership dinner' with Trump and 'special guests' Senator Tim Scott, Governor Doug Burgum and Vivek Ramaswamy - all former rivals of the presidential hopeful. Attendees wanting a seat at Trump's table were asked to donate $814,600 per person as a 'chairman' contributor. All donors were offered a photo opportunity and a personalized copy of Trump's coffee table book featuring photographs from his administration, 'Our Journey Together.' Trump was joined by wife Melania for the occasion, who is said to be joining her husband's campaign trail on her own terms. Part of this is an event she is slated to host for LGBT Republicans on April 20. Until now, Trump's fundraising has lagged behind Biden's and he has been hamstrung by mounting legal bills. His team now hopes he'll soon be able to match the incumbent's financial firepower ahead of polling day on November 5. 'This has been some incredible evening before it even starts because people they wanted to contribute to a cause of making America great again, and that's what's happened,' Trump said briefly as he arrived at the event with his wife Melania Trump. Donors were asked to fork out $250,000 for a ticket, with a recommendation of $814,600 for the chance to sit at Trump's table Around 100 guests, which included several billionaires, were issued this invitation promising a dinner with Trump and three special guests Trump was joined by wife Melania, who is said to be joining her husband's campaign trail on her own terms. Melania has kept a low profile of late but was recently spotted at an Easter celebration with son Barron Trump 'The election is going to be the most important election we have ever had, the most important date in the history of our country that's November 5.' 'The success of tonight's event is proving what we already know: Americans are fed up with Biden's record of failure, from the open southern border and sky-high inflation to the migrant crime crisis that has made everyone less safe,' said RNC Chairman Michael Whatley and Co-Chairman Lara Trump. 'The Republican Party is united behind the effort to elect President Donald J. Trump, and Americans are lining up to join our movement and retire Crooked Joe Biden once and for all.' Trump and the GOP announced earlier in the week that they raised more than $65.6 million in March and closed out the month with $93.1 million. Biden and the Democrats announced Saturday that they took in more than $90 million last month and had $192 million-plus on hand. Trump initially struggled to attract big donors, but with every win he has come a step closer to becoming the party's presumptive nominee, with the GOP rallying behind him. Co-chairs of the dinner included hedge fund billionaire Robert Mercer and his daughter Rebekah, who told friends two years ago they had no plans to help Trump's 2024 campaign. Hotelier and space entrepreneur Robert Bigelow, who last year gave $20 million to a group backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, was another co-chair. Other guests include more reliable Trump donors such as New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, the former president's ambassador to London, Wilbur Ross, Trump's commerce secretary, and Linda McMahon, the WWE cofounder who was small business administrator. Saturday's hosts were John Paulson and fiancee Alina de Almeida. Paulson is an investor with a net worth of around $3.5 billion. Contributions to the event will go toward the Trump 47 Committee, according to the invitation, a joint fundraising agreement with the Republican National Committee, state Republican parties and Save America, a political action committee that pays the bulk of Trump's legal bills. Donors who gave the suggested $814,600 per person or $250,000 per person will only have $5,000 of their donation go to Save America, sending hundreds of thousands of dollars to the cash-strapped RNC. Senator Tim Scott also appeared on the billing at the event in support of former adversary Trump North Dakota Governor and former presidential hopeful rounded out the dinner's special guests Some RNC members were concerned the donations might be redirected to pay for several court cases jamming Trump's finances. The former president is embroiled in a number of court proceedings, including four criminal cases. Trump has already been hit with a penalty totaling more than $450 million following his New York fraud trial. He was also ordered to pay a staggering $83 million for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll after she accused him of sex abuse. This comes on top of spiraling legal costs associated with the various cases. Hours before the fundraiser, Trump complained on his social media site about the judge in his upcoming New York hush-money trial. Former GOP rival Vivek Ramaswamy was listed as one of the dinner's 'special guests' The former president once more compared himself to the late Nelson Mandela, who was jailed for years by South Africa's longtime apartheid government before he became the country's leader. 'If this Partisan Hack wants to put me in the 'clink' for speaking the open and obvious TRUTH, I will gladly become a Modern Day Nelson Mandela - It will be my GREAT HONOR,' Trump wrote. In response, Biden campaign official Jasmine Harris said: 'Imagine being so self-centered that you compare yourself to Jesus Christ and Nelson Mandela all within the span of little more than a week: that's Donald Trump for you.' October 7, 2023 is a day that will be forever seared into the collective memory of the Jewish people. Six months on, the date has lost none of its sorrow and trauma. The death toll from the attack reached 1,200, while 253 Israelis were taken hostage. Since then, the casualty list has lengthened, but mostly on the Palestinian side, be they innocent civilians or Hamas fighters. Yet the world must never forget that this catastrophe began with the worst pogrom inflicted on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. October 7, 2023 is a day that will be forever seared into the collective memory of the Jewish people. Pictured: An Israeli flag hanging on a building near a poster of a woman kidnapped in the October 7 attack Not an isolated act of terrorism, but the latest, most barbarous episode in a long campaign against the very existence of the state of Israel. Faced with this existential threat, the Jewish homeland has had no alternative but to defend itself. Survival requires the destruction of Hamas so that it will never indulge in the almost drug-crazed butchery exhibited six months ago. But 'war is hell', as William Sherman, the US Civil War general, once remarked. Tragic errors are inevitable, such as when Israeli missiles hit an aid convoy, killing seven workers. Having admitted to the disastrous mistake, the Israeli government has launched a full investigation and already sacked two officers. The outrage over this terrible event has led to demands that Israel cease fighting in Gaza. Faced with this existential threat, the Jewish homeland has had no alternative but to defend itself. Pictured: A member of the public looks on at photographs of hostages kidnapped on October 7 in Israel Meanwhile, the grotesque charge of 'genocide' is spat, as calls grow louder for Britain to suspend its export of arms to Israel. A thick layer of hypocrisy hangs over this condemnation. Western militaries have made fatal errors of judgment, too. In 2008, US forces bombed a wedding in Afghanistan with the loss of 37 lives; the attack on a Serbian media centre in 1999 killed 16. Such incidents never provoked the same indignation as last week's tragedy. The only explanation is the unique anti-Semitic loathing for Israel, stemming from an ancient hatred reborn in Britain under an ugly alliance of militant Islamism and the radical Left. It is a bitter irony that October 7 has resulted in a huge spike in anti-Jewish racism. It has left British Jews not only fearful for their safety but also questioning their future here. Yet through this adversity, I have never seen the community so united. Beardy pagans are the fastest growing religious group in the British armed forces, according to new analysis. The fuzzy-faced, folkish worshippers of the polytheist belief system have surged in numbers in recent years - and are tipped to continue growing in number after the British Army ended a 100-year ban on fully featured facial hair. There are 660 self-declared pagans across the armed forces - the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force - and another 50 followers of pagan-linked faiths. Some interpretations of the faiths may suggest beards have religious significance. Notable pagans including Arthur Pendragon, a senior druid who served in the British Army, have welcomed both the increase in pagan representation in the forces and the end of the beard ban. And it is hoped that the easing of rules on facial fuzz could help stem an ongoing recruitment problem in the armed forces. Arthur Pendragon, a pagan priest who served in the British Army for six years, has welcomed the rising numbers and the end of a ban on beards Beards will be allowed in the Army for the first time in 100 years. Exceptions were previously only made for some positions such as Pioneer Sergeants (pictured) The new Army policy on facial hair will allow moustaches and full face beards - but designer trims such as chin straps and mutton chops are out Pagans celebrate the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge on December 22 last year. The modern religion places emphasis on worshipping and appreciating nature Data on religious groups in Britain's military, obtained via freedom of information requests, show the number of pagans has more than doubled in the last four years. Figures obtained by the Telegraph state there were 270 pagans across the Army, Marines, Navy and RAF in April 2020; that figure has since risen by 144 per cent. The 660 pagans do not include another 50 followers of pagan-linked faiths such as Heathenry, Wicca and Druidry, which often have strong connections with nature as well as, in some cases, spiritualist beliefs. What is paganism? Modern paganism is defined by the Pagan Federation as being a 'polytheistic or pantheistic nature-worshipping religion'. Pagans place great importance on spiritual growth and renewal through nature, and will worship several gods, often drawing on other ancient belief systems such as those in Greece and Norse mythology. However, it is not a dogmatic religion - one with a single fixed set of beliefs - and there are many religions that are pagan in nature, but with their own additional beliefs. Some of those include religions such as Wicca, which includes additional beliefs in magic and the practice of witchcraft and Druidry, which places particular emphasis on cultivating a strong relationship with nature. Advertisement While the full figures were not published, the paper suggests paganism is now the fifth most popular religion among UK soldiers, sailors and airmen after Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. It says there are now three times more pagans in the military than there are Sikhs. Arthur Pendragon, a pagan priest from Salisbury who was in the Army for six years, believes pagan beliefs are on the rise as people reconnect with nature. 'If you look worldwide, you will see that all the Earth-based religions are on the increase. People seem to be looking back to a time when we were closer to nature and when everything worked,' he said. He added that he was pleased to see the British Army join the Navy and RAF in ending its ban on full-face beards after almost 100 years. Some forms of paganism, particularly Heathenism, support the notion of men wearing beards - but they do not carry particular weight or symbolic meaning as they can in Islam or Sikhism. Manny Tejeda y Moreno, editor of The Wild Hunt, an online pagan news site, told the Telegraph there were 'elements of living the faith that do have to do with facial hair'. But The Pagan Federation says neither of the UK's largest Heathen organisations recognise a religious requirement to wear a beard. 'Many Pagans today have beards, but this is a cultural rather than a religious phenomenon in exactly the same way it was in 10th century Europe,' the organisation says on its website. 'Beards are a popular fashion right now across society, regardless of religious belief.' Last month, King Charles III signed off on the end of a beardy ban in the British Army, bringing the service in line with the other limbs of the UK's military. The Royal Navy has long permitted sailors to have full beards and moustaches, with their commanding officer's consent. The RAF changed its dress regulations in 2019 to allow serving members to grow beards. King Charles III signed off on the end of a beard ban in the British Army last month - bringing it in line with the other limbs of the UK's armed forces The figures suggest there are now more Pagans in the British Army than Sikhs. Pictured: Sikh soldiers taking part in a tug of war competition during the Hola Mohalla Sikh festival last month The Army has long cited a reason for the ban as being that beards can prevent gas masks from sealing to soldiers' faces. Until now, only moustaches had been allowed for most soldiers in the Army, but beards are permitted for some military positions on parade, including Pioneer Sergeants, Drum Majors, Pipe Majors, Bugle Majors, and Goat Majors. And troops will still be required to keep their facial topiary neat, with no exaggerated colours and no styled beards such as chin straps or mutton chops. It is hoped that the new policy will help to attract recruits as Britain's armed forces face a recruitment crisis, with fears that the number of personnel could drop below the target force of 73,000 within months. Last year alone, almost 74,000 people who applied to join the Army, RAF or Navy withdrew, amounting to more than half of the potential recruits. Defence secretary Grant Shapps was reported to have found the Army's beard ban 'ludicrous' as he discussed the difficulties in finding new soldiers. Tziporah Malkah has contacted police after a former Seven Network producer admitted to circulating semi-naked pictures of her without her consent. The former model and actress was dragged into the Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial last week when ex-Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach was questioned about his 'hatred' for his former friend and colleague Steve Jackson. Mr Auerbach, whose explosive 2,300-page affidavit alleged the Seven Network covered the cost of lavish dinners, cocaine and Thai prostitutes for Mr Lehrmann, waged a vicious briefing campaign against Mr Jackson's appointment to the role of chief spin doctor for NSW Police commissioner Karen Webb last month. Part of that campaign involved sharing topless images of Malkah taken during an interview she gave to Mr Jackson and Mr Auerbach at her Elizabeth Bay home in 2019. Mr Auerbach admitted in open court on Wednesday that he had shared the images without Malkah's consent. Former model and actress Tziporah Malkah (pictured) was dragged into the Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial last week when ex-Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach (pictured below) was questioned about his 'hatred' for his former friend and colleague Steve Jackson The model, formerly known as Kate Fischer, said Mr Auerbach's actions were 'completely unacceptable', revealing she had filed a police report. 'An individual with whom I was once vaguely acquainted, has decided to use images of me in his personal vendetta against a former male friend and colleague of his,' Malkah told The Sunday Telegraph. 'I believed that it was my duty to immediately report this activity to the police. 'The experience is deeply personal, hurtful, frightening and degrading. 'I am very angry and hurt that I was made an unwilling accomplice to a mans vindictive, spiteful vendetta against an erstwhile friend of his.' Malkah previously told the newspaper that she had been 'at her lowest ebb' when the pictures were taken on Christmas Eve in 2019. The one-time fiancee of billionaire James Packer had met Mr Auerbach and Mr Jackson at a pub that day to discuss a story about one of her properties. The trio went back to Malkah's Elizabeth Bay address where she later took her top off and was pictured sitting on her sofa alongside Mr Jackson. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing on Mr Jackson's behalf. The images were circulated to journalists last month. Mr Lehrmanns barrister Matthew Richardson asked Mr Auerbach if he had been involved in the distribution of semi-naked photographs of a woman sitting on a couch with Mr Jackson. 'Is that true? Mr Richardson asked. 'Yes, sir,' Mr Auerbach replied. The barrister then said to Mr Auerbach: 'So you sent those photographs to media organisations didnt you?' Mr Lehrmanns barrister Matthew Richardson asked Mr Auerbach if he had been involved in the distribution of semi-naked photographs of a woman sitting on a couch with Mr Jackson Mr Auerbach, whose explosive 2,300-page affidavit alleged the Seven network covered the cost of lavish dinners, cocaine and Thai prostitutes for Mr Lehrmann, waged a vicious briefing campaign against Steve Jackson's appointment to the role of chief spin doctor for NSW Police commissioner Karen Webb last month (the former friends and colleagues are pictured together) 'You did not obtain the consent of the woman in question to do this. Did you know you were aware that it was a criminal act to send photographs to third parties without consent? 'No,' Mr Auerbach responded. It is not the first time Malkah has been the alleged victim of revenge porn. A man she knew leaked a naked video to television networks in May 2018. The 90s star said her naked body had hardly been blurred by the television stations airing the footage without her consent. 'Shock, betrayal, humiliation... how could this be happening? This can't be real. How could this be legal?' she told a court in 2022. Locals of a small country town at the centre of an alleged mushroom poisoning lunch that left three people dead have voiced their anger over a nasty rumour. The 5,000 resident-strong town of Korumburra in South Gippsland, Victoria, was thrust into the spotlight after three people died from ingesting a beef wellington allegedly laced with death cap mushrooms in July, 2023. Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, all died within days of eating the meal allegedly prepared by the Patterson's former daughter-in-law, Erin Patterson, at her home in Leongatha. Heather's husband, Baptist church pastor Ian Wilkinson, 68, narrowly avoided the same fate while Patterson's husband Simon pulled out of the lunch. Patterson was charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder - four of which are from previous incidents with her husband - in November. The case sparked a media frenzy, with many residents claiming the rumour mill went 'into overdrive' and portrayed them as 'cult-like' religious fanatics. Residents of the small town at the centre of an alleged poisonous mushroom lunch, Korumburra (pictured), has hit out against harmful rumour mills surrounding the case READ MORE: Huge development in police case against alleged killer mushroom cook Erin Patterson Advertisement A number of Korumburra residents attended a 'day of prayer, reflection and solidarity' for Don, Gail and Heather Saint Joseph's Catholic Church shortly after the deaths. Both couples' Baptist beliefs alongside images of residents mourning them were spread across the globe, sparking rumours the town was deeply religious. Former South Gippsland Shire mayor, Nathan Hersey, said the narratives surrounding the town involved residents being an 'overly religious, cult-like people'. 'But it's just a regular country town filled with great people in a very picturesque and beautiful place,' Mr Hersey told The Mushroom Cook podcast. The former mayor fielded an 'onslaught' of media requests posed to the council from Aussie and international news outlets, including The New York Times and BBC. He said he was fronting the media as much as three times per day when the story was at its most read. A local, who asked to remain anonymous, said the public was 'quick to judge' the town and its residents after the incident. 'So many assumptions were made about us country folk soon after the deaths,' he told the Herald Sun. 'I think there were a perception that we picked our food from the ground and were really religious and that's just not the case.' The resident said the religious beliefs of some wasn't a reflection on the broader community, adding that 'we are just normal people with normal lives'. Erin Patterson (pictured) has been charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder over the incident which sparked an international media circus Residents said the investigation and media attention led to rumours that the town was full of 'cult-like' religious fanatics (pictured, police at the scene) Patterson is currently awaiting trial for the alleged incident and has been remanded in Victoria's Dame Phyllis Frost Centre - a maximum security jail that can hold 600 women. Victoria Police spent 20 weeks preparing a brief of evidence against Patterson. A large portion of the investigation was centred on Patterson's home and utilised a specialist canine unit to sniff-out electronic devices. The prosecution will rely on the photos and witnesses' statements conducted by police as evidence for Patterson's alleged crimes. The accused mushroom chef is due to next appear in Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court via video-link for a committal hearing on May 3. Pastor Ian Wilkinson was the only one to survive the lunch, which claimed the life of his wife Heather Wilkinson, 66. He spent almost two months in hospital (the pair are pictured together) A Vanderbilt University student is crying out online after being arrested and expelled for 'shoving a staff member' and breaking in to a building to stage an anti-Israel sit-in. Jack Petocz, 19, was one of four students arrested at a student-led sit-in at Kirkland Hall at Vanderbilt University's campus in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 26. Video footage released by Vanderbilt captured the students rushing into Kirkland Hall, pushing past a lone security officer who appears to be attempting to secure the building. The school identified the three students arrested for assault and bodily injury - which is classified as a misdemeanor - as senior Devron Burks, first-year Jack Petocz and sophomore Samuel Schulman. Petocz, who describes himself as a '19 y/o homosexual with a megaphone,' took to X to whine about the severity of the university's response. Petocz, who describes himself as a '19 y/o homosexual with a megaphone,' took to X to whine about the severity of the university's response after he was arrested and expelled for 'shoving a staff member' and 'breaking in to a building to stage an anti-Israel sit-in' X edited his post, adding 'a community note' to add more context Security footage released by the university shows a mob pushing past a lone security guard on March 26. Schulman and Burks are seen at the front of the group walking forward to enter Kirkland Hall as the officer attempts to stop them while Petocz can be seen behind them 'I'm Jack Petocz, a 19 y/o activist that's been fighting for marginalized people for years,' he wrote. 'Yesterday, I was expelled from Vanderbilt University for peacefully protesting the genocide in Palestine. Vanderbilt will let sexual assaulters walk free, but expel passionate organize.' X edited his post, adding 'a community note' which read: 'As part of the protest, Jack Petocz was arrested and is facing misdemeanor charges of assault and bodily injury to another after allegedly pushing a community services officer.' The message included a link to coverage of the incident as reported by JNS. Petocz later replied: 'The community note on this post is patently false. I did not touch a community service officer, nor am I anywhere near the individual in the video. I'd implore you to trust a student activist over rich, powerful, white men, but that's your choice. More information will come.' But users were quick to slam Petocz in the comments, calling him out for the hypocritical nature of his statement. 'Aren't you white too going to an expensive college?' one wrote. 'Said the rich, privileged, sniveling white boy,' another user chimed in. 'You're on tape,' another reminded the freshman. Schulman and Burks are seen on camera at the front of the group walking forward to enter Kirkland Hall as the officer attempts to stop them while Petocz can be seen behind them. Petocz is being held at a $2,000 bond, while Schulman and Burks are being held at a $1,000 bond. They took control of the building, but many allege that campus police locked them in as a pressure tactic The demonstration, organized by the Vanderbilt Divest Coalition, aimed to compel the university to stop funding organizations that support Israel In addition to the three students who have been expelled, one was suspended, and 22 issued disciplinary probations after a week of preliminary hearings involving the 27 students suspended for their involvement in the sit-in protest at Kirkland Hall. The demonstration, organized by the Vanderbilt Divest Coalition, aimed to compel the university to stop funding organizations that support Israel. Masked mobs attempted to organize a vote for an amendment to the Vanderbilt student government's constitution. Security footage released by the 151-year-old university shows a swarm of protestors pushing past a lone security guard at the front door of the building on March 26, where Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier's office is located. They took control of the building, but many allege that campus police locked them in as a pressure tactic. The sit-in began after the university's administration refused to allow students to vote on changing the student government's constitution to prevent funds from being spent on the protestors targets. Videos taken from inside the building, shared to social media, showed them sitting on the floor linking arms and taunting campus security Protestors said that once they were inside, they were forcibly prevented from leaving. Videos taken from inside the building, shared to social media, showed them sitting on the floor linking arms and taunting campus security. In one video, protestors were heard telling one police officer, who is black: 'You are black in America, and you're NOT standing with the marginalized people of the world. What does that make you?' '32,000 dead and you don't care. You could stand with us and be on the right side of history, but you won't.' The protestors then screamed 'shame' at him. But as the protest carried on into the night, many wanted to leave for medical reasons. One video shared to social media showed a protestor calling 911, claiming they were worried that if they went outside they'd be arrested, but that if they stayed inside they'd go into 'toxic shock.' They said: 'There's currently a female student being denied the right to change her tampon that has been in for multiple hours, which leads to an increased risk of toxic shock syndrome. 'If she stands up to use the restroom to change her tampon, [campus police] are threatening arrest, so it's not an option for her.' 'Student Affairs staff took a graduated approach to de-escalate the situation,' the University statement said. 'First, they asked students to leave. After the students refused to leave, staff made them aware their actions violated university policy and that they would be subject to disciplinary action. 'After several hours, the university began issuing interim suspensions. Students on interim suspension must leave campus immediately and may not return until further notice, pending the Student Affairs review process.' In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Vanderbilt University confirmed the institution's commitment to taking action when policies are violated, community safety is jeopardized, or members are intimidated or harmed. The university emphasized the importance of civil discourse and free expression but said that breaching the building during the sit-in would result in interim suspension for all involved. Protestors said that once they were inside, they were forcibly prevented from leaving A Vanderbilt spokesperson said that 'the university will take action when our policies are violated, the safety of our campus is jeopardized and when people intimidate or injure members of our community.' Provost C. Cybele Raver, in an email to the Vanderbilt community on April 5, announced that students have a 10-day window to appeal their cases, during which they will retain access to campus and university resources. In an open letter addressed to Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Raver, alongside the Office of General Counsel and Faculty Senate President Andrea Capizzi, criticized the administration's actions in March, including the distribution of interim suspensions to student protesters. The letter, signed by 154 professors at the time of publication, denounces what they perceive as an overly punitive response by the university. A tradie accused of murdering a young female teacher he met through a dating app has been found dead in his cell. Ashley Gaddie, 35, was found unresponsive in his cell at Clarence Correctional Centre at on Saturday afternoon. His death comes 16 months after police alleged he strangled Dannielle Finlay-Jones at her friend's home in Cranebrook, in Sydneys far west, on December 18, 2022. 'A 35-year-old man has died at Clarence Correctional Centre on Saturday, 6 April 2024,' a spokesperson for Serco, the operator of the maximum security prison, said. Ashley Gaddie reportedly committed suicide at Clarence Correctional Centre at about 3.15pm on Saturday His body was found in prison 16 months after police alleged he killed Dannielle Finlay-Jones at Cranebrook, in Sydneys far west 'The man was found unresponsive in his room by staff and was pronounced deceased at 16.04pm. 'Serco, Corrective Services NSW, and NSW Police are investigating the incident. All deaths in custody are subject to a coronial inquest.' Gaddie and Ms Finlay-Jones, 31, had met on a dating app, believed to be Bumble. They had been on two dates prior to the evening of December 17 last year, according to police allegations. Police claim the couple attended a social event that night at a pub in Marsden Park where Ms Finlay-Jones introduced Gaddie as her new partner. They left before midnight to stay with a friend of Ms Finlay-Jones at her home in Cranebrook. The teacher was last seen alive when she entered a spare bedroom with Gaddie shortly after midnight, police allege. One of the residents was woken at 3am by what they described as 'loud violent sex' between the pair, according to police. Pictured: The Cranebrook home where Dannielle Finlay-Jones was found dead on December 18, 2022 After three days on the run, police found Gladdie standing on a cliff edge at Fletcher's Lookout in the NSW Blue Mountains (pictured) where they eventually coaxed him down after a tense, 12-hour stand-off At 2.30pm the following day, her friends realised it was strange they hadn't heard from the new couple since the previous night. One of her friends allegedly found Ms Finlay-Jones' lifeless body lying on her back on the bedroom floor. Court documents revealed that police alleged Ms Finlay-Jones suffered bruising to her face and that officers found finger impressions on her throat. Police alleged the teacher was murdered either during or after the 'loud violent sex' heard by the witness. Gladdie fled the property by cutting a hole in the flyscreen of the window. Two days after Ms Finlay-Jones was killed, court documents show Gaddie called his mother. Gaddie and Ms Finlay-Jones had met on a dating app 'We slept in separate beds,' he allegedly told her. 'I didn't do it, I f****** panicked I woke up at 9.30 and there's a f****** body in the next room.' After three days on the run, police found Gladdie standing on a cliff edge at Fletcher's Lookout in the NSW Blue Mountains. After a 12-hour stand-off he was arrested and later charged with murder. Gaddie had a lengthy history of violence against women. The tradie was serving a two-year sentence for staking and choking a former girlfriend and was on bail for another assault at the time of Ms Finlay-Jones' death, reported The Daily Telegraph. Anger over Seattle's decision to close its schools for gifted and talented students has grown - as newly-unearthed footage showed shocking behavior from the board who made the decision. Last month's announcement that the Highly Capable Cohort (HCC) schools would shutter because they have too many white and Asian students enraged parents who say bright but disadvantaged children of all races will now suffer. Kiley Riffell, whose two daughters attend HCC school Cascadia Elementary, said: 'SPS is scrapping all HC programming and replacing it with empty promises, zero plan, and zero funding. Im sad to watch so many families leave the public school system, but I cant blame them.' Eric Feeny told Fox13: 'Until you have a better system, dont give out a fake system or half solution' Sobbing parents begged Seattle not to shutter its gifted and talented programs amid criticism they contained too many white and Asian students, newly unearthed footage shows Parents were further rankled when school board president Zachary DeWolf to used the emotive hearing to recite a poem for his mom Teachers will now be forced to manage classes of 30 children of mixed abilities at the same time, without additional resources or funding. The HCC schools, which are targeted at the top two percent of students, are now being aggressively phased out and will be gone completely by 2024. And newly-unearthed footage of the board behind the decision displayed behavior that will further concern parents, with two of the most vocal ringleaders since disgraced by bullying accusations. During the January 2020 meeting, a high-achieving black tech leader and mom called Sara Jones, who flourished after attending a HCC, wept as she begged the board to keep the schools. 'It breaks my heart that little boys and girls like me may not get the opportunity that I did,' she told the board, in remarks first reported by the Seattle Stranger. Other parents of all ethnicities made similar pleas - only to be sharply cut-off by former board member Zachary DeWolf after their allotted time ran out. He and colleague Chandra Hampson, a former director of the district, were both accused of racist bullying and of ignoring parents' concerns But DeWolf, who is now 38, was happy to waste time on a very personal indulgence - forcing distressed audience members to listen to a poem he wanted to read to celebrate his 34th birthday. He said: 'And then lastly, today is my birthday and I want to actually dedicate, particularly my mom calls me, every birthday really early when I'm still sleeping so I'm actually gonna read a poem.' DeWolf then read a gushing poem about a love between a parent and child. Despite his emphasis on 'equity' and kindness, he and fellow board member Chandra Hampson were later accused of racist bullying of two black board members. The racism allegations were dismissed by an investigation - but the bullying claims were upheld. DeWolf has since left the board - but the changes he helped force through are now set to upend life for thousands of Seattle schoolchildren. Hampson sparked further fury by claiming black parents who wanted to maintain the HCC schools were 'tokenizing' their own children within the majority white and Asian student body. 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' 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. The new system means teachers will now have to come up with up to 30 individual learning plans for each student based on their academic capabilities. It comes despite growing anger from parents of the few children black and Hispanic children who were already in the gifted program. 'It will not help those kids to just cut the program wholesale, mom Sirin Parmar told Fox13 Seattle this week. 'We weren't servicing enough of them. You don't help by cutting the program. 'What we should be doing is identifying more children from underrepresented groups that aren't getting a fair shake in the testing and doing more to fix that and providing these services to more kids across the city.' 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 move rankled parents who accused DeWolf of centering himself in the meeting instead of hearing their comments. The situation was then exacerbated by director Chandra Hampson after she claimed the minority parents complaining were being 'tokenized'. Amid the fury, it was also revealed that Hampson and DeWolf were previously accused of racism. Both were 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. DeWolf told the Seattle Times he 'totally disagreed' with the allegations, while Hampson admitted there had been some tensions but denied violating the anti-bullying policy. Currently 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.' Critics say that is false, as insufficient resources are being devoted to ensure students of all abilities will be taught to the best of their needs. An 'ghost mine' in Death Valley, California, remains stuck in the past- with old bullet holes in homes and rocks heaped up outside a quarry from the California gold rush. The Big Bell mine, abandoned since 1941, is only visited by a handful of people every year because its location is virtually inaccessible, and there are next to no signs to direct the rare tourist. But the 10-acre mine's remoteness has proven to be its saving grace. Founded in 1904, the Big Bell has remained untouched by time and offers visitors a window into an America that has long ceased to exist. Rusted ore bins that once whirred out from the bowels of the mine, laden with gold ore, still hang from cables, as if mid-movement. Tracks, laid down over a hundred years ago, remain entrenched in the rocky earth. The ore buckets, pictured, are just one example of the equipment from the Big Bell mine that still survives, as if still in use The tracks (pictured) that lead into the mine in which prospectors once toiled in the sweltering Death Valley heat It was on these very same tracks that miners and prospectors, hoping to strike pay dirt, were ferried in and out of the mine. The dilapidated shacks in which the workers lived and the motheaten cots in which they slept also dot the land. The mine lies at the bottom of Chloride Cliff. To reach the mine, one must traverse 1.7 miles of treacherous ground and endure 1,600 feet of elevation change. The journey requires a high-clearance vehicle, good navigation skills, and providential weather conditions. It also requires a sense of daring- a sense of daring similar to that which the prospectors who once worked in the mine below possessed. A precipitous path, flanked with iron stakes that once helped haul the ore and miners up the slope, winds down to the mine. The start of the path is marked by a water tank sprayed with bullet holes. The mine is beyond the reach of civilization. And time. The Big Bell mine was originally claimed by John Cyty, an irascible 5-feet tall prospector with a penchant for risk in 1904. Cyty claimed the Big Bell because of its close proximity to the Keane Wonder Mine, a high-performing site. He snatched up hundreds of shares in Big Bell, and because the mining business was booming, Cyty was flush with cash. The prospector invested his money in a dance hall in Rhyolite, where miners seeking a little respite from their back-breaking labor could burn through their paychecks to watch women perform. But Cyty ran afoul of the locals because he employed non-union female dances, a move that frustrated union women as well as nearby mining unions. They boycotted the dance hall, and Cyty's finances declined until he was eventually evicted from the dance hall. Always defiant, the prospector broke back into the dance hall, where he was arrested. Then the boom went bust- a nationwide financial panic kneecapped the area's mining business. The value of Cyty's stocks plummeted from 30 cents a share to a mere 4 cents. The bust prevented further investment in Big Bell. The next year, Cyty, true to his rash and intrepid character, gambled away the mine at a saloon aptly called the Stock Exchange. The mine was first claimed by John Cyty in 1904. A few years later, the roguish miner would gamble away his stock in the mine in a game of roulette No doubt feeling desperate, the prospector had wagered 250,000 shares of stock in the mine in a game of roulette with the saloon's proprietor. By the time Cyty left the saloon 12 hours later, he had sold every last share in Big Bell, the value of which was estimated to be $10,000. In 1908, the Los Angeles Herald called Cyty's roulette loss 'without parallel in the history of the state'. Irrepressible, Cyty struck a new claim called the Big Bell Extension, which is near Big Bell and which also boasts immaculate ruins. But a rival prospector, C. Kyle Smith, disputed Cyty's claim. Cyty answered by telling Smith that if he showed his face on his claim, he would kill him. In November 1908, Smith showed up at the claim, and he showed up armed. Gunfire erupted. Cyty shot Smith in the leg and stomach--wounds which would prove fatal. Smith died and Cyty was thrown in jail for manslaughter. He served a year-and-a-half of his ten-year sentence, before being retried, acquitted, and then released. Cyty returned to Big Bell Extension, where he had built a mill and a cabin, but he grew restless, quit mining, and drifted on. His mill and cabin are still standing. The Coen Company took over the Big Bell mine in 1936, hoping to build the site out and breath some life into it. The mine's inaccessibility, as well as poor terrain and dwindling precious metals, rendered the venture unfeasible. Before the year was out, the Coen Company abandoned the site. But the mine continues to exist, continues to rise up from the land like it is still in operation. Because of the mine's isolation, and the treacherous journey a visitor must make to get there, the place remains perfectly preserved. No historical society or park foundation has had to intercede to maintain it The equipment, though rusted, is still there, untouched by potential scavengers because it is so remote. Speaking to SFGATE, Jeremy Stoltzfus of Death Valley's Abandoned Mine Lands Program, explained how the mine has not required external help for its preservation. 'The park has not done anything at that site,' Stoltzfus said. 'Big Bell has pretty much been untouched since the miners last walked away.' A father-of-four has penned an emotional letter from his prison cell in Iraq where he has been detained for three years in appalling conditions. Australian engineer Robert Pether was sentenced to a five-year jail term and fined $16 million in April 2021 after seeking to be paid by the Iraqi government for work he had done in the country. Mr Pether was arrested on fraud charges - allegations he has strenuously denied. After spending three years in a Baghdad jail, there are grave concerns for Mr Pether's physical and mental wellbeing. Last week, his wife Desree Pether made a direct plea to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong for 'more to be done'. In an emotional letter, Mr Pether revealed that he feels 'abandoned' by the Australian government and worries he will never get home. Australian engineer Robert Pether (pictured) was sentenced to a five-year jail term and fined $16 million in April 2021 after seeking to be paid by the Iraqi government for work he had done in the country In an emotional letter (pictured) Mr Pether revealed that he feels 'abandoned' by the Australian Government and worries he will never get home. 'I have pleaded for three years for Prime Minister Albanese and Foreign Minister Wong to do everything they can to help me and get me home,' he wrote. 'So far, I just feel abandoned. I am sick, and worried I will not survive this ordeal much longer. 'I want to go back to Australia and hear the birds, swim at the beach, sit and watch the harbour while the ferries come and go and feel the sun on my skin.' Mr Pether and an Egyptian colleague Khalid Radwan were arrested after being lured to an office with the promise of resolving a dispute over the work they had done on the $1 billion Central Bank of Iraq. In a trial that lasted just 15 minutes, the pair were found guilty of deception. 'I was forced to sign a pre-written, incriminating confession in Arabic, a language I don't read or understand, after being locked in a cupboard, dehydrated and starved,' he said. 'There was no opportunity to defend myself.' Mr Pether, who has always maintained his innocence, now has access to an Arabic-speaking lawyer who is 'trying his best' to help. His wife said she has had to 'talk him off the ledge so many times' since he was first put behind bars. 'Our kids need their dad, and I need him even if he's a phone call away, still there for them,' she told the ABC News. 'I think that's where he draws his strength from.' His wife said she has had to 'talk him off the ledge so many times' since he was first put behind bars Mr Pether (pictured) and an Egyptian colleague Khalid Radwan were arrested after being lured to an office with the promise of resolving a dispute over the work they had done on the $1 billion Central Bank of Iraq His treatment has attracted condemnation from the UN, which has noted 30 violations of international law in the case and classified Mr Pether as a 'hostage'. Ms Pether shared more of her own fraught state in an emotional Facebook post on Tuesday, revealing that the family is struggling to cope. 'I miss him. All the time,' she wrote. 'He shouldn't still be unlawfully imprisoned in #iraq. He should NEVER have been trapped, arrested and imprisoned in the first place! The treatment of two innocent men is absolutely heinous!' Mr Pether said he has 'missed so many milestones' while he has been locked up, and is begging his own government 'to do everything they possibly can'. 'Our youngest two boys have finished school and are now young men. Our daughter was 8 when I was arrested and is now 11,' he said. 'I've missed three Christmases and 4 Easters, multiple birthdays, 3 wedding anniversaries, and so much more. I want to go home.' The Prime Minister told Daily Mail Australia: 'We have made enormous efforts, including direct contact by myself as Prime Minister, with leaders there, with continued representations, more than one hundred, by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.' 'My Government will always act in the interests of Australian citizens. And with Mr Pether, we are certainly doing whatever we can to secure his safe return.' The drunk driver aunt who killed two of her nieces - leaving one decapitated in a horror car crash may serve just two years in prison as part of a plea bargain. Kaleah Sharelle Manning, 23, lost control of a 2004 Honda Odyssey van on December 11, 2022, killing her two nieces, due to speeding and impairment. Manning's blood alcohol level was found to be 0.191, more than twice the legal limit in Nevada. She allegedly veered off the road and struck the curb before sideswiping trees and striking a light pole and wall, before colliding head-on with a large palm tree. Kaleah Sharelle Manning, 23, (left) may serve just two years in prison as part of a plea bargain for killing her two nieces in a horror crash due to speeding and impairment Manning, the young girl's aunt, killed two of her nieces - leaving one decapitated when she lost control of a 2004 Honda Odyssey van on December 11, 2022 Manning faces a potential sentence of two to 40 years in prison as part of the plea agreement. Manning's term could be doubled due to the two counts Her sister, Raenysa Washington, was in the car with her two young children at the time of the incident - both of whom were not in car seats as required by Nevada law. Little Taylor, three, and Rose Wilmer, two, were both killed in the crash on Scott Robinson Boulevard at around 9.15pm. Earlier this year, Manning admitted guilt to two counts of DUI resulting in death, and Washington confessed to two counts of child abuse. Manning faces a potential sentence of two to 40 years in prison as part of the plea agreement. Manning's term could be doubled due to the two counts. Both women are awaiting sentencing in June after being released on bond. Manning was reportedly 'slurring' her words and had a strong odor of alcohol coming from her mouth every time she opened it to speak according to Las Vegas police. Cops also said her eyes were bloodshot, and she kept repeating herself. Raenysa Clydette-Glenn Washington (right) the girl's mother and Kaleah Sharelle Manning (left) have both been charged in connection with the toddler's deaths. Manning was drunk behind the wheel at the time of the collision Witnesses claim they saw an intoxicated woman drop the body of one of the girls to the floor before trampling on her in the aftermath of the incident. Rose died at the scene, while Taylor was rushed to the University Medical Center but eventually succumb to her injuries. Both women were rushed to hospital, where they were handcuffed to their beds while recovering from their injuries, which were critical at first. North Las Vegas Police Department officer Alexander Cuevas announced that both women are facing multiple charges in connection with the deaths at the time. Manning and Washington lived together at the same address with the two little girls, with their mother facing two counts of neglect and endangerment, which resulted in death. Their aunt, Manning, faced three counts of DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm or death and is also accused of driving with a suspended license and having no proof of insurance. Manning also faces two counts of child neglect/endangerment resulting in death, two counts of operating a vehicle without child safety restraints, and failure to maintain a travel lane. Little Taylor, three, and Rose Wilmer, two, were both killed in the crash on Scott Robinson Boulevard at around 9.15pm Horrific photos show that the van was heavily damaged, with police reports revealing that night of the incident, both girls were not in childrens car seats Tributes have been paid to the 'beautiful and smart' little girls by their father who said the crash was 'something that should never have happened' Isaac Garcia told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that it shocked him and broke his heart because she just left the baby there. Another teenage witness said the woman appeared to be drunk, adding: When she was getting out of the car, she just stepped on the baby and walked to the grass. She got out of the car, and stepped on the baby, like nonchalant. Horrific photos show that the van was heavily damaged, with police reports revealing that night of the incident, both girls were not in childrens car seats. Tavon Wilmer, 22, the girls father, said the crash was something that should never have happened. He added: My girls were beautiful, smart girls. Portland's progressive, Soros-backed DA spends too much time glad-handing lawmakers to push his 'equity' agenda - and not enough time working on criminal cases, his rival says. Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt is facing stiff competition from senior deputy district attorney Nathan Vasquez ahead of the May 21 vote. Vasquez is viciously critical of his boss, who was elected in 2020 has and presided over the city's rising crime crisis, which saw annual murders hit and all-time high and other violent crimes soar. Vasquez contends that the city's crime problem would be better if Schmidt focused on day-to-day prosecutions - and not pushing for 'equitable' new laws that victims' advocates say prioritize criminals over those they harm. Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt is facing stiff competition for reelection Schmidt was elected from outside the office and spends much of his time meeting with local and state politicians, and attending events and conferences. He frequently talks up boosting the office's budget by 30 per cent and and increasing its numbers by 30 new prosecutors. Schmidt also touts his political advocacy and legislative success in making the justice system more equitable - meaning fairer to people on lower incomes and from minority backgrounds. Vasquez, by contrast, spent his entire career in the trenches and now handles big cases in the courtroom. He came up through the ranks since 2001 under former DA Mike Schrunk, who for a decade made a point of being the first in and last out. His vision is to be more hands-on instead of spending so much time focused on issues not directly related to prosecuting open cases. Vasquez claimed Schmidt was an absent boss who left the office rudderless, causing discontent, low morale, crushing caseloads, and high turnover. Analysis by The Oregonian found Schmidt swiped in to the DA's office 60 per cent of days, compare to Vasquez's 90 per cent. Opponent senior deputy district attorney Nathan Vasquez is viciously critical of his boss DAs of nearby, but much smaller, counties both came to their office more than Schmidt, one at 80 per cent and another at 91 per cent. 'It's pretty clear I'm the only candidate in this race who is consistently in the office prosecuting serious cases, standing up for victims, and providing the present, dedicated leadership that my fellow prosecutors need day in and day out,' Vasquez told the paper in response. However, days signing in to the office doesn't measure how long either candidate actually spent there, or account for their very different roles. Schmidt delegates the day-to-day running of the office to two chief deputies who directly supervise prosecutors, and a first assistant functioning as a chief of staff. Former DAs in other areas, even those who don't support Schmidt, said 60 per cent was about right for a big city like Portland. They chalked up Vasquez's attitude to a lack of understanding of how different the job was to a frontline prosecutor. 'The work of the elected prosecutor is to build bridges from the courthouse into the community,' former Seattle DA Dan Satterberg said. 'You can't do that if you are only in the courthouse. It took me a while to figure that out.' Stan Garnett, former DA of Boulder, Colorado, who doesn't know either candidate, agreed and recalled he frequently travelled around his district to meet leaders. Oregon became the first state in the country to decriminalize the possession of all drugs including heroin and cocaine in 2020. Pictured a man smoking crack in downtown Portland 'If I had been simply sitting at my desk every day worried about attendance or somebody criticizing that, I don't think I would have been as effective as a district attorney,' he said. Schmidt himself at a debate last month said Vasquez was too rooted in the past and didn't understand the need for his progressive approach. 'He's right that we're facing real challenges. It's just that the old ideas are wrong. I am focused on moving forward,' he said. He talked up his work pushing through the recent bill that recriminalized small amounts of drug possession, after Oregon's legalizing of drugs was blamed for a spike in crime and overdoses. Schmidt also claimed his advocacy with Oregon politicians helped secure $25 million for a round-the-clock drop-off sobering up center. 'That's something that law enforcement on the frontlines has been asking for for decades. And now we're finally bringing it home,' he said. Vasquez countered that Schmidt was overstating his role. 'I bet all of us sitting in this room here have a boss that loves to take credit for everyone else's work. That's what you've got in Mike Schmidt,' he said. He also attacked him for his response to huge 2020 Black Lives Matter protests that took over parts of downtown Portland for weeks. 'His very first effort as the DA was to come forward and tell the community all the things he wasn't going to prosecute,' he said. Schmidt (pictured with his family) was elected from outside the office and spends much of his time meeting with local and state politicians, and attending events and conferences However, Vasquez's criticism doesn't just extend to his rival's progressive advocacy or job performance, but to his internal leadership. 'I'm not going to sugarcoat it for you. Mike Schmidt has destroyed morale in the DA's office, absolutely destroyed it,' he said at the debate. The union representing prosecutors has endorsed Vasquez and a recent survey was full of staff complaining they hadn't seen Schmidt or their supervisors in weeks. The office's most senior female prosecutor, chief deputy district attorney Kirsten Snowden, also made a withering complaint to HR in February. The 25-year veteran's six-page complaint seen by The Orgonian accused Schmidt of creating a 'workplace culture of fear, intimidation, and retaliation'. One of her gripes was Schmidt allegedly passing over a top prosecutor for promotion because of he was too close to Vasquez. Snowden claimed deputy district attorney Brian Davidson was the 'obvious candidate' for a higher job opening, but was barely considered. 'The only reason given for DA Schmidt's refusal to consider Brian Davidson for the position was that 'he is too close to Nathan',' she wrote, quoting an unnamed prosecutor familiar with the process. Another top female prosecutor, Amber Kinney, claimed when she quit in disgust in 2022 that Schmidt had set back women's advancement in the office ''by decades'. The Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries last year found substantial evidence to support her claim. However, criticism of Schmidt doesn't just extend to his progressive advocacy or job performance, but to his internal leadership Vasquez, who is supervised by Snowden, seized on her complaint as 'just one more example in a long list of staff who have experienced unbearable working conditions and retaliation from Schmidt'. 'The District Attorney's office cannot function properly and keep our community safe when it is saddled with failed leadership and a toxic workplace environment,' he said. Schmidt's campaign manager Andrew Rogers said Vasquez was 'sowing discord' in the DA's office that was 'bad for public safety'. 'Vasquez and his political allies are desperate because they know crime is down, prosecution rates are higher than they've been in eight years, and Vasquez has no new ideas,' he said. The synthetic opioid addiction and overdose crisis that has gripped the U.S. for over two decades has left governments at the federal, state and local levels scrambling for solutions. Oregon became the first state in the country to decriminalize the possession of all drugs including heroin and cocaine in 2020. But residents have since demanded for politicians to take action on the open-air drug markets that surfaced and fueled a homelessness crisis. Opioid deaths in Oregon more than tripled from 280, before the de-criminalization of drugs was voted in, to 955 in 2022. Fentanyl addicts who interact with first responders in Portland's downtown in the next 90 days will be connected to resources including drug treatment programs. Pictured: Two people sat on the street in Portland openly doing drugs on August 11 Oregon leaders have declared a 90-day state of emergency in Portland to battle the city's debilitating fentanyl crisis. Drug users pictured in downtown Portland, Oregon on August 10 According to the Oregon Healthy Authority, there were 21 non-pharmaceutical fentanyl deaths in Multnomah County in 2019, before decriminalization was passed. The data has not been updated since. Oregon lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would undo a key part of the state's drug decriminalization law. Public opinion has soured on it as public drug use has become more visible because of growing homelessness. According to the City of Portland, overall homelessness increased by 65 percent from 2015 to 2023, with 6,297 homeless people counted in the latest Point in Time Count. Portland officials cut millions from its police budgets in June 2020 following the Black Lives Matter protests and the growing 'defund the police' movement. But following a rise in crime, homelessness and drugs in the city, Portland officials reversed course and increased its $230million police budget by $5.2million a year later. Vasquez is massively outraising his rival, collecting $656,000 in donations by the tike of debate, compared to Schmidt's $362,000. If neither candidate gets more than half the vote on May 21, they go to a runoff on November 5. The possible extradition of a man who flew to India before his wife was found in a wheelie bin could be easier than expected after he relinquished Indian citizenship. The body of Chaithanya 'Swetha' Madhagani, 30, was found stuffed into a green wheelie bin on Mount Pollock Road in Buckley, west of Geelong, Victoria, on March 9. Homicide detectives have said they want to speak to Ms Madhagani's husband, Ashok Raj Varikuppala, in relation to the death. The couple became Australian citizens in a bid to build a life away from their homeland of India, The Herald Sun reported. India's constitution does not allow for dual citizenship, making Mr Varikuppala's potential extradition simpler as he is classified as a foreign national. Homicide detectives have said they want to speak to Ms Madhagani's husband, Ashok Raj Varikuppala, in relation to the death A homicide investigation was launched after the body of The body of Chaithanya 'Swetha' Madhagani was found in a wheelie bin at their home in Buckley, west of Geelong, in March Mr Varikuppala is believed to have taken their four-year-old son, Arya, with him to India before arriving at Ms Madhagani's family home unannounced and handing him off to them. The Herald Sun reports that during this interaction, he confessed to killing Ms Madhagani by strangulation and begged for their forgiveness. 'As soon as I put my hand on my grandson's head, his father, Ashok, knelt, grasped my feet and started crying, saying "I am sorry for what I did, Chaithanya is no more, I killed her",' Ms Madhagani's father, Balshetty Madhagani, told the publication. An extradition request must first include an evidence brief to be produced in court as part of a criminal prosecution. That brief will be passed on to Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus which will then be shared to Indian officials through diplomatic channels. A similar request was granted by Indian officials for the extradition of Rajwinder Singh, an Australian citizen of Indian origin, in January 2023. Singh is accused of stabbing Toyah Cordingley, 24, to death while she walked her dog on a beach in Queensland in October 2018. He was brought back to Australia and is awaiting trial on July 22, 2024. Investigators have said they want to speak with Mr Varikuppala in regards to the death (pictured, police at the home) Daily Mail Australia previously revealed that the family of Varikuppala made an extraordinary offer of land as restitution to Ms Madhagani's parents. The revelation comes as the Indian parents of the slain women have taken aim at Australian authorities, who they say have made no effort to assist them in bringing their daughter's body back to her ancestral home. Mr Varikuppala flew to India and the next day he allegedly dropped the boy off with Ms Madhagani's parents at their house in the south central Indian city of Hyderabad. Mr Varikuppala's parents have reportedly since visited the same property to 'apologise' to Ms Madhagani's mother and father for what their son allegedly did, offer them and Ayra four acres of land as well as to take care and school the boy. Ms Madhagani's maternal grandfather K Gopal, who also lives with her parents, told Daily Mail Australia the visit 'happened a few days ago'. 'They wanted to take care of their grandson,' the 80-year-old said. 'They offered 4 acres of land for him. 'They expressed regret about the incident and apologised for whatever happened. 'They remember Swetha as happy daughter-in-law.' Mr Gopal said Mr Varikuppala's parents had already enrolled Arya in a nearby school. He also said they had didn't know where Mr Varikuppala was but 'are being told he is absconding'. Mr Gopal said when Mr Varikuppala visited he 'expressed remorse' over what had happened and said Ms Madhagani died because of an 'altercation typical of any married couple'. The husband took their toddler to India with him and dropped them off to Ms Madhagani's family where he allegedly admitted to killing her by strangulation Ms Madhagani's father, Balshetty Madhagani, told Daily Mail Australia Mr Varikuppala 'apologised for what he did and left'. 'He (Mr Varikuppala) said they had an argument on a fateful day,' Mr Madhagani said. 'He brought the son here as he didn't want him to become an orphan in Australia.' Mr Madhagani also said he felt 'very disappointed' in Australian authorities. 'No one from the Australian authorities approached us to offer any assistance,' he said. 'I had to make all arrangements myself for the repatriation of the body. 'I am eagerly waiting for the return of the mortal remains of my daughter, to have a last look. 'I also request the Australian authorities to provide me the post-mortem report.' It has also been reported the parents have asked for a photo of Ms Madhagani's body. The grieving dad also said the Indian police had failed to register his report of the incident happening because it was an Australian matter. 'I hope strict action will be taken,' Mr Madhagani said. It was earlier reported by the ABC that Mr Varikuppala told Ms Madhagani's parents he was trying to 'mute' their daughter during a quarrel with his hands and she suffocated. Don Lemon and Tim Malone were all smiles as they headed home from their glitzy New York City wedding. The newlyweds strolled hand in hand as they exited Ralph Lauren's Polo bar just before midnight on Sunday. Lemon, 58, tied the knot with Malone, 40, in an intimate ceremony at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church before leading guests on foot over to the reception. Disgraced sex pest broadcaster Matt Lauer, fired CNN boss Jeff Zucker and alleged killer Alec Baldwin were among the high-profile attendees. The grooms appeared in good spirits as they exited their venue in the same coordinated velvet tuxedos they wore to tie the knot hours previously. They had ditched their bow ties and dress shoes, opting for open collars and white sneakers with a trim that matched their respective green and blue jackets. Don Lemon and Tim Malone were all smiles as they headed home from their glitzy New York City wedding The newlyweds strolled hand in hand as they exited Ralph Lauren's Polo bar just before midnight on Saturday Disgraced Today host Matt Lauer left hand in hand with girlfriend Shamin Abas just before the couple left The couple tied the knot at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church before walking guests over to their reception The newlyweds cut dapper figures in coordinated velvet tuxedos jackets in different shades Alec and Hilaria Baldwin were among the high-profile guests at the wedding on Saturday. Embattled Baldwin is facing involuntary manslaughter charges over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins Lemon's ex-CNN boss Jeff Zucker was seen arriving to the event with the subordinate staffer he was fired for having a relationship with Matt Laurer and Shamin Abas Don Lemon and Tim Malone Matt Laurer and Shamin Abas Don Lemon and Tim Malone Luann de Lesseps A string of media elites were invited to the exclusive event, including some whose stock has taken a dive in recent years Lauer, who was fired from his role as host of Today by NBC over sexual misconduct allegations in 2017 was seen leaving clutching the hand of his girlfriend Shamin Abas moments before the happy couple emerged. Lemon's old CNN boss was also in attendance, along with girlfriend Allison Gollust, his former subordinate who he was sacked for having a relationship with. Baldwin, who is currently facing involuntary manslaughter charges over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, was also snapped on his way into the ceremony with wife Hilaria. The beleaguered actor's trial is due go to jury selection in July and comes after the movie's armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted over the fatal shooting. A few guests emerged looking a little worse for wear as they left the exclusive party. Sarah Haines and husband Max Shifirin struck a jaunty pose as they exited with another guest. The celebrations got off to an early start, thanks to a phone call from Vice President Kamala Harris who wished the couple a 'marriage full of love, laughter and good food'. In a video shared on Lemon's Instagram she can be heard telling them to always find the humor in themselves and each other. An insider told DailyMail.com the couple's dogs were set to play a role in their special day The couple were set to host a lavish reception at Ralph Lauren's Polo bar following the ceremony with guests following them over on foot Countess Luann was spotted leaving the party just before midnight on Sunday moments before the happy couple emerged Sarah Haines and husband Max Shifrin (left) appeared to have enjoyed themselves as they posed up with another guest on their way out Broadcaster Tamron Hall was also among the attendees comprised of New York's media elite The View host Ana Navarro sported a floral jumpsuit for the church ceremony Also present from The View was Joy Behar and her husband Steve Janowitz Real Housewives of New York alum Luann de Lesseps embraced Lemon after the ceremony Lemon's friend, The View host Sunny Hostin, arrives for the ceremony in a white pantsuit In response, Lemon said that she and husband Doug Emhoff are his 'couple goals'. It appears Lemon's comments might be more than flattery, with a photo showing how he and Malone once dressed up as the VP and her husband for Halloween. Their intimate ceremony comes eight years after the pair first started dating after meeting at Almond Restaurant in Bridgehampton, New York. It took place on the same day that Malone celebrated his 40th birthday, and exactly five years after they got engaged. Tim proposed to Don with the help of their beloved dogs Barkley and Boomer. The two pooches were wearing dog tags that were engraved with the question: 'Daddy will you marry papa?' Sharing details about their big day, which is set to be a ceremony with their nearest and dearest, an insider said: 'They are both going to wear matching suits with different lapels. 'It won't be a very religious ceremony, but they have written vows they will read to each other. 'Tim was joking with coworkers that he would use ChatGPT to write his. Grammy award winning record producer Clive Davis was the couple's 'something blue' for the big day Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield arrived flanked by members of the Secret Service Boxes of pink and red roses were seen arriving at the reception venue DailyMail.com revealed how insiders had shared that Lemon had become a 'bridezilla' in the run up to the nuptials 'Several of Tim's co-workers from Douglas Elliman are going to be there. 'Their dogs are also expected to be a part of the ceremony just as they were a part of their engagement.' A photo shared on Lemon's Instagram showed three identical harnesses and tuxedos for each of their dogs. Boxes of pink and red flowers were seen being delivered to the venue on Saturday. The nuptials are finally going ahead after being delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. The nuptials are finally going ahead after being delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. Despite keeping numbers intimate, a steady stream of high-profile guests were seen arriving on Saturday. The couple tied the knot on Malone's 40th birthday, exactly five years after he popped the question to Lemon Lemon shared behind the scenes snaps of his dogs' attire for the bid day ahead of the wedding The ceremony is set to be an 'intimate' affair with just their nearest and dearest according to an insider The reception is being hosted at The Polo Bar following the church ceremony Journalist Tamron Hall was in attendance, sporting a chic black dress with rose motif. Real Housewives of New York Countess Luan de Lesseps was also snapped beaming on her way in. Don and Tim, who works in real estate, went public with their relationship when they rang in 2018 with an on-air kiss during CNN's live New Year's Eve broadcast. The following year the duo got engaged when Tim proposed to Don on his own birthday with the help of their beloved dogs Barkley and Boomer. The two pooches were wearing dog tags that were engraved with the question: 'Daddy will you marry papa?' Following their engagement, Don, who came out as gay in his 2011 memoir Transparent, told CNN viewers: 'I grew up thinking that I would never be able to be public with my relationships, let alone ever get legally married. 'So for me this is doubly thrilling and just a wee bit terrifying. Guess I have to start thinking about children. Talk about a late bloomer.' It was previously reported that Don's axing from CNN in April 2023 caused 'arguments' between the lovebirds. Don Lemon shared a good luck call he received from Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of his wedding to partner Tim Malone In a call before the wedding, Kamala Harris offered the couple her best wishes on behalf of herself and husband Doug Emhoff Lemon told the VP her relationship was 'couple goals' for him. He and Malone have previously dressed up as Harris and Emhoff for Halloween The duo have been engaged since 2019 but were forced to postpone their nuptials amid the coronavirus pandemic The veteran anchor was sensationally sacked amid a furious controversy over his 'sexist' and 'misogynistic' behavior. While Don's axing has reportedly caused friction between him and his partner, the insider added that Tim was sticking by the former CNN anchor and 'knows that he is not misogynistic.' '[Tim] says that [Don] is just gay with a very dry, harsh and sarcastic sense of humor,' they said at the time. In fact, once the pair overcame the shock of Don's sacking, they began to get 'excited' about the prospect of having more time together. 'To be honest, they are actually kind of excited that Don gets to be home with their dogs now, as their dogs are their life,' they added. 'Tim has said that now Don gets to play house-husband. 'Tim says that Don was not happy there for a while and that he was worked to the bone. This is a much needed break for him. As he nears his 100th birthday, the oldest-ever president of the Mormon church has so far created a mixed legacy. Some churchgoers say that Russell M. Nelson, 99, has made its global membership feel more included, and that he has been a modernizing influence. But other worshippers feel that has left LGBTQ+ and other minority members feeling unsupported. Nelson, a retired heart surgeon turned faith leader, had a conservative track record in his previous position on the faith's leadership panel, which led many to predict he wouldn't make any significant changes as president. But religious scholars now say his six years in office have been anything but stagnant. Russell M. Nelson, 99, right, has been seen as an agent of change within the Mormon church. Critics feel that he has not gone far enough in promoting inclusivity, with LGBTQ+ members feeling unsupported. Dallin Oaks, 91, left, is Nelson's likely successor. Dallin is opposed to the church's acting on the matter of same-sex attraction Nelson is the oldest-ever president of the Mormon church. During his tenure, he has shaken the church up and is one its most influential leaders. Pictured: the Mormon church's Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah 'He's shaken up the church in a lot of ways - changed everything from what happens every Sunday at regular worship services to the long-term trajectory of where the church is pointed,' said Matthew Bowman, a religion professor at Claremont Graduate Universities. Nelson is expected to speak Sunday at the twice-annual Salt Lake City conference of the faith, which is watched by members worldwide. The president has embraced becoming a centenarian but told congregants Thursday that he and other elderly church leaders might need accommodations at the conference. He was notably absent from the fall 2023 conference due to a back injury. 'We are called to serve for the remainder of our lives, often long beyond 'retirement age,' Nelson said. 'From my point of view, this is cause for celebration'. Nelson, who notes he has been alive for more than half of the faith's 194-year history, is known for shepherding the Mormon church through the Covid-19 pandemic. The 99-year-old also admonished people to stop referring to Latter-day Saints as 'Mormons,' a dramatic break with the previous church leaders who spent millions over decades to promote the name. Nelson severed the faiths century-long ties with the Boy Scouts of America as well. In its place, he launched the church's own youth program that could serve more than half of its 17 million members who live outside the U.S. and Canada. In an effort to promote global inclusivity, Nelson appointed non-American leaders to the top governing body and pushed to publish regional hymnbooks that celebrate local music and culture worldwide. The president shortened Sunday services and launched the construction of more than 150 temples, accelerating a long-running push to dot the world with the faith's lavish houses of worship. Some of the reforms Nelson has made include shortening Sunday services, appointing non-Americans to the top governing body, and forming an alliance with the NAACP; pictured: Russell Nelson at his desk While Nelson's Mormon church has insisted that LGBTQ+ worshippers are welcome, they have maintained that same-sex marriage is a sin; pictured: congregants gathering for the twice-annual Mormon conference The retired heart surgeon also forged a formal partnership with the NAACP in a move aimed at improving the faith's checkered history on race. Until 1978, the Mormon church banned Black men from the lay priesthood, a policy rooted in the belief that black skin was a curse. The church disavowed the ban in a 2013 essay, saying it was enacted during an era of great racial divide that influenced the churchs early teachings. But it never issued a formal apology, leaving it as one of the most sensitive topics for the Utah-based religion. Nelson has largely avoided taking a position on hot-button issues, sparking frustration among some members. 'He's not a culture warrior,' said Patrick Mason, a religion and history professor at Utah State University. 'But in terms of church presidents over the past century, I would put him in the the top two or three who, by the time of their death, will have left their mark on the church'. Mason described Nelson's administration as 'gentler' than past presidents by welcoming people and trying to maintain members while still applying a strict interpretation of religious doctrine. Under Nelson, the church insists LGBTQ+ members are welcome but maintains that same-sex marriage is a sin. The Mormon church also limits the participation of transgender members who pursue gender-affirming medical procedures or change their name, pronouns or how they dress. Among Nelson's more progressive actions, he rescinded a church edict prohibiting baptism for the children of gay parents; pictured: Members of The Tabernacle Choir raise their hands during a vote at the twice-annual conference Nelson's early actions as church president gave some LGBTQ+ members hope that he might change those policies. He made waves in 2019 when he rescinded a pair of controversial rules banning baptisms for the children of gay parents and branding same-sex couples as heretics who could face excommunication. His administration later supported a 2022 law protecting same-sex marriage at the federal level because it included what Nelson's top adviser Dallin Oaks called 'necessary protections for religious freedom'. Oaks, 91, is Nelson's likely successor and among the most outspoken supporters of the church's opposition to acting on same-sex attraction. The 91-year-old successor has reminded followers at several past conferences that the church believes children should be raised by a married man and woman. That message is echoed in what's colloquially known as the 'musket fire speech,' which recently became required reading for incoming students at Brigham Young University. The speech is from a high-ranking church leader, and it calls on faculty and students to take up their intellectual 'muskets' to defend the faith's stance on marriage. Fred Bowers, president of the LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saints support group Affirmation, pointed to the speech as one of many recent examples of how the faith has made LGBTQ+ members feel isolated. Faith leaders tell LGBTQ+ members that God loves them and they are accepted in church, but that support is not reflected in their policies, Bowers said. While Nelson's leadership has been characterized as ' gentler' than that of previous leaders, many LGBTQ+ still feel marginalized by the church 'Our members continue to experience trauma and are constantly met with mixed messages,' he continued. Despite ongoing tensions between church leadership and LGBTQ+ members, Nelson repeatedly has instructed congregants to be kind to those whose experiences they might not understand. 'We are to be examples of how to interact with others, especially when we have differences,' Nelson said in his conference speech last spring. 'One of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is by how compassionately that person treats other people.' Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron has warned Britain's support for Israel is not unconditional after the killings of three British aid workers in an air strike by the IDF. Writing in the Sunday Times six months on from the October 7 Hamas attack, Lord Cameron has issued a warning over Israel's compliance with international law. It comes after former SBS operator John Chapman, 57, former sniper marksman James Kirby, 47, and former special forces operator, James Henderson, 33, died in air strikes carried out by the IDF on April 1. 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. The three British veterans were among seven staff members of World Central Kitchen (WCK) who were travelling out of Deir al-Balah in food aid trucks when they were struck by missiles. Israel apologised for what it called a 'grave mistake' and dismissed two officers as a result, but Lord Cameron said there is 'no doubt where the blame lies', adding 'this must never happen again'. Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron (pictured) has warned Britain's support for Israel is not unconditional after the killings of three British aid workers in an air strike by the IDF John Chapman, 57, (pictured) is 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 James Kirby, 47, (pictured), was a former sniper marksman and served tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan. He was killed in the air strike on Monday, April 1 James Henderson, 33, (pictured) was a former special forces operator and a member of the Royal Marines for six years. He had been providing security for the World Central Kitchen charity in Gaza It follows Rishi Sunak's own message to Israel, in which he said Britain continues to stand by the Middle Eastern nation's right to defend its security, while adding the UK remains 'appalled' by the aid workers' deaths. The Prime Minister said 'Israeli wounds are still unhealed' and insisted Hamas must return its hostages. The PM added: 'We continue to stand by Israel's right to defeat the threat from Hamas terrorists and defend their security. 'But the whole of the UK is shocked by the bloodshed, and appalled by the killing of brave British heroes who were bringing food to those in need.' The UK had been 'straining every sinew' to get aid into Gaza, he added, while calling for an immediate humanitarian pause in the fighting, 'leading to a long-term sustainable ceasefire'. 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 Seven volunteers were killed in a series of strikes in Deir al-Balah, in Gaza, on Monday Lord Cameron is due to visit Washington this week and will discuss the Israel-Gaza conflict with his American counterpart, Anthony Blinken. Half a year on from the October 7 attack which killed 1,200 Israelis by Hamas, Lord Cameron said: 'We must not forget how this conflict started with the Jewish people suffering the worst and most murderous pogrom since the Holocaust.' Around 30,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the conflict and an estimated 1.8 million Palestinians have been displaced according to the Hamas-run health ministry. A Royal Navy ship is to be deployed to the eastern Mediterranean to help launch a new sea corridor for supplies, alongside 9.7 million in UK funding, the Government has announced. David Lammy, Labour's shadow foreign secretary, called for Israeli hostages to be returned home and condemned the 'intolerable death and destruction' of the IDF's military campaign. People on Tuesday inspect the site where World Central Kitchen workers were killed in Deir al-Balah, Gaza the day before But in contrast to the Prime Minister, he called for 'an immediate ceasefire'. In recent weeks, the Government has come under pressure to reveal whether it has received legal advice about continuing arms sales to Israel. Mr Lammy insisted the Government must 'unequivocally commit to complying with international law in this conflict, including following the licensing criteria governing arms sales'. The family of British special forces soldier John Chapman declared the Israeli drone strike that killed him as 'an inhumane act'. Paying tribute to him, they 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. It went on: '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. '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'. An asylum seeker has been found after he became separated from a group that illegally arrived in Australia by boat. He was located in the Mitchell Plateau area, in northern Western Australia, on Sunday morning and is now being assessed by authorities. It is believed he became separated from a 'group of Chinese nationals' who arrived the Mungalalu Truscott Airbase in the remote Kimberley region on Friday afternoon. Questioned over border security concerns, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese argued there will be no changes made to the nation's approach to border protection in response to the latest arrival. A group of around 15 asylum seekers has arrived by boat to a remote (pictured) part of Western Australia, in the third such arrival since last November A charter jet reportedly flew from Mungalalu Truscott Airbase (pictured) to Perth on Friday, with some or all of the asylum seekers likely to have been onboard 'We have a very large coastline. What is clear, though, is that people who are unauthorised arrivals will not be settled in Australia,' he said. 'Operation Sovereign Borders principles will apply as they have been in this case.' The boat arrival is understood to be the third illegal maritime landing on Australian soil in under six months. A plane carrying the rest of the group to an offshore detention centre in Nauru departed RAAF Curtin base in Western Australia on Sunday morning, according to reports from The Australian. On Sunday, Opposition Home Affairs spokesman James Paterson Home described the situation as a 'failure' and claimed the arrival would incentivise people smugglers to attempt to enter Australia. 'Aerial surveillance hours under this government's watch have dropped 20 per cent, maritime patrol days have dropped 12 per cent, and the result of that is people are getting through, they are getting onshore, and our border protection regime is being undermined,' he said. 'It's no surprise that people smugglers are testing their (the government's) will.' The airbase (pictured) is now a commercial airport owned by the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation Questioned over border security concerns, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese argued there will be no changes made to the nation's approach to border protection in response to the latest arrival Reports of the arrival have not been confirmed by either Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil or by the Australian Border Force, as per standard practice. 'The Australian Border Force does not confirm or comment on operational matters,' an ABF spokesperson said. A spokesperson for Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil did not give further details. 'As a long-standing practice we do not comment on operational matters,' the spokesperson said. Saturday's incident is the third unknown boat to have reached the WA coastline since November. A plane carrying the rest of the group to an offshore detention centre in Nauru departed RAAF Curtin base in Western Australia on Sunday morning, according to reports from The Australian A spokesperson for Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil (pictured) did not give further details In February, a boat carrying two groups of 39 Pakistan and Bangladesh foreign nationals were found on the Dampier Peninsula north of Broome. In November last year, Sovereign Borders Commander Rear Admiral Justin Jones confirmed a group of 12 refugees surpassed naval border forces, and reached the Truscott-Mungalalu Airbase. In both incidents, they were intercepted by the ABF, and taken to Nauru. North Korean despot Kim Jong Un cut a dapper figure in a black leather jacket during a walkabout in a housing district in the capital this week, posing for cameras while inspecting the construction of new home with olive-coated military officials. Rehashing his look from a photo-op earlier this week, in which the tyrant oversaw the test launch of a possible new missile on April 2, Kim completed the look with a pair of pressed pinstripe trousers and tortoiseshell glasses. The stumpy supremo walked ahead of a bodyguard of officials while 'providing field guidance' on the development of some 10,000 new houses in Hwaseong district in photos shared by state media on Saturday. He was also seen gesturing over a map of prospective new builds in the city in what appeared to be a closed-off street, surrounded by a mix of suited officials and army higher ups. It came days after Kim presided over the launch of a new hypersonic missile in an undisclosed location in North Korea, Kim declaring his country had now acquired the ability to build solid-fuel, nuclear-capable systems for missiles of all ranges. Kim Jong Un walks with officials in the capital on April 6 in photos shared by state media The tyrant was seen gesturing over a map of the city while discussing the new builds Kim provides field guidance during a visit to a residential development area in Hwaseong Dictator Kim wore an all-black outfit featuring a similar jacket as he smoked a cigarette in the lead-up to the test-fire of Hwasong-16B in photos released Wednesday. 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. 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. 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. On Friday, Japan said it would now look to engage with North Korea to ensure regional security. 'The current security environment is tough and complex, and we are at a turning point in history,' Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a group interview. South Korea, meanwhile, will look to launch its second domestically made spy satellites in the US in a move intended to better counter the nuclear-armed North. The latest developments intensify a space race on the Korean peninsula after the North launched its own first military eye in the sky in November last year. A group of suited men and military officials joined Kim on a closed road in the captial It came after North Korea claimed to have developed capability for new missile systems Kim Jong Un gestures as the group of officials look on during 'field guidance' this week Local reports saying the launch is scheduled on April 7 in the US are 'correct', a spokesperson for Seoul's defence ministry told AFP Friday, adding more details will be shared next week. Seoul's second spy satellite is set to lift off from the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida, also on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. Its first satellite has transmitted high-resolution images of central Pyongyang to the authorities in Seoul and is expected to commence its full mission stages as early as June, according to Seoul's Yonhap news agency. Once all five satellites enter orbit and commence their mission, the South Korean military will have the capability to monitor key facilities in North Korea using imagery sent around every two hours, according to a report by Seoul's government-run broadcaster KTV. North Korea, meanwhile, has claimed its spy satellite in orbit has sent images of a US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and 'major target' sites across South Korea. CCTV footage along the route where law graduate Zara Aleena was murdered by a sex predator as she walked home was not monitored at the time, her relatives have claimed. Ms Aleena, 35, was murdered by Jordan McSweeney after leaving a bar in Ilford, East London, in June 2022. One staff member whose job it was to monitor the CCTV where Ms Aleena was killed called in sick on the night, while a second was reviewing an earlier incident at the time of the victim's death, it was claimed. The law graduate's family are understood to have become aware of the situation ahead of an inquest into Ms Aleena's death, according to The Sun. Relatives believe that Redbridge Council's CCTV HQ, which has 19 cameras on Cranbrook Road - where Ms Aleena was killed - was not staffed at the time. Zara Aleena, 35, (pictured) was murdered by Jordan McSweeney after leaving a bar in Ilford, East London , in June 2022 Predator Jordan McSweeney is caught on camera just before he attacked Zara Aleena McSweeney pleaded guilty to murder and sexual assault and was sentenced to life in prison A source said: 'There is a probe going on involving the council and the police and it is focusing on whether there has been any negligence.' The source added: 'Two people should have been monitoring surveillance screens but the family believe one was off, leaving just the other, which in itself is questionable.' CCTV footage showed McSweeney, a former fairground worker, walking around the area for hours as he searched for a victim. The killer, who had 28 convictions and had only been released from prison nine days earlier, had been thrown out of a pub for harassing women. McSweeney then followed four lone women before targeting Ms Aleena at 2.15am and dragging her into an alley. He sexually assaulted Ms Aleena and beat her for nine minutes, causing her 46 injuries. The killer was discovered after CCTV traced his movements before he killed Ms Aleena, who was seen on 15 different CCTV cameras. McSweeney, now 30, pleaded guilty to murder and sexual assault and was sentenced to life in prison. The alleged probe into CCTV failures comes after Ms Aleena's aunt Farah Naz said both bosses and ministers 'have blood on their hands' over failings linked to the case. McSweeney was wrongly assessed as 'medium risk' instead of high, even after a long history of violence against women. MailOnline has contacted Redbridge Council for comment. The Met Police declined to comment. The grief-stricken mother of Hamas victim Shani Louk has revealed how an award given for a photo of her daughter's half-naked and mutilated body forced her family to relive the trauma of her murder. The 22-year-old German-Israeli was one of 364 people killed at the SuperNova Festival, which she was attending with her boyfriend, in the October 7 attacks. The picture shows four Hamas militants celebrating as they brandish a rocket launcher and guns while sitting on top of Shani Louk's body, which is lying face down in the back of a pickup truck. That photo, which was taken by freelance photographer Ali Mahmud, was the centerpiece of the submission that won photo agency AP the Team Picture Story of the Year category from the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute at the Missouri School of Journalism. Now Shani's mother, Ricarda, has revealed the award has forced her family to relive the trauma of her daughter's murder. Shani Louk, 22, (right) was one of 364 people killed at the SuperNova Festival by terrorists on October 7 Ricarda Louk, 53, holds up a picture of her daughter before she was brutally killed in the October 7 Hamas attacks The photo was the centrepiece of a submission for Team Picture Story of the Year award She told the Telegraph: '[It is] 'traumatic for all of us. Just try to imagine seeing your loved girl lying half-naked and lifeless on the truck with those savages around her.' The tattoo artist was still wearing the clubbing outfit she had on while attending the music festival in the picture. READ MORE: Fury as photo of Hamas victim Shani Louk's naked and mutilated body being paraded by terrorists wins top award Advertisement Separate footage recorded in the hours after the photo was taken shows her body being paraded around the streets of Gaza, with some passers-by spitting on her. 'Seeing those pictures again because of the contest makes our family relive the pain,' said Ms Louk. The 53-year-old added that her family were not told in advance that the photo was being put forward for an award, which she said 'made me angry'. 'The fact they celebrated this photo with a prize makes us hurt even more because really, its like celebrating that they were killed. 'I mean, the whole massacre is celebrated. Its not by chance that they chose this picture so it hurts us even more.' MailOnline has contacted AP for a comment. Director of photojournalism at the photojournalism institute, Lynden Steele, said it 'strongly' condemned the October 7 attack but defended the award. He said: 'Reactions to the Team Picture Story of the Year express the greater emotions related to that conflict. 'While we understand the reactions to the pictures, we also believe that photojournalism plays an important role in bringing attention to the harsh realities of war.' The prestigious university was branded a 'disgrace' when it awarded the world's oldest photo journalism price for the picture of the 22-year-old's mutilated body. 'RJI thinks a horrifying picture of Shani Louk's half-clothed, dead body is award-winning work,' tweeted GOP House whip Tom Emmer. 'Disgusting,' he added at the time. Family photos of the young woman showed a happy and carefree spirit at the outset of her adult life and friends of her family have said that that is how she should be remembered. Shani Louk was attending the SuperNova Festival with her boyfriend Orion Radoux Shani, 22, was German but grew up in Israel, and was one of hundreds of unsuspecting partygoers at the Nova festival German tattoo artist named Shani Louk, who was in her early 20s, was in Israel to attend a peace rave at the time of the attack Louk's friend, Yuli Tsinker, pictured at Louk's memorial at the SuperNova festival 'This is how we choose to remember the beautiful Shani Louk,' wrote one. 'We will not allow her memory to be trampled by the inhuman thugs celebrating the AP photo of her tragic murder.' 'I am horrified,' wrote another. 'This is a picture of terrorists parading a dead body of a Jewish woman after they murdered her. Shame on you.' Louk's family and other victims of the SuperNova killings sued AP and fellow news agency Reuters in February accusing them of collusion in the atrocities they documented. They claim that agency freelancers were 'longstanding Hamas affiliates and full participants in the terrorist attack', who knew it was about to take place. Lobby group HonestReporting, which raised concerns about the coverage posted its 'congratulations' to AP for winning the award. 'How does it feel to do so on the back of Palestinian photo journalists who infiltrated Israel on Oct. 7 and took photos like the one below of Shani Louk's dead body in a Hamas pickup?' they demanded. 'Was RJI bothered about that before bestowing the award?' The sentiment was echoed by Israeli MP and diplomat Danny Danon who tweeted: 'This photo captures Hamas terrorists desecrating the body of Shani Louk, may her soul rest in peace. 'Yet the AP news agency proudly received an award for it. Their continued pride in their photographers' 'work' and involvement in the atrocities is shameful.' Both AP and Reuters denied any collusion with the attacks, and AP issued a statement in February saying it had the 'deepest sympathy for those affected' but insisted the allegations were 'baseless'. 'AP had no advance knowledge of the October 7 attacks, nor have we seen any evidence including in the lawsuit that the freelance journalists who contributed to our coverage did,' they wrote. 'Allegations like this are reckless and create even more potential danger for journalists in the region. Nissim Louk (right) expressed a firm belief that his daughter's photograph will leave a mark on human history, considering it a symbol of the current era and hopefully serving as documentation for generations to come Louk's father, Nissim (right) expressed a different perspective, saying, 'It's good that the photo won the prize' 'Documenting breaking news events around the world no matter how horrific is our job. 'Without AP and other news organizations, the world would not have known what was happening on October 7.' Despite the fury of some at the photo, Shani Louk's father spoke out in defence of the award. Nissim told Ynet: 'It's good that the photo won the prize. This is one of the most important photos in the last 50 years. He expressed a firm belief that his daughter's photograph will leave a mark on human history, considering it a symbol of the current era and hopefully serving as documentation for generations to come. 'These are some of the photos that shape human memory, the Jew raising his hands, the paratroopers at the Western Wall, photos that symbolize an era,' he continued. 'This documentation of Shani, and of Noa Argamani on the motorcycle, they symbolize this era. I think it's a good thing to use it to inform the future.' Do you know more? Email tips@dailymail.com The family of a teacher allegedly killed by her Bumble date are devastated that he took his own life in his jail cell just weeks before he was set to enter a plea to his murder charge. Ashley Gaddie, 35, was found unresponsive in his cell at Clarence Correctional Centre, located on the far north coast of NSW, on Saturday afternoon. He was accused of killing Sydney school teacher Dannielle Finlay-Jones at her friend's home in Cranebrook, in Sydneys far west, on December 18, 2022. She was found with severe head injuries. Gaddie was in the common area of the the jail yesterday afternoon before he was later found dead in his cell by prison officers, in what is believed to be a case of self-harm. Sydney school teacher Dannielle Finlay-Jones (pictured) was allegedly murdered by Ashley Gaddie at a home in Cranebrook, in Sydney's far west in December 2022 A close friend of Ms Finlay-Jones, Jamie-Lee O'Connor uploaded a heart breaking post to Facebook on Sunday in remembrance of the 31-year-old woman. 'I refuse to let my newsfeed be flooded by someone who doesnt deserve to be remembered,' Ms Lee wrote. 'She will always matter, she will still make a difference. Her face deserves to stand alone.' Ms O'Connor expressed her anger that Gaddie will never face justice. 'It's not great news, Dani's family are hurting. He was about to plea. We wanted the plea first then he [Gaddie] could have done this,' she wrote. Friends of Ms Finlay-Jones were quick to comment on Ms O'Connor's post. 'Beautiful soul. She has made a difference and will continue to do so, through those who love her,' one person said. 'She continues to matter to many of us. Her heart touched everyone she met,' another person wrote. Gaddie, 35 (pictured) was found unresponsive in his cell by prison officers at the Clarence Correctional Centre located on the NSW far north coast on Saturday afternoon A close friend of Ms Finlay-Jones (pictured) took to Facebook on Sunday and uploaded a heart breaking post in remembrance of the 31-year-old woman Gaddie, a former tradie and Ms Finlay-Jones met on an online dating app, believed to be Bumble in December 2022. The couple who had already been on two dates, went to a pub in Marsden Park, in Sydney's west on December 17, so that Ms Finlay Jones could introduce Gaddie to her friends. The couple left the venue before midnight to stay with a friend of Ms Finlay-Jones at her home in Cranebrook. Ms Finlay-Jones was allegedly killed by Gaddie in a spare room in the property and police claim one of the residents was woken at 3am by what they described as 'loud violent sex' between the pair. At 2.30pm the next day, friends of Ms Finlay-Jones realised it was strange they hadn't heard from the new couple since the previous night. One of her friends allegedly found Ms Finlay-Jones' lifeless body, lying on her back on the bedroom floor and she had suffered major head injuries. Police alleged she was murdered either during or after the 'loud violent sex' heard by the witness. Ms Finlay-Jones (pictured) met Gaddie on a social media app, believed to be Bumble, in December 2022 before she introduced her new partner to friends at a pub in Marsden Park the night before she was allegedly killed Gaddie fled the property by cutting a hole in the fly screen of the window but was caught by police three days later, in the NSW Blue Mountains. Serco, who are the operators of the Clarence Correctional Centre confirmed in a statement that Gaddie had died. 'A 35-year-old man has died at Clarence Correctional Centre on Saturday, 6 April 2024,' a spokesperson said. 'The man was found unresponsive in his room by staff and was pronounced deceased at 16.04pm.' Serco, Corrective Services and NSW Police are investigating the incident and a report will be prepared for the coroner. Lifeline: 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 A six-generation apple grower has been identified as the man killed in a quad bike crash. Ashley Graham Mason, 92, was killed in the Adelaide Hills, with South Australia Police saying the crash happed on a private property at Forest Range about 9am on Friday. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died on Saturday. Mr Mason's family run AG & HC Mason, a sixth generation orchard which produces several apple varieties such as Pink Lady, Granny Smith and Fuji across their 21.9 hectare of land, as reported by The Advertiser. The Mason family were one of the first families to live in Forest Range in the Adelaide Hills and they also produce other fruits. The 92-year-old grandfather (pictured) was a sixth-generation apple and fruit grower from the Adelaide Hills The quad bike crash happened on Friday (pictured emergency teams at the scene) but the farmer died from his injuries the following day in hospital The grandfather was known for taking a traditional approach when working on the orchard and did as much by hand as possible. The orchard is now run by Mr Mason's son, Noel, and two cousins. Fruit Producers SA chief executive officer Grant Piggott described the 92-year-old farmer as a 'stalwart' of the apple industry and was highly respected in the community. 'His family operate one of the best orchards in the state,' Mr Piggott told The Advertiser. Mr Mason (pictured) has been described as a 'stalwart' of the industry and who liked doing things in a more traditional way on the orchard 'Our members are saddened by this news and express their condolences to his family.' Daily Mail Australia contacted the Mason family for comment. A report will be made for the state coroner. The row over asylum seekers who claim they have converted to Christianity has deepened after it emerged one migrant only knew one of the 10 Commandments. The unnamed Iranian migrant didn't know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem when he was asked in a religion test. The 42-year-old didn't attend church and hadn't been baptised, but told immigration officials he was a practising Christian after his application for refugee status was rejected in 2019. A tribunal in which he appealed the decision heard that his claim to Christianity 'was not the strongest,' The Sun reported. Judge Graeme Clarke rejected his bid to stay after making 'damning credibility findings'. Clapham chemical attacker Abdul Ezedi was given a Muslim funeral and burial, despite claiming to have converted to Christianity when he was granted asylum A video showing the 35-year-old Afghan national being laid to rest aired on the BBC. His funeral was allegedly held at a mosque in west London before he was given a Muslim burial The row over an asylum seeker who claimed he converted to Christianity has deepened after it emerged he only knew one of the 10 Commandments. File photo Ezedi was subject to a nationwide manhunt after he allegedly poured chemicals on his former partner and her children in January. His body was later found in the Thames. The Clapham chemical attacker was given a Muslim funeral and burial despite claiming to have converted to Christianity. He said he was 'wholly committed' to his new religion. The 35-year-old Afghan national had twice been refused asylum by the Home Office, and was considered so dangerous by the Baptist Church that it drew up a 'safeguarding contract' for the safety of parishioners over his sex assault and exposure convictions. MPs criticised both the Government and the church for the way Ezedi's case was handled. Labour said the Government had serious questions to answer over how Ezedi was able to remain in the UK. In another case, a Nigerian man in his 60s claimed he would be persecuted for converting to Christianity if he was forced to return home. He had 'almost no knowledge' of Islam and lived in Lagos for years as a Christian - and his appeal was rejected, The Sun reports. A character reference for Ezedi that was supplied as part of his asylum application Ezedi arrived in Britain in the back of a lorry in 2016 and was twice refused asylum by 2018 James Cleverly told the newspaper it is time to 'shine a light' on immigration tribunals which allow asylum seekers to stay in the UK with no public record. In February, The Home Secretary launched an investigation into how the asylum system deals with migrants who have converted to Christianity amid claims 40 men on the Bibby Stockholm barge were being baptised. MPs raised concerns that migrants from majority Muslim countries are converting to Christianity in order to claim they are at risk of persecution in their home nations due to their religious beliefs. Following Prime Minister's Questions at the time, the Archbishop of Canterbury issued a statement hitting out at the 'mischaracterisation of the role of churches and faith groups in the asylum system'. 'It is the job of the government to protect our borders and of the courts to judge asylum cases,' he said. 'The church is called to love, mercy and do justice. 'I encourage everyone to avoid irresponsible and inaccurate comments - and let us not forget that at the heart of this conversation are vulnerable people whose lives are precious in the sight of God.' In February, The Home Secretary launched an investigation into how the asylum system deals with migrants who have converted to Christianity A total of 40 men on board the Bibby Stockholm were said to be converting to Christianity. Pictured is an aerial view of the barge, which is moored in the Port of Portland The Church of England is facing questions over asylum seekers such as the Liverpool bomber lying about converting to Christianity so they could be awarded refugee status. Above: Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby A clergyman at Liverpool Cathedral previously raised concerns about asylum seekers cynically posing as Christians to boost their chances of being awarded refugee status. Poppy Day bomber Emad Al Swealmeen (Pictured right) was baptised in 2015 at the cathedral The Church of England has recently come under fire for allegedly 'facilitating industrial-scale bogus asylum claims', with former Home Secretaries Suella Braverman and Dame Priti Patel accusing church leaders of 'political activism'. Abdul Ezedi timeline 2016 Ezedi, an Afghan refugee, arrived illegally in Britain on the back of a lorry. He had two applications for asylum rejected. 2018 Two years after his asylum was rejected, Ezedi, still living in Britain, was convicted of a sexual assault/exposure offence at Newcastle Crown Court. He pleaded guilty to one charge of sexual assault and one of exposure, the CPS confirmed. He was sentenced on January 9, 2018, to a nine-week jail term suspended for two years for the sexual assault. For the exposure he was given 36 weeks' imprisonment to be served consecutively, which was also suspended for two years. 2020 Ezedi finished his unpaid work order and was discharged from probation supervision. It is understood Ezedi was granted asylum on a subsequent appeal - despite his criminal history He said he was 'wholly committed' to his new religion and was baptised by a Baptist minister. January 31, 2024 Ezedi is suspected of attacking his former girlfriend and her two daughters, aged three and eight, with an unknown alkaline substance. Both the mother and her three-year-old suffered 'life-changing injuries'. The elder child is said to have suffered bruising and burn-like injuries. The suspect later appeared at a Tesco store on Caledonian Road, Islington, dressed in a black hoodie and blue T-shirt. He was last seen on CCTV leaning over London's Chelsea Bridge. His disappearance sparked a huge manhunt. February 19 A body was pulled out of the Thames. February 23 The body was confirmed to be Ezedi's and his cause of death was determined to have been drowning. Advertisement Poppy Day bomber Emad Al Swealmeen was baptised in 2015 at Liverpool Cathedral and went on to be confirmed in 2017 after his claim for asylum was rejected in 2014. But the cathedral 'lost contact' with him the following year with the bishop who carried out his confirmation service saying yesterday he had 'no specific recollection' of Al Swealmeen. Rev Mohammed Eghtedarian, a clergyman at the cathedral, admitted in 2016 'plenty of people' were lying about their intentions after it also emerged that the Church of England had christened hundreds of asylum seekers under a scheme dubbed 'pray to stay'. Al Swealmeen had reportedly repeatedly appealed after his asylum claim was rejected and had a legal challenge outstanding when he blew himself up. Malcolm Hitchcott, who with his wife Elizabeth took him in for almost a year, said: 'The UK asylum people were never convinced he was Syrian and he was refused asylum in 2014. 'He had his case rejected because he has been sectioned due to some mental health incident where he was waving a knife at people from an overpass'. Mr Hitchcott, a former lay minister at Liverpool Cathedral, previously expressed concern about asylum seekers pretending to convert to bolster their visa applications. But he believes Almeni was genuine and would 'talk endlessly and passionately about Jesus'. A spokesman for the Church of England said it was not the role of the clergy 'to establish the legitimacy of asylum claims and to assess security implications'. They added: 'We are not aware of any evidence to suggest a widespread correlation between conversion to Christianity, or any other faith, and abuse of the asylum system.' A spokesman for Liverpool Cathedral said the church had developed 'robust processes' for spotting if someone is not genuine when committing to Christianity. There is no reason to suggest that Al Swealmeen's conversion from Islam was not genuine, and sources stressed his baptism was not a factor in his repeated asylum claims. However, a counter-extremism think-tank called for an investigation into the 'Liverpool Cathedral convert cluster'. Rev Eghtedarian said in 2016: 'People are desperate for a better life and sometimes they will lie for it that's understandable. 'There are many people abusing the system... I'm not ashamed of saying that. But is it the person's fault or the system's fault? And who are they deceiving? The Home Office, me as a pastor, or God?' The Home Office has previously said converting to Christianity does not automatically result in a successful asylum claim. The Church of England has said baptism is 'open to all'. Britain has failed to prepare for war in a 'whole-nation endeavour', ex-defence ministers have warned - as Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine sparks fears of an all-out conflict with Russia. Outgoing armed forces minister James Heappey revealed that only Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials turned up to an exercise to prepare for wartime scenarios which was meant for the whole of Government. He called on ministers to do more to prepare for conflict just weeks after resigning his MoD post. Ben Wallace, the Conservative former defence secretary, agreed with his colleague, and said too many in Government were 'just hoping everything will go away'. Writing in the Telegraph newspaper, Mr Heappey said the UK was behind allies who had taken steps to reinforce citizens' preparedness for war. Britain has failed to prepare for war in a 'whole-nation endeavour', ex-defence ministers have warned. Pictured: Soldiers line-up during a combined NATO and US Army exercise in Poland last May Outgoing armed forces minister James Heappey (pictured) revealed that only Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials turned up to an exercise to prepare for wartime scenarios which was meant for the whole of Government Ben Wallace (pictured), the Conservative former defence secretary, agreed with his colleague, and said too many in Government were 'just hoping everything will go away' He gave the example of Sweden, where the government has handed out a booklet explaining what to do in a time of war, including which emergency food provisions to store. Mr Heappey wrote: 'It's a stark reminder that war is a whole-nation endeavour and, to be frank, in the UK we're a very long way behind.' The former soldier, who resigned as a minister at the end of March, said ministers across the Government needed to explain how Britain would feed itself during a war, and how public services would work. The Conservative MP said not enough figures within Government were considering these preparations. He pointed to a 'whole of Government exercise' which Mr Wallace had 'pushed hard for' while serving as defence secretary, aimed at getting ministers and officials into a war bunker to see what their working environment would be. 'In the end, rather depressingly, it was just defence ministers, senior military officers and MoD officials that participated,' Mr Heappey wrote. Mr Wallace told the Telegraph: 'The growing instability and insecurity directed at Britain and her allies means that the whole of society needs to make a step change towards recognising that our core duty is to think about our defence and our resilience. 'It's how we used to think during the Cold War, and everyone from local government to the MoD played their part.' The former ministers have warned that Britain must wake up to Russia's threat amid Vladimir Putin's (pictured) invasion of Ukraine While Mr Wallace claimed the MoD had made such a change, he added 'there are too many people in Government and society relying on just hoping everything will go away'. It comes as the Government reviews its contingency plans for an all-out war as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict rage on. The intervention from the two long-serving defence ministers also came as Rishi Sunak faces pressure to increase defence spending. Conservative MPs have urged the Prime Minister to raise this to 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). Jens Stoltenberg, the head of Nato, meanwhile warned that the West's enemies are becoming increasingly aligned. In an interview for the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, the alliance chief warned of growing links between Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. An Ukrainian explosive technician examines the site of the explosion after a missile strike in Kharkiv on April 6 amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine A Government spokesman told the Telegraph an extra 24 billion would invested in the armed forces between 2020 and 2025, which he described as the largest sustained investment since the Cold War. He added: 'The UK has robust plans in place for a range of potential emergencies and scenarios, with plans and supporting arrangements developed, refined and tested over many years.' The Government has launched a national resilience framework aimed at equipping citizens with more information about how to survive in crisis scenarios. At the end of 2023, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden suggested people should stock up on candles, first aid kits and battery-powered torches and radios to prepare themselves. A detective has revealed how he made a promise to the husband of murdered police officer Sharon Beshenisky he would find her killers, as the last of them was finally brought to justice 19 years on. Det Supt Andy Brennan led the probe after mother-of-three PC Beshenivsky was gunned down when responding to the armed robbery of a travel agency in Bradford in November 2005. PC Beshenisky, 38, who had only been a police officer for nine months, was shot at point blank range, while her colleague PC Teresa Milburn, 37, suffered wounds to the chest but survived. Piran Ditta Khan, 75, the ringleader of the armed raid, was convicted last Thursday of murder at Leeds Crown Court - making him the seventh suspect to be found guilty in connection with the killing. The verdict has been welcomed by PC Beshenivsky's husband Paul Beshenivsky - and also now by the former West Yorkshire Police detective who led the hunt. Paul and Sharon Beshenivsky are pictured here on their wedding day West Yorkshire Police issued a mugshot of Piran Ditta Khan, 75, who has been found guilty at Leeds Crown Court of the murder of Pc Sharon Beshenivsky Det Chief Supt Kevin Brennan, seen arriving at Leeds Crown Court in February this year, has told how he made a binding promise to PC Beshenisky's husband he would find the killers Mr Brennan told of vowing in 2005 he would track down all those involved in the murder, which came on the fourth birthday of PC Beshenivsky's daughter Lydia. He said: 'I wanted to give Paul Beshenivsky and his family reassurance the confidence and the reassurance that we would find out what had taken place and that those that were responsible be held to account. 'I gave him my personal commitment that we would find everybody involved. 'We would work night and day to make sure that we secured all the evidence available. 'I was quite taken aback by how controlled he was in front of his own children and family it was quite humbling to see somebody who was capable of being as composed as he was at that time.' He told how he 'didn't sleep for the next 36 hours to 48 hours' as he and his team worked on the case, but insisted: 'I was always confident we would find out what had happened and who was responsible.' Investigators initially believed they were looking for three men but soon realised there were more people involved. Mr Brennan added: 'Slowly but surely over the coming weeks and months we built up a really good picture of what had taken place and we were able to identify and circulate images of people that we wanted.' Khan, 75, was considered to be the mastermind of the armed robbery while remaining in the lookout car, a Mercedes SLK, during the raid. The bankrupt takeaway restaurant boss with a history of assault convictions fled to Pakistan two months after the robbery and was only arrested by local authorities in Pakistan in January 2020 before being extradited to the UK last year. He had left his wife and six children behind at their home in Ilford, east London, and abandoned advanced plans to open a new takeaway restaurant in Aberdeen. Sharon Beshenivsky was 38 when she was killed on November 18, 2005 Her colleague Teresa Milburn (pictured) was shot and injured during the ordeal but survived Piran Ditta Khan is pictured here being taken into custody at Elland Road police station in Leeds last April after escaping justice for nearly 20 years READ MORE - The robbery gang which spent an evening partying at a brothel with champagne and prostitutes after ill-rated robbery which left unarmed police constable Sharon Beshenivsky dead - then escaped justice for nearly two decades Advertisement Khan denied the charges against him but prosecutors argued he played a pivotal role in planning the robbery and knew firearms were to be used. They said this made him guilty of PC Beshenivsky's murder 'as surely as if he had pulled the trigger on that pistol himself'. The murdered officer's widower Paul Beshenivsky twice attended Khan's trial and told the Daily Mail after the verdict that when seeing the killer, 'my stomach turned'. Mr Beshenivsky, 61, said: 'I didn't realise how much anger I still had until I went to court and looked at him. 'I saw this old man. He'd been on the run in Pakistan for all those years where he was able to live his life. I've had to live with this for the last 19 years waiting for him to be convicted. 'You never knew when the phone was going to ring to tell you they'd found him. Years pass and the phone rings again - again nothing.' He described having his hopes raised and dashed no fewer than three times during the 15-year manhunt for Khan who was finally arrested in Islamabad. Muzzaker Shah was jailed for life in 2006 with a minimum 35-year term after admitting PC Beshenivsky's murder, robbery and firearms offences. He led the trio of armed robbers but denied firing the fatal shot. Police have always believed he was the 'Asian man' described by PC Teresa Milburn as the one who shot both officers. Shah, 25, a married father from London, was on police bail on suspicion of firearms offences at the time of the raid. He was described as 'extremely dangerous' and part of a notorious London gang called Thug Fam, with previous convictions for robbery and for having a handgun containing live rounds in a public place. PC Sharon Beshenivsky was fatally shot in November 2005 as she and her colleague responded to a report of a robbery in Bradford, West Yorkshire An officer places the hat of PC Sharon on top of her coffin as the funeral procession leaves Bradford Cathedral following the funeral service Piran Ditta Khan fled the UK on a flight from Heathrow to Islamabad two months after the raid Yusuf Jama was sentenced at the same time and also given a 35-year minimum term for murdering PC Beshenivsky. He claimed in court to have shot PC Beshenivsky, but insisted it was an accident. Jama, 20, who had previous convictions for violence and dishonesty, was caught a week after the murder when he and nine other Somalis were held for alleged involvement in a gang rape in Birmingham, for which he was later convicted. Mustaf Jama was Yusuf's brother and the third armed robber on the raid and in 2009 he was given the same sentence as the other two for the police officer's murder. Jama, 26, who had come to Britain as a refugee, could have been deported six months before PC Beshenivsky's murder after serving a prison sentence for burglary. He already had 21 convictions, including three robberies, burglary, affray and carrying a machete. But the Home Office deemed it unfair to send him back to Somalia, considered one of the world's most unsafe places. He fled there after the killing, leaving Heathrow on a false passport while in disguise. Faisal Razzaq, one of the lookouts and living at the gang's safehouse in Leeds, was convicted in 2006 of PC Beshenivsky's manslaughter, robbery and firearms offences. He was given a life sentence and told he must serve at least 11 years before being considered for parole. A court artist's sketch of Piran Ditta Khan, centre, appearing at Leeds Crown Court charged with the murder of PC Sharon Beshenivsky Mustaf Jama and Raza ul Haq Aslam were part of the gang behind the armed robbery Muzzaker Imtiaz Shah and Yusuf Jama were also convicted in connection to the killing A 'safe house' on Harehills Lane that was used by the robbers PC Beshenvinsky was shot dead at point blank range while responding to the break-in The safe at the Universal Express travel agents in Bradford that was raided by Khan's gang His older brother Hassan Razzaq helped Khan plan the robbery and also acted as a lookout in the operation. He was convicted of PC Beshenivsky's manslaughter, robbery and firearms offences and given a 20-year jail sentence in 2007. Another lookout, Raza Ul Haq Aslam, was jailed for eight years in 2007 after being convicted of robbery while cleared of murder, manslaughter and firearms offences relating to the Bradford raid. The two Razzaq brothers and Aslam have since been released from prison. A fundraiser for the ex-forces hero who died alongside two other British aid workers in Gaza has been set up after their food convoy was struck in an Israeli attack. James Henderson - fondly referred to as a 'selfless giant' - was one of three British workers killed in an Israeli drone attack on a food aid convoy in Gaza on Monday. Henderson, 33, 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. The 33-year-old former Royal Marine, from Cornwall, formed part of the relief team's security detail and died alongside fellow British veterans John Chapman, 57, and James Kirby, 47. A fundraiser to support his family has already raised 6,880 in just two days. James Henderson, a former Royal Marine, died in the horrific attack on the convoy A fundraiser to support his family has already raised 6,880 in just two days World Central Kitchen volunteer John Chapman was among those killed in Monday's strike James Kirby, 47, was part of the WCK security team, was killed in the strikes in Gaza Seven volunteers (pictured) were killed in a series of strikes in Deir al-Balah, in Gaza The GoFundMe page reads: 'James Hendo Henderson gave his life delivering aid in Gaza on Monday. Click here to donate to the GoFundMe for James Henderson Advertisement 'He was a selfless giant, who all throughout his life strived to be the best in everything he did, whether that was in the military, Rugby, private security, or providing help for the less fortunate. 'This page has been created for people to show their support to Jims family at the most difficult of times. 'All donations will be given to the Henderson family to help and support them during this period. 'From all of Jims friends and especially his family we would like to thank you in advance for your kind donations.' On behalf of the family, Henderson's brother - who declined to be named - told The Times that 'accountability is the only hope of justice I have' for his death. He slammed Israel's 'inexcusable behaviour' and further criticised its allies, saying: 'It's unacceptable for our world leaders to ignore this gross miscarriage of justice'. According to Penryn RFC's Facebook page, Henderson had played for the club from the youth section through to seniors. The site where World Central Kitchen workers were killed in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, April 2 A tribute post described him as a 'force to be reckoned with' who 'commanded the back row with his relentless work ethic which he instilled on to everyone that had the pleasure of playing beside him'. The post read: 'It comes with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jim Henderson. We have lost one of the kindest, toughest and most loyal players to have ever worn the Penryn shirt. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Jim's family and friends through this tough time.' Neighbours in Falmouth, Cornwall, told MailOnline the Briton was a former special forces operator and said his family were only informed of his death on Tuesday morning, a day after he was killed. A close friend said: 'Everybody is gutted, he was a lovely lad. He hadn't been out there long, only a couple of weeks.' READ MORE - Three British ex-forces heroes are named among the seven aid workers killed by Israeli airstrike on clearly marked food charity vehicles in Gaza Advertisement 'The group he was working for broke the news to the family this morning.' Henderson was also a member of the Royal Marines for six years according to his LinkedIn profile. Following his exit from the military in 2016, he had worked a series of close personal security jobs before volunteering to work with WCK. Henderson was among seven people, including two other Brits, who were killed in the Israeli attack on the convoy as it travelled along Al-Rashid road between Deir Al Balah and Khan Younis in central Gaza. It comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted his forces carried out the drone strikes and insisted that officials 'will do everything for this not to happen again'. Hours earlier, his British counterpart Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary David Cameron demanded an immediate investigation into the deaths and a 'full, transparent explanation'. 'There are questions that must be answered,' Sunak told reporters, adding he was 'deeply shocked and saddened' by the news. 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. Another vehicle was missing most of its rear end after being hit by the Israeli munitions, with charred debris littering the roadside in harrowing images. Ms Frankcom was one of seven World Central Kitchen volunteers killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes (pictured, the wreckage of one of the three cars) 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 Bloodstains were clearly seen spattered across the white paint of the aid vehicles. Writing on X, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said: 'British Nationals are reported to have been killed, we are urgently working to verify this information and will provide full support to their families. 'It is essential that humanitarian workers are protected and able to carry out their work. We have called on Israel to immediately investigate and provide a full, transparent explanation of what happened.' World Central Kitchen (WCK) said in a statement that seven aid workers from the UK, Australia, Poland, dual citizens of the US and Canada, and Palestine were killed while travelling in a deconflicted zone. The workers had just crossed in from the north after helping deliver aid that had arrived hours earlier on a ship from Cyprus, sources have claimed. Harrowing footage shared online appeared to show the bodies of the dead at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Several of them wore protective gear with the charity's logo. Prime Minister Sunak said: 'We are asking Israel to investigate what happened urgently, because clearly there are questions that need to be answered.' Mr Sunak added: 'My thoughts are with their friends and family. Prime Minister Sunak said: 'We are asking Israel to investigate what happened urgently, because clearly there are questions that need to be answered' 'They are doing fantastic work bringing alleviation to the suffering that many are experiencing in Gaza. '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.' 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 IDF said it has launched a probe into the incident at the 'highest levels' and reiterated that it has been 'working closely' with the charity, but also 'makes extensive efforts to enable the safe delivery of humanitarian aid'. 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.' 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'. 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. 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.' A pensioner says he feels 'abandoned' by police he accuses of failing to investigate two break-ins at his properties only two weeks apart. Marcus Davison, 81, has described himself as being at his 'wit's end' after two of his storage units were broken into in Tharston and Tasburgh, Norfolk. He reported both thefts to Norfolk Police but while an officer visited him following the first break-in, he was told no one would be coming after the second. He has since made three trips to the force's HQ in Wymondham as well as multiple phone calls while also writing to the chief constable Paul Sanford - but has given up hope of the offenders being found. The retired lorry driver said: 'I'm an old, infirm and vulnerable man - I'm at my wit's end and I can't handle this. Marcus Davison, 81, says he has been left 'abandoned' after two storage units were raided He reported to Norfolk Police separate break-ins at the properties just two weeks apart 'Nobody wants to know about it. I've never done anything to anybody, but what we have worked hard for has been taken. 'Why do we pay all these police officers when they don't help us?' Mr Davison has lived in the village of Lower Tasburgh about eight miles south of Norwich with his wife Mary for 55 years. He reported the break-ins to Norfolk police, receiving a crime reference number for each and an officer visited him following the first theft on February 25. After reporting the second break-in on March 16, he was informed that no one would be attending. Mr Davison has had two bikes stolen and seen significant damage to the units, costing him thousands of pounds. An angle grinder was used to cut through part of the metal lock, before the perpetrators bent the metal door so that they could have a look inside. Mr Davison said: 'The police said that they think it was kids - it is all a load of nonsense. 'What kid do you know that can handle an angle grinder and carry concrete blocks up there? 'I'm old now - it is so stressful and I can't do anything about it. My hands are tied.' He added that he has given up hope and begun to empty to the rest of his belongings from the storage units, having initially left them alone in the hopes that police would investigate. Mr Davison said he has previously had a car stolen and burned out on the side of the road, while on another occasion his trailer was taken and left abandoned. A Norfolk Police spokesman said: 'An investigation was carried out by officers into both cases. 'All lines of enquiry have since been exhausted and both cases have been closed. 'Of course, we would always review any new information provided to us. 'We have received a letter from the victim which is being reviewed and officers from South Norfolk Safer Neighbourhood Team will be contacting them.' Mr Davison's concerns come as it was revealed burglary victims are having to wait up to 28 hours for police to arrive at the scene of a break-in, with average response times leaping by 25 per cent in a year. Waiting times for a police officer have almost doubled in two years - with one region, South Yorkshire, seeing a 443 per cent rise for response times, new figures show. Police guidance categorises burglaries as 'Grade 2 priority incidents', meaning forces should aim to respond within one hour. But data obtained from the majority of England's police forces suggests victims were waiting an average nine hours and eight minutes for an officer to turn up at the scene in 2022 to 2023. Villagers have reacted with fury to councillors giving the green light to double the charge to cross an historic toll bridge which residents have used for free for generations. Despite angry locals blasting the 1 crossing at Eling Toll Bridge being doubled to 2 and introducing charges for previously exempt residents, the controversial proposals were passed at a council meeting. The centuries-old bridge, in the waterside Hampshire village of Eling on the edge of the New Forest, is a mere 100 yards long but is vital not only to locals but to an area steeped in history. The structure - which spans Bartley Water and links one end of the village to the other - is thought to date back to before 1700 and features a 900-year-old historic tide mill, one of only two in operation in the country. Experts believe a causeway would have existed there around 2,000 years ago in Roman times. But now, the overhaul of the existing pricing - which is hoping to reduce the amount of traffic using the bridge as well as raising money for repairs - is one step closer after it was voted through at a Totton and Eling Town Council meeting. Electrician Martin Russell lives by the bridge and runs his business out of the Eling Despite the proposed increased charge being slammed by locals, it was passed at a meeting of Totton and Eling Town Council Peter Ramm checks the wedges around the great spur wheel inside Eling Tide Mill The recommendation was voted through with eight in favour, two against and eight abstentions. The Lib Dem council must now see what decision is made by The New Forest District Council. Currently, those exempt include locals living on Eling Hill road, NHS staff on duty, council workers, Blue Badge holders, Parcel Force and Royal Mail vehicles, visitors to the cemetery, and those attending services at St Mary's Church. Totton and Eling Town Council say the changes will help pay for repairs for the bridge as it has defects which require thousands of pounds to fix and offered a 25 annual pass. Locals are furious and branded the new proposals 'draconian'. Peter Ramm, 59, was until recently the miller at Eling Tide Mill. Mr Ramm said: 'That whole area has been sadly neglected for a while now. 'There are problems on the bridge and there's a lot of maintenance that's been put back and put back. 'The increase is going to put more people off, that's what it'll do. 'I don't think it's a good decision, to be honest, there's a whole raft of things that need to be addressed. In isolation, I don't think this is a good approach. 'I think it will come to a point where you won't be generating enough revenue to employ the toll-keepers and they can't put in big machinery there because of the heritage of the site. 'I don't think they have thought it through properly. The bridge is so important for the mill, it is critical for the mill.' Mr Ramm said the site is of historical significance and suggested there may be a Roman mill underneath the tide mill. He said: 'The causeway has been repaired many times over the years... A causeway would have existed a couple of thousand years ago, all the evidence indicates that. 'Needless to say it's a very historic bridge. 'If there's a Roman mill underneath the mill - and we think there is - then the area is even more important than we think, but the council don't really understand that.' Electrician Martin Russell lives by the bridge and runs his business out of the Eling. The 57 years old said him and his personal assistant wife Joanne have been using it for years and have benefited from free passage as members of the community. 'I'm pretty angry about it all', Mr Russell said. 'We have lived here in this bungalow for 25 years and my grandad lived here in the 1920s. As locals we have never really paid. 'I live and run my business out of Eling, people on the bridge usually just say 'oh don't worry about it, go through'. 'But lately they are getting shitty and have made me pay. We would use that bridge daily, my wife and I... I'm not going to pay 2. 'It's going to put 10 minutes onto my journey. It's a bad decision by the council because everyone has lived here for years and uses it. 'I wrote the council a snotty letter.' Merrilyn Dracass, 80, who has lived in Eling Hill since 1979, said: 'The bridge has been there for hundreds of years, and it's not fit for heavy traffic. 'The proposal by the town council to solve this is to double the toll. 'We only live 50 to 100 yards from the bridge, our neighbours even closer, so to suggest we should go the long way round to get to Totton if we don't pay the toll is ridiculous. 'It can be incredibly congested, and one doesn't want to be sitting in a line of traffic puffing out diesel fumes. It's not eco-friendly. 'The sensible thing for residents is to go across the toll bridge. We have had our free passes to cross the bridge for 40 years. 'I cannot see any good reason why they should be withdrawn.' Catering company owner Abdulmuneer Kunnilabbas, 52, said: 'It's not going to work. 'I will never pay that 2, it's too much. It's a really bad decision.' Local residents are currently exempt from having to pay the toll to cross the bridge Experts believe there may have been a bridge on the same site 2,000 years ago in Roman times One local, who didn't want to be named, said she has enjoyed being exempt for years but is unhappy she will now have to pay. 'Going up to 2 is a 100 per cent mark up', she said. 'What's their justification for that? 'I think taking away local people's exemptions is really unfair. What if you just need to pop over the bridge? 'Can't the council find the money without charging us more? 'This country has gone to the dogs. It's just rubbish. It's the world gone mad.' Conservative councillor for Marchwood and Eling, Richard Young, said: 'The wider community costs from removing residents' exemptions would include generating additional vehicle emissions, worsening air quality, and creating a barrier to residents freely accessing their education, healthcare, and retail facilities. 'To date there has been no modelling, no business plan, and no equality impact analysis published which might help our community to better understand the necessity of what the Town Council proposes.' However, David Harrison, Liberal Democrat councillor for Totton South, said the changes are necessary. He said: 'The structure of the bridge needs to be maintained and to do that, you must have a model that makes sense financially. 'The increase from 1 to 2 is justified and there has not been a price increase in 20 years. 'While residents won't be happy about the increase, they will be happy with the reduced amount of traffic. 'Those living in Eling village and Bury Brickfields can buy an annual pass costing 25 to cover the administration charges.' Labour's David Lammy today defended his party's deputy leader Angela Rayner over her 'complicated' family life amid a deepening row over her housing arrangements. The shadow foreign secretary insisted Ms Rayner had 'done nothing wrong' despite a bombshell dossier sparking fresh questions over her controversial property dealings. He dismissed the renewed focus on Ms Rayner's past housing arrangements as 'smears' and stressed she had 'played by the rules'. Mr Lammy was challenged over Ms Rayner's past hounding of senior Conservatives, such as Rishi Sunak, over their own personal tax affairs. But Mr Lammy said there was a 'different arrangement and expectation for the Prime Minister' than there was for Ms Rayner, adding: 'We're not yet in Government.' In a weeks-long row, Ms Rayner is facing demands to further explain her past living arrangements amid claims she may have escaped paying some tax. It is also alleged she may have made a false declaration about where she was living on the electoral register, amid confusion about what was her principal residency. Ms Rayner has insisted that for many years her 'principal property' was a house in Stockport, where she claimed to live separately from her husband and children for the first five years of her marriage. But the Mail on Sunday studied dozens of postings made by Ms Rayner on social media during that period showing her life with her children and cats at her husband's address. One of the photos from the property she claims was not her principal residence was even posted with the caption 'just got home'. In every case where there is a picture, the backdrop is the husband's house, the newspaper found. Angela Rayner posted this picture on Twitter in 2014 (left) and on the right is the estate agent photograph showing the same cushion Ms Rayner said that she was 'just back from work' and included a picture of her two cats, Woozle and Tilly, sitting on her lap, pictured above The same sofa can be seen in estate agents' pictures when the Lowndes Lane house in Stockport was put up for sale the following year Labour's David Lammy defended Ms Rayner over her 'complicated' family life amid the deepening row over her housing arrangements 'I think the Mail on Sunday has evidence that Angela Rayner, like so many families across the country, has and had a blended family,' Mr Lammy told Sky News when asked about the investigation this morning. 'You meet someone, they have children, a previous arrangement, many families up and down the country live in more than one home. 'That's what the photos I saw reflect. And it's consistent with the advice that Angela took in terms of her tax affairs from accountants, from lawyers. I don't think this is a story.' Mr Lammy insisted Ms Rayner had been 'clear all along' and has Labour's 'full support'. 'Her arrangements, and certainly her tax arrangements, were subject to advice from accountants and from lawyers,' he added. 'She played by the rules but, yes, like everybody else she had a complicated life and spent time in her husband's place but also her place. Lots of families do that.' But Mr Lammy repeated Ms Rayner's insistence that she would not publish the tax and legal advice she received to back up her claim she has done 'absolutely nothing wrong'. 'No she's not going to publish that, she's played by the rules, there's an investigation going on - let's see where we get,' he said. 'But I'm confident Angela has done nothing wrong here at all.' Mr Lammy also hit out at the questions over Ms Rayner's past housing arrangements as 'smears' ahead of the general election. 'We know why these smears are being run - it's to detract from the 870 that average families are less well off in this country as a result of the tax burden of the Tories. 'It's not about Angela Rayner and her blended family. It's about Tory chaos.' A chef figurine, circled, is seen in a picture uploaded by Ms Rayner to Facebook, left, and photos uploaded by an estate agent, right Ms Rayner put this picture on Facebook in 2015 - showing a child in front of the chef figurine The kitchen of the Lowndes Lane property - in pictures taken by an estate agent The address on Lowndes Lane - around a mile from Ms Rayner's property on Vicarage Road, which she insisted was her home It is claimed Ms Rayner potentially faces a criminal conviction and a fine for a false declaration on the electoral roll and under tax rules, married couples and civil couples can normally only count one property as their main home at any one time. The mother-of-three has repeatedly refused to publish tax advice which she claims exonerates her and has not shown it to party leader Sir Keir Starmer. Tory MP James Daly said: 'These staggering revelations seem to show that Angela Rayner has not been telling the truth about the most basic facts. 'Keir Starmer has said he has full confidence in her but has refused to consider any evidence. 'This is now a question about his leadership and whether he is happy to have a deputy incapable of being straightforward with the public.' The Mail on Sunday first revealed in February that a new biography of Ms Rayner by Lord Ashcroft had established that she used the Thatcherite right-to-buy policy to purchase a former council house in Vicarage Road, Stockport, in 2007, making a 48,500 profit when she sold the house eight years later. She faced accusations of hypocrisy because she has criticised the flagship Tory scheme for 'helping to fuel the housing crisis' by depleting publicly owned stock. Documents seen by the newspaper showed that Ms Rayner was registered on the electoral roll at Vicarage Road for five years after she married Mark Rayner in 2010, while he was listed at an address in Lowndes Lane a mile away. When Ms Rayner re-registered the births of two of her children in 2010 she gave her address as her husband's house. The Labour deputy leader often wrote captions with her Twitter posts, above, that show she was 'home' with her sons at Lowndes Lane The Mail on Sunday has removed the sons' names from the posts to protect their anonymity The unusual arrangement enabled her to avoid capital gains tax on the sale of the former council house and by retaining the property for more than five years she avoided having to return some of the price discount to the council. She could also have earned a 25 per cent single-occupancy discount on her council tax. Residents at Vicarage Road said Ms Rayner had described herself as the 'landlady' at her house, and that they rarely saw her. In response to the story, Ms Rayner insisted that Vicarage Road was her home, saying: 'I bought my council house back in 2007. I owned my own home, lived there, paid the bills there and was registered to vote there, prior to selling the house in 2015. 'All before I was an MP. As with the majority of ordinary people who sell their own homes, I was not liable for capital gains tax because it was my home and the only one I owned.' In the face of mounting scepticism, Ms Rayner who expects to be Britain's next deputy prime minister doubled-down on her story, saying two weeks later: 'Vicarage Road was my principal property.... my house was my house at Vicarage Road and I paid all my bills there, that was my home.' But the analysis of multiple social media posts on platforms such as Twitter back to 2010 showed Ms Rayner relaxing at Lowndes Lane. In a typical example from March 2014, she posted that she was 'just back from work' with a picture of her two cats, Woozle and Tilly, sitting on her lap. The same sofa can be seen in estate agents' pictures when the Lowndes Lane house was put up for sale the following year. Another, from April 2014, read 'just got home' and included a picture of one of her boys playing against a Lowndes Lane backdrop. And one from 2012 said 'I can cook', with a picture of her children in the Lowndes Lane kitchen. Stockport Council has said it will review allegations of electoral or tax fraud, while local police said they would look again at the case following an initial decision not to investigate. A Labour spokesman said: 'Angela and her husband mutually decided to maintain their existing residences to reflect their family's circumstances and they shared childcare responsibilities. 'Angela has always made clear she also spent time at her husband's property when they had children and got married. She was perfectly entitled to do so.' Three people have died and nearly 4,500 evacuated since a dam burst in Russia on Friday, with authorities warning the situation is expected to worsen with ongoing bouts of torrential rain. Water levels reached around 30ft in the Ural mountain region of Orenburg yesterday as the Orsk dam broke under the strain of flooding along the Ural river, pushing authorities to consider forced evacuations. More than 2,400 residential buildings in the city of 200,000 have so far been flooded, leaving residents without power in several areas. Shocking video shows rescuers trying to pull flood victims to safety amid desperate efforts to minimise the death toll. Mayor Sergei Salmin, responsible for nearly half a million people said authorities could begin to forcibly evacuate people from their homes if the situation continues to worsen. 'The situation leaves you no choice,' he said. 'At night, the river can reach a critical level. I call on everyone in the flooded zone to leave their houses immediately.' 'There is no time for convincing,' he added, saying that 'those who refuse to leave the danger zone voluntarily, we will forcibly evacuate with the help of police officers'. Teams continuing to conduct an evacuation works for residents due to flooding after a dam burst in the city of Orsk, Russia on April 6, 2024 The mayor is now considering forcibly evacuating people from their homes if necessary Three people have died and some 4,500 evacuated from their homes, the city confirmed An emergency worker pulls a boat evacuating a group of local residents in Orsk on Saturday The mayor of the Russian city of Orenburg said on Sunday that the situation remained 'critical', and that water levels would continue to rise in the coming days. The Ural mountain region of Orenburg, along with other nearby Russian provinces and parts of neighbouring Kazakhstan, have been hit hard by flooding along the Ural river in recent days. According to local authorities, the Orsk dam could withstand water levels up to 5.5 metres (nearly 18ft). But on Saturday morning, the water level reached about 9.3 metres (30.51ft) and rising, Orsk mayor Vasily Kozupitsa said. Authorities also said floods affected other places in the region, located in the Ural Mountains area, prompting the evacuation of nearly 4,000 people. It was not clear whether the 2,000 already evacuated in Orsk were included in that number. The press service of the Orenburg governor said '4,402 people, including 1,100 children' had so far been evacuated and more than 6,000 homes were affected by the flooding after torrential rain. Hundreds have now been placed in temporary accommodation facilities, some in nearby schools. Russia's Investigative Committee has since opened a criminal case for 'negligence and violation of construction safety rules' over the burst dam, which was built in 2014. Authorities said the situation was difficult throughout the region, warning of a dangerous water level on the Ural river in the main city of Orenburg. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the floods were one of the worst natural disasters in Kazakhstan in 80 years. He called for authorities in the Central Asian country to be ready to help those affected. Residents are being evacuated collectively due to flooding after a dam burst in the city of Orsk Rescuers walking across a flooded street on their way to evacuate residents during a flood in the town of Orsk Authorities said the situation was difficult throughout the region, warning of a dangerous water level on the Ural river in the main city of Orenburg Rescuers search for residents to evacuate as they drive in a flooded residential area in the city of Orsk, Russia, April 6 Emergency workers evacuate a local resident in Orsk, on April 6, 2024 Russian emergency services published images of rescue workers going through villages on boats and hovercrafts. Local authorities have said they are working to stem the source of the flooding. Several regions in the Urals and western Siberia have been affected by floods since the start of spring. The Ural River, about 2,428 kilometres (1,509 miles) long, flows from the southern section of the Urals into the north end of the Caspian Sea, through Russia and Kazakhstan. Orsk, with a population of about 230,000, sits on Russia's border with Kazakhstan, some 1,100 miles southeast of Moscow. An Iranian journalist who was stabbed outside his London home last week claims he was targeted after criticising Tehran's mullahs, as a global police hunt for the three suspects continues. Pouria Zeraati, who works for London-based dissident broadcaster Iran International, was knifed in the leg by a group of three unknown assailants as he approached his car in Wimbledon on March 29. Mr Zeraati presents a weekly talk show, The Last Word, on Iran International, which has been designated a terrorist organisation by Tehran. The news channel was forced to stop broadcasting from London for several months last year after concerns about an attack and Mr Zeraati had been threatened a number of times before the stabbing in March. Mr Zeraati is regarded as a criminal by the Tehran regime which have put up posters of him with the title 'Wanted: Dead or Alive'. Pouria Zeraati, who works for London-based dissident broadcaster Iran International, was knifed in the leg by a group of three unknown assailants. He is pictured here in hospital following the attack Oldouz Rezvani, 37, (left) was inside their home as her husband was knifed on the street outside Speaking to The Times after the attack, Mr Zeraati said he believed he had been targeted because of 'his job' because they didn't take any valuables and the assailants quickly fled the country after the attack. He said: 'I realised this was even more serious than I had thought the fact that it had been organised in a way that they had (plane) tickets ready, they had the (getaway) car. They had planned this.' He is now being protected by police along with his wife Oldouz, 37, at a safe house. Mr Zeraati told The Times that the attackers seemed to have knowledge of his work routine, saying he would usually 'leave his home' around 2.45pm to go to the studios for a rehearsal. Mr Zeraati was crossing the road to get to his car when he said he was approached by a man wearing a tracksuit who acted 'homeless' and asked him for change. When Zeraati told the man he wasn't carrying change, a second person appeared and grabbed him. He told The Times: 'I couldn't see his face because his head was on my shoulder, like someone cuddling you. I couldn't move my hands. I then saw the first guy take out a knife from his pocket. It was like something gangsters would use; it wasn't a kitchen knife. The whole thing lasted about ten seconds.' Mr Zeraati presents a weekly talk show, The Last Word, on Iran International, which has been designated a terrorist organisation by Tehran Mr Zeraati said he didn't realise he had been stabbed until he looked down at his clothing and realised his light-blue suit and white sneakers were covered in blood. He dialed 999 and was later rushed to hospital with his wife. The Metropolitan Police has said no arrests have yet been made, but it is confident suspects 'do not present a risk to communities of London or the UK' as detectives believe the three suspects have fled the country via Heathrow Airport within hours of the stabbing. Iran International broadcasts online and can be received via satellite in the Middle East. It has played a key role in providing uncensored coverage of protests in Iran following the death of 22-year-old Iranian woman Mahsa Amini who was arrested for not wearing a veil properly and later died in hospital under suspicious circumstances. Iran's charge d'affaires in the UK, Mehdi Hosseini Matin, said 'we deny any link' to the incident on March 29. Experts fear the mystery around the tragic death of two-year-old Emile may never be solved after his remains were discovered eight months after his disappearance from the family's Alpine home. 'I fear that whatever we do in this case, it will remain an enigma,' former top public prosecutor Jacques Dallest admitted, with investigators no closer to working out how the child's bones and skull turned up near the house after thorough searches. 'I am not sure that even if we discover the rest of the body, we will have sufficient elements to allow us to determine the causes of death,' he added, as reported by The Times. The remains of young Emile were found by walkers last Saturday 'on a path between the Church and Chapel' of the quiet Alpine village of Le Vernet in southeastern France, according to mayor Francois Balique. The site, barely a kilometre from where Emile disappeared while staying with his grandfather in July, had already been scoured by gendarmes with a 'tooth comb', the mayor told Le Figaro. With little else to go on, investigators are now questioning whether the bones could have been moved by a person or animal - as authorities ask how the remains were not found sooner. Ramblers discovered the remains of two-year-old Emile Soleil (pictured) close to the isolated family home from here he went missing in July last year Restrictions remain in place as cops gather further information about the remains found A rambler discovered the remains on March 30, some eight months after Emile apparently wandered off from the family home on July 8 last year. Authorities were able to identify the bones belonged to Emile - but were frustrated they had been moved. Jean-Luc Blachon, the prosecutor leading the case, said the walker was not a suspect, suggesting she only 'wanted to do the right thing' in bringing the remains to the police and leading them back to the spot. But Blachon also admitted police were no closer to solving the mystery. 'Between the child falling, the manslaughter and the murder, we still cannot favour one hypothesis over another,' he told a news conference last week. Speaking on Monday, mayor Balique said he could not understand why the remains hadn't been found sooner. 'There are people who regularly use the path nearby. I used it last week. The volunteer searchers have been there, I'm sure. 'I was there during the beatings [on the ground by those searching for Emile] and the gendarmes couldn't have missed him with the dogs. 'There was even a logging there in the Autumn. The wood cutters didn't see anything either. It's incomprehensible.' 'I can't help but believe that an adult is involved in this matter. Emile would never have gone alone to where he was found,' he added. Gilles Thezan, a resident of Haut-Vernet, told Le Parisien: 'There's a trick going on. 'The body was found only one or two kilometers from Haut-Vernet, in a place which had already been searched and re-searched, notably with dogs. 'Everything was raked from top to bottom. There's no way anyone wouldn't have seen it before.' Marie-Laure Pezant, a spokeswoman for the gendarmerie, said the bones may have been placed there by a person or animal, or moved by shifting weather patterns. But a source close to the investigation insisted 'it's unlikely animals would bring human remains back into the village where someone went missing'. This photograph shows a general view of the Alpine hamlet of Le Haut-Vernet on March 31, 2024 Until last week, there had been no trace of the toddler since he went missing, with investigators refusing to rule out any theory for the tragedy, including abduction and murder. Emile was officially in the care of his grandfather, Philippe Vedovini, on the day of his disappearance, as his parents took a break. A witness saw Mr Vedovini, a physiotherapist-osteopath, cutting wood outside his house around the time Emile is thought to have wandered off. Volunteers joined authorities last July to help scour the area in the tiny hamlet, population 25, but unturned no clues. Last Thursday, investigators returned to the hamlet to reconstruct the last sighting with 17 people including members of the family. We know, you ignored most of the weeks news if it wasnt related to the eclipse and the latest forecast for cloud cover. Dont worry, we got you covered. Liliana Tovar Dalton performed an original song in her "American Idol" audition. Eric McCandless/Disney Liliana Tovar Dalton, the San Antonio teenager who earned a golden ticket on American Idol a week ago, has dropped out of the competition. Click to read more about her departure. Shown is the cloud cover forecast April 8 for South Texas and the Hill Country. NWS Austin/San Antonio Youve probably heard by now that Mother Nature may not cooperate with us here in Texas. Mostly cloudy skies are expected, and theres even a chance of severe thunderstorms for many parts of the state. Click to read more about Mondays weather. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Products in newly opened Daiso at Mason Park Center, 559 South Mason Road in Katy, TX, August 31, 2018. Craig Moseley/Staff photographer Japanese dollar store chain Daiso is expanding to San Antonio. Click to read more about when and where the chain is planning to open three stores. Addie Roberts, Teens Give Back San Antonio teen board member and SAMMinistries Ambassador. Courtesy Addie Roberts Rather than piling up at the dump, 8,000 plastic H-E-B bags will provide a soft sleeping surface for unhoused people in San Antonio thanks to a few local teens. Click to read more about how the bags were turned into padded sleeping mats. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures pictured on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News The Prime Minister has joined in the celebrations of the Sri Lankan New year by honouring a decade of 'extraordinary' volunteer work by the Sikh community. Sikh Volunteers Australia have marked 10 years of helping Aussies in need during natural disasters by delivering food and support to those in crisis. Anthony Albanese visited Casey, in southeast Melbourne, on Sunday to celebrate Sikh Vaisakhi alongside Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Bruce MP Julian Hill. Mr Albanese also donned a turban to mark the occasion of the Sikh Volunteers celebrating the milestone of service to the community. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) wore a turban at an event to recognise Sikh volunteers who celebrated ten years of helping Aussies in need on Sunday 'They do extraordinary work,' Mr Albanese said. 'During the pandemic they provided food for students who were in desperate need for that support. During the bushfires, during floods. 'Wherever there are issues confronting Australians, we see the best of the Australian character and there's no community organisation that has done more than Sikh Volunteers Australia. 'We see them whether it be here in Victoria, or up in Lismore, wherever there are floods or natural weather events, we see people putting their values into practice by providing that support to their fellow Australians who are in need.' Mr Hill said the Sikh Volunteers Australia had become a welcome sight to many communities impacted by natural disasters. Mr Albanese (pictured centre) took part in the celebrations for the Sri-Lankan New year by honouring the Sikh community at the event held in Melbourne Mr Albanese (pictured) praised the work of volunteers who are often seen delivering food to communities in Australia affected by natural disasters '(They have) become beloved to Australians, not just here in Victoria, but in New South Wales and across the country for living their values and helping out time after time in natural disasters, the weekly food vans,' he said. It comes as the volunteer group most likely is preparing to head off to flood affected areas in NSW following massive rainfall in recent days. Mr Albanese said disaster assistance has since been made available for the 13 local government areas around the Illawarra, Shellharbour Wollongong area. The Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury area and in other areas that have been severely impacted by these flooding events will also be eligible for the funding. The vacant home of the man who disappeared in the tiny Outback town of Larrimah is now on the market, but some fear his potential killer may still be living nearby. Patrick 'Paddy' Moriarty's home, 'Paddy's Place', is being sold by Real Estate Central and is set to go ahead with an onsite auction at 11am on Tuesday May 7. The now world-famous Northern Territory property of 4200sqm at 37 Stuart Highway with 'prime highway frontage', will advertise online from April 8. The home had been held by the Public Trustee before the real estate agency was enlisted to market the property last month. The retired stockman, who was born in Ireland, had no-known relatives in Australia. Paddy Moriarty (pictured) and his dog Kellie have not been seen since December 16, 2017 The auction of 'Paddy's Place' (pictured) is set for 11am on May 7. The property has been in the hands of the public trustee However, Paddy's Place might not be the only upcoming auction - other properties in Larrimah are about to also hit the market, reports the NT News. An unnamed source said there was an expression of interest in buying the Pink Panther Hotel, which used to be owned by Barry Sharpe. 'There has been talk of interest in town,' they said. The source also said they knew of two other Larrimah residents who were currently in talks to auction their properties. Mr Moriarty, 70, was last seen leaving the local pub, Pink Panther Hotel, at dusk on his red quad bike with his 12-month-old cattle dog Kellie on December 16, 2017. The bodies of the Larrimah resident and his dog have never been found, nor has anyone been charged with Mr Moriarty's murder. The retired stockman was last seen leaving the local hotel (pictured) and driving away on his red quad bike at dusk, with his dog Kellie Police believed Paddy Moriarty met foul play as there was a chicken in his microwave (pictured), as well as glasses he never left home without At the time, Mr Moriarty's disappearance was widely covered by the media due with speculation the murderer could have been known to him. However, the case has gained traction in recent times with the release of a HBO documentary Last Stop Larrimah, which is on Netflix. In a 2022 coronial inquest, it was found Mr Moriarty and his dog Kellie were 'killed in the context of, and likely due, to the ongoing feud that he had with his nearest neighbours' when he disappeared. Coroner Greg Cavanagh believed offences were carried out in relation to Mr Moriarty's death, but the Coroner's Act meant he was not allowed to find any 'particular' person might be guilty. Dave Myers' best friend Si King has sent his best wishes to hundreds of bikers taking part in a memorial motorcycle ride today for the late BBC star. Today's tribute starting in Beverley, East Yorkshire, came after TV favourite Myers - half of the popular cooking duo the Hairy Bikers - died in February at the age of 66. Myers, from Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, revealed two years earlier he had been diagnosed with cancer. Today's memorial ride, organised by Paul Quigley and his Biker Escorts East Yorkshire organisation, brought hundreds of riders together from across the UK for a 75-mile ride through the Yorkshire countryside from Beverley and ending in Scarborough. Now King, the other half of the Hairy Bikers duo, has issued a message saying his friend 'would have loved' the gesture. Hundreds of bikers took part in today's memorial ride for Dave Myers Myers, one half of the TV cooking duo the Hairy Bikers, died in February aged 66 One of those taking part today wore a T-shirt bearing a photograph of the BBC star Hundreds joined the 75-mile ride through Yorkshire from Beverley to Scarborough A post on the Hairy Bikers' official account on X, formerly Twitter, read: 'A message from Si King to all the riders taking part in todays Memorial Ride Out for Dave Myers. '"I hope the ride out goes well for you all. Many many thanks for remembering Dave in this way. He would have loved it. Daves family, friends and I are really touched. Love to you all, be safe." Si King x' Mr Quigley, 54, said ahead of today's event in Myers' honour: 'I think he means a great deal because he was just a normal and regular bloke who loved cooking and really enjoyed his motorbikes too 'Everyone has a soft spot for him, for both of them really.' A Facebook page for the event said the ride was being marshalled and local police had been informed. Organisers also said they were expecting up to 3,000 bikes to take part due to the interest expressed on the event page. The ride was expected to last about two and a half hours, after beginning in Beverley Market Place before moving through various north Yorkshire towns including Scagglethorpe and Pickering ahead of arrival in Scarborough. Widespread tributes were paid when Myers' death was announced by his TV partner King, 57, who had been at his side at the end along with family. In a statement released on the Hairy Bikers' social media, King said: 'Hi everyone, I'm afraid I bear some sad news. 'Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years. 'Last night, on 28th February 2024, with Lili, Dave's wife, his family, close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home. 'All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own. 'Personally, I am not sure I can put into words on how I feel at the moment. Dave Myers' Hairy Bikers partner Si King today sent his best wishes to those taking part Dave Myers and Simon King on The Hairy Bikers Go West, which recently aired on BBC Two Today's memorial ride attracted hordes of bikers paying tribute to Dave Myers Fans of the TV star wore outfits shirts portraying him and mentioning his name The event was organised by the Biker Escorts East Yorkshire organisation The ride began in Beverley Market Place in Yorkshire before moving through various north Yorkshire towns including Scagglethorpe and Pickering Si King has said his late Hairy Bikers partner Dave Myers 'would have loved' today's cycle ride They made their first appearance on UK television as presenters of The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook on the BBC in 2004 and ran for four series (pictured on the show) Dave Myers shared his heartbreaking final on screen words as his best friend Si King choked back tears during the last ever Hairy Bikers episode which was shown last month Si welled up as he told viewers: 'I'm just lost for words. It's quite remarkable what he's done' 'My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can't follow. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime. 'I wish you god's speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya.' Myers worked in a steelworks as a student to help finance his studies in fine arts and later joined the BBC as a make-up artist, specialising in prosthetics. In 1995, he met his long-time co-presenter King on the set of a TV drama, and they went on to build a friendship and successful career together. Their combination of riding their motorcycles to locations across the world and cooking as they went earned them a loyal following - and also won over viewers with their northern humour and enthusiasm. After their first show, the bearded duo went on to film many other series and specials for the BBC, seeking out new dishes in countries such as India, Vietnam, Argentina and Mexico. In tribute to Myers after his death, BBC Two continued to air the final Hairy Bikers series which saw the pair tour some of their favourite spots in the UK. The finale shown on March 19 featured the duo visiting Devon and Dorset before sharing an emotional moment at the end of the tour. A triumphant Myers told the camera: 'Its been tough at times. Ive had chemotherapy all the time weve been filming, it hasnt been easy but weve got there and its a wonderful feeling.' King added: 'Weve done it, but more importantly hes done it.' He then welled up as he said: 'Hes my mate but I love him like family, like a brother, and Im lost for words. Its quite remarkable what hes done. Who knows what the future holds but for the moment Im living in the present, and its pretty fine.' After the credits rolled, a tribute read: 'In loving memory of our friend, Dave Myers.' Motorcyclists were seen arriving in Scarborough this afternoon after taking part Loyal fans of the Hairy Bikers made the 75-mile journey in tribute to Dave Myers They ended the trip at the resort town Scarborough on England's North Sea coast Organisers said they believed as many as 3,000 bikers could be participating Members of the public also turned out to watch the procession go by Today's 75-mile ride brought hundreds of bike riders together from across the UK People taking part displayed a colourful array of helmets as well as motorcycles Myers and King are seen here on their first show, The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook, in 2006 Myers' and King's combination of riding their motorcycles to locations across the world and cooking up a storm as they went earned them a loyal following. Above: The pair on The Hairy Bikers Ride Again in 2007 A tribute after their final show on March 19 read: 'In loving memory of our friend, Dave Myers' Earlier episodes showed King filming solo as his partner continued with his treatment. Myers performed alongside professional dancer Karen Hauer in the 2013 series of BBC primetime favourite Strictly Come Dancing, making it as far as week seven. She was among those paying tribute after he died, saying she was 'heartbroken'. A week after news of Myers' death was announced, his widow Li shared an emotional tribute while thanking fans for a 'massive wave of love and support'. Taking to Instagram on the Hairy Biker account, she wrote: 'A message from Lili, Dave's wife. 'I will never be able to thank you all enough for the massive wave of love, compassion and care that you have shown towards me, Simon and our families in these past days since Dave passed. 'I want you all to know that I have read every single message and comment that you sent your stories about Dave, your feelings you shared with me mean a lot and my heart is filled with gratitude and love. 'It amazes me how many hearts he touched and how many people wanted to express their love for what Dave and Si have created for nearly 20 years. 'I know the Hairy Bikers have been part of your living rooms for such a long time and I feel your loss as much as you feel mine! Dave was receiving chemotherapy throughout filming for the 650-mile road trip which featured in the pair's last BBC series Dave and Si, who both had backgrounds in television production, had known each other since the 1990s (pictured together in 2006) Myers married Liliana Orzac, whom he met while filming Hairy Bikers in Romania, in 2011 at the star's hometown in Barrow, Cumbria and was stepfather to her two children, Iza and Sergiu, from a previous relationship She has posted an emotional tribute to her late husband and thanked fans for their support 'My husband, David Myers was a larger than life character and he did everything with passion, enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. His energy was endless when it came to cooking and talking recipes, or biking and talking bikes. 'An amazing storyteller! And through his stories and TV appearances he was constantly inspiring and encouraging people to cook, travel, to live their life to the fullest. 'An exceptional husband, wonderful stepdad, loyal friend and in his own words, a creator, never a follower. 'I feel I'm grieving with a whole nation and this is something special. My wonderful Dave - Lili Myers.' Deputy PM Oliver Dowden today hinted that Britain would not halt arms sales to Israel as he hit out at those who 'relish' in 'pushing this case'. There have been growing calls for the UK to stop supplying weapons to Israel following the killing of three Britons in an IDF air strike on an aid convoy in Gaza. The deaths of British veterans James 'Jim' Henderson, John Chapman, and James Kirby have piled pressure on the Government to take a tougher line on Israel. But Mr Dowden this morning told Sky News there had been no change in Government advice on arms exports - although he acknowledged this could change if Israel was found in breach of international law. The Deputy PM also hit out at those who 'relish' in 'pushing this case against Israel' and expressed concern about 'the manner in which some people are seizing on this issue'. Mr Dowden's remarks are the latest sign of a Cabinet split over Britain's backing for Israel, amid reports of tensions among top ministers over a possible arms sales ban. It came as Foreign Secretary David Cameron warned Britain's support for Israel is not unconditional and warned the killing of aid workers 'must never happen again'. Deputy PM Oliver Dowden hinted that Britain would not halt arms sales to Israel as he hit out at those who 'relish' in 'pushing this case' 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 Foreign Secretary David Cameron warned Britain's support for Israel is not unconditional and warned the killing of aid workers 'must never happen again' Mr Henderson, Mr Chapman, and Mr Kirby were among seven aid workers who died when a World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy was hit by an Israeli air strike. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) dismissed two officers over Monday's drone strike, which it described as a 'grave mistake stemming from a serious failure'. Mishandling of critical information and violations of the army's rules of engagement were cited as the reasons for the dismissal. Three other senior officers were also reprimanded for their roles in the strike, which has brought widespread international condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza. Appearing on Sky News this morning, Mr Dowden denied that Britain was giving Israel 'carte blanche' in its response to the Hamas terror attacks on 7 October. He said UK ministers were having 'robust conversations' with Israel, but suggested Israel was being held to 'standards that we wouldn't remotely expect of the terrorists that they are facing'. Asked about the possibility of a ban on British arms sales to Israel, the Deputy PM replied: 'We have one of the toughest systems of arms export controls in the world. 'It is well respected around the world. The decision, in relation to arms exports, is one for the Business Secretary [Kemi Badenoch]. 'The Business Secretary, in turn, takes advice from the Foreign Secretary, who receives advice across a range of different issues. 'Now, the Foreign Secretary has not changed his advice to the Business Secretary. 'Of course it's the case that we continue to engage with Israel across a range of issues such as de-conflicting. 'I would note, though, that we are holding Israel to standards that we wouldn't remotely expect of the terrorists that they are facing.' Pressed on when Lord Cameron last received legal advice on Britain's supply of weapons to Israel, Mr Dowden said: 'The process is an ongoing one because this is an ongoing conflict.' But the Deputy PM repeated that the Foreign Secretary's advice to Mrs Badenoch had not changed 'in respect of arms exports'. Mr Dowden was also asked about ex-PM Boris Johnson's claim that it would be 'insane' for the UK to end military support for Israel, which he said would be 'willing the military defeat of Israel and the victory of Hamas'. 'We have a process to go through in respect of arms exports. I'm not going to start trying to pre-empt the outcomes,' the Deputy PM said. 'It does worry me, and I want to use my words carefully, the manner in which some people are seizing on this issue and trying to hold Israel to incredibly high standards. 'Of course it's right we hold Israel to high standards but I just think there's a bit of relish from some people about the way in which they are pushing this case against Israel.' In a letter to Lord Cameron, Labour's David Lammy called on the Foreign Secretary to stop 'hiding from scrutiny' and take questions from MPs Asked whether there was 'coded anti-Semitism' in calls for Britain to halt its support for Israel, Mr Dowden added: 'I wouldn't go so far as that but I think it goes right back to the beginning point. 'I think there's many people in the Jewish community, in Israel, who have been expecting this kind of shift in approach to Israel. 'We should think back to how Israel was on the day of that attack, the trauma it's still suffering. 'Of course Israel has made mistakes and made big mistakes, and we are holding them to account for that. But we are holding them to a very high standard.' Speaking later to the BBC, Mr Dowden was asked if the Government would stop arms sales if it received legal advice that Israel was in breach of international humanitarian law. He replied: 'We will of course act in accordance with our obligations under law in respect of arms sales and the way that that works is there is legal advice, the Foreign Secretary reaches a judgement and he gives that advice to the Business Secretary. 'If it is the case that we can't lawfully in accordance with the act do so, of course we won't supply those arms, but that is precisely the position for example even in respect of the US or any other country around the world. 'We rightly hold ourselves to a high standard, and we hold the countries to whom we export arms to a high standard, and I think that is what you would expect. 'And it contrasts so strongly, our adherence to very high values, with the appalling atrocities that have been committed by terrorist organisations against Israel.' Labour's shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said he has 'serious concerns about a breach in international humanitarian law' when asked about Israel's actions six months on from the October 7 attacks. Mr Lammy also repeated his call for Lord Cameron to publish the Foreign Office's legal advice. He told Sky News: 'Let me begin because Elad Katzir, one of the hostages, we now know is dead and we saw protests in Israel overnight. 'It is important to remember that there are well over 100 hostages, some may no longer be alive, in Gaza. And this story began with that horrific event on October 7. 'But as we sit here six months later, I think it is important to reaffirm that a life lost is a life lost whether that is a Muslim, or a Jew. Far too many people have died, 33,000 now. 'Many women, many children, and I think it is serious when we have senior judges who are on our Supreme Court who raise issues about the clear risk of breaches in international law, former head of the MI6 Sir Alex Younger says the same. 'And, of course, I've said that I have serious concerns about a breach in international humanitarian law in regard to this and it's for that reason, that I'm asking David Cameron to be very clear, and to publish the legal advice because this is serious for the British people because it would mean that we are complicit in that action.' In a letter sent to Lord Cameron today, Mr Lammy called on the Foreign Secretary to stop 'hiding from scrutiny' and take questions from MPs over whether continued arms sales puts the Government 'in breach of domestic law'. Detectives have arrested two people following the discovery of human remains in Rowdown Fields in Croydon. A 44-year old man and a 48-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday and remain in police custody. A post-mortem examination will begin today while police urged anyone with information to come forward. Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, from the Specialist Crime Command who is leading the investigation said: 'I understand the significant concern this discovery will have caused to local people, and I want to thank the community for their patience. I can confirm our work at the location is complete and we believe that the remains found are those of one person. 'Although we are unable to formally identify the victim at this time, my team are working around the clock in order to do so. Their enquiries have made significant progress and I will provide a further update as soon as possible. Authorities in Croydon have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of human remains in Rowdown Fields Police near the scene in Rowdown Fields, a park in Croydon, south London where human remains were found A 44-year old man and a 48-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday Police consulted with a forensic anthropologist who confirmed that what had been found was human Police cordon at the scene in Rowdown Fields, a park in Croydon, south London where human remains were found Police near the scene in Rowdown Fields, the Croydon park where human remains were discovered The Met's investigation was launched following a call to police shortly after 9am on Tuesday, April 2 'We remain in contact with partners and local community members. I am grateful to them for their support.' The Met's investigation was launched following a call to police shortly after 9am on Tuesday, April 2, to reports of possible human remains found on Rowdown Fields in Croydon. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation who has yet to speak with police has been urged to call 101, quoting reference 1656/02Apr. Grieving family members of the victims of Hamas' October 7 attack on southern Israel visited a memorial site today to mark the six-month anniversary of the war. Bereaved relatives were pictured at the space set up in tribute, since planted with flowers and marked with photos of those who lost their lives at the Nova festival. Some 1,170 people were killed in attacks last year after Hamas launched a surprise incursion across the border, targeting civilian settlements and a peace festival near Re'im before taking a further 254 people into Gaza as hostages. Survivors have shared how they desperately tried to hide as gunmen stormed the event at dawn and started shooting civilians indiscriminately, with scores of missiles falling down on Israel around them. But six months on, Israel now risks losing support from its closest allies, with its subsequent invasion of the Gaza Strip drawing condemnation at home and abroad over huge civilian casualties and the deaths of seven aid workers last week. As delegations meet in Cairo to resume uneasy ceasefire talks, the war continues to evolve as its victims pray for a peaceful resolution, Israel today announcing the tactical retreat of troops in southern Gaza to 'prepare for future operations'. Experts suggest the move could be a gesture of 'goodwill' as criticism from allies mounts. Orly Efraim reacts near the marker of her niece Eden Liza Auhaion, who was killed on the October 7 Hamas deadly attack at the Nova music festival on April 7, 2024 in Re'im, Israel Family members visit the memorial site for victims killed during the Nova music festival Around 250 hostages were taken into Gaza during Hamas' October 7 attack Israel marks six months since the October 07 attacks, as 134 hostages are currently still being held captive in Gaza, according to the Israeli IDF Israel faces mounting criticism over the deaths of seven aid workers, attacked by repeat drone strikes while travelling in a marked and known convoy last week Charred and damaged cars along a desert road after an attack by Hamas militants at the Tribe of Nova Trance music festival near Kibbutz Re'im in southern Israel on Saturday, October 7 A picture taken from Rafah shows kites flown in the sky above the city as smoke billows during Israeli bombardment on Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on April 3, 2024 A man pushes a bycicle along as he walks amid building rubble in the devastated area around Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital on April 3, 2024 The horror attack on October 7 resulted in the death of 1,170 Israelis and foreigners, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Since then, Israel has embarked upon a devastating bombardment and ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, displacing the vast majority of the population and killing at least 33,137 people, according to Gaza's health ministry. The Israeli military claims to have 'eliminated' 12,000 enemy fighters in Gaza, including five brigade commanders and 20 battalion commanders. While the health ministry does not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants in its tally, thousands of civilians are believed to have perished in the enclave. Save the Children reported on Thursday that as many as one in 50 children had been either killed or injured after six months of war. While 109 hostages have since been released, and three rescued by the IDF, the families of the hostages continue to mount protests against the leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more to ensure their safe return. Thousands rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday night for protests to mark six months since the hostages were taken. Separately, demonstrations went ahead around the country calling for early elections, putting more pressure on Netanyahu to seek a deal with Hamas. Among the protesters was Israel's centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid, who was later headed to Washington, his Yesh Atid party said. And the United States, outraged by the recent deaths of seven volunteer aid workers killed in an Israeli strike last week, urged the Prime Minister to ensure the delivery of more aid deliveries into Gaza - with rights groups warning a famine threatens the Palestinian enclave. In Cairo, American and Israeli negotiators are expected to meet today to talk through a possible deal that would see hostages exchanged in return for a ceasefire agreement. In a new push, CIA Director Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani will join Egyptian officials for indirect talks from Sunday between the Israeli and Hamas delegations, Egypt's Al-Qahera News said. Hamas has confirmed that its core demands are a complete ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces - conditions Israel has previously rejected. Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages hold placards and wave Israeli flags during a demonstration in front of the Defence Ministry in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv, on April 6 Israelis continue to put pressure on the government to ensure the safe return of hostages Tens of thousands of people turned out on Saturday across the country (Tel Aviv rally pictured) A child plays near memorabilia and pictures of the hostages kidnapped in the deadly October 7 attack, at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, April 7, 2024 Israelis attend a memorial for the victims of the Nova festival attack, on April 7, 2024 Concerns remain over those still held hostage in Gaza, prompting protests last night A woman observes memorials to victims in a bomb shelter who were killed during the Hamas October 7 attack, on April 7 2024 Soldiers visit a bomb shelter were revelers were killed and kidnaped after escaping the Nova music festival, on April 7, 2024 in Re'eim, Israel Destroyed cars and personal items are still left scattered around the festival site, on October 13 Destroyed cars and belongings left at the Supernova Music Festival site where hundreds were killed and dozens taken by Hamas militants near the border with Gaza, on October 12, 2023 An Israeli officer walks around a campsite at the festival near Re'im kibbutz on October 17 Washington blames the failure so far on Hamas' refusal to release sick and other vulnerable hostages, while Qatar has said Israeli objections to the return of displaced Gazans are the main obstacle. It comes at a sensitive time in the conflict, amid fears that the war could spread after Iran vowed to hit back for the killing of seven of its Revolutionary Guards in an air strike Monday on the consular annex of its embassy in Damascus. Iran's leaders have pledged retaliation, and the leader Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, Hassan Nasrallah, has called the consulate strike a 'turning point'. Israel also faces mounting pressure from its allies to do more to limit civilian casualties after seven aid workers with the World Central Kitchen were killed in an Israeli drone strike last Monday. The group had just unloaded supplies at a warehouse in central Gaza when a vehicle some were travelling in was hit by a precision R9X Hellfire missile shortly before midnight on Monday. Passengers were seen scrambling from the wreckage and jumping into the other two cars - and telling the IDF they had come under fire. 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). 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. Former SBS operator John Chapman, 57, former sniper marksman James Kirby, 47, and former special forces operator, James Henderson, 33, died in air strikes carried out by the IDF on April 1. The group also included an American, a Palestinian, a Pole and an Australian, drawing sharp criticism from the leaders of the respective countries. 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 group had notified Israel of its whereabouts and reported the attack as it happened. 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. The Israeli military pledged an investigation by 'an independent, professional and expert body'. 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. 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.' 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. 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. Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron later warned Britain's support for Israel is not unconditional amid calls for the UK to withhold weapons sales. Writing in the Sunday Times today, Lord Cameron issued a warning over Israel's compliance with international law. 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 Seven people were killed in the strikes, including three British ex-servicemen Palestinians flee from northern Gaza as Israeli tanks block the Salah al-Din road in the central Gaza Strip on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 Smoke billows over Khan Yunis from Rafah in the southern Gaza strip during Israeli bombardment on January 2 Humanitarian aid is airdropped to Palestinians over Gaza City on Monday, March 25 Humanitarian aid being airdropped over the besieged Palestinian territory on April 2, 2024 In a shocking new development, Israel also said it would retire all ground forces from the southern Gaza strip today as delegations met in Cairo to discuss possible peace terms. 'Today, Sunday April 7th, the IDF's 98th commando division has concluded its mission in Khan Yunis. 'The division left the Gaza Strip in order to recuperate and prepare for future operations,' the army said in a statement. Asked whether this meant all troops have left south Gaza, an army official confirmed: 'Yes.' The military has been reducing numbers in Gaza since the start of the year to relieve reservists and under growing pressure from its ally Washington to improve the humanitarian situation. It did not give details on its reasons for withdrawing soldiers or the numbers involved. Dr Andreas Krieg, Assistant Professor of Defence Studies at King's College London, told MailOnline today: 'I think the operation in Khan Younis has run its course and there was not really anything that could be achieved on the ground.' He added that the withdrawal 'has to be seen within the context of a changing information environmental and changing global public opinion and most importantly the pressure that resulted from that'. 'In that context, Israel is now showing some goodwill that they want to make a change in Gaza operation, that's seen them opening the [Erez] crossing, allowing more aid in, allowing some bakeries to be opened. 'These are all signs that Israel wants to be more compliant with international law, which it very obviously has not been over the last at least three months.' Dr Krieg said the 'tactical withdrawal' marked a 'very symbolic' gesture as patience in Washington and London wears thin. However, he warned: 'I'm not sure it has any meaning in terms of a ceasefire Israel is unlikely going to give that unilaterally. They are not ready for that. They are unprepared for that.' While the withdrawal will likely delay the anticipated invasion of Rafah, it 'won't take them very long to put [troops] back in' if Israel does decide to proceed. But with Israel aiming to 'eradicate' Hamas altogether, Dr Krieg warns it will take 'probably years' to achieve their objectives on the current trajectory. Rights groups and charities warn civilians at risk of famine if more is not done to ensure safe access for aid into Gaza. Aid workers also urge the importance of deliveries, claiming they have a 'significant impact' on the victims of the war when able to reach their destination. Saleem - not their real name - described the difficulty of conditions in Gaza, working with Mercy Corps. '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.' An Israeli army battle tank moves in an area along the border with the Gaza Strip and southern Israel on April 2 Palestinian father Ashraf cries as he holds the body of one of his two daughters after they were both killed in an overnight Israeli airstrike in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on April 4, 2024 Palestinians walk past damaged and destroyed buildings in the Maghazi camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on March 29, 2024 A boy pushes a young girl in a wheelchair past a destroyed building in Gaza City on March 28 Israel has nonetheless pledged to continue its campaign, Netanyahu stressing there will be no ceasefire without the return of all the hostages in a statement today. 'We are one step away from victory. But the price we paid is painful and heartbreaking,' he said in a cabinet address. 'There will be no ceasefire without the return of hostages. It just won't happen,' he added. He stressed that 'Israel is ready for a deal, Israel is not ready to surrender'. 'Instead of international pressure being directed at Israel, which only causes Hamas to harden its positions, the pressure of the international community should be directed against Hamas. This will advance the release of the hostages.' A lucky treasure hunter has discovered a 23,000 hoard of silver coins with a metal detector he won in a raffle. Novice Mickey Richardson had only been using the metal detector for three months when he made the discovery of a lifetime in a muddy field in Ansty, near Dorchester in Dorset. After he uncovered the treasures, Mr Richardson spent a weekend digging up the 234 coins. He said: 'I only took up the hobby a few months before and I had a very basic metal detector which I just used to take down to Bournemouth beach. 'But then I entered a raffle on a Facebook group for a metal detecting club and won the first prize which was a top of the range detector. Mickey Richardson with the collection of 234 coins he discovered in a muddy field in Ansty, near Dorchester in Dorset Mr Richardson discovered the hoard of coins, worth 23,000, with a metal detector he won in a raffle. He said: 'I entered a raffle on a Facebook group for a metal detecting club and won the first prize which was a top of the range detector' Mr Richardson said: 'On the weekend I found the hoard I was just about to call it a day when I got a strong signal and found a Charles I shilling. Then I swept the area again and got another signal and then another signal and another' The coins are believed to have been buried for safekeeping by a farmer in 1644 as the English Civil War raged around him. The owner never returned to retrieve his savings and is likely to have been killed in the conflict 'On the weekend I found the hoard I was just about to call it a day when I got a strong signal and found a Charles I shilling. Then I swept the area again and got another signal and then another signal and another. 'I just couldn't believe it. I dug up 74 silver coins on the first day and was shattered afterwards. I went back the next morning thinking it would be nice to round it up to 100 but found a total of 234 coins spread over a radius.' The 63-year-old handed the coins over to his local Finds Liaison Officer as required by law under the Treasure Act. The British Museum spent some time examining them before they were disclaimed and returned to Mr Richardson as 'finders keepers'. He watched live as the coins were sold at London auctioneers Spink & Son for 18,500. With fees added on the total price paid for them as 23,000. Gregory Edmund, from Spink, said: 'The vendor live-streamed the sale and he was jumping up and down at some of the prices achieved. He was very happy.' The grandfather from Bournemouth, Dorset, must split the proceeds 50/50 with the landowner but he is planning a summer holiday for him and his wife, Rosalynd, with his share. He said: 'It was a day I will never forget. I alerted the Finds Liaison Officer and the rest is history.' Mr Richardson said he was expecting the hoard to sell for 10,000 at auction so was delighted with the final result. Mr Richardson holding one of the coins. He says finding the coins is a day he will never forget A sixpence from 1562 with Elizabeth I profile on the head. Thus is one of the earliest coins found in the hoard. Some of the Elizabeth and James' coins had been defaced by being scratched, probably by a former Catholic owner in protest at their protestant views A halfcrown from Charles I reign, with a datemark from 1643. The coins covered the reigns of King Edward VI in the 1550s, Queen Elizabeth I, James I and Charles I The coins are believed to have been buried for safekeeping by a farmer in 1644 as the English Civil War raged around him. The owner never returned to retrieve his savings and is likely to have been killed in the conflict. Over the next four centuries the coins had been repeatedly struck by a farmer's plow and scattered over a wide area in the field. The coins covered the reigns of King Edward VI in the 1550s, Queen Elizabeth I, James I and Charles I. Some of the Elizabeth and James' coins had been defaced by being scratched, probably by a former Catholic owner in protest at their protestant views and the reformation of the Catholic Church. Spink coin specialist Ella Mackenzie added: 'This ensemble encompasses the most unstable time in our nation's history. 'These coins circulated in the pockets of a crucially formative period for England in so many ways: from constitutional, to religious, socio-economic and obviously political. 'Being able to handle this hoard has been a rare privilege.' Britain has a rich history of Civil War hoards, with almost 400 cases documented around the country. However, the auctioneers said it is still rare for them to come up for public sale. The council mocked by Daventry Banksy over the state of the market towns pothole-ridden roads has hit back with its own placard mimicking the mystery street artists work. The Northamptonshire town has been dubbed 'Pot Hole City' by the campaigner, who calls herself 'Banksie' in order to distinguish herself from her Bristol graffiti artist contemporary, whose works also appear overnight. While the crater-strewn highways of Daventry may be no laughing matter, the local authority has now at least shown it has a sense of humour by posting a lyric-filled mock-up of one of the campaigners signs online in which it promises to 'fix' the issue. Daventry Banksie began placing wooden boards or placards bearing painted slogans such as Route 66 potholes on roundabouts and roadsides last month. When her initial batch of signs were removed, the artist hit back with more, including one saying WNC (West Northamptonshire Council) You can take our signs but you can't take our freedom. West Northamptonshire Council hit back at the 'Daventry Banksie' with their own humorous sign The mysterious 'Daventry Banksie' puts up their signs at night like the Brighton graffiti artist The previous 'Banksie' sign reads: 'Richard Madeley hates potholes too'. It came after the presenter said the artist should go to London to fix the roads Potholes on South Way in Daventry. The holes in the roads have been damaging people's cars for months Another, referencing the musical Grease, read: I got potholes. They're multiplying. And W.N.C is losing control.' Last week, PR consultant Rhian Wiliams was invited to join Banksie at work after dark and posted a TikTok video of the guerrilla street artist-cum-protester in action. The hooded Banksie was filmed on a roundabout installing a sign reading: Hey council, leave our signs alone!' The video was soundtracked by Pink Floyds Another Brick In The Wall, which the sign was referencing. Posting on its Facebook page, the council has now shared an image of its own Banksie-esque sign which includes multiple references to musical artists and hits - under the caption No signs were erected in the making of this post alongside an upside down smiley emoji. The council wrote: Dear Daventry Banksie, thanks for giving the town recent 'Fame'... We know some roads are in 'Dire Straits' since this winter's 'Ice, Ice, Baby' and need a 'Whole Lotta Love'... Although we're 'Under Pressure' with 'Money, Money, Money', we won't 'Shake It Off' or 'Let It Be' as 'We Can Work It Out'. 'Can we fix it? Yes We Can.' Best Wishes, WNC. Although it has drawn a mixed response online, Daventry Banksie herself said: I love it. Thank you. Richard Nuthall next to potholes on Abbey St, Daventry. He said the signs are 'certainly needed' A car drives over a recently repaired pothole in Daventry. The Daventry Banksy wants the council to apologise Residents of the town are furious at the sheer volume of potholes. Many residents support the signs Motorists have slammed the lack of council action, saying some roads have been left like a 'slalom track' She told BBC Radio Northampton her campaign was a battle against an accident waiting to happen. The signs around the town have garnered international press interest. The council post has generated more than 250 comments on its Facebook page, with many critical and urging the council to concentrate on fixing the roads, but others, such as Dom Tomalin appreciated the joke and added: When did we stop being able to laugh at ourselves? We can all agree that not much resource went into this. Paul Gunn added: Im just Living on a Prayer that you might actually fix the roads before I retire. The council replied that it would Promise to Try as Madonna might say. Pictured, a sign references a song from the musical Grease. The hilarious signs are to put pressure on West Northamptonshire Council The anonymous campaigner has vowed to continue making more signs until the council takes action The council pointed out to several users that the picture was created digitally and not a real sign. It previously said it understands people's frustrations over potholes and is prioritising essential work first. Banksie has so far erected at least 26 signs around the town and has previously said she will not stop until the council apologises publicly to the people of Daventry for being incompetent'. She added: 'I will be continuing until we have had an apology from the council and they publish an action plan stating what they will do to rectify the situation, how they are prioritising repairs, what they are doing to hold their contractors accountable, and finally what the specific timelines are. Coronation Street star Dame Maureen Lipman has said left-wing actor's protests against Israel are 'close to fascism'. It comes as Britain marks six since months since the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict, following the October 7 attack where 1,200 Israelis were killed. Actress Dame Maureen Lipman has said the 'left and the right are interchangeable' when it comes to the hatred of the Jewish state. In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, she said 'not a day goes by' when she does not think of the hostages that are still trapped in Gaza. She also hit out at the acting community for jumping on 'the bandwagon' against Zionism. Dame Maureen Lipman speaks at a Synagogue near Abbey Road, London, to show solidarity to the 100 hostages still held in Gaza Lovelock Hostage Bridge unveiling at the JW3, Jewish community centre Demonstrators outside Chatham House in central London, following a speech by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on the situation in the Middle East Last October, an open letter was signed by famous actors who condemned the Israeli military's actions in Gaza, including Steve Coogan, Maxine Peake, Tilda Swinton and Charles Dance. The letter was signed by more than 2,000 actors, musicians and artists, and accuses the Government of 'not only tolerating war crimes but aiding and abetting them'. It called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, but was criticised for failing to condemn Hamas' terror attacks. In response to the backlash, Steve Coogan later condemned the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel and their taking of hostages, saying that 'all right thinking people do'. The letter reads: 'Gaza is already a society of refugees and the children of refugees. 'Now, in their hundreds of thousands, bombarded from air, sea and land, Palestinians whose grandparents were forced out of their homes at the barrel of a gun are again being told to flee or face collective punishment on an unimaginable scale.' Dame Lipman went on to say that anti-Semitism was a light-sleeper and that it now was unfashionable to admire the Jewish state. The letter was signed by actors, musicians and artists in the UK, including Steve Coogan (pictured) and Miriam Margolyes Maxine Peake was among the list of famous names to sign the statement Around 30,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the conflict and an estimated 1.8 million Palestinians have been displaced according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Just this week, seven aid workers were killed in air strike by the IDF, three of whom were UK ex-forces. SBS operator John Chapman, 57, former sniper marksman James Kirby, 47, and former special forces operator, James Henderson, 33, were travelling out of Deir al-Balah in food aid trucks when they were struck by missiles. Israel apologised for what it called a 'grave mistake' and dismissed two officers as a result. Police have arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the gruesome discovery of a mans headless torso wrapped in plastic in a nature reserve. The unnamed male, who lives in Salford, was detained after where the remains were found in a wooded area of Kersal Dale last Thursday, police said. The man is currently in custody and due to be questioned by detectives later today. A member of the public found a headless torso without arms or legs wrapped in plastic and forensic teams believe the remain were from a man who was over the age of 40. Chief Superintendent Tony Creely said his main focus was identifying the victim. Police officers by a forensic tent at Kersal Dale, near Salford, Greater Manchester, where a major investigation has been launched after human remains were found on Thursday evening Police officers carry out searches at Kersal Dale, near Salford, Greater Manchester At the heart of this investigation is a family somewhere who have lost a loved one, the senior officer added. He described the human remain recovered as a significant body part. Police said previously they believe the body belonged to an adult, and that there were no identifying marks on the remains. Officers are now searching for other body parts, while a postmortem will be carried out to try and identify the victim. However, they are not expecting the examination to reveal a cause of death because the full body has not been found. Police believe the remains had been there for between 24 and 36 hours before being found. A large woodland area remains cordoned off this afternoon while forensic officers work on the scene. No arrests have been made. Greater Manchester Police has urged the public to come forward with 'any information' about the gruesome find. Superintendent Tony Creely told a press conference yesterday: 'We do not know the identity of the person or whether they're male or female. 'We do know, though, that these remains are human, and they would not be possible for them to have survived. Police believe the person was a male, likely in his forties, and had been dead a matter of days 'From forensic inquiry so far, we believe that these remains are likely to have been here for a matter of days. It really is a tragic case. 'Our priority now is establishing who this person is, and ensuring that we carry out a diligent and respectful investigation on behalf of that person and their family, whoever they may be.' He said that the force's forensic teams and detectives will be in the area 'for some time'. 'We're speaking to those locals in the area, dog walkers, passers by, or anyone else who might have the smallest bit of information. 'We need to make a breakthrough in this case and we urge anyone with any information whatsoever to contact the police without delay.' 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. A young woman stabbed to death in broad daylight was pushing her five-month-old baby in a buggy when she was attacked, it emerged today. According to eyewitnesses the 27-year-old was stabbed 'four to five times' in the neck while shopping with a friend in Bradford on Saturday. Police today continued to search for the knifeman, who ran away following the stabbing, leaving the woman, who is of Pakistani descent, dying on the pavement. She was outside a convenience store, waiting for her friend who had gone to buy goods inside, when she was set upon. Geo Khan, 69, who runs a fruit a veg shop, tried to resuscitate the woman, who was one of his customers. A murder investigation has been launched after a woman was stabbed to death in Bradford A police cordon put in place around the scene in Westgate, Bradford yesterday He said: 'I was working on Saturday and I heard screams and ran out of my shop. 'I saw that the lady was lying face down on the pavement next to a pushchair with her five -month-old baby inside. 'I turned her over. There was a lot of blood and I checked for a pulse, but couldn't find one. 'I could see the knife wounds to her neck and I tried to do CPR. 'Her friend was screaming.' Mr Khan said a doctor who was passing in a car stopped to help. 'He picked up a pulse and I went to get a sheet to put over her until the ambulance came,' he added. The murder took place outside the Westgate International Food store, at the junction of Westgate and Drewton Road, at 3:21pm yesterday. Today forensic officers, dressed in white suits, continued to gather evidence from the scene and a large police cordon remained in place. Adhi Aziz, 41, owner of Venice Barber Shop, said the woman was from Oldham, Greater Manchester, and had been 'tracked down' by her attacker, who is thought to be known to the victim. 'We were really busy on Saturday and didn't see anything until all the police started to turn up,' Mr Aziz said. 'The lady was attacked outside the Westgate corner shop and the man that stabbed her has run off down the road. 'My wife told me the woman was pushing a pram with a baby inside when she was stabbed, and that she came from Oldham and the man has tracked her down.' The horrific daylight killing took place in Westgate, at the junction with Drewton Road at 3.21pm on Saturday (police are pictured at the scene) The victim was taken to hospital where she later died, West Yorkshire Police said Police officers were also combing car parks, bushes and waste ground near the Harp of Erin pub, on Chain Street, in case the killer dumped the murder weapon as he escaped on foot. Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, described the stabbing as a 'shocking incident that has happened in broad daylight.' She said that part of the city was busy at the time and the attack was 'witnessed by a number of people.' DCI Atkinson said: 'A young woman has lost her life in the most awful circumstances, and we have extensive enquiries ongoing to locate and arrest the man responsible. 'We understand that this incident will understandably cause concern in the local community, and I would like to reassure the wider public that we are working tirelessly to investigate this horrendous crime and bring the person responsible to justice.' She urged anyone with dashcam footage to get in touch. In a joint statement, Bradford City ward councillors, Aneela Ahmed, Nazam Azam and Shakeela Lal, said: 'We are deeply shocked and saddened by yesterday's incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased. 'We would urge anyone who has any information relating to the incident, to contact the police.' Bradford West MP Naz Shah, whose constituency covers the city centre, described the incident as 'really shocking'. She sent her condolences to the woman's loved ones and also urged anyone with any information to get in touch with officers. After Rishi Sunak ruled out holding the General Election on May 2, punters are betting on an autumn vote, data has revealed. Online betting platform Betfair puts November as the most likely month voters will head to the polls, according to punters. This is in line with the view that most senior Tories continue to believe the Prime Minister will wait until the Autumn before going to the polls. Mr Sunak had previously said his 'working assumption' was the General Election would be in the second half of this year. If he does not choose October 24 as the date for an Autumn General Election, then November 14 has also been suggested as a possible polling day. Rishi Sunak (pictured) previously ruled out holding the General Election on 2 May and the public believe an autumn general election is the most likely Kemi Badenoch is the favourite to replace the PM if he has an unsuccessful General Election This is because the Government is likely to want to avoid holding the vote in the exact same week as the US presidential election on 5 November. Tory ex-Chancellor George Osborne recently claimed Mr Sunak was planning a General Election on November 14. He pointed to how the Conservatives have already scheduled their annual conference for September 29 to October 2, which they could turn into a pre-election rally with a blitz of manifesto announcements. It could also be a possible platform for Mr Sunak to officially call the date of an Autumn election, with the PM's keynote speech set for the final day of the Birmingham event. The last possible date for a General Election is January 28 next year. This is because Parliament will automatically dissolve just after midnight on December 17 if an election is not called before then. Betfair Spokesperson, Sam Rosbottom said: 'We are still waiting to hear from the Prime Minister on when the next General Election will take place and there have been a number of reports suggesting all different potential months the country could next go to the polls. 'Looking at the Betfair Exchange market, punters are still confident that it will be November. 'Rishi Sunak has suggested that it will be in the second half of the year, and November is the 11/8 favourite, although there has been recent support for October, which closely follows at 15/8. 'While there have been rumblings of a summer election, the odds suggest this is looking unlikely at the moment, with June 12/1 and July 17/1.' Kemi Badenoch is the favourite to replace the Prime Minister if he has an unsuccessful general election - despite claims that it could be Penny Mordaunt. Online betting platform Betfair puts the The Equalities Minister in the top spot in a vote on who is most likely to be the next Conservative leader. Unsurprisingly, next up is Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt, who found herself in the midst of rumours that discussions were held about crowning her as the new leader if Rishi Sunak faces a confidence vote. In third place is Home Secretary James Cleverly, then former Home Secretaries Suella Braverman and Priti Patel. Ms Badenoch previously warned Tory plotters to 'stop messing around' when asked about rumours that she could replace Mr Sunak. Throwing her weight behind him in January, she said MPs need to 'get behind the leader' and stop treating prime ministers as if they are 'disposable'. Unsurprisingly, next up is Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt, who found herself in the midst of rumours that discussions were held about crowning her as the new leader Ms Badenoch previously warned Tory plotters to 'stop messing around' when asked about rumours that she could replace Mr Sunak Betfair Spokesperson, Sam Rosbottom said: 'If the next election goes the way the odds suggest, it could be a complete disaster for Rishi Sunak and a change of leadership for the Conservatives would not be a surprise. 'There's already been lots of speculation surrounding who could potentially replace Sunak if he steps down, Kemi Badenoch has been vocal in her support for the PM, but she leads the way as the 10/3 favourite to replace him. 'There has also been reports of Tories backing Penny Mordaunt, who has also distanced herself from talk of a chance, however she is the second favourite at 4/1. Suella Braverman follows at 8/1.' In March, it was reported that MPs on the Right of the Tory party have held talks with moderates about uniting behind Penny Mordaunt to replace Rishi Sunak. Sources said discussions were held about the possibility of crowning Ms Mordaunt as the new leader in a 'coronation' if the Prime Minister faces a confidence vote. The move would mean an astonishing third change of PM since the last election but would avoid the need for another divisive leadership contest. In March, it was reported that MPs on the Right of the Tory party have held talks with moderates about uniting behind Penny Mordaunt to replace Rishi Sunak Kemi Badenoch insisted those touting her as Rishi Sunak's replacement 'are not my friends' Ms Mordaunt has been identified as a potential standard-bearer for Tory moderates in a future contest in which Right-wingers such as Kemi Badenoch and Suella Braverman would start as favourites. Until now, MPs on the Right of the party have opposed her because of her 'woke' views on gender issues. The MP then fuelled rumours she is 'on manoeuvres' to succeed Rishi Sunak as Tory leader by boasting of her extensive engagement with local party members. The Leader of the House of Commons revealed how she has made more than 70 visits to local Conservative associations since Mr Sunak became Prime Minister. Ms Mordaunt crowed about how her visits had 'raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for our prospective candidates, incumbent MPs and local associations'. But a source involved with the rebels said a deal was emerging in which they could support her provided she sub-contracts the issue to them. In contrast - the favourite to replace Rishi Sunak has previously warned Tory plotters to 'stop messing around'. In January, Kemi Badenoch insisted those touting her as Rishi Sunak's replacement in No10 'are not my friends'. In third place is Home Secretary James Cleverly (pictured), then former Home Secretaries Suella Braverman and Priti Patel Suella Braverman served as Home Secretary from 6 September 2022 to 19 October 2022, and again from 25 October 2022 to 13 November 2023 She hit out at those who are 'just stirring' as she pledged her support to the Prime Minister and distanced herself from Tory leadership speculation. She also told Conservative MPs they 'can't just keep treating prime ministers as if they are disposable' amid feverish talk at Westminster about efforts to oust Mr Sunak. At the time, a senior Tory MP - ex-Cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke - called for a new Conservative leader ahead of the general election as he warned the party is headed for a 'massacre'. A former Downing Street aide, who conducted polling in No10, also went public to warn Britain is 'on course for at least a decade of Labour rule' as it emerged he had joined a rebel camp trying to bring down the PM at the start of the year. Asked on Sky News about reports that some Tory MPs want her to be installed as Mr Sunak's replacement, Mrs Badenoch said in January: 'A lot of people who are going around doing this are creating problems and difficulties that the party, and more importantly the country, does not need. 'I fully support the PM and I have said many times that I stood to be leader and lost, and the last time we had a contest after Liz Truss resigned I said that the right person to lead the country was Rishi Sunak, and I still believe that to be the case.' She also insisted those who are putting her name forward as the next Tory leader are 'not my friends' and 'don't care about my family or what this would entail'. Priti Patel served as Home Secretary from 2019 to 2022 and she was Secretary of State for International Development from 2016 to 2017 'They need to stop messing around and get behind the leader. 'Quite frankly, the people who keep putting my name in there are not my friends. They don't care about me. 'They don't care about my family or what this would entail. They are just stirring. 'We can't just keep treating prime ministers as if they are disposable. 'Oh, the polls aren't doing so well, so let's toss someone else and find another person' that's quite wrong.' She continued: 'We should not be trying to drag out PMs on the basis of a popularity contest and polling on websites.' But, in a later TV interview, she did not deny she continued to harbour Tory leadership ambitions - having unsuccessfully stood to replace Boris Johnson in July 2022. The sacked Channel Seven producer who admitted to circulating a topless photo of Tziporah Malkah to media once made a complaint against the former model alleging she posted 'distressing' images of him without his consent. Taylor Auerbach, 31, lodged the complaint four years ago accusing Ms Malkah of posting 'highly intimate' photos and information about him on social media, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. The photos were allegedly taken on December 24, 2019, in Ms Malkah's Kings Cross apartment. Mr Auerbach claimed that about 24 hours after visiting her apartment, Ms Malkah posted 'an intimate image ... without my consent or knowledge' on Instagram and Facebook and then also shared a 'damaging' video. Tziporah Malkah (pictured) was dragged into the Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial when Mr Auerbach gave evidence The sacked Spotlight producer, Taylor Auerbach (pictured), filed a complaint against Tziporah Malkah after she allegedly posted intimate images of him online in 2019 He lodged an official complaint with the eSafety Commissioner on December 27, 2019. 'I have since managed to get the image taken down. However, the person has uploaded another separate video of herself on Facebook detailing highly intimate and sexual information about me and also invading my privacy by listing my name, age, occupation and place of employment,' Mr Auerbach's complaint said. 'It is not only harassing but false and defamatory and highly distressing and damaging to me.' Mr Auerbach also indicated in his complaint that he did not want action taken against the former model as he felt she was 'so fragile/volatile'. Referencing the saga when speaking to The Daily Telegraph in January 2020, Ms Malkah said the pair had gotten together and that she had taken some pictures - which he wasn't happy about it. 'Yes, Taylor and I had a brief one-night thing. We had been acquainted for a while prior to that because he had been chasing me for a story,' she said. 'He asked me to take them down which I did. He obviously didnt want anyone knowing we got together. And to be honest, I never heard from him again after that. Which is a bit bewildering.' Last week, Mr Auerbach, 31, dragged Ms Malkah into the Bruce Lehrmann defamation suit against Network Ten, when he was questioned about his 'hatred' for his former friend and colleague Steve Jackson. His explosive 2,300-page affidavit alleged the Seven Network covered the cost of lavish dinners, cocaine and Thai prostitutes for Mr Lehrmann. The trial also heard details about Mr Auerbach's briefing campaign against Mr Jackson's appointment to the role of chief spin doctor for NSW Police commissioner Karen Webb last month. Part of that campaign involved sharing topless images of Ms Malkah taken during an interview she gave to Mr Jackson and Mr Auerbach at her home. Bruce Lehrmann is pictured left outside court Mr Auerbach, whose explosive 2,300-page affidavit alleged the Seven network covered the cost of lavish dinners, cocaine and Thai prostitutes for Mr Lehrmann, waged a vicious briefing campaign against Steve Jackson's appointment to the role of chief spin doctor for NSW Police commissioner Karen Webb last month (the former friends and colleagues are pictured together) Mr Auerbach admitted in open court on Wednesday that he had shared the images without Ms Malkah's consent. It has since been revealed that the model formerly known as Kate Fischer has filed a police report about the images. 'An individual with whom I was once vaguely acquainted, has decided to use images of me in his personal vendetta against a former male friend and colleague of his,' Ms Malkah told The Sunday Telegraph. 'I believed that it was my duty to immediately report this activity to the police. 'The experience is deeply personal, hurtful, frightening and degrading. 'I am very angry and hurt that I was made an unwilling accomplice to a man's vindictive, spiteful vendetta against an erstwhile friend of his.' Ms Malkah previously told the newspaper that she had been 'at her lowest ebb' when the pictures were taken on Christmas Eve in 2019. The one-time fiancee of billionaire James Packer had met Mr Auerbach and Mr Jackson at a pub that day to discuss a story about one of her properties. The one-time fiancee of billionaire James Packer (pictured, with Tziporah Malkah) had met Mr Auerbach and Mr Jackson at a pub that day to discuss a story about one of her properties The trio went back to Ms Malkah's Elizabeth Bay address where she later took her top off and was pictured sitting on her sofa alongside Mr Jackson. The images were circulated to journalists last month. Mr Lehrmann's barrister Matthew Richardson asked Mr Auerbach if he had been involved in the distribution of semi-naked photographs of a woman sitting on a couch with Mr Jackson. 'Is that true?' Mr Richardson asked. 'Yes, sir,'' Mr Auerbach replied. The barrister then said to Mr Auerbach: 'So you sent those photographs to media organisations didn't you?' 'You did not obtain the consent of the woman in question to do this. Did you know you were aware that it was a criminal act to send photographs to third parties without consent? 'No,' Mr Auerbach responded. It is not the first time Ms Malkah has been the alleged victim of revenge porn. A man she knew leaked a naked video to television networks in May 2018. The 90s star said her naked body had hardly been blurred by the television stations airing the footage without her consent. 'Shock, betrayal, humiliation... how could this be happening? This can't be real. How could this be legal?' she told a court in 2022. Former model and James Packer's ex-fiance, Tziporah Malkah (pictured in 2021), told The Daily Telegraph in 2020 she had a 'brief one-night thing' with the former Seven Network producer On January 24 1933, a cartoon appeared in a German newspaper showing Adolf Hitler standing in the graveyard of his failed political movement. He was depicted as a Hamlet figure, holding and gazing at his own skull among a forest of swastika-shaped gravestones. If only! The non-Nazi wishful thinkers of Germany had managed to convince themselves that the danger had passed. In spite of Hitler having travelled 40,000 miles by air during the recent election campaign, showing off all his oratorical tricks in crowded halls across the country, his National Socialist party hadnt got near to achieving the necessary 51 per cent of the national vote for a parliamentary majority. At the Reichstag elections on November 6, two-thirds of Germanys voters had rejected him. Hed lost two million votes since the previous elections in July. And his party was bankrupt: 90 million Reichsmarks in debt. Even Goebbels, Hitlers devoted acolyte, admitted in his vicious, terse diary that the year 1932 has been one long streak of bad luck. One has to smash it to pieces. Hitler is cheered by adoring crowds after being made chancellor in 1933 German president Paul von Hindenburg with Chancellor Adolf Hitler after his election victory Yet, just six days after that ridiculing cartoon, Reich President Field Marshal von Hindenburg would appoint the little Bohemian corporal (as he called him) as his new chancellor. Hindenburg could hardly stand the man. So how on earth did it happen? Reading Timothy Rybacks excellent and forensic account of the complicated events in German politics in the six-month run-up to that fateful moment, I found myself willing the end result not to happen. I clung to the misguided opinions of so many commentators at the time: Hitler is out of the running. His reputation is on the wane. Even on January 28 1933, Ryder writes, the German papers were still predicting a variety of imminent coalitions, none of which included Hitler. But none of those commentators reckoned with the fundamental fact that we now know to be true: nothing could keep Hitler down. Like a tantrummy toddler, he screamed and ranted till he got his own way. As resilient as steel, he was positively invigorated by setbacks, and in fact played his cards precisely right to get what he wanted: total, dictatorial power. As hed written in Mein Kampf, recalling his unhappy Austrian childhood, even the severest canings by his father had been unable to shake his resolve. Ryders book is a terrifying testament to the triumph of stubbornness. Nein, said Hindenberg, politely but firmly, to Hitler, when this book opens in August 1932. Hitler had arrived for a meeting with the president, fully expecting to be appointed chancellor. Having gained 37 per cent of the nations vote, he insisted that this entitled him to be leader of the country. But Hindenburg told him he could never entrust government to a party whose members were so intolerant, undisciplined and violent. Only five days previously, Hitlers stormtroopers had broken into the house of Communist trade unionist Konrad Pietzuch and murdered him in front of his mother. But, Herr Reich President, Hitler pleaded, have an understanding that my people sometimes get a little excited. Conceding that the National Socialists were now a party with strong national support, Hindenburg asked Hitler whether he might agree to participate in the government. To which Hitler, with equal force, replied, Nein. He had no intention of playing second fiddle to anyone. Quite a few times during the next five months, politicians would try to bribe or coerce him to go into coalition government with them. I would rather besiege a fortress than be a prisoner in one, was Hitlers disdainful retort. He insisted that single-party rule was the only possible solution for Germanys myriad problems. Dictatorship, he explained to an American journalist, is the only viable future for Germany. It was true that the German parliamentary system had pretty well broken down in the chaos of too many short-lived, weak coalitions. More and more, Hindenburg was resorting to using his Article 48 powers to issue dictator-style emergency decrees without parliamentary approval. At the end of that August meeting in 1932, it was agreed that Hitler would go into opposition. The current chancellor, Von Papen, would remain in post. And Hitler vowed to make life difficult for them both. He would gridlock the Reichstag (parliament) and sow political and social chaos. This is exactly what he did, hence those new November elections, in which the Nazis did badly. But nor did any of the other parties do well. Von Papen resigned, as he knew he couldnt bridge the party divides and find a way to govern. No one could, it seemed. Hindenburg appointed Kurt von Schleicher as the new (and, it would turn out, final) chancellor of the Weimar Republic, hoping he would be able to work with the Nazis to create a viable government. Others fervently hoped the nationalist business mogul Alfred Hugenberg could go into coalition with the other, slightly more palatable, Nazi Gregor Strasser. I admit that by this time my head was spinning with all the possible political permutations. By mid-January 1933, constitutional paralysis had set in. Schleicher was frustrated by trying to run the government without a mandate to rule by dictatorial decree. Hindenburg was getting irritated by him, and Schleicher, finding himself isolated and out in the cold, resigned. Von Papen, who loathed Schleicher, saw his chance. Hed been keeping in with Hindenburg, and he suggested forming a new government with Hitler in charge. You mean to tell me, said Hindenburg, that I have the unpleasant task of appointing this fellow Hitler as the next chancellor? Papen nodded. Hitler pictured rehearsing a speech in front of the mirror in 1933 The fuhrer's first cabinet meeting in Berlin, on January 30, 1933, including Hermann Goering , Vice-Chancellor Franz Von Papen and Minister of Economy Alfred Hugenberg Up to the last minute, even as theyd taken a Mercedes from their hotel to the Reichstag on January 30, we see Hitler and the power-hungry Hugenberg locked in battle on the staircase, both red with rage, arguing about who was to be who in the cabinet. The president was annoyed to be kept waiting as the two men fought it out. Hugenberg only softened and backed down when Hitler promised that after new elections he would listen to all voices and try to build a broad majority. Up they went, into the presidents office, and the deal was signed. Hitler was the new chancellor. The next day, Hugenberg said to a friend, I just made the biggest mistake of my life. You certainly did, Hugenburg, and so did Hindenburg. Worn down, they had ushered in what Hitler vowed would be his thousand-year Reich. Within three weeks of the new elections of March 1933, far from building a broad majority, the Reichstag passed an enabling law establishing Hitlers government as a dictatorship. The rest is history. Takeover: Hitler's Final Rise to Power by Timothy W. Ryback is out now (Headline, 25) King Charles has been pictured making his way to a Sunday morning church service in Sandringham as he continues his cancer recovery. The 75-year-old monarch appeared to be in good spirits as he smiled in the backseat of a car as he was driven to St Mary Magdalene Church. The King has been balancing his time between his Sandringham estate in Norfolk and London, where is receiving his treatment for cancer. It comes a week after he greeted well-wishers at an Easter Sunday service in Windsor in what was his first major public appearance since his cancer diagnosis. The King's recent cheery appearances will provide great reassurance to the public after the monarch took a step back from his official duties following the announcement of diagnosis on February 6. King Charles has been pictured making his way to a Sunday morning church service in Sandringham as he continues his cancer recovery The 75-year-old monarch appeared to be in good spirits as he smiled in the backseat of a car as it drove past onlookers King Charles and Queen Camilla shook hands with dozens of people who lined up outside St George's Chapel in Windsor last weekend. The King was applauded by members of the public as he left St George's Chapel to cries of 'Happy Easter' last Sunday. One man told him to 'keep going strong' while others said he 'looked well' and seemed in 'good spirits'. 'We're all rooting for you, we've all got your back,' a member of the public said. Another man said: 'Keep going strong, Your Majesty. Keep going strong, never give in.' The King jokingly replied: 'I have to obey my instructions.' The King has continued some work since his diagnosis, but all engagements have taken place privately. Earlier this week, it was reported that Charles is 'raring to go' for a two-week state visit to Australia. The monarch could return Down Under in just months with Queen Camilla at his side as he prepares for a trip in October. The monarch is said to be feeling 'optimistic' after his Easter meet with the public - and has reportedly told aides he is 'supercharging' plans for a two-week trip in which he would also visit New Zealand and Samoa. 'The King is raring to go after a significant amount of time off due to his cancer diagnosis,' a source told The Sun. 'He knows he can't hang around and is feeling extremely positive after tests meant he could attend the Easter Sunday service and spend time meeting the public, which he has missed. 'He's over the moon with the way treatment has gone and supercharging plans for Australia, New Zealand and Samoa.' Charles is reported to be feeling 'over the moon' after his cancer treatment has started well. King Charles and Queen Camilla at an Easter Service at Windsor as the monarch made a 'gentle' return to public life The King and Queen wave as they arrive at St George's Chapel in Windsor on March 31 The King smiles as he leaves the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle on March 31 A source told the paper that he had responded 'very encouragingly' and doctors have since been able to adjust their guidance on what he can and can't do. They added that 'the road ahead is looking positive' - although they maintained 'caution is the watchword'. But the upcoming tour would have significant differences to the Royals' usual trips - and would include 'significant down-time', insiders say. The Australian tour is seen as one of the most important for the King, with the late Queen visiting the country 16 times in her reign. And more than a year since her death, she remains the only reigning monarch to have visited. On Tuesday, the King announced the appointment of Sam Mostyn as the next Governor-General of Australia. She will officially take her place in July as the British monarch's representative. No upcoming trips have been confirmed, Buckingham Palace has told MailOnline. Royal Bank of Canada fired its chief financial officer after she failed to disclose a personal relationship with a colleague who reportedly received promotions and raises as a result of the connection. Nadine Ahn's employment was terminated Friday, along with the individual with whom she'd had a relationship, though their identity was not revealed. Canada's largest bank paid Ahn some $3million USD in fiscal 2023, a figure that represented a 25 percent salary increase from the year prior. At the time she was appointed in 2021 to her now-former role, Ahn was the only female CFO at any of the Big Six Canadian banks. Nadine Ahn (pictured) was terminated from her role as RBC's CFO on Friday after an investigation into an undisclosed personal relationship she'd had with a colleague The colleague's identity was not revealed, though they were fired alongside Ahn after receiving preferential treatment included promotions and pay raises as a result of the relationship RBC said it became aware of 'allegations' against Ahn, which prompted an investigation that found she had violated the bank's code of conduct by engaging in an 'undisclosed close personal relationship with another employee which led to preferential treatment of the employee including promotion and compensation increases.' The bank conducted an internal review, in addition to retaining legal counsel. The institution added there was no evidence of any type of financial misconduct identified during the investigation. Prior to being appointed the CFO, Ahn, who is in her early 50s, was the head of wholesale finance investor relations at RBC. She first joined the bank in 1999 and worked in a series of financial roles before being appointed CFO. According to RBC's official annual statement to its investors, if a top executive at the bank should be terminated for cause, they won't be paid severance and the employee may also forfeit other bonuses. The bank appointed Katherine Gibson as its interim CFO, as a replacement search gets underway. Gibson has been at RBC for two decades and mostly recently served in the role of Senior Vice President, Finance & Controller, a role that included oversight of the board reporting process and management of the bank's accounting policy and financial management systems. Katherine Gibson was named interim CFO as a replacement search begins The Sunday Times reports it is much rarer for a powerful female executive to lose her job due to an undisclosed relationship than it is for male executives to meet the same fate. Last year, the former CEO of BP, Bernard Looney, was fired for failing to disclose personal relationships he had with employees. The oil giant managed to claw back some $40million in remuneration from Looney, after it concluded that he had knowingly misled the board about several personal relationships with colleagues. Habibur Masum, 25, from the Oldham area, is wanted by police after a stabbing Police have issued a warning after naming and releasing CCTV images of a suspected knifeman believed to have killed a 27-year-old mother on the streets of Bradford yesterday afternoon. Habibur Masum, 25, from the Oldham area, is being hunted by police who are urging members of the public 'not to approach' him if seen but to 'call 999 immediately'. Masum is wanted in connection with the fatal stabbing of a young woman in the Westgate area of Bradford city centre yesterday. According to eyewitnesses, the woman was stabbed 'four to five times' in the neck while shopping with a friend. The mother is understood to have been pushing her baby son in his pram at the time of the fatal attack. Masum, described as an Asian man of slim build, is pictured on CCTV wearing a duffle coat with three large horizontal lines of grey, white and black, as well as light grey tracksuit bottoms and maroon trainers. A witness also reported seeing him wearing a grey hoody with the hood up. He is believed to have links to the Burnley and Chester areas. Habibur Masum, 25, (pictured) is being hunted by police who are appealing for members of the public to report any sightings of him Masum is pictured on CCTV wearing a duffle coat with three large horizontal lines of grey, white and black, as well as light grey tracksuit bottoms and maroon trainers A murder investigation has been launched after a woman was stabbed to death in Bradford Police today continued to search for the knifeman, who ran away following the attack, leaving the woman, who is of Pakistani descent, dying on the pavement She was outside a convenience store, waiting for her friend who had gone to buy goods inside, when she was set upon. Geo Khan, 69, who runs a fruit a veg shop, tried to resuscitate the woman, who was one of his customers. He said: 'I was working on Saturday and I heard screams and ran out of my shop. 'I saw that the lady was lying face down on the pavement next to a pushchair with her five -month-old baby inside. 'I turned her over. There was a lot of blood and I checked for a pulse, but couldn't find one. 'I could see the knife wounds to her neck and I tried to do CPR. Her friend was screaming.' Mr Khan said a doctor who was passing in a car stopped to help. 'He picked up a pulse and I went to get a sheet to put over her until the ambulance came,' he added. The murder took place outside the Westgate International Food store, at the junction of Westgate and Drewton Road, at 3:21pm yesterday. Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Enquiry Team, said: 'We have had significant resources following up a number of lines of enquiry to locate Habibur Masum but at this time his whereabouts are unknown. 'A knife was recovered from the scene of the murder, but we cannot say if Habibur Masum is armed, and I would urge anyone who does see him not to approach him but to call 999 immediately. A police cordon put in place around the scene in Westgate, Bradford yesterday 'If anyone has any information about his movements or whereabouts since 3:20pm on Saturday please contact police as a matter of urgency. 'We understand that the murder of a young woman in such shocking circumstances has caused considerable concern in the local community. 'Residents can expect to continue to see a significant police presence in Bradford as we make further enquiries and conduct reassurance patrols in the area.' Today forensic officers, dressed in white suits, continued to gather evidence from the scene and a large police cordon remained in place. Adhi Aziz, 41, owner of Venice Barber Shop, said the woman was from Oldham, Greater Manchester, and had been 'tracked down' by her attacker, who is thought to be known to the victim. 'We were really busy on Saturday and didn't see anything until all the police started to turn up,' Mr Aziz said. 'The lady was attacked outside the Westgate corner shop and the man that stabbed her has run off down the road. 'My wife told me the woman was pushing a pram with a baby inside when she was stabbed, and that she came from Oldham and the man has tracked her down.' Police officers were also combing car parks, bushes and waste ground near the Harp of Erin pub, on Chain Street, in case the killer dumped the murder weapon as he escaped on foot. Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, described the stabbing as a 'shocking incident that has happened in broad daylight.' The horrific daylight killing took place in Westgate, at the junction with Drewton Road at 3.21pm on Saturday (police are pictured at the scene) The victim was taken to hospital where she later died, West Yorkshire Police said She said that part of the city was busy at the time and the attack was 'witnessed by a number of people.' DCI Atkinson said: 'A young woman has lost her life in the most awful circumstances, and we have extensive enquiries ongoing to locate and arrest the man responsible. 'We understand that this incident will understandably cause concern in the local community, and I would like to reassure the wider public that we are working tirelessly to investigate this horrendous crime and bring the person responsible to justice.' She urged anyone with dashcam footage to get in touch. In a joint statement, Bradford City ward councillors, Aneela Ahmed, Nazam Azam and Shakeela Lal, said: 'We are deeply shocked and saddened by yesterday's incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased. 'We would urge anyone who has any information relating to the incident, to contact the police.' Bradford West MP Naz Shah, whose constituency covers the city centre, described the incident as 'really shocking'. She sent her condolences to the woman's loved ones and also urged anyone with any information to get in touch with officers. Recently, the path of the solar eclipse shifted by about 2,000ft as viewers on the edge of the path were advised to move closer to the center It might be hard to spot the solar eclipse for some people as cloudy weather is set to interrupt viewing parties across he US. The first solar eclipse since 2017 has created hysteria for roughly 34 million people who are expected to be in the path of totality on Monday. Spanning across the northeast US, the moon will cast its shadow and blanket the sky in darkness from Texas to Boston. Depending on the location, the astronomical event is predicted to take place in the afternoon, but the exact time varies on location. 'It's fun to see the sun get bitten away, it looks like it's going through phases like the moon does,' Neil deGrasse Tyson, the Director of the Hayden Planetarium said. The solar eclipse frenzy has taken over the county as people outside of the path of totality are traveling to see it in the best spots. Bookings are up at Airbnb and some fans have even set up campsites to get a glimpse of the cosmic event. Monday's solar eclipse could be blocked by cloudy weather for some in the path of totality Scientist Bill Nye referred to the solar eclipse as a 'swath of darkness' that is a 'spectacular thing' While some locations in the path will have a clear view of the spectacle, other places, such as Kansas, Missouri and east Texas will be challenged by cloudy conditions. AccuWeather meteorologist Joe Lundberg said: 'Other areas with poor viewing conditions will be from Wisconsin westward through South Dakota and Nebraska to Washington and Oregon.' There is also room for similar weather interrupting the solar eclipse in western and central Pennsylvania and New York. Clouds could break in time for the afternoon display in Chicago, Kansas City, Indianapolis and St. Louis. Scientist Bill Nye referred to the solar eclipse as a 'swath of darkness' that is a 'spectacular thing.' He told MSNBC that this eclipse is 'special' because it it expected to cross over North America. 'The extraordinary thing about being an earthling, about living here on this planet, is our satellite, the moon, I love this word- "subtends."' 'It blocks the same width of sky as the sun.' Besides clouds blocking the amazing view, there is also room for passing showers and thunderstorms to take over. There is also a chance for more intense storms that could bring hail, strong wind gusts and create flooding on the day of the eclipse. But for many not in the path of storm clouds, Nye said to enjoy it - even if people live along the places that will only see a partial eclipse. 'So, it's cool and enjoy it, but if you can get in the path, that's great,' Nye added. While the solar eclipse takes place, NASA announced three Black Brant IX rockets will be launched from the agency's Wallops Flight facility launch range in Virginia. Around 2.40pm on Monday, the rockets are scheduled to take off just about 45 minutes 'before, during and after the peak local eclipse.' The rockets, for the Atmospheric Perturbations around Eclipse Path mission, will set out to study how the 'Earths upper atmosphere is affected when sunlight momentarily dims over a portion of the planet,' according to NASA. The solar eclipse will spread across 115 miles from Maine to Texas on Monday, but astronomers say the path of totality has shifted by 2,000 feet Spectators viewing the last solar eclipse in August 2017 from Bernal Heights Hill in San Francisco Kids are seen looking up at the eclipse in July 1991 in Houston at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. One of them is seen wearing welding helmet to block his eyes from the sun Each rocket will be set off at different times- the first at 2.40pm, the second at 3.20pm and the last at 4.05pm. Some might be able to see the rockets launch in the mid-Atlantic region depending on the weather. Spectators have been reminded to buy special glasses for the eclipse as the brightness of the sun can injure eyes. 'The disc of the moon is blocking the disc of the sun and you just want to stare at it,' Nye said. 'And that's how you hurt your eyes.' Like any eclipse, it's important not to look directly at the sun with the naked eye while the event is happening not even through sunglasses, binoculars or a telescope. Solar eclipse viewing glasses can be purchased online. Special solar filters are also an option and are considered to be much safer. Tyson told PBS News that proper eclipse glasses need to be ISO certified 'from the very bright sunlight that would otherwise damage your retina.' He added that for people who are 'lucky enough to be in totality,' they can remove the glasses and 'gaze into the shadow of the moon.' Recently, the path of the solar eclipse shifted by about 2,000ft as viewers on the edge of the path were advised to move closer to the center. Amateur astronomer John Irwin released a new map of the 115-mile path from Maine through Texas which has revealed its changed by roughly 2,000 feet. The updated calculation has suggested that people in places like Rome, New York, Effingham, Illinois, and some areas of Fort Worth, Texas will no longer be able to have a perfect view of the eclipse. While many people are expected to view the eclipse, hundreds of thousands of viewers will now be left outside the immediate path and unable to watch the event. Spectators have been reminded to buy special glasses for the eclipse as the brightness of the sun can injure eyes A new map of Airbnb bookings reveal just how desperate people are to find suitable lodgings to watch the eclipse - with orange dots showing 100% occupancy rates and blue dots showing just 10% occupancy rates Although not everyone will be able to see it, some have taken matters into their own hands and made sure they will see the eclipse. A map of Airbnb bookings across the US has revealed just how much solar-eclipse hysteria has swept across the country. Experts estimate that millions of more Americans will travel for this upcoming solar eclipse, with totality beginning in Dallas, Texas, about 1:40 pm and lasting until 1:44 pm CDT. More than 20million people in the US trekked to another location to observe the previous eclipse, which happened in 2017. This widespread surge in interest in the eclipse has benefited Airbnb, who looks set to cash in on the solar craze. The app, which offers short and long-term accommodations, reported in late February that they had registered a '1,000% increase in searches for stays along the solar eclipse path of totality in the US.' In order to accommodate the deluge of sky-gazers, more than a 1,000 new Airbnb hosts 'plan to welcome guests for the first time to help meet demand.' Within the path of totality, the cities that will receive the most visitors are Austin and Indianapolis followed by Cleveland, Dallas, and Montreal. Most of the travelers will hail from New York City or Mexico City. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has warned the West's enemies are working more closely as an 'alliance of authoritarian powers' including Russia, Iran and China. He described growing links between those three countries as well as North Korea in efforts to undermine Western democracies, in a world which has become 'much more dangerous'. Russia's president Vladimir Putin, whose country's ongoing invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, shook hands last October at a summit with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. Mr Stoltenberg's warnings came as two former defence ministers suggested Britain had failed to prepare for war in a 'whole-nation endeavour', amid fears of an all-out conflict with Russia. Outgoing armed forces minister James Heappey revealed only Ministry of Defence officials turned up to an exercise to prepare for wartime scenarios which was meant for the whole of Government. Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg says the West must stand up against an 'authoritarian' alliance Russia's president Vladimir Putin, left, shook hands last October with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during a meeting in China's capital Beijing He called on ministers to do more to prepare for conflict just weeks after resigning his MoD post. Ben Wallace, the Conservative former defence secretary, agreed with his colleague, and said too many in Government were 'just hoping everything will go away'. Mr Stoltenberg told the BBC this morning he hoped Nato's allies would agree a long-term funding deal for Ukraine by July - but indicated President Volodymyr Zelensky's under-siege nation might have to decide on some 'kind of compromises'. Speaking as Nato marks its 75th anniversary, Mr Stoltenberg - head of the organisation for the past 10 years - said the world was now 'much more dangerous, much more unpredictable' and 'much more violent'. And he cautioned about what he called an 'authoritarian' alliance providing each other with 'more and more aligned' practical support. Mr Stoltenberg said: 'China is propping up the Russian war economy, delivering key parts to the defence industry, and in return Moscow is mortgaging its future to Beijing.' He also accused Russia of giving technology to Iran and North Korea in return for ammunition and other military supplies. He insisted: 'Even if we believe and hope that the war will end in the near future, we need to support Ukraine for many years, to build their defences to deter future aggression.' But he also warned: 'At the end of the day, it has to be Ukraine that decides what kind of compromises they're willing to do. 'We need to enable them to be in a position where they actually achieve an acceptable result around the negotiating table.' Earlier, writing in the Telegraph newspaper, Mr Heappey - who quit the Government last month - said the UK was behind allies who had taken steps to reinforce citizens' preparedness for war. Britain has failed to prepare for war in a 'whole-nation endeavour', ex-defence ministers have warned. Pictured: Soldiers line-up during a combined NATO and US Army exercise in Poland last May Outgoing armed forces minister James Heappey (pictured) revealed that only Ministry of Defence officials turned up to an exercise to prepare for wartime scenarios which was meant for the whole of Government Ben Wallace (pictured), the Conservative former defence secretary, agreed with his colleague, and said too many in Government were 'just hoping everything will go away' He gave the example of Sweden, where the government has handed out a booklet explaining what to do in a time of war, including which emergency food provisions to store. Mr Heappey wrote: 'It's a stark reminder that war is a whole-nation endeavour and, to be frank, in the UK we're a very long way behind.' The former soldier, who resigned as a minister at the end of March, said ministers across the Government needed to explain how Britain would feed itself during a war, and how public services would work. The Conservative MP said not enough figures within Government were considering these preparations. He pointed to a 'whole of Government exercise' which Mr Wallace had 'pushed hard for' while serving as defence secretary, aimed at getting ministers and officials into a war bunker to see what their working environment would be. 'In the end, rather depressingly, it was just defence ministers, senior military officers and MoD officials that participated,' Mr Heappey wrote. Mr Wallace told the Telegraph: 'The growing instability and insecurity directed at Britain and her allies means that the whole of society needs to make a step change towards recognising that our core duty is to think about our defence and our resilience. 'It's how we used to think during the Cold War, and everyone from local government to the MoD played their part.' The former ministers have warned that Britain must wake up to Russia's threat amid Vladimir Putin's (pictured) invasion of Ukraine NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg says Russia is providing technology to Iran and North Korea in return for ammunition and other military supplies - Russia's president Vladimir Putin is pictured here meeting Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran in July 2022 North Korea - whose leader Kim Jong Un is seen here, centre, in the country's Hwaseong district last Friday - has also been identified in an 'alliance of authoritarian powers' While Mr Wallace claimed the MoD had made such a change, he added 'there are too many people in Government and society relying on just hoping everything will go away'. It comes as the Government reviews its contingency plans for an all-out war as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East rage on. The intervention from the two long-serving defence ministers also came as Rishi Sunak faces pressure to increase defence spending. Conservative MPs have urged the Prime Minister to raise this to 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product, while Mr Heappey wrote in the Daily Mail how it should be lifted to three per cent. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden today rejected criticisms from Mr Wallace and Mr Heappey that the UK was unprepared for the possibility of war. He told the Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg show he agreed Britain faced 'rising threats' from across the globe but, on their claims of Government inaction, 'I think they are wrong. 'We are taking action across the board. We have set up a national cyber-security centre in respect of cyber. I now take dozens of decisions daily about investment to protect our economic security. 'This world is going to get more dangerous as time goes on - we see a combination of hostile states, not least Russia, Iran, North Korea and China. 'We need to be taking action across those areas. Of course there is always more to do, but I believe we are making good progress against rising threats.' An Ukrainian explosive technician examines the site of the explosion after a missile strike in Kharkiv on April 6 amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine A local resident carries his dog at a site of a Russian air strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, today Ukrainian servicemen of 63rd brigade are seen yesterday at an artillery position of a US M777 howitzer in the direction of Kreminna in Ukraine A Government spokesman told the Telegraph an extra 24billion would invested in the armed forces between 2020 and 2025, which he described as the largest sustained investment since the Cold War. He added: 'The UK has robust plans in place for a range of potential emergencies and scenarios, with plans and supporting arrangements developed, refined and tested over many years.' The Government has launched a national resilience framework aimed at equipping citizens with more information about how to survive in crisis scenarios. Late last year Mr Dowden suggested people should stock up on candles, first aid kits and battery-powered torches and radios to prepare themselves. One of the gang members convicted for the killing of Sharon Beshenivsky has been spotted with a 20,000 luxury Mercedes. Faisal Razzaq served just 11 years of a life sentence for manslaughter for his role in the murder of PC Sharon Beshenivsky before he was released from jail in 2017. Razzaq was the gang's lookout during the armed robbery of a travel agents in Bradford in November 2005. While attempting to flee the scene mother-of-three PC Beshenivsky was gunned down at point blank range and her colleague PC Teresa Milburn was seriously wounded. Razzaq was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter. Along with his brother, Hassan, and fellow henchman Raza Ul-Haq Aslam they are three members of the original six convicted who now walk free. Faisal Razzaq (pictured) exiting his 20,000 Mercedes C-Class. Razzaq was the gang's lookout during the armed robbery of a travel agents in Bradford in November 2005 PC Sharon Beshenivsky (pictured) was gunned down at point blank range by robbers fleeing a travel agency in Bradford in November 2005 Upon his release in 2017, Razzaq crudely celebrated his release by posting on Facebook: 'Guess who's back?' The Daily Mirror have tracked down Razzaq to his London home where he was pictured getting out of a 20,000 Mercedes C-Class. When asked if he felt any remorse for the death of 38-year-old PC Beshenivsky he said: 'Who told you I live here? Go away.' Andy Brennan, the detective who led the original hunt for the killers, told the Mirror: 'Police will be dismayed at the news these men are living their lives while so many people are still hurting from what took place. 'It's incredibly disappointing that they were released early, considering the disregard they have shown for the police officers and the robbery victims. They have shown little or no remorse.' This week, the mastermind behind the armed robbery - Piran Ditta Khan was finally convicted for the murder of PC Beshenivsky at Leeds Crown Court. Jurors at Leeds Crown Court were told Khan was the mastermind behind the robbery and played a 'pivotal role in planning the raid and giving instructions to the others'. Khan, a bankrupt takeaway restaurant boss with a history of assault convictions, fled the country on a flight from Heathrow to Islamabad in January 2006 after the ill-fated raid. The mastermind behind the armed robbery - Piran Ditta Khan (pictured) was finally convicted for the murder of PC Beshenivsky at Leeds Crown Court Piran Ditta Khan fled the country on a flight from Heathrow to Islamabad two months after the raid He left his wife and six children behind at their home in Ilford, east London and abandoned advanced plans to open a new takeaway restaurant in Aberdeen. With no extradition treaty with Pakistan, Khan was effectively safe in his native country, at least for the time being. It took 14 years for an extradition process to be established and relations with Pakistan to improve sufficiently for Khan's days on the run to end. He was arrested in Pakistan in 2020 before being extradited to the UK to serve trial last year. Young professionals embrace household service jobs Xinhua) 11:14, April 07, 2024 BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Gu Yue, 29, serves as a maternity matron at an internet-based maternity and childcare company in Chengdu in southwest China's Sichuan Province. Even after parting ways with families after rendering her services, she continues to receive heartwarming photos of the babies she once cared for, capturing precious milestones such as their first crawl, first steps, first birthday, and even their journey into kindergarten. "Seeing these adorable newborns, who I once tended to, grow stronger gives me a great sense of accomplishment," Gu said. Maternity matrons, also known as "yuesao" in Chinese, provide postpartum care to mothers and newborns during the first month or longer after childbirth. With a nursing background, Gu has previously worked as a nurse in hospitals and postpartum care centers. Following the birth of her own daughter, she had also worked in an early education center for a period. "Mother and infant care requires a high level of expertise as it involves postpartum recovery for mothers, breastfeeding guidance, care and massage for the newborns, early education and many other aspects," Gu explained. More professional skills correspond to higher incomes, she said, adding that senior professional maternity matrons can currently earn an annual income of over 100,000 yuan (about 14,095 U.S. dollars). As the number of newborns in the Year of the Dragon increases in China, there is a growing demand for maternity matrons and nannies. "If you don't book a few months in advance, it becomes difficult to find a suitable maternity matron close to the due date," says a resident from Beijing surnamed Liu, who is expecting her baby in August this year. Following her friend's advice, she has started interviewing maternity matrons, hoping to secure a reliable one early on. According to data from ayilaile.com, a household service platform, the number of new orders has risen by 72 percent lately compared to the period before the Spring Festival. Orders for maternity matrons and nannies have grown 99 percent and 67.2 percent, respectively. Growing along with the rising demand are the expectations of mothers towards domestic helpers. According to Wu Wei, a maternity and childcare trainer at Ainong, a domestic service chain brand in Beijing, mothers nowadays are increasingly concerned not only about household affairs but also about their children's education and psychological health. When looking for domestic service workers, they prefer young and highly qualified individuals, she said. Yu Xiangmei, 28, has just finished training to become a nanny working for an Ainong outlet. Yu's background as a kindergarten teacher, coupled with her outgoing personality, made a strong impression on her employer during the interview. China's domestic service industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years due to factors such as smaller family sizes, an aging population, and the implementation of the third-child policy. A report by iiMedia Research shows that the market size of the domestic service industry has nearly quadrupled from 277.6 billion yuan in 2015 to 1.015 trillion yuan in 2021, with a projected upward trajectory. The industry currently employs over 30 million workers nationwide. Qian Yu, an official from the Beijing Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, explained that the development of the industry has given rise to new occupations like professional organizers, door-to-door cooking services, maternity and childcare specialists, early education providers, and home maintenance professionals, thus, creating more employment opportunities. Yan Ling, 28, started her career around a decade ago, working as a workplace sanitation worker by day and an elderly caregiver at night in Chengdu. A self-motivated person, she continuously expanded her skill set and worked her way up to become an administrative staff member at her company. Then she got herself trained to become a professional organizer, an in-demand occupation in which she helps clients in organizing their belongings, especially during seasonal changes or house moves. Despite the rapid growth of China's domestic service industry, it still faces a supply-demand imbalance. In major cities, shortages of maternity matrons, nannies and elderly caregivers are particularly evident. The demand for young and high-end workers has risen significantly. The country rolled out measures in 2019 and 2023 to boost the high-quality development of the industry, demanding efforts to establish more employment-based enterprises that provide social insurance and training to employees. Qian said he believes that while ensuring workers' rights and interests, it is also important for businesses to provide promotion opportunities for employees to draw more educated and qualified young people to engage in the sector. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Investigating agencies are seeking help from anyone who may have been victimized by Hugo Iram Cardona Jr., 21. U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Texas The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are asking for the public's help identifying additional victims of an Odessa man who allegedly hacked into young females' social media accounts to steal intimate photos and videos. Hugo Iram Cardona Jr., 21, pleaded guilty to three counts of cyberstalking in an El Paso federal court Friday, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office Western District of Texas. According to court documents, Cardona Jr. used a two-factor authentication scheme to access various females Snapchat accounts to steal their intimate photographs and videos. He then allegedly contacted the females, who were located in multiple states, on social media to demand that they apologize, or he would publicly release the content. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In most cases, Cardona would also demand his victims video chat with him while engaging in sexually explicit conduct, the news release said. There were at least 15 victims located in El Paso, Colorado and Arizona from August 2020 through June 2023. Cardona Jr. allegedly contacted the victims from several Instagram accounts, including idkprii85, designoiram, juniorrriram, urfavpapi, urdvddyjunie, and juniorhernandez as well as Snapchat accounts juniepri, asap_juniorrr and juniorrriram. He also communicated through the messaging app TextNow. The investigating agencies are asking anyone who has been in contact with Cardona Jr. or any of the above-listed usernames while using Snapchat, Instagram or TextNow between 2020 to 2023 to complete an online victim questionnaire. Respondents may be contacted by the FBI, but victim identities are private and case-related information is confidential, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office website. Victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution and other rights under federal or state law. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A former minister has become the first woman to reveal that she was targeted in a Westminster sexting honeytrap. Dame Andrea Jenkyns is the third Conservative MP to go public about being contacted in a so-called 'spear fishing' attempt. She called for action to be taken against her colleague Will Wragg after he admitted passing on numbers due to fears about blackmail. The senior Tory said he had provided the information to the honeytrappers after sending intimate pictures to a man he met on the gay dating app Grindr. Yesterday, Dame Andrea accused Mr Wragg of 'unforgivable' behaviour and said action should be taken against him after it emerged that he will keep the Tory whip. Dame Andrea Jenkyns became the third Conservative MP to reveal she was targeted in a so-called 'spear fishing' attempt William Wragg MP was accused of 'unforgivable' behaviour' by Dame Andrea Deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden said he didn't think his colleague should step down as vice-chairman of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers The scandal is being investigated by two police forces as the number of feared victims - which includes a serving minister, MPs and political staffers and journalists - has risen to at least 18. Responding to a GB News report, Dame Andrea tweeted: 'I too received the WhatsApp and reported it. 'It was worded identically, mentioning "conference". Unlike some MPs I am not happy with Wragg, as a mother with a young child who only recently had threats. 'It's unforgivable of him to compromise the security of fellow MPs. Action is needed!' Mr Wragg has not faced any disciplinary action by the party amid concern that he is also a victim and has received the backing of several Cabinet members and senior Tories. Deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden said he didn't think his colleague should step down as vice-chairman of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers. Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor, previously hailed his apology as 'courageous and fulsome'. However, other colleagues are furious with Mr Wragg, with some branding him 'Toe Wragg'. Pressure is growing on the MP - who was already standing down at the next election - to consider his position as a select committee chair and vice-chair of the 1922 committee. Dame Andrea told the Telegraph that she received the suspected scam message at the start of this year and has informed her party whips. 'Why are they protecting Wragg? It's bizarre,' she said. 'I told them that he's compromised MPs, for God's sake. I'm a mother and he shouldn't be handing out anybody's numbers. 'How is it "brave"? The brave thing to do would have been to ignore the blackmail. I really hope to God they can trace who's behind the messages - it's nauseating.' On Friday, Dr Luke Evans, the Tory MP for Bosworth, revealed he had reported to police a naked picture of a woman he had been sent on WhatsApp. The messages follow a similar pattern: influential figures in Westminster are contacted by a person calling themselves either 'Charlie' or 'Abi'. The scammer claims to have met the victim in one of Parliament's bars or at a political event before sending flirtatious messages and then naked pictures, in a bid to get the victim to reciprocate. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt previously hailed Wragg's apology as 'courageous and fulsome' Dr Luke Evans, the Tory MP for Bosworth, revealed he had reported to police a naked picture of a woman he had been sent on WhatsApp on Friday Two MPs are said to have sent pictures of themselves, raising concerns over blackmail. It is not known who is behind the honeytrap messages or what their intention is. It came as MPs revealed that they were ditching dating websites due to be fears of being targeted by scammers. One told the Sun that his colleagues were deleting their profiles amid concern about cyber security, while another questioned whether it was wise for MPs to be on dating websites. Yesterday, a profile of a Tory MP on a 'kink' dating website called Feeld emerged, prompting fears that MPs could be leaving themselves open to blackmail. The number used by the honeytrapper calling themselves 'Abi' has already been flagged multiple times as suspicious on the website who-called.co.uk, which gathers user reports of unsolicited numbers. Politico reported that users variously claimed it was linked to a 'romance scam', 'catfishing' and a 'bloke pretending to be a girl'. Ukraine has launched a drone strike on the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, officials claimed today. The plant's Russian-installed administration have informed the U.N. nuclear watchdog officials of the strike. This included an attack on the dome of the plant's sixth power unit that caused no damage. The International Atomic Energy Agency said that the possibility of drone strike at the Zaporizhzhia power plant is 'consistent' with what it's seen. Posting on X, formerly Twitter, the agency said: 'One casualty reported. Damage at unit 6 has not compromised nuclear safety, but this is a serious incident w/ potential to undermine integrity of the reactor's containment system.' Its chief Rafael Grossi added there had been three 'direct hits' to such structures.' Russian authorities in control of a nuclear power plant in Ukraine have informed U.N. nuclear watchdog officials of a drone strike there today. Pictured is the Zaporizhzhia Power Plant The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, including its Unit No. 4, pictured in June 2023 Posting on X, formerly Twitter, the agency said: 'IAEA experts have been informed by ZNPP that a drone detonated on site today' Earlier, the administration reported a drone attack that damaged a truck parked near the station's canteen, Russian state news agency TASS reported, citing the plant authorities. But news agency Reuters was unable to verify the reports. Plant authorities said radiation levels at the plant were unchanged after the two strikes. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europe's largest, has been controlled by Russia since March 2022, when its forces took much of southeastern Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region. The plant remains close to the front lines, and both Ukraine and Russia have regularly accused the other of shelling the plant, and risking a possible nuclear disaster. The Zaporizhzhia power plant sits roughly 80 miles up the Dnieper river from the Kakhovka dam, which was heavily damaged in explosions on June 6 2023. Since Russian troops invaded Ukraine in February 2022, fears of a nuclear disaster have been sparked on several occasions when the plant was shelled and was temporarily disconnected from Ukraine's power grid. The city of Zaporizhzhia itself is less than 35 miles away and housed 750,000 people before the war. It comes as three civilians were killed in a Russian attack on the frontline village of Guliaipole in the Zaporizhzhia region this morning, the local governor said. 'Two men and a woman died under the rubble of their own house, which was hit by a Russian shell,' Ivan Fedorov said on the Telegram messaging app. Fedorov said one more person was injured. He said Russians shelled the village with a Grad self-propelled multiple rocket launcher. Reuters could not independently verify the report. It comes after a Russian attack in Kharkiv. Pictured is injured local resident Taras Makhailenko, 45-year-old, looks on at a site of a Russian air strike on April 7 Firefighters extinguish a fire at the site of a missile strike in the center of Kharkiv A local resident carries a dog as he looks back towards the site of a missile strike in the center of Kharkiv A firefighter extinguishes a fire at the site of a missile strike in the center of Kharkiv The frontline Zaporizhzhia region is under constant Russian bombardment by rockets, drones and cannons. Ukraine's forces also destroyed all 17 attack drones launched by Russia overnight, the Ukrainian military said on Sunday. 'At night the Russian occupiers attacked Ukraine once again, using 17 attack drones. The Ukrainian air defence forces destroyed all of them,' the Ukrainian General Staff said on Facebook. But President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine could run out of air defence missiles if Russia keeps up its intense long-range bombing campaign. The Ukrainian leader's starkest warning to date of the deteriorating situation faced by his country's air defences follows weeks of Russian strikes on the energy system, towns and cities using a broad arsenal of missiles and drones. 'If they keep hitting (Ukraine) every day the way they have for the last month, we might run out of missiles, and the partners know it,' he said in an interview that aired on Ukrainian television yesterday. Firefighters work at a site of a Russian air strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, on April 7 A view of the damage following the Russian shelling of Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on April 5 Zelensky, who has been appealing to allies for weeks to rush in more air defences, said that Ukraine had enough stockpiles to cope for the moment, but that it was already having to make difficult choices about what to protect. He singled out in particular the need for Patriot air defence systems and said Ukraine needed 25 of them. The sophisticated U.S. air defence system has been vital during Russian attacks with ballistic and hypersonic missiles which can hit targets within a matter of minutes. Two Russian missile and drone strikes, one in the early hours of Saturday and a second in the afternoon, killed eight people and wounded at least 10 more people in northeastern Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city. Only a quarter of British Muslims believe that Hamas definitely committed murder and rape during the October 7 attacks on Israel, a shocking new poll as found. The research also found that 40 per cent of those university-educated Muslims between the ages 18-24 believed the terrorist organisation had not committed the crimes. The staggering findings from the Henry Jackson Society, a national security think tank, come on the six-month anniversary of massacre which saw 1,200 civilians killed and a further 235 taken hostage from southern Israel. The survey, carried out by polling firm J L Partners, also found that 46 per cent of Muslims living in the UK sympathised with Hamas. Inter-faith experts have warned the results show a 'real risk of a social cohesion problem' adding that further education is needed to 'inform, challenged and address old anti-Semitic tropes' Pro-Palestine protesters held placards and flags outside the Home Office in London on Friday Mourners were today pictured visiting the site in Re'im, Israel, where revellers were kidnapped and killed in Hamas's terror attacks on the Nova musical festival last October 7 Soldiers were seen visiting a bomb shelter there, on the six-month anniversary of the massacre When asked whether Hamas committed murder and rape on October 7, just 24 per cent of British Muslims said they did - in contrast to 62 per cent of the wider public. Hamas terrorists still hold about 130 hostages, a fourth of them believed to be dead. Most of the others were released during a week-long ceasefire in November. The war has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. About 80 per cent of Gaza's population have been driven from their homes and a quarter face starvation. Israel presented to the International Court of Justice in January horrifying footage of civilians being slaughtered and mutilated by Hamas terrorists on October 7. An introduction to the film shown at The Hague told how more than 3,000 militants 'invaded Israel from the land, sea and air' in over 20 communities near the border and at the Nova music festival in Re'im. Today's poll says 39 per cent of British Muslims said Hamas did not commit atrocities, while 37 per cent said they did not know whether they had or had not. Younger and well-educated Muslims appeared the most likely to think Hamas did not commit atrocities that day - including 47 per cent of those aged between 18 and 24 and 40 per cent of university graduates. Hamas fighters circumvented Israel's border with the Gaza Strip by flying in via paraglider, according to the Israeli military (pictured: a paraglider crossing into Israel) More than 250 hostages were taken back into Gaza after Hamas' strike into southern Israel Israeli civilians were taken off the streets, transferred across the border and held captive Researchers also found just over half, or 52 per cent, of British Muslims believed it should be illegal to show pictures of the Prophet Mohammed, as opposed to 16 per cent of the overall public. Some 32 per cent or almost a third of British Muslims questioned said they backed Shariah law in the UK in comparison to nine per cent of the general public, the Telegraph reported. The poll also indicated 46 per cent of British Muslims and 16 per cent across the board felt Jewish people have too much power over UK government policy. Some 41 per cent of British Muslims said Jews have too much power in the media and 39 per cent when it came to Britain's financial system. Fiyaz Mughal, founder of interfaith groups Tell Mama, Faith Matters and Muslims Against Anti-Semitism, described the results as 'shocking but also not shocking'. He told the paper: 'Hamas is an Islamist extremist and terrorist group and has been terrorising Gazans, Israelis and liberals within society for decades. Dr Alan Mendoza is executive director of the Henry Jackson Society, a think-tank specialising in counter-extremism 'The sense that Hamas did not conduct massacres and rapes in Israel is atrocious because it shows a closed-off mentality to anything emanating from Israel.' 'The findings confirm that a lot of work needs to be done to inform, challenge, and address old anti-Semitic tropes that are still circulating among some of my co-religionists.' He called on the Government to provide better guidance for teachers to improve education warning that otherwise the country is at risk 'of a social cohesion problem.' The Henry Jackson Society's executive director Alan Mendoza criticised what he called 'the failure of counter-extremism policy over the years'. 'What is probably going wrong is an unwillingness to tackle this kind of extremism for fear of being labelled Islamophobic or racist,' he said. The aftermath of an attack on the Supernova music festival by Hamas gunmen last October CCTV footage showed gunmen dragging a body and throwing it into the back of a car in Israel Clipped video also depicted a Hamas fighter shooting a dog dead during the October 7 attack A man with Hamas sets fire to an Israeli residence during the October 7 atrocities The director said that there is a 'reluctance' to call out the behaviour whereas people are 'very happy' to call out the far-right. He added that the Government needs to support and strengthen the voices of moderate Muslims in a bid to drive away the 'extremist narrative'. A Government spokesperson said: 'We have recently set out a series of measures which will promote social cohesion and counter religious hatred. 'Our plan will tackle division in our communities and ensure that we are protecting our democratic freedoms across the country.' A former sheriff from southern Indiana is facing 25 felony charges after allegedly spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on luxury purchases including vacations, vehicles and cigars. Jamey Noel, 52, along with his wife, Misty, 50, and daughter, Kasey Noel, 27, are charged with a spate of felonies for spending as much as $5million on the credit cards Jamey had opened in the name of the volunteer fire agency he ran, authorities said. The specific expenditures allegedly made by various members of the Noel family are nearly too numerous to count, but include $56,000 on luxury cigars, more than $300,000 on vacation and travel, $25,000 on a small plane, in addition to cosmetic procedures, tanning, clothing, and vape products. The figures were included in recently revealed search warrants for the family's homes and cars. Sheriff Noel became a local face about town when he appeared on Season 1 of the A&E show '60 Days In,' in which the Clark County prison critically examined its policies and treatment of inmates after volunteers are incarcerated undercover as prisoners for 60 days. The Clark County Jail was back in national headlines four years later, when more than 20 female prisoners alleged in federal court they were attacked, harassed and sexually assaulted after a deputy, David Lowe, sold the key to the womens wing for $1,000 to male inmates. That led lawsuits that implicated Noel in the attacks. Former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel (pictured), 52, has been charged with 25 felony offenses relating to massive accusations of fraud Noel (right) and his wife Misty (left) have been charged, as well as one of their three daughters, Kasey (center), for stealing millions of dollars of taxpayer funds All three family members have pleaded not guilty. Each of them also posted all-cash bails in the tens of thousands. A special judge and special prosecutor have been appointed to the case. In court filings, prosecutors have alleged the family has refused to cooperate with investigators. Some 50 search warrants have also been executed throughout the massive probe, including searches of the family's multiple homes and cars. Jamey Noel has lived in Clark County Indiana for his entire life, according to Inside Edition. He served as a state trooper for 22 years before becoming a sheriff in 2015. He also ran the county's Republican party in addition to the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association. His life of public service, however, began collapsing around him last year, when Indiana State Police investigators began seriously probing his finances. The charges keep rolling in for former Clark County sheriff Jamey Noel, whose case is set to be tried later this year The specific expenditures allegedly made by various members of the Noel family are nearly too numerous to count, but include $56,000 on luxury cigars, more than $300,000 on vacation and travel, $25,000 on a small plane, in addition to cosmetic procedures, tanning, clothin, and vape products. Misty Noel (left) and Kasey (right) have also been arrested Court documents also allege that Noel at some point had an affair, during which he impregnated Clark County Council member Brittney Ferree, who gave birth to his child (pictured here with wife Misty) Ferree (center) is seen in a picture with Jamey Noel. It is alleged by prosecutors that Jamey Noel used funds from the Volunteer Firefighters Association to pay his court-ordered child support Jamey and Misty allegedly charged nearly $200,000 in tuition and college expenses for two of their daughters to credit cards taken out in the fire agency's name - here a document itemizing vacation expenses is shown Noel served as the Clark County Sheriff from 2015 to 2022 Noel also allegedly bought more than 100 luxury cars using public funds and sold them at a personal profit The sheriff is accused of spending lavishly including buying more than 100 luxury cars using public funds and selling them at a personal profit. He further stands accused of using his former deputies as personal errand men and handymen on his private properties during work hours. Court documents also allege Jamey Noel, at some point, had an affair, during which he impregnated Clark County Council member Brittney Ferree, who gave birth to his child. It is alleged by prosecutors that Jamey Noel used funds from the Volunteer Firefighters Association to pay his court-ordered child support. Jamey and Misty also allegedly charged nearly $200,000 in tuition and college expenses for two of their daughters to credit cards taken out in the fire agency's name. The couple have three daughters, though just Kasey has been the only one charged by the state. In March, authorities seized 26 shipping containers filled with $7million of missing military surplus equipment, which state police believe belonged to the sheriff's department and were hidden be Noel during his time in the role Misty and Kasey (pictured) have been charged with several counts of theft and tax evasion None of the Noels have commented on the pending legal proceedings. Some of the other items seized during searches by the authorities of Noel's properties were thousands and thousands of dollars worth of designer clothes, including Tom James suits and Ferragamo shoes paid for with the fire nonprofit's credit cards. In March, authorities also seized 26 shipping containers filled with $7million of missing military surplus equipment, which state police believe belonged to the sheriff's department and were hidden be Noel during his time in the role. Authorities say they continue to examine the equipment, including a train engine and vehicles, in an effort to determine how it was used. Jamey Noel's case is set to go to trial later this year. Pennsylvania Democrat Sen. John Fetterman insisted he is not 'woke' and that squatters have 'no rights' amid outrage over an increase in home break-ins that have led to intruders claiming residency. 'Squatters have no rights,' the liberal lawmaker told the New York Post. 'How can you even pretend that this is anything other than you're just breaking the law?' 'It's wild, that if you go away on a long trip, for 30 days, and someone breaks into your home and suddenly they have rights,' he added. 'This is crazy. Like if somebody stole your car, and then they held it for 30 days, then somehow you now have some rights?' 'I am not woke,' Fetterman asserted. Pennsylvania Democrat Sen. John Fetterman insisted he is not ' woke ' and that squatters have 'no rights' amid outrage over an increase in home break-ins that have led to intruders claiming residency Recently a pair of New York City squatters sued a woman whose home they had broken into Last month, and set up mattresses, a flat screen TV and a massage table inside the $530,000 house that they claimed to have legally leased months earlier and refused to leave. Fetterman also tore into liberal crime policies that conservatives have blamed for the fatal shooting of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller. 'I have gone to police funerals,' Fetterman said. 'If this individual is convicted, then he should spend the rest of his life and in prison, and never have an opportunity to get out.' Diller was allegedly killed last month by a man who had 21 prior arrests. A Texas couple is demanding lawmakers take action to mitigate squatting after the homeowners say they were abused by a contractor who refuses to leave their fixer-upper propert 'If this individual is convicted, then he should spend the rest of his life in prison, and never have an opportunity to get out,' Fetterman concluded. 'If you have those kinds of established records, it doesn't serve any greater goal to allow people that are offending, offending, offending and allow them to not be held accountable.' Fetterman also broke with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer over his call for new elections in Israel. 'It's reasonable if you want to criticize, but to call for effectively like a regime change, I disagree,' Fetterman said. 'I didn't agree because Israel is a democracy, it is our key special ally. And our nation wouldn't appreciate any kind of foreign input. So why should we do that for Israel?' Schumer last month said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government 'no longer fits the needs of Israel after October 7.' The New York Democrat said 'Netanyahu has lost his way by allowing his political survival to take the precedence over the best interests of Israel.' Progressives had celebrated Fetterman's win over Dr. Mehmet Oz, thinking the former lieutenant governor, a longtime advocate of LGTQ causes and legalized cannabis, would be a champion for their causes. But in recent days he's tacked to the right on some issues, most notably after the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza. On Thursday he voiced his opposition to President Biden's warning that future aid to Israel could be conditioned. 'In this war against Hamas no conditions for Israel,' he said. Recently Fetterman lost three of his top communications staffers to other left-leaning offices. Vladimir Putin has ordered a crackdown 'lawlessness' in a region of Russia devastated by severe flooding, with thousands of residents forced to flee their homes as authorities struggle to bring the deluge under control. The Russian President instructed Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev and police 'to ensure the protection of order and property of people in flood zones', with some 4,500 so far displaced after the Orsk dam burst under the strain of flooding along the Ural river on Friday night. Kolokoltsev and local police have reportedly been instructed to prevent looting as residents are moved to temporary accommodation and rescue teams work tirelessly to pull people and animals to safety. Water levels reached around 30ft in the Ural mountain region of Orenburg yesterday, leaving more than 6,600 residential buildings flooded and residents without power in several areas. Mayor Sergei Salmin, responsible for nearly half a million people said authorities could begin to forcibly evacuate people from their homes if the situation continues to worsen. 'The situation leaves you no choice,' he said. 'At night, the river can reach a critical level. I call on everyone in the flooded zone to leave their houses immediately.' 'There is no time for convincing,' he added, saying that 'those who refuse to leave the danger zone voluntarily, we will forcibly evacuate with the help of police officers'. A flooded street after part of a dam burst in Orsk, Russia. State media say Russia's government has declared the situation in flood-hit areas in the Orenburg region a federal emergency More than 40 husky dogs were rescued from a flooded shelter in Orsk during the worst flood in over a century Teams continuing to conduct an evacuation works for residents due to flooding after a dam burst in the city of Orsk, Russia on April 6, 2024 The mayor is now considering forcibly evacuating people from their homes if necessary Three people have died and some 4,500 evacuated from their homes, the city confirmed Authorities said the situation was difficult throughout the region, warning of a dangerous water level on the Ural river in the main city of Orenburg An emergency worker pulls a boat evacuating a group of local residents in Orsk on Saturday The mayor of the Russian city of Orenburg said on Sunday that the situation remained 'critical', and that water levels would continue to rise in the coming days. The Ural mountain region of Orenburg, along with other nearby Russian provinces and parts of neighbouring Kazakhstan, have been hit hard by flooding along the Ural river in recent days. According to local authorities, the Orsk dam could withstand water levels up to 5.5 metres (nearly 18ft). But on Saturday morning, the water level reached about 9.3 metres (30.51ft) and rising, Orsk mayor Vasily Kozupitsa said. Authorities also said floods affected other places in the region, located in the Ural Mountains area, prompting the evacuation of nearly 4,000 people. It was not clear whether the 2,000 already evacuated in Orsk were included in that number. The press service of the Orenburg governor said '4,402 people, including 1,100 children' had so far been evacuated and more than 6,000 homes were affected by the flooding after torrential rain. Hundreds have now been placed in temporary accommodation facilities, some in nearby schools. 'The flood situation in Orsk is developing according to the worst-case scenario, there are 6,644 residential houses in the flooded area,' a statement from the local government said on Sunday. 'Eleven temporary shelters with a capacity of 8,087 places have been set up.' Eight healthcare facilities were also hit by the flood in Orsk, Assistant Minister of Health Alexey Kuznetsov said on Sunday. 'There are eight healthcare facilities in the flood zone, 132 inpatients have been transferred to other medical facilities. There are enough beds,' he said. Two people were initially reported to have been found dead in the flooded area, but they were not killed by the emergency, officials claimed. Russia's Investigative Committee has since opened a criminal case for 'negligence and violation of construction safety rules' over the burst dam, which was built in 2014. Authorities said the situation was difficult throughout the region, warning of a dangerous water level on the Ural river in the main city of Orenburg. 'Nature does not tolerate mistakes,' Russian Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenkov said, calling on authorities to ensure timely evacuations. 'The flood situation can change rapidly,' he warned. Orenburg regional authorities said they expected the 'peak' of the flood on April 9 and for the 'situation to stabilise after April 20'. A man rescues a cat from flooding in Orsk as 4,500 people are evacuated Residents are being evacuated collectively due to flooding after a dam burst in the city of Orsk Rescuers walking across a flooded street on their way to evacuate residents during a flood in the town of Orsk Rescuers search for residents to evacuate as they drive in a flooded residential area in the city of Orsk, Russia, April 6 Emergency workers evacuate a local resident in Orsk, on April 6, 2024 Russian emergency services published images of rescue workers going through villages on boats and hovercrafts. Local authorities have said they are working to stem the source of the flooding. Several regions in the Urals and western Siberia have been affected by floods since the start of spring. The Ural River, about 2,428 kilometres (1,509 miles) long, flows from the southern section of the Urals into the north end of the Caspian Sea, through Russia and Kazakhstan. Orsk, with a population of about 230,000, sits on Russia's border with Kazakhstan, some 1,100 miles southeast of Moscow. A Maryland woman was driving nearly 100 mph when she slammed into another car killing her toddler daughter - and now the mom faces a half-century behind bars. Danshell Evon, 38, was driving when her 2015 Kia Optima hit a 1997 Ford F-150 on Connecticut Avenue near Atherton Drive in Silver Spring on May 12, 2022. Both people inside the Ford experienced non-life-threatening injuries, along with Evon and her two 13-year-old children. Evon's three-year-old daughter, Dreamie Dior Jackson, died in the crash because she was improperly secured in a backless booster seat, reported WJLA. 'At the speeds the defendant was traveling, she wasn't driving a car, she was steering a missile down the road in the middle of rush hour,' said State's Attorney John McCarthy. Danshell Evon, 38, was found guilty of manslaughter for driving 98mph and causing a crash that killed her daughter in May 2022 Dreamie Dior Jackson, 3, died in the crash because she was improperly secured in a backless booster seat Court documents said Evon was driving 98mph when her 2015 Kia Optima hit a 1997 Ford F-150 on Connecticut Avenue near Atherton Drive in Silver Spring 'If the barest of common-sense parenting skills were in place, there would have been a proper child safety seat installed.' Nearly six months after the crash, Evon was indicted on several charges, including manslaughter by vehicle, child abuse, child neglect and second-degree assault. Court documents revealed she was driving 98 miles per hour in the seconds leading up to the crash. NBC Washington reported Montgomery County had previously lowered the speed limit from 45 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour in that area. After a four-day trial, a judge found Evon guilty of gross negligent manslaughter, four counts of second-degree assault and neglect of a minor. Her sentencing is scheduled on August 9 where she faces a maximum penalty of 55 years in prison. In her obituary, Dreamie Dior was described as a loving, studious, sharp, smart and solitary child. Shortly after the crash that killed her daughter, Evon said: '[Dreamie] loved makeup, playing with her dolls, drawing art and going to her gymnastics classes.' 'She had a huge heart, and her personality was contagious. She was a very special soul.' A former Vermont state trooper who stole $40,000 worth of evidence from a storage room has accepted a plea agreement and avoided jail time. Giancarlo DiGenova, 45, resigned in February 2023 after the agency launched an investigation following the discovery of stolen evidence from a narcotics case. In December 2022, Vermont State Police said other troopers discovered evidence was missing, including a $14,000 Rolex watch, from a storage room at the Williston barracks. On Friday, DiGenova pleaded guilty to felony grand larceny, misdemeanor counts of petty larceny, providing false information to police, making a false statement and neglect of duty. 'Your honor, words cannot describe the regret and remorse I feel in my heart,' DiGenova said in court. Giancarlo DiGenova, 45, resigned in February 2023 after the agency launched an investigation following the discovery of stolen evidence from a narcotics case On Friday he accepted a plea agreement. Instead of jail time, he has to complete 100 hours of community service, pay fines and take part in a restorative justice program 'I am fully aware of the gravity of my actions and the harm they have caused. I humbly extend my sincerest apologies to all affected by my wrongdoing.' 'My conduct has not only violated the law but also broke the trust and respect owed to society, the Vermont State Police, and especially my family,' DiGenova said. Instead of jail time, he has to complete 100 hours of community service, pay fines and take part in a restorative justice program. According to an affidavit, the former state trooper was wearing his Vermont State Police uniform when he walked into a jewelry store to get a Rolex appraised on November 29. Other than the watch, DiGenova stole diamond stud earrings, a diamond pendant, Airpods, a designer brand wallet and keychain, a gold necklace and ADHD medication, documents said. DiGenova accessed the storage room 'numerous times' after the items were locked up, the affidavit said. The petty larceny charge is related to the investigation into the missing ADHD medication that belonged to a child when he responded to a domestic disturbance call in Bolton, VT Digger reported. He was sentenced to six months to three years of probation for the charges of providing false information to police, neglect of duty and making a false statement. His sentence for his petty larceny and grand larceny charges were deferred for three years, and instead, he was placed on probation. If the former trooper abides by his probation, the two larceny charges could be wiped from his record. The judge referred to his plea agreement as a 'second chance' for DiGenova. The prosecutor, Chittenden County States Attorney Sarah George, said the plea agreement was 'fair' for each party. Other than the watch, DiGenova stole diamond stud earrings, a diamond pendant, Airpods, a designer brand wallet and keychain, a gold necklace and ADHD medication DiGenova became a state trooper in 2009. He also has pending charges against him in Washington County after he was accused of stealing from the Berlin State Police barracks as a trooper 'That seems to me a good balance. Those misdemeanors are important ones that will keep him from being a cop,' George said. Following his hearing, DiGenova declined to comment, but his lawyer, Robert Kaplan, said his client is 'pleased to be putting these issues behind him.' He added DiGenova 'looks forward to moving on with his life' and has 'learned some important lessons here.' He is facing additional charges for an alleged missing gold necklace and diamond pendant. Those charges were not part of the plea agreement. His latest charges stemmed from a discovery in January when troopers were in the process of moving into a new barrack and brought all seized personal items along with them. During that time, they noticed a diamond dust pendant worth about $375 was missing from evidence. Following an investigation, it was determined that DiGenova had taken the necklace by using his ID to enter the locked room in December 2022 and sold it on eBay for under $300, authorities said. State police said the necklace has since been resold by the buyer. DiGenova also has pending charges against him in Washington County after he was accused of stealing from the Berlin State Police barracks as a trooper. DiGenova became a state trooper in 2009 and was assigned to the Williston, Middlesex and Bradford barracks. A glamour model who whose silhouette became known to millions when she appeared in the opening sequence of Moonraker has revealed a tortuous decade-long battle with heroin addiction. Vicki Rebecca, who was paid 1,000-a-day as a Marilyn Monroe lookalike, had the world at her feet after being launched into high-flying circles with celebrities. But the Aberdeen-born fashionista lived a double life - one as a glamorous model and another as a 'functional' drug addict, with the latter seeing her spend up to 250-a-day on the vice. Such was the crippling impact of her dependence on the illegal substance that she would sneak away during breaks in filming and shooting to take them - including during the iconic James Bond opening. The 67-year-old says almost her entire 20s was spent under the thumb of heroin and recalls how she was only able to get clean after leaving the high-life in London and returning to her family in north east Scotland. Vicki Rebecca, pictured as a Marilyn Monroe lookalike, earned 1,000-a-day at the height of her fame The glamour model appeared as a silhouette in the opening sequence for James Bond film Moonraker (pictured) Vicki, who later trained as a psychotherapist, has now lifted the lid on her the hidden struggles in her life in a new memoir Naked Truth: Diary of a Glamour Model. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE Next James Bond film could be a REMAKE starring Sydney Sweeney or Zendaya - with Barbara Broccoli keen to work with HUGE Oscar-nominated director alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the 007 agent Advertisement Speaking to The Sun, Vicki claimed that she would be 'racing to toilets to jack up' after becoming hooked on heroin just a year before filming for the Roger Moore film Moonraker. The then-22-year-old was one of two naked models hired for the opening sequence in which silhouettes jumped in and out of shot and says behind the scenes it was not nearly so glamorous at many would believe. Vicki would jump up and down on a trampoline wearing nothing but a g-string and make-up, and even had to jump from 18ft-high scaffolding into the arms of Jaws actor Richard Kiel in a scene that wasn't used in the film. She believes she would have been using drugs between takes during the 10-day shoot at Pinewood Studios, but remains 'really proud'of her role 'even if my part was a blink and you'll miss it kind of moment'. While the James Bond film featured her most iconic role, Vicki - who also appeared on Page 3 and in the 1979 Joan Collins film The B*** - found a steady stream of job offers as a Marilyn Monroe lookalike. As a lookalike to the Hollywood star, Vicki would often bring in 1,000-a-night opening nightclubs overseas, as well as appearing in a sketch in The Two Ronnies. She told The Sun: 'I ended up jetting off all over the world and sometimes was met off the planes with bunches of flowers. I opened supermarkets and nightclubs including one in Reykjavik, Iceland. It was really crazy.' Vicki has now released a memoir detailing her struggles with a crippling heroin addiction during her time in London in the 1970s and 80s Vicki became addicted to heroin at the age of 21 and just one year before she appeared in the Roger Moore film Moonraker However, away from he glamour of appearing like Monroe, Vicki was becoming more and more addicted to heroin, with her habit spiralling out of control. She struggled to hide it in her professional life, with co-workers noticing she would 'disappear to the toilets for far to long' and with people spotting the marks on her body where she was shooting up. READ MORE How addiction fears over opioids and benzos left Britain sleepwalking towards unfolding fiasco with 'Valium on steroids' Advertisement 'No one would say anything to me, they wanted me to finish the shoot because a lot of money had been invested in that day or half a day of work,' she said. Being so far away from her family made it possible to hide the worst effects of her addiction from them, but even so they were 'suspicious' when she went home to see them in Scotland. It was only when she hit rock bottom that Vicki was able to see how much help she needed to get out of the hole she was in, after attempts to wean herself of using Methadone and going cold turkey failed. In 1985 she heard a voice telling her she could be 'reborn' as she battled suicidal thoughts, and two years later she left London for good to go back to Aberdeen as she knew she would have a 'better chance of making it' away from the capital. Three years later she used methadone for the last time, and later trained as a psychotherapist specialising in hypnotherapy and neurolinguistic programming (NLP). She now hopes that her memoir and her 25 years as a therapist will help others struggling with their addiction. You can find out more about Vicki Rebecca, her work and her new book here. For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support Iran has warned Israeli that none of its embassies are safe following an IDF strike in Syria's capital last week that killed 12 people, including two elite generals. Major General Rahim Safavi, who served as the chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said: 'None of the embassies of the [Israeli] regime are safe anymore.' The comments to the Tasnim news agency by Safavi, a military advisor to Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, come as regional tensions have threatened to draw the Middle East into a wider conflict as Israel's war against Hamas marks six months. Israel has been preparing for an Iranian response to the strike without directly acknowledging its involvement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is prepared for any response. 'Whoever harms us or plans to harm us, we will harm them,' he told a Cabinet meeting. 'We follow that principle in practice, all the time as well as in recent days.' Demonstrators burn a US and an Israeli flag during the funeral for seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members killed in a strike in Syria Israel launched an attack against the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, last week The airstrike killed 12 people, including two top commanders Last week, Israel launched an airstrike against the consulate in Damascus which flattened the complex. The airstrike killed General 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. The surging regional tensions came six months after the start of the war, which was sparked when Hamas militants charged from Gaza into Israel on October 7 last year, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking about 250 captive. Israel retaliated with fierce bombardments and a ground offensive that have killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities. Also on Sunday, Israel's military announced it is drawing back forces from the 98th paratroopers division who have been operating in the area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. The Hamas stronghold has been the main focus of Israel's offensive in recent months. Slide me A before and after shot of the Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria The airstrike killed General 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 That takes Israeli troop levels in Gaza to some of the lowest levels since the war began, raising questions about plans for the future course of the war, especially the fate of the southernmost Gaza city of Rafah. Israel says Rafah is Hamas's last stronghold and the war will not be complete until Hamas is destroyed. But the area now shelters some 1.4 million people - more than half of Gaza's population. The prospect of an Israel offensive has raised global alarm, including from top ally the US, which has demanded to see a credible plan to protect civilians. It is not clear how the war's intensity might change. Israel maintains troops in devastated northern Gaza and can send them south when needed. The war's six-month mark has been met with growing frustration in Israel, where anti-government protests have swelled and anger is mounting over what some Israelis see as government inaction to help free the remaining roughly 130 hostages, about a quarter of whom are said by Israel to be dead. Israel has been preparing for an Iranian response to the strike without directly acknowledging its involvement A rescuer works at the site of an Israeli missile attack targeting the Iranian embassy's consulate building in Damascus, Syria Iran warned arch foe Israel that it will punish an air strike that killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of them generals, at its consular annex in Damascus Negotiations in pursuit of a ceasefire in exchange for the hostages' release were expected to resume in Cairo on Sunday, while pressure rose for action now. 'Humanity has been all but abandoned' in Gaza, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said in a statement marking six months of war. The United Nations and partners now warn of 'imminent famine' for more than a million people in Gaza as humanitarian workers urge Israel to loosen restrictions on the delivery of aid overland, the only way to meet soaring needs as some Palestinians forage for weeds to eat. Mothers who have given birth in Gaza since the war began are especially vulnerable. The Health Ministry in Gaza said the bodies of 38 people killed in Israel's bombardment have been taken to the territory's remaining functional hospitals in the past 24 hours. Hospitals have also received 71 wounded, it said. The ministry said 33,175 have been killed since the war began. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants but says two-thirds of the dead are children and women. Another 75,886 have been wounded. Israel's military continued to suffer losses, including in Khan Younis, where the military said four soldiers were killed in a battle with militants. More than 600 Israeli soldiers have been killed since October 7, including 260 in the Gaza ground operation, according to Israel's government. Clumps of catkins from the oak trees that line the trail fill the sidewalks along Rice Boulevard, Tuesday, April 12, 2022, near Rice University in Houston. South Texas has seen record pollen counts over the past few weeks inflaming allergies and blanketing surfaces in yellow. Mark Mulligan/Staff photographer Allergy season is getting longer, stronger and more severe in cities nationwide, especially in one Texas metropolitan area where higher pollen counts have added weeks of stuffiness and sneezing over the past several decades. As the planet gets warmer and winters milder, plants have more time to release allergy-inducing pollen. A recent study from Climate Central, a national nonprofit comprising scientists and journalists, examined data from 197 cities to determine the impact of climate change on allergies. Medical Assistant, Dominique Munoz, prepares allergy shots at South Texas Allergy and Asthma Medical Professional Offices in San Antonio on Wednesday, December 19th, 2018. Carlos Javier Sanchez | Contribu/Carlos Javier Sanchez | pixelref The study found that allergy season has grown longer in 164 cities since 1970. While the freeze-free growing season lengthened by an average of 19 days, one Texas city saw a much bigger jump. Advertisement Article continues below this ad El Paso added 47 days to its allergy season, the study found. The eighth-largest increase analyzed by researchers, it is the only place in Texas to surpass the average and with a significant margin. Thats not to say the rest of the Lone Star State has stayed the same since 1970. Climate change has contributed to an additional 17 days of symptoms for people living in Dallas, Fort Worth and Sherman. Tyler has added 15 days to its allergy season, Odessa 11, Wichita Falls 10 and Amarillo 8. Abilene and Sweetwater have five more days of hay fever and other springtime ailments. That's nothing compared to Reno, Nev., which topped the list with a growth of 95 days, followed by Las Cruces, N.M., with 65 more days; Medford, Ore., with 65 more; Boise, Idaho, with 51 more; and Tupelo, Mississippi with 50 more. San Antonio has no documented change in its allergy season, but dont let that fool you. It is still among the most challenging places to live with seasonal allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. About one-quarter of adults and 1 in 5 children in the United States suffer with seasonal allergies. Pollen is also a trigger for asthma, which affects 6.5% of children in the U.S., according to the foundation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There are numerous ways you can protect your childrens health during allergy season, including by checking local air quality reports and allergen forecasts before heading outside, limiting time outdoors for kids with allergies or asthma when pollen concentrations are high, and making the indoors safer by closing windows and doors and using high-efficiency particulate air filters in living spaces and bedrooms. National security spokesman John Kirby said the White House is growing 'increasingly frustrated' with Israel's actions in Gaza. During an appearance on ABC's This Week on Sunday, co-anchor Martha Raddatz noted how President Biden and his Cabinet officials seem to have grown increasingly frustrated with Israel's bloody offensive to eradicate Hamas. 'I'm glad you brought that timeline up because it shows the degree the growing degree of frustration that we've had with the way these operations are being prosecuted and the way that Israelis are acting on the ground in terms of civilian casualties,' Kirby told Raddatz. 'So we have been increasingly frustrated. And again, that was a core message that the President delivered to Prime Minister Netanyahu in their phone call this past week that they've got to do more, they've got to make changes,' he continued. National security spokesman John Kirby said the White House is growing 'increasingly frustrated' with Israel 's actions in Gaza Biden faced a revolt from progressives who say he is too supportive of Israel as civilian casualties pile up in Gaza. Criticism of Israel's military campaign swelled this week when an Israeli airstrike killed six workers with the World Central Kitchen, one being an American, and their Palestinian driver as they were leaving a warehouse in Central Gaza. The workers, delivering food aid in Gaza, were driving in a 'de-conflicted zone' in armored, labeled cars that were struck by an Israeli rocket. On Friday a group of more than 30 House Democrats including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi demanded Biden halt the transfer of weapons to Israel. 'In light of the recent strike against aid workers and the ever-worsening humanitarian crisis, we believe it is unjustifiable to approve these weapons transfers,' read the letter. The Palestinian death toll since October has surpassed 33,000. Last week Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., blasted Biden for paying only lip service to the Palestinian cause. 'As you know there have been a lot of statements. I mean, one day 'I'm angry,' the president is angry at Netanyahu. The next day he's 'very angry' and the next day he's 'very very angry.' So what?' the Vermont progressive said of the White House response. Palestinian elderly woman pushes a wheelchair past rubble in Khan Yunis on April 7, 2024 after Israel pulled troops out of the southern Gaza Strip, six months into the devastating war following the October 7 attacks Palestinians use a road lined with damaged and destroyed buildings in Khan Yunis on April 7, 2024 'At the same, there is support for military aid. We're talking about $10 billion in a supplemental bill that I voted against for that reason,' Sanders went on. The senator vowed not to give Netanyahu another $10 billion in military aid to 'continue to kill women and children in Gaza.' Sanders made the remarks during a taping of the podcast Pod Save America which was released on Friday. 'You cannot continue to talk about your worries about humanitarian situation in Gaza and then give Netanyahu another $10 billion or more bombs. You cannot do that. That is hypocritical.' Sanders said the president is not stupid and he knows Biden is a 'very decent human being' who is 'hurting' from what's going on, but he could not say why the White House as continued with the policy of supporting military aid. The senator was responding to a question on whether he believes the Biden administration is shifting its stance to support conditioning aid to Israel. The senator said he did not know. On Thursday, Biden had an hour long phone call with Netanyahu after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed seven aid workers earlier in the week including a duel U.S. citizen. Biden 'emphasized that the strikes on humanitarian workers and the overall humanitarian situation are unacceptable,' the White House said in a readout of the conversation. 'He made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers. He made clear that U.S. policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel's immediate action on these steps,' the readout continued. Biden is facing mounting pressure at home and abroad to do more to ensure the safety of civilians in Gaza. He has also faced growing political pressure as more Americans reject U.S. support military support for Israel. Support for Israel's military action in Gaza has dropped dramatically since November with the majority of Americans now opposing, according to the latest Gallup survey data. 55 percent disapprove of Israel's actions while only 36 approve. Sanders was asked what his message is for those who are considering a third party vote over Biden's handling of the war in Gaza. The senator said he is working 'day and night' to try and turn the Biden administration around. 'I say to that young person, your gut feeling is right,' Sanders said. 'I have Palestinian friends who are worried every day what's going to happen if their family members have not already been killed. It is horrible. But all that I ask is lets not make a horrible situation even worse.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he will not surrender territory His plan includes getting Ukraine to give up land to Russia to end the conflict Donald Trump has repeatedly said he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours Former President Donald Trump has reportedly revealed he has a plan to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine in just one day if he is re-elected in November by convincing Kyiv to give up land. Sources told The Washington Post that Trump's proposal includes urging Ukraine to give up Crimea and the Donbas border region to Russia in order to end the war. The former president believes people in Ukraine would be accepting of that deal and he thinks both Russia and Ukraine 'want to save face, they want a way out,' according to Trump insiders. Trump has regularly claimed that he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours and has encouraged Russia to attack NATO members that fail to 'pay their dues.' 'If I were president, the Russia-Ukraine war would never have happened... never in a million years,' Trump said in a video obtained by DailyMail.com in February 2023. Former President Donald Trump has reportedly revealed his plan to end the war in Ukraine is by getting them to give up land to Russia The former president believes people in Ukraine would be accepting of that deal and he thinks both Russia and Ukraine 'want to save face, they want a way out' Trump has regularly claimed that he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours 'But even now, if I were president, I'd be able to negotiate an end to this horrible and rapidly escalating war within 24 hours.' It is unclear how Trump would reach that agreement between the warring nations. He previously said he would be able to hash out an agreement between the two nations, but has not provided any support to negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also made clear he will not surrender any territory. During a December press conference with President Joe Biden, the Ukrainian president was asked about the stalled counter-offensive against Russia and if he'd cede territory to end the nearly two-year long assault. 'That's insane, to be honest,' Zelensky said through an English interpreter. 'That's part of Ukrainian society. We are talking about human beings. They are being tortured, they are being raped and they are being killed,' he said. 'That's not a matter of territory. That's a matter of life, of families, of children, of their histories.' 'I don't know whose idea it is, but I have a question to these people, if they are ready to give up their children to terrorists. I think no,' Zelensky said. Trump was impeached in 2020 for attempting to coerce Zelensky into investigating Biden, then his main political rival, as well as his son Hunter Biden and the cybersecurity company, CloudStrike, Hunter was managing in Ukraine at the time. Fiona Hill, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who was Trump's top Russia adviser told The Washington Post Trump's team 'is thinking about this very much in silos, that this is just a Ukraine-Russia thing.' 'They think of it as a territorial dispute, rather than one about the whole future of European security and the world order by extension.' Michael Kofman, an analyst of the Russia-Ukraine war at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a nonpartisan research center said, ' 'No amount of leverage the United States has is likely to compel Ukrainian leadership to engage in policies that would constitute domestic political suicide.' 'And no amount of leverage the United States has can compel Ukraine to cede territory or engage in these types of concessions. This is a situation where if you're willing to give a hand, the other side will very quickly want the rest of the arm.' Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said, 'Any speculation about President Trump's plan is coming from unnamed and uninformed sources who have no idea what is going on or what will happen.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also made clear he will not surrender any territory The U.S. has earmarked at least $113 billion for Ukraine since Russia invaded and Biden has insisted America 'will not walk away' from the conflict Trump was impeached in 2020 for attempting to coerce Zelensky into investigating Biden, then his main political rival, as well as his son Hunter Biden and the cybersecurity company, CloudStrike, Hunter was managing in Ukraine at the time 'President Trump is the only one talking about stopping the killing.' Trump's reported plan is vastly different than President Joe Biden's stance on Ukraine. The U.S. has earmarked at least $113 billion for Ukraine since Russia invaded and Biden has insisted America 'will not walk away' from the conflict. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence that Ukraine will become a member of NATO and insisted support for the embattled country is 'rock solid.' The support for Ukraine, the determination of every country represented here at NATO remains rock solid. We will do everything we can; Allies will do everything that they can to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs to continue to deal with Russia s ongoing aggression,' he said. He also called on Congress to move forward with aid to Ukraine. Conservatives on Capitol Hill have blocked a $60billion military aid package which has ultimately led to severe shortages of ammunition for Ukrainian forces. This has allowed Russia's army being able to push back Kyiv's forces along almost the entire 600-mile front line. A potentially dangerous jab which was banned as a hay fever drug because it can have 'serious side effects' is being promoted by a private clinic in Britain despite a crackdown on illegal adverts. The Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has taken action against one practice which was found to be advertising triamcinolone. The 75 steroid-based jab, which also goes by the brand name Kenalog, has not been allowed as a hay fever treatment in Britain since 2019. There were concerns that the drug, which works by suppressing the immune system - something that reduces that impact to hay fever symptoms - could cause reduced bone strength, hair loss and skin pigmentation changes. Some doctors have claimed the treatment is like 'using a hammer to crack nuts', with fears that using it could lead to people becoming more susceptible to catching other illnesses, The Telegraph reports. Triamcinolone, also known by its brand name Kenalog, was banned by the NHS as a hay fever treatment a decade ago The Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has taken action against Cheltenham-based clinic Ruth Jackson Aesthetics over advertising the drug as a hay fever treatment Millions of people in Britain suffer from hay fever every year, with the condition caused by the body's immune system reacting to pollen released by plants such as trees, grass and weeds. It causes symptoms including itchy eyes, swollen throat, a runny nose and sneezing, with these at their worst in spring and summer. Many sufferers are left trying to find relief in the form of over-the-counter medications that can alleviate their symptoms such as antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE We took highly-addictive sleeping pills for years before being cut off by the NHS with no warning or withdrawal plan...now we have panic attacks and hallucinations Advertisement Kenalog was banned from prescription as a hay fever treatment on the NHS more than 10 years ago, but despite this has been given out by private clinics to treat the condition thanks to an exemption that allows them to prescribe drugs for illnesses that they might not be designed for using their own judgement. The MHRA announced in 2022 that it would work to stop clinics advertising drugs for hay fever, with Kenalog specifically named as a treatment of concern by the Government agency. The MHRA has said that one clinic this year has 'amended their advertising' after it took action against them for promoting Kenalog as a hay fever treatment. The agency said it took action against Ruth Jackson Aesthetics, which is based in Cheltenham, as 'promotion of any POM (Prescription-Only Medicine) to the general public is prohibited in the UK', adding that 'Kenalog is not a licensed treatment for hayfever'. Dr Sophie Farooque, an NHS allergy consultant in London, told the What Your GP Does Not Tell You podcast about the experience of one of her patients who took the drug. 'I remember dealing with one patient who worked as a driver and essentially had years of Kenalog because nothing else worked and probably hadn't tried other medications in the correct way,' she said. 'As a result of Kenalog, he had thinning of his bones, fractured his wrist and he lost his job. So I would say avoid these drugs.' She added: 'If it's reaching the point where nothing seems to be working and you feel like, "gosh, I have to get that injection because things are unbearable", you need to be referred to a specialist rather than reaching out for the injection.' David Webb, the chief pharmaceutical officer for the NHS in England, told The Telegraph: 'In line with guidance from the MHRA, Kenalog is not a licensed treatment for hay fever and we would advise against its use it can have serious side effects. 'If you are struggling with hay fever, speak to a pharmacist or GP medicines such as antihistamines, nasal sprays or other specialised treatments are available and safe for use,' he added. MailOnline has contacted Ruth Jackson Aesthetics for comment. The Venezuelan migrant influencer who gave squatting tips on TikTok said he is 'respectful to people' in a newly released prison video where he whined about how he is being treated. Leonel Moreno, 27, is currently in federal custody after failing to turn up to mandatory check-ins with officers as part of a Biden administration-approved parole scheme after he entered the country illegally in 2022. In the 30-minute long video, obtained by the New York Post, Moreno was heard complaining about his conviction from inside the Geauga County Jail in Chardon, Ohio. 'I came here to the United States because of persecution in my country...But they're doing the same thing to me in the United States-- persecuting me,' Moreno said. 'It's all misinformation in the media about me. They're defaming me, They're misrepresenting me in the news... I am a good father, a good son, a good person, humble, respectful to people who respect me.' Leonel Moreno, 27, was seen in a recent video from Geauga County Jail insisting the US is 'persecuting' him and that the media is spreading 'misinformation' He first sparked chaos when he started sharing tips on how to invade vacant homes and live off of the US government on his TikTok account Moreno was arrested on March 29, about two years after him and his wife Vernonia Torres (pictured) illegally crossed into the US through the southern border in Eagle Pass, Texas in April, 2022 As he spoke in Spanish and hid his face from the camera, Moreno added: 'I miss my entire life-- I miss my freedom!' Moreno was arrested on March 29, about two years after he and his wife, Vernonia Torres, illegally crossed into the US through the southern border in Eagle Pass, Texas in April 2022. Since he was placed in federal prison, Torres has complained that she doesn't know where her husband was taken after being barred from visiting him. 'We don't know where they took him and I can't see him,' she told the Post. 'I can't give you any more information because I don't know much.' In the recent video of Moreno, he was seen among other prisoners dressed in blue-striped jumpsuits. During the recording, five inmates looked in his direction and shouted at him as he said: 'What is happening?' 'I am afraid they're going to kill me. They're coming for my life--- anyone!' He said he has been in contact with his wife since being detained, and told the Post to contact her so she could 'charge' the outlet for a 'good interview' with him. The Post declined as the outlet 'does not pay for interviews.' Moreno could also face firearm charges after recent video of him was discovered as he posed with a firearm on his popular Instagram account. During his video, Moreno said he was afraid other inmates were 'going to kill' him as five of them looked his way and shouted inside the Geauga County Jail in Chardon, Ohio (pictured) The video has since been flagged to Immigration and Customs Enforcement by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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. 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 the post, 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. He first sparked chaos when he started sharing tips on how to invade vacant homes and live off of the US government on his TikTok account @leitooficial_25, where he had over half a million followers before the account was suspended. In one of his now-viral videos, he instructed his followers how to 'invade' American homes and invoke squatter's rights, claiming that under US law, 'if a house is not inhabited, we can seize it.' Moreno could also face firearm charges after recent video of him was discovered as he posed with a firearm on his popular Instagram account Some of his other videos show him claiming he is begging for money on the streets with his baby daughter Some of his other videos showed him claiming that he was begging for money on the streets with his baby daughter. Other posts showed him waving fistfuls of cash, as he claimed to have benefitted from government programs. 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. Venezuelans have taken to social media to denounce him as a troll, and accused him of using their situation to become an influencer while sparking hatred against migrants who plan on working for a better life in the US. 'Hes gone absolutely viral for all the wrong reasons and is a complete an utter embarrassment and disgrace to my home country,' wrote Daniel Laplana on X. 'I have nothing but contempt for the guy and his insufferable caricature of a Venezuelan migrant,' said Venezuelan-American Rafael Estruve, president of Houston Young Republicans. 'His charade is gross blend of incompetence and arrogance put on full display, and he is by far one of the absolute worst representations of Venezuelans on a public platform,' another said. This is the moment a group of hooded thugs tried to steal a Rolex from an elderly man in the heart of Birmingham's Jewelry Quarter. Video shared to social media showed a man wearing all-black clothing grabbing an elderly man who is on the floor on a green space across from J & M Jewellers on Birmingham's Warstone Lane. The thug is joined by a fellow thief, who can be seen shoving the elderly man to the floor as he tried to get up during the incident, which is understood to have taken place on the afternoon of April 6. The two thieves can be seen running towards a grey Volvo SUV as a crowd of people who witnessed the attack chases them. As the video ends, one thief can be seen running alongside the getaway car as it pulls away. Reports indicate that the thieves were unsuccessful in their attempt, though this has not yet been confirmed. MailOnline has contacted West Midlands Police for comment. Video shared to social media showed a man wearing all-black clothing grabbing an elderly man who is on the floor on a green space across from J & M Jewellers on Birmingham's Warstone Lane The thug is joined by a fellow thief, who can be seen shoving the elderly man to the floor as he tried to get up during the incident As the video ends, one thief can be seen running alongside the getaway car as it pulls away The incident is one of many seen across the UK, particularly in London, which in 2022 saw more than 6,000 luxury watches being stolen. The Met says that incidents have halved since officers began conducting undercover sting operations in the West End last year. Plain-clothed officers volunteered to go out wearing valuable timepieces after analysis showed thieves tend to target well-heeled victims leaving pubs and clubs between 11pm and 4am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in Soho, also part of the Westminster district. Over two operations, which ran from October 2022 to December 2022 and March 2023 to October 2023, 27 people were arrested and subsequently charged. Of these, 21 were convicted - with 14 sentenced to a total of 26 years in prison. Abdi Malik Mohamed, 20, joined Omar Hassan Hussein, 25, Sayid Mohamed, 22, and Abdullahi Mohammed Osman, 22, in attempting to yank the watch from Chris Hall's wrist in the Soho area of London on 27 October 2022. Mohamed targeted an undercover officer posing as a drunk man outside the Blue Posts Pub Roshan Clark, 18, poses with two stolen Rolex watches. He was part of a gang of London watch robbers Abdi Malik Mohamed, 20, was jailed as part of a Met sting tackling watch robbers Dramatic CCTV footage shows the moment Hussein shields Mr Hall - the alias of the undercover cop - from the rest of the group who have followed him from the Blue Posts pub on Berwick Street where he pretended to be hopelessly drunk. Hussein then clearly tries to grab the watch, while the others pile in. Other undercover officers then sprint in, catching the thieves in the act. All the thieves were detained and arrested except Mohamed, who calmly walked away in his distinctive white shoes with black laces. He later returned to the scene of the crime without his jacket on, where he spoke to Sayid Mohamed. Officers recognised him from his shoes and he was arrested. Paul Thorpe, a former watch dealer who now runs a YouTube channel dedicated to luxury watches, told The Times: 'People are just worried right now. They see their luxury watches as a potential mugging waiting to happen. 'Why would you put your life on the line in the big cities? Theft is not the biggest factor to falling demand but it's a contributing factor.' A Southwest Airlines flight was forced to return to the Denver International Airport early Sunday after the engine cowling fell off the Boeing 737 and hit the wing flap during takeoff. The early morning flight was on its way to the William P. Hobby Airport in Houston when passengers and crew realized the cowling had torn off and was flapping precariously against the plane. A cowling is a removable metal covering on the engine. Horrifying video showed the plane parts flapping in the wind as the plane moved through the air. It's the latest in a string of bad publicity and massive safety fears for the beleaguered airline. The plane returned safely to the Denver airport around 8.15am after the incident. It had departed the gate at 7.39am. A Southwest Airlines flight made an emergency return to the Denver Airport Sunday morning after a Boeing 737's engine bowling blew off shortly after takeoff The flight later departed on a different aircraft at 10.41am Mountain Time and was set to land in Houston just before 2pm Central Time. In one video, the pilot can be heard over the in-flight PA system saying: 'Let's go ahead and declare and emergency for Southwest 3695. And we'd like an immediate return. We've got a piece of engine cowling hanging off apparently.' According to several unconfirmed passenger accounts of the flight, the pilot had to be told the cowling had ripped off the engine by passengers. Just before declaring the emergency, the Southwest pilot then told the Denver air traffic controller: 'For now everything's okay. We don't even know the nature of it, but apparently several passengers and flight attendants heard something loud hit the wing.' 'I'm not a 100 percent sure it was the engine. I think the flaps on the inboard side of the engine ... between the engine and the fuselage ripped off on takeoff. 'We don't actually see it from the cockpit, that's just what the crew in back is telling us. Our engines seem to be fine, but we are structurally damaged,' he continued. A statement later given by the Federal Aviation Administration read: 'Southwest Airlines Flight 3695 returned safely to Denver International Airport around 8:15 a.m. local time on Sunday, April 7, after the crew reported the engine cowling fell off during takeoff and struck the wing flap. The Boeing 737-800 was towed to the gate. The FAA will investigate.' In a brief statement, a Southwest spokesperson said: 'Southwest Flight 3695 returned to Denver International Airport this morning and landed safely after experiencing a mechanical issue. We're working now to get customers on their way to Houston on another aircraft. Our maintenance teams are reviewing the aircraft.' In a video posted online by a passenger, the pilot can be heard over the in-flight PA system saying: 'Let's go ahead and declare and emergency for Southwest 3695. And we'd like an immediate return. We've got a piece of engine cowling hanging off apparently' In January, an Alaska Airlines' Boeing flight suffered a near-catastrophe as a plane door blew out at 16,000ft over Portland The incident is the latest in a string of safety concerns and terrifying sights involving Boeing planes. Last Thursday, a Southwest Boeing 737 was preparing to take off from Lubbock, Texas, to Las Vegas, when pilots got a report of an engine issue. The local fire department later confirmed there was an engine fire that crews needed to extinguish. There were no injuries reported among the 150 passengers and crew aboard the plane. On March 28, an Alaska Airlines plane flying from from Hawaii to Alaska was forced to turn around after a bathroom flooded filling the aisles of the Boeing 737 Max 9 jet with water. The flight from Honolulu to Anchorage left the island just after 10pm and was 90 minutes into its flight when the forward bathroom of the aircraft suddenly began to malfunction leaking water everywhere. Rather than continue on the six-hour journey to Alaska the captain of Alaska Airlines flight 828 made the decision to turn back to Hawaii for the problem to be fixed. Video captured by one of the passengers onboard sees flight attendants scrambling to mop up the deluge throwing as many blankets and paper towels onto the floor as they could find. The beleaguered aviation company is in the middle of a safety crisis related to its 737 Max jets, which was ignited after a door panel blew out aboard an Alaska Airlines flight. Insiders have claimed the company has become obsessed with diversity and inclusion policies, which they deem 'anti-excellence.' 'The DEI narrative is a very real thing, and, at Boeing, DEI got tied to the status game. It is the thing you embrace if you want to get ahead. It became a means to power,' a source recently told City Journal. 'It is anti-excellence, because it is ill-defined, but it became part of the culture and was tied to compensation. Every HR email is: Inclusion makes us better. This kind of politicization of HR is a real problem in all companies.' A recent Alaska Airlines flight from Hawaii to Alaska was diverted back to Honolulu due to a flooded bathroom, filling the aisles with water The US aviation regulator subsequently ordered the grounding of 171 aircrafts for inspections before the order was lifted later that month (Pictured: CEO of Boeing Dave Calhoun) The problems with Boeing sparked a massive federal investigation and the ouster of CEO Dave Calhoun. Since the Alaska Airlines blowout, the company has faced questions following several other potentially dangerous episodes - but regulators, airlines and passengers have been frustrated at the lack of answers from Calhoun. Shares had fallen 25 percent since the incident. Calhoun - a veteran crisis manager - was hired in 2020 to steer the planemaker out of a reputation setback after crashes in 2018 and 2019 killed nearly 350 people and caused the grounding of its best-selling 737 MAX jet. But his tenure might not join the list of his successful earlier stints including at Caterpillar, General Electric and media company Nielsen, leaving when the iconic planemaker is struggling to resolve production issues and safety concerns. The Jan. 5 mid-air panel blowout was the most recent in a spate of safety issues that have shaken the industry's confidence in Boeing and hampered its ability to increase production to meet high demand for jets. Under Calhoun's leadership, the company has struggled to keep pace with competitor Airbus. Boeing stock has lost 43 percent of its value since Calhoun took the top job on Jan. 13, 2020, underperforming the benchmark S&P 500 index. Rival Airbus added more than 26 percent to its market cap during the same period. While both planemakers have received bumper orders for their jets as airlines try to cater to a post-pandemic travel boom, Boeing's production and quality issues have frustrated customers. Airbus, meanwhile, has been steadily growing single-aisle market share with its A320 jet family in the wake of multiple crises involving the MAX. A beloved Florida elementary school teacher was murdered by her pre-med student son because 'she got on his nerves,' police said. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said University of Florida pre-med student Emmanuel Espinoza, 21, was driving from Gainesville to Frostproof when he decided to kill his mother Saturday. Emmanuel was traveling to attend a family event and had asked his mother, 46-year-old Elvia Espinoza, if he could stay at her house for the weekend. He got to the second-grade teacher's house around 2 p.m., and when she opened the door, he began stabbing her. 'We talked to him and he confessed, he said "you know I have wanted to kill my mother for many many years because she got on my nerves,"' said Judd. Elvia Espinoza (pictured), 46, was stabbed to death by her 21-year-old son at her Florida home on Saturday, police said Emmanuel Espinoza (pictured), 21, called 911 and confessed to killing his mother immediately after he stabbed her to death Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Emmanuel (second from the left) admitted to wanting to kill his mother (second from right) for years because 'she got on his nerves' 'As soon as he murdered her, he dialed 911 and immediately confessed to the 911 operators.' The sheriff said they asked Emmanuel about his relationship with his mother and he said that he really loved her but she irritated him, so he decided to kill her. 'He knocked on the front door and when mom opened the door, he began to stab her and he stabbed her many times,' Judd said. 'She ran from him, she was talking to a family member on the phone, and in addition to that, he stabbed her until she fell down and died.' Judd said Emmanuel has been cooperating with investigators and is charged with first-degree murder. Polk County Public Schools confirmed to DailyMail.com Elvia was a second-grade teacher at Frostproof Ben Hill Griffin Jr. Elementary. 'Her students and colleagues greatly loved her, and her sudden, unexpected death is a devastating loss. She was a very special part of her school family,' said the district. The school made calls to the parents of all of her students and will have grief counselors available of the community Monday. Tributes have been pouring in online for the beloved mother, teacher and community member. Polk County Public Schools confirmed to DailyMail.com Elvia was a second grade teacher at Frostproof Ben Hill Griffin Jr. Elementary The sheriff said they asked Emmanuel about his relationship with his mother and he said that he really loved her but she irritated him, so he decided to kill her Tributes have been pouring in online for the beloved mother, teacher and community member University of Florida pre-med student Emmanuel Espinoza (pictured) was driving from Gainesville to Frostproof when he decided to kill his mother 'Elvia always had a smile. Loved her family and her children. Was proud to be a teacher and worked hard to be one. She was one of my best students, a co-worker, and a fellow teacher, ' said Nancy Murray DeMarco. 'Elvia Espinoza was the sweetest person to me and my family she was always cheerful and kind,' said Sherry Dacres. 'So many memories of chatting outside at the end of a long day. She truly loved teaching and was so proud of being a grandma. What a sad day in our little town, rest in heaven my dear friend.' 'Elvia there arent adequate words to describe what were feeling. You were such a kind, sincere, loving and caring person that, to know youre gone makes the world a little more dim,' said Monica Alvarado. 'I always admired how you poured your heart into everything and everyone around you. We are all devastated beyond belief. Thank you Elvia for loving us and being everyones biggest cheerleader. I love you and you are missed beyond measure.' Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner said Sunday that Russian propaganda taken infiltrated his Republican colleagues and is 'being uttered on the House floor.' The Ohio Republican was doubling down on a claim made by Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul last week to Puck News, 'Russian propaganda has made its way into the United States, unfortunately, and it's infected a good chunk of my party's base.' 'It's absolutely true,' Turner said on CNN's 'State of the Union.' 'We see directly coming from Russia attempts to mask communications that are anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia messages, some of which we even hear being uttered on the House floor.' 'To the extent that this propaganda takes hold, it makes it more difficult for us to really see this as an authoritarian versus democracy battle,' he added. Support for more Ukraine funding has waned among the House GOP conference as the conflict in the east drags on into its third year. Speaker Mike Johnson is believed to be planning to take up aid for Ukraine in some form after Congress' Easter recess. Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner said Sunday that Russian propaganda taken infiltrated his Republican colleagues and is 'being uttered on the House floor' The Ohio Republican was doubling down on a claim made by Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul last week to Puck News, 'Russian propaganda has made its way into the United States, unfortunately, and it's infected a good chunk of my party's base' After the Senate passed a national security supplemental with $60 billion in Ukraine aid in February, funding for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific has languished in the lower chamber. In a statement on Thursday Johnson suggested he would attach border provisions to any foreign aid package. 'As I have always said, national security starts at our southern border. Any funding of the President's supplemental request should be premised on meaningful policy to help the American people and finally address the invasion at our southern border.' The House is expected to take up a supplemental funding package with foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific in the weeks following the Easter recess. But the details of the package remain unclear. It's expected to include some provisions of H.R. 2, the House's Republican border package. People sit in front of a house hit by recent shelling, what local officials called a Ukrainian military strike, in Donetsk, Russian-controlled Ukraine, on April 7, 2024, Some policy makers have been pushing for Russian assets to be seized, rather than just frozen, and repurposed for Ukraine under the REPO Act. But the process would be difficult and has essentially never been done before. The U.S., European Union, G-7 and Australia have frozen about $280 billion in Russian Central Bank assets, largely in the form of securities and cash. Sanctions on Russian nationals have frozen another $58 billion in assets, according to the U.S. Treasury. The U.S., UK and Canada are all proponents of seizing the assets. But France, Germany and the European Central Bank have expressed concerns about potential Russian retaliation and precedent it would set for international law. .@RepMikeTurner tells @jaketapper it's "absolutely true" that Russian propaganda has "infected" a portion of the GOP base, calling out "anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia messages, some of which we even hear being uttered on the House floor." pic.twitter.com/Jv4fAiCNf4 State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) April 7, 2024 In this photo taken from video and released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Thursday, April 4, 2024, a Russian tank fires in an undisclosed location in Ukraine Others have suggested the Ukraine aid will likely include a Lend-Lease provision. Providing defense materials under the Lend-Lease Act means that they are meant to be given back if they are not destroyed in the war. Funds could also be loaned to Ukraine with the promise that they would be paid back in the long term. Meanwhile Johnson has previously suggested attaching a lift of the ban on liquified natural gas exports after Biden said in January he would pause application approvals to analyze economic and environmental impact. It's not clear if the White House would agree to that. Johnson would likely need significant Democratic support to pass the legislation as many of his Republicans remain staunchly against any further Ukraine funding. Democrats largely support funding Ukraine's war against Russia but some progressives could turn their nose up at a package that includes money for Israel, who they believe has not had enough care with Palestinian civilian lives in its mission to eradicate Hamas. The recent killing of an American aid worker could further entrench their opposition. Last month Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., launched a bid to oust Mike Johnson from the speakership. She did not force an immediate vote, but as a staunch opponent to Ukraine aid, putting a national security supplemental on the House floor would further endanger Johnson's job. Turner on Sunday said he did not believe Johnson is at 'any risk' of being booted by the 'chaos caucus,' referring to members 'who are seeking attention for themselves and trying to stop all of the important work in Congress.' In 2021, the former high school teacher assaulted an 18-year-old student multiple times A Teacher of the Year finalist was sentenced to one year in jail after she admitted to having sex with an 18-year-old student. Bridgette Doucette-Howell, 40, a former Sanborn Regional High School teacher in Kingston, New Hampshire, admitted to sexually assaulting the student in April and May of 2021. She was charged under a new law that does not factor in the age of the student, and instead, holds those in power accountable for the crime. The unidentified victim did not speak at a Thursday court hearing, but submitted an impact statement to the Rockingham Superior Court Judge that said he did not want the educator to be criminally charged. 'I do not wish for Bridgette to be punished under criminal law for our reactions from our unhealthy circumstances of life,' the student wrote. Bridgette Doucette-Howell, 40, a former Sanborn Regional High School teacher in Kingston, New Hampshire , admitted to sexually assaulting the student in April and May of 2021 On Tuesday, she was sentenced to one year in jail after being indicted on three counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault in March 2022 Despite his opposition to the charges, Doucette-Howell was sentenced to a year in jail. Under her plea deal, she will only have to spend a minimum of 14 days, pending good behavior, before she is sent on administrative home confinement for 50 weeks. The assault took place in Kingston and Exeter between April 26 and May 22, 2021, when Doucette-Howell was working as a drama teacher at the school. In March 2022, she was indicted on three counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault for engaging in intercourse, and a lesser count of felonious sexual assault for kissing the student. Her criminal case was the first to be challenged in the state by the Howie Leung Loophole Law. The law, which was introduced in January 2021, 'concentrates on the influence authority figures have on relationships with students instead of the student's age,' according to Seacoast Media Group. It was created in response to a case involving Concord High School teacher Primo 'Howie' Leung, who allegedly kissed an adult student in a car. At the time, without the current state law, Leung was not charged with a crime. The law also states that the 'consent of the victim' is not considered during the defense, and it applies up to 10 months after the students' 'graduation or departure.' The student blamed the final outcome on the way the case was dealt with, and said that Doucette-Howell helped him when he was suffering mentally. The assaults took place in Kingston and Exeter between April 26 and May 22, 2021, when Doucette-Howell was working as a drama teacher at the school The student added he and his family were 'shocked' that Doucette-Howell was facing criminal charges, and that 'it should have stayed at the school level' 'The way the case was handled by the Rockingham County Sheriff's Department, had more trauma than the case ever did,' the student wrote. 'The motives behind the acts accused of (Doucette-Howell), are not only inaccurate, but they dont describe who Bridgette is.' 'I needed someone to understand what I was going through, and Bridgette helped me get through those difficult times.' The student added he and his family were 'shocked' that Doucette-Howell was facing criminal charges, and that 'it should have stayed at the school level.' Rockingham County Sheriff Chuck Massahos said he was pleased with how the case turned out. 'It was very important to us to see justice was served today,' Massahos said. 'We've got a lot of hours into this case. I think we had over 400 hours into this case, just working with the state to make sure this case was presented in the right way,' he added. Doucette-Howell's attorney, Kurt Olsen, said he was also 'quite pleased' with the outcome of the plea deal his client received. In 2016, Doucette-Howell, who was teaching history to special needs students, was recognized as one of eight finalist for the Teacher of the Year award presented by the New Hampshire Department of Education Under the deal, Doucette-Howell cannot have unsupervised contact with anyone under 18, except for her own children. She also has to attend mental health counseling with a therapist that is certified by the Association for Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse. During the counseling, she has to 'meaningfully comply with all treatment recommendations.' Once she is released from jail, Doucette-Howell is required to register as a sex offender, and if she moves out of state, she has to register there and comply with local laws. In 2016, Doucette-Howell, who was teaching history to special needs students, was recognized as one of eight finalists for the Teacher of the Year award presented by the New Hampshire Department of Education. She previously told the New Hampshire Union Leader: 'I was a student with a disability, so I understand the struggles that many children face each day in the classroom.' 'To me, these kids arent really special needs, they just learn differently. Everyone learns at their own speed and in their own different way.' Russia has been accused of carrying out illegal chemical gas attacks against Ukrainian soldiers. Several Ukrainian soldiers across the frontlines of the 26-month invasion that has devastated much of Ukraine revealed that Russian troops are using small drones to drop tear gas, among other chemicals, on their positions. Tear gas, also known as CS, is banned during wartime under the internationally-signed Chemical Weapons Convention, which both Russia and Ukraine are signatories of. Tear gas is commonly used by riot police across the world. Ukrainian soldiers who spoke to the Telegraph said Russian troops were dropping K-51 grenades, which according to experts is typically filed with tear gas. Ihor, a commander of a Ukrainian reconnaissance team that works near the frontline city of Chasiv Yar, in Donetsk Oblast, told The Telegraph: 'Nearly every position in our area of the front was getting one or two gas grenades dropped on them a day.' Several Ukrainian soldiers across the frontlines of the 26-month invasion that has devastated much of Ukraine revealed that Russian troops are using small drones to drop tear gas, among other chemicals Ukrainian soldiers who spoke to the Telegraph said Russian troops were dropping K-51 grenades (pictured), which according to experts is typically filed with tear gas One commander who spoke to the Telegraph said that the poor quality armour and tools given to Ukrainian troops has compounded the problems massively He said that Russia was turning to the illegal weapons because its army was having difficulty using conventional artillery or drones: 'The only way for them to successfully attack us was with gas.' He said that while tear gas is not always lethal or immediately incapacitating, gas attacks can often cause panic, which can lead to mistakes being made that Russian troops can capitalise on. According to training documents, Ukrainian troops are now being told to stay where they are and endure the first few minutes of exposure to tear gas, instead of fleeing which may give their position away. After the first few minutes, the effect of the gas weakens. One commander who spoke to the Telegraph said that the poor quality armour and tools given to Ukrainian troops has compounded the problems massively. 'We have gas masks, but in almost all cases they're very old, ex-Soviet models, and they're not very effective.' Ukrainian servicemen IT engineers work on adapting civilian drones for using them as modified military devices in the battlefield Ukrainian soldiers conduct combat drills as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues in Donetsk Oblast Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that Kyiv will lose the war against Russia if the US Congress does not approve military aid to battle Moscow's invasion Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that Kyiv will lose the war against Russia if the US Congress does not approve military aid to battle Moscow's invasion. Republicans in Congress have been blocking tens of billions of dollars in military assistance for Kyiv for months. 'It is necessary to specifically tell Congress that if Congress does not help Ukraine, Ukraine will lose the war,' Zelensky said during a video meeting of Kyiv-organised fundraising platform United24. Zelensky said it would be 'difficult' for Ukraine to survive without the aid. He said that 'if Ukraine loses the war, other states will be attacked.' Russia's invasion of Ukraine has dragged on for more than two years. Amarpreet Singh Sidhu, 35, is accused of threatening and exposing himself to a ride-share driver. Bexar County Sheriff's Office. A 35-year-old San Antonio man was arrested last week after allegedly threatening and exposing himself to a ride-share driver. Amarpreet Singh Sidhu faces an indecent exposure charge in connection with an incident that occurred on the night of Feb. 11. According to an arrest affidavit, a female Lyft driver arrived at the Tipsy Cowgirl, a bar on the Northside, and was told by security that Sidhu was intoxicated but she "should be okay. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After getting into the car, Sidhu started laughing and complaining about the music, police said. Things took a turn for the worse when he reportedly began blasting rap music from his cell phone and singing about sexually assaulting his mother and sister. The victim told authorities that when she made eye contact with Sidhu through the rear-view mirror, he looked at her and said, Youre my next victim. Sidhu then tried to add a new drop-off location on the ride-share app and moved seats to start stroking the drivers cheek with his finger, the affidavit says. When the driver informed Sidhu that she would drop him off at a nearby Chevron instead, he allegedly told her she would do whatever" he wants. When she pulled into the gas station, police said he refused to get out of the vehicle and punched one of the interior doors. When he eventually exited the car, Sidhu allegedly slammed the door with so much force that it caused the door to become damaged. Police said he then walked in front of the victims vehicle, exposed his penis and started masturbating. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The victim was able to record the suspect walking away and later observed urine on the floorboard of her vehicle's back seat. Sidhu was arrested last week after being identified by the driver in a photo line-up. He was released the same day on a $5,000 bond. A Rhodes scholar urged a renowned Oxford college to remove an 18th century portrait because it was 'racist and dehumanising', it is claimed. Dr Alexander von Klemperer was a PhD student at Oriel College in 2018 when he wrote a paper saying he was 'personally troubled' about the painting of Henry Somerset, the 3rd Duke of Beaufort. The portrait of the duke, who was a descendent of King Henry IV, showed him in the company of a black boy wearing a metal collar who is holding his coronet and was recently removed. The college has claimed it was removed and sent on loan to the ancestral home of the Duke of Beaufort, Badminton House, while major renovation work takes place in Senior Library where it used to hang from the walls. However, one source told The Telegraph it was moved 'in case it offended a student' and it comes after Dr von Klemperer raised his objections to the artwork. The portrait of Henry Somerset, the 3rd Duke of Beaufort (pictured), had been on display at Oriel College in Oxford. The painting by Andrea Soldi showed the duke stood next to a black boy who was holding his coronet Dr Alexander von Klemperer (pictured), a Rhodes scholar, complained about the 'racist and dehumanising' painting in 2018 The painting was on display at Oriel College, which saw protests from activists against a statue of Cecil Rhodes (pictured) who was the institution's biggest benefactor and a imperialist in southern Africa Writing to the college picture committee in November 2018, the neuroscience student claimed the portrait, and another artwork showing British diplomat Charles Augustus Murray, had troubling depictions of black people in them. The Telegraph reports him as saying: 'Whilst both images are products of their time, they are also racist depictions of people of colour as subservient and to some extent dehumanised. Who was Henry Somerset, the 3rd Duke of Beaufort? The eldest son of Henry Somerset, the 2nd Duke of Beaufort, the English nobleman inherited his father's title when he was just seven years old in 1714. An ardent Jacobite who supported the restoration of the Stuart dynasty to the throne, Somerset was one of several founding governors of the Foundling Hospital in London - the first British institution for abandoned children. However, he was perhaps more well known for his personal life and in particular the breakdown of his marriage with his first wife, Frances Scudamore. Having taken his wife's name upon their marriage, he would divorce her 13 years later after discovering her affair with William Talbot, who later became the Earl of Talbot. He was then counter-sued by Frances, who claimed he was impotent, although Somerset disproved this by showing officials he could get an erection. He would later die at the age of just 37 having had no legitimate child, with the title and estates passing to his younger brother Charles Noel Somerset. Advertisement 'The way in which portraits and people are represented in a space can deeply alter how comfortable or welcoming that space is to people. 'This is particularly true in this instance, where the legacy of colonialism and slavery can further lead to feelings of alienation by people of colour or of African descent. He added that Oriel College had an 'imperative to remove' the artworks. There is debate as to whether the black people in both paintings are real and depict slaves or servants next to their white masters, or are meant to be allegorical. The painting of the Duke of Beaufort was removed when the college undertook major renovation works in the Senior Library, with the wall on which is once hung being completely repainted. In the meantime it has been sent on loan to Badminton House, where Somerset's ancestors reside today, with Oriel College insisting it will be brought back and returned to its previous place. However, one source at the college claimed it was related to the 'Rhodes saga' - which saw protests from activists over statues of Cecil Rhodes, a mining tycoon who led the British territory of Cape Colony in southern Africa before his death in 1902 and whose funds still provides scholarships to students of the college today. These protests were seen off by Lord Mendoza, who became the head of Oriel College in 2018 and decided to keep the statue in place. However, the impact of the campaign against Rhodes has continued to be felt, with one source tell the publication: 'I think it is true that it has been moved as part of the renovation but whether it comes back is a different matter.' Another claimed it was 'an absolute microcosm of everything that's wrong with Oxford'. A spokesperson for the college told The Telegraph: 'Due to our extensive renovation of our Senior Library where the Duke of Beaufort's painting is normally hung, we have loaned the painting to Badminton House for safekeeping.' They added that 'the intention is that the painting will return to the Senior Library'. MailOnline has contacted Oriel College and Badminton House for further comment. Police Scotland was last night embroiled in an extraordinary hate crime row amid claims a woman who reported an anti-Semitic Facebook post ended up being quizzed about her own ethnicity. A former police officer reported the post, which depicts a Nazi swastika within a Star of David, to the force but claims she was told no charges would be brought because she is not herself Jewish. The post, made by a relative of an SNP minister we have chosen not to name, is captioned 'Nazism = Zionism'. The woman, who does not wish to be identified for fear of reprisals, said she alerted Police Scotland but claimed that she was then quizzed about her own background. Within an hour of giving a statement on Saturday, she said officers told her that the complaint was being discarded because she is not Jewish. The symbol posted by relative of an SNP minister Humza Yousaf's controversial Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act was introduced last week Protesters demonstrate outside the Scottish Parliament on April 1 as Scotland's Hate Crime Law were introduced It is the latest issue to be raised with regards to Humza Yousaf's controversial Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act, which means any allegations made may be reported by anyone. And the test of whether a crime has been committed is if a 'reasonable person would consider the communication of the material to be likely to result in hatred being stirred up against a group', which includes a nationality or religion. READ MORE: One complaint a minute being made under shambolic Scots hate law as almost 8,000 complaints leave police swamped Advertisement The woman said that she informed police on Thursday and was invited to make a statement on Saturday at her local station in Lanarkshire. She said: 'They were very much for not taking the complaint at all. One said, 'We're snowed under with all these complaints. 'How are we supposed to get through all these?' I said, 'That's not my problem. The First Minister has said he wants people to report these things; he's very keen for everything to be reported'. 'The officer called me later that afternoon. He said, 'Can I ask you, are you Jewish?' I said no. He said, 'I'm going to ask you again; it's just because I need the box ticked. Do you identify as being Jewish?' I said no, I'm not going to lie to get anybody charged. 'He said, 'Well, that falls outwith the parameters. It won't be moving forward as a crime. It will be logged as an incident, but it will not be going further criminally'.' Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis constitutes anti-Semitism under the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of the word. Humza Yousaf's hate crime laws have sparked a backlash which has been led by Harry Potter author JK Rowling The law has been criticised by some who see it as a threat to free speech (pictured: a protester with a mask of Mr Yousaf outside the Scottish Parliament on April 1) The Scottish Government adopted the definition in 2017. Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Russell Findlay said: 'This vile anti-Semitic post appears to be a genuine crime motivated by hatred and which would therefore merit an appropriate policing response. 'It is deeply concerning if such cases are being lost amidst the vast deluge of spurious complaints being made to police from those who are weaponising Humza Yousaf's hate crime law.' Mr Findlay added: 'It is concerning that this material appears to have been posted by a close relative of an SNP government minister. 'For the sake of public confidence in the police, it is now all the more important that officers are seen to be applying the law consistently.' The image at the centre of the row was shared by a Facebook user in Renfrewshire last Monday, hours after the hate crime laws came into force. Sammy Stein of Glasgow Friends of Israel said: 'In the current climate, many Jewish people will be afraid to make complaints in case they have to give evidence in court and are identified. 'So it is important that Police Scotland takes seriously and investigates anti-Semitism no matter who brings it to their attention. 'The law itself makes no distinction. I do not think for a minute Police Scotland is being partial, but I wonder whether, with the weight of complaints, a rather amateurish attempt has been made to get rid of some.' 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 David Kennedy (pictured), the general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said less than one per cent of hate crimes were turning into 'actual investigations' The complainant told the Mail she was interviewed for 30 minutes by two constables. The woman attended a vigil in Glasgow for the Gaza hostages earlier this year and made friends with Jewish people she met. One showed her the Facebook post last week, prompting her police report. She said: 'I'm not a political activist, but I do hate anti-Semitism. People on a Saturday are going into Glasgow and shouting: 'Death to this' and 'Death to that'. This mentality existed before, but it has been enabled and allowed to fester in the last six months. 'We need to nip this behaviour in the bud. It's like going back almost 100 years to central Europe. It's being allowed and nobody's standing up. I am offended, and I'm not Jewish.' She stressed she did not report the post because it was made by a minister's relative. The woman said: 'Did it influence my decision? No, because no matter who, I will report it. I said to the police, I'm not a political activist, I'm not scouring posts to see something. 'At the end of the day, he is surely a respected member of his community if his relative's a minister. 'Surely there's an element there that tells you that you shouldn't be doing that. You should be switched on enough to know this is unacceptable.' Police Scotland said it was unable to comment on the woman's claim that the Facebook post was not being treated as a crime because she is not Jewish. It comes as it was claimed that less than one per cent of all 'hate crimes' reported in Scotland are turning into 'actual investigations'. 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 A spokesman said: 'We received a report of offensive content online, which is being investigated. Inquiries are ongoing.' David Kennedy, the general secretary of Scotland's police federation, has been heavily critical of the new hate crime laws since they were introduced on Monday and described it as a 'disaster'. 'The number of complaints that translated into actual hate crime investigations is extremely small,' he told the Sunday Times. 'I believe that less than 1 per cent of these complaints are translating into actual hate crime investigations.' It comes after the Mail on Sunday revealed that police in Scotland have been swamped with almost 8,000 complaints since the introduction of the hate crime laws. Control room officers are battling to keep on top of the backlog equivalent to one grievance every minute. Bryson, 31, formerly known as Adam Graham, from Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, was moved to a men's prison after an outcry Katie Dolatowski (pictured right) - a transgender paedophile who assaulted children in supermarket toilets Amongst the act's loudest critics is JK Rowling who has been extremely critical of SNP's hate laws and shared photos of 10 high-profile trans people - including convicted sex offenders - and ridiculed their claims to be women. Rowling wrote on X/Twitter: 'Most of Scotland is upset and offended by Yousaf's bumbling incompetence and illiberal authoritarianism, but we aren't lobbying to have him locked up for it.' But speaking at Glasgow's Prestwick Airport on Saturday, Mr Yousaf said: 'There's deliberate misinformation being peddled by some bad actors across Scotland - it's hardly surprising the Opposition seek to do that. 'What we've got is a piece of legislation that in the actual Act itself, explicitly in black and white, protects freedom of expression, freedom of speech.' A Scottish Government spokesman said: 'We have worked with partners, including Police Scotland, to ensure effective implementation of the Act, and the timetable for commencement has allowed for the delivery of a robust package of training and guidance for police officers. 'Training officers is an operational matter to Police Scotland.' Nicole Kessler served nine months in jail for lying to police in the investigation A 20-year Air Force veteran has broken his silence after losing his leg alleging his ex-wife is at the center of a plot that saw him gunned down in his own driveway. Kevin Kessler was shot at his Farmington, Michigan, home on November 1, 2022, just moments after he called police to report his truck tires had been slashed, according to FOX 2 Detroit. The father of two - who was in the midst of a divorce from his ex-wife Nicole Kessler - was waiting for police to arrive when a man drove by and fired at the veteran. Police determined the gunman was Nicole's lover, Matthew Jones, who was later convicted and sentenced to 60 to 80 years in prison. 'They told my family to plan for a funeral. They gave me a 1 percent chance. They did not think I was going to make it,' Kevin told the local news station. Kevin Kessler, a 20-year Air Force veteran, spoke out after his wife was released from prison for lying to police during the investigation into the shooting that caused him to lose his leg Kevin Kessler was shot at his Farmington, Michigan, home on November 1, 2022, just moments after he called police to report his truck tires had been slashed The Air Force veteran was hospitalized for two months and had his right leg amputated at the hip, leaving him wheelchair bound Kevin said, 'They told my family to plan for a funeral. They gave me a one percent chance. They did not think I was going to make it' '"Why?" I remember saying that "Why?" I was thinking about my girls and my family. I didn't know if I was going to see them again.' Kevin said of Jones, 'I think he was scamming in a way. I think he saw the payday with a divorce.' The Air Force veteran was hospitalized for two months and had his right leg amputated at the hip, leaving him wheelchair-bound. 'They found three entry and exit holes, and they actually found a full bullet in my belt,' he said. 'I still have bullet fragments that have been removed as recently as a few weeks ago, I still have more than I feel. I still have a drain hole that doesn't stop.' Nicole was sentenced to a year and prison and three years of probation after pleading guilty to lying to police during the investigation of her ex-husbands shooting, reported FOX 2 Detroit. Prior to her sentencing, Kevin said in court: 'Why would Nicole lie about her whereabouts if she wasn't hiding the fact that she was involved in me being shot? At minimum she knew I was shot after the fact.' Kevin's ex-wife, Nicole Kessler, was sentenced to a year and prison and three years of probation after pleading guilty to lying to police during the investigation A judge said her relationship with the shooter as well as the fact she removed Kevin's gun from the home and gave it to Jones was 'suspicious' Police determined the gunman was Nicole's lover, Matthew Jones (pictured), who was later convicted and sentenced to 60 to 80 years in prison A judge said her relationship with the shooter as well as the fact she removed Kevin's gun from the home and gave it to Jones was 'suspicious.' 'I'm sorry. Just would like to say I'm sorry for what happened to Kevin. Everything the girls have gone through. What Kevin's family gone through, what my family's gone through,' Nicole said on the stand. Nicole served nine months of her sentence and was released from prison last week. 'I still have my beliefs that she had something behind it,' Kevin said. '(Wednesday) was actually one of my first times I jumped and had to sit there for a minute because someone dropped their trashcan when I was outside, I was in the driveway.' Another woman believed to be romantically involved with Jones, Kristina Peterson, was also arrested and charged in connection to the shooting. As all politicians should know, trying to cover up mistakes and misdemeanours invariably ends badly. Denial and bluster might hold the line for a few days, but eventually the truth has a nasty habit of coming out. It's more than six weeks since The Mail on Sunday exposed Angela Rayner's apparently dodgy dealings concerning the ex-council house in Stockport she bought in 2007. When she sold it in 2015, at a profit of 48,500, Labour's deputy leader claimed it was her 'principal property', meaning she did not have to pay capital gains tax. But as the weeks have gone on, the evidence that she was in fact living with her children and husband at his Stockport address for five years before the sale has become overwhelming. Six weeks ago The Mail on Sunday exposed Angela Rayner's apparently dodgy dealings concerning the ex-council house in Stockport she bought in 2007 When she sold it in 2015, at a profit of 48,500, Labour's deputy leader claimed it was her 'principal property', meaning she did not have to pay capital gains tax In dozens of social media postings during that period, she paints a picture of family life at her husband's house and refers to it as 'home'. Ironically that house, too, was purchased under Margaret Thatcher's right-to-buy scheme, hated by Labour since its inception and now under attack from Ms Rayner. Meanwhile, neighbours at her own house say she was seldom seen there, even though she was still registered on the electoral roll. One said she had also described herself as 'the landlady'. Her response has been to play the victim. It's a smear, she says. She did everything by the book. She had 'expert' legal advice that she had done nothing wrong. So why won't she publish that advice? She's quick to demand transparency on the tax affairs of Tories. When it comes to her own, however, she pleads the right to privacy. It's rank hypocrisy. Had she owned up when this affair broke, apologised, and agreed to pay back any sums that were owed, it would have been embarrassing but would soon have simmered down. But by refusing to address clear prima facie evidence of wrongdoing, she has dragged herself and her party into a grubby and dangerous scandal. Sir Keir Starmer has accepted her at her word, even though he admits he has not had access to her legal advice. If it is proved she lied, his position will be severely weakened hers untenable. As Ms Rayner has said: 'Honesty, integrity, and truth matter in politics. We should all be accountable.' Time for her to live up to her own moral standards. Time to come clean. Hamas is to blame Six months ago, up to 2,000 Hamas terrorists burst out of Gaza and massacred 1,200 innocent Israelis. Many were raped or otherwise brutalised and 250 taken hostage. About 130 of those remain unaccounted for. For the many who clearly need reminding, it was that bestial atrocity which caused this war and everything that's happened since is directly because of it. People carry pictures of the hostages during a rally for their immediate release, six months after they were kidnapped during the deadly October 7 attack on Israel Many were raped or otherwise brutalised and 250 taken hostage. About 130 of those remain unaccounted for To expect Israel to stop its deadly assault on Gaza without all hostages being released or their bodies returned is simply naive. In the days after the October 7 slaughter, most of the world acknowledged this. As the grim Gaza body count has grown, however, that support has diluted even among Israel's allies. President Biden now demands an immediate ceasefire, while Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron warns that British backing is 'not unconditional'. No one could fail to be moved by the suffering in Gaza. But surrounded by hostile actors, Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, sees itself in a war for survival. The West is at liberty to criticise some of its tactics, but not its right to self-defence against an implacable enemy. Pensioners are losing an average of more than 1.3 million a day to fraudsters, figures reveal. In total, 2 billion has been taken by scammers from victims over 65 since 2020 with more than 250,000 cases logged across the country. The figures, obtained by the Liberal Democrats, also reveal a postcode lottery with some areas hit harder than others. Last year, London's Metropolitan Police reported the highest number of cases, more than 6,000, followed by Sussex with 2,500. In total, there were 61,486 reports last year with losses reaching 511 million equivalent to more than 1.4 million daily in 2023. Pensioners are losing an average of more than 1.3 million a day to fraudsters, figures reveal (Stock Image) READ MORE: Thousands of elderly people fall for romance scams as Lloyds Bank warns customers before Valentine's Day Advertisement The data was derived from analysis of crime reports by Action Fraud the national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre. It is based on victim reporting and reports have not been verified, with under-reporting likely to affect the extent and loss. Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael told the Mail the figures were 'absolutely heartbreaking' and urged ministers to create an online crime agency to coordinate work to stop fraud. He said: 'It's disgraceful that fraudsters have been allowed to target vulnerable pensioners while Conservative ministers watch idly by. 'As our nation's elderly lose more than a million pounds to cruel scammers every single day, the price of Conservative inaction is unacceptable. 'It's time for the Government to finally bring forward a serious plan to tackle fraud - starting with an Online Crime Agency to get a grip on the problem of online fraud, once and for all.' The Daily Mail's Stop the Scammers campaign has long called for banks, and more recently tech companies, to do more to protect people from the surge in fraudsters. Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael (pictured) told the Mail the figures were 'absolutely heartbreaking' A spokesman for the City of London Police, which runs Action Fraud, said: 'Criminals have no boundaries when it comes to targeting people with fraud, and unfortunately often victims are the older and more vulnerable victims of society. 'Action Fraud receives around 35,000 reports of fraud each month from members of the public, but we know that fraud is hugely under-reported due to people feeling embarrassed to report it or simply not knowing that they have been a victim of fraud. 'Fraud can come in so many different forms, but it is important to stay alert to the risks of fraud to help keep yourself safe. 'You can protect yourself by taking a number of measures, including: keeping your online accounts secure with different passwords and two factor authentication to stop criminals from being able to gain access to your accounts; not being pressured into making financial purchases or commitments from someone who has contacted you out of the blue; and keeping your PIN and bank cards safe and don't allow anyone else to have access to them.' Thames Water and its lenders are spending millions of pounds a week on management consultants and bankers amid a cash crisis at the struggling utility company. Britain's biggest water supplier is scrambling to shore up its finances after its parent company, Kemble, defaulted on its debts and shareholders refused to provide new funding. Taxpayers could be left to foot the bill if the Government has to bail out the debt-laden company, which has 16million customers. Half a dozen firms are advising the beleaguered firm and its associates, it emerged yesterday. Kemble has reportedly hired turnaround firm Alvarez & Marsal to convince lenders to hand over more money. Meanwhile, Big Four accounting firm EY is advising a group of Kemble lenders on recovering 190million, according to the Sunday Times. Thames Water and its lenders are spending millions of pounds a week on management consultants and bankers amid a cash crisis at the struggling utility company (file picture) Britain's biggest water supplier is scrambling to shore up its finances after its parent company, Kemble, defaulted on its debts and shareholders refused to provide new funding (file picture) Rothschild, the investment bank, has been hired to advise Thames Water on how to deliver its reform plan, while consultancy firm Teneo has been appointed as 'administrator in waiting' to take over in the event of a collapse. The utility, which provides water to millions of households in London and the South East, risks falling into special administration if it cannot find extra funds. It brought in restructuring firm AlixPartners last year to advise on plans, and law firm Slaughter and May was hired to advise on financing proposals. This comes amid public outrage over Thames Water and the wider industry's poor customer service, and sewage leaks into rivers and waterways. Thames Water had looked for fresh funding from its shareholders but that was dependent on water regulator Ofwat approving its turnaround plan, which included a 40 per cent rise to customers' bills. Ofwat blocked the increase and refused to ease capital spending requirements and waive fines for not meeting targets. Thames Water declined to comment. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has no regrets about sending illegal immigrants to New York City, and insisted on Sunday it is President Biden who uses them as 'political pawns.' 'So the person whos actually using illegal immigrants as political pawns is Joe Biden,' said Abbott. 'Biden has created this open border policy that has allowed illegal immigrants into our country to appeal to and to appease the far leftists in the Democrat party,' the Republican added. Abbott continued his spat with NYC Mayor Eric Adams who offered him a complimentary stay at a migrant shelter during his trip to the Big Apple to headline the New York Republican Party's annual gala. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has no regrets about sending illegal immigrants to New York City , and insisted on Sunday it is President Biden who uses them as 'political pawns' On Sunday, Abbott responded by calling Adams' invitation a 'gimmick' and said he should focus on his own city. The governor also insisted that President Joe Biden's policies forced his hand to bus migrants to New York and other sanctuary cities. 'Our country is being invaded in ways that put our country at risk because the political games that Joe Biden has played,' Abbott told host Martha MacCallum on Fox News Sunday. 'And Mayor Adams is just aiding and abetting that by having a sanctuary city status...welcoming anybody from across the world to live there and stay there, on the bill of New York.' 'What Mayor Adams needs to do is stop talking boldly about immigration and the migrants Texas is sending there and step up and do his own job.' Abbott has been bussing migrants from the Texas border to liberal-run cities like New York and Chicago. The latest numbers released by Texas officials in March show the state has now transported more than 105,000 migrants since 2022, including 39,000 who were bussed to New York. 'I'm going to offer him a stay in one of the [Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers], so he can see what he has created and understand how we are treating people with the dignity and respect that he should have shown,' Mayor Eric Adams said Thursday. Adams has called Abbott "morally bankrupt" and a "madman" over his busing policies. In 2023 New York City took in some 175,000 migrants and spent $1.45 billion to feed and house them. Dozens of migrants/immigrants families are seen arriving from Texas at the Port Authority Bus Terminal A bus, carrying the migrants from Texas, arrives in Port Authority bus station of New York, United States The city has warned there is 'no end in sight' to the crisis and expects to spend $12 billion on migrants by fiscal year 2025. Migrants arriving in New York City have been handed prepaid debit cards that appear to offer twice as much to spend on essentials as other NYC welfare benefits. An average family of four on SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - receives $713 from the program. New York's pilot card scheme for migrants offers $1,400 every four weeks. Two Nigerian men have been accused of a sextortion plot that led to a teenage Australian boy taking his own life. The boy had allegedly been engaging with a person threatening to share intimate personal photos of him with his family and friends if he did not pay $500. He is alleged to have taken his own life in 2023 as a result of the threats. Police investigated the matter before it was referred to the NSW State Crime Command's Cybercrime Squad, which traced the alleged perpetrators to Nigeria. An Australian Federal Police investigation, working with South African and Nigerian authorities, led to two Nigerian men being arrested and charged with sextortion offences in March. Police believe an Aussie teenage boy took his own life after receiving threats in an alleged sextortion ploy Two men (pictured) were arrested in Nigeria by Australian Federal Police after an investigation into the death of the teenager The men were found in a city slum in Nigeria, which has a population of 218 million people, NSW Police said in a statement on Monday. The men will be dealt with locally, where authorities can prosecute for Australia-based offences. Commander of NSW State Crime Command's Cybercrime Squad, Detective Superintendent Matthew Craft, said the message to young people was that they don't need to suffer in silence. 'We've seen a huge spike in sextortion cases, which are up nearly 400 per cent in the last 18 months,' he said. 'But the good news is people are reporting it and there are steps we can take to help you before it goes too far. 'We want young people to continue to report these cases and to never be embarrassed to talk to police.' Det Spt Craft said the arrests in Nigeria showed just how far police were willing to go to seek justice. AFP Commander Helen Schneider commended the work of investigators, saying the arrests showed what could be achieved when law enforcement worked together to fight a global problem. 'The sextortion of children is a borderless crime, as these arrests show,' Commander Schneider said. Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25) A rowdy British Airways flight attendant was flown home after getting involved in a fight at a Maldives hotel that can cost up to 2,000 a night. The stewardess, who has not been named, was made to fly back to the UK from the Maldives after guests at the Oblu Xperience Ailafushi resort were apparently left appalled by her behaviour. She had flown out with her daughter and a friend after taking advantage of discounted tickets. After guzzling drink after drink, thanks to an all-inclusive package, they partied on a balcony. But fellow holidaymakers complained about the 'screaming and screeching' coming from the villas, and a fight broke out late in the evening after hotel management warned the trio about their loutishness. The stewardess, who has not been named, was made to fly back to the UK from the Maldives after guests at the Oblu Xperience Ailafushi (pictured), after flying with her coworkers from Heathrow to capital Male last week British Airways rules state that their employees are responsible for the behaviour of anyone travelling under their name (File image) A source told the Sun: 'There was a lot of pushing and shoving, then fists were flying. 'Onlookers got involved as they tried to break it up. It was the last straw for the hotel. BA was informed and the stewardess was ordered home.' Hotel staff contacted British Airways and threatened to remove the entire crew from the hotel, following the incident. But only the offending flight attendant was made to return to London, with her daughter and friend flying back the next day. British Airways rules state that their employees are responsible for the behaviour of anyone travelling under their name. BA flight attendants embarrassed the company earlier this year, after two were sacked for filming a racist video where a colleague mocked Asian passengers by making slant-eyed gestures and putting on a Chinese accent. Holly Walton and Lauren Bray have both been dismissed from the airline after the clip emerged on TikTok. But a source close to Ms Bray, 28, from Crawley, West Sussex, says that the clip in which Ms Walton appears to mock Asian passengers, is more than two years old and has been manipulated by a colleague with whom she has a long-running dispute. They claimed that Ms Bray has reported the colleague to Sussex Police and said they uploaded the video to TikTok and maliciously linked Ms Bray's name to it. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Ms Bray's friend said she is appealing against her dismissal - and accused BA of making a 'rash decision' without conducting a proper investigation. 'The video is fake. It's a fake TikTok account', the source close to her said. 'It's all false and has nothing to do with Lauren. 'The clip and photos that have been manipulated are from 2019 and 2022.' MailOnline has contacted British Airways for comment. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has brushed aside claims the government is asleep at the wheel on border security following the arrival of a group of people by boat in Western Australia's remote Kimberley. Police spent the weekend searching for a man believed to have been separated from the party but said on Sunday afternoon he'd been located on a track near Truscott Air Base on Mitchell Plateau in the state's far northern reaches. It is believed he became separated from a 'group of around 15 Chinese people' who arrived by boat at the Mungalalu Truscott Airbase in the remote Kimberley region on Friday afternoon. The suspected boat arrival is understood to be the third illegal maritime landing on Australian soil in under six months. The opposition seized upon the incident as evidence illegal asylum seeker activity is again on the rise, with two similar arrivals since November. Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham said it concerned him that the boat had apparently offloaded its passengers and been able to depart without detection. A group of around 15 asylum seekers has arrived by boat to a remote (pictured) part of Western Australia, in the third such arrival since last November A charter jet reportedly flew from Mungalalu Truscott Airbase (pictured) to Perth on Friday, with some or all of the asylum seekers likely to have been onboard 'It comes at a time where evidence to Senate committees ... is that we have a reduction in relation to maritime surveillance, a reduction in relation to aerial surveillance, concerns about the future budget projections for Operation Sovereign Borders and a government that dismantled temporary protection visas,' he told ABC's Insiders. 'The government needs to acknowledge if there are increasing failures here, those problems, their responsibility and act to fix them.' However, Mr Albanese said was important to note there had been no change to Operation Sovereign Borders. 'Once again through the response of the Australian government, that message will be sent very clearly again to the region,' he told reporters in Melbourne. The airbase (pictured) is now a commercial airport owned by the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation Questioned over border security concerns, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese argued there will be no changes made to the nation's approach to border protection in response to the latest arrival 'We have a very large coastline. What is clear, though, is that people who are unauthorised arrivals won't be settled in Australia. Operations sovereign border principles will apply as they have been in this case.' WA police said the search for the missing man had been conducted in challenging terrain but he'd been found in relatively good condition. Australian Border Force said in a statement it did not comment on operational matters. The latest arrival comes after a group of 39 people from Pakistan and Bangladesh were found at Beagle Bay, north of Broome, in February after they also came by boat. The group was flown to an offshore detention centre on the Pacific island of Nauru. Coalition home affairs spokesman James Paterson said the incident was the 13th time since the last federal election a boat had undertaken to bring asylum seekers to Australia. 'It's no surprise why,' he said. 'Aerial surveillance hours under the government's watch have dropped 20 per cent, maritime patrol days have dropped 12 per cent. 'The result of that is people are getting through, they getting on shore and our border protection regime is being undermined.' Michael Ramsey, left, executive director of the City of San Antonios Workforce Development Office, speaks Feb. 7, 2022, during a press conference at City Hall promote the Ready to Work job training program. Ramsey is flanked by City Manager Erik Walsh, center, and Mayor Ron Nirenberg. William Luther, Staff If Ready to Work doesnt get more of its graduates into good-paying jobs faster, the city job training program could be in for a shake-up when a new mayor takes office in 2025, warned the chairman of its advisory board. The sales tax-funded initiative has fallen short of its goal of placing 80% of participants in jobs paying at least $15 an hour within six months of finishing their training. Its rate was 46% as of Friday, according to the city. Of the 1,232 people who have completed training so far, city staffers have verified that barely more than half, or 628, are working in jobs paying the required minimum. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Weve got to figure out how to get people hired in a quicker time frame, or there could be significant changes to the program, Ready to Work Advisory Board chairman Ben Peavy said during a meeting Wednesday. Im just being extremely direct and transparent and honest. Mayor Ron Nirenbergs impending departure from City Hall looms over the $240 million program, which he pitched to voters in 2020 as a response to pandemic-driven job losses and as a solution to San Antonios enduringly high poverty rate. Nirenberg has pinned his legacy in part on this workforce development initiative, which has won praise from President Joe Bidens administration. But the program has struggled from the get-go. Its launch was delayed by almost nine months, and it was slow to draw applicants. Officials reduced its enrollment and graduation targets. The program, however, appears on track to reach its revised goal of enrolling 7,145 people by the end of June. Just over 6,500 have enrolled to date though the ultimate goal of enrolling more than 28,000 San Antonians is still years off. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As of January, Ready to Work has spent $33 million of the estimated $240 million in sales tax revenue that will be allocated to it through December 2025. The city estimates it will take until 2029 to exhaust this money. Each participant costs the program about $6,000, according to the city. Nirenberg has largely brushed off criticism of Ready to Work. If the goal is to count numbers, were missing the point, he said at his April State of the City speech. The goal is to change lives and change the trajectory of this citys economy, long term, to break cycles of poverty. A new mayor will take office just over a year from now. And that person may not be as much of a cheerleader for the slow-moving program as Nirenberg has been. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Theres a chance any time that theres new leadership thats coming which there will be with a new mayor being elected and new leadership that they may want to make changes to the program, which is great, which is fine, Peavy told the San Antonio Express-News. All Im trying to do is put the program in the best possible position so that when new leadership does come in, they can make the best possible decision about the direction to go in. Peavy is chief information officer of Accenture Federal Service, a major government contractor, and has chaired the Ready to Work Advisory Board since the program launched in 2022. According to the 2020 ballot measure that voters approved, 1/8-cent of sales tax revenue collected from December 2021 to December 2025 must be used for the purpose of financing authorized programs related to job training and the awarding of scholarships. At least three City Council members are eyeing the mayors office. District 9 Council Member John Courage launched his mayoral campaign in January, and District 8's Manny Pelaez is expected to announce his campaign in the coming weeks. District 6's Melissa Cabello Havrda has all but said she is running, while Adriana Rocha Garcia of District 4 has said she is still considering it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pelaez, who sits on Ready to Works advisory board as a mayoral liaison, had been a supporter of the program, but he blasted it at a council committee meeting in January. Im sure Ill get a call scolding me for it later, but I personally am dissatisfied with Ready to Work, Pelaez said. I can tell you that the CEOs that I talk to here in San Antonio dont really think its had the meaningful impact that was promised to them and the expectations that they have. I do think that we owe the public an answer as to why it is that they shouldnt be feeling like their moneys been wasted, Pelaez added. Courage told reporters at his campaign launch that the city could make improvements to Ready to Work to make it more accessible for people who cant afford to leave their jobs to train for higher-paying ones or who need child care to attend classes. Still, he said hes for this program since I think it can help a lot of people to improve their lives and earn a better income for themselves. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Peavy said the city needs to better align program graduates to specific companies. That could require additional marketing aimed at informing companies about the program, he said. He told the board that the program would receive far less criticism if it got its six-month placement rate up to 60% or 65%. Workforce Development Executive Director Mike Ramsey cited participants lack of work experience in the field or industry theyve been trained in as a barrier to employment. Having a criminal history is another roadblock. He agreed with Peavys assessment that the program has to solve its placement rate problem. Faith schools could be allowed to choose all their pupils under government plans. Downing Street is considering dropping a requirement on heads to reserve half of spaces for children of other religions or none. The move to ditch the 50 per cent cap would be welcomed by Tories but could be resisted by education chiefs and campaign groups. It is reportedly being spearheaded by senior figures including Will Tanner, Rishi Sunak's deputy chief of staff, and James Nation, deputy head of the No 10 policy unit. Any change could be included in the party's next manifesto, which the pair are working on, or even introduced sooner. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, who went to a Catholic school, is also said to be heavily involved in the discussions and is in favour of changing the rules, according to The Sunday Times. The rule has been in place since 2010 and applies only in areas where schools are oversubscribed (Stock image) Education Secretary Gillian Keegan (pictured) is also said to be heavily involved in the discussions New religious free schools and academies must offer half of their places openly without any reference to a pupil's faith. The rule has been in place since 2010 and applies only in areas where schools are oversubscribed. It was intended to stop children missing out on places due to their faith or lack of one. David Cameron introduced the free schools programme and is said to have included the cap as part of a coalition deal with the Liberal Democrats. The cap prompted fury from the Catholic Church, which argued that turning away children of faith for non-Catholic children was incompatible with canon law. It refused to participate in the free schools programme, which is said to have delayed the rollout of the initiative and harmed its success. Catholic schools educate about 850,000 children in England and Wales, making them the largest provider of secondary education and the second biggest provider of primary education. Catholic schools do particularly well at GCSE level. More than a third of pupils who attend are non-Catholics. The Catholic Union has written a letter to Ms Keegan signed by senior bishops urging her to repeal the cap. Mr Tanner and Mr Nation have reportedly held discussions in Downing Street about the issue. A government spokesman said: 'As we continue to uphold diversity and quality education for all, we keep all policies under review to ensure that this country's education system is world leading.' This is the shocking moment young motorists perform donuts and shoot fireworks off a popular bridge in Oakland. The video was filmed from the middle of the Bay Bridge around 3:15am PT, with hundreds of spectators seen looking on. One was seen waving the Palestinian flag as smoke from the burnouts billowed through the air. The bridge was blocked for nearly 20 minutes, bringing traffic to a halt. The event was part of a string of 'sideshows' that sprouted across the Bay Area starting around 11 pm, in Menlo Park, Stanford, Mountain View Cops confirmed that a 20-year-old woman from Pittsburg, California, suffered a broken ankle after being struck by a car in one of the takeovers, which may be the work of one single group. Officers in several cities are probing the incidents. Another weekend, another violent "teen takeover" in Oakland... Good thing they defunded the police. pic.twitter.com/x1bVI9HYvq End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) April 7, 2024 Footage shows motorists doing donuts and shooting fireworks off a popular bridge in Oakland. The video was filmed from the middle of the Bay Bridge around 3:15am PT, with hundreds of spectators seen looking on The event was part of a string of 'sideshows' that sprouted across the Bay Area starting around 11 pm, including this one in nearby Mountain View that saw a female spectator break her ankle after being struck by a spinning car. Cops are investigating the incident Video from the bridge, meanwhile, shows hundreds of people gathered as the cars spins in circles, coming dangerously close to spectators. In those clips, no one appeared to be hit - though at points, participating cars looked to come close. In one snippet, a young motorist appears to have his car stolen by some other revelers after he hit reportedly one of their vehicles doing the dangerous stunts. The video shows how him apologizing to a fellow spectator, who proceeds to pull a mask over his face and force him out of the car to begin doing donuts himself. No reports of an automotive theft were immediately aired. Word of the woman being injured by a wayward car were confirmed by the police force in neighboring Mountain View, some 30 miles south. There, the 20-year-old from Pittsburg sustained a broken ankle after being struck, cops said - pegging the person as part of a group gathered at Middlefield Road and Bernardo Avenue. The group, footage from the site shows, appeared to be just as giant as the one on the bridge, but convened about four hours earlier, around 11:30pm. Video from the bridge, meanwhile, shows hundreds of people gathered as the cars spins in circles, coming dangerously close to spectators In those clips, no one appeared to be hit - though at points, participating cars looked to come close One person was seen waving the Palestinian flag as smoke from the burnouts billowed through the air The bridge was blocked for nearly 20 minutes, bringing traffic to a halt as fireworks went off In one snippet, a young motorist (not pictured) appeared to have his car stolen by some other revelers after he hit reportedly one of their vehicles doing the dangerous stunts As if writing, no reports of an automotive theft were immediately aired Dude got carjacked in the middle of the Bay Bridge Sideshow last night after he accidentally hit someones car pic.twitter.com/fU52mO84qU BAY AREA STATE OF MIND (@YayAreaNews) April 7, 2024 Video shows spectators there leaping out of the way of cars spinning at high rates speed, as smoke from fireworks and the burnouts created further chaos. The woman who was hit was not seen on video, but clips continue to circulate of the takeover, which was the third of at least seven so-called sideshows - a term being used by cops to categorize the increasingly common occurrences. The first surfaced around 11pm in Menlo Park, a community just north of Mountain View. There, dozens - if not hundreds - of spectators were reported, seen watching the vehicles as they did donuts close by. The intersection, as was the case with the bridge, remained clogged for nearly 20 minutes, cops said. Next came the Stanford area, where a sideshow roughly 15 minutes later closed off another crossway for another 15 minutes - this time at the corner of Coyote Hill and Page Mill roads. The previously mentioned one at Mountain View was next. Video from that procession - where cops confirmed the woman suffered a broken ankle - is currently going viral. Word of the woman being injured by a wayward car were confirmed by the police force in neighboring Mountain View, some 30 miles south There, the 20-year-old from Pittsburg sustained a broken ankle after being struck, cops said - pegging the person as part of a group gathered at Middlefield Road and Bernardo Avenue (pictured) The group, footage from the site shows, appeared to be just as giant as the one on the bridge, but convened about four hours earlier, around 11:30pm Video shows spectators there leaping out of the way of cars spinning at high rates speed, as smoke from fireworks and the burnouts created further chaos The woman who was hit was not seen on video, but clips continue to circulate of the takeover, which was the third of at least seven so-called sideshows - a term being used by cops to categorize the increasingly common occurrences The first surfaced around 11pm in Menlo Park (not pictured), a community just north of Mountain View, which is seen here here, dozens - if not hundreds - of spectators were reported, seen watching the vehicles as they did donuts close by. The intersection, as was the case with the bridge and the one in Mountain View (pictured(, remained clogged for nearly 20 minutes, cops said Next came the Stanford area, where a sideshow roughly 15 minutes later closed off another crossway for another 15 minutes - this time at the corner of Coyote Hill and Page Mill roads The previously mentioned one at Mountain View was next. Video from that procession - where cops confirmed the woman suffered a broken ankle - is now going viral Then, more than two hours later, another two sideshows surfaced a few miles up the coast in Oakland, where officials recently passed an ordinance to toughen legal steps it can take against those involved in the street-stopping events. The first happened on 42nd and International Boulevard around 2 am, featuring tons of fireworks and more donuts Another sprang up near Alma and Excelsior, also in Oakland, an hour later, as leaders in the Bay area city, as well as neighboring Antioch and Hercules, have been speaking and spreading the word, especially as early spring weather sits in. At about 3:15am, the group on the bridge, was spotted, a week after the Oakland Police Department responded to a hit and run following another side show. In that case, officers responded to a collision in the 400 block of Burma Road around 8:30pm on March 30, and learned that a litany of vehicles participating in a sideshow were responsible. They found that a car that was participating in the sideshow had collided with another vehicle causing it to overturn, before fleeing the scene in another car. That incident, as well of the seven others over the weekend, are currently being investigated. It's unclear if the they were made up of the same crowd, or if different groups showed up to each site. Then, more than two hours later, another two sideshows surfaced a few miles up the coast in Oakland, where officials recently passed an ordinance to toughen legal steps it can take against those involved in the street-stopping events. As if writing, it remains unclear if any arrests were made Sideshow at Middlefield & Bernardo later broken up by @MountainViewPD. Woman, 20, hit by car & suffered broken ankle pic.twitter.com/mlzvoPfFtF Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) April 7, 2024 DailyMail.com has reached out to the city's police departments, as sideshows continue to be a mainstay in liberal-led Oakland. Headlines indicating as such include 'Video shows illegal Oakland sideshow with cars on fire' and 'Oakland sideshows draw 500 vehicles.' One incident last summer saw 80 vehicles seized by the police. At another, an 18-wheeler was seen performing donuts in a widely trafficked road. The demonstrations, all illegal, have spurred plan to put in place more barriers in intersections deemed to be hotspots, including the Bay Bridge. As if writing, it remains unclear if any arrests were made. Cops in Mountain View said they were investigating the incident that saw the woman injured. A huge container ship lost power near New York City's Verrazzano Bridge - less than two weeks after a cargo vessel crashed into Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge. The container ship APL Qingdao, which weighs a staggering 89,000 tons, lost propulsion around 8:30pm while travelling through New York harbor. The cargo ship Dali, which plowed into one of the Francis Scott Key's bridge supports, precipitating the 8, 635' Baltimore bridge into the water, had similarly lost propulsion prior to the crash. The APL Qingdao, registered in Malta, conked out as it crossed the Kill Van Kull waterway, a narrow shipping lane between Staten Island and Bayonne, New Jersey. The Kill Van Kull is three miles long and it demarcates Newark Bay from Upper New York Bay. It is one of the area's busiest waterways. The APL Qingdao, pictured 'just north' of the Verrazzano Bridge, lost its propulsion while crossing the Kill Van Kull waterway on Saturday The Qingdao, which weighs 89,000 tons and is registered in Malta, floated disconcertingly close to the bridge that connects Brooklyn to Staten Island The incident came just a few weeks after the tragedy in Baltimore in which a shipping container crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, killing six people An image shared on X.com, formerly Twitter, by John Konrad, chief executive of maritime-themed news organization gCaptain, showed the 1,100 foot-long container ship floating disconcertingly close to the Verrazzano Bridge. Konrad wrote that the ship was 'just north' of the bridge that connects Brooklyn and Staten Island. After the Qingdao's power failure was observed, three tug boats rushed to its aid and sought to bring the gigantic shipping container under control. A Coast Guard spokesperson told the New York Post that they received a report of the errant shipping container around 8:30 pm. 'Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service New York received a report from the M/V Qingdao around 8:30pm, Saturday, that the vessel had experienced a loss of propulsion in the Kill Van Kull waterway'. The spokesperson added that the 'vessel regained propulsion and was assisted to Stapleton Anchorage by tugs'. According to vesselfinder.com, the Qingdao is 12 years old and is operated by French shipping and logistics company CMA CGM. The 1,100-feet-long shipping container is owned by a French logistics company and it was journeying to Charleston, South Carolina The incident occurred in the Kill Van Kull waterway, a thin strip of water that separates Newark Bay from Upper New York Bay. The strait is often bustling with shipping containers; pictured: a ship travelling through New York Bay The Qingdao is 12 years old, and it was escorted from the harbor by three tug boats; pictured: information regarding the vessel's ownership Before the shipping container could resume its voyage, the Coast Guard demanded that the vessel's propulsion system show certification that it had been restored. They also had to demonstrate that the system was fully operational. In addition to these requirements, the crew was ordered to conduct a thorough casualty report, which troubleshooted what exactly contributed to the loss of propulsion. After they finished the report, the giant shipping container was allowed to proceed with its journey to Charleston, South Carolina. Although the incident on Saturday did not result in any damage, the image of the hulking shipping container lurking near a bridge evoked unpleasant memories of the calamity in Baltimore only a few weeks earlier. On March 26, the cargo ship Dali crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing the structure to collapse. Six people are presumed to have been killed in the destruction, and yesterday the body of the third victim was recovered. According to John Konrad, power loss incidents in shipping containers like the Dali and the Qingdao are on the rise. Less than two weeks earlier, tragedy struck Baltimore when a shipping container, which also lost its propulsion, smashed into a vital bridge; pictured: the aftermath of the crash in Baltimore The Dali crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to fall; pictured: the twisted metal of the fallen bridge The crash in Baltimore is presumed to have killed six people. Yesterday, the body of the third victim was recovered Konrad claimed that the Verrazzano was spared the Baltimore bridge's fate because of the presence of Vessel Traffic Services in New York. 'One major difference between Baltimore and New York is the US Coast Guard operates Vessel Traffic Service in NY'. The maritime-trade expert further explained that 'VTS is like air traffic control. They monitor all ships and tugs and can respond quickly to emergencies'. 'Baltimore did not have VTS service'. 'Death to Israel' and 'death to America' was heard ringing out across the rally Protestors gathered for Al-Quds Day, which is to express support for Palestine Muslim protesters were heard chanting 'death to America' and 'death to Israel' during a rally in a Michigan city dubbed the 'jihad capital' of the US by the Wall Street Journal. Demonstrators gathered in the city in commemoration of Al-Quds Day in support of Palestine and to oppose Israel. The protest came less than a week after seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen were killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, drawing global outrage. Video shared by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) shows Tarek Bazzi, a local activist, delivering remarks at a podium as chants of 'death to America!' sound in the background. Activist Tarek Bazzi spoke at a podium while chants of 'death to America' and 'death to Israel' sounded in the background Dearborn was deemed 'America's jihad capital' by political commentator Steven Stalinisky in a Wall Street Journal op-ed 'It's not just Genocide Joe that has to go,' Bazzi said in reference to President Biden. 'It is the entire system that has to go. Any system that would allow such atrocities and such devilry to happen, and would support it such a system does not deserve to exist on God's Earth.' Bazzi then directed his attention to Israel. 'So when these fools ask us if Israel has the right to exist...the chant 'death to Israel' has become the most logical chant shouted across the world today,' he said. Audience members then repeated the chant. Bazzi explained that the rallies have become 'so anti-American' because 'it's the United States government that provides the funds for all of the atrocities.' As an example, he pointed to the Israeli assault on Gaza, which has seen more than 31,000 Palestinians killed since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in earnest in October 2023. Demonstrations marking Al-Quds Day, which coincides with the last Friday of Ramadan, have been held in Dearborn for at least two decades. But the city attracted attention earlier this year after MEMRI Executive Director Steven Stalinsky branded it 'American's jihad capital' in Wall Street Journal opinion piece. 'Almost immediately after... and long before Israel began its ground offensive in Gaza,' Stalinisky wrote, 'people were celebrating the horrific events of that day in pro-Hamas rallies and marches throughout Dearborn.' He alleged that religious leaders had called for the extermination of the Israeli people and pointed to a headline describing a pro-Palestine event that read 'Michigan rally cheers Hamas attack.' Mayor Abdullah Hammoud slammed Stalinisky for his remarks, claiming they had contributed to increased anti-Muslim sentiment targeting the city Stalinsky's comments swiftly attracted backlash, with local leaders and activists asserting that he was putting innocent civilians at risk. In the immediate aftermath, his words caused the mayor of the suburb to ramp up police presence outside mosques and other major civil centers because of Islamophobic threats being hurled at its majority-Arab residents. Mayor Abdullah Hammoud posted a message to X, formerly Twitter, claiming the article had contributed to an increase in anti-Muslim sentiment targeting the city. 'Effective immediately - Dearborn police will ramp up its presence across all places of worship and major infrastructure points,' he wrote. 'This is a direct result of the inflammatory WSJ opinion piece that has led to an alarming increase in bigoted and Islamophobic rhetoric online targeting the city of Dearborn. Stay vigilant.' Stalinisky defended his remarks in an interview with CBS Detroit, insisting the article was not meant as 'a broad swipe at every single person in Dearborn.' He claimed protests, 'both in Dearborn as well as around the country' had become 'more aggressive,' citing the presence of 'pro-Hamas people' at the demonstrations. 'This should be an alarm for national security (and) counter-terrorism to be looking at. No one's doing that,' Stalinisky continued. 'That's the essence of the article.' But he appeared to stand by his original comments in an interview with Fox News Digital as he labeled the city a 'hotbed of hate.' 'You can see rallies and sermons in support for Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran,' said Stalinisky, who sits on MEMRI's board of directors. The press monitoring group was co-founded by a former Israeli intelligence officer and bills itself as a 'independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit' organization. According to 2023 census figures, 55 percent of Dearborn's population of 110,000 reported Middle Eastern or North African ancestry. The city is home to the largest Muslim population in the US per capita as well as the largest mosque in North America. Stella sent back to her father, who has custody, and Wendy was arrested Drove to Orlando and flew to Puerto Rico until they were found on Saturday A seven-year-old girl who disappeared with her mother in Georgia has been found nine days later in Puerto Rico. Stella Brannen Salter and her mother Wendy Salter, 46, were last seen in Lyons, Georgia, on March 29 and left town after that. They were believed to be traveling in a 2007 gold Volvo C70 with Georgia tag GEE777. Stella Brannen Salter and her mother Wendy Salter, 46, were last seen in Lyons, Georgia, on March 29 and left town after that She was arrested by local police at a shop on the Caribbean island about 12pm on Saturday and taken to Bayamon Correctional Complex Wendy's phone pinged near Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday and police said she booked a flight to Puerto Rico. The FBI finally tracked down Wendy to Bayamon, in the capital San Juan's western suburbs, after she used her credit card to make transactions. She was arrested by local police at a shop on the Caribbean island about 12pm on Saturday and taken to Bayamon Correctional Complex. Stella was found in a nearby hotel room where they were staying but local media reported they were camped out in the shop days earlier. Wendy did not have custody of her daughter, and Stella has been returned to her father, Jeremy Salter. Wendy was a school counselor for more than a decade and now writes children's books. The Lyons Police Department and the FBI will extradite Wendy back to Georgia where she will likely face charges. She will face court on April 11. Stella has been returned to her father and Wendy did not have custody of her daughter and will be extradited back to Georgia where she will likely face charges Wendy did not have custody of her daughter, and Stella has been returned to her father, Jeremy Salter Friends sent panicked messages to Wendy in the comments of her Facebook posts after she updated her profile on April 2. 'Come on sis. You have everyone worried about you let someone know you're okay. Or if you're not let someone know,' one wrote. 'You are loved by many and your girls need you to be safe.' Another added: 'I want you to know I love y'all and I hope y'all are safe! If you decided to run just let someone know you're safe so people can quit worrying. I wish nothing but the best for you.' A third wrote: 'Hey sweetheart, you have a lot of people that love you very worried, please let someone know that you and baby girl are ok.' A fourth friend said they were only an hour away from Orlando if she needed help, but by then she was already in Puerto Rico. The average salary of migrants entering the UK has dropped by 10,000 in just two years, according to a new report, falling from 42,884 to 32,946. Last week salary thresholds for those arriving in Britain were raised to 38,750 in a bid to crack down on exponential migration levels. Yet because those working in the social care settings are exempt from the rule, critics have argued that the new visa system is 'geared towards low-skilled migrants that cost the country more than it brings in'. According to the Centre for Migration Studies, the number of visas handed to those working in 'caring professional services' has jumped from just 4.3 per cent in 2021 to 47.3 per cent last year. Research from the think tanks reportedly reveals that 47.3 per cent of work visas are given to those within the sector with employees from abroad entering the country on a minimum salary of 20,960. The average salary of migrants entering the UK has dropped by 10,000 in just two years, a new report has shown, falling from 42,884 to 32,946 Last week salary thresholds for those arriving in Britain were raised to 38,750 in a bid to crack down on exponential migration levels, however, care workers were exempt. File photo of a care worker Meanwhile a quarter of migrants fell into the nursing and midwifery profession, on the average salary of 30,726, with the second largest group was for those in the IT and Telecomm professionals, where the average salary is 48,655. MPs have argued that the new system will reduce net migration by 30,000 but others have argued its near pointless until social care workers are also included. But Robert Bates, Research Director at the Centre for Migration Control, told the Sun: 'Since 2019 the Conservative government have done nothing to take back control of Britain's borders. 'These findings show that their new visa system has actually made the problem far worse and is geared towards low-skilled migration that costs the country more than it brings in. 'The new system that came into force on April 4 is a pure political gimmick that will do nothing to substantially cut the numbers, and the Home Secretary must surely know this.' It comes after it was revealed in February that the number of UK visas handed to foreign workers and their family members soared to more than 600,000 last year. According to the Centre for Migration Studies, the number of visas handed to those working in 'caring professional services' has jumped from just 4.3 per cent in 2021 to 47.3 per cent last year Data released in February by the Home Office showed Britain granted 337,240 work visas in 2023, 26 per cent higher than in 2022, with the rise largely driven by those coming to the country to work in the care home sector The Home Office showed Britain granted 337,240 work visas in 2023, 26 per cent higher than in 2022, with the rise largely driven by those coming to the country to work in the care home sector. That follows figures released in November which showed annual net migration to the UK hit a record 745,000 in 2022 and has stayed high since. Visas under the 'Skilled Worker - Health and Care' route almost doubled, Thursday's data showed, rising by 91 per cent to 146,477 last year. Many of these workers also brought dependants, with the health and care bracket accounting for 73 per cent of the 279,131 visas given to the family members of workers. This was an 80 per cent jump in numbers of dependents compared to 2022. In total, visas handed to foreign workers and dependents together hit 616,000 last year. Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner were last night accused of breaking their pledge to uphold standards in public life. Tory party chairman Richard Holden said the Labour leader's 'unwillingness' to probe claims against his deputy over her property dealings was damning. Ms Rayner is facing fresh accusations of rule-breaking after The Mail on Sunday exposed social media posts that cast more doubt on her insistence she lived apart from her husband and children for their first five years of marriage. In one post, she said she had 'just got home' but the backdrop is her then-husband's Stockport house, where she claims she did not live. Keir Starmer has been told by the Tory chairman that the scandal over Angela Rayner's home is 'corrosive to his reputation' Angela Rayner is under scrutiny over claims she may have avoided capital gains tax on the sale of her own house and broken electoral law by falsely declaring where she was actually living Tory party chairman Richard Holden said the Labour leader's 'unwillingness' to probe claims against his deputy over her property dealings was damning 10 pressing questions Keir Starmer's deputy leader needs to answer Why did Angela Rayner say, in a social media post from 2014, that she'd 'just got home' to Lowndes Lane if she didn't live there? On her own account of split living, how much time did she spend at each address? Who was with her while she was at Vicarage Road? Is she confident her Vicarage Road electoral roll entry accurately reflects her living arrangements? Why are there no pictures of her at Vicarage Road on her open social media between 2010 when her sons were registered at her husband's home and 2015 when her former council house was sold? Were the neighbours who have repeatedly said she was never in Vicarage Road lying? What does she have to say to those who say her brother, Darren, was living at Vicarage Road alone? Did she get rent from her brother? Did she tell her mortgage provider who was in the property? Did she, while her brother was there, claim a single-person discount on council tax as is now under investigation by Stockport Council? What address did she use on the nomination paper when standing for election as an MP in May 2015? Did her then-husband Mark benefit from a capital gains tax discount when selling Lowndes Lane in 2015? Who gave her the tax advice she now says exonerates her? Did she also get legal advice? Why won't she publish it? Why has she not shown that advice directly to Sir Keir Starmer herself, instead of relying on his team to relay it to him? Advertisement Mr Holden led a clamour of calls from Tory MPs for Ms Rayner to answer 'simple' questions about her property affairs. She is under scrutiny over claims she may have avoided capital gains tax on the sale of her own house and broken electoral law by falsely declaring where she was actually living. She denies both claims. In his letter to Sir Keir and Ms Rayner, sent last night and seen by the Mail, Mr Holden said: 'You have pledged to uphold standards in public life, but the failure by you and your deputy to answer the simplest questions about this matter makes a mockery of these claims. 'Given the clear public interest in this case, your unwillingness to investigate this fully so far, or even bother to look at legal advice Ms Rayner claims to have received, is a damning indictment of your leadership.' The Mail on Sunday studied dozens of open social media posts by Ms Rayner, all showing her life with her children and cats at the Lowndes Lane address of then-husband, Mark. None of the pictures show her at Vicarage Road, a mile away, where she was on the electoral register until selling the ex-council house in 2015. Ms Rayner could face a criminal conviction and a fine for a false declaration on the electoral roll if it is found she was not actually living at Vicarage Road, as neighbours have claimed. They say her brother, Darren, lived there in the later years and described Labour's deputy leader as the 'landlady'. There are also questions over whether she owed tax on the sale, as married couples can normally count only one property as their main home at any one time. She has refused to publish tax advice which she claims exonerates her. In a speech in January, Sir Keir vowed to restore standards in public life. He said: 'We need to clean up politics. No more VIP fast lanes. No more kickbacks for colleagues. 'No more revolving doors between government and the companies they regulate. A social media post by Ms Rayner from March 20, 2014, in which you can see her patchwork sofa A picture inside the Lowndes Lane home showing the same sofa with the same pillow that Ms Rayner was sitting on in the picture she posted on social media above The same chef ornament can be seen in this picture of the kitchen at the Lowndes Lane home 'I will restore standards in public life with a total crackdown on cronyism.' Last night Tory deputy chairman Jonathan Gullis said: 'It's about time Angela Rayner came clean on where she was actually living between 2010 and 2015. 'As more evidence is uncovered, appearing to undermine Angela Rayner's account, it is increasingly clear that the British people cannot trust Labour's deputy leader.' Tory former Cabinet minister David Jones said: 'Keir Starmer should insist that Angela Rayner is completely transparent over the sale of her house. 'She should also publish the advice she says she received from her accountant. 'Angela Rayner has been quick to criticise Conservatives in the past. She should now demonstrate that she is herself beyond reproach.' Yesterday Labour's Shadow Foreign Secretary insisted his colleague has 'done nothing wrong'. Tory deputy chairman Jonathan Gullis said: 'It's about time Angela Rayner came clean on where she was actually living between 2010 and 2015' Tory former Cabinet minister David Jones said: 'Keir Starmer should insist that Angela Rayner is completely transparent over the sale of her house' David Lammy said The Mail on Sunday evidence was merely of Ms Rayner's 'blended family' and she should not be the 'exception' in publishing tax advice. A Labour Party spokesman said: 'Angela and her husband mutually decided to maintain their existing residences to reflect their family's circumstances and they shared childcare responsibilities. 'Angela has always made clear she also spent time at her husband's property when they had children and got married. She was perfectly entitled to do so.' Ms Rayner used the right to buy scheme to purchase her former council home in 2007 and sold for a 48,500 profit in 2015. On Monday, millions of people across North America will witness the incredible spectacle that is a total solar eclipse. But there is still good news for Britons who might be feeling a little left out of all the cosmic splendour. Not only will a few UK towns be able to catch a glimpse of April's eclipse, but another opportunity to see a partial eclipse is just around the corner. Although we will have to wait until 2090 to see the next total eclipse over the UK, scientists say a partial eclipse will appear in 2025, before a 90 per cent eclipse in 2026. Dr Edward Bloomer, senior astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, told MailOnline: 'Throughout history, eclipses have been associated with good luck or bad luck, but really, it's a fantastic chance to see the mechanics of the solar system at work.' On Monday, millions of people across North America will witness the incredible spectacle that is a total solar eclipse Which towns in the UK and Ireland will see the solar eclipse this Monday? 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 On April 8, a total annular, or 'ring of fire', eclipse will be visible over large parts of the US and Mexico. A solar eclipse happens when the moon lines up between the Earth and the sun. When the moon lines up perfectly it completely blocks the light from the sun, casting a shadow down onto Earth. For anyone who happens to be directly within that shadow, it will appear that the Sun has been totally obscured by the moon. The UK isn't in this shadow, called the path of totality, so we won't get to see a total solar eclipse. But some people on the Western edges of the UK and Ireland might be able to catch a glimpse of a partial eclipse just before sunset. Viewers will see between 44 per cent of the sun covered in Belmullet to 11 per cent in Glasgow from 19:52 BST onwards. However, since the eclipse will happen so close to sunset over the UK, towns in the west will have a better chance of seeing some obscuration. This is the second total eclipse to take place over the US in just seven years. One town, Carbondale, Illinois, will have been in the path of both solar eclipses - earning it the moniker 'the eclipse crossroads of America'. As this map shows, a few UK towns will be able to catch a glimpse of the eclipse this Monday. The more purple areas of shading show where more of the sun will be obscured When will a solar eclipse visible in the UK? 8 April 2024 Observers in the west might just catch a partial eclipse before sunset. 29 March 2025 A good partial with up to 40 per cent coverage over the North of Scotland. 12 August 2026 This will be the closest to totality for the next 75 years, reaching 96 per cent obscuration in parts of Cornwall. 2 August 2027 A partial eclipse ranging from 30 per cent in Scotland to almost 60 per cent in the South West. 26 January 2028 Observers might catch a partial eclipse before sunset. 12 June 2029 A partial eclipse with only a little obscuration. 1 June 2030 A partial eclipse of about 50 per cent coverage just after sunrise. Advertisement This is even more exceptional when you consider just how rare total solar eclipses are in the first place. Dr Kenneth Phillips, scientific associate at the Natural History Museum, told MailOnline: 'Eclipses of the Sun or Moon do occur typically a few [times] per year but total eclipses of the Sun are very rare.' The Moon doesn't go around Earth on the same plane as the Earth goes around the Sun, making perfect alignment quite rare. Dr Phillips explains: 'The Moon's orbit round the Earth is inclined by just over 5 degrees with respect to the Sun so only when the point where the paths of the Moon and Sun intersect at new moon do we get an eclipse of the Sun.' The main reason that the US has been so lucky to see two eclipses over the last seven years is simply down to the size of the country, according to Dr Phillips. He says: 'Solar eclipses can occur at any place on Earth, no place is favoured. 'The area of the USA is 10 million sq km, that of the UK only 1/4 million sq km, so the probability of a total eclipse in the US is about 40 times that in the UK.' Hopeful eclipse-chasers in the UK will have to wait quite a long time to see a total eclipse, with the next one not visible until 2090. However, if you can't wait until then, there's good news. Dr Bloomer added: 'There should be a partial solar eclipse on the 29th March 2025 (though it is less than 50% coverage even if you head up to the Shetland Islands).' The best place to see next year's eclipse will be Scotland in cities such as Glasgow where 42 per cent of the sun will be covered. The path of totality (pictured) shows where the sun will be totally obscured by the Moon. Outside of this narrow band, people will only be able to see the sun slightly covered On 29 March 2025, a partial solar eclipse will be visible from the UK. This map shows that the eclipse will be visible over the whole country but places in the North of Scotland will get the best view READ MORE: The 9 towns and cities in the UK and Ireland where you'll be able to see the solar eclipse next week Advertisement As you head further south, less of the sun will be covered but even in London people will be able to see 30 per cent of the sun obscured by the eclipse. The 2025 eclipse will start from around 10:00am GMT and finish at midday meaning there will be a good window to see the eclipse above any buildings or trees. And in August 2026 there will be an even better partial eclipse over the UK during which more than 95 per cent of the sun will be obscured in places. The best views of this eclipse will be from the Westernmost parts of Cornwall in towns such as Penzance, Porthleven, and Truro. However, there will be good views of the eclipse from all over the country as London, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, and Glasgow will all see 90 per cent of the sun obscured. A solar eclipse happens when the moon lines up between the Earth and the sun. When the moon lines up perfectly it completely blocks the light from the sun, casting a shadow down onto Earth Provided there is not too much cloud cover, this will be the best chance to see anything approaching a total eclipse for a long time. While there will be a chance to see a small partial eclipse every year until 2030, most of these will obscure the sun only a very small amount. However, if you are planning to watch Monday's eclipse, or any other in the coming years, it is absolutely essential that you use the proper equipment. Dr Bloomer says: 'Do not look directly at the Sun, not even for a moment.' An eye-opening documentary sets out on a quest to find the world's loneliest person, with a shepherd, an islander and forest-dweller making the final cut. A team of filmmakers behind the YouTube channel Yes Theory said they spent four months 'searching to find stories of extreme solitude and what brought these humans to such fates.' In the film, they start by hopping to a remote part of Northern Italy where they find a man called Flaminio. The hermit explains that he has has spent 52 years living in a farmhouse alone up a hill away from a village, after he was thrown out of home at the age of 23. He has never found out why he was told to leave home, but after that incident, he decided to go solo and has never looked back. A documentary sets out on a quest to find the world's loneliest person. In the film, the the filmmakers start by hopping to a remote part of Italy where they find a man called Flaminio The hermit explains that he has has spent 52 years living in a farmhouse alone up a hill away from a village, after he was thrown out of home at the age of 23 As he has not had any contact with the modern world, Flaminio has become quite an inventor and he has built an array of tools to help him get by Now his flock of sheep are his only companions and he says it brings him joy every morning when he wakes to see them roaming around outside. A translator in the documentary explains that Flaminio had pretty much no contact with the outside world for decades, 'but in recent years has had one man as a connection to the nearby village.' As he has not had any contact with the modern world, Flaminio has become quite an inventor and he has built an array of tools to help him get by. In one scene he accurately tells the time using a DIY sundial, and in another clip he is seen sharpening knives using a homemade sharpening wheel. He also shows off a pair of nifty skis that he has made with brakes on and from the same shed, he produces a pair of pants fashioned out of sheepskins, as the thick wool helps keep him warm during the winter. As they sit in the kitchen sharing some bread, cheese and wine with Flaminio, the filmmakers ask him if he ever feels lonely, to which he replies 'sometimes [but] not really.' He continues on the subject: 'At night sometimes I feel a little lonely... a little sad maybe. But in the morning when I see my sheep, it all feels better. 'I felt bad a few years ago but I no longer feel so bad.' Asked if the sheep are his closest friends, Flaminio explains that he has a volatile relationship with the animals and 'sometimes yes, sometimes no.' 'The male sometimes kicks me, I have to be careful,' he adds. He also suggests that animals are better companions than humans with some people out there 'who treat you like a rag.' Along with tending to his sheep and inventing things, Flaminio says his other passions include reading manuals and studying Chinese. The film crew have a quick look in his simple bedroom where they find a giant spider. They joke that Flaminio probably left the bug hanging as a natural bug protector. The second subject in the Yes Theory documentary is 20-year-old Erik Granqvist who has spent the last several years building his dream cabin alone in the woods of Sweden After following some vague instructions taking them into a forested patch of land, the film crew finally find Erik and he shows them his DIY structure His move was inspired by American adventurer Dick Proenneke, who lived alone in a cabin for almost 30 years in the wilds of Alaska The second subject in the Yes Theory documentary is Erik Granqvist, who, the narrator explains is a 20-year-old who has 'spent the last several years building his dream cabin alone in the woods of Sweden with the dream of learning how to become fully self-sufficient.' After following some vague instructions taking them into a forested patch of land, the film crew finally find Erik and he shows them his DIY structure. The outdoorsman explains that he decided to relocate to the woods alone just before he was 18. His move was inspired by American adventurer Dick Proenneke, who lived alone in a cabin for almost 30 years in the wilds of Alaska. Erik muses: 'Everybody expected me to just keep on studying and stuff like that. 'So, I felt a little bit stuck in that path. And then I saw this documentary film about Dick Proenneke who built his own life in Alaska. 'There's a documentary, Alone in the Wilderness, and that really got me inspired because he just basically just moved out there and then he could just live off the land. 'That was a huge inspiration for me... and then I just went extreme and basically did it.' Luckily Erik's grandfather had a patch of land he could use to live out his wilderness dreams and he went about building a home using only natural materials. He lives simply, with no internet and only patchy cellphone service. While he felt a little bit alone at first, Erik says he got used to the solitude and and he now has a girlfriend for companionship. Asked how his new way of life has impacted him, Erik replies: 'Actually, it's made me less shy, strangely enough. 'Back in the day I had more social anxiety and stuff like that. So strangely enough, by removing me completely from other people, I actually gained more confidence. 'I think probably it's because I got the confidence that I can do stuff with YouTube and stuff like that. I think I've grown more confident and more able to speak with people and express myself.' After building a loyal social media following, with his footage showcasing his outdoors lifestyle, Erik says he hopes to inspire others. He concludes: 'My biggest inspiration now is to inspire people like the way I got inspired by the documentary that I watched. The Yes Theory team head to Greece, to find one more person living a life of solitude. They take a sailboat to the uninhabited island of Kinaros where they meet 78-year-old Eirini Kotsatourchi Eirini has been living alone of the remote outcrop since 2013, when her husband died and she inherited the island from her family To survive, she farms crops and keeps chickens and she also gets regular supplies from a nearby island shipped in 'So, now I want to do the same thing, hopefully.' Lastly, the Yes Theory team jet over to Greece, to find one more person living a life of solitude. They have to take a sailboat to the uninhabited island of Kinaros where they meet 78-year-old Eirini Kotsatourchi, who is also known as Mrs. Rinio. As the filmmakers near the island, they say: 'Well... it's much bigger than I thought it was, actually. 'She's got a lot of space for being on her own. I'm getting a little nervous now that we're approaching and we don't know if she's there and if she's going to be interested in seeing us.' Luckily, Eirini is there to meet the film crew and she welcomes them into her humble abode. She explains that she has been living alone of the remote outcrop since 2013, when her husband died. The island belonged to her father but when he died, she promised she would look after it and she has been the sole caretaker since 2000. To survive, she farms crops and keeps chickens and she also gets regular supplies from a nearby island shipped in. Asked if she feels lonely on the island, she replies: 'No, I'm not afraid, nor do I care that I am alone.' Every year, Eirini's son stays with her for two to three months, and in the documentary, she shows how she keeps photos of him on display around her simple farmhouse. Moving on to her daily routine, Eirini says that she wakes up at 2am, and then at 5am she goes to feed her animals. She will then stay with the animals until noon, with the main job being to clean their areas. Then, in the heat of the afternoon, she prefers to sleep. After sharing some homemade liquor with Eirini, the Yes Theory team bid her a fond farewell and thank her for letting them into her home. Following their voyage to meet three of the world's loneliest people, the filmmakers describe it as an inspirational trip. They say: 'The more time we spent with these three incredible humans, the more fascinated we became. 'They've all experienced loneliness, but somehow eventually found peace, joy and laughter in the simple daily tasks around them. 'Their sense of purpose in taking care of their animals or building and lots of time spent outdoors seems to have greatly contributed to that lightness in their spirits. 'Loneliness is a natural symptom of feeling disconnected from our own sense of humanity and from others. 'Some of us may see connection more than others, but ultimately, no matter who you are or where you live, I hope that you remember that there are people out there waiting to make a friend just like you. Don't let a chapter of sadness make you believe otherwise.' Jordan Brook broke down in tears on Sunday's The Only Way Is Essex as he revealed he thought his girlfriend, Sophie Kasaei was pregnant but it turned out to be a false positive. The TOWIE star, 28, and former Geordie Shore star Sophie, 34, who has endometriosis, have been open about the difficulties of trying for a baby. Having a heart-to-heart with fellow star Elma Pazar, 30, Jordan admitted he has done everything he wanted to do in life, and all that is left for him is to become a father. He confided: 'Two weeks before we came out here, we thought she was pregnant again which was f*****g hard. 'It's my next step in life to be a dad. Everyone here knows how hard I find it being away from Soph as it is. Me and that girl are so close. Jordan Brook broke down in tears on Sunday's The Only Way Is Essex as he revealed he thought his girlfriend, Sophie Kasaei was pregnant but it turned out to be a false positive The TOWIE star, 28, and his girlfriend, who has endometriosis, are desperately in the middle of trying for a baby, but the difficulties are becoming too much for Jordan 'Everyone knows we are trying for children, it is really hard to talk about. When it is all you want as a man to be able to give that to someone. 'Early in the journey we had a false positive test. The whole thing takes over your life like I can't explain. Sophie has previously candidly spoken about her fertility struggles. The Geordie Shore star admitted her fertility journey 'hasn't been the easiest' as she thought 'she would be able to fall pregnant straight away'. Speaking to Heat magazine, the TV personality said: 'We've been trying for a few months now. I thought I'd get pregnant straight away, but it's a lot harder than people think.' Sophie, who started dating the TOWIE star, in November 2022, added: 'It's not the easiest - there are definitely hard months but we'll get there one day. At the moment, though, Jordan is loving the trying. 'He's having a field day because I'm fulfilling all of his needs and wants!' Sophie has been incredibly open in the past about her battle with endometriosis which has led to her going through certain fertility tests. Having a heart-to-heart with fellow star Elma, 30, (pictured) Jordan admitted he has done everything he wanted to do in life, and all that is left for him is to become a father He confided: 'Two weeks before we came out here, we thought she was pregnant again which was f*****g hard' The star was diagnosed back in 2020, when she opened up with her followers about her 'excruciating' battle with the condition. Endometriosis is a condition resulting from endometrial tissue outside the uterus which causes pelvic pain and is often related to menstruation. She compared her horrendous ordeal to someone 'stabbing you in your ovaries' when she shared her experience with her followers. 'I want to say to anyone who suffers from endometriosis, like it is so painful! I literally was just fine and I've started to cry again. 'I've just done a PT session and I had to leave because the pain that I just felt driving home, honestly I can't describe that pain. 'It's the most excruciating pain, it's like someone's got a knife and is just stabbing you in your ovaries.' It comes after Sophie said she is head over heels in love with Jordan. The Geordie Shore star admitted her fertility journey 'hasn't been the easiest' as she thought 'she would be able to fall pregnant straight away' She has revealed how the pair keep their relationship alive as she opened up about their exciting sex life, confessing that her legs are 'always in the air'. The couple are taking things to the next level and are even planning on starting a family together. Speaking to Closer magazine, Sophie revealed: 'He's 28 and has plenty of energy. Let's just say, when I'm ovulating, it's Jordan's favourite week of the month because he knows he gets to fill the tank! 'When we're trying, we have a laugh together, the legs are always in the air and we're having fun for sure.' The reality star, who first rose to fame while starring in MTV's Geordie Shore back in 2011, added how important physical attraction and sex is in a relationship. She revealed that the pair are keen not to lose the spark between them, even if they are lucky enough to welcome a child together. 'Of course, there are times when you get tired and life gets difficult, especially if you add a baby into the mix, but I've said to Jordan that I hope we maintain this level of intimacy as long as we can,' she explained. Jordan told the publication that it is their dream to start to a family and for him to become a dad, although it hasn't been an easy journey due to Sophie's endometriosis. Jordan first joined TOWIE back in 2017, and after he was axed a year later he returned to the cast in 2022. Last year, it was revealed that Sophie was joining TOWIE in the first ever crossover between the two reality shows. Walmart is facing backlash for reportedly selling a shirt with the phrase, "Where the heck is Uvalde, Texas?" Jessica Phelps/Staff Merchandise reportedly being sold by Walmart has ignited anger and frustration in a Texas community still reeling from tragedy. The T-shirt in question asks in large type, Where the heck is Uvalde, Texas? Brett Cross, the father of a victim of the May 24, 2022, shooting at Robb Elementary school, responded to the shirt with a post on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Oh you know, that town by San Antonio where 19 kids and two teachers were killed, he wrote. Cross, whose 10-year-old son Uziyah Garcia was killed in the shooting, said he spotted the shirt at a Walmart in Uvalde. The post attracted hundreds of responses, largely from users calling on the corporation to immediately pull the shirt out of its stores. Why would someone make this shirt? Walmart joins the retailers with no morals, one person wrote. Certainly, you did not intend to profit from the horrible massacre in Uvalde, right? another asked the retail giant. The navy blue shirt has the outline of Texas on the front and was for sale for less than $10, according to the post. In a statement provided Monday, Walmart said it immediately removed the item from shelves after learning that it was perceived negatively by some customers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Our stores have always been central to the communities they serve, and our store managers have the ability to purchase merchandise that is locally relevant, the company said in a statement. Though well intended, we apologize for any distress this item has caused. While it is not available on Walmarts website, a quick Google search shows that the same design is being sold by several other online retailers. Cross, one of the most vocal critics of the police response to the Uvalde gunman, shared a post where someone digitally altered the shirt to say, Where the heck is the Uvalde Texas Police? Cross comments over the shirt come as he reaches an agreement to avoid prosecution on a domestic violence charge. The activist joined a crowd of Uvalde community members at a special City Council meeting last week to demand the firing of police officers who responded to the mass shooting. The famed plastic surgeon behind the Kardashian family has issued a reality check to people hoping to achieve an A-list celebrity look through surgery. Appearing on The Face with Alex Pike podcast, Dr. Garth Fisher said that social media platforms like Instagram have given people a warped sense of beauty 'Instagram came and then you see all these filters and it's just not realistic,' he explained. 'And you can't capitalize that and say, "I'm going to make you look like this filter" - it's just not gonna happen.' Dr. Fisher stressed the importance of letting prospective patients know that they're not going to be able to achieve a filtered social media aesthetic in real life. The famed plastic surgeon behind the Kardashian family has warned the public about what they can realistically achieve with plastic surgery. (Kourtney Kardashian pictured) Appearing on The Face with Alex Pike podcast, Dr. Garth Fisher (pictured) said that social media platforms like Instagram have given people a warped sense of beauty 'Instagram came and then you see all these filters and it's just not realistic,' he explained to host Alex Pike Dr. Fisher is largely known for performing Kris Jenner's facelift on an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians 'It's our responsibility to dictate what's necessary, what's appropriate, and what the possibilities are and be honest with our patients.' The strapping surgeon also said that he has no issue turning patients away if he can't deliver what they're after. 'There's different ideas of what patients want and if I don't mirror that and I don't think that I can - or want - to deliver what they want, I just remove myself from the picture,' he shared. 'I like understated - I don't want people to look like they've had plastic surgery.' Dr. Fisher is one of the go-to plastic surgeons in Hollywood and was once dubbed 'The Enhancer' in Vanity Fair magazine. He's largely known for performing Kris Jenner's pinnacle facelift on an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. The board-certified surgeon also did Kourtney Kardashian's breast augmentation and removed a tumor from Khloe's face. The Beverly Hills-based surgeon helped Kourtney achieve her perfect cleavage with a breast augmentation Khloe Kardashian was ridiculed back in 2020 after posting what appeared to be a heavily airbrushed selfie to Instagram Fans of Keeping Up with the Kardashians were shocked by the star's unfiltered look on an episode of the hit series He even gave a pre-transition Caitlyn Jenner a revision facelift, which was also featured on an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. 'Garth Fisher is genius,' Jenner gushed after the procedure. 'Nobody really know I'd had anything done!' Dr. Fisher also helped actress and reality star Lisa Rinna achieve a more natural pout after she'd had permanent silicone lip fillers in the late '80s. Earlier in his career, Dr. Fisher was Hugh Hefner's go-to surgeon and often performed breast augmentations on Playboy magazine's many models, centerfolds, and Bunnies. Despite the Kardashian family's gorgeous good looks, the reality TV stars gave been accused at times of using filters on their social media photos. In 2016, the Good American founder openly admitted to using editing tools to enhance some of her social media photos Kris Jenner has also been blasted by fans on social media for seemingly filtering some of her photos Queen of Pop Madonna is another notorious airbrusher, with fans often calling out the songstress for her heavily edited Instagram photos Salt-N-Pepa's Sandra 'Pepa' Denton looks unrecognizable after editing one of her selfies Khloe was ridiculed back in 2020 after posting what appeared to be a heavily airbrushed selfie to Instagram. In 2016, the Good American founder openly admitted to using editing tools to enhance some of her social media photos. 'Of course I believe in airbrushing apps, I just think airbrushing apps, like who doesn't want to airbrush a thing here or there,' she told People magazine. 'I love FaceTune, that one's great. I don't really know of many more, but a filter, that's like airbrushing. Who doesn't love a good filter? Sometimes you're having a bad day.' In February, Khloe was sensationally accused of FaceTuning her Russian Blue cat after fans noticed the feline's changed features. The star, 39, who - along with her famous family - has been caught editing photos before, posted a snap of her pet Grey Kitty to mark Valentine's Day, but her followers quickly pointed out the cat's 'blurred' whiskers and different eye color. One fan wrote: 'Even the pets arent safe' with a second typing: 'Even the cat got work done'. Dr. Fisher is one of the go-to plastic surgeons in Hollywood and was once dubbed 'The Enhancer' in Vanity Fair magazine Earlier in his career, Dr. Fisher was Hugh Hefner's go-to surgeon and often performed breast augmentations on Playboy's many models. (Pictured with Donna D'Errico) Dr. Fisher is pictured with Amber Rose, who he performed a breast reduction on In 2014, Kim Kardashian admitted that she rarely smiles because it 'causes wrinkles'. Last year, airbrushing app FaceTune took a dig at Kim and sister Kylie Jenner by commenting on one of their photos, writing, 'can they tag me please LOL'. Other reality stars that have been accused of editing their photos include Patti Stanger and Sister Wives star Meri Brown. Sandra 'Pepa' Denton from '90s group Salt-N-Pepa was also accused of editing some of her recent selfies. In one image, the 57-year-old's visage had a blurry glow to it that seemed to mask some of her naturally beautiful features. 'Too many filters smh. You can barely see her nose,' commented one fan. 'They almost blurred her nose completely out the picture. She's beautiful but y'all getting crazy with the editing!' wrote another. Queen of Pop Madonna is another notorious airbrusher, with fans often calling out the songstress for her heavily edited Instagram photos. Travis Barker's ex-wife could have a new man in her life. Shanna Moakler, who celebrated her 49th birthday in Las Vegas, was spotted getting cozy with actor Greg Vaughn Friday night in Los Angeles. Both were guests at the release party for the Black Keys new album, Ohio Players, at Bar Marmont. The former beauty queen made a low-key appearance, wearing a black maxi dress beneath a floor-length puffy coat. She donned black and white sneakers for the event. Travis Barker's ex-wife Shanna Moakler, 49, made a low key appearance at the release party for the Black Keys new album, Ohio Players, Friday in Los Angeles The model appeared to be wearing natural looking makeup with a soft peach lip. Her long, blonde hair was styled in loose curls that cascaded down her back and around her shoulder. Moakler's long fingernails were polished white and she carried a small black bag with a gold chain. She was spotted driving away from the party with Vaughn, 50, who looked handsome in a gray suede jacket, a black T-shirt and jeans. The Days of Our Lives star parted his dark hair on the side and sported a salt and pepper beard. The Queen Sugar actor has a side gig as a comedian and promoted two upcoming shows scheduled to take place in Tampa and Orlando, Florida next weekend. He will enjoy a double billing with fellow Days star Robert Scott Wilson, 36. Vaughn has been performing standup for nearly two decades. The former beauty was seen wearing a black maxi dress beneath a floor length black puffy coat. She donned black and white sneakers for the event She was spotted driving away from the party with Days of our Lives star Greg Vaughn, 50, who looked handsome in a gray suede jacket, a black T-shirt and jeans The Queen Sugar actor has a side gig as a comedian and promoted two upcoming shows scheduled to take place in Tampa and Orlando, Florida next weekend. He will enjoy a double billing with fellow Days star Robert Scott Wilson, 36 The divorced dad of three shares sons Jathan, 16, Cavan, 14, and Landan, 12 with his ex-wife, model and actress Touriya Haoud. Moakler shares her son Landon, 20, daughter Alabama, 18, and raised her oldest daughter Atiana De La Hoya, 25, with ex Travis Barker, 48, during and after their marriage four year marriage which lasted from 2004 to 2008. The Blink 182 drummer is now married to Kourtney Kardashian, 44, who has three older kids of her own, Mason, 14, Penelope, 11, and Reign, nine from her relationship with former partner Scott Disick. The couple welcomed their son Rocky in November 2023. Advertisement A rapper, a DJ and a hotshot lawyer walk into an Austin nightclub. That was the scene Friday night at Texas attorney Thomas J. Henry's $5million blowout birthday bash in Austin, Texas to celebrate 62 years around the sun. No expense was spared for the soiree that saw 600 guests come out to celebrate at Superstition nightclub. Rapper Jack Harlow brought down the house with his performance, reportedly earning an eye-watering $1million for the 30-minute set that included his top hits, Lovin' On Me, Glamorous, What's Poppin. And Jack's opener? International DJ Steve Aoki. Rapper Jack Harlow performed at the private birthday party for Texas lawyer Thomas J. Henry at a nightclub in Austin Friday night Thomas J. Henry made his grand entrance with partner Evelin Crossland by his side, along with their adorable pooch Tito Steve Aoki earned a cool six figures for his 45 minute set, and debuted a brand new song set to be released next month A dancer dressed in an elaborate costume entertained the 600 party guests at Friday night's soiree The 26-year-old rapper showed Thomas birthday love on stage, telling the crowd, 'My middle name is Thomas!' Jack Harlow, Thomas J. Henry and Evelin Crossland pose for a photo just before the rapper took the stage No expense was spared for the soiree that saw 600 guests come out to celebrate at Superstition nightclub Six of Thomas' Ferraris, Porsches, and Lamborghinis were on display lining the entrance of the club. And inside were aerial performers, lush flower arrangements, bottle service and caviar bites for the 600 guests to enjoy. The lawyer made his grand entrance with partner Evelin Crossland by his side, along with their adorable pooch Tito. 26-year-old rapper Jack Harlow showed Thomas birthday love on stage, telling the crowd, 'My middle name is Thomas!' Steve Aoki earned a cool six figures for his 45 minute set, and debuted a brand new song set to be released next month. Guests dined on bites from Austin's J - Prime steakhouse, that included tuna tartare wontons, caviar, oyster shooters, and mini ribeye tacos. And of course it's not a party without signature cocktails. For Henry, he went attorney themed with cocktails named the Pro Bono, Class Action, Closing Argument and Section 42. Thomas told DailyMail.com, 'This party was special because I got to share it with people I work with, friends and family! And then there was the venue, Superstition, that made the event rock along with amazing performances by Steve Aoki and Jack Harlow right here in the heart of Texas -AUSTIN!!' Acrobats were seen outside the club where Thomas' luxury cars were on display Jack brought down the house with his performance, reportedly earning an eye-watering $1million for the 30-minute set that included his top hits, Lovin' On Me, Glamorous, What's Poppin Ian Bean and Thomas J. Henry are pictured at the birthday celebration, featuring Jack Harlow and Steve Aoki at Superstition Thomas and Evelin are pictured making their grand entrance with their dog Tito Guests dined on bites from Austin's J - Prime steakhouse that included, tuna tartare wontons, caviar, oyster shooters, and mini ribeye tacos Of course it's not a party without signature cocktails. For Henry, he went attorney themed with cocktails named the Pro Bono, Class Action, Closing Argument and Section 42 Steve Aoki posed with Vice President of TJH Law Ruben Herrera after his high-energy performance at the nightclub The lawyer had more to celebrate than just his birthday. His firm announced this week that he has delivered a billion dollars paid to clients in the last four years. 'We have established ourselves through the meticulous and methodical way we develop every case, and this approach has allowed us to achieve record breaking results year after year,' Thomas said. 'I am proud and honored to serve so many people and families all over Texas for nearly 35 years,' he added. 'Dedication to serving others has been my passion.' And in attendance were his executives, Vice Presidents of TJH law Laurie Dobson, Ruben Herrera and Roger L. Turk, President of Legal Operations - along with local judges and politicians. As the night ended in the early hours of Saturday morning, Thomas' son sprayed the VIP area with champagne in true rock star fashion. Six of Thomas' Ferraris, Porsches, and Lamborghinis from his personal collection lined the outside of the club Henry is the founder and owner of Thomas J. Henry Law, one of the nation's leading personal injury firms, representing clients of high-profile cases, including the victims of Travis Scott's Astroworld concert Vice President of TJH law Laurie Dobson poses in front of the TJH flower wall at the event Steve Aoki performs at Thomas J. Henry's Birthday Celebration in Austin, Texas Dancers in elaborate costumes entertained guests throughout the night The prominent Texas attorney has proven he knows how to have fun, splashing out on a $2million suite at this year's Super Bowl and flying his team on his private jet to Las Vegas for a weekend of fun. He celebrated his firm's 25th anniversary with a $10million company party that had performances by Enrique Iglesias and Maroon 5. He also hosted his own $4.5million 56th birthday bash in 2018 that featured performances by Cardi B and DJ Khaled. Henry is the founder and owner of Thomas J. Henry Law, one of the nation's leading personal injury firms, representing clients of high-profile cases, including the victims of Travis Scott's Astroworld concert. He's successfully litigated against some of the largest companies in the world, including Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies. The stars of Married At First Sight are in hot water with Channel Nine after enjoying a boozy night in Sydney after filming the reunion. Despite producers reportedly not wanting the cast at 'gatherings' before the final results of the show aired, Daily Mail Australia can reveal that a bevy of the show's brides and grooms stepped out to celebrate Michael Felix's birthday. Lucinda Light, Cassandra Allen, Timothy Smith, Tristan Black, Eden Harper, Andrea Thompson, Stephen Stewart, Jade Pywell, Ash Galati and Natalie Parham were all in attendance. Jonathan McCullough and fellow bride Ellie Dix also showed up. There was no tension between Ellie and her jilted ex Ben, as they laughed off their ill-fated romance as he introduced the cast to his new German girlfriend, Aileen. The stars of Married At First Sight are in hot water with Channel Nine after enjoying a boozy night in Sydney before filming the reunion Despite producers reportedly not wanting the cast at 'gatherings' before the final results of the show aired, Daily Mail Australia can reveal that a bevy of the show's brides and grooms stepped out to celebrate Michael Felix's birthday The cast had been placed at different hotels by producers in Sydney, so as to not ruin the ending prior the reunion which airs April 7 and 8 on Channel Nine. It was previously reported bosses were 'prohibiting' gatherings among the cast after a booze-fuelled viewing party, as it 'leaves fans questioning how genuine they are with their search for love'. Despite choosing to go their separate ways, Lucinda and Timothy looked to be getting along just fine as they posed for photos together at Bar Lucia in Sydney's Potts Point. Jonathan McCullough and fellow bride Ellie Dix were also in attendance, packing on the PDA in front of their co-stars There was no tension between Ellie and her jilted ex Ben, as they laughed off their ill-fated romance as he introduced the cast to his new German girlfriend, Aileen Lucinda Light, Cassandra Allen, Timothy Smith, Tristan Black, Eden Harper, Andrea Thompson, Stephen Stewart, Jade Pywell, Ash Galati and Natalie Parham were all in attendance. Mike and his ex-partner Stephen also appeared to be getting along just fine Mike and his ex-partner Stephen also appeared to be getting along just fine. Ellie and Jono are still feeling the heat on Married At First Sight thanks to their cheating scandal. Last month, tensions came to a head on the show when Lauren Dunn finally confronted husband Jono about texting fellow bride Ellie after she left the show. Lauren's heart was shattered when she found out her groom was secretly texting Ellie. Mike seen posing with Cassandra Allen Stephen appeared to hit off with bride Jade Pywell and was seen holding her hand as they arrived at the party hand-in-hand Former MAFS bride Alyssa Barmonde was also in attendance, gifting Mike some colourful cupcakes A dramatic episode saw Lauren demand to see Jono's iPhone, only to discover he had texted Ellie hundreds of times after she left the experiment. 'You reached out to her. These aren't just relaying information that happened the night before, this is more than that. My stomach dropped,' Lauren told Jono. Jono finally admitted he had secretly been texting Ellie - but attempted to downplay their relationship as just platonic. Ellie and Jono will announce their relationship during the show's reunion. Liam Hemsworth is all set to carve his own slice of paradise in the Byron Bay hinterland, following the footsteps of his superstar brother, Chris. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Hollywood star, 34, is embarking on the construction of a sprawling abode, with the total cost estimated to exceed $20 million. Luckily for Byron Bay locals, Liam's new digs won't be as large as the Broken Head residence owned by his big brother Chris and wife Elsa Pataky, which has been dubbed by neighbours as 'Fortress Hemsworth'. Yet the younger Hemsworth's still promises to be an epitome of luxury, combining sleek design with the serene backdrop of Byron's hinterland. Liam purchased the sprawling 37 hectare site for $6.8 million in 2021, and the building expenses are anticipated to cost around $14.6 million. Liam Hemsworth, 34, (pictured) is reportedly embarking on the construction of a sprawling abode, with the total cost estimated to exceed $20 million Designed by the acclaimed Melbourne-based SSdH architectural firm, the planned two-storey, pavilion-style home is a marvel of modern architecture, seamlessly blending into the hillside to minimise its environmental impact. The layout features two open-plan living areas, a rumpus room surrounding an internal courtyard, and luxurious amenities such as a large cabana, terrace, and a nearly 18-meter swimming pool. Privacy and comfort are paramount, with all five bedrooms boasting en suite bathrooms, in addition to a generously sized gymnasium and sauna. Liam purchased the sprawling 37 hectare site (pictured) for $6.8 million in 2021, and the building expenses are anticipated to cost around $14.6 million The property Liam purchased in 2021 has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and one garage space It also has sweeping views of the Byron Bay hinterland The hunk already owns a nearby property with five-bedrooms and four-bathrooms in Newrybar. Byron Bay has largely become synonymous with the Hemsworth clan, with brothers Liam, Chris and Luke's total investment in the popular region estimated to be worth over $100million. After buying his Byron Bay family home for $7million back in 2014, Chris transformed the sprawling property into a compound that has been valued at between $30million and $60million. The Hollywood hunk already owns a nearby property with five-bedrooms and four-bathrooms in Newrybar (pictured) Luckily for Byron Bay locals, Liam's new digs won't be as large as the Broken Head residence owned by his big brother Chris and wife Elsa Pataky (left), which has been dubbed by neighbours as 'Fortress Hemsworth' Critics and locals were quick to say that the rebuild reminds them of a suburban shopping centre, a refurbished RSL club or a regional airport terminal. The 50-metre rooftop infinity pool alone is estimated to have cost at least $400,000, an enormous indoor mural could be worth as much as $100,000 and the landscaping bill would reach $500,000. Eldest brother, Westworld star Luke, also took the keys to a $4.9 million beachfront home in Suffolk Park, not far from Chris' property, in 2020. The home was in a family trust directed by Liam and Chris, and was purchased two years prior for $4.3 million. Naomi Campbell oozed sophistication as she arrived at a star-studded event to celebrate Dolce & Gabbana's 40th anniversary in Milan on Saturday. The British supermodel, 53, looked sensational as she flashed her toned abs in a skimpy polka dot crop top that also teased a glimpse of her ample cleavage. Naomi layered the look with a chic and oversized pin stripped suit as she strutted her stuff in a pair of towering heels. The ensemble also boasted a floral broach and polka dot train and she styled her long raven tresses poker straight. Naomi accentuated her iconic features with glamorous make-up and added extra sparkle with chandelier earrings and a matching diamond necklace. Naomi Campbell, 53, oozed sophistication as she arrived at a star-studded event to celebrate Dolce & Gabbana's 40th anniversary in Milan on Saturday The British supermodel looked sensational as she flashed her toned abs in a skimpy polka dot crop top that also teased a glimpse of her ample cleavage From the Heart to the Hands: Dolce&Gabbana will bring together Dolce&Gabbana one-of-a-kind creations for the very first time. The exhibition will be an open love letter to Italian culture as the enduring inspiration for Dolce&Gabbanas fashion designs, tracing the extraordinary translation of the ideas of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, from the heart through to their realisation, by hand. The exhibition, which will launch in Milan and then tour worldwide, will celebrate the fashion house as a symbol of Italian glamour, exploring its approach to unconventional luxury. Speaking to Financial Times ahead of the exhibition opening the brands founders and co-owners explained how they hope to tell the story of 'where they had come from.' Stefano said: 'Our dream is to inspire the new generations, to encourage them to express what they feel, and give them courage.' Domenico added: 'We would like young people to see in the artistic professions an alternative, an antidote to banality and homogenisation. 'And if this project leads them to marvel at the creativity and craftsmanship that are contained not only in the final product, but in the entire process, we will feel truly happy.' It comes after Naomi's friends brushed off romance rumours with Saudi Arabian multimillionaire producer Mohammed Al Turki. Naomi layered the look with a chic and oversized pin stripped suit as she strutted her stuff in a pair of towering heels The ensemble also boasted a floral broach and polka dot train and she styled her long raven tresses poker straight It comes after Friends of the model, who will be the subject of an exhibition at the V&A this summer, say that reports of a romance with close pal Mohammed Al Turki (pictured) are wide of the mark Friends of the model, who will be the subject of an exhibition at the V&A this summer, say that reports of a romance with close pal Mohammed Al Turki are wide of the mark. Al Turki ('Mo' to his friends) is the boss of the Red Sea Film Festival. He accompanied Naomi to the BAFTAs in London in February, and the pair were seen holding hands on the night. She has also been spotted wearing an enormous diamond ring. However a dear friend of Naomi told the Mail: 'It isn't a romance - all her friends know that he is actually in love with another model and in a settled relationship with them. 'Naomi is single and focuses on her children and her sobriety.' Naomi, born in London, now lives mostly in New York. In May 2021 she took the world by surprise when she announced she had welcomed a daughter - at the age of 51. Naomi took the world by surprise when she announced she had welcomed a daughter - at the age of 51 in 2021. Two years later, in June 2023, she announced the arrival of her son At a special birthday event held for Naomi last year in France, Mohammed was seen sat right by the birthday girl for the evening (pictured) She told Vogue magazine: 'I always knew one day I would be a mother, but it's the biggest joy I could ever imagine.' Two years later, in June 2023, she announced the arrival of her son. Both children are believed to have been born to a surrogate and Naomi has yet to reveal the names (or faces) of either. She has been friends with Al Turki for around a decade and is rumoured to get $1 million every time she walks a red carpet in support of his festival, which is bankrolled by the Saudi Culture Ministry. They have been fixtures at each other's sides at many events since, including Cannes film festival last year, Paris Fashion Week in 2022 and 2023 and several exclusive parties, like Edward Enninfuls recent birthday bash. Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara stunned in stylish looks as they arrived to film America's Got Talent in Pasadena on Saturday. The German model, 50, donned a futuristic look as her all silver ensemble brought out her bouncy blonde locks that cascaded over her shoulders. She was all smiles as she wore her silky top slightly unbuttoned, highlighting her cleavage and accessorizing with a large statement necklace. Her flowing pants matched her top as she paired the look with gold heels and a silver designer purse as well as circle framed glasses. Vergara, 51, opted for a very chic and trendy look wearing a black tank top and oversized bootcut jeans with sunglasses. Heidi Klum, 50, and Sofia Vergara, 51, stunned in stylish looks as they arrived to film America's Got Talent in Pasadena on Saturday The Colombian beauty wore a navy dress jacket over her shoulders as her honey-brown hair flowed in the wind. She wore a bold pinkish-red lip as she tied the look together with a tan Christian Dior purse and gold hoop earrings. The Hollywood lookers were in downtown Pasadena, California to film the 19th season of their hit show America's Got Talent. Since it premiere in 2006, America's Got Talent features has produced acts like Grace VanderWaal and Dustin Tavella. Judge Simon Cowell, 64, said, 'In the first two days weve used more Golden Buzzers than weve ever used - thats got to be a good sign!' Acts will be able to move directly to the live shows if a judge hits their Golden Buzzer. There will be nine golden buzzers for contestants to fight for, with presenter Terry Crews keeping his one and Cowell, returning judges Sofia, Heidi, and Howie Mandel receiving two each. The upcoming season is scheduled to premiere on May 28 and promises viewers 'some of the wildest acts to ever grace the AGT stage' per the latest ad. After that, live performances will begin on August 13. Cowell, the show's creator said that the results are not always obvious or predictable, 'You can't please everyone there were people who were disappointed, people who were surprised, but it's a public vote.' The German model donned a futuristic look as her all silver ensemble brought out her bouncy blonde locks that cascaded over her shoulders The Hollywood lookers were in downtown Pasadena, California to film the 19th season of their hit show Klum even stopped to take photos with fans and sign autographs Sofia wore a bold pinkish-red lip as she tied the look together with a tan Christian Dior purse The Colombian beauty wore a navy dress jacket over her shoulders as her honey-brown hair flowed in the wind He revealed that he's gotten 'used to' being thrown off by the shows winners after judging for so long. The 64-year-old mentioned how one of his favorite things about the last season's winner is that they didn't have any expectation of winning. 'I think that was pretty amazing. It was like a happy ending,' he said. Sofia recently posed with her co-star Heidi in the show's latest video advertisement. They looked stunning as the two beauties promoted the talent show ahead of its spinoff. Sofia declined to appear in the show's spinoff due to scheduling conflict. Lupita Nyong'o flaunted her jaw-dropping figure as arrived at the star-studded opening of Dolce & Gabbana's 40th anniversary exhibition in Milan on Saturday. The actress, 41, commanded attention in a sequinned silver mini skirt which she teamed with a tiny matching crop top. She wore the co-ord over a sheer black bodysuit that hugged every inch of her toned physique as she hit the red carpet. Lupita showcased her unique sense of style as she completed the look with shades and styled her hair in an eye-catching up do. From the Heart to the Hands: Dolce&Gabbana will bring together Dolce&Gabbana one-of-a-kind creations for the very first time. Lupita Nyong'o, 41, flaunted her jaw-dropping figure as arrived at the star-studded opening of Dolce & Gabbana's 40th anniversary exhibition in Milan on Saturday The actress commanded attention in a sequinned silver mini skirt which she teamed with a tiny matching crop top The exhibition will be an open love letter to Italian culture as the enduring inspiration for Dolce&Gabbanas fashion designs, tracing the extraordinary translation of the ideas of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, from the heart through to their realisation, by hand. The exhibition, which will launch in Milan and then tour worldwide, will celebrate the fashion house as a symbol of Italian glamour, exploring its approach to unconventional luxury. Speaking to Financial Times ahead of the exhibition opening the brands founders and co-owners explained how they hope to tell the story of 'where they had come from.' Stefano said: 'Our dream is to inspire the new generations, to encourage them to express what they feel, and give them courage.' Domenico added: 'We would like young people to see in the artistic professions an alternative, an antidote to banality and homogenisation. 'And if this project leads them to marvel at the creativity and craftsmanship that are contained not only in the final product, but in the entire process, we will feel truly happy.' Last month Lupita and Joshua Jackson were spotted packing on the PDA as they vacationed in Mexico amid their budding romance. The father-of-one shockingly split from ex-wife Jodie Turner-Smith last fall. The exes share daughter Juno, four in April. She wore the co-ord over a sheer black bodysuit that hugged every inch of her toned physique as she hit the red carpet Last month Lupita and Joshua Jackson were spotted packing on the PDA as they vacationed in Mexico amid their budding romance Turner-Smith cited 'irreconcilable differences' in her divorce filings as she made a bid to remove herself from her 'unhealthy' marriage with Joshua last October. Weeks after she filed for divorce, the actor was photographed holding hands with Lupita, hours after it was confirmed they were dating. Jodie recently spoke for the first time to the Sunday Times Style magazine about why her marriage ended. 'Sometimes things we really want to work just don't end up working. And that's OK. The most important thing is that you choose what's healthiest for you and your family and definitely your children. There are so many different moments in our life where we look at ourselves and say, "Who am I and am I being true to that?" 'If the answer is no, then you have to make a move because I believe that there are visible scars from staying in places that are not good for us. And they don't just affect us, they affect everybody around us. I don't think it's a failure. We obviously had such a beautiful moment together. And now it's time for a new moment for both of us,' she stated. Elizabeth Hurley and her son Damian both looked chic as they arrived at the set of television show The View in New York City on Saturday. Actress Elizabeth, 58, opted for a stylish white trouser suit, wearing the jacket over a matching top with a plunging neckline and a lace trim. She wore a pair of light beige open-toed platform heels ad shielded her eyes behind some dark sunglasses. Damian, 22, wore a black top and matching trousers, with a pair of black shoes and some sunglasses. Screen star Elizabeth and her son Damian have found themselves under fire after he directed her racy lesbian sex scene in his upcoming film Strictly Confidential. Elizabeth Hurley and her son Damian both looked chic as they arrived at the set of television show The View in New York City on Saturday Damian, 22, wore a black top and matching trousers, with a pair of black shoes and some sunglasses Elizabeth raised eyebrows for her steamy scene with another woman in the raunchy trailer for her upcoming film Strictly Confidential; which was directed by her son Damian. But the star insists it wasn't just a 'titillating' moment but an important part of the plot of the movie. In Damian's directorial debut, Elizabeth plays a mother called Lily who welcomes her daughter's friends to her Caribbean estate the year after the mysterious deaths of her daughter and her husband. A number of secrets become known during the trip, including Lily's love affair with her daughter's female friend. Of the steamy sex scene between the pair, which was directed by her real-life son Damian, Elizabeth told TooFab: 'Well, it was a very important part of storytelling, when Mia, our protagonist, is on this quest to find out why her best friend [Elizabeth's character's daughter] killed herself,. 'It was so integral to [the storytelling] that the actual physical filming of it wasn't even something we talked about really. 'We just knew that the impact it would have on the story and the rest was just our job.' She insists the scene is not simply included for shock value, adding she always stays away from movies that have salacious moments to stun the audience. Actress Elizabeth, 58, opted for a stylish white trouser suit, wearing the jacket over a matching top with a plunging neckline and a lace trim Elizabeth and son Damian have found themselves under fire after he directed her racy lesbian sex scene in his film Strictly Confidential - but the actress has defended the scene A number of secrets become known during the trip, including Lily's love affair with her daughter's female friend But the star insists it wasn't just a 'titillating' moment but an important part of the plot of the movie The screen star said: 'For me, when I get a script, if I feel something is put in gratuitously -- which has nothing to do with storytelling -- right from when I was a beginner, I'd be like, "I don't get that, I don't understand that, that's not something I want to be part of." 'It's just thrown in, in my head, by some male executive somewhere and I've never been part of that. 'I would not have been on this, but it wasn't. It was so integral. It was part of the storytelling, it wasn't just a sex scene thrown in for titillation.' It comes after Elizabeth and her son Damian came under furious fire from a professional psychotherapist over their controversial new movie collaboration which saw the actress being directed by her child as she performed a lesbian sex scene. While Elizabeth claimed to feel 'liberated' by having a family member around to film the saucy scenes, Couples Therapy star Dr Jenn Mann has criticised her actions. According to the licensed marriage, family and child therapist, filming the scenes are a major boundary breach between parent and child, and she would advise against simulating sex in front of your child. In Damian's directorial debut, Elizabeth plays mother Lily who welcomes her daughter's friends to her Caribbean estate the year after the deaths of her daughter and husband Jenn told TMZ she found the actress' comments about the scenes being 'liberating,' 'bizarre' - and weren't aligned with a healthy parent-child dynamic. She told the publication in her opinion, despite Damian being an adult, directing his own mother's erotic scenes is crossing some lines between parent and child. Elizabeth, who shares Damian with ex-Steve Bing, previously told Access Hollywood she felt 'safe and looked after' shooting the film. 'Its relaxing knowing someones behind the camera who looks out for you,' the Austin Powers star explained, adding that was particularly important when filming this movie. For Prince Andrew, the backlash from the notorious Newsnight interview about his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein must have felt like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Now Rufus Sewell, who plays Andrew in a new Netflix drama about the interview, almost seems to be rubbing it in for the Royal by being pictured buying his own frying pan, for as much as 70. Sewell, 56, who wore heavy prosthetics to play the disgraced Duke in Scoop, was spotted shopping in west London this week. Given his rave reviews for the behind-the-scenes story of the BBC Newsnight exclusive, Sewell needn't worry about his performance being panned. The drama is based on a book by Sam McAlister, the Newsnight producer who secured the 2019 interview. Rufus Sewell, 56, was spotted out and about in London with a new frying pan purchase in tow The actor wore heavy prosthetics to play the disgraced Prince Andrew in Netflix drama Scoop She is played by Billie Piper, with Gillian Anderson as Emily Maitlis, who interrogated Andrew. Keeley Hawes is Andrew's aide and Charity Wakefield plays the Prince's daughter Beatrice. Sewell, who has also starred in The Holiday and The Diplomat, said he nearly turned down the role of Andrew because he was not 'a natural mimic'. 'It took a lot of methodical work, obsessive watching and listening,' he told GQ magazine. 'But I always felt that I could get there.' He spent hours listening to the original Newsnight interview and learning the Prince's speech and mannerisms to replicate them. 'His dialect is very specifically him,' he said. 'It's not like Charles or Anne. It took a while to pin down; it's a colloquial looseness.' He was transformed with 'layers and layers' of prosthetics, a bald cap and a 'wispy white wig'. 'And a little bit of padding, but not too much,' he added. Gillian Anderson plays Emily Maitlis, who interrogated Andrew for the infamous interview In the interview, dramatised here in Scoop, Andrew sought to defend his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein amid claims over his relationship with teenager Virgina Guiffre In the interview, Andrew sought to defend his friendship with Epstein amid claims over his relationship with 17-year-old Virginia Guiffre. But it led to headlines around the world when he made a series of bizarre claims including one that he had been in a Pizza Express in Woking, Surrey, on the night he was said to have been in a London club with Ms Guiffre. Severe thunderstorms are possible in San Antonio, along with much of Texas, on Monday and Tuesday. LISA KRANTZ/San Antonio Express-News The total solar eclipse is just one day away, and the forecast continues to look unfavorable for us in South Texas. Not only are mostly cloudy skies expected during the eclipse, but now severe thunderstorms will be possible during the afternoon and evening across a large part of the state. It truly is unfortunate timing as many have been preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime event for the last several months. However, there still is a chance to experience at least some aspects of the eclipse. Heres the latest forecast. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sunday Forecast Before the weather turns active, Sunday will be relatively quiet. Early morning temperatures will stay mild in the low to mid 60s. As drier air moves in from the west, temperatures will respond by increasing to around 83-84 degrees by the late afternoon. Mostly cloudy skies in the morning will turn partly cloudy by the afternoon. Eclipse forecast A low pressure system will be moving through the desert Southwest, directing moisture into South Texas by Monday morning. Dew points which is a measure of how much moisture is in the atmosphere will rise to the upper 60s to near 70. That is a high level of moisture, which often is associated with clouds and rain chances. Shown is the cloud cover forecast April 8 for South Texas and the Hill Country. NWS Austin/San Antonio Because of the increased moisture, a thick blanket of clouds is expected to move into South Texas early Monday morning. This will block the view of the total eclipse from most areas around San Antonio and the Hill Country. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The National Blend of Models estimates that South Texas will be 75 to 85% covered by clouds. That means that while there may be some breaks in the clouds, the majority of the sky is expected to be covered. If a thin area of clouds moves over your location at just the right time, some aspects of the eclipse may still be visible. North Texas will fare slightly better, but cloud cover between 50 and 65% is still expected in areas like Dallas, Waco and Texarkana. Severe weather coming Isolated showers and weak storms are possible in the morning and early afternoon across South Texas. Rain chances will stay low though, near 20% through the region. Then, after the eclipse, there's a small chance of isolated storms in the northern Hill Country, but overall storm chances will stay low. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Shown is the SPC severe storm outlook for Tuesday. A Level 3 risk of severe storms exists in parts of Central and East Texas. A Level 2 risk of severe storms exists in South Texas, including San Antonio. Pivotal Weather The highest severe weather risk will be in Central and North Texas. Waco, Abilene, Dallas, Fort Worth and Wichita Falls are under a the Level 2 to 3 risk of severe storms. The biggest risk with these storms will be the potential of very large, damaging hail. However, a few isolated tornadoes are also possible. There is a low risk of strong to severe storms in South Texas overnight Monday and into early Tuesday morning. Thats why San Antonio is under a Level 2 of 5 risk of severe weather. Multi-day event Thanks to the slow movement of the western low pressure system, much of Texas is under another severe weather threat on Tuesday. Areas of flooding, large hail, and a few isolated tornadoes will be possible once again during the late afternoon through evening. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Shown is the SPC severe storm outlook for Tuesday. A Level 3 risk of severe storms exists in parts of Central and East Texas. A Level 2 risk of severe storms exists in South Texas, including San Antonio. Pivotal Weather Angelina Jolie put on a classy display in an all-black ensemble alongside her mini-me daughter, Vivienne, during an outing in New York City on Saturday. The Maleficent actress, 48 - who recently accused Brad Pitt of being 'physically abusive' towards her before infamous 2016 row on plane - enjoyed a shopping spree wit the teen, 15, in the Big Apple. The star sported a pair of black, loose-fitting trousers as well as a lace top underneath, which was partially concealed by a long, black coat. She slipped into a pair of black, heeled boots to complete her monochromatic look for the daytime excursion. Jolie's long locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly flowed down straight past her shoulders. Angelina Jolie, 48, put on a classy display in an all-black ensemble alongside her mini-me daughter, Vivienne, 15, during an outing in New York City on Saturday She accessorized the outfit with a pair of dainty, gold earrings as well as black shades that offered a fashionable flare. A tan-colored purse was placed on her right shoulder to hold a few items she needed while spending quality time with her daughter. Vivienne dressed down in a gray, Nike sweatshirt as well as light blue jeans and comfy sneakers. The mother daughter duo were seen strolling side-by-side and held smiles on their faces while having a light-hearted conversation. They each also carried large paper bags while making their way through the bustling city streets over the weekend. Earlier this week on Wednesday, both Angelina and Vivienne attended the opening night of the musical titled, The Outsiders - which is currently in its preview stages. The two notably have been working together on the project due to the teenager being interested in theater. Vivienne first saw a production of the musical in San Diego. In a statement last year, Jolie said that her daughter, 'reminds me of my mother in that she isn't focused on being the center of attention but in being a support to other creatives.' The star sported a pair of black, loose-fitting trousers as well as a lace top underneath, which was partially concealed by a long, black coat The mother daughter duo were seen strolling side-by-side and held smiles on their faces while having a light-hearted conversation 'She's very thoughtful and serious about theatre and working hard to best understand how to contribute,' the actress continued. 'I hope to be able to contribute while continuing to learn from this amazing team, who I have been working with since my daughter brought me to see the show at La Jolla Playhouse.' 'I can't begin to express how excited I am for this musical to make its Broadway debut and look forward to sharing this new adaptation of The Outsiders with the world.' Angelina's latest outing on Saturday comes after her legal team said Brad Pitt was physically abusive to her before their 2016 row on a plane, in newly-filed legal documents linked to the former pair's battle over their French winery. Attorneys on Thursday for Jolie filed papers in a motion in Los Angeles County Superior Court, saying that Pitt had a history of being physically aggressive with Jolie before the well-documented September 14, 2016 row during a flight from Nice, France to L.A. Pitt has denied all of the allegations of physical abuse, and was not charged amid an FBI probe into the incident; Dailymail.com has reached out to Pitt's reps for comment on the story. 'While Pitt's history of physical abuse of Jolie started well before the family's September 2016 plane trip from France to Los Angeles, this flight marked the first time he turned his physical abuse on the children as well,' Jolie's legal team said in court docs about the ongoing legal proceedings. A source close to the Maleficent actress said that Pitt declined to enter into counseling for domestic violence, and disregarded severe family problems by seeking partial custody of their six children: Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 17, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 15. Angelina's latest outing on Saturday comes after her legal team said Brad Pitt was physically abusive to her before their 2016 row on a plane, in newly-filed legal documents; seen in 2019 in L.A. Attorneys on Thursday for Jolie filed papers in a motion in Los Angeles County Superior Court, saying that Pitt had a history of being physically aggressive with Jolie before the well-documented September 14, 2016 row during a flight from Nice, France to L.A; seen in 2023 in Las Vegas 'Pitt never came to this understanding and not only sought 50-50 custodial time - including with children with whom he had not had a stable relationship in years - but also sought sole custody if the children did not sufficiently bond with him,' Jolie's lawyers told the court in legal docs. Jolie's legal team said in their court filing Thursday that 'despite this distressing request, Jolie still did not seek sole custody' of the children. 'Instead she advocated that the children's wishes and needs be prioritized, based in part on what the children felt they could do, and for a custody plan formulated in the children's best interest to heal.' Jolie's lawyer Paul Murphy told Dailymail.com in a statement that the information released in Thursday's filing is revealing of why the Fight Club actor wanted Jolie to sign a non-disclosure agreement amid the parting. 'Mr. Pitt refused to purchase Ms. Jolie's interest when she would not be silenced by his NDA,' Murphy said. 'By refusing to buy her interest but then suing her, Mr. Pitt put directly at issue why that NDA was so important to him and what he hoped it would bury: his abuse of Ms. Jolie and their family. After eight months of delays, this motion asks the Court to force Mr. Pitt to finally produce that evidence.' An insider close to the situation told Dailymail.com that the Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood actor has caused himself problems with his long-running litigation over the French winery. 'Pitt is drawing all of this out of Angelina,' the insider said. 'She does not want to be here, she does not want to be raising any of these facts, and she is doing it only because Pitt's lawsuit against her is forcing her to defend herself.' The insider described the situation as 'incredibly sad,' adding that Jolie 'just wishes' Pitt 'could move on and let her be.' Jolie's lawyer Paul Murphy told Dailymail.com in a statement that the information released in Thursday's filing is revealing of why the Fight Club actor wanted Jolie to sign a non-disclosure agreement amid the parting; seen in 2015 in Hollywood By prolonging the legal battle over the winery - which the former couple purchased in 2008 for $28.4 million - Pitt has left himself more exposed to further problematic allegations that could circulate through the court system, and subsequently, to the public, the insider said. Pitt has since accused Jolie of being a 'hypocrite' due to claiming that he wanted her to sign an NDA to 'control' the actress amidst selling their French vineyard. The actor's lawyers informed the LA Superior Court on Friday that Jolie's claims regarding the NDA was simply a cover to 'rationalize' betraying Brad, per TMZ. His legal team also claimed that Angelina had asked Pitt to sign an NDA months later. Late last month in March, a source told DailyMail.com that the former couple's years-long divorce battle had been nearing the end and were in final negotiations. It was in Rome that Lily James was caught canoodling with married The Crown actor Dominic West. So where better to host her bacchanalian 35th birthday party than at London's most exclusive private members' club, the Greco Roman-themed Apollo's Muse? The Surrey-born actress, star of Pam & Tommy and Downton Abbey, was spotted leaving the celebrations in the heart of Mayfair in an 8,000 outfit which paid fashionable homage to the club's opulent interiors. Pairing a 4,639 Yves Saint Laurent toga-style dress with gold Jimmy Choo Saeda sandals (875), Ms James also carried a 2,500 Dolce & Gabbana Black Devotion shoulder bag and draped an unusual Burberry raincoat, with a white lining, around her shoulders. A new trench coat from the British luxury brand costs around 2,000. Flanked by two men in cream suits, Ms James, whose birthday was on Friday, left the club in the early hours of yesterday with her close friend, The Creator actress Gemma Chan. The Surrey-born actress, star of Pam & Tommy and Downton Abbey , was spotted leaving the celebrations in the heart of Mayfair in an 8,000 outfit which paid fashionable homage to the club's opulent interiors Ms James paired a 4,639 Yves Saint Laurent toga-style dress with gold Jimmy Choo Saeda sandals (875) Ms James also carried a 2,500 Dolce & Gabbana Black Devotion shoulder bag and draped an unusual Burberry raincoat, with a white lining, around her shoulders. A new trench coat from the British luxury brand costs around 2,000 A photograph uploaded to Ms James's Instagram stories before the event featured an image of her posing in the outfit, surrounded by flowers and balloons The star was accompanied by her close friend, The Creator actress Gemma Chan The actress also shared a happy birthday message from former Spice Girl Emma Bunton READ MORE: Lily James goes makeup free in a low-key baseball cap as she emerges from her hotel after celebrating her 35th birthday in Mayfair Advertisement A photograph uploaded to Ms James's Instagram stories before the event featured an image of her posing in the outfit, surrounded by flowers and balloons, and a happy birthday message from former Spice Girl Emma Bunton. Other guests at the celebrations included magician Dynamo. Apollo's Muse is marketed as 'the most private of private members' clubs' and is tucked away at the back of Mayfair's Bacchanalia restaurant. Only 500 people are granted membership, making it one of the most exclusive clubs in the world. Designed by Richard Caring, the billionaire club mogul behind Annabel's and The Ivy, it is frequented by famous names including model Kate Moss. Lily is currently preparing for the release of the upcoming mystery-comedy film Greedy People, in which she will star. The actress was first attached to the project in May of 2022, when Deadline revealed that she had joined its cast. Greedy People will be centered on a police officer who is tasked with investigating a murder and the sudden discovery of a large sum of money in a sleepy town. In addition to Lily, the film's cast will be led by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Himesh Patel, with whom the actress costarred in the 2019 film Yesterday. The garment featured a pale green dot print while the Pam & Tommy star wrapped up in a camel trench coat Flanked by two men in cream suits, Ms James, whose birthday was on Friday, left the club in the early hours of yesterday Joining Lily at her bash was Gemma Chan who donned a black trench coat which she wore over matching trousers and stilettos Other guests at the celebrations included magician Dynamo (pictured in a green jacket) Performers such as Tim Blake Nelson, Uzo Aduba and Simon Rex round out the cast of the feature. Although Shooting took place in the summer of 2022, Greedy People has yet to be assigned a premiere date. Lily will also star in the thriller feature Relay, to which she was initially linked in February of last year. The performer will portray a client who seeks the assistance of a corporate fixer after her life is endangered. The Cinderella star is also set to star alongside Riz Ahmed and Sam Worthington in the upcoming movie. Physical production on the feature commenced in New York in April of last year, and its team eventually moved to New Jersey to shoot several scenes. Relay's prospective premiere date has not been revealed as of yet. Cardi B is poised to release her much-anticipated second studio album. On Saturday, the superstar rapper, 31, took to her Instagram Stories to announce she is in fact set to drop her follow-up to Invasion Of Privacy, which also just happened to coincide with the sixth anniversary of her acclaimed debut album. '6 years ago I released my first album and it broke so many records GAH LEE!! 6 years later I'm preparing to drop the next one this year,' she wrote in a post where she listed some of the accolades Invasion Of Privacy garnered after being released April 6, 2018. She added, 'It's so different from what everyone is expecting and I'm sooo excited,' before sharing a healthy dose of gratitude for her devoted fans. 'Love you guys and thank you for the support! I'll talk to ya soon,' she concluded. 'I been so busy these last few days.' Cardi B, 31, used the sixth anniversary of her debut studio album, Invasion Of Privacy, to announced the follow up will drop this year; seen in 2023 For the big announcement Cardi (born Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar), 31, made sure to share some of the accolades she received in the wake of the Invasion Of Privacy drop six years ago. First up, she reminded fans that the album hit '#1 Billboard Hot 200 with 255K units sold first week' and notched a '2019 Grammy for Best Rap Album with 6 nominations' The bronx, New York native then shared how Invasion of Privacy scored a '2019 BET Album Of The Year' award. She proceeded to add that 'Invasion Of Privacy is the first album by a female artist to have all of its tracks certified platinum, or higher, by the RIAA.' It also has the distinction of being the 'first female rap album to have every track chart on the Hot 100.' In an added touch, the announcement included the cartoonish image of Cardi with yellow hair and white sunglasses from the original album cover. Invasion of Privacy ended up debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and has since been certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It broke the record for longest-charting album by a female rapper on the Billboard 200, surpassing The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, and has spent three full years on the chart. '6 years ago I released my first album and it broke so many records GAH LEE!! 6 years later I'm preparing to drop the next one this year,' she wrote in a post where she listed some of the accolades Invasion Of Privacy garnered after being released April 6, 2018 'It's so different from what everyone is expecting and I'm sooo excited,' the superstar rapper shared in comparison to Invasion Of Privacy Cardi has released a number of one-off singles since her debut album in 2018 The album, which featured guest appearances by Migos, Chance The Rapper, Kehlani, SZA, 21 Savage, Bad Bunny, J Balvin and YG, set multiple streaming records such as being the first album by a female artist to debut with more than 100 million streams on Apple Music. The tracklist, consisting of 13 songs, featured five hit singles, including Bodak Yellow, Bartier Cardi, Be Careful, I Like It and Ring. Ultimately, Cardi's album debut became the top female rap album of the 2010s, according to the Billboard 200 decade-end chart. While it's been six years since she last released a batch of one-off songs like WAP with Megan Thee Stallion, Up, Hot S**t, Girls Like You with Maroon 5, Finesse with Bruno Mars, Please Me with Bruno Mars, Press, Big Paper for DJ Khaled, Wild Side with Normani, Rumors with Lizzo, No Love with SZA, and Enough (Miami), among others. They're the stand out brides who made a lasting impression with fans this season. And on Saturday, Married At First Sight's Lauren Dunn and Sara Mesa were the epitome of chic as they stepped out to attend Electric Island music festival in Perth. PR maven Lauren, 32, wore a black top with decorative blue floral applique teamed with high waisted jeans and pair and a pair of sandals. Lauren teamed up her look with a designer blag, opting to wear her brown hair and parted down the middle. Sara, 30, looked chic in a stylish yellow crop top with structural boning detail, paired with low-rise denim jeans. Married At First Sight's Lauren Dunn and Sara Mesa were the epitome of chic as they stepped out to attend Electric Island music festival in Perth on Saturday The Sydney-based bride accessorised her look with a pair of sleek sunglasses and a shoulder bag with a chain strap. Meanwhile, former bridezilla Beck Zemek opted for an ankle-length slip dress, which hugged her figure gracefully. Their outing comes after Lauren was accused of having a 'secret boyfriend' in Bali by her co-star Jack Dunkley - in claims which she has firmly denied. PR maven Lauren, 32, wore a black top with decorative blue floral applique teamed with high waisted jeans and pair and a pair of sandals Sara, 30, looked chic in a stylish yellow crop top with structural boning detail, paired with low-rise denim jeans Meanwhile, former bridezilla Beck Zemek opted for an ankle-length slip dress, which hugged her figure gracefully The Gold Coast based personal trainer, 34, shared the bombshell during a rogue interview with Daily Mail Australia ahead of Sunday night's reunion dinner party. He claimed Lauren admitted to the cast that she had a fling in Bali not long before her on-screen nuptials with Jono McCullough and alleged she planned to pursue him after filming. 'It was on camera, Lauren and Jono turned around and admitted to the group that they were in an arrangement throughout the entire experiment,' Jack spilled. The brides were seen chatting before they made their way into the festival At one stage Beck was seen pointing at something in the sky and Lauren appeared shocked All three brides appeared glued to their phones throughout the evening 'Lauren did confirm that she was having a bit of a fling with a guy in Bali one week before she married Jono, and she wished to pursue him after the show.' His revelation came amid reports in New Idea alleging that Lauren had fallen for the 'perfect' man in Bal in a fling which she disclosed to friends and even to Jono during filming. 'In the beginning, Jono thought he could win Lauren over. But it seems like he had no chance if she was already hung up on somebody on the outside,' the magazine claimed. Their latest outing comes after Lauren was accused of having a 'secret boyfriend' in Bali by her co-star Jack Dunkley - in claims which she has firmly denied He claimed Lauren admitted to the cast that she had a fling in Bali not long before her on-screen nuptials with Jono McCullough (both pictured). Lauren acknowledged the fling, but siad she felt that her transparency has been used against her However, Lauren has firmly denounced the swirling rumours as completely unfounded. 'It's just a bit ridiculous. I didn't have a Bali boyfriend,' she staunchly told Daily Mail Australia. She went on to acknowledge the romance in Bali, but told how she felt that her transparency about it had been used against her. 'I told Jono at the very beginning of the experiment... I feel like me being honest about that has come back to blow up in my face later down the line,' Lauren lamented. Molly Ringwald cut a stylish figure as she was joined by her twins, Adele and Roman, at the Miami Film Festival where she was honored with the Creative Vanguard Award The 56-year-old mother-of-three looked stunning in a low-cut white dress with gold accents and cutouts on the sides. Her signature fiery-red hair was lightly curled as it cascaded over her shoulders while she posed with her 14-year-olds. The star who recently revealed her older daughter Mathilda Gianopoulos, 20, was 'conceived at Studio 54' opted for light makeup with pink blush that brought out her cheekbones and gave her a youthful glow. Her two children donned all black ensembles for the rare red carpet appearance. Molly Ringwald cut a stylish figure as she was joined by her twins, Adele and Roman, 14, at the Miami Film Festival where she was honored with the Creative Vanguard Award The 56-year-old mother-of-three looked stunning in a low-cut white dress with gold accents and cutouts on the sides The Riverdale star was given the award at the 41st Miami Film Festival at the Chapman Conference Center. 'Its important to remember that before Molly Ringwald was the iconic young star of John Hughes teen angst-driven comedies such as Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club,' 'She first starred in Paul Mazurskys contemporary update of Shakespeares Tempest,' said the Variety EVP of Global Content and Executive Editor Steve Gaydos. 'This is important because the secret of Ringwalds early success and career longevity is the simple fact she has always been one of American film and televisions most gifted and versatile actresses,' he added. 'Her dazzling work this year as Joanna Carson in the Ryan Murphy hit TV series Feud is ample proof that Ringwalds range and acumen remain intact, and audiences can continue to expect new and wonderful surprises from one of their favorite stars,' he said. The festival is said to celebrating her career and long standing work in the world of Hollywood. 'The Miami Film Festival is excited to continue our partnership with Variety to host remarkable award tributes. We could not be more thrilled to be honoring Molly Ringwald, her career is one that not only spans generations of audiences but also has the ability to intoxicate and delight those watching with outstanding performances,' Gaydos finished. 'Her iconic career across film and television is one worth being admired, including my favorite The Breakfast Club. Were honored to celebrate the exceptional and long-lasting career of Molly Ringwald,' said the festival's Director of Programming. In February, she and Panio Gianopoulos, who wed in 2007, celebrated 23 years together. The Golden Globe nominee went on to explain that she 'always knew' she 'wanted to have children but it took' her 'awhile' to start a family with her husband who she met online in the early 2000s. Her two children donned all black ensembles for the rare red carpet appearance Her signature fiery-red hair was lightly curled as it cascaded over her shoulders She opted for light makeup with pink blush that brought out her cheekbones and gave her a youthful glow The festival is said to celebrating her career and long standing work in the world of Hollywood During an appearance on SiriusXM's Radio in 2021, the Roseville, California native opened about raising their three kids and whether she has sat down to watch any of her old movies with them. 'It definitely is a different time. People ask me if I've watched them with my kids, and I did watch the first one ... with Mathilda,' she admitted. 'And it was such an emotional experience that I haven't found that strength to watch it with my two other kids.' Gianopoulos knows a thing or two about love and romance as the author of How to Get Into Our House and Where We Keep the Money, a short story collection about men and women struggling to find and keep love. His stories, essays, and poetry have appeared in various magazines and newspapers over the years. Before becoming a writer exclusively, Gianopoulos worked as a book editor at such companies as Crown Publishing, Talk Miramax Books, Bloomsbury Publishing and Backlit Fiction. Jonah Hill has been hard at work in the Los Angeles region shooting his latest film Outcome, for which he's directing and co-starring alongside Keanu Reeves, Cameron Diaz and Matt Bomer. But come Saturday, The Wolf Of Wall Street star enjoyed a brief weekend reprieve from helming the black comedy by heading out for a blissful battle with Mother Nature during a day of surfing. While the temperature topped out in the mid-60s Fahrenheit more inland, it only reached the upper 50s as a high along the coast, forcing him to use a classic black wetsuit. Looking tan and sporting closely cropped hair and a long and scruffy beard and mustache, the Mid-90s writer and director put his impressive surf skills on full display during his time out on the Pacific Ocean. The outing comes nearly a year after Hill's ex-girlfriend Sarah Brady, a professional surfer, claimed he was 'emotionally abusive' to her during the time they were together between 2021 and 2022. Jonah Hill, 40, took advantage of some downtime to enjoy a Saturday session of surfing along the coast of Los Angeles Looking tan and sporting closely cropped hair and a long and scruffy beard, the Mid-90s writer and director put his impressive surf skills on full display Hill, 40, only just took up surfing in the summer 2019 after admitting he had been too scared to give it a go as a youngster. Before heading out to become one with the waves, the Los Angeles native first did a series of stretching exercises, as well as a prayer, prior to taking his first run of the day. From there, he did the short run into the surf and began paddling out to a spot where he felt comfortable using as a starting point. By now, Hill has accumulated between more than four years of experience surfing after living in fear throughout most of his lifetime. But all that changed in August 2019, compliments of filmmaker Spike Jonze and Beastie Boys star Mike Diamond, whom he credits with getting him into surfing. 'Been terrified to surf my whole life. Totally random fear and at the same time always been a secret dream of mine,' the This Is the End star wrote in an Instagram post that showed him posing with an instructor in February 2020. 'Turned out to be one of the most fun experiences I've ever had. Not only was it so fun and challenging but more so I'm like damn, at 35 you can start doing s**t you've always wanted to do,' he explained at the time. And from the looks of his frequent outings in the Malibu areas, Hall has not only gotten past his self-imposed fears, he's actually acquired some real surfing skills. At one point, after getting in a number of runs on the waves, the funnyman took a break and pulled down his wetsuit down to his waist, which showed off his many tattoos on his chest, stomach and arms. In the previous couple of weeks Hill has been hard at work directing and starring in the new black comedy film Outcome with Keanu Reeves, Cameron Diaz and Matt Bomer The Los Angeles native has been using surfing as one of his main avenues to keeping healthy and fit after being afraid to try the sport most of his life until he got past his fear in 2019 Hill is currently directing Outcome while working from a screenplay he co-wrote with Ezra Woods. He has been seen on set with his two lead stars since principal photography began in Los Angeles on March 20. The story follows Reef Hawk (Reeves), who's described as a 'damaged Hollywood star who must dive into the dark depths of his past to confront his demons and make amends after he is extorted with a mysterious video clip.' Now sober for five years, Reef takes pride in his progress in life, which includes building a new home, until his world is turned upside down when he receives a call from his crisis lawyer Ira Slitz (Hill), giving him the details of blackmailing scheme. To find out the identity of his blackmailer, Reef sets out on a mission to make right many of his past wrongs. Hill revealed his lifelong fear of surfing when he finally gave it a go in August 2019; he shared about how he conquered that fear in an Instagram post in February 2020 Hill made his feature film directing debut with the coming-of-age comedy-drama Mid-90s (2018), that was inspired by his own childhood growing up in Los Angeles. For his next attempt at directing he helmed the Netflix documentary Stutz (2022), which chronicled the life and career of psychiatrist Dr. Phil Stutz, who also happened to be the Hill's therapist. During his career as an actor Hill is best known for such roles as The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005), Knocked Up (2007), Superbad (2007), Moneyball (2011), 21 Jump Street (2012), This Is The End (2013), The Wolf Of Wall Street (2014) and 22 Jump Street (2014). So far there hasn't been an official word on when Outcome will premiere on the Apple TV+ streaming platform. Just last year, ex-Sarah Brady, 27, alleged in a series of Instagram posts that Hill would 'gaslight' and 'manipulate' her into removing photos of herself surfing in a swimsuit, according to Page Six. While she didn't accuse him of being physically abusive she did make a screen recording of a message he allegedly sent her stating that some of her Instagram pictures were inappropriate. In the purported message, the Don't Look Up star reportedly requested that she remove photos of her 'a** in a thong.' The surfing outing comes nearly a year after Hill's ex-girlfriend, pro surfer Sarah Brady, said he would 'gaslight' and 'manipulate' her into removing photos of herself surfing in a revealing swimsuit, according to Page Six She ultimately removed the photos in question, for which he was said to respond by telling her it was a 'good start' but that she didn't 'seem to get' his point. The publication was unable to confirm the validity of her posts from July 2023. The law student dated Hill from August 2021 through until the early part of 2022. The War Dogs star and his new fiancee, Olivia Millar, welcomed their first child together this past June, just before the allegations were made public. Kimora Lee Simmons and ex Russell Simmons had two very different 'reactions' after their daughter Aoki Lee Simmons was spotted kissing her much older boyfriend recently. The day after their daughter Aoki, 21, was seen with Vittorio Assaf, 65, and paying no mind to their 44-year age difference, her parents seemingly responded on Instagram. Kimora, 48, reposted a since-deleted video of a mother panda furiously pulling away her baby cub with her teeth and wrote: 'On my last nerve right now!' As for her ex-husband, 66 with whom she was married from 1998 to 2009 the 66-year-old record exec posted a throwback photo with his daughter from June 2022 and shared a heartfelt message about his 'unconditional love' for her. He recalled that they had an 'all-around amazing day' last Father's Day the day before a video went viral showing him berating his daughter during a disturbing FaceTime call and making her cry and enjoyed a jam-packed day with yoga class, vegan lunch and cryotherapy. Kimora Lee Simmons, 48, and ex Russell Simmons, 66, had two very different 'reactions' after their daughter Aoki was spotted kissing her much older boyfriend recently The day after their daughter Aoki, 21, was seen with Vittorio Assaf, 65, and paying no mind to their 44-year age difference, her parents seemingly responded on Instagram 'Throw back from last fathers day nyc bode bikram yoga express class .. vegan lunch cryotherapy vitamin drip all around amazing day,' he wrote in the caption and tagged his daughter. 'love you always im always waiting for any call any time.' On Friday, Aoki was seen enjoying a romantic getaway in St. Barths with her much-older beau in steamy PDA-filled snaps. It is unclear how long she and the restauranteur have been romantically involved, but a source close to the model revealed to People that the pair had met while vacationing in St. Barths. 'Aoki and Vittorio are spending time together and enjoying each others' company,' the insider told the outlet. As the pair enjoyed their couple's getaway at what is reportedly a favorite destination for the Simmons family, the Serafina restaurant chain co-founder was taking photos of Aoki and documenting their day at the beach. The couple both took to Instagram to share snaps from their vacation but did not post any photos of each other. Aoki is Kimora's youngest daughter she shares with her first husband. She also shares daughter Ming, 24, with Russell. The fashion designer shares sons Kenzo, 14, and Wolfe, nearly nine, with exes Djimon Hounsou and Tim Leissner, respectively. With Leissner, she adopted her son Gary, 14, in 2020. Kimora, 48, reposted a since-deleted video of a mother panda being protective of her baby cub. Over the reposted video, Kimora wrote that she was 'on my last nerve right now!' As for Russell, the record exec posted a throwback photo with his daughter from June 2022 and shared a heartfelt message about his 'unconditional love' for her On Friday, Aoki was seen enjoying a romantic getaway in St. Barths with her much-older beau in steamy PDA-filled snaps Aoki is Kimora's youngest daughter she shares with her first husband Russell with whom she was married from 1998 to 2009. She also shares daughter Ming, 24, with her ex-husband; seen in July 2005 The Milan-born businessman was previously married to former model Charlotte Bonstrom and made headlines in 2021 when they split. At the time, he confirmed to Page Six that his now-ex was having an affair with her twin sister's ex-husband Thierry Gillier. 'Charlotte and I are in the process of getting divorced she wants to get remarried,' Assaf explained. '[She] is getting married to Thierry Gillier, the ex-husband of her sister.' Assaf and Bonstrom were married for more than 20 years and share two kids Vittorio Jr., 21, and Valentina, 17. The entrepreneur was most recently linked 22-year-old model Nya Gatbe in the summer of 2023. Bargain Hunt star Izzie Balmer has discussed her job change after previously pursuing a career in music. The TV star and jewellery expert, 34, has admitted that the previous job path 'wasn't for her'. Izzie has become a household name thanks to her appearances on several antiques shows like Bargain Hunt and Flog It! over recent years - but it wasn't her original career choice. She had originally wanted to be a musician and attended music college before realising it wasn't right. Speaking to Great British Life, Izzie confessed: 'I planned to be a professional musician but didn't enjoy music college. It wasn't for me.' Bargain Hunt star Izzie Balmer has discussed her job change after previously pursuing a career in music The TV star and jewellery expert, 34, has admitted that the previous job path 'wasn't for her' (seen on Bargain Hunt) Her move to Bargain Hunt was then fairly spontaneous as she stepped in for her boss to auctioneer on the show when no other auctioneers were available. She said: 'There were no other auctioneers available it had to be me. I had to auction the Bargain Hunt lots in front of the cameras.' It was her mother Sheila who encouraged her to go into the antiques business full time after graduating and moving back home to look for a job. After some work experience she secured a full-time job at a local auction house. Then after becoming a regular on the hit show Antiques Road Trip, she landed a full-time role. This ignited a passion that led her to study at Birmingham's School of Jewellery. In a 2019 interview with Bristol Post, she revealed: 'I kind of fell into this job but I absolutely love it. 'I have always loved jewellery and been a fan of sparkly things, like most girls. I cannot think of anything I would rather do.' It comes after last week Bargain Hunt viewers were left fuming on Monday as what was described as a 'mega repeat' episode aired. Izzie has become a household name thanks to her appearances on several antiques shows like Bargain Hunt and Flog It! over recent years - but it wasn't her original career choice She had originally wanted to be a musician and attended music college before realising it wasn't right Speaking to Great British Life, Izzie confessed: 'I planned to be a professional musician but didn't enjoy music college. It wasn't for me' Fans of the show tuned in for the latest instalment to find they were presented with a compilation episode featuring past footage. Many members of the television audience at home instantly gave up on the programme, unwilling to give their time to a compilation of episodes they were likely to have already watched. Some complained that not enough effort was being put into making new episodes of the BBC One show given that the TV licence is going up from 159 a year to 169.50 a year from April 1. Viewers took to social media to express their disappointment over a compilation episode being broadcast. One person wrote on Twitter: 'Yet another compilation episode of Bargain Hunt. Considering we are paying more for our tv licence when will we see some new programmes during the day instead of constant repeats?' While another person wrote: 'How can they list this as a new episode when it's more like a mega repeat! #bargainhunt.' 'Compilation, nope not for me im out, back to St Trinians on itv 3,' shared another viewer. While someone else posted: 'Hate these specials I'm out #bargainhunt #bbcbargainhunt.' It came after Bargain Hunt's most expensive item ever was unveiled last month. Branding the item as the 'most important item ever sold', Bargain Hunt expert Charles Hanson managed to flog the pot for an eye-watering 390,000 at auction. The 'rare Chinese wine ewer' had been collecting dust in a Derbyshire attic for 50 years before being brought on to the show. The astonishing find was brought into the salesroom, as one curious client wanted to make sure the china piece was worth anything before donating it to a charity shop. The valuable antique previously inherited from World War II serviceman Ronald Wadsworth, who was a Burma Star medal owner, left experts astonished. Describing it as the 'ultimate Bargain Hunt find', auctioneer Charles Hanson told host Natasha Raskin Sharp on the repeated 2023 episode that the ewer was 'only one of three known'. The other two 'very sacred, very important and very rare' ceremonial ewers currently sit in two museums located in Beijing and Taiwan. According to Hanson, the 18th Century ceremonial teapot would have been used to hold water in Chinese Emperor Qianlong's court. He added: 'Emperor Qianlong who was that great Emperor of the Arts, he wanted his Beijing enamelist to make the very best. And the quality is simply out of this world 'This is one of only three known, one's in a museum in Taiwan, one's in the museum of Beijing, China, and out of humble Burton-Upon-Trent, voila! unbelievably we have another.' 'It's probably what Faberge is to Russians and what imperial enamel is to Chinese billionaires and this to me, is a must-have object for any important Chinese connoisseur wishing to buy the best of Emperor Qianlong's treasures. 'This object for me, is in its historical placement, the most important object I've ever sold.' It comes after last week Bargain Hunt viewers were left fuming on Monday as what was described as a 'mega repeat' episode aired Fans of the show tuned in for the latest instalment to find they were presented with a compilation episode featuring past footage Initially believed to be worth 150, the items precious item was bought by the pre-auction owner's grandfather the 1940s. The construction worker discussed how he felt about the illustrious find going on auction to the BBC in 2020. 'I'm thrilled, this will change a few things for us all. 'I sat and watched the auction live at home with my brother and family, it was tense, I got a few cans of Guinness in beforehand. 'We'll be going for a drink tonight and toasting granddad.' Stacey Solomon took to Instagram to share with fans a glimpse of her most shocking makeover at her Pickle Cottage home on Sunday. The TV personality, 34, who has showed off her gorgeous farm house kitchen numerous times in the past admitted she'd taken drastic steps to give the room a whole new look. Sharing a snap to her Stories Stacey admitted she hadn't dared tell anyone or ask their opinion before taking the plunge and painting the white walls black. Captioning the post: 'THE KITCHEN IS NOW BLACK'. 'It is the f*** it year after all! So I didn't tell anyone, ask anyone's opinion, I just had it painted. I've been thinking about it for a while, so I went for it'. Stacey Solomon, 34, took to Instagram to share with fans a glimpse of her most shocking makeover at her Pickle Cottage home on Sunday The TV personality, who has showed off her gorgeous farm house kitchen numerous times in the past admitted she'd taken drastic steps to give the room a whole new look Taking to her Stories Stacey admitted she hadn't dared tell anyone or ask their opinion before taking the plunge and painting the white walls black Before adding: 'I will send some pics in the newsletter later this month, want to add some finishing touches still. But I think it looks a MILLION times more cosy & just SOOOOO different'. DIY queen Stacey looks set take on America with her new Channel 4 DIY show, Renovation Rescue which will air for the first time next week. The new series is produced by none other than Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine company. Insiders are predicting that the show will translate well in the U.S, as they claim Americans are likely to fall for Stacey's British charm. Mother-of-five Stacey was left in shock that the award-winning actress Reese, 48, had even heard of her. She said: 'How does she even know me? I still to this day don't know how they found me. They just said they wanted me. Maybe some of her researchers and her team had seen the show.' TV insiders have now told The Mirror, that the Legally Blonde stars US connections could help Stacey become a star Stateside. A source said: 'Renovation shows are a mega business in America. There are entire channels dedicated to them. Stacey's kitchen used to sport light bright white walls which matched her glossy cupboards and worktops A traditional AGA also takes pride of place in the room Stacey, husband Joe Swash and their family, which now consists of five children, moved into the 1.3million Essex home which she nicknamed Pickle Cottage in 2022 and the couple even tied the knot there the same year TV insiders have now told The Mirror, that the Legally Blonde stars US connections could help Stacey become a star Stateside. A source said: 'Renovation shows are a mega business in America. There are entire channels dedicated to them. 'And they love Brits. Bake Off is popular in the States because Americans love Paul and Prue's Britishness. Grand Designs is also very popular in America because of Kevin McCloud. 'They think viewers will fall for Stacey's English charm, and the Reese connection is a big enabler. They launched a UK arm of Hello Sunshine to create formats that could sell in Britain first and then around the world. Hello Sunshine has all the contacts in the US, so it's all set up.' DIY queen Stacey looks set take on America with her new Channel 4 DIY show, Renovation Rescue which will air for the first time next week The new series is produced by none other than Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine company (pictured Reese in February) In the new series Stacey comes to the aid of homeowners who have been left high and dry by builders who have abandoned their projects. The show has already been commissioned for a second series. An insider added: 'Stacey has carved out a successful career as the queen of DIY TV on the BBC and Channel 4 bosses are delighted they've been able to get in on the action. They also believe she has what it takes to crack America.' Winnie Harlow ensured all eyes were on her as she attended Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's WrestleMania return in Philadelphia on Saturday. The supermodel, 29, stunned in a skimpy pink ensemble as she gushed about the 51-year-old WWE star and A-list movie actor's 'iconic' return to ring after 11-years. Exclusively telling MailOnline: 'It was absolutely iconic seeing The Rock in person at WrestleMania! I've only ever seen him on TV in the ring as a kid so this was surreal and amazing'. Winnie looked sensational a tiny mini dress which boasted a plunging neckline and cut outs at her svelte waist. She completed the look with racy thigh-high PVC boots and a fur-trimmed coat as she made her way through the crowd and even posed with the Champion Belt. Winnie Harlow, 29, ensured all eyes were on her as she attended Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's WrestleMania return in Philadelphia on Saturday The supermodel stunned in a skimpy pink ensemble as she gushed about the 51-year-old WWE star and A-list movie actor's 'iconic' return to ring after 11-years Exclusively telling MailOnline: 'It was absolutely iconic seeing The Rock in person at WrestleMania! I've only ever seen him on TV in the ring as a kid so this was surreal and amazing' WWE were forced to mute a portion of the WrestleMania 40 broadcast after the Rock directed his latest foul-mouthed outburst at a referee. He teamed up with WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns to defeat Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins in the main event on night one. The bout was a star-studded matchup that, after a fairly pedestrian start, produced the excitement and drama many fans had hoped for. Aside from its thrilling conclusion, it was The Rock's conduct that garnered attention as he lased out at official Chad Patton during proceedings. The Rock could be seen ordering the referee not to count anyone out or he would be fired. 'I'm not f***ing around,' he continued. He then continued his tirade, at which point WWE muted the heated exchange. Earlier this month, The Rock hit back at a report that claimed that some within the organisation were unhappy with his profanity-laden promos. Wrestling outlet SEScoops.com reported that a memo had been sent to WWE stars informing them of their responsibility to adhere to PG guidelines on TV and social media. WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE WWE were forced to mute a portion of the WrestleMania 40 broadcast after the Rock directed his latest foul-mouthed outburst at a referee He teamed up with WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns (right) to defeat Cody Rhodes (left) and Seth Rollins It continued to say that some in the organisation felt that the fact the returning star did not have to abide by the same instructions was a double standard. In response he wrote on on Instagram: 'You sound like somebody The Rock can love - drunk and horny. 'Networks and standards & practices have issues with my language, but Id rather be real than not. I talk from the heart, shoot from the hip and try to always have fun. Enjoy the Rock concert ~ Final Boss'. The financial forecast for Monday's total solar eclipse is sunny even if the weather may not cooperate. With millions of people expected to travel for a prime view of the celestial show, a Texas-based research and analysis company expects them to help pump nearly $6 billion into the U.S. economy. Across the country, direct spending tied to the eclipse is pegged at nearly $1.6 billion, with most of it expected in 12 states that lie under the path of the eclipse, according to the Perryman Group. But when "downstream/multiplier effects through the economy are considered, expected economic impacts rise to $6 billion, with a gain of $3 billion in gross product and $1.8 billion in personal income flowing to US residents," the company wrote in a report last month. In addition to the cost of getting somewhere that will experience "totality" with the sun completely blocked by the moon eclipse enthusiasts are expected to splurge on everything from protective eyewear and souvenirs to lodging and meals. The general manager of the Jay Peak Resort in Jay, Vermont, told CBS MoneyWatch that first room reserved for the eclipse was booked four years ago by a visitor who told him, "The hype is real." The resort expects to rake in as much revenue between Friday and Monday as it usually does during the entire month of April, Steve Wright said. "It has been well advertised that we're at the end of the path of totality and we will have the best look at the eclipse, at over three and a half minutes," Wright said. "The whole community is sold out." The AirDNA website, which tracks the performance of more than 10 million listings on Airbnb and Vrbo, says occupancy rates for April 7 in cities in the path of totality had surged to 88% as of March 25. In addition, average daily rental rates rose by 18.4%, "showing the potential for dynamic pricing during special events," according to the site. More than a dozen local breweries are also getting in on the act with eclipse-themed beers, according to space.com. They included the aptly named Sun King Brewery in Indianapolis, which created cans of coffee-infused golden ale with a label that commemorates the 3:07 p.m. local time of totality. "We chose a golden ale to represent the brilliance of the sun," Dave Colt, Sun King's brew master and co-founder, told space.com. "We partnered with a local coffee roaster, Sun Bean, to represent the darkness of the eclipse." The Perryman Group report says total eclipse-related spending is projected to range from $2.2 million in New Hampshire to nearly $1.4 billion in Texas, where 12 million people live in the path of totality. Other states expected to reap significant economic benefits include New York, Indiana and Ohio, where total spending is pegged at $732.7 million, $551 million and $522.7 million, respectively. The report also noted that areas that receive "widespread or national media coverage" could continue to be reap rewards after the eclipse as a result of "future tourism as well as other developmental benefits." "Our hope is that people traveling to Pennsylvania from other places won't just take this one opportunity to visit us, but will come back again and again," Rick Siger, Pennsylvania's secretary of community and economic development, told local TV station WHP. In Arkansas, state Department of Finance and Administration spokesperson Scott Hardin was even more optimistic about the long-term impact of the eclipse. "We always say, if we can simply get someone to Arkansas, we can change their mind," Hardin told local TV station KFSM. "One of the most exciting things about this entire event is we know there are going to be people who touch down and stay." Myleene Klass cut a very stylish figure in a beige pinstriped co-ord as she arrived at Global FM on Saturday for her Smooth Radio show. The presenter, 45, looked incredible in the waistcoat which she teamed with a matching pair of wide legged trousers. She kept comfortable in a pair of white trainers and toted her belongings around in a large black handbag. Myleene seemed in good spirts as she donned a pair of eye catching mirrored sunglasses and accessorised with a pair of gold hoop earrings. Leaving her long brunette tresses loose, the mother-of-three added a pop of colour to her daytime ensemble with a swipe of bold red lipstick. Myleene Klass cut a very stylish figure in a beige pinstriped co-ord as she arrived at Global FM on Saturday for her Smooth Radio show The presenter, 45, looked incredible in the waistcoat which she teamed with a matching pair of wide legged trousers It comes after Myleene, who is a mother to Ava, 15, Hero, 12, and Apollo, four, won the Inspirational Mother award at the 2024 Inspiration Awards. While Myleene kept it simple on Saturday, she brought out her wild side for the event as she wore a fabulous leopard print dress. Her figure-hugging garment, which hung tightly past her knees, showcased her toned physique. Myleene also celebrated the completion of her swimwear shoot with Next in South Africa last week. Celebrating the end of the shoot, she wrote: 'And thats a wrap! A fleeting fun, few days in South Africa shooting more of my Swim And Beach collection.' She continued: 'My DMs are already flooded with you looking for these swimsuits after I posted BTS on my stories. 'Theyre out in a few weeks, I promise Ill keep you posted. '(Wait till you see them in person, they have sparkles running through the fabric on both the black and pink and theyre as supportive and flattering as ever.) 'Thank you to the most incredible, hardworking team. Its been an honour shooting with you, learning more about Amapiano music all whilst dodging the local wildlife.' She kept comfortable in a pair of white trainers and toted her belongings around in a large black handbag Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright packed on the PDA during a beach day in Sydney this week. The actress, 36, and her television presenter husband, 37, were seen kissing as they lay on the sand on Bondi Beach. Loved-up coupled Mark and Michelle could be seen laying close and snuggling up together as they topped up their tans while taking time off from work commitments. Fool Me Once star Michelle wore a black vest top and white shorts while former The Only Way Is Essex cast member went shirtless and donned a pair of cream swimming shorts. Screen star Michelle is currently Down Under to film the second series of BBC drama Ten Pound Poms. Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright appeared to be enjoying themselves on the beach in Sydney as they packed on the public displays of affection this week The actress, 36, and her television presenter husband, 37, were seen kissing as they lay on the sand on Bondi Beach Loved-up coupled Mark and Michelle could be seen laying close and snuggling up together as they topped up their tans while taking time off from work commitments She has been joined by Mark for the length of her trip so far, with Mark able to run his fitness business online. The series follows a group of Brits who emigrate to Australia in the 1950s in search of a better life only to discover things are more difficult than they thought once they arrive. Michelle will reprise her role as Kate Thorne in the hit show. Ten Pound Poms follows nurse Thorne and Roberts family members Terry and Annie as they struggle to adapt to life as immigrants in Australia. The first series - produced by Eleven and co-produced by Stan and the BBC - was loved by fans, prompting the immediate development of series two. A synopsis for the forthcoming series reads: 'After a challenging first year in Australia, the new series will follow nurse Kate Thorne (Michelle Keegan) and the Roberts family (led by Faye Marsay and Warren Brown) into 1957 on their adventure down under, as they are determined to make this new country everything they hoped it would be for a fresh start. 'Will Kate, Terry and Annie finally get a slice of the Australian dream they were promised?' In series two new characters the Skinner family from Ireland and the unscrupulous land-lord Benny Bates will be introduced to viewers. Fool Me Once star Michelle wore a black vest top and white shorts while former The Only Way Is Essex cast member went shirtless and donned a pair of cream swimming shorts Screen star Michelle is currently Down Under to film the second series of BBC drama Ten Pound Poms She has been joined by Mark for the length of her trip so far, with Mark able to run his fitness business online The series follows a group of Brits who emigrate to Australia in the 1950s in search of a better life only to discover things are more difficult than they thought once they arrive Michelle will reprise her role as Kate Thorne in the hit show Ten Pound Poms follows nurse Thorne and Roberts family members Terry and Annie as they struggle to adapt to life as immigrants in Australia The first series - produced by Eleven and co-produced by Stan and the BBC - was loved by fans, prompting the immediate development of series two A synopsis for the forthcoming series reads: 'After a challenging first year in Australia, the new series will follow nurse Kate Thorne (Michelle Keegan) and the Roberts family (led by Faye Marsay and Warren Brown) into 1957 on their adventure down under 'As they are determined to make this new country everything they hoped it would be for a fresh start' Michelle is currently enjoying an extended stay in Australia while filming the second series of BBC drama Ten Pound Poms (L-R: co-stars Warren Brown, Faye Marsay and Michelle Keegan) After the second series was confirmed, show writer, creator and executive producer Danny Brocklehurst said: 'The positive viewer response to Ten Pound Poms was a true delight. 'We tapped into a little-known part of our recent history and told stories which reflected the realities of the real Poms that made the trip. 'I couldn't be more thrilled to be teaming again with the BBC, Stan and Eleven to continue our characters' adventure down under.' Michelle recently broke her silence on quitting the UK for Hollywood. In January, it was reported that the Brassic actress could be set for a move to Los Angeles following the success of her Netflix series Fool Me Once. Michelle, who has been married to Mark since 2015, already has some experience of LA life because her husband lived there for a few years while working for Extra. In an interview with The Guardian, Michelle revealed that she would consider re-locating if the perfect role came along. She said: 'I went to America when Mark was out there. Didn't like it. But let's see. If a job comes up I guess?... In series two new characters the Skinner family from Ireland and the unscrupulous land-lord Benny Bates will be introduced to viewers After the second series was confirmed, show writer, creator and executive producer Danny Brocklehurst said: 'The positive viewer response to Ten Pound Poms was a true delight 'We tapped into a little-known part of our recent history and told stories which reflected the realities of the real Poms that made the trip 'I couldn't be more thrilled to be teaming again with the BBC, Stan and Eleven to continue our characters' adventure down under' Michelle recently broke her silence on quitting the UK for Hollywood In January, it was reported that the Brassic actress could be set for a move to Los Angeles following the success of her Netflix series Fool Me Once Michelle, who has been married to Mark since 2015, already has some experience of LA life because her husband lived there for a few years while working for Extra In an interview with The Guardian, Michelle revealed that she would consider re-locating if the perfect role came along She said: 'I went to America when Mark was out there. Didn't like it. But let's see. If a job comes up I guess?... 'I've never thought beyond what I'm doing right at that moment. And I think that's how I live now as well 'I've never thought beyond what I'm doing right at that moment. 'And I think that's how I live now as well. I don't think in terms of goals. 'I live in the moment.' Michelle starred as Maya Stern in Fool Me Once, alongside Joanna Lumley in the series adaptation of Harlan Coben's novel, which quickly shot to the top of Netflix charts worldwide. Amid her huge success, it has been claimed that the logical next step for Michelle would be a move to LA amid reports that she has been inundated with Hollywood offers. Industry expert Nick Ede told how Fool Me Once could propel the former Coronation Street actress into becoming a 'major' global movie star. 'I don't think in terms of goals. I live in the moment' Michelle starred as Maya Stern in Fool Me Once, alongside Joanna Lumley in the series adaptation of Harlan Coben's novel, which quickly shot to the top of Netflix charts worldwide Amid her huge success, it has been claimed that the logical next step for Michelle would be a move to LA amid reports that she has been inundated with Hollywood offers Industry expert Nick Ede told how Fool Me Once could propel the former Coronation Street actress into becoming a 'major' global movie star He told OK! Magazine : 'It's really given Michelle a platform to make her a major star He told OK! Magazine: 'It's really given Michelle a platform to make her a major star. 'All eyes are on her at the moment because Netflix is watched by millions of people globally and her series is number one here and in the US. 'She looks every inch the Hollywood leading lady and she has star quality,' he continued. 'As a Hollywood producer or director, you want somebody who's the whole package and that's Michelle.' Patrick Schwarzenegger and his White Lotus castmates seem to be having a good time in Thailand. The 30-year-old actor, who is there shooting season three of the HBO series, showcased his fit form in some black and white photos posted by co-star Sam Nivola, 20 Sunday on social media. The first photos shows the Gen V actor, whose parents are Arnold Schwarzenegger, 76, and Maria Shriver, 68, shirtless sitting on the bow of a boat with Iris Apatow, 21. The Staircase actor wore swim trunks and held a bottle of water. Apatow looks relaxed wearing a string bikini with her curly hair pulled up into a loose bun. Patrick Schwarzenegger, 30, showcased his fit form in a series of black and white snaps shared by his The White Lotus co-star Sam Nivola, 20. The actor was joined by co-star Iris Apatow, 20, who lounged with him in the bow of a boat 'The pookinator is looking absolutely FIRE tonight,' teased Nivola next to the post. Sarah Catherine Hook, 28, joined the duo in a shaded cabin area of the cruiser. The American Crime Story alum seemed to be laughing heartily as she sat back wearing a bikini top and a pair of swim shorts. Her long, dark hair was brushed straight. The friends seemed to enjoying some time goofing around in a secluded cove surrounded by huge cliffs. In those snaps, Schwarzenegger is covered up in a tropical print shirt and a billed hat. Apatow donned a floral coverup and wore her own billed hat and sunglasses. Hook draped a long sleeve white coverup around her shoulders and back. 'The pookinator is looking absolutely FIRE tonight,' teased Nivola next to the post Sarah Catherine Hook, 28, joined the stars in a shaded cabin area of the cruiser. The American Crime Story alum seemed to be laughing heartily as she sat back wearing a bikini top and a pair of swim shorts The friends seemed to enjoying some time goofing around in a secluded cove surrounded by huge cliffs Schwarzenegger covered up in a tropical print shirt and a billed hat as he enjoyed the solitude of the area The actor is engaged to model Abby Champion, 27, who is heading up a new Swarovski campaign. The couple have been together since 2015 and decided to take the next step in December, after the actor popped the question in a romantic beachside proposal. 'FOREVER AND EVER,' The Terminal List star wrote next to a series of photos announcing the big news. The couple have not announced when they play to tie the knot. Adam Peaty enjoyed quality time with girlfriend Holly Ramsay after his epic return to the pool saw him qualifying for the Olympics. Following the swim Adam, 29, revealed that he endured 'three years of hell' after suffering from depression and alcoholism, describing it as a 'deep dark hole' which TV chef Gordon, Holly's father, helped pull him out of. In a slew of snaps shared to his Instagram this weekend Adam and Holly enjoyed a romantic lunch and a walk as well as spending time with her five-month-old brother Jesse. Adam captioned the post: Rested and Recovered.Even though it was only a few days off Im more than ready to continue to apply myself and seek the inner challenge needed to reach my goals'. 'Im in a great space mentally and physically but Im aware that Im still climbing a very steep mountain. The push continues'. Adam Peaty enjoyed quality time with girlfriend Holly Ramsay after his epic return to the pool saw him qualifying for the Olympics (pictured with Holly's five-month-old son Jesse) After his qualifying Adam revealed that he endured 'three years of hell' after suffering from depression and alcoholism, describing it as a ' deep dark hole' which TV chef Gordon, Holly's father, helped pull him out of (Holly pictured) Pictured with Gordon and Holly in 2023 The three-time Olympic champion opened up on his relationship with the father of his girlfriend Holly, who he met while competing on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2021. He admitted Gordon had helped him in his recovery from alcoholism, depression and split from the mother of his son Eirianedd Munro, which culminated in 'three years of hell' for the swimmer. He told The Sunday Times the celebrity chef has emerged as a mentor and role model, who he looks up to for his 'relentless pursuit' and how he has worked 'his way up to the upper echelons of his industry'. Adam previously revealed that he 'didn't want to see a pool again' after being 'broken' by the sport, turning to drinking and partying as an escape. However he has now rediscovered his passion for swimming and earlier this week qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics after winning the British 100m men's breaststroke title with his quickest time since 2021. On his new found relationship with the potty mouthed chef, he said: 'Hes an incredible energy to be around and an incredible person to have that guidance from. 'Gordon is a high performer. He worked his way up to the upper echelons of his industry and works in a place where theres no bullshit. 'I take a lot from that and from the professionalism he has every single day with a relentless pursuit. In a slew of snaps shared to his Instagram Adam and Holly enjoyed a romantic lunch and a walk as well as spending time with her five-month-old brother Jesse They took a leisurely stroll and enjoy the views Captioned the post Adam wrote: Rested and Recovered.Even though it was only a few days off Im more than ready to continue to apply myself and seek the inner challenge needed to reach my goals' On Tuesday, the swimmer revealed that he had found 'peace in the water' after recovering from depression and alcoholism to qualify for this summer's Olympics It comes after his ex Eirianedd Munro has revealed the Strictly curse was the 'beginning of the end' of her three-year relationship with the swimmer. The artist, 26, who shares three-year-old son George, with the athlete spoke about the 'intense attention' she endured when Adam made headlines after nearly kissing partner Katya Jones during one routine in 2021. Eirianedd and Adam split in 2022 following his time in the BBC competition and later started dating Holly after meeting her still in a relationship. Asked whether they would still be together if he hadn't appeared on the show she told The Sun: 'It's hard to say. I think it helped us realise what we wanted in life. Sadly, if it wasn't for Strictly it would've been something else' Eirinaedd, who tried to laugh off Adam and Katya's 'almost kiss' during his time in the competition, then went on to issue a warning to future Strictly competitors and encouraged them to think of their loved ones who are often left 'lonely' during training. It comes after his ex Eirianedd Munro, 26, has revealed the Strictly curse was the 'beginning of the end' of her three-year relationship with the swimmer (pictured with their son George) The artist, 26, who shares three-year-old son George, with the athlete spoke about the 'intense attention' she endured when Adam made headlines after nearly kissing partner Katya Jones (pictured) during one routine in 2021 Saying: 'Also reassure your partner, especially when the world inevitably begins to speculate there's something going on between you and your dance partner. 'And if you're not strong enough to go through the process, if your relationship isn't secure, or you don't know how to handle the intense attention that comes with it, don't go on the show.' MailOnline have contacted Adam's reps for comment. When you've hit the town for a birthday blow-out, a big bash the next night can hold little appeal let alone when it's hundreds of miles away. But hours after Lily James was seen looking a little bleary-eyed leaving a London hotel, she showed no signs of slowing down her 35th celebrations as she travelled to Milan for a fashion exhibition. On Friday, the star of Downton Abbey celebrated her birthday in a 10,000 outfit at London's 'most exclusive' private members' club, Apollo's Muse. The actress beamed as she headed into the Mayfair venue accompanied by two men in matching cream suits. Ms James, who partied into the early hours with her actress friend Gemma Chan and magician Dynamo, wore a 4,639 polka dot Yves Saint Laurent dress. Around her shoulders was a Burberry coat, which usually sells for about 2,000. Hours after Lily James partied for her birthday in London on Friday she showed no signs of slowing down her 35th celebrations as she travelled to Milan for a fashion exhibition On Friday, the star of Downton Abbey celebrated her birthday in a 10,000 outfit at London's 'most exclusive' private members' club, Apollo's Muse Ms James (pictured leaving her birthday celebration) wore a 4,639 polka dot Yves Saint Laurent dress The actress also shared a happy birthday message from former Spice Girl Emma Bunton Lily was accompanied by her close friend, The Creator actress Gemma Chan for Friday's London bash Ms James also wore 875 gold Jimmy Choo sandals and accessorised the look with a 2,500 Dolce & Gabbana black handbag. The actress shared an online picture of herself surrounded by flowers and balloons as well as a birthday message from Spice Girl Emma Bunton. Apollo's Muse is marketed as one of 'the most private of private members' clubs', and is within Mayfair's Bacchanalia restaurant, believed to be one of Ms James's favourite venues. Only 500 people are granted membership, making it one of the most exclusive clubs in the world. Designed by Richard Caring, the billionaire club mogul behind Annabel's and The Ivy, it is frequented by famous names including model Kate Moss. There was no rest for Ms James, who was later was seen leaving her central London hotel dressed down in baggy trousers, leather jacket and cap before flying 600 miles to Milan In Milan she partied late into Saturday night at Dolce & Gabbana's 40th anniversary exhibition at the Palazzo Reale museum There she rubbed shoulders with the likes of actress Demi Moore, 61, and 36-year-old M&S model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley For her second party in 36 hours, Ms James ditched the neutral shades of the previous night and opted for a black two-piece consisting of a sheer halter neck top and wide-leg trousers But despite hours of partying, there was no rest for Ms James, who was later was seen leaving her central London hotel dressed down in baggy trousers, leather jacket and cap before flying 600 miles to Milan. There she rubbed shoulders with the likes of actress Demi Moore, 61, and 36-year-old M&S model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley at Dolce & Gabbana's 40th anniversary exhibition at the Palazzo Reale museum. For her second party in 36 hours, Ms James ditched the neutral shades of the previous night and opted for a black two-piece consisting of a sheer halter neck top and wide-leg trousers. She shared another social media snap, posing with her actress friend Marene Van Holk in Milan as she gushed 'So special, first day of 35!' Yesterday the jet-setting may have continued for the actress as she was believed to have flown back to the UK to prepare for the upcoming release of mystery-comedy film Greedy People. The actress was first attached to the project in May of 2022, when Deadline revealed that she had joined its cast. Greedy People will be centered on a police officer who is tasked with investigating a murder and the sudden discovery of a large sum of money in a sleepy town. She shared another social media snap, posing with her actress friend Marene Van Holk in Milan as she gushed 'So special, first day of 35!' Yesterday the jet-setting may have continued for the actress as she was believed to have flown back to the UK to prepare for the upcoming release of mystery-comedy film Greedy People In addition to Lily, the film's cast will be led by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Himesh Patel, with whom the actress costarred in the 2019 film Yesterday. Performers such as Tim Blake Nelson, Uzo Aduba and Simon Rex round out the cast of the feature. Although Shooting took place in the summer of 2022, Greedy People has yet to be assigned a premiere date. Lily will also star in the thriller feature Relay, to which she was initially linked in February of last year. The performer will portray a client who seeks the assistance of a corporate fixer after her life is endangered. Indias journey towards becoming an IT-empowered nation is a testament to the transformative potential of IT in inclusive growth In the contemporary landscape of the Indian economy, the infusion of disruptive technologies has ignited a digital revolution, propelling the nation into a global IT powerhouse. India is currently witnessing an unprecedented ubiquity of technology, with entrepreneurs leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, and data analytics to tackle multifaceted challenges. Today, India possesses all the necessary ingredients to become a modern IT-empowered nation: a wealth of educated workforce, technological expertise, supportive government policies, and a collaborative digital ecosystem are driving the nation forward. The recent G20 Summit showcased Indias prowess in emerging technologies and digital transformation. India successfully demonstrated that its IT sector is a force multiplier and a bulwark of innovation, continuing to empower cutting-edge digital solutions. According to the RBI survey, the revenue from Indian IT service exports rose to USD 185 billion during FY2022-23. This monumental contribution by Indias IT industry on the world stage underscores the sectors pivotal role in weaving the nations economic fabric. With the proliferation of low-cost data and increased system transparency, Indias revolutionary digital initiatives like BHIM-UPI and e-RUPI have gained international recognition as pioneering steps towards digital transformation. The rise of digital payment systems and the push towards a cashless economy have improved accessibility to financial services, enhanced commercial inclusion in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Together with conducive government initiatives like the JAM trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile), India has catalyzed the rise of a dynamic startup ecosystem, propelling the nation to the forefront of global technological innovation. This strategic approach aligns with the governments vision of creating a holistic environment conducive to growth, exemplified by initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, and Skill India to support schemes for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Currently, India boasts the worlds third-largest IT startup ecosystem, a testament to the nations prowess in leveraging technology for innovation and economic advancement. As India looks ahead to 2024 and beyond, several trends and milestones indicate a bright future for the countrys digital economy. Indias digital economy is set to account for over 20 per cent of its GDP by 2026, showcasing the sectors robust growth. From 4.5 per cent in 2014 to 11% today, the digital economys contribution is on a steep upward trajectory. The focus is shifting from established players to open-source systems and disruptive startups, broadening the scope of digitization. Digital public infrastructure, security, and digital skilling are becoming pivotal areas of focus. The demographic dividend of a young, educated workforce, combined with a deep pool of tech-savvy talent, has created a fertile ground for innovation and collaboration. The ecosystems vibrancy is further accentuated by the governments supportive policies, encouraging indigenous entrepreneurship and establishing a level playing field for startups. Today, Indias tech startups are not merely addressing age-old systemic challenges; they are also sowing the seeds for a brighter and more sustainable India. With the world looking to leverage the power of AI, India has emerged as a trailblazer in harnessing the latent potential of AI. With a robust foundation laid by government initiatives, a dynamic private sector, and an adaptive population, India is poised to emerge as a global digital powerhouse. The year 2024 promises to be a turning point, with a focus on inclusivity and innovation reaffirming Indias status as a leader in the global digital economy. (The writer is Director General, Software Technology Parks of India; views are personal) Top AAP leaders, including MPs, MLAs, Councillors and supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar on Sunday for a day-long fast (upwas) to protest against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Liquorgate scam case, and accused the BJP of resorting to dictatorship. Kejriwal is also the partys national convener. Sunita Kejriwal was not seen at the Jantar Mantar during a day-long fast. The leaders have announced that the mass fast is not without water, and are urging people to keep hydrated. During the fast, several party volunteers and supporters took part in the fast in the national Capital, singing patriotic songs and waving posters showing an image of Kejriwal behind bars. Some of them were chanting Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram while some found raising slogans Inqilab Zindabad and Kejriwal Zindabad. They were also wearing caps with Main Bhi Kejriwal printed on them. Due to hot conditions, most of the supporters were carrying water bottles in their hands. AAP leaders claimed that similar protests were being held in other States as well as by Indians abroad, including at Harvard Square in Boston, the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, outside the Indian Embassy in Washington DC, in New York Times Square and Toronto, London and Melbourne among others. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann joined the collective fast at freedom fighter Bhagat Singhs ancestral village Khatkar Kalan. The stage in which the AAP leaders were seated during the six-hour fast had an image of Kejriwal behind bars in the backdrop. Portraits of B R Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh flanking Mahatma Gandhis photo were kept in front of the stage. The AAP shared photos of protests held in various cities, including Mumbai, Kolkata Bengaluru and Pune, on its social media handles. Senior AAP leaders, including Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, Deputy Speaker Rakhi Birlan, Ministers Gopal Rai, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Kailash Gahlot and Imran Hussain attended the day-long Samuhik Upwas at Jantar Mantar from 11 am. Addressing the protesters at Jantar Mantar, the AAPs Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, who was recently granted bail by the Supreme Court in the Delhi excise scam case, asserted Kejriwal was, is and will remain honest. He questioned Kejriwals arrest by the Enforcement Directorate, claiming the AAP national conveners name was mentioned by just four of 456 witnesses of the CBI and ED probing the case. People know very well under what situation these witnesses named Kejriwal, Singh said. He called upon AAP volunteers to work harder to ensure the victory of party candidates and those of the INDIA Bloc in the Lok Sabha polls to pave the way for the exit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah from power. Addressing the protesters at Jantar Mantar, the AAPs Rajya Sabha Singh, who was recently granted bail by the Supreme Court in the Delhi excise scam case, asserted Kejriwal was, is and will remain honest. They (BJP) are not going to get 400 seats If a person is raising slogans of 400 paar will he arrest a sitting CM? Will they freeze the account of the Congress party? No party which is that confident of getting 400 seats in the LS polls, will do such things, said Singh at the protest. He questioned Kejriwals arrest by the Enforcement Directorate, claiming the AAP national conveners name was mentioned by just four of 456 witnesses of the CBI and ED probing the case. People know very well under what situation these witnesses named Kejriwal, Singh said. He called upon AAP volunteers to work harder to ensure the victory of party candidates and those of the INDIA Bloc in the Lok Sabha polls to pave the way for the exit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah from power. Delhi Minister Atishi accused the BJP of resorting to dictatorship and claimed the fast by the AAP will give sleepless nights to the saffron party. There was anger among people over Kejriwals arrest and it will prove to be the final nail in the coffin of the BJP, she claimed. Bapu kept nearly 18 fasts, his longest upwas lasted 21 days, not just once but he kept 21-day long fasts thricehe used to say that he keeps these fasts to fight for whats right, in fact one of these fasts was against his own arrest by the British government, the moderator of the programme, Dilip Pandey said. The AAPs Delhi unit convener Gopal Rai had appealed to people to join the fast to protest against Kejriwals arrest. He alleged that Kejriwals arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a case linked to the Delhi excise policy-linked scam case was part of the BJPs conspiracy to finish the AAP. Kejriwal, arrested on March 21, is in judicial custody till April 15.The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had given the call for a nationwide collective fast to protest the arrest of Kejriwal, who is also the partys national convener. Mann, along with several Ministers and AAP MLAs, gathered at Khatkar Kalan in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district for a day-long fast to protest the arrest after the Aam Aadmi Party gave the call for a nationwide collective fast. Addressing the gathering, Mann alleged that the BJP was unnerved at the expansion of the AAP which became a national party in 10 years. We formed Governments in two States in 10 years. We have MLAs in Gujarat and Goa and a mayor in Chandigarh. We have 10 Rajya Sabha members. So they (BJP) got scared as no party expanded so quickly, said Mann. Haryana AAP chief Sushil Gupta, along with party leaders and workers of the State unit, gathered in Haryanas Kurukshetra for a day-long fast. On the occasion, Gupta targeted the ruling BJP at the Centre and alleged that it is adopting a dictatorial attitude. The BJP is killing democracy... Honest people are being put in jail, he said, adding neither Kejriwal nor the AAP workers are afraid of the tactics adopted by the ruling party. The AAP claimed that its supporters living in 13 countries across the world observed a mass fast. The mass fast was observed in various countries, including US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Norway, Ireland. Here too, Indians started their fast with the hymns of Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, Patit Pavan Sita Ram and blessed Arvind Kejriwal for his long life. According to the information, people at Harvard Square in Boston, Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, Lake Elizabeth in San Francisco, Indian Embassy in Washington DC, Times Square in New York, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza in Dallas, Brampton City Hall in Toronto, Canada, Holland Park Downtown in Vancouver, Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia; Parliament Square in London, UK; OCannell Street Upper in Dublin, Ireland; Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany and the Norwegian Parliament in Oslo, Norway observed mass fast as per local time. A slip of the tongue by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge regarding Article 370 escalated on Sunday, with the ruling BJP-led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasising that the grand old party should cease to exist now as it never understands the distinction of this great nation. The Congress, on their part, claimed that Kharges slip of the tongue during the Jaipur rally inadvertently exposed the Modi Governments game plan to change Article 371 of the Constitution. The Prime Minister also came down heavily on Kharge, without mentioning him by name. Kharge had objected to Modi mentioning Article 370 during his Fridays rally in Churu. However, the Congress chief mistakenly said Modi claims credit for abolishing Article 371. Later Amit Shah slammed his remarks and called out the Congress chief for his horrendous mistake. The post of the national president of the Congress is not a small thing. And the leader thinks Article 370 has nothing to do with Rajasthan. Is Jammu and Kashmir not an integral part of the country? His thinking betrays the mindset of tukde-tukde gang, alleged Modi. Addressing rallies in Bihar and West Bengal, Modi pointed out that security personnel from all over the country, including Rajasthan and Bihar, have laid down their lives fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, and their bodies have reached their native places wrapped in Tricolour. The INDIA Bloc talks a lot about the Constitution. Their leaders should tell the people why they could not implement the Samvidhan of Baba Saheb Ambedkar fully in Jammu and Kashmir. Why did it take a Modi to do so? asked the PM. Asking why the BJP should not raise Kashmir in its election campaigns throughout the country the Prime Minister said, how the Congress president has been critising us for raising the Kashmir issue we are doing it because Kashmir is our crown and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee who was a son of Bengal had laid down his life for the cause of Kashmir and the Congress is pained and is crying because we have got rid of Article 370 from Kashmir this shows the divisive mentality of the Congress. Modi also warned after June 4 when the election results are out the third NDA Government would intensify its crusade against the corrupt. Asking people to unite so as to teach a corrupt Congress, TMC and the INDIA alliance a lesson, Modi said how the TMC had been running syndicates Raj ever since it came to power and asked whether the people supported the recent scams and torture on women that had taken place in Bengal. The Prime Minister said the Congress, TMC and the Left had joined hands in the INDIA alliance to perpetrate the rule of corruption. Reacting to Shahs dig at Kharge over a slip of tongue, Congress chief spokesman Jairam Ramesh clarified that by a slip of the tongue the Congress president mistakenly said Modi claims credit for abolishing Article 371 though he clearly meant Article 370. Shah immediately pounced on the Congress president. But the truth is that Modi does indeed want to change Article 371-A relating to Nagaland, Article 371-B relating to Assam, Article 371-C relating to Manipur, Article 371-F relating to Sikkim, Article 371-G relating to Mizoram, and Article 371-H relating to Arunachal Pradesh, he said. He continued, Shah got all excited and agitated because Kharge inadvertently exposed the Modi-Shah gameplan on Article 371; now that they have gotten Article 370 out of the way. Just about 100 kilometres and a four-hour drive from Uttarakhand capital city of Dehradun, the ancient town of Lakhamandal traces its history within the pages of epic Mahabharata and is home to countless number of Shivalingas which was worshipped by the Pandavas similar to the mention of holy Shrine Kedarnath in Devbhumi. While the Lakhamandal Temple, a replica of the Kedarnath shrine structure, stands tall on the prime road connecting Dehradun to another holy place, Yamunotri, the main attraction is a huge Shivlinga on the premises. During Jal Abhishek rituals, when water is poured on it, devotees can see their reflection on the Linga. It is believed that the same linga was worshipped by the Pandava brothers, Bhima. This linga has been discovered in recent times by the villagers, and now its a protected site of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which continues with its excavation process. We used to play here where these Shivlingas are placed or settled. It was observed by one of our neighbours when during digging of ground for step farming one such idol was noticed. Villagers took interest and they started digging more and realised there are several such sites. We informed the administration and now its a protected area and it is now believed that there could be thousands of such Lingas beneath. Further excavation is halted as settlement and permanent structures have come up, said Sushil Gaur, a resident of Lakhamandal who grew up playing in this land where temple remnants have been discovered. Irrespective of any caste or sub-caste, now the Lakhamandal Temple priests are those whose homes are within the precincts of the temple as the same has been their ancestral property. The image reflection property of the Shivling is because its made of graphite which shines on pouring water where one or those standing around can see their image on the surface of Shivlinga. This means that the Lord Shiva is conveying that all of you are within me and protecting you, said Mayaram Gaur, one of the priests at the Lakhamandal Temple. Members of the villages are working for the publicity of the holy place so that footfall increases and that the area becomes a notified spiritual place for the visitors and tourists enroute Yamunotri. Lakhamandal is situated in the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun district in the State of Uttarakhand and it gets its name from the two words: Lakha (Lakh) meaning many and mandals meaning temples or lingam. Plenty of artistic works have been found in the ASI excavations and according to officials at ASI the temple is constructed in ancient Nagara style of North Indian architecture. Lakhamandal temple is Lord Shivas abode in mountains and is estimated to be constructed circa 12th to 13th century. We have heard that once upon a time a dead person is reborn in this temple. If a dead body is taken to this temple, it becomes alive, said Pandit Mayaram. But according to mythology, it is believed to be the spot where Duryodhana, a key character in the Mahabharata, attempted to burn the Pandavas alive in a lakh house. Twin statues of Danav and Manav are located beside the main shrine. The statues are its dwarpals (doormen). Some people believe these statues to be those of Pandava brothers Bhima and Arjuna. They also resemble Jai and Vijay, the doormen of Lord Vishnu. In a poignant display of resistance against what they perceive as an assault on democracy, top leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday convened at Khatkar Kalan the native town of martyr Bhagat Singh for a day-long hunger strike. Led by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the AAP leadership stood united in solidarity to protest against the arrest of partys national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The event, which unfolded at the grounds behind the Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Museum, held particular significance as it was the same venue where Mann had taken his oath as the Chief Minister of Punjab. Against a backdrop adorned with posters depicting Kejriwal behind bars, the leaders addressed the gathered crowd, echoing the spirit of resistance reminiscent of Bhagat Singh's struggle against colonial rule. Mann minced no words in his scathing indictment of the BJP-led Central Government, drawing parallels between AAPs current battle and Bhagat Singhs fight for independence. He repeatedly likened the Central Government to the British, labeling them as Kale Angrez and lamenting the erosion of democratic values enshrined in the Constitution. The democracy that Bhagat Singh fought for is in danger today, Mann declared, invoking the legacy of the martyrs to underscore the gravity of the situation. He accused the Central Government of resorting to authoritarian tactics, including raids by enforcement agencies, to stifle dissent and silence opposition voices. Speaking passionately about Kejriwal, Mann hailed him as an epitome of honesty and sacrifice, contrasting his integrity with the entrenched corruption of traditional political parties. He asserted that AAPs rapid ascent as a national force had rattled the political establishment, prompting desperate attempts to suppress its rise through coercive measures. Manns impassioned address resonated with the assembled leaders and volunteers, who listened intently to his rallying cry for freedom and justice. AAPs Cabinet Ministers Anmol Gagan Mann, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Laljit Singh Bhullar, along with other prominent figures, lent their voices to the chorus of defiance against injustice. As the sun set on Khatkar Kalan, the hunger strike came to a close, but the message of resistance echoed far beyond the boundaries of Punjab. AAPs nationwide call to action reverberated across the country, inspiring ordinary citizens to join the movement for justice and accountability. In the face of adversity, AAP stood united, determined to reclaim the promise of democracy for the people of India. Meanwhile, in a parallel protest held in various districts of Punjab, AAP volunteers and supporters gathered to express solidarity with their leaders at Khatakar Kalan. The symbolism of holding these protests in the birthplace of Bhagat Singh was not lost on the participants, who saw themselves as heirs to the legacy of the freedom fighter. In his address to the gathering, Mann invoked the spirit of Bhagat Singh, urging the youth to emulate his courage and commitment to social justice. He warned against the erosion of democratic values and the rise of authoritarianism, drawing parallels between the current political climate and the struggles of the freedom movement. The countrys citizens are today haunted by fears of what will happen to the country and Constitution. Bhagat Singh fought to ensure freedom for the country and for a democracy. Baba Saheb gave you the Constitution. Democracy and the Constitution are both in danger today. These people (referring to the BJP led Central Government) have become the masters of the country who have rejected the sacrifices of the martyrs, said Mann. British have gone, but kale angrez have come in their place. They began to loot people, then beat people and have started to snub the voice of the opposition through the lures and fear of the raids from ED, CBI, Income tax department, CBI, NIA. Bhagat Singh's soul must be tormentedThis is what he gave his life for? said Mann in an impassioned address. He added, Arvind Kejriwal is an honest man who left high office and status for the country of the martyrs dreamsCongress and BJP took decades to find electoral footing. But, they are fearful of the kind of popularity AAP has gained becoming a national party in mere 10 years. It scares them. They have devised such waysthey raid, jail and silence regional leaders. Unlike martyrs, you don't have to use a disguise, bomb or pistol to attain independence. You just have to press the button of jhadoo to bring kranti (revolution). This is a very easy way of gaining freedom. We (AAP) are fighting for freedom only. Though, now they are trying to obstruct this too, said Mann. Mann, also taking aim at the leaders who left AAP, said: Those who had to go, have left, but they have no stand. AAP needs ordinary faces who love Punjab, not big names. Jakhar Slams AAPs Hunger Strike at Khatkar Kalan: Mann Insulted Martyrs Legacy; AAP Hits Back Chandigarh: Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, denouncing AAPs hunger strike at Khatkar Kalan as a political farce and an insult to the legacy of Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh. Jakhar accused Mann of shamelessly exploiting the revered martyrs birthplace to defend Arvind Kejriwal, embroiled in a liquor scandal. Mincing no words, Jakhar labeled the orchestrated spectacle by Mann as despicable and condemning it unequivocally. He warned Mann that Punjabis would not tolerate such blatant disrespect towards Bhagat Singhs legacy and cautioned against playing with the sentiments of the people for political gains. Highlighting AAPs alleged involvement in liquor scams in Delhi and Punjab, Jakhar accused the party of colluding in corruption and using cheap political theatrics to deflect attention from their misdeeds. He blasted Mann for prioritizing political stunts over addressing critical issues like the deteriorating law and order situation, citing the recent violence in Tarn Taran as a glaring example of government apathy. In response, AAP hit back, labeling Jakhar as anti-Punjab and pro-BJP. AAP spokesperson Vikramjit Singh Passi accused Jakhar of betraying Punjab by aligning with the BJP and defending dictatorship instead of advocating for the state's interests. Passi dismissed Jakhar's criticism as baseless and urged him to prioritize Punjab's welfare over serving the BJP's agenda. He lauded CM Mann's leadership, highlighting his efforts to safeguard Punjab's rights and interests in the face of central government encroachment. The Israel Defense Forces has withdrawn all but one brigade from southern Gaza, an IDF spokesperson announced on Sunday, as the war against Hamas reached the six-month mark. The withdrawal of troops comes as Israel faces mounting international pressure to address the humanitarian crisis inside Gaza calls that have only grown after a recent IDF airstrike killed seven aid workers who were delivering food to the starving Palestinian population. The IDF denied that the withdrawal of troops was connected to pressure from Washington, saying instead that they had run out of useful military intelligence in the border city of Khan Younis. "We are willing to operate whenever we're needed, but there's no need for us to remain in the sector without an [operational] need," an IDF official told the Israeli outlet Haaretz. "The 98th division dismantled Hamas' Khan Yunis brigades and killed thousands of its members. We did everything we could there." The spokesperson also said that by leaving Khan Younis, some Palestinians would be able to leave Rafah a geographically small city that has swelled with civilians displaced from elsewhere in Gaza. The Israeli government has discussed a Rafah ground invasion for weeks, in the face of public opposition from the United States government. In the six months since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel that sparked the ongoing war, the situation inside Gaza has grown increasingly dire. At least 33,037 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 13,000 children, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. People in northern Gaza are subsisting on an average of 245 calories per day, according to Oxfam International. The region is also considered the most dangerous place in the world for journalists and aid workers. "Our mission was to dismantle Hamas' Khan Yunis Brigade, and we succeeded in that," the IDF spokesperson told Haaretz. "Our second mission was to return the hostages, and we failed in doing so. The operation in the Al-Shifa hospital compound contributed to the decision to change our perception concerning the fighting in the southern Strip." There are still more than 100 Israeli hostages believed to be held by Hamas inside Gaza. The decision to withdraw from Khan Younis was met with praise from some of the hostages' families and criticism from others. "The government's decision to withdraw the forces from Gaza...proves that the IDF succeeded in providing Israel many military achievements and has hindered Hamas' capabilities," Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement. "The withdrawal of the forces should be the first step in the hostage deal." Conversely, the Tikvah Forum, a group of families who want increased military action, said that the Israeli government "did not keep its word." "We demand that Israel's political leadership and the IDF will [give the order to] return to Gaza and complete the task," they said. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists raised slogans for 3 hours outside the CM House in Shyamala Hills regarding the scam in Rajiv Gandhi Technological University (RGPV). They said that the police are being negligent in this matter. The accused could not be arrested even after a month. The council workers were demanding the removal of the police commissioner. During this, he had a heated argument with TI Devendra Singh Yadav of Shyamala Hills police station outside the CM House. As soon as CM Mohan Yadav got the news of Vidyarthi Parishad's demonstration outside his bungalow, he called the council's delegation for talks. CM talked to the council members and assured appropriate action. The council members also read out their demands to the CM. After meeting the CM, the council members reached the residence of Technical Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar on foot. Here they staged a protest raising slogans. Memorandum submitted to the minister's representative. Vidyarthi Parishad workers also say that the accused have not been arrested due to political protection. During this, they also raised slogans against the Bhopal Police Commissioner. ABVP state minister Sandeep Vaishnav said that if Bhopal Police Commissioner does not take appropriate action with immediate effect, then we will demand his removal from the Election Commission. Vidyarthi Parishad believes that Bhopal Police has continuously failed to catch the criminals. This is so long that criminals have been given time to destroy evidence and afraid of the arrest of criminals, said ABVP' Shalini Verma. ABVP national minister Shalini Verma said during the protest that if the police has the will power, it can catch the biggest criminal within hours. Crores of rupees of RGPV were sent to the personal accounts of Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Finance Controller. Police also registered FIR after a month. He was not arrested even after so many days of registering the FIR. This attitude of the police administration has become more lax than that of the world's laziest animal 'Sloth'. Bhopal Police should be declared a sloth army. ABVP State Minister Sandeep Vaishnav said that why is the administration observing a fast of silence on the scams worth crores of RGPV, is the police managed? Or do they seem to have corrupt relatives? Or is it political protection? Or are you afraid of arresting criminals? ABVP workers will conduct a phased agitation until the corrupt are arrested, and will also conduct a state-wide agitation in the future. Many questions are being raised today on the inaction of the Bhopal Police Commissioner. Workers of Bhopal metropolis were present in large numbers in this demonstration. The Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine at AIIMS Bhopal organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) cum Workshop focusing on biomarker interpretation in Breast Cancer on April 6th, 2024. The program was inaugurated by Prof (Dr) Ajai Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, who commended the Department of Pathology & Lab Medicine for their proactive efforts in organizing such an insightful event. He emphasized the critical importance of sensitizing the public about the early detection of cancer. Timely detection plays a pivotal role in improving outcomes and increasing survival rates for individuals battling this disease. Cancer remains a significant health challenge globally, and early detection can make a profound difference in treatment options and prognosis. Through awareness campaigns, education initiatives, and community outreach programs, we aim to empower individuals with knowledge about the signs and symptoms of cancer, as well as the importance of regular screenings. Earlier, Prof. Vaishali Walke, Head of Pathology while welcoming the gathering highlighted the pivotal role of biomarkers in the management of Breast Cancer. Prof. Deepti Joshi introduced the audience to the DIAMonDs project currently underway in the Department of Pathology at AIIMS Bhopal. This project, funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), offers free-of-cost testing of biomarkers for breast and lung cancers. A highlight of the event was the insightful presentation by guest speaker Prof. Sandeep Mathur, a senior Professor of Pathology from AIIMS New Delhi. Prof. Mathur's talk on prognostic and predictive biomarkers in breast cancer provided attendees with valuable insights into the field of Breast Pathology. More than 65 delegates including faculty members and postgraduate students from various medical colleges and hospitals across Madhya Pradesh participated in the workshop. The post-lunch sessions included hands-on training on the ABC of FISH technique, demonstration of Immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests, grossing of breast specimens, and slide viewing sessions. In a poignant tribute to the unsung heroes of India's independence struggle, the book "Jalti Rahe Mashal" authored by Arvind Vidrohi was unveiled at a ceremony organized by the Singhbhum District Bhojpuri Literature Council, Jamshedpur, held at Bhojpuri Bhavan in Golmuri. The event witnessed the esteemed presence of Dr. Angad Tiwari, Director of Arka Jain University, and other dignitaries, including Dr. Ashok Avichal and litterateur Dinesh Prasad Singh Dinesh. "Jalti Rahe Mashal" narrates the saga of a family deeply entrenched in the fight for freedom across three generations, providing readers with an intimate glimpse into the lives of ordinary yet extraordinary individuals who dedicated themselves to the cause of liberation. Dr. Tiwari emphasized the book's significance as a testament to the resilience and sacrifices endured by freedom fighters and their families, underscoring its relevance in guiding both future generations and society at large. Reflecting on the legacy of Arvind Vidrohi's family, which spans decades of activism and advocacy for the marginalized, the event highlighted the enduring spirit of resistance and solidarity. Through 62 memoir articles, the book illuminates the historical journey of the Sharma family, offering profound insights into the struggles of independence and post-independence India. Arvind Vidrohi, himself a stalwart in the realm of literature and activism, dedicates "Jalti Rahe Mashal" to the memory of late Brahmadev Singh Sharma, a renowned journalist whose vision inspired the documentation of his family's valiant struggle against British imperialism. Vidrohi's recollections of correspondence with India's first President, Rajendra Prasad, further underscore the indomitable spirit of the era and the enduring impact of collective resistance. As the president of the Singhbhum District Bhojpuri Literature Council, Arvind Vidrohi continues to enrich society with his literary contributions, weaving together narratives of resilience and hope through works such as "Political Corpse," "Pain of Inscription," and "Line." The launch ceremony, attended by esteemed journalists, poets, and dignitaries, served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the pursuit of freedom and justice, ensuring that their stories remain etched in the annals of history for generations to come. Hitting out at the Bharatiya Janata Party, Haryanas former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Sunday alleged that the state is not run by the Government but by contractors, as the incumbent BJP-led Government has handed over everything from jobs to village development to contractors. Hooda, addressing the Jan Aakrosh Rally in Beri organized by MLA Raghubir Singh Kadian, alleged that it was very sad to see Haryana, which was number one in development till 2014, is today being called Gunda Pradesh due to increasing crime. Haryana made rapid progress during the Congress Government from 2005 to 2014, and became the top State in every aspect of development. Sadly, the State has been brought to the brink of destruction by the BJP. The party itself is aware of this, that is why the Chief Minister was changed just before the elections, he said. But this will not be of any benefit now, because this type of dummy Chief Minister has already been used in Haryana, which had proved unsuccessful. The public has understood the truth of the present government and has made up its mind to bring back the Congress. The brotherhood of 36 communities is the guarantee of Congress's victory. Deepender's victory from Rohtak will lay the foundation of Congress government in Haryana, he stated. Hooda said: If Congress Government is formed in the State, we will guarantee old pension scheme for employees, Rs 6,000 old age and widow pension, guarantee of MSP to farmers, two lakh government jobs, 300 units of free electricity, gas cylinder for Rs 500 and free plot for the poor. Addressing the rally, Haryana Congress president Udai Bhan said that the party has put a manifesto which does justice to every class before the people. To empower women, it has been announced to deposit one lakh Rupees annually in their accounts, double the income of Asha workers and mid-day mill workers, fill 30 lakh jobs within one year and give 50 per cent reservation to women, he said. To empower the youth, apprenticeship scheme of Rs one lakh per year and recruitment without paper leaks and scams is one of the primary announcements of the Congress. For the first time in the country, it has been announced to give legal guarantee of MSP to the farmers, he said. Udai Bhan said that fake cases filed against farmers will be taken back, to save them from government harassment. Comprehensive welfare schemes will be launched to empower the workers. To improve health services, a medical college will be built in every district, and like the Congress government of Rajasthan, Chiranjeevi scheme of free treatment up to Rs 25 lakh will be started in the entire country, he added. Speaking at the rally, Rajya Sabha MP Deepender Singh Hooda said that last time BJP may have won the elections by adopting misleading propaganda and anti-democratic activities, but it could not win the hearts of the people. The government always adopted the policy of thrashing every section of the society. BJP despised every class including farmers, laborers, employees, temporary employees, sanitation workers, MNREGA workers and our wrestler daughters, he said. This government wrecked the investment environment in the state and wrecked the economy. This is the reason why there is an army of unemployed people in the state today. The youth of Haryana are today standing at such crossroads of unemployment, from where some are going towards depression, some crime, some drug addiction and some migration. Groups of miscreants have again become active in different areas, he pointed out. He said that during 10 years of BJP rule in the state, they neither established any big university, nor any power plant, nor any big institute, nor any big project came up in Haryana. The government did not extend the metro by even an inch, nor did it bring any new railway line to Haryana, he said. To hide its failure, BJP is now planning to change the Lok Sabha candidates after the Chief Minister, but Congress will work to change the government with the cooperation of the public, he said. Bokaro police arrested two individuals on Thursday, including a suspect involved in chain snatching. According to the police, the arrested individual, identified as Insaaf Ali alias Pitla (32), has been implicated in several incidents of chain snatching across Bokaro, Dhanbad, and various police stations in Bengal. During the arrest, the police also seized a homemade firearm from him. Based on the statement provided by Pitla, the police also apprehended two accomplices, identified as Sonar and Sanjay Swarnakar, believed to be residents of Kasmar. The police recovered stolen chains and other items from their possession as well. Notably SP Bokaro, Pujya Prakash, revealed that based on confidential information, the primary suspect in the Pindrajora police station loot incident, Insaaf Ali alias Pitla, has been apprehended. Police conducted a raid in Ghatiyali, Pindrajora, leading to his arrest. Recovered during the operation were a looted pulsar motorcycle, a homemade firearm, live ammunition, and mobile phones. The suspect confessed to orchestrating numerous chain-snatching incidents across various police stations in Bokaro, Dhanbad district, and Bengal. He disclosed his involvement with an accomplice and revealed plans to sell the stolen chains to a goldsmith. Following the raid, another individual involved in buying and selling stolen chains was also arrested elsewhere, leading to the recovery of additional stolen items. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Sunday, said that the Congress party was the biggest problem of the country and imposing curfew was part of its DNA. He said. Let alone building the Ram temple, Congress people even considered Lord Ram and Lord Krishna as imaginary figures, he remarked. The Bharatiya Janata Partys star campaigner made these remarks during a massive public meeting held at Ashok Sharma Senior Secondary School grounds in Lalsot, Rajasthan during his whirlwind election tour to the state. He appealed to the people to vote for Kanhaiya Lal Meena, the candidate from Dausa Lok Sabha seat. Attacking the Congress, Yogi Adityanath said, During Congress rule, only the work of robbing the poor of their rights has been done. Chief Minister Yogi expressed gratitude to the people of Dausa, stating that during the Rajasthan assembly elections, he campaigned in Dausa and as a result, the public blessed the party candidates, leading to the resounding victories of the BJP on five out of eight assembly constituencies here. The UP chief minister mentioned that for the first time people across the country were assured of the results of the 18th Lok Sabha elections, adding that people had accepted that the National Democratic Alliance government would be formed under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. Across the nation, there is a unanimous chant, Fir Ek Baar, Modi Sarkar, he stated. The discourse surrounding the Modi government isnt abrupt; it is the culmination of achievements within Indian society that Modi ji has realised over a decade. In acknowledgment of this, the citizens of our nation are resolute in granting power to Modi for the third time, Yogi Adityanath added. Highlighting the achievements during Prime Minister Modis tenure, the UP chief minister said that in the last 10 years, the respect for Indians had increased worldwide. The countrys borders have been secured. Previously, there were terrorist activities in the country. Three days ago, news came out in a British newspaper that 20 terrorists were killed in Pakistan. This is a new India where the name of Lord Ram is becoming the truth for terrorists, he remarked. He emphasised that worldwide, there is a belief that Indias actions are in the interest of humanity. Presently, no nation dares to endorse terrorism, understanding that such support would result in facing repercussions like airstrikes. Over the past decade, the country has successfully quelled Naxalism, terrorism, and stone-pelting in Kashmir. Consequently, Kashmir is now progressing in tandem with developmental initiatives and democratic principles. The region witnesses a substantial influx of tourists, with people safely participating in events such as the Amarnath Yatra and the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi, he stated. Today, major initiatives like IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and medical colleges are happening in the country. Under schemes like Har Ghar Nal Yojana and PM Agriculture Irrigation Scheme, the commitment to provide water to every field and household in India is being fulfilled, Yogi added. He pointed out that there was a time when people of the Congress party denied rights to the poor. However, in the Modi government, 80 crore poor people are benefiting from free ration, 60 crore poor people are getting coverage of a health insurance of Rs 5 lakh while housing has been provided for four crore poor people and the Kisan Samman Nidhi for 12 crore farmers. Millions of women are benefitting from the Ujjwala scheme also, he asserted. He remarked that in India, every occurrence is intertwined with Ram, and every narrative encompasses Krishna. Meera Bai from Rajasthan devoted her entire life to Shri Krishna. It is a testament that no Indian lives their life without the influence of Ram and Krishna. Chief Minister Yogi further said that todays India ensures livelihood for the youth of the country, and respect for the faith of every Indian. He added that people of the Congress used to question the very existence of Lord Ram and Krishna, stressing that they would never have allowed construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Continuing his attack on the Congress, the UP chief minister said that the party did not want a solution to the temple issue because it was itself a problem. Congress is the problem of the country; it keeps giving problems to the country while Modi provides solutions. The construction of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya is complete, he asserted. The UP chief minister also invited the people of Dausa to visit Ayodhya, emphasising that the city has turned into a heaven on earth in the last 10 years. He said that this election was not just an ordinary election as it was also an opportunity to realise the vision of a developed India. Emphasising Prime Minister Modis charismatic leadership, Yogi said: The prime minister works for the welfare of all 140 crore Indians. During the time of COVID-19, he made the worlds best vaccine available for free to every Indian through his scientists. Had Congress been in power during the pandemic, not to talk of free vaccines and rations, there would have been exploitation of the poor. Congress had turned Jammu and Kashmir into a stronghold of terrorism. He said that Prime Minister Modi eradicated terrorism from Kashmir by abolishing Article 370. Along with this, for the first time, people of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been given the benefit of reservation in Jammu and Kashmir, he added. On this occasion, Bharatiya Janata Party leaders including Kanhaiya Lal Meena, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Jaskaur Meena, Ramvilas Meena, Rajendra Meena, Sanjay Bhatia, Prabhudayal Sharma were present. Congress has always done politics of dividing religion in the country. Congress has filled the hearts of people with hatred against each other by doing politics on the basis of religion. Congress people are shameless, they even come to ask for votes. What good will those people do to the country and its countrymen who could not even go to the consecration ceremony of Lord Shri Ramlala, who is adored by all of us? Now the time has come to teach such people a lesson. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said this while addressing the workers conference organized in Rajgarh and Sarangpur on Sunday. State Government Minister Vishwas Sarang and party candidate Rodmal Nagar also addressed the conference. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that the country and the state have achieved historic achievements in the last 10 years. Development is visible everywhere. Under the leadership of the country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has created history in many fields. Congress did not repair the railway lines laid during the British era even after ruling for 70 years, but in the last 10 years the Prime Minister expressed his intentions by laying new railway lines. Madhya Pradesh has received many gifts from Railways. Yadav has said that now ambulances have been started every 50 kilometers to protect the mother cow, where 33 crore gods and goddesses reside, so that if any mother cow gets injured, she can get immediate treatment. The amount given to cow shelters has also been doubled, so that the cow mothers get adequate food. He said that now arrangements are being made to give bonus on milk also to the milk producing farmers. Cow sheds are also being constructed for the cows. They will no longer be allowed to live on the streets. A campaign will be launched for the protection of cow mothers from the Hindu New Year Gudipadwan. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that Bharatiya Janata Party is a party of the poor, farmers and women. The poor are respected here. Congress could not eliminate poverty even after ruling the country for 70 years, but the aim of Bharatiya Janata Party's politics is to eradicate the poor and uplift them. A 37-year-old constable committed suicide by hanging inside barrack at the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) camp located in Shahjahanabad area on Saturday night. Police said that a constable committed suicide by hanging in the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) camp located in Shahjahanabad police station area of Bhopal. The police reached the information and sent the body of the constable to the PM. The reasons for suicide could not be revealed due to non-receipt of suicide note. The police is investigating the matter. SI Pawan Sen said that Sonu Yadav's father Ramprakash Yadav (35) a resident of a village near Indore was a constable in NDRF. He had guard duty on Saturday night, but he did not come for duty. When his fellow employees reached his barracks to call him, they saw that he had hanged himself by making a noose of rope on the fan. The matter was immediately informed to the police station. Police reached the NDRF office at Idgah Hills, took possession of the body and sent it to the PM. The postmortem of the body was conducted on Sunday afternoon in the presence of family members. Sonu was the father of two children. Mother had also reached the mortuary along with her father. The family members have also denied having any information regarding the reason for Sonu's suicide. According to TI UPS Chauhane, the friends of the deceased told that Sonu used to drink. They were last heard arguing over a call. This call was from one of his close relatives. After talking on the call, he went to the barrack and committed suicide. Whose call it was from could not be confirmed. The case is being investigated. Meanwhile a 23-year-old youth by committed suicide by hanging with the ceiling in a tent godown located at P&D intersection in TT Nagar police station area. He came to Bhopal three months ago in search of work. On Sunday morning, fellow employees informed the police after spotting the body. Raj Uike (23) of Imlikheda village, Sehore. His father Sumer told that three months ago his son had come to Bhopal in search of work. Here he started working in a tent house located at P&T intersection. Lived in tent godown only. At around 7 am on Sunday morning, the son's friends called and informed about his death. It is not known why he committed suicide. Police have not found any suicide note from him. His mobile phone has been confiscated by the police. Here the police say that they have established a route and started an investigation. After PM, the body has been handed over to the family members. The associates of the deceased will be interrogated. Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday addressed the workers conference by conducting a road show in Obedullahganj of Bhojpur Assembly of Vidisha Lok Sabha. During this, the former Chief Minister said that, a hundred years ago, Swami Vivekananda had said that the long life seems to have ended, the end of the great world is near, those who are blind cannot see, those who are deaf cannot hear, but I can clearly see that Mother India is once again standing tall and assuming the position of World Guru. One Narendra Swami Vivekananda had said this and one Narendra is our Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is completing it. While communicating with the workers, the former Chief Minister said that after 18 years, I have again got the privilege of serving this soil, I am very happy. I will leave no stone unturned in the development of Vidisha parliamentary constituency. The former Chief Minister said that ever since the Bharatiya Janata Party was born, Dr. Mukherjee had said that two symbols, two legislations, two heads will not work in one country. There was Bharatiya Janata Party which fought for Kashmir, there was Bharatiya Janata Party which fought for Goa and there was no one else. Congress has committed the great sin of dividing the country. If the country is divided then the work of dividing the country has been done by Congress and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru has done it. When Pakistan attacked, our soldiers were fighting in Kashmir, if Nehru had allowed the army to fight for three more days, then today the entire Kashmir would have been ours, Pakistan occupied Kashmir would not have survived. Not only this, Congress also imposed Article 370. Today I am proud to say that the dream that Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay ji and Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee ji saw that two marks, two legislations, two heads will not work has been fulfilled, Article 370 has been abolished from Kashmir. Chouhan said, what is left in Congress, what are the customs and policies of Congress which were useful for the country. Congress used to say that Ram is imaginary. Ram is our existence, Ram is our worshipper, Ram is our life. Ram resides in our every pore, Ram resides in our breath. This country cannot run without Ram. Proud to say, we did what we said we would. Ramlala was consecrated in Ayodhya on 22 January. There was a celebration in the country, sisters were lighting lamps, but the Congress party was not happy. When the country was celebrating, Congress was mourning. Congress is in bad luck. What a crowd had gathered to get a glimpse of God and Congress rejected the invitation, contrary to the times of destruction. Himachal Pradeshs former Congress legislators Sudhir Sharma and Rajinder Rana have initiated legal action against the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for alleged defamation, following his MLA sold for Rs 15 crore remarks during recent political rallies. The two MLAs, who have now joined the BJP and are contesting bypolls as saffron partys candidates, were disqualified from the state assembly for defying a party whip during the budget session. Sharma, seeking reelection from Dharamshala assembly constituency, on Sunday lodged a police complaint against Sukhu for defamation over his remark against MLAs who switch sides from Congress to BJP. The move came days after he had sent a defamation notice to Sukhu, demanding Rs five crore in compensation for the Chief Minister's damaging remarks. Sharma's legal counsel argued that Sukhu's baseless accusations had tarnished the MLAs reputation, causing irreparable harm to his public image and standing in the community. Sharma, a four-time MLA and seasoned politician, emphasized that Sukhu's inflammatory rhetoric lacked substance and integrity, calling for the registration of an FIR against the Chief Minister. In his complaint addressed to the Superintendent of Police of Kangra and the state police chief, the four-time MLA said: Recently, a video and media reports have surfaced in my constituency regarding a misleading speech by Sukhu at Kutlehar in Una district on April 4 making a baseless allegation that legislators were sold for Rs 15 crore eachIt is deeply concerning that public funds were used by the Chief Minister to travel to Kutlehar and spread lies. His speech, lacking any evidence, has created offensive content that has spread widely, both within the state and beyond. Such defamatory statements by a person of Chief Minister's stature are highly irresponsible and have caused significant harm to my reputation, as well as to the sentiments of my family and supporters. I urge you to take immediate action and register an FIR against the chief minister for criminal defamation and misleading the masses in his capacity as a public servant, he added in the complaint. Similarly, a three-time MLA and BJP candidate from Sujanpur assembly seat Rajinder Rana on Sunday also sent a defamation notice to Sukhu, highlighting the Chief Minister's disparaging remarks during political rallies. Rana, a respected leader with a strong grassroots following, condemned Sukhu's attempts to malign his character and reputation. In a scathing rebuke, Rana accused Sukhu of resorting to slanderous tactics to discredit his political opponents, undermining the principles of fair play and democratic discourse. Rana's legal counsel underscored the gravity of Sukhu's defamatory statements, arguing that such malicious allegations had caused significant harm to Rana's public image and reputation. The defamation notice issued by Rana demanded an apology from Sukhu and sought substantial damages for the unwarranted attack on Rana's character. The notice stated that in the past few weeks, the CM Sukhu has been painting Rana's character as a venal politician who has been purchased by the BJP. The malicious, baseless, fake, fabricated, concocted, defamatory, malafide and motivated speeches and statements made by the CM have harmed and damaged the reputation of Rana and adversely affected his public image built over years, it added. Rana also alleged that the kind of language used by the Chief Minister does not match with the proud culture and decency of Himachal Pradesh. Both Sharma and Rana were among the nine MLAs six Congress rebels and three Independents who voted in favour of the BJP nominee Harsh Mahajan in the Rajya Sabha elections held on February 27. The Congress rebels were disqualified by the Speaker for defying a whip to be present in the assembly and vote in favour of the government during the cut motions and budget. All the nine legislators later joined BJP and the Congress rebels were fielded by the saffron party from their respective constituencies. At a rally in Kutlehar on Thursday Sukhu alleged that the 'six Congress rebels and three Independents were sold for Rs 15 crore each'. A day later, addressing a gathering in Nadaun in Hamirpur district, Sukhu dubbed Sharma as the 'kingpin' of rebels and alleged that he must have received more than Rs 15 crore. A suspect was arrested in connection with the apparent arson at Sen. Bernie Sanders' Vermont office, federal officials said Sunday. Shant Soghomonian, 35, was charged with "using fire to damage the building at One Church Street in Burlington," the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont said in a statement. On Friday, the Burlington Fire Department said that it was notified of a fire via phone call and discovered a blaze set approximately between the vestibule, the elevator, and the entrance door of Sanders' third-floor office. "A significant fire engulfed the door and part of the vestibule, impeding the egress of staff members who were working in the office and endangering their lives," Burlington police said at the time. Federal officials allege that Soghomonian entered the building on Friday morning and immediately headed toward Sanders' office. "Soghomonian was recorded on a security video spraying a liquid near the outer door of the office and then lighting the area with a handheld lighter," the US Attorney's Office said. "A blaze quickly began while Soghomonian departed via a staircase." While there were several employees inside the building during the fire, there were no injuries reported. If convicted, Soghomonian could face between five and 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The body of a Class 12 student who went missing was found in a field in Saharanpur on Sunday morning while a man was lynched in Fatehpur district, police said on Sunday. In Saharanpur, Superintendent of Police (Rural) Sagar Jain said the body of Aditya (19) had two bullet wounds on the chest and it was suspected he was shot dead. Aditya, son of farmer Joginder Singh, was last seen on Saturday evening when two youths reached his house in Sahaspur Jat village under Nakur police station around 8 pm and took him with them on a motorcycle, the police said. When the teenager did not return home until late night, his family members called him on his mobile phone but could not speak to him as the phone was switched off. On Sunday morning, some farmers saw Adityas body lying near a field, about a kilometre from his home, and informed his family and the police. SP (Rural) Jain said the police were questioning the duo who had taken Aditya with them on Saturday night. The police are also analysing the mobile phone of the deceased, he added. Jain also said that no complaint had been filed in the matter so far by the family members of the deceased. In another killing, a 35-year-old man was beaten to death with sticks in Fatehpur district on Sunday, police said. Fatehpurs ASP Vijay Shankar Mishra said that while harvesting wheat crop in the Hasanpur Lodiani village under the Gazipur police station, Ramu Hada (35) was allegedly beaten to death with sticks in the field. A case has been registered against five named and two unknown attackers on the basis of the complaint filed by the family members of the deceased, and a search has been initiated to nab them, the ASP said. Mishra added that the body of the deceased had been sent for post-mortem. According to Vinod Kumar Mishra, the SHO of the Ghazipur police station, the accused allegedly committed the crime due to a land related dispute. People living across the shrine city of Deoghar are now witnessing a widespread voters awareness campaign ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. For the first time in a while, over a thousand students enrolled in various secondary and senior secondary schools in the district participated in hours-long quiz contest programmes meant to make them aware of the electoral process, voting rights, and their duties and responsibilities towards society on Saturday. This was the first phase of the three-phased awareness programme of the district administration. The second and third phases of the programme would be organised on April 8 and April 13, respectively. The entire activity is being carried out under the Election Commission of Indias promising programme, Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP). Thanks to the Deoghar Deputy Commissioner, Vishal Sagar, who came forward and directed the concerned district and block-level authorities to look after the sensitivity of the elections, electoral processes, and public awareness campaign ahead of the upcoming elections and directed them to pursue these programmes. Massive quiz competitions are being organised among the secondary and senior secondary students, including male and female, so that they can widely contribute to society. As per the direction and guidance of our Deputy Commissioner, the entire programme has been divided into three phases. While, in the very first phase, we have focused, individually, on all the secondary and senior secondary schools, our next target is to cover up the maximum possible students on the block and district level during the second and third phases of this programme, respectively, said Deoghar, District Education Officer (DEO) and District Superintendent of Education (DSE), Binod Kumar. Our main objective is to educate the citizens of all classes, like: disgruntled members of society or socially and economically weaker sections. We are also concentrating on youngsters, especially on first time voters. If everything goes well, the voting percentage would certainly go high in days to come, Deoghar DEO added. Interview with Former Presidential Candidate, Finance and Foreign Minister Mr. YASHWANT SINHA With the heat of summer in Hazaribag and other parts of the country, the general public has started feeling the heat of the Lok Sabha elections.Members of regional parties including central parties in the country have started coming together.Big parties of the country have declared their candidates in many states of the country.At many places, BJP seems to be getting seats without any confrontation, while at many places Congress is trying hard to defeat BJP.According to today's equation in Hazaribag Lok Sabha elections, BJP's Manish Jaiswal and Congress's Jai Prakash Bhai Patel are seen facing each other.Well, nothing can be said in politicsAnyone's equation can change at any timeToday we are talking about the strong leader of the country who does not belong to any party, former presidential candidate, former Union Finance and External Affairs Minister, Honorable Yashwant Sinha, who organized a press conference and gave his blessings to Congress candidate for Lok Sabha, Jai Prakash Bhai Patel. Have given While talking to The Pioneer, Honorable Yashwant Sinha openly answered the questions asked on the country, state and Lok Sabha elections. Question No.1 : You have spent a long time in politics. What difference do you find between today's politics and earlier politics? Answer : I left the administrative service and became a member of Janata Party in 1984 to serve the general public and after merger with Janata Dal, I contributed as a Union Minister in the government of former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar with many important posts in the party.He was a member of BJP from 1993 to 2018 and contributed to important ministries like Finance and External Affairs in the government along with many important posts in the party.That was a time when we rose above the animosity and all the members, whether of the opposition or the government, respected each other.Whenever our government was formed, it rose above the victory and defeat of the party and worked for the people of the country. Question No.2 : What is the difference between Atal ji and Advani ji's BJP and today's BJP? Answer : There is a world of difference between Atal ji and Advani ji's BJP and today's BJP. Today BJP has become a one man party and no one has respect in the party.During the time of Atal and Advani ji, we used to take care not only of our party but also of the opposition members. I would like to tell you about an incident.In 2001, there was a terrorist attack on the Parliament. Atal ji called Sonia ji and asked about her well being, whether she was safe or not.We never considered the opposition as our enemy.Opposition has an important role in the democratic system. Today's government is engaged in eliminating the opposition.This path is leading to monarchy which is completely wrong. The opposition is being sent to jail.Whereas when a corrupt person joins the party, he becomes a clean personality; no one in the party has any respect.All the party members as well as the opposition members are scared. An atmosphere of fear has been created and no one is feeling safe. Question No.3 : What would you like to say about today's current Union Finance and External Affairs Minister? Answer : I would like to say about today's current Finance and Foreign Minister that both of them have no place in the government.There is a one person government and all the ministries are headed by one person.I want to ask the Foreign Minister that you are not aware that under an agreement, Kachchi Dipu was a part of Sri Lanka which was given to Sri Lanka during the tenure of former Prime Minister Indira Ji.Today, the Prime Minister is lying that former Prime Minister Indira ji had given Kachhi Dipu, a small island, to Sri Lanka.BJP is saying anything to get votes, they talk about surgical strikes but never discuss about Pulwama. Question No.4 : The opposition is in a very weak position today. What should the opposition do? How will there be change in politics? Answer : Opposition, especially Congress needs to come to a stronger position.Regional parties including the central one need to work together.There will come a time when there will be a change in politics. There was a change in 1991 when the Congress government was ousted.Circumstances make or strengthen.At some point there will be change. Question No.5 : Two Chief Ministers of two states of the country are in jail. Is corruption ending or is the opposition ending? Answer : No one is guilty until the court gives its verdict.Central government is misusing government agencies. Especially at the time of elections, BJP wants to win the elections by crippling the opposition.You are honest only as long as the government is yours, the day the government changes, your condition will worsen. Question No.6 : Today BJP is taking credit for the issues of Article 370 and Ram Mandir in the elections. What would you like to say? Answer : I believe that Article 370 was already dead, the BJP government has just declared it dead. The same decision regarding Ram Mandir is of the court. Ram temple is a religious issue which should be banned by the Election Commission but the Commission does not have the power to do anything against the Prime Minister. Question No.7 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee says that CAA and NRC will not be implemented in Bengal ? Answer : What the BJP government wants to bring is already in the Constitution.All the oppressed should get citizenship.Identifying citizens on the basis of religion is against the Constitution. Be it Muslims or people of other religions, all those who are persecuted should get citizenship. Question No.8 : BJP government wants to bring Population Control Bill and Uniform Civil Code. What would you like to say? Answer : Any bill related to the benefit of the general public must be brought and the issues should be resolved.Issues should not be kept hanging. Question No.9 : BJP is claiming that it will form the government by winning more than 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections? The opposition is claiming to distribute freebies to win the elections. What would you like to say ? Answer : Be it BJP or opposition, who is more powerful will be known after the decision is taken.But the way the parties are unnecessarily assuring the public of giving freebies to win the elections, it is not in the interest of the country.No party should make such a promise which will affect the economic condition of the country.If any party provides anything for free after winning the elections, then the country will become weak. I am very worried about this, this should not happen. Question No.10 : Despite being an eligible candidate, BJP is not given Lok Sabha ticket to Jayant Sinha. Is the party giving him any other post ? Answer : I wouldn't like to say anything specific on this but I don't think so.If the party had to make any announcement, it would have done so. Question No.11 : What would you like to say about the current BJP candidate? Answer : The people of Hazaribag Lok Sabha constituency know about all.I just want that a candidate with a clean image should win from this Lok Sabha seat.Do not show off in front of the public.They should work for the people of this area and not indulge in looting.The people of the area should get relief from mafia rule. Question No.12 : You are giving your blessings to the Congress candidate in Hazaribag Lok Sabha elections while the condition of Congress in the country is very bad. How appropriate is it to support Jai Prakash Bhai Patel? Answer : I have a lot of connections with the people of Hazaribag.Today I am not a member of any party but I always stand like a guardian for the country and especially the common people of Hazaribag and I cannot see Hazaribag getting trapped in the clutches of mafia.Hazaribag does not need a candidate who is true to his public works and who loots at night and does a little bit of division among the people during the day, wearing a mask.The people here should understand which candidate is right and who is wrong. Question No.13 : What would you like to say to the people of Hazaribag on the auspicious occasion of Lok Sabha elections? Answer : I would like to tell the people of Hazaribag that Hazaribag has to be saved from mafia rule and Jai Prakash Bhai Patel has to win. You should recognize the strength of Jai Prakash Bhai Patel. He is son of the son of the soil, Teklal Mahato and like him, serving the general public is his main aim in life.Jai Prakash Bhai Patel's victory is certain as per the equation. Jai Prakash Bhai Patel needs to work a little hard and needs to understand the common people of the area. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a new direction to the country. When India speaks today, the whole world listens, he said. Targeting the Congress at a rally in Tohana, which is a part of the Sirsa Lok Sabha constituency, Saini said that when they were in power, they used to give mere slogans and make hollow promises. The BJP-led Governments at the Centre and in the State have delivered on what they promised, he said. This was Sainis second poll rally within two days in Sirsa constituency. The first was in Ratia in Fatehabad district. Slamming the Congress as double faced, Saini said that on one hand, it supports the tukde-tukde gang, and on the other, it takes out a Bharat Jodo Yatra, while referring to Rahul Gandhis 2022-23 Kanyakumari-to-Kashmir yatra. Attacking the opposition INDIA bloc, Saini said: If you look at the ghamandiya gathbandhan, neither its policy is right nor its intent, and till today, no one knows what kind of leadership it has. The BJP has the right policy, intention and leadership, he said at the rally in Tohana, also in Fatehabad, to garner support for BJPs Sirsa candidate Ashok Tanwar. Stating that Indias prestige has increased globally under Modis leadership, Saini said: Before 2014, the world used to speak and India used to listen. In 2024, India speaks and the world listens. Saini, asserting that the country has become safe and secure under Modis leadership, said that Prime Minister Modi took a bold decision and that resulted in the scrapping of Article 370 of the Constitution. The Congress could never have done this, he said, adding, Congress even today says they will reconsider it (if they come to power). But the country has decided not to give them this chance, and people will bring back Modi ji by giving more than 400 seats. Hry CM to campaign for BJP candidate in Chandigarh Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will campaign for the Chandigarh BJP candidate during the Lok Sabha elections. Informing this, Chandigarh BJP president Jitender Pal Malhotra on Sunday said that during the half an hour meeting with the Haryana Chief Minister, issues related to Lok Sabha elections were discussed in detail, and he gave necessary suggestions regarding the elections. Malhotra added that during the meeting, Chief Minister Saini has assured that he will be available whenever required and will be involved in the campaigning process also. Chandigarh BJP's public contact campaign is going on at all the booths. This time in the elections, BJP will win the Chandigarh seat with a record number of votes. There is an atmosphere of enthusiasm among the people towards the BJP because apart from Ram Mandir and removal of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the development works done in railways, air service and other areas is also being appreciated by the people of the country, he said, adding that many development works have been done in Chandigarh also. Malhotra added that Chandigarh BJP will soon reach out to the people regarding the development story of Chandigarh. BJP state general secretaries Hukam Chand and Amit Jindal described the meeting with the Chief Minister as very important. He said that in this Lok Sabha election, many big personalities, including the Haryana CM, will reach Chandigarh to campaign. Chandigarh will be voting for its Member of Parliament on June 1 in the seventh, which is the last phase, of the Lok Sabha election. The voting will take place on June 1 while the counting will take place on June 4. The last date of filing nomination is May 14. Bajwa slams Mann for failure to ensure uninterrupted power supply Chandigarh: The Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa on Sunday rebuked the AAP-led Punjab Government for making hollow claims about being power-sufficient. Bajwa, citing a news report, said that consumers in the State should be prepared to face long unexpected power cuts in the summer season, particularly in the upcoming paddy transplant season. As per the news report the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has sought permission from the power regulator Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) for imposing power cuts due to any power shortage in generation within the State. Meanwhile, the experts believe that this could mean cuts after the election process in Punjab gets over in June, he added. Bajwa said that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's government in January this year bought a 540-megawatt private thermal power plant at Goindwal Sahib. Mann boasted about purchasing it for Rs 1,080 crore to fulfil the power demand of the State. He owes an explanation to the people of Punjab why has he failed to ensure a smooth power supply in the State, he said, lashing out at the AAP Government for befooling the people with lofty claims, but failed miserably to deliver on the ground. People of Punjab are ready to play a big role in BJPs victory in Lok Sabha polls: Preneet Patiala: Former Union Minister and Patiala MP Preneet Kaur on Sunday exhorted confidence that the people of Patiala and Punjab are ready to play a bigger role in BJPs sure shot victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Preneet, addressing the party workers at a Booth Summit in Patran, said: The overwhelming love and support that I am getting from across the spectrum just goes on to show the massive respect that the people have for the development centric policies of BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. The mood of the nation is abundantly clear that the people have only one party in mind and that is Bharatiya Janata Party. Preneet, on the query of farmers protest, said: In a democratic society, everyone has a right to protest and make their voices hear. Our farmers are our annadatas, and me and my family, especially Capt Amarinder Singh ji, have always championed their rights and have stood up for them. As their elected representative, I have always tried to bring their demands to the notice of the Central Government and will continue to do so in the future. Harsimrat slams Mann on Tarn Taran case: Aise CM Ko Chullu Bhar Paani Bathinda: SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Sunday slammed Aam Aadmi Party in Bathinda over horrific Tarn Taran incident. Hitting out at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Harsimrat alleged that such a Chief Minister should drown himself in water as even after 15 days, the culprits are not being arrested. She also made pointing remarks on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stating that even after going to jail, he doesnt want to leave the Chief Ministers seat and this has exposed AAP. Addressing the media, Harsimrat said: Aise Chief Minister ko chullu bhar paani me doob jaana chahiyeEven after 15 days, culprits of Tarn Taran incident are not being arrested. Even after going to jail, he doesnt want to leave the CM seat and this has exposed AAP. Ahead of June 1 Lok Sabha elections and assembly by-polls to be held simultaneously in Himachal Pradesh, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday expressed confidence that people of the State will support her party and truth will prevail. On one hand, there is the BJPs pursuit of power by using money and agencies, destroying democracy in the process; and on the other, there is the Congress resolve to work tirelessly for the people with truth, courage, and patience, she said in a social media post. Priyanka, in her post in Hindi on X, said: I met all leaders of the Congress party in Himachal Pradesh. I am proud of their unity, hard work, courage to contest elections strongly, and their dedication towards the people. On the one hand, there is the BJPs empire of fear, greed, and lies. The pursuit of power through money power and agencies is a politics that destroys democracy. On the other hand, Congress has the resolve to work tirelessly for the people with truth, courage, and patience, she said. I have full confidence that the public will support us, and the truth will prevail, the Congress general secretary asserted. In Himachal Pradesh, by-polls to six assembly seats will be held simultaneously with Lok Sabha elections on June 1. The assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh were necessitated after the disqualification of Congress MLAs. Congress sources had earlier said that Priyanka Gandhi played a pivotal role in protecting peoples mandate in Himachal, remaining in constant touch with the Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, and senior leaders to foil the BJPs Operation Lotus in February. Priyanka was also the face of the Congress campaign in Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections in 2022. Earlier, she has also played the role of a trouble-shooter for the Congress. Priyankas statement came a day after she reviewed the national polls strategy along with AICC general secretary in-charge of the hill state Rajeev Shukla, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, state unit president Pratibha Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, and other senior leaders on Saturday. Concerned over factionalism in the partys Himachal Pradesh unit, Priyanka had urged the state leaders to be united, avoid public spats against each other, and fight the BJP together to win all the four Lok Sabha seats. During the meeting, discussions were held regarding the strategy for Lok Sabha elections. Priyanka Gandhi wants the state team to be together in taking on the BJP. We all are going to work together, and our target is to win all four parliamentary seats in the State. Everyone should contribute to the party campaign, which will focus on the failures of the Modi government over the past 10 years, said state Congress chief Pratibha Singh. To spread the message of the Congress manifesto, we will try to reach all the households over the coming weeks. The people had believed in the partys social welfare guarantees in the assembly polls and voted us to power. They will also support us in the ensuing national polls, she said. Himachal has four Lok Sabha seats Hamirpur, Mandi, Shimla, and Kangra. The BJP won all four seats in 2019. Later, former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singhs wife Pratibha Singh snatched Mandi from the BJP in a by-poll necessitated in 2021 following the death of incumbent MP Ram Swaroop Sharma. Though the party plans to field new faces in the three seats, the consensus is on repeating Pratibha Singh in Mandi to counter BJP nominee actress Kangana Ranaut. Of late, Pratibha Singhs son and state minister Vikramaditya Singh has been regularly targeting Kangana fueling speculation that he may be named as Congress candidate from Mandi, a party stronghold. Party insiders said that the high command is in no hurry to name the candidates for the June 1 polling but admitted that ally AAP had been pestering them to finalize the nominees early to counter the BJP. According to party insiders, besides the Lok Sabha polls, by-elections in six assembly seats were also discussed in the strategy meeting chaired by Priyanka Gandhi. Six Congress rebels who were expelled by the Assembly Speaker are now contesting the by-polls as BJP candidates. Crisis had hit the Sukhu Government after the six rebel MLAs voted against partys Rajya Sabha nominee Abhishek Manu Singhvi and helped the BJP nominee Harsha Mahajan win in a tie. Factionalism in the state unit surfaced around the same time when PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh resigned to protest Sukhus style of functioning. Vikramaditya later withdrew his resignation at the instance of AICC observer DK Shiv Kumar. Of late, the Chief Minister has been regularly attacking the six rebels for ditching the Congress. After the Chief Minister alleged the six rebels had taken Rs 15 crore each from the BJP, one of them Sudhir Sharma has filed a defamation suit against Sukhu. Party insiders said that the bribe details are emerging from an ongoing police probe, and the rebels will be further exposed. Western Uttar Pradesh has played a pivotal role in deciding the electoral fortunes of Bharatiya Janata Party in the state during the last decade. Ever since the 2014 Lok Sabha elections followed by UP assembly polls in 2017 and 2022 and the last parliamentary elections in 2019, the opposition has posed a challenge to the BJP and also achieved partial success. With 16 Lok Sabha constituencies going to polls in the first and second phases, the electoral arithmetic in this region is vastly different in 2024 due to Rashtriya Lok Dal joining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. Unlike 2019, the Bahujan Samaj Party has entered the electoral battle solo and Samajwadi Party and Congress are part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the SP, BSP and RLD had joined hands. The SP and BSP had won 15 seats, while the RLD had drawn a blank. In the 2022 UP assembly polls, the SP and RLD were together and they posed a challenge to the BJP. The opposition had pinned high hopes of defeating the BJP in western UP, thus preventing its return to power in UP. Farmers leader Yogendra Yadav had commented on the dismal performance of the SP-RLD alliance: We had laid a fine pitch for the alliance but Akhilesh Yadav failed to deliver. The SP-RLD tie-up however succeeded in increasing its tally of seats. In 2024, the SP has no ally except the Congress as the RLD has joined hands with the BJP-led NDA. Confusion in SP over selection of candidates for the Rampur, Moradabad and Meerut Lok Sabha seats has added to the woes of the opposition, thus benefiting the BJP. Encompassing the Braj and Rohilkhand regions, the 16 constituencies are slated to go to polls in the first two phases on April 19 and 26. Though the INDIA bloc is confident of garnering a majority of Muslim votes, the presence of BSP is likely to spoil their chances. Western UP is home to 72.29 per cent Hindu and 26.21 per cent Muslim population. In many constituencies going to poll in the first and second phases, the number of Muslim voters is over 40 per cent. The electoral battleground is, thus, set for an intense and keenly-fought contest, particularly in constituencies with sizeable Muslim populations Rampur, Moradabad, Kairana, Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Sambhal, Meerut, Baghpat, Bijnor, Aligarh, Nagina (SC) and Amroha. The BJPs electoral strategy here hinges on development, law and order, crackdown on organised mafia gangs and timely payment of sugarcane price to farmers with a hike in the SAP (state advisory price) of sugarcane. Infrastructure development has been a focal point, with upgraded highways, railway lines and improved electricity supply underpinning the BJPs governance narrative. An additional advantage is the image of Yogi Adityanath as a tough administrator. The chief minister has earned praise of the common people for the crackdown on criminals and anti-social elements, focus on infrastructure upgradation and social welfare. The common man feels safe. This is the biggest achievement of the government as our daughters and sisters can step out fearlessly even at night, says a local panchayat leader in Kairana. The BJP has not only forged an alliance with Jayant Chaudharys RLD, but has also bestowed the top honour of the country, the Bharat Ratna, on his grandfather and former late Chaudhary Charan Singh. The BJP had performed well in western UP in the 2022 assembly polls largely due to its emphasis on womens safety. Despite communal tensions, western UP witnessed a surge in BJPs electoral fortunes in 2014. The party swept the Lok Sabha elections months after the communal riots in Muzaffarnagar in 2013 and won all the 16 Lok Sabha seats of this region. The BJP formed the government in UP led by Yogi Adityanath with a thumping majority in 2017, but in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the party suffered a setback as it lost seven out of the 16 Lok Sabha seats in the western region. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance led to the consolidation of Muslim and Jat votes and the BJP faced defeat in most Muslim-dominated constituencies. Almost all the Lok Sabha seats of western UP are set to witness keen contests, with the SP-Congress candidates locked in a direct fight with the BJP-RLD candidates, especially in Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Meerut, Baghpat and Mathura. The key contenders include Union Minister Sanjeev Balyan and veteran actress Hema Malini. The BJPs top leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh along with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, have campaigned here. The BJP leaders have in their campaign focused on the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya. However, the top leadership of the opposition parties is still missing from the scene. Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday accused the BJP of using CBI and ED to intimidate the ruling party of West Bengal and asserted that people of the state are with the TMC. At a public meeting in Ghatal constituency, he also claimed that the saffron party is a "bunch of outsiders" who were responsible for vandalising the bust of 19th-century social reformer and Bengali icon Iswarchandra Vidyasagar before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in Kolkata. "BJP can have ED, CBI on their side. They are threatening those who are raising their voices against their undemocratic acts. A section of media friends are also siding with the BJP. But people of Bengal are with the TMC," the Diamond Harbour MP said. Charging the BJP with blocking the Ghatal masterplan', a mega project to dredge riverbeds and strengthen embankments of at least 10 major rivers in the state, Banerjee urged people to vote for TMC's Ghatal Lok Sabha candidate, film-turned-politician Dipak Adhikari, who is known by his screen name, Dev. Ghatal, comprising six assembly segments in Paschim Medinipur district and one in Purba Medinipur, is a low-lying riverine area that gets affected by floods almost every year. The Centre has approved the West Bengal government's Rs 1,500-crore Ghatal masterplan in June 2022. "By December 31, the Ghatal Masterplan will be executed, if not by the Centre, then by the state. I asked Dev not to depend on this discriminating Modi government. I had persuaded him in February to enter the fray for the third time," he added. Dev is the sitting MP of Ghatal since 2014. There were speculations that he was not willing to contest the polls this time. Describing the BJP as "anti-Bengal," Banerjee claimed that despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise six years back to mitigate the plight of farmers in south Bengal districts cause by recurring floods, no action plan was announced so far. In a dig at the BJP's Ghatal candidate, another filmstar-turned-politician Hiran Chatterjee, the TMC heavyweight leader claimed he had visited Banerjee's office to join the TMC but his plea was spurned. "Five-six months back, he had visited my office and expressed his wish to join the TMC. But we don't have places for such opportunist people who have no principles. He did not visit again and later denied he had ever met me after 2021. "Well, if I bring out the CCTV footage of his visit, what will be his reaction? We don't want to do so as we wish to fight politically," Banerjee said. Hiran Chatterjee could not be contacted for comment. Reiterating his party's claim that a BJP leader had handed over a list of TMC leaders to be arrested by NIA, Banerjee said, "We have the proof. There is clinching evidence. Let BJP counter our charges. We will produce the CCTV footage at the right time." Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP denied that any leader of the saffron camp visited any NIA official. Earlier in the day, the TMC leader held a colourful road show in Ghatal covering a distance of over 1 km with Dev. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a blistering attack on the opposition Congress, charging that its poll manifesto bore the imprint of Muslim League and utterances of its leaders betrayed hostility towards national integrity and Sanatan Dharma. Addressing a rally in Nawada district, his second in Bihar in 72 hours, Modi also recounted the 'jungle raj' that prevailed when the state was ruled by the Congress-RJD combine, showering praises on his ally Nitish Kumar and ailing BJP colleague Sushil Kumar Modi for turning things around as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively. "The manifesto that the Congress has released bears the imprint of the Muslim League. It has not released a poll manifesto but a declaration of appeasement (tushtikaran patra)," alleged Modi. The Prime Minister also came down heavily on AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, without mentioning him by name, who recently objected to raising the issue of abrogation of Article 370, by BJP leaders, during poll campaigns in states like Rajasthan. "The post of the national president of the Congress is not a small thing. And the leader thinks Article 370 has nothing to do with Rajasthan. Is Jammu and Kashmir not an integral part of the country? His thinking betrays the mindset of tukde-tukde gang," alleged Modi. He pointed out that security personnel from all over the country, including Rajasthan and Bihar, have laid down their lives fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, and "their bodies have reached their native places wrapped in tricolour". "The INDIA bloc talks a lot about the Constitution. Their leaders should tell the people why they could not implement the Samvidhan of Baba Saheb Ambedkar fully in Jammu and Kashmir. Why did it take a Modi to do so?" asked the PM. In an apparent reference to controversial remarks of Karnataka MP D K Suresh, the PM said, "You can understand the Congress' mindset from the statement of one of its very senior leaders who openly called for making south India a separate nation." Modi, who was in the Bihar district to campaign for BJP candidate Vivek Thakur, said, "I wonder what hostility the Congress has towards popular sentiments. Its leaders did not turn up at pran pratishtha even though the temple at Ayodhya was constructed with donations made by the common people, not with government funds." "When some of the Congress leaders came out in favour of the Ram temple at Ayodhya, they were slapped with expulsions," said the PM, in a veiled reference to Acharya Pramod Krishnam, who was sacked by the party after he criticised it for skipping the event. The PM also said that while his government boldly acted against "anti-women" practices like 'triple talaq', the Congress and its allies were busy denigrating Sanatan Dharma. "The festival of Ram Navami is approaching. Do not forget the sins of these people," said Modi, who also claimed there was "sir futavval (infighting)" within the INDIA bloc in which "one senior leader has refused to take part in campaign unless he is projected as the Prime Ministerial candidate". Modi also lauded Nitish Kumar, the JD(U) president, and Sushil Kumar Modi, who is battling with cancer and has excused himself from poll-related activities, for their efforts in pulling Bihar out of the 'jungle raj', a term often used to denote the lawlessness that prevailed when Bihar was ruled by the RJD-Congress combine. "In those days, our mothers and sisters were fearful of venturing out of homes," alleged Modi, taking forward the declamation of Kumar who spoke before him, that "people did not go out of their homes after dusk" in Bihar until the change of guard in 2005. Kumar, who returned to the NDA in January, and has sought to maintain a "secular" image, also claimed "clashes between Hindus and Muslims were more common before we took over. In the new atmosphere of peace, Muslims too supported us in a big way. We got more than 50 per cent of their votes in 2010 assembly polls". The PM was also visibly pleased when the Bihar CM predicted a 400-plus tally for the NDA. The PM said, "All surveys show that we are heading for a massive victory. Some may wonder why I am still working so hard. I am not one who would rest on his laurels. I was born into a poor family and will not rest until I wipe out poverty from the country. The first 10 years of my government have been a trailer. Our growth engine is on the runway. It must now take off." In an apparent reference to the Congress' complaint to EC that the use of the "Modi ki guarantee" phrase was a violation of the Model Code of Conduct, the PM said he was able to deliver on promises because he had "pure intent and firm resolve". "The glory of India is being sung (bharat ka danka baj raha hai) far and wide, be it New Zealand or Africa. This has not been achieved by Modi, but by the power of your vote which installed a strong government," said the PM. The new India knows how to protect its borders and safeguard its people, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said during an election rally in Rajasthan on Sunday and asked people if it was wrong to kill terrorists. Adityanath was referring to a report by British newspaper 'The Guardian' that claimed Indian intelligence agencies were involved in targeted killings in Pakistan as part of an emboldened approach to national security after 2019. Addressing a rally in Bharatpur, the senior BJP leader said, "Three days ago, a reputed newspaper of the UK said that 20 deadly terrorists have been killed inside Pakistan and it was possible that India might have killed them. Those who gave shelter to those terrorists till yesterday are now not daring to say anything against India due to the fear of air strike." "We do not know what is the basis and the source of the report but this is the new India, which knows how to provide security to its people and protect its borders," he added. Adityanath said the world respects India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. "When an Indian citizen goes abroad, he gets respect. The borders are safe; naxalism, extremism and terrorism have ended," he said. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister hailed the abrogation of Article 370 by the Modi government, saying, "Now no one will be able to give rise to terrorism within the borders of India." "On one hand, the report (by The Guardian) says terrorists are being killed by the present government and on the other, there was the Congress government that used to feed biryani to terrorists," he said apparently referring to rumours about Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab, prime accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, being served mutton biryani in jail. "Should terrorists be killed or not? They are a burden on society and a threat to everyone's safety. Congress would starve the poor and feed biryani to terrorists," he added. Adityanath said that during the Congress rule, there were neither leaders, nor intentions, nor decisions. "Would Congress have been able to build Ram temple in Ayodhya? They say that Ram did not exist," he said. He was addressing the election rally in support of the party candidate from Bharatpur seat Ramswaroop Koli. China's military said Sunday that it launched air and sea patrols in the South China Sea in an apparent response to naval drills by the U.S. and its allies. The dueling operations come amid rising tensions in the region, particularly in long-running territorial disputes between China and the Philippines. Defense officials from the U.S., Japan, Australia and the Philippines announced Saturday that they would conduct joint exercises in the sea on Sunday. On Sunday, the Chinese military's Southern Theater Command said that it had launched patrols that determined "all military activities that disrupt the South China Sea and create hotspots are under control," according to the Associated Press. China's statement did not mention the United States or the naval drills, just as the statement by the U.S. and its allies did not mention China. But the operations unfolded against a backdrop of long-simmering international tensions in the sea. Despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling that struck down China's far-reaching territorial claims in the sea, China has maintained disputes with several nations in the region, including the Philippines. Last month, the Chinese coast guard fired water cannons at a Philippine supply ship near the Second Thomas Shoal, prompting the Philippines to summon China's envoy and enhance their maritime security measures. (): Chinas military said Sunday that it had conducted air and sea patrols and that all activities that disrupt the South China Sea are under control, an apparent response to naval exercises by the US and its allies. The defence chiefs of the United States, Japan, Australia and the Philippines announced Saturday that they would hold joint exercises in the sea to safeguard the rule of law and uphold the right to sail through and fly over the waters. China has long-simmering territorial disputes with a number of Southeast Asian nations in the South China Sea, a major shipping route. Skirmishes with the Philippines in particular have flared up since last year. The US has conducted joint patrols with the Philippines in a show of support. China says the US is inflaming tensions by meddling in the disputes. A brief statement from the Chinese militarys Southern Theatre Command said it had organised patrols and that all military activities that disrupt the South China Sea and create hotspots are under control. The statement did not mention the United States or the joint exercises. Likewise, the US and its allies did not mention China in their statement, but the four countries reaffirmed their stance that a 2016 international arbitration ruling which invalidated Chinas expansive claims in the South China Sea was final and legally binding. The growing tensions in the disputed waters are expected to be high on the agenda when US President Joe Biden hosts his Japanese and Philippine counterparts in a summit. China's homegrown aircraft safeguarding green mountains 13:33, April 07, 2024 By Hu Tao ( Xinhua BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- In a remarkable display of innovation and dedication, China's domestically-developed aircraft are taking to the skies to protect the country's lush green mountains. Multiple models of newly-developed large unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and fixed-wing aircraft are showing their unique capabilities in ecological conservation, such as putting out forest fires and alleviating spring drought, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the country's leading aircraft manufacturer. The mountainous region of Yajiang County in southwest China's Sichuan Province faced a challenging spring when a devastating forest fire erupted in mid-March. However, relief came swiftly as multiple specialized aircraft were deployed to support firefighting and disaster relief operations. During the mission, three models of the Wing Loong large civil UAV family and the MA-60 weather-modification aircraft played a crucial role in tasks ranging from aerial disaster monitoring to telecommunications restoration and artificial rainfall enhancement, the AVIC said. The forest fire in Yajiang County presented unique difficulties due to its mountainous terrain with steep slopes and high elevations averaging 2,600 meters. It was extremely hard for rescuers to monitor the fire and reach the affected areas, especially at night and amidst dense smoke. Sent by emergency management and meteorological authorities, the three Wing Loong UAVs coordinated their efforts by integrating fire monitoring, meteorological observation and rainfall enhancement in an innovative way. Each specialized aircraft brought its own unique strengths to the missions. One provided real-time images of the fire sites and set up a telecommunications network; another relayed crucial meteorological data such as wind direction, temperature and relative humidity, while the third conducted rainfall enhancement operations to support firefighting efforts and reach inaccessible areas. This is the first time for China to carry out emergency rescue missions, combatting forest fires, through collaborative efforts of multiple large UAVs. The move verified the respective advantages of these new aircraft and provided a new comprehensive solution for disaster prevention and mitigation, the AVIC said. Multiple models of the Wing Loong UAV family have been used and integrated into emergency governance, meteorology and other key fields, according to the developer, AVIC (Chengdu) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System Co., Ltd. (AVIC UAS), an AVIC subsidiary based in southwest China's Chengdu. In addition to its involvement in forest firefighting efforts in Sichuan, the MA-60 weather-modification aircraft was also engaged in various other missions this spring. From mid-March until now, the specialized medium-sized fixed-wing airplane has conducted multiple rounds of artificial rainfall enhancement in northwest China's Shaanxi Province to address local meteorological challenges. This special-purpose aircraft, featuring a heavy payload, long endurance and multi-functions in artificial weather modification operations, can effectively ease spring drought and support plowing. It has also become a key player in the country's weather modification work. To date, four airplanes of this model, developed by AVIC XAC Commercial Aircraft Co., Ltd., based in northwest China's Xi'an, have been delivered to the China Meteorological Administration. Clear waters and green mountains are not only natural and ecological wealth but also social and economic riches, with the concept -- "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" -- becoming the country's consensus and action guide. The widespread application of these advanced aircraft in ecological conservation reflects China's unwavering commitment to safeguarding its green mountains. More domestically-developed aircraft are in the pipeline to bolster the country's disaster response capabilities and protect people's lives and property, AVIC noted. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Mastodon as seen via the third-party app Mona. Mastodon's collective servers, or instances, have more than 15 million accounts. Dwight Silverman screenshot Bluesky, when dropped its invitation-only requirement in February, has grown to 5 million users. Dwight Silverman screenshot Meta's Threads, an alternative to Twitter/X, currently has 130 million monthly active users. Dwight Silverman screenshot When we last saw Jenny Staff Johnson, a Houston-based writer and frequent social media user, she was in search of an alternative to the chaotic cesspool that Elon Musks X, the former Twitter, had become. In July, she settled on Bluesky, one of several options that sprang up after the billionaire took over. She liked Bluesky a lot, and was intrigued by an even newer newcomer: Threads, operated by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. But Johnson told me then that she was wary of anything associated with Meta because of the damage she felt Facebook had done to democracy. So I was surprised last month to see Johnson establishing a beachhead on Threads, with her first post a link to my column about emerging Twitter alternatives that featured her (see houstonchronicle.com/threads). When I welcomed her to Threads, which has become one of my primary social stomping grounds, she said she was "basically reacting to new information, and a new sense of how to operate in the post-Twitter world. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What made me change my mind was my advocacy work for gun-violence prevention. The public policy conversation just hasnt made it over to Bluesky yet, Johnson said. I thought I could use Threads more for those purposes. I definitely find Threads to be underwhelming as a Twitter substitute in terms of just hanging out during breaks in a solo workday, chatting with people who have similar interests. Bluesky is way better at that for me. Much has changed in social media as the shakeout from the Twitter/X conversion continues. Researchers estimate that X has lost as much as 30% of its regular users, a figure the company disputes but hasnt provided the data to credibly refute it. In the interim, three platforms dominate the alt-X horizon: Threads, Bluesky and Mastodon. Im active on all three. Heres how I see the current state of their respective unions. Threads Threads launched July 5 and had a massive influx of users because Meta tied it to Instagram. Anyone who had an Instagram account could sign up for Threads (which remains a requirement), and more than 100 million did so in the first five days. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But not for long. While you could see and follow those you knew from Instagram, there just wasnt much interaction. There was no way to see posts from only your followers; the early feed was strictly algorithm-based, and it didnt have cues to determine what to show you. Many early users bailed; its impressive early numbers tanked. Fast-forward nine months. In its most recent earnings report, Meta executives said Threads now has 130 million monthly active users. A lot of features Twitter/X users took for granted that were lacking are now available: a web-based version of the service; an easy-to-toggle following-only feed; quasi-hashtag support; and a more robust moderation system. In addition, Threads has begun testing integration with the Fediverse, the collection of social platforms built around the ActivityPub protocol, the most visible of which is Mastodon. You can now follow Threads accounts on Mastodon, if the instance or server you use allows it. But issues remain. Threads/Instagram head Adam Mosseri said early on that Threads wont emphasize news, which was one of the biggest draws for Twitter/X users. And last month the company filtered out political posts on both Threads and Instagram. Want that kind of content? You must manually disable the filter. I find Threads to be largely civil; many of the smart and thoughtful people I followed on Twitter before I nuked my account are there now. So are many news organizations, despite Mosseris aversion to the category. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mastodon One of the first alternative platforms to draw those fleeing Twitters implosion was Mastodon. It had been around for years and catered to those willing to climb its relatively steep learning curve. Since then, the team that develops its core software has worked to make it friendlier. And while it is better, its still not as simple to sign up and find interesting follows as Threads or Bluesky. What has made the process friendlier is a slew of third-party Mastodon apps that make onboarding a breeze, and are light-years ahead of the official Mastodon app and website when it comes to ease-of-use. Using an independent app is the easiest way to begin exploring Mastodon. One thing Mastodon still lacks is an easy way to find people. In the earliest days of Twitters decline, developers created websites that could identify those on your "follow" lists who were on Mastodon. But one of Musks earliest and outraging moves was to kill developer access to Twitter, severing this ability. Mastodon remains mostly a haven for the technically inclined though this can vary based on the instance. Moderation, at least on the mastodon.social instance I use, is excellent. While you still may be scolded by random members of whats often called the Mastodon HOA if you break written or unwritten rules, its generally a friendly and interesting place to hang out. There are just over 15 million accounts, though its growth has slowed considerably in the past few months. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bluesky Bluesky began as an invitation-only destination (and initially a project developed in-house at Twitter), but the doors were thrown wide open in February and it now has more than 5 million users. In its closed-door incarnation, it had the feel of a private, goofy party. It still has the feel the Twitters earliest, more whimsical days. One of Blueskys biggest strengths is customization. Youve always been able to follow custom algorithms, or even roll your own. The number of these has grown dramatically. If youve got niche interests, this is the best way to pursue them. Bluesky also added the ability to customize how the network is moderated. You can subscribe to different moderation systems, so your Bluesky timeline might be a lot less freewheeling than mine, or vice versa. These two features have made me spend more time here. I agree with Jenny Staff Johnson: Its a fun hangout. There are a few things to watch as these networks develop. Both Threads and Bluesky ultimately have to make money; at the moment, both are free and blissfully ad-free. (Nearly all Mastodon instances are, by design, noncommercial.) Something will have to give, and seeing how glutted Facebook and Instagram are with intrusive ads, Im particularly dreading what happens when Threads opens those floodgates. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Beyonce has dominated the headlines this month with the release of her genre-busting "Cowboy Carter" album. But there's another act from Houston that dropped a new album at the same time that shouldn't be overlooked. HOUSTON HOT 100: Our 100 favorite musical acts who have called H-Town home. Khruangbin 'A La Sala' Available now (out of 5) The largely instrumental trio Khruangbin has built a surprisingly robust worldwide audience for an enthralling body of work built from the musical bones of surf-rock, spaghetti Westerns, 60s Asian pop, blues, jazz, Middle Eastern and Latin elements. While its new album, "A La Sala," doesn't veer from the sound that has been established with such previous albums as "Mordechai," "Con Todo El Mundo" and "The Universe Smiles Upon You," it distills the group's languid appeal into nearly 40 minutes of pop bliss. It is entirely appropriate then that the threesome promoted "A La Sala" listening parties at meditative spots around the country, the first of which was held at Rice University's Skyspace last month. This is music that transports. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The heart of Khruangbin's sound is, of course, the soulful Stratocaster of guitarist Mark Speer. His liquid, cascading style may owe a debt to the likes of Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler, but he manages to establish his own identity. His high point here is "A Love International," a track where his guitar spirals skyward like a butterfly in flight. But concentrating on Speer shouldn't sideline the work of bassist/vocalist Laura Lee and drummer DJ Johnson, who aren't flashy but keep the sound rooted in a solid groove. The sultry "Ada Jean," the jazzy "Pon Pon" and the exquisite "May Ninth" are prime examples on "A La Sala" of where everything comes together. It is notable that the new album is less varied than the group's last effort, "Mordechai," and doesn't show off any changes wrought from recent collaborations with Leon Bridges or Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Toure. There are fewer vocals this time around and nothing as pop-dance driven as "Time (You and I)" or "So We Won't Forget." If anything, "A La Sala" is a return to the roots of "The Universe Smiles Upon You" era. Not that there's anything wrong with that. The cover art for Khruangbin's album 'A La Sala' Dead Oceans Khruangbin, on tour this spring and summer, though no Texas dates have yet to be announced, still hasn't found a true way to translate its live dynamism (such as on the "Live at Sydney Opera House" release) to its studio recordings. One of the high points of any Khruangbin show is the medley of R&B, hip-hop and pop classics from the 80s/90s, and it would be great to bring some of that energy from the stage to the studio. Fellow Houstonian Travis Scott told Variety back in 2021 that he is a fan of the group. Maybe working with him could be the next collaboration. Better yet, Bey, are you listening? Advertisement Article continues below this ad But maybe that's the Khruangbin world in which we have to live and that's the way it should be. As it stands, no one out there in the pop universe sounds quite like Khruangbin. And if that means propulsive concerts alternating with lulling albums like "A La Sala" that demand dreaming over dancing, so be it. The Salvation Army Chic Boutique is an annual resale extravaganza with clothing from Houston's best closets. It's April 10-13. Melissa Aguilar The Salvation Army Chic Boutique is an annual resale extravaganza with clothing from Houston's best closets. Melissa Aguilar The Salvation Army Chic Boutique is an annual resale extravaganza with clothing from Houston's best closets. Melissa Aguilar Lilly Andress, left, and Ann Bookout chair the Salvation Army Womens Auxiliary Reflections on Style Luncheon, Runway Show and Chic Boutique. Melissa Aguilar The Salvation Army Womens Auxiliary Reflections on Style Luncheon and Runway Show will honor Michelle Bain for her philanthropic support. Dave Rossman/For the Houston Chronicle The Salvation Army Chic Boutique is an annual resale extravaganza with clothing from Houston's best closets. Melissa Aguilar The Salvation Army Chic Boutique is an annual resale extravaganza with clothing from Houston's best closets. Melissa Aguilar If you like thrifting, you'll love shopping at the Salvation Army Chic Boutique. Business execs, ladies who lunch and other big-hearted Houstonians donate their clothes to the charity's annual sale, which opens to the public April 10. Many of the donations are designer pieces from Houston's best closets. At a preview, I spotted Alice + Olivia, Veronica Beard, St. John, Frame and Trina Turk on the racks crowding the former Acme Oyster House, where the boutique has set up shop. Prices ranged from $20-$50 on the items I checked. High-end designers will sell for more, but will still be bargains. At a table in the back of the cavernous shop, chairs Lilly Andress and Ann Bookout were busy working on the details of the sale and the luncheon that precedes it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Salvation Army Womens Auxiliary Reflections on Style Luncheon and Runway Show will happen April 9 at the River Oaks Country Club. The theme is Girls With Pearls, and it will honor Michelle Bain for her long-standing support and commitment to the Salvation Army Womens Auxiliary, as well as other Houston nonprofit institutions. Bain created and chaired the first Reflections on Style event 20 years ago, setting the stage for the event's success. The luncheon "celebrates both style and substance," Salvation Army Major and Area Commander Carolynn Webb said. "We are honored to recognize Michelle Bain for her exceptional dedication and contributions, shaping the legacy of our organization." That first event raised $295,000. Since then, Reflections on Style has raised $10.5 million for the Salvation Army. Showroom co-chair Gayle Eury offered a preview tour of the Chic Boutique. Artful displays included Louis Vuitton and Chanel bags, as well as Jimmy Choo shoes. Those high-end designer items will be offered for sale first at the luncheon and then move to the Chic Boutique sale if they aren't scooped up. The luncheon, one of spring's hottest tickets, is sold out. The Chic Boutique Showroom Sale will be open Wednesday-Saturday at 1201 Westheimer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On opening day, the boutique will be open 3-7 p.m. and will require a $20 donation. That's the day to pick up any Valentino, Akris, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta or Naeem Khan that did not sell at the luncheon. Boutique hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Thursday-Saturday, with no entry fee. Don't worry, there will be plenty still available at this huge resale extravaganza. The Salvation Army Greater Houston Area Command serves Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend counties through youth programs, shelter, disaster relief, counseling, senior programs and rehabilitation. What do the funds mean for the Salvation Army? Advertisement Article continues below this ad "It means we can send 500 kids and adults to camp for the first time," Webb said. "We can buy Christmas presents for kids and seniors. It supports our Boys & Girls Clubs. It helps with housing at our women and family shelter. It helps with disaster support. We never close. We're helping 365 days a year." The community of Portrush came together on Saturday, 23rd March for a night of celebration, awareness, and fundraising at the Masquerade Ball organised by the Wave Project, in collaboration with Making Waves. With the aim of raising vital funds for mental health services and fostering community spirit, the event proved to be a resounding success. Held at the Portrush Town Hall, the Masquerade Ball attracted over 110 attendees, both local residents and visitors from afar, who gathered in support of mental health initiatives. Through their generosity and participation, a staggering total of 5906 was raised during the evening. These funds will play a crucial role in supporting the early intervention mental health programmes offered by The Wave Project, ensuring that more children and young people in the community can avail of their services. The success of the event would not have been possible without the invaluable contribution of Northern Lights Events, who generously supported the Masquerade Ball as part of their charity initiative. Their dedication and commitment went above and beyond, ensuring that the night was a memorable and impactful occasion. This event was held by the Wave Project in collaboration with Making Waves organisation, to also shine a light on the community services available for men's mental health. Performances were by the String Ninjas, Connall Ennis and Splat. Railway Arms supplied the bar and sponsored the license, along with food being provided by Street Food Bazaar. "We are overwhelmed by the incredible support and generosity shown by everyone who attended the Masquerade Ball," said Francesca Mclenaghan, Project Assistant at The Wave Project. "These funds will enable us to expand our reach and provide essential mental health support to even more individuals in need. We are immensely grateful to Northern Lights Events and our community partners for making this event a tremendous success." For more information about The Wave Project and its ongoing initiatives in mental health support, please visit www.waveproject.co.uk About the Wave Project Through a combination of 1:1 mentorship and the therapeutic elements of surfing, The Wave Project aims to help children and young people struggling with their mental health, facing any kind of trauma or suffering from social isolation or anxiety. They aim to improve confidence, resilience and emotional regulation through our evidence-based and inclusive early intervention surf therapy programmes which are recognised by the NHS. They help approximately 80 young people in the area every year and each young person is referred to them by a professional working with them. Minister for Infrastructure John ODowd has ruled out household water charges as solutions for the future funding of NI Water. Speaking ahead of Monday's Assembly debate on the issue, the Minister said: This is a complex matter which requires a collaborative approach across the Executive and Assembly along with the appropriate level of funding needed to deliver essential services. I am pleased that the Assembly is having the debate on the challenges facing NI Water as its a significant issue which affects the delivery of essential public services. We all want to see a sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure which benefits everyone across our society. The challenges that we are witnessing with water infrastructure is a consequence of underfunding for basic public services over many years, by successive Tory Governments. The solution therefore does not lie in charging hard-pressed workers and families for an essential public service. Turning to the solution, the Minister said: I want to thank NI Water for the high-quality service it provides. "I am in no doubt that we can collectively find the solution by truly and demonstrably valuing essential public services such as water and funding them appropriately. "There is no doubt that NI Water faces many challenges with more investment needed to both maintain what we already have and also to provide new infrastructure to keep pace with our economic, societal and climate responsibilities. The next leader of the Irish government has said he is not currently prioritising a united Ireland. Simon Harris, who is due to be appointed as taoiseach on Tuesday following the resignation of Leo Varadkar last month, said it was more important to focus on North-South economic collaboration. Asked if he shared the view of his predecessor that there would be a united Ireland in his lifetime, Mr Harris said: I would like to see a united Ireland, but that is not where my priority lies right now. Mr Harris was recently selected as the new leader of the Fine Gael party, which is holding its annual Ard Fheis conference this weekend. Speaking to reporters in Galway city ahead of the conference, he said: Right now, the priority has to be on working the potential of the Good Friday Agreement. We live in a country where we have had one of the most successful and enduring peace processes, but I think its fair to say its still a frosty peace. I dont think weve yet seen the full potential of that, in terms of economic prosperity, in terms of the North-South economy, in terms of areas of co-operation and collaboration. He said he did not want to say anything provocative, and added: I am somebody who would like to see a United Ireland, that is a legitimate political aspiration for me to hold. But right now I think the priority has to be on embedding the institutions in the North, supporting the Northern Ireland Executive, using the Shared Island Fund to bring about real practical areas of co-operation. There will be a North-South Ministerial Council meeting in Armagh on Monday. The annual Sister Clare Crockett retreat will be held at St Columbas Church, Long Tower, beginning on Monday, April 15. The retreat will include guests who will speak each evening including: Father John Hogan, Father Stephen Quinn, Myra McLaughlin, James Bonner, Stephen Gallagher, and Jennifer Kearney. A special healing service will be celebrated on the Thursday night (April 18) celebrated by Fr. Michael McGoldrick, and the retreat will close with a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Donal McKeown at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 21. Shauna Gill, Sr. Clares sister, said each year the retreat draws in hundreds of people, and thousands more who watch it online. She added: Thats what Clare was all about, bringing people closer to God. We hold this week of services each year around the anniversary of Clares death to remember a beautiful person who touched the lives of so many. Our theme for 2024 is Come Follow Me, New Beginnings remembering Clares calling to follow Christ. I heard a lot of people talking this Easter about how the Good Friday Passion service changed Clares life, so this year were reflecting on Clares mission and how everything about her after that day was about following God and her new beginning. Our family has been inundated with stories from people across the world whose lives have been touched by Clare. Brandywell born Sister Clare Crockett, aged just 33, died on April 16, 2016, when an earthquake struck the home and school of Servant Sisters of the Mother in Playa Prieta, Ecuador, where Clare had been working for two years helping the poorer children of the region receive a higher standard of education. Her death touched thousands across the world, especially in her hometown of Derry. Since then a mural has been painted on the gable wall at the junction of Deanery Street and Lecky Road, close to Sr. Clares family home, and a monthly Mass has been celebrated in the Carmelite Priory and Retreat Centre in Termonbacca. Many visitors come on pilgrimage to Derry to visit Sr Clares final resting place in the City Cemetery. Sister Clares retreat begins every morning with 7 a .m. and 10 a.m. Mass, followed by Benediction and a guest speaker in the evening at 7.00 p.m. A healing service will take place on Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m. On Saturday, April 20, there will be a guest speaker at 10 a.m. Mass and 3 p.m. Mass and the retreat will conclude on Sunday, April 21 at 3 p.m with a closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Donal McKeown. Everyone is welcome to attend in person or you can stream the services online at www.longtowerchurch.org In a celebration that epitomized the harmonious blend of cultures and the spirit of togetherness, the Ardee Indian Community hosted an Easter extravaganza that left an indelible mark on attendees and showcased the rich tapestry of Indian culture. The Ardee Parish Centre was transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours and festivities, echoing with laughter and joy as community members and guests came together to celebrate Easter in a manner uniquely Indian yet universally resonant. The success of the event was a testament to the collaborative efforts of numerous individuals within the Ardee Indian Community. From the meticulous planning of the organizing committee to the dedication of volunteers who ensured every detail was executed flawlessly, the Easter Extravaganza exemplified the power of community cohesion and collective action. Attendees were treated to a plethora of delights for the senses, from captivating cultural performances that showcased the rich heritage of India to mouthwatering culinary creations that tantalized taste buds and transported guests to the streets of Mumbai or the beaches of Goa. Children frolicked amidst games and activities designed to engage and entertain, while adults mingled and forged new connections, united by a shared appreciation for cultural diversity and the bonds of friendship forged in the spirit of Easter. As the festivities drew to a close, expressions of gratitude were extended to all those who had contributed to making the Easter Extravaganza a resounding success. Their dedication and hard work were instrumental in creating an event that will be fondly remembered for years to come. As the Ardee Indian Community reflects on the joy and camaraderie experienced during the Easter extravaganza, it does so with a sense of optimism for the future, a spokesperson said. The bonds forged and memories created serve as a foundation upon which to build a stronger, more inclusive community that celebrates diversity and embraces unity. The Ardee Indian Community's Easter extravaganza was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to the power of unity, the beauty of diversity, and the joy that comes from coming together to celebrate shared traditions and values. As the echoes of laughter and the vibrancy of colours fade, they leave behind a legacy of unity and joy that will continue to resonate within the hearts of all those who participated, the spokesperson concluded. Councillors at the Louth County Council Special Meeting on Wednesday evening voted against a motion from Cllr Maeve Yore, which requested that election candidates not erect election posters, and to agree a location in each municipal and borough district, where each candidate would erect one poster each, to show commitment to the environment. The special meeting was held as a follow on to the March monthly meeting, as not all items on the March agenda were covered in the monthly meeting in the allotted time. The special meeting was held with the aim of resolving the ten motions that had been resolved at the March meeting, along with Notices of Questions in relation to four questions to the local authority from councillors, and condolonces. Cllr Yore's motion was the first one dealt with at the meeting and read: "That all current elected representatives and election candidates will adhere to the voluntary code of practice (from Tidy Town Groups) not to erect election posters for local elections in 2024 and forthcoming election campaigns across Co Louth and agree a prime location across each Municipal & Borough District to display one poster per candidate to show commitment to the environment." Several councillors spoke at the meeting, opposing the motion. Cllr John Sheridan was first to speak, saying that he had doubts that it could legally be passed. He added that he didn't want to be a hypocrite as he was elected the first time with posters and that he didn't want to "climb the ladder and be accused of pulling the ladder up behind me." Cllr Sheridan asked what the carbon footprint of social media was, as it also has an environmental impact in terms of data centres and that it needs to be clarified. The Fianna Fail councillor added that Kerry County Council ended up in the Supreme Court over the result of the 2014 local election, and a recount was ordered. He further added that "section 101 of the 1995 Statutory Instrument is very clear about posters in local elections and if the motion was passed any unsuccessful candidate could could easily take a case to the courts challenging the result. Cllr Michelle Hall said that it would be unfair on first time candidates and added that she would be using posters she used in the 2019 election. Cllr Kevin Meenan agreed that it would be unfair on first time candidates but added that he though the motion "was coming from a good place", comments that were agreed with by Cllr Dolores Minogue. Cllr Marianne Butler highlighted that a lack of posters has an impact on election turnout, adding that a study was done in Scotland which showed this. Referring to an email councillors received from Tidy Towns Together, the Green Party councillor said that she didn't think they would, for example, put one poster up in the centre of Blackrock. Cllr Butler also mentioned that she agreed with Cllr Sheridan with regards social media and data centres, adding that she was elected in her first election without the use of social media. Cllr Liam Reilly said that he stood in the last election without using posters or social media. He added that he was a member of Tidy Towns and Louth Tidy Towns Together, and that the request from Tidy Towns was that there be no posters in the centre of villages (within the speed limits) because the judging takes place primarily in June. Cllr Sean Kelly, along with others, said that the motion comes from a good place, adding that one thing they should ensure they do is to take down the tie wraps when removing the posters after the election. Following the contributions from the councillors, a roll call vote was taken, with Cllr Maeve Yore and Cllr Bernie Conlon voting for the motion and the other 16 councillors voting against. 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!" 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 Hana Ikramuddin is a Hearst Fellow in Connecticut. She spent the first part of her fellowship at the Houston Chronicle. Raised in the Twin Cities, Hana majored in journalism and political science at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. She has held internships with the Star Tribune, APM Reports and Sahan Journal. In her free time, she loves to cook, make chai and take care of her houseplants. TEACHERS are to call on the Department of Education to make special provisions for teachers around the proposed changes to the Leaving Certificate. Cork English teacher and member of the ASTI standing committee executive, Conor Murphy, told The Echo that the minister for educations proposal that 40% of Leaving Certificate subject grades be made up outside of the written exam could cause several issues. Mr Murphy said the move has teachers concerned for many reasons, including the possibility of students using artificial intelligence to complete projects, due to them not being supervised like traditional exams; and that the move would widen the gulf between public and private schools. Mr Murphy said: If we are moving towards the changing of the Leaving Cert, that will be a huge amount more work again for teachers; we will need extra time in the classroom, face to face, at least two hours per subject. The Clare branch of the ASTI introduced a motion at last weeks convention that would help alleviate this issue, by allowing for within-timetable professional time for teachers to help with the proposed projects. It called for the Department of Education to make professional time available within timetables for teachers of those Leaving Certificate subjects that contain additional components (coursework, orals or practical examinations), which it is proposed will be rolled out for all Leaving Certificate subjects, in view of the additional workload placed on teachers of Leaving Certificate subjects containing additional components. The motion was passed with an amendment by Mr Murphys branch, of the Carberry branch, which added the words per subject after the words or two hours per week, in case teachers taught multiple subjects with project components. A MAHON teenager climbed out the window of a Honda Fit and fled from gardai with the ignition barrel of the car in his hand and he was later caught hiding behind another car. Arrested and taken into custody on the night he was granted bail three days later but repeatedly breached bail conditions and on March 12 he was arrested at his home where gardai found him hiding behind a wardrobe. Events have now caught up with Michael Harrington, 18, as he was sentenced to four months in jail backdated to March 12 when he was taken into custody. Michael Harrington of 10 Ravensdale Road, Mahon, pleaded guilty to the unlawful interference with the car, theft and related offences that date back to October 23, 2023 at Ursulines Road, Blackrock. Eddie Burke solicitor said the young man was very keen to engage in an alcohol treatment programme. Judge Mary Dorgan acknowledged that the accused had a significant amount of adversity in his life but he also had significant offences before the court. The judge imposed a sentence of seven months with the last three months suspended on condition that he would comply with the probation service for a period of 12 months on his release. Sergeant John Kelleher said the accused was seen attempting to break into vehicles. He was then seen sitting in a silver Honda Fit with hazard lights activated. The teenager climbed out the window of the parked car and pursued on foot until gardai found him hiding nearby behind another vehicle. When he was arrested, charged and cautioned he replied, I am sorry it was my first time doing it. I wont do it again. Mr Burke submitted to Judge Dorgan that, Unfortunately, you will be aware of the extremely difficult background of the defendant. I have never known a father ever being available to him. His mother is not available to him now. He now wants to go into treatment. He wants to go to Arbour House. He has found it challenging to address his offending behaviour. LOCAL representatives have expressed their condolences after a pedestrian was killed in a road traffic collision in East Cork in the early hours of this morning. The incident, in which a man in his 40s died, occurred at approximately 1.30am on the N25 Eastbound at Water Rock in Midleton. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. No other serious injuries were reported from the road accident. The road was reopened early this evening after a garda examination by forensic collision investigators. Fine Gael TD David Stanton said that his thoughts were with the family and friends of the man who had died. Every road death is so tragic, and its always very sad to see, said Mr Stanton. Midleton-based Social Democrats county councillor Liam Quaide described the death as a tragedy. The sympathies of the East Cork community are with the family and friends of the man who lost his life in the collision, he said. Although the circumstances surrounding the collision were not yet known, some council members based in Midleton said they had long been calling for greater safety measures along that particular part of the N25. Fianna Fail councillor Ann Marie Ahern said she had raised the issue repeatedly at county council roads and transport meetings. We need immediate funding from Transport Minister Eamon Ryan to help safeguard the lives of pedestrians and drivers along the roads in East Cork, said Ms Ahern. We implore Mr Ryan to come and see just how important road safety is. These arent upgrades were asking for these are simple safety measures. Independent county councillor Danielle Twomey said it was a very sad time in the area. Its not the first time something like this has happened on that stretch of road, she said. Fine Gael councillor Susan McCarthy said: I have been battling and battling for years to get that upgrade done on that road. That road is so badly lit. There is no lighting standard as you are coming into Midleton, there isnt even any lighting on the first exit into Midleton, its horrendous. Its heartbreaking. Gardai have appealed for any witnesses to the collision to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) while travelling on the N25 Eastbound between 1.15am and 1.30am are asked to make that footage available to gardai. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Midleton Garda Station on 021 4621550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. WRITER Frank OConnor once said: In Cork, character is all that matters. No truer words were spoken! Here are just a few that graced the citys streets in centuries past... Harry Badger If you took a walk down South Main Street in the early 1800s, you might come across a striking character parading in a bright red coat, dazzling yellow breeches, and with a large brass helmet on his head This was Harry Badger; a towering figure, built like a bull, but a harmless soul. Young scallywags would often tease him and try to take his helmet, so he fixed tall iron spikes to it in order to deter them. Harry was popular with artists, who would sketch him, and his image was often seen hung on the walls of Leeside homes. A gentle giant, he was often the victim of cruel pranks. Once, a group of young bucks invited him into a public house on South Main Street and bought him a jug of porter. Just as he put it to his lips, one of the tricksters dropped a live mouse in. Harry failed to notice and in one gulp he downed the porter... and rodent. The pranksters gave a loud cheer and asked Harry did he notice anything in his drink, to which he replied: There may have been a fly in it. He had a huge appetite. though he claimed he had no taste buds, and his favourite dish was tripe. In the 1820s, a gang of youths came up with a terrible prank. They cut strips of leather, boiled them in milk with onions and gifted the large pot to Harry. Delighted with what he thought was tripe, he took it and spent two days devouring it. After swallowing the last bit, he died. Abraham Abell Abell was born at Popes Quay in 1783, son of a Quaker merchant. A man of great learning, he was a member of a plethora of academic groups and societies, including the Irish Archaeological Society. He would roam the countryside seeking out ancient monuments, especially ogham stones. Some of those make up the now famous stone corridor at UCC. Abell was an avid reader and a thirsty collector of books and knowledge, but in 1848, he burned his large book collection in order to start a new one. When he died, he still left behind 4,500 books. It was said he strapped his legs together and stood up while reading late into the night, just so he would not fall asleep! He also had a great gra for cats and was often seen with one sat on his shoulder. For his birthday every year, Abell walked his age in miles. To mark his 58th birthday, he trekked out to Youghal and back to the city. Abraham Abell owned 4,500 books and and walked his age in miles on each birthday. Abell was a founding member of the Cork Scientific Literary Society and The Cuvierian Society of Cork, which focused on natural science. He was treasurer of Cork Library Society, manager of the Royal Cork Institution and director of the Cork Savings Bank and the Cork Dispensary and Humane Society. In his retirement, he rented a room in the Cork Institute (now the Crawford Art Gallery) where he lived out the rest of his days with his thousands of books stacked from floor to ceiling. He died in 1851, aged 68. Atty Hayes A favourite old saying in Cork to describe something ancient is: Its as old as Atty Hayes goat! Atty Hayes, or to give him his full Christian name, Attiwell, was a well known 18th century figure in Cork. A successful businessman, he co-founded the Cork Glasshouse Company on Hanover Street and was proprietor of The Lee Mills on the northside of the river. Attys mode of transport was a herd of goats who pulled a little chariot with him in it. His favourite goat lived to a ripe age, hence the saying As old as Atty Hayes goat. Atty died in 1799 and is buried in the graveyard of St Peters, North Main Street. His ancient goat outlived him by a year, and its meat was served at a mayoral banquet! Attys son, Sir Henry Brown Hayes, gained notoriety when he kidnapped heiress Mary Pike and held her prisoner at Vernon Mount House, a dwelling gifted to him by his father. Vesian Pick In the 17th century, Cork welcomed 300 Huguenots fleeing religious persecution in France. They thrived in the citys civic and commercial life and produced a number of mayors, including flamboyant Vesian Pick. Before taking the chain of office in 1796, he served as city sheriff. Pick had a thick French accent and a thin grasp of the English language. He would lean on his right hand man, Watty Thornhill, to help him over the language barriers. One thing he wanted to see more of on the streets of Cork were dogs with bow ties on their tails! As mayor, he encouraged dog owners to attach a bow to their dogs tails before letting them out in public, the brighter the bow the better! Pick became Mayor just as panic swept Cork - a French expeditionary force were sailing towards the coast to aid the United Irishmen in their fight against British rule in Ireland. Mayor Pick wrote a letter to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to describe the panic, one line stated: Sir, I am writing this with a pistol in one hand and a sword in the other. Determined to keep his city safe from the rebels, he used his own money to pay for extra defences. A storm famously prevented the French from landing at Bantry, and Pick was given a knighthood for his loyalty to the Crown. A year later, the Lord Lieutenant paid a visit to Cork and Mayor Pick spent 97 entertaining him and his entourage in his mayoral mansion, now The Mercy Hospital. As the centrepiece of the feast, he wanted a turtle as he heard it was the newest delicacy among the elite - even though he did not know what one looked like! Watty was sent to get one, and when he arrived back with a turtle sourced from a ship in Cobh, Mayor Pick recoiled in horror :What is that monster!? Where are its wings!? Pick died in 1822, and is buried in the Huguenot graveyard on French Church Street in the city. Houston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles checks on a Audrey H. Lawson Middle School student doing his class worksheet on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer In a YouTube video last week, Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles talks with a middle school principal about a growth wall, a chart that lists students names with their academic gains. Although there are no scores, the chart appears to show how students measure up. There are a lot of double-digit gains, Miles said. This is really encouraging for kids. Its great for the kids to be appreciated like this. Ive read enough books by Brene Brown to know shame when I see it. For students with low academic performance, learning differences or even test anxiety, this sounds like a setup to be shamed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Brown, a best-selling author and University of Houston research professor who spent the past two decades studying shame and empathy, has said that shame can make a child feel inadequate and unlovable. Its not what you want in a classroom. Data walls, like the one Miles touted, have emerged as popular teaching tools across the nation. The other issue with them is that they actually may violate federal law. According to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, student education records are protected information. That means that parents, or students ages 18 and older, must provide consent before a school can release information about an individuals education record. Linking students names with where they are in a growth chart or a particular area of growth would be problematic under FERPA, said LeRoy Rooker, who is one of the countrys leading authorities on FERPA and served as the director of the Department of Educations Family Policy Compliance Office for more than two decades. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Data walls were introduced in the late 1990s by University of Chicago education researcher David Kerbow, who used visual displays to chart students progress in reading. He called them assessment walls. They were designed as a planning tool for faculty only, and Kerbow never meant for them to be shared publicly. There are some exceptions to the law, such as for sharing educational records when a student transfers to another school or sharing records with an accrediting organization. Directory information, such as a students name, address, phone number, email address and birth date, is also exempt. Educational institutions that receive funds under any program administered by the U.S. Secretary of Education are bound by FERPA requirements. HISD receives federal funding for special education. In response to an inquiry about using growth walls in classrooms, HISD officials said: Schools are celebrating the gains that students are making. Their academic achievement and growth are sources of pride. We took the appropriate precautions to protect the privacy of students personal information. Rooker said he travels the country consulting with institutions about FERPA and providing best practices. He recently conducted training at University of Houston-Downtown. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It seems some schools and organizations are a bit relaxed about students' privacy, and thats concerning. Rooker cited an Austin-area school district that violated the law years ago by throwing student records into the trash instead of shredding them. Another school district, this one outside Texas, did something similar and the students' records blew out of the trash and were scattered along a road. According to HISDs website, anyone collecting or using personally identifiable information must receive training or instruction regarding the states policies and procedures regarding confidentiality. Its up to students and their parents to enforce FERPA violations must be reported to the federal Family Policy Compliance Office within 180 days of their discovery. In the Miles' video, its unclear if there is an actual infraction, but veteran educators I spoke with who watched the video believed there to be. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A recent study revealed that your bandages could potentially cause harm due to a detectable level of cancer-causing chemicals. Twenty-six bandages involved in the study have tested positive for effective levels of organic fluorine, an indicator of a group of chemicals called PFAS, according to a study conducted by Mamavation Laboratory in partnership with Environmental Health News. The wellness team tested a total of forty bandages via U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-certified lab, which found the chemical present at 11 parts per million to 328 ppm. According to the wellness blog, 40 bandages from 18 reputable brands including Band-Aids were tested for "forever chemicals." RELATED: New York Senate Votes To Repeal 1907 Law Which Makes Cheating In Marriage A Crime 65% of bandages tested had indications of PFAS above 10 parts per million and 63% of bandages marketed to people of color contained organic fluorine at over 10 parts per million. PFAS or, "Forever chemicals," are substances that have been utilized throughout the years to produce oil-resistant, stain-resistant, and water-resistant products. Other uses of the chemical include cookware, makeup, dental floss, contact lenses, and bottled water. Linda Birnbaum, Scientist Emeritus and former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program, expressed concern about how the function of bandages with PFAS could harm consumers. RELATED: Stanley 'Quencher' Parent Company Sued After Admitting To Using Lead In Its Cups "Because bandages are placed upon open wounds, it's troubling to learn that they may be also exposing children and adults to PFAS," Birnbaum started. "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." These chemicals are agreeably considered toxic for human consumption, lasting for years or even decades within the body. The health outlet urges readers "to reduce the amount of PFAS you are exposed to in food, water, and products like bandages." Related health side effects from the chemical include reduced immune function, increased risk of allergies, increased cholesterol levels, overall reduced organ function, and more, per the website. Aoki Lee Simmons and Vittorio Assaf could not keep their hands off each other. Aoki, 21, and Assaf, 65, were photographed packing on the PDAs during their romantic getaway in St. Barts Tuesday. In the photos obtained by Page Six, the two were seen kissing by the beach. Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons' youngest daughter, Aoki, rocked an olive-green bikini with a tribal print on the front. Meanwhile, the Serafina co-founder opted to go topless with light-blue-and-white printed board shorts. Kimora Lee and Russell Simmon's 21-year-old daughter Aoki Lee Simmons, was spotted lovely dovely on 65-year-old restaurateur, Vittorio Assaf, while vacationing in St. Barts. (: Getty Images, Spread Pictures/MEGA, https://t.co/lmaqAg5opZ) pic.twitter.com/R6ykBO2qoV Exclusive Press (@theEXCLPress) April 6, 2024 In some snaps, Aoki seemingly posed while Assaf held the phone to take photos. Aoki also shared a series of bikini photos from the Caribbean island on Instagram. However, she didn't include any shots of her rumored beau. RELATED : Kimora Lee Simmons Breaks Her Silence On Russell Simmons Sexual Misconduct Claims "Girls (possibly mermaids!) on film," she wrote in the caption, with a movie camera, smiling face with halo and water wave emojis. The post received several comments from her fans. Many disapproved of her romance with Assaf due to their 44-year age gap. "Girl, now I like you, but messing with a 65 year old man is ridiculous," one commented. Another added, "Our black Queen went to HAVARD [sic] as a model she choose [sic] to be with a 64 years old man as a boyfriend ?! She's only 21 ?! Why ?! How ?! And she's educated !!" with a crying face emoji. "@kimoraleesimmons your daughter on the beach kissing an old man with worms!" a third person wrote tagging her mom's account. "I know you're not with that old man [three face with tears of joy emojis] hope it's a movie scene," another user added with a face with open mouth emoji. According to Page Six, Aoki shared a video of herself wearing the same bikini when she was photographed with Assaf on March 27. However, the clip has since been deleted. Meanwhile, Assaf recently shared a photo of him alongside one of his pals. In the snap, both were holding a plate from the Gyp Sea restaurant, where they were presumably dining, as they grinned at the camera. "Friends since 25 years ! Proud of you," Assaf wrote in the caption with a thumbs-up emoji. The post also received several responses from the netizens. One said they visited the businessman's page "after the Aoki situation" with multiple laughing emojis. Several also seemingly mocked him for his relationship with the much younger personality. "This dude should be ashamed," one person commented. Another commenter wrote, "Why are you with Aoki? Let the girl grow up." A different netizen said it was "very creepy." Meanwhile, another user pointed out that his friendship with his pal was longer than Aoki "has been alive." Page Six reached out to Aoki's and Assaf's reps for comment but did not immediately get a response. "Yellowstone" spinoff "1923" star Cole Brings Plenty has been found dead just days after he was named a suspect in an alleged domestic violence case and went missing. He was 27. Cole, whose uncle Mo Brings Plenty stars in "Yellowstone," was discovered dead in a wooded area in Kansas late Friday morning, according to a statement from the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. Deputies found Cole's body after receiving a report of an unoccupied vehicle in the area of 200th and Homestead Lane. "Deputies checked the area and discovered a deceased male in a wooded area away from the vehicle," the sheriff's office said. "The deceased male has been identified as Cole Brings Plenty, 27." Sheriff Hayden is releasing information regarding an incident that occured on April 5. pic.twitter.com/LLb3rySeoi Johnson Co KS Sheriff (@JOCOSHERIFF) April 5, 2024 The exact circumstances and cause of death have not yet been announced. The investigation into Cole's death is ongoing. Prior to the discovery, Cole was last seen in Kansas City Sunday evening, according to TMZ. The actor was being sought by Kansas police after he was identified as a suspect in an alleged domestic violence incident that took place Sunday morning at an apartment in Lawrence, Kansas. The Lawrence Police Department announced via Facebook Tuesday that it "submitted an affidavit to the District Attorney for the arrest of Cole Brings Plenty." "We've identified him as the suspect, have probable cause for his arrest, and issued an alert to area agencies," police added. According to the police department, officers responded to the apartment Sunday morning after receiving reports of an unidentified woman "screaming for help." Authorities said Cole fled before officers arrived at the scene. No other detail about the alleged incident was disclosed. Police said traffic cameras showed the actor leaving the city in a white 2005 Ford Explorer right after the incident. Cole's family reached out to police, "expressed concern, and reported him as a missing person," according to the Lawrence Police Department. In a statement to Entertainment Weekly earlier this week, a spokesperson for the Brings Plenty family said they were unable to contact Cole. "His disappearance without informing anyone of his whereabouts is uncharacteristic of Cole and deeply concerning," the rep added. The spokesperson also asked the public to "refrain from making unfounded claims" that Cole was on the run. Cole's uncle Mo also took to Instagram Tuesday to ask for help locating his missing nephew. Cole played Pete Plenty Clouds in two episodes of "1923." His other acting credits include the TV series "Into the Wild Frontier" and "The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger." The 2024 total solar eclipse is almost here, and those who want to watch the rare astronomical phenomenon need to get a pair of solar eclipse glasses. On Monday, the 2024 total solar eclipse will be visible across parts of the U.S., Mexico and Canada, including certain areas in states such as Texas, Ohio and New York. A partial eclipse will be seen across almost the entire North American continent, according to Live Science. The exact time the 2024 solar eclipse will be visible varies depending on the state and time zone. Search a zip code or city in this viewing guide by USA Today to find out what time it occurs in a certain area. Watching the upcoming solar eclipse, which will be the last visible one in North America until 2033, with the naked eye or using normal sunglasses can cause serious eye damage. According to NASA, the partial eclipse phases before and after totality can be safely viewed only through handheld solar viewers or solar eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. People can also view the solar eclipse indirectly using other items such as a kitchen colander and pinhole camera, among others. To know whether or not glasses can be used for a solar eclipse, they need to be approved as safe by the American Astronomical Society (AAS), which tests and evaluates them based on the international safety standard. These eyeglases are equipped with a special-purpose solar filter that protects the eyes while viewing the sun directly. Those who want to catch the rare sight can get eyewear specially designed for observing a solar eclipse from government organizations and private businesses before Monday's sky event. Here's where to get free glasses for the solar eclipse, courtesy of CNBC and Timeout. 1. Public Libraries Libraries across the country are giving away solar eclipse glasses. Check out this map from Star Net to find a library near you that is distributing these special eyewear. 2. Warby Parker Stores People can also grab a pair of eclipse-approved glasses at any Warby Parker store. Find a retail location near you here. 3. New York Welcome Centers Those in New York can get a pair of the free solar eclipse glasses being given out by the state at locations such as New York State Welcome Centers and Thruway Rest Stops. 4. Staten Island Museum The Staten Island Museum in New York is also distributing free glasses to its visitors. Purchasing an admission ticket is required to get a free pair. 5. Sonic and Smoothie King Restaurants Sonic is offering a free pair of eclipse glasses with every purchase of its Blackout Slush Float. Smoothie King customers also get a free pair when they order its Eclipse Berry Blitz Smoothie. Check out the participating stores here. Here are some of the brands that offer approved solar eclipse glasses, according to the list published by the AAS. 1. American Paper Optics American Paper Optics has various solar eclipse glasses designs to choose from on its website. Among these are its North American eclipse glasses, which the company said are "independently tested and safe for all phases of the eclipse." This weekend, the brand is offering a Special 25 Pack in which each pair is priced at $2. 2. Soluna Another option is the Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses, which can be ordered on Amazon. A pack of two retails for $14.99. 3. Lunt Solar Lunt Solar Premium Eclipse Glasses are also available on Amazon for $29.95 for a pack of five. 4. Land Sea & Sky Get Land Sea & Sky Solar Eclipse Glasses for the entire family or friend group at $15.99 for a pack of five via its website. King Charles' plans to build an "ideal town" have been met with a backlash by residents. King Charles' plans for a 'new town' in Kent have not gone down well with residents The 75-year-old monarch's proposal to build 2,500 homes on 320 acres of farmland in Faversham, Kent, has been angrily criticised by locals who think that the move will "swallow up" the area and transform it into an "urban mass". The plans were first announced in 2018 when the King - then Prince Charles - managed the Duchy of Cornwall and a proposal at the time described it as a "sustainable human-scale development that is land-efficient, uses low-carbon material and is less car dependent". However, Faversham residents argue that the Duchy's ideas contradict Charles' ambitions to protect the environment. Resident Richard Winnett said: "The Duchy proposes such a development with the consequential loss of a huge area of fine productive agricultural land. "This seems totally at odds with HRHs public stance on environmental and farming issues." Sarah Vomley added: "I always thought the Duchy cared about the environment and green spaces, seems I was wrong. They also can't (or won't) maintain the houses they already have." Prince William inherited the Duchy of Cornwall estate and its vast property portfolio when Charles acceded to the throne in 2022 and has been learning about the role in recent years, although it remains to be seen whether he intervenes in the Faversham plans. Meanwhile, the King is thought to be determined to press ahead with plans to make a state visit to Australia later this year after his cancer treatment got off to a positive start. The monarch was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of the disease earlier this year but is said to be "over the moon" with how the treatment is progressing and intends to travel Down Under in October. A source told The Sun newspaper: "The King is raring to go and keen to get on with the job. The insider added he is "over the moon" following a positive start to his cancer treatment and is now "supercharging" plans for a two-week trip which will cover Australia, New Zealand and Samoa. Charles is set to be accompanied by Queen Camilla and the tour will include "significant down-time" to make sure he feels well enough to carry out his engagements. Richard Tapia, shakes hands with a member of Rices Mariachi band during a reception in honor of his fifty years of service to the university on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Houston. Tapia, a nationally recognized science and mathematics professor at Rice University, is also widely recognized as a national leader in the preparation of women and underrepresented minorities for advanced degrees in science, engineering and mathematics. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Richard Tapia, a nationally recognized science and mathematics professor at Rice University, gives remarks during a reception in honor of his five decades of service to the university on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Houston. Tapia is also widely recognized as a national leader in the preparation of women and underrepresented minorities for advanced degrees in science, engineering and mathematics. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer University Professor Richard Tapia is featured in a 1993 edition of Rice University's Sallyport magazine. Rice University Ping Sun, former First Lady of Rice University, gives Richard Tapia, a hug during a reception in honor of his five decades of service to the university on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Houston. Tapia is also widely recognized as a national leader in the preparation of women and underrepresented minorities for advanced degrees in science, engineering and mathematics. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Rice president Reginald DesRoches, right, gives remarks on Richard Tapia, a nationally recognized science and mathematics professor at Rice University, during a reception in honor of his five decades of service to the university on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Houston. Tapia is also widely recognized as a national leader in the preparation of women and underrepresented minorities for advanced degrees in science, engineering and mathematics. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Richard Tapia (center) on the Rice University campus. Rice University Rice University employee Tamara Siler, leans into Richard Tapia, a nationally recognized science and mathematics professor at Rice University, during a reception in his honor on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Houston. Tapia is also widely recognized as a national leader in the preparation of women and underrepresented minorities for advanced degrees in science, engineering and mathematics. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Richard Tapia, a nationally recognized science and mathematics professor at Rice University, hugs an attendee during a reception in honor of his five decades of service to the university on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Houston. Tapia is also widely recognized as a national leader in the preparation of women and underrepresented minorities for advanced degrees in science, engineering and mathematics. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Nicolas Median, public and stakholder engagement manager for Exxon Mobile, gives remarks on Richard Tapia, a nationally recognized science and mathematics professor at Rice University, during a reception in honor of his five decades of service to the university on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Houston. Tapia is also widely recognized as a national leader in the preparation of women and underrepresented minorities for advanced degrees in science, engineering and mathematics. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Richard Tapia, a nationally recognized science and mathematics professor at Rice University, gives remarks during a reception in honor of his five decades of service to the university on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Houston. Tapia is also widely recognized as a national leader in the preparation of women and underrepresented minorities for advanced degrees in science, engineering and mathematics. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Richard Tapia received some of the highest honors in his field in 1996 when President Bill Clinton gave him a Presidential Award for Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, and again in 2011 when President Barack Obama awarded him the National Medal of Science. Equally special was sitting in a velvet chair Wednesday surrounded by colleagues and friends celebrating his esteemed career that has spanned more than 50 years at Rice University. The anniversary celebration served as a highlight reel of a life well lived: Tapias peers recounted his years as a drag racer, a devoted husband to his late wife Jean, an agitator for progress, a top researcher in mathematical optimization theory, and the countrys most influential promoter of equity for women and minorities in STEM graduate programs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad No one is going to say when I die, 'His life was cut tragically short,' said 86-year-old Tapia, who was recently diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer. I feel complete in my contributions, and I feel incredibly appreciated by everybody, almost to the point of feeling guilty. I didnt do any of this stuff expecting (anything). The professor is without a doubt one of Rices most legendary faculty members. Top administrators admire him for his can-do and provocative personality, which often finds him in their offices whether they want him present or not. Hes hard to ignore for his massive outreach efforts to students and his laundry list of major national awards. When I came here, (President Reginald DesRoches) said Theres a few people that you have to make sure that you meet, Provost Amy Dittmar said, of her arrival at Rice in 2022. As he said your name, I said, Oh, I already have met Richard. Tapia grew up a child of Mexican immigrants, the first in his family to pursue higher education. He knew how difficult it was to navigate an unfamiliar system, and he saw no one else aiding underrepresented graduate students in STEM when he became one of Rice's first faculty members of color in 1970. He took up the mantle, and Tapia has since directed or co-directed more minority and female doctoral recipients in science and engineering than anyone else in the United States, Dittmar said. He has authored more than 80 mathematical research papers in addition to mentoring thousands of students, only some of the reasons he has been inducted into the National Academy of Engineering and received the National Medal of Science as well as the Presidential Award for Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Tapia is the only faculty member at Rice to have achieved all three, DesRoches said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I often say that the most important thing we do as faculty isnt the papers or books that we publish, the president said on Wednesday. The most important work that we do as faculty is to teach, mentor and inspire the next generation of leaders. Few I would argue nobody has done it as well as Richard. That approach has inspired several of Tapia's former doctoral students to pursue teaching with the same attention to mentorship. A lot of people, if they dont have a champion, dont persevere, said Joanna Papakonstantinou, a past mentee who is now a high school teacher. He was behind me all the way. Tapias posts at the university also include serving as professor of computational applied mathematics and operations research, and as the director of the Tapia Center for Excellence and Equity. The center has become known nationwide for its undergraduate and graduate minority programs, and for its summer camps that expose underrepresented eighth- to 12th-graders to STEM opportunities in higher education. The current acceptance of diversity, equity and inclusion work at Rice has been decades in the making, Tapia said. Public colleges and universities in Texas had seen similar movements embracing DEI until last year, when the Texas legislature banned diversity programs funded by state institutions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One of the things that I love about Richard is that, for anyone who had ever a doubt, he has always shown that diversity, equity and excellence can go hand in hand, Dean of Engineering Luay Nakhleh said. Tapia has also shown his colleagues exactly who he is over the past 50 years. He belongs to a field where many people try to separate their personality from their work, but with Tapia, "what you see is what you get," longtime coworker and university professor Moshe Vardi said. The celebration on Wednesday put that personality on full display. After the Rice administration showed their appreciation for Tapia, he took the podium for a half hour. He commanded the audience as a storyteller and stand-up comic, speaking with his hands and cracking jokes about his reputation as a "pain in the ass." Tapia walked his friends through his five decades at the university, matter-of-factly stating his achievements his desire for tenure so he could advocate for diverse students without fear of retribution, his awards, the many times he proved to administrators that he was right. He didn't feel that he was making a difference for a long time, but he's confident now that he has. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I really do feel that Ive been a role model, Tapia said. The things that I listened to that people were talking about, I said, 'Wow.' But then I said, 'But thats true.' Rice managed to hang on to Tapia for his entire career, and he is one of only six faculty members with more than 50 years of service to the university. His colleagues are part of the reason he never left: They have time and time again shown him the power of a strong community, especially in the face of loss. And death has marked some of the most significant moments in Tapias time at the university. His wife, Jean, died last year. His daughter Circee, a Rice student, also died in 1982 at the age of 21. She was killed by a drunken driver as she came home from a rehearsal. My strongest attachment to Rice, the one that will stay with me eternally, forever: Circee, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bangladesh should expedite garment production from man-made fibre (MMF) as global exports of such apparel is estimated to rise from 50 per cent in 2022 to 60 per cent in 2030, a recent study by PwC revealed. Global export of garments will rise from $953 billion in 2022 to $1,121 billion by 2030, the study projected. PwC shared the findings of the study at a press conference held at the office of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). Bangladesh should expedite garment production from man-made fibre (MMF) as global exports of such apparel is estimated to rise from 50 per cent in 2022 to 60 per cent in 2030, a recent study by PwC revealed. Global export of garments will rise from $953 billion in 2022 to $1,121 billion by 2030, it forecast. Trade body BGMEA commissioned the study. The study was commissioned by BGMEA as Bangladesh aims to export apparel worth $100 billion by 2030. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) issued comprehensive guidelines to licensed banks recently, aiming to bolster the operations of existing Post COVID-19 Revival Units and restructure them as Business Revival Units (BRUs). Banks are mandated to establish BRUs by mid-May 2024 and ensure full compliance with the circulars requirements by July 1, 2024. The expanded mandate of BRUs seeks to facilitate the sustainable recovery of viable businesses impacted by exceptional macroeconomic conditions and manage the increased volume of impaired assets within licensed banks. The central bank solicited input from relevant stakeholders, including the banking sector and the chamber of commerce, during the formulation of these guidelines. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) issued broad guidelines to licensed banks, to further strengthen functions of already established Post COVID-19 Revival Units and reformulate such units as Business Revival Units (BRUs). Licensed banks are required to establish BRUs by mid-May 2024, and be fully compliant with requirements of the circular by 1 July 2024. The challenging macroeconomic environment in recent years has disrupted the revenue-generating activities of businesses, hampering borrowers ability to meet loan obligations and impeding the recovery process for licensed banks. Consequently, the establishment of BRUs is deemed essential to aid both performing and non-performing borrowers whose businesses exhibit fundamental viability. For large banks with over 50 branches, the option of setting up BRUs at prominent branches or regional offices is encouraged to enhance support for affected borrowers in reviving their businesses more efficiently. Assessment of a business fundamental viability is pivotal for licensed banks when considering business revival. This assessment incorporates both financial and non-financial indicators. The central bank urged collaborative efforts between licensed banks and borrowers to ensure the sustainable revival of viable businesses, fostering economic growth and contributing to the national economys development. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR) Road Town, British Virgin Islands--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2024) - In a significant move for cryptocurrency enthusiasts, LBank Exchange, a premier global digital asset trading platform, has announced the listing of Kendu Inu (KENDU) on April 10, 2024. Users of LBank Exchange can brace themselves for the KENDU/USDT trading pair, which will go live at 8:00 UTC. KENDU Listing Banner To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8831/204624_b15df397442729d2_001full.jpg Kendu Inu (KENDU) embodies the spirit of unity, bringing together the six native Japanese dog breeds as a guardian of peace, life, and harmony-inviting all to be part of the pack. Introducing Kendu Inu: The Unifier of Japanese Dog Breeds LBank Exchange is thrilled to announce the upcoming listing of Kendu Inu (KENDU), emerging as a beacon in the bustling world of cryptocurrency, uniting the legacy and spirit of the six native Japanese dog breeds into a singular, powerful emblem of unity and strength. This project is not just another token in the digital ether but a call to arms for those who believe in the power of community, camaraderie, and shared goals. Under the banner of Kendu Inu, the values of peacekeeping, life preservation, and unwavering unity are championed, setting the stage for the rise of a new, billion-dollar meme ecosystem. At its heart, Kendu Inu is a testament to the enduring spirit of cooperation and the potential for collective action to forge lasting legacies in the digital age. Behind Kendu Inu stands the enigmatic figure of Kendu Miazaki, a visionary who, inspired by his journey with Shiba Inu, seeks to recapture the essence of community-driven success. Miazaki's experience in the trenches of the crypto wars has imbued him with a unique understanding of market dynamics and the critical importance of a united front. With Kendu Inu, he aims to replicate and surpass the achievements of the past, harnessing the spirit of the original bull runs to foster a project where success is built on hard work, mutual respect, and shared prosperity. Miazaki's leadership is a rallying point for those yearning to be part of a movement that values dedication over speculation, aiming to sculpt a new era where the community's bond is the bedrock of success. The Kendu Inu ecosystem is strategically designed to thrive in the volatile waters of the cryptocurrency market of 2024, where innovation and community support converge to create explosive growth. With endorsements from key influencers and a rapidly growing community, the project is poised for significant impact. Kendu Inu is more than an investment; it's a commitment to being part of a legacy that values effort, unity, and the transformative power of a shared vision. As Kendu Inu charts its course towards becoming a billion-dollar ecosystem, it invites all to join the pack and be part of a revolutionary journey that bridges the past with the future, uniting tradition with innovation in the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency. About KENDU Token Based on ERC20, KENDU has a total supply of 1 trillion (i.e. 1,000,000,000,000). The KENDU token is poised for its debut on LBank Exchange at 8:00 UTC on April 10, 2024. Investors who are interested in KENDU can easily buy and sell on LBank Exchange after that time. Learn More about KENDU Token: Official Website: https://kenduinu.com/ Contract: https://etherscan.io/token/0xaa95f26e30001251fb905d264aa7b00ee9df6c18 Twitter: https://twitter.com/kenduinu Telegram: https://t.me/KenduInu About LBank LBank is one of the top crypto exchanges, established in 2015. It offers specialized financial derivatives, expert asset management services, and safe crypto trading to its users. The platform holds over 9 million users from more than 210 regions across the world. LBank is a cutting-edge growing platform that ensures the integrity of users' funds and aims to contribute to the global adoption of cryptocurrencies. Start Trading Now: lbank.com Community & Social Media: l Telegram l Twitter l LinkedIn l YouTube Press contact: press@lbank.com Business Contact: LBK Blockchain Co. Limited LBank Exchange marketing@lbank.com business@lbank.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204624 SOURCE: LBank KIGALI, Rwanda, April 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- World leaders past and present gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, to remember the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Over a dozen current and former Heads of State attended. They joined President Paul Kagame to lay wreaths and light the commemoration flame at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and thereafter they participated in the national ceremony at BK Arena, marking the official start of Kwibuka30. Kwibuka means 'to remember' in Kinyarwanda (the national language of Rwanda). To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/9260351-world-leaders-gather-rwanda-30th-anniversary-genocide-against-tutsi/ On 7thApril 1994, a genocide was unleashed against the Tutsi minority of Rwanda, leaving over a million dead in just 100 days, in full view of the world. A minimal United Nations peacekeeping force stood by and watched the genocide unfold, after a decision was made by the Security Council to withdraw most of the peacekeepers. Four memorials to the Genocide against the Tutsi, recently inscribed as UNESCO world heritage sites, will be illuminated each night for the week of commemoration. As a sign of international solidarity, iconic monuments in cities around the world will be lit in the colours of the Rwandan flag, as part of a joint Rwanda-UNESCO initiative. This year's historic anniversary is an opportunity for Rwandans and the rest of the world to honour victims, comfort survivors, and reflect on Rwanda's journey of recovery, reconciliation, and resilience, with national unity at the core of the country's stability and progress. President Kagame, talking about Rwanda's experience said: "We have turned the corner in Rwanda, but the same ideology that justified the genocide against the Tutsi is still alive and well in our region. And we see the same indifference from the wider world as in 1994. It is as if those expensive lessons are always lost, and we stare blindly as the same type of situation builds up again and again." Commemoration week will close with a ceremony at Rebero Genocide Memorial, which honours the courageous Rwandan officials and politicians who were killed because they opposed their government's plan to exterminate the Tutsi population. Find out more about Kwibuka Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2380911/Kwibuka_1.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2379424/Kwibuka_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/world-leaders-gather-in-rwanda-to-mark-the-30th-anniversary-of-the-genocide-against-the-tutsi-302109904.html SINGAPORE, April 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TerraPay, a global money movement company, has been granted a Major Payment Institution (MPI) License under the Payment Services Act 2019 by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) - a significant milestone solidifying TerraPay's position as a cross-border payments powerhouse. TerraPay now has 11 licenses and 19 regulatory approvals in 30 markets, globally. With the approval from MAS, TerraPay is set to redefine the payment landscape by offering services across Account Issuance, Domestic and Cross-border Money Transfers, Merchant Acquisition, and E-money Issuance, catering to the growing demand for efficient and transparent payment solutions in the region. Commenting on the announcement, Sheshagiri Malliah, Managing Director - Terra Payment Services Pte Ltd ("TerraPay") said, "Being granted this license by the Monetary Authority of Singapore is a big milestone for TerraPay, especially as we expand our reach and services across geographical borders. This achievement underscores our ongoing dedication to upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance and reinforces our commitment to providing transparent, frictionless, and simplified payment services. As we continue to grow, we're excited to prioritize the development of strategic cross-border payment partnerships and innovative solutions to help simplify global money movement." As the heart of thriving international trade and commerce, Singapore has always been a strategic location for TerraPay. Leveraging the position of the country as Southeast Asia's financial hub, the company will capitalize on this new license to strengthen existing and new partnerships in the region while also accelerating APAC presence. 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. For more information, visit: terrapay.com Media Contact: Juveria Samrin juveria.n@terrapay.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1222771/TerraPay_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/terrapay-receives-mpi-license-from-the-mas-302107178.html The actress was also quoted saying, They were afraid, not that they would lose film opportunities, but that the Indian audience would go crazy for them. read more Pakistani actress Nadia Khan is making a lot of waves on social media for some of her comments against Bollywood stars. A video of Khan has gone viral on social media where she says how Hindi film actors got insecure of Pakistani actors and got them banned. She targeted Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan. She said, In recent times, our actors (Pakistani actors) have become quite popular there. Fawad Khan started working there, and that made some of the established actors (in Bollywood) feel insecure. They turned it into a political issue and had the Pakistani actors banned. It wasnt just the politicians; even the top actors there were apprehensive. Advertisement I need her delusion pic.twitter.com/TVDBuP754j Ash (@ashilikeit) April 3, 2024 She added, They were afraid, not that they would lose film opportunities, but that the Indian audience would go crazy for them. These actors work primarily with their eyes and have impeccable Urdu skills, which led to this insecurity. Indian audiences adore our actors. Pakistani dramas are produced at half the cost, and our directors are passionate about taking their work international. That passion is paying off, and these stars are now going viral in India. The Khans have become insecure. They worry about what will happen when these young actors arrive. In their age group, there are no stars like them there. Over two hundred janitors organized with SEIU Texas marched and rallied at and near the George R. Brown on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Houston. They rallied calling for full time jobs with benefits and higher pay. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Over two hundred janitors organized with SEIU Texas marched and rallied at and near the George R. Brown on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Houston. They rallied calling for full time jobs with benefits and higher pay. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Over two hundred janitors organized with SEIU Texas marched and rallied at and near the George R. Brown on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Houston. They rallied calling for full time jobs with benefits and higher pay. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Over two hundred janitors organized with SEIU Texas marched and rallied at and near the George R. Brown on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Houston. They rallied calling for full time jobs with benefits and higher pay. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Over two hundred janitors organized with SEIU Texas marched and rallied at and near the George R. Brown on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Houston. They rallied calling for full time jobs with benefits and higher pay. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Over two hundred janitors organized with SEIU Texas marched and rallied at and near the George R. Brown on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Houston. They rallied calling for full time jobs with benefits and higher pay. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Over two hundred janitors organized with SEIU Texas marched and rallied at and near the George R. Brown on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Houston. They rallied calling for full time jobs with benefits and higher pay. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Over two hundred janitors organized with SEIU Texas marched and rallied at and near the George R. Brown on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Houston. They rallied calling for full time jobs with benefits and higher pay. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Over two hundred janitors organized with SEIU Texas marched and rallied at and near the George R. Brown on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Houston. They rallied calling for full time jobs with benefits and higher pay. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Around 250 people rallied and marched Saturday in downtown Houston as janitors called for increased pay and hours to result in full-time benefits for the workers. The event, which started on the lawn outside the George R. Brown Convention Center, marked the start of union contract negotiations for janitors who are part of the Service Employees International Union with Houston building contractors, organizers said. Janitors are requesting an increase in hours from five to six per night. Working at least six hours would increase their weekly output to a minimum of 30 hours, elevating them to full-time employee status. They also called for a pay increase to $15 an hour from $11.75. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Houstons negotiation comes as janitors in other major cities have been bargaining on their own deals. Workers have been able to get really good contracts in all of the other cities. Were hopeful that its not going to stop in Houston, SEIU Texas President Elsa Flores said. Over two hundred people organized by SEIU Texas marched and rallied at and near the George R. Brown Convention Center on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Houston. They rallied calling for full-time jobs with benefits and higher pay for janitors. Karen Warren/Staff photographer SEIU called the march the start of contract negotiations as the janitors contract runs out May 31. The first bargaining session is scheduled for this week. There are currently around 3,000 janitors in the Houston chapter of the Service Employees International Union. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The last time janitors and building contractors negotiated a contract was 2022. During those contract negotiations in 2022, janitors called for an increase in pay to $15 an hour but werent able to secure the full amount. Flores said the pay increase was the major discussion point of that cycle. According to the SEIU, Houstons city-contracted security officers and janitors all earn a minimum of $15 an hour. The full-time status is also a major priority for the janitors as they hope to access the benefits that come from full-time status. Downtown janitor Maria Zemudio said through a translator that on most nights, janitors work five hours. Over two hundred janitors organized with SEIU Texas marched and rallied at and near the George R. Brown on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Houston. They rallied calling for full time jobs with benefits and higher pay. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Having health insurance covered by work and other benefits, which would come with six-hour workdays, is what Zemudio said is the most important thing for her in this negotiation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It doesnt become a stable work until you actually can secure at least a certain amount of hours, Flores said. Hopefully, eventually, we can get to a full-time, completely 40 hours a week. But we get that, we have a little bit of a hill to climb. Workers are ready for that. But we need to start taking steps towards that direction. Janitors have gone on strike twice before, in 2006 and 2012. The two sides narrowly averted a strike in 2022, coming together on an agreement shortly after the previous contract expired. The strike in 2006 came around a year after the janitors first organized and lasted around a month. While the strike was ongoing, SEIU distributed leaflets around the world in places such as London and Moscow. Zemudio said a strike would not be off the table if theres not an agreement by May 31. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ganar, she said of her expectation for the negotiation, which translates in English as to win. Apart from Bollywood, Tollywood, Neetu Chandras Hollywood debut Never Back Down: Revolt worked as a fresh look at the actress as a rising action diva. And in an exclusive interview with Firstpost, she spoke about all of it read more _Umrao Jaan Ada: The Westend Musica_l, which sees actor Neetu Chandra, has been presented globally. The show premiered in Times Square, New York, followed by a showcase in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Neetu Chandra is now preparing for _The North American Tou_r, which is set to begin in New Jersey on April 12 and conclude in Washington DC on June 1. Apart from Bollywood, Tollywood, Neetu Chandras Hollywood debut Never Back Down: Revolt worked as a fresh look at the actress as a rising action diva. And in an exclusive interview with Firstpost, she spoke about all of it. Advertisement Edited excerpts from the interview How did you prepare for your musical Umrao Jaan: Adah? I started from doing my Riaz from the choreography team and my Kathak Riaz for the last eight months. Ive done Kathak Riaz from a Lucknow household so all my muscle memories came back. I really got to practice for all my professional reasons but this was the first time I was going Kathak for a project. I lost 11 kilos because it was Umrao Jaan so I had to work hard on it; I did nutrition, yoga, dance, training, everything started. I then practiced everyday for 4-5 hours wearing 200 Ghungroos. This was followed by dictional precision since this was a play in Hindi and Urdu. Its a 100-page script. I also tried to see what all things resonate between me and Umrao Jaan. I created an imaginary world of hers in my mind. The whole group was working for 3-4 months. The first premier was held on 9 March in Ahemdabad, which was houseful. What was the response you received on social media? People are loving it. I have not seen even one comment that is not positive. This shows that the audiences want to see me in quality films, and films that I can carry on my own shoulders. Somebody wrote nobody apart from me, could have played this character. This is a big compliment for me Because, Rekha Ji will forever be the original Umra Jaan. Shes an inspiration for all of us in all the characters shes played. How was the experience of seeing the show being premiered on Times Square in New York? We showed the trailer on Times Square. I was shooting in -5 wearing 15 to 20 kg clothes. We shot on the eve of Valentines Day so it was beautiful. Love was literally in the air that day. How would you like to assess your journey as an actor? I started very early on in my life right after my 12th standard. I got Garam Masala and kept educating myself. Its all about how evolved you become, and its been a beautiful journey for me. Today, I am a Hollywood actor and represented India three times in Taekwondo as a black belt. Im also a trained Kathak dancer and doing stage for a decade, so its a fulfilling journey. Ive also done massive films in the South with Suriya like Singham 3, have also worked with Nagarjuna, Vikram, Madhavan. Ive worked with 13 National award winning directors, and done films with Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Kunal Kemmu, Abhay Deol, Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna. Ive been positioned by God to do this amazing work. Its a beautiful journey. A US woman, Elizabeth Garcia, joined the list of many who had their ashes scattered in space. In fact, several US and UK companies have cropped up in recent times to serve the rising demand for space burials. However, have you ever wondered if the ashes become space junk? read more Many people across the world are choosing for space burials -- wherein a portion of a persons ashes (cremated remains) or a DNA sample is sent into space. This has begged the question: what happens to these ashes? Image Courtesy: Aura Flights We have all heard about scattering ashes of a loved one at sea or with planted trees. But what if we told you that there is an out of this world option quite literally. Many families are choosing space burials wherein a portion of a persons ashes (cremated remains) or a DNA sample is sent into space. In fact, an American woman, identified as Elizabeth Garcia, whos lifelong dream it was to travel to space received this out of world tribute when her family blasted off her ashes along with her pet cats into space. The burial was carried out by Aura Flights, a UK-based company specialising in space memorials. And as per a New York Post report, a special vessel, bearing her photograph, carried her remains 100,000 feet above Earth, lifted by a specialised stratospheric balloon. Advertisement And Garcia isnt alone. Several people are opting for this way to bid farewell to the world. But the question then is: What happens to these ashes which are scattered in space? Do they contribute to space junk? We explore this and more. How popular are space burials? Space is the final frontier and for many people its been a lifelong dream to visit it. Theres a growing number of people who are choosing to send their ashes or the ashes of loved ones, including pets, into space. As Samantha Richardson, general manager of Aura Flights told BuzzFeed, We do find that our clients come from all skills, all backgrounds, all types of hobbies. As you can imagine, we speak to people that are fanatics of space, or fanatics of Star Wars or perhaps Star Trek, or they love astrology, or they love science. But we also talk to people that just love to travel. Space burials are becoming more popular not just among science geeks and those fond of sci-fi but even those who just love to travel. Image used for representational purposes/Pixabay People in the industry note that a declining emphasis on cultural and religious traditions is one factor why space burials are becoming more popular. Theres also the monetary aspect of it. The cost of sending a loved ones ashes into space are no longer exorbitant. For instance, Celestis, a Houston-based company provides four options with prices ranging from $2,495 (Rs 2.08 lakh) to $12,500 (Rs 10.42 lakh). UK firm Ascension Flight offers space burials $1,044 (Rs 87,000). Meanwhile, Aura Flights offers the service at the cost of $3,707 (Rs 3,09 lakh). Some experts also note that rise in space burials is part of a larger shift on how people handle the remains of loved ones. Kate Woodthorpe, a reader in sociology and director of the Centre for Death and Society at the University of Bath, noted in a BuzzFeed report that people are opting for more control even in death. And other experts such as Wake Forest Universitys Tanya Marsh, who teaches the only course at a US law school on funeral and cemetery law, agrees. Advertisement Baby boomers are insisting upon more control over their funeral and disposition so that their choices after death match their values in life, Marsh wrote in a 2017 article for The Conversation. And businesses are following suit, offering new ways to memorialise and dispose of the dead. The service has attracted high-profile clients including Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and American astronaut Gordon Cooper. The founder of Celestis, Charles Chafer, himself hopes to have his ashes rocketed off the planet after he dies. In fact, Chafer said that he started space burials because he saw it as a way to give people a somewhat affordable way to participate and contribute to space exploration. Advertisement Are space burials legal? Ferrying human remains into space is legal as of now. However, as the companies capable of such practices increase, some experts say the legislative framework and regulatory agencies overseeing payloads must also adapt, taking into account the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations (NASA) role in the commercial space economy and the rights of indigenous people who regard the moon as a deity. Leslie Tennen, a Phoenix-based attorney with a specialty in space law, was quoted as telling Wall Street Journal, Right now these things are permissible. But does that mean theyre acceptable? Advertisement There are concerns that space burials and human ashes in space could lead to space debris. However, industry insiders say that its not possible. Image used for representational purposes/Pixabay What happens to the ashes? However, with this option, many have the question of what happens to the ashes? Do they float in space? Or do they return back to Earth? Experts and industry insiders state that most space burials are suborbital, meaning when ashes are released, they do not remain in orbit. Instead they rain back down on Earth kilometres from where they launched, carried by gravity and the wind. On their website, Aura Flights explain that once the ashes are released into space, they join with the winds in the stratosphere. They travel around in these winds and eventually make it down to Earths surface either in the form of rain or snow. In the end, the ashes join with the mineral dust particles, water droplets, and ice crystals, that constitute cloud formation. Due to the nature of their dissemination, they fall back down to Earth in the form of tiny fragments, as opposed to a larger cluster. Advertisement UK firm Ascension Flights also notes that some amount of ashes will return to the planet. As the particles eventually return to Earth, precipitation will form around them, creating raindrops and snowflakes, its website claims. Small amounts of nutritious chemicals will stimulate plant growth wherever it lands. Do ashes contribute to space junk? The simple answer is no. As Aura Flights manager Samantha Richardson explained that the ashes are released well below the altitude at which satellites orbit, and all eventually fall back down to Earth. There is no threat to orbiting satellites or bodies and we do not contribute to space junk, she said. However, some space experts note that theres a possibility some particles can escape upwards and into orbit. Space archaeologist Alice Gorman of Flinders University told ScienceAlert that if these ashes dont return to Earth, they would join the millions of tiny bits of space junk which are travelling at speeds of 7-8 km per second. Junk this size causes damage to spacecraft by constant bombardment. Each impact is trivial but theres a cumulative effect. Fortunately, in Low Earth Orbit, this stuff usually enters the Earths atmosphere quickly, she was quoted as saying. All in all, space burials seem to becoming more popular but as young Dr Leonard Bones McCoy said in the Star Trek movie in 2009, Space is disease and danger wrapped in darkness and silence. And do you really want to be buried there? With inputs from agencies An investigation reveals Israel Defense Forces (IDF) made use of an AI programme, dubbed Lavender, to create kill lists in Gaza. It further revealed that this tech was used with little human overview. We explore this and much more in our weekly roundup read more Palestinians react near the site of an Israeli air strike on a building, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza. Reuters Seven aid workers being killed in Gaza, a powerful quake rattling Taiwan, killing 12 people and injuring more than 900, and women in New York City being punched in the face by random men. The White House has also tasked NASA with creating a Moon standard time, which will help with future lunar missions. And talking about space and astronomy, North America will witness a full solar eclipse on Monday. While most wait with bated breath for this event, theres also concerns that it could affect cellular networks. Advertisement These were just some of the big news from around the world. If you have missed this weeks news and want to catch up on it and know more, we have you covered. 1. On Monday, seven aid workers belonging to the NGO, World Central Kitchen (WCK), died in an Israeli airstrike while they were travelling in Gaza in an attempt to feed the starved residents of the war-ravaged area. The incident drew international condemnation with countries demanding that Israel carry out an investigation into the matter. The incident also shone a spotlight on how the Israel-Hamas war continues to be a dangerous place for aid workers. Furthermore, charities, including WCK, suspended operations in Gaza. In our essay, we explore how this could affect the people of Gaza as well as the war. 2. On the topic of the Israel-Hamas war, an investigative report by Israeli-Palestinian publication +972 Magazine and Hebrew-language outlet Local Call has revealed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) used an artificial intelligence system to create kill lists in Gaza. How did Israel use this AI program, dubbed Lavender? Read here to find out more. People take part in a ceremony ahead of the demolition of a damaged building, following the earthquake, in Hualien, Taiwan. Reuters 3. Away from the news of the Israel-Hamas war, this week, Taiwan was jolted when it was struck by a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake on Wednesday (3 April). The quake killed over 12 people and injured more than 900 people. Images and videos of buildings tilting and collapsing flooded the internet in the aftermath of the temblor. But the island has a history of seismic activity. According to data available, the island has registered about 2,000 earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.0 or greater since 1980, and more than 100 earthquakes with a magnitude above 5.5. But why is Taiwan so prone to such activity? Also, read our interesting report on how Taiwans tallest building, Taipei 101, survived the quake with minimal damage, thanks to a large yellow pendulum that swings at the buildings centre. Advertisement 4. While this week saw the several April Fools Day pranks, this wasnt one of them. The White House wants NASA to develop new time zone for the Moon Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC). According to reports, the White House has given the American space agency until the end of 2026 to implement the final standardised time system. But what purpose will this Moon Standard Time serve? Read up to find out this out of the world plan. People watch the solar eclipse on the lawn of Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California. Mondays eclipse will be Americas second total solar eclipse in seven years. File image/Reuters 5. On the topic of astronomical events, North America is bracing for the Great Solar Eclipse on Monday (8 April). North America the United States, Canada and Mexico will experience its second total solar eclipse in seven years. And the excitement is palpable business have gone into overdrive with celestial-themed events, and promotions. However, amid the excitement, theres concerns that the eclipse could affect cellular networks. In our essay, we delve into this topic to examine if the big event could cast a shadow on cell services. Advertisement 6. TikTok, the famous video-sharing app, is often the place where funny, creative, and sometimes silly trends emerge. However, early this week, a trend emerged that got people concerned and wary. We are talking about # PunchedInNewYork. Several New York women have taken to the app to share their experience of being punched in the face by random, strange men while walking the streets of the Big Apple. And with this you are all caught up for the week. If you liked what you read and want more, then the Explainers tab is the one you need to bookmark on your device. PS: Do you often eat leftovers? Read this explainer to find out if its safe to do so. Like quiet quitting and the great resignation, putting minimal effort into lunch can be seen as yet another response to a working culture that is getting more demanding read more What we eat for lunch every day (and how we eat it) has an impact on our health. Image used for representational purpose/Pixabay Hows that sandwich? If youre munching on a supermarket meal deal while reading this, well, I probably am too. Brits in particular are known for their obsession with sandwiches, which they eat alone while continuing to work. This habit amuses but also disgusts our European counterparts. As one French scholar put it: A sandwich or salad gulped down in front of a computer screen does not pass as a proper meal. Research has shown that 28 per cent of British workers eat at their desks and 44 per cent eat lunch alone, the highest rates in Europe. Sociologists have thoroughly researched family meals, childrens school meals, and even dining out in restaurants. Advertisement Only a handful of publications focus on the workday lunch, but studies have almost exclusively used large-scale surveys. While these are valuable in revealing patterns of behaviour and trends in how we eat, they do not help us understand why people eat the way that they do at lunch. For this, rich, in-depth interview data is required. In my recently published research, I interviewed 21 people about what they ate for the workday lunch (and where and with whom). I found much greater variety in workday lunches than the solitary al desko sandwich. But there were shared understandings among my participants about how to lunch at work. Most participants were willing to admit that the workday lunch was not exactly a premium gastronomic experience. One man described lunch as my functional eating thing. Poor lunch habits are about balancing the pressures of work and the need for efficiency with self-care and social interactions. Image used for representational purpose/Pixabay Nevertheless, people greatly anticipated their lunch, seeing it as a reward or treat for a mornings work, and noting that it was a time to eat what they wanted. One respondent, a teacher, confessed that she chose carbs with carbs and a cookie with custard from the canteen. Unlike the family dinner where everyone tends to eat the same meal and the cook must cater to others tastes, the workday lunch was seen as a chance for personal indulgence, despite others distaste. Foods considered unacceptable in other circumstances (canned soup or microwave meals, for example) are acceptably convenient for the workday lunch because they are efficient. Couples I interviewed ridiculed each other for their sad or terrible lunch choices. Advertisement Efficient eating My participants considered walking and waiting for food a waste of time. People reported using work breaks for a leg stretch and to buy lunch but, to minimise time away from work, ate back at their desks. Proximity and speed of service are deciding factors in where to eat out for lunch: you want to go, eat and leave. And while it was not common among participants, the temporally efficient lunch par excellence is bringing food from home you skip the queue altogether (not literally, Brits dont like that). As far as dining companions are concerned, there were mixed feelings among my participants. Eating with colleagues can be a good laugh peppered with lighthearted British banter and discussion of weekend plans. Sometimes though, being a good conversation partner and navigating the blurred line between friendly and professional with colleagues was seen as just more work. Advertisement France has a labour regulation that bans workers from eating lunch in the workplace. Long lunches among French workers are linked to better food choices and health. Image used for representational purpose/Pixabay To avoid the emotional effort of eating with others, people would signal to their colleagues they wanted to be left alone by sitting by themselves and scrolling on their phones, hiding behind a computer screen or even retreating to a parked car to eat without disturbance. One woman summarised: Eating with other people interferes with that kind of pleasure of just looking after yourself. Lunch and our working lives My findings suggest that British lunch habits are not simply a matter of low standards for meals. They are about balancing the pressures of work and the need for efficiency with taking care of oneself and navigating social interactions. Like quiet quitting and the great resignation, putting minimal effort into lunch can be seen as yet another response to a working culture that is getting more demanding. Advertisement I conducted these interviews before the COVID pandemic. The rise in hybrid and remote working has, for many people, moved the workday lunch from the office to home. The commercial sandwich trade has been hit hard. But even before the pandemic, participants who worked from home ate at their desks, despite (you might expect) having a more pleasant space to eat. Perhaps the impact of the pandemic on our lunches is not so dramatic after all. What we eat for lunch every day (and how we eat it) has an impact on our health. Some organisations and countries have recognised the importance of this. France, for example, has a labour regulation that bans workers from eating lunch in the workplace. Long lunches among French workers are linked to better food choices and health. Advertisement Improving lunchtime habits, therefore, is not necessarily down to whether you choose a salad or a slice of pizza. Your employer, through lower workload, or even the government, through labour laws, may have an influence on whats for lunch. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The purpose of the military alliance is over with Russia neither attacking nor intending to attack a NATO member read more NATO, the US and British flags are displayed along The Mall, in front of Buckingham Palace, ahead of the 75th anniversary of the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty, in London, Britain. Reuters NATO was constructed with the reason, whether one believes it or not, that it was going to defend Western Europe from Russian assault. Once the Berlin Wall fell and the Soviet Union was beginning to collapse, that reason was gone. So, the first question: why does NATO exist? Noam Chomsky On April 4, 1949, 12 countries, including the United States (US) and Canada, signed the Treaty of Washington, forming the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilisation of their peoples and promote stability and well-being in the North Atlantic area and resolved to unite their efforts for collective defence and the preservation of peace and security. Advertisement NATO was formed 75 years ago to act as a bulwark against Soviet dominance and to contain Communism in Europe after WWII. Its first secretary general Lord Ismay had said that NATO was formed to keep the Americans in, the Russians out, and the Germans down. In the coming decades, NATO and the USSR were involved in the Cold War, extending beyond Europe to Afghanistan. However, Mikhail Gorbachev and US President George HW Bush declared the end of the Cold War at the Malta Summit in December 1989 after the withdrawal of Soviet Forces from Afghanistan earlier that year. One month ago, the Berlin Wall had fallen, followed by the gradual collapse of Communist regimes in Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Romania and Bulgaria. The Warsaw Pact formally ended in July 1991 and the Soviet Union collapsed in December. NATOs membership has grown from 12 founding members to 32, including the latest members, Finland and Sweden, apparently based on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. However, as Chomsky logically argued, Why does NATO exist? NATO proponents argue that the reason for continuing the military alliance post-Cold War is to curb Russias territorial and hegemonic interests in Europe, especially former Soviet satellite states. However, the US, the biggest financial and military contributor to the alliance, always wanted to project its power and influence and legitimise its ambitions in Europe on the pretext of NATO, which became the core of Americas European expansionist policy. Advertisement Publicly, the Brussels-headquartered alliance promoted stability in the North Atlantic area and was a collective defence against Russian revanchism. Privately, it aimed to serve US naked self-interest and aggrandisement in Europe and prevent the continents nations from asserting themselves through the European Union. Justifying Vladimir Putins fears of NATOs expansion cant justify his autocracy, the dangerous dream of rebuilding Russia with military might, the annexation of Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk, and threats to Russias democracy. However, the US always wanted to expand NATO eastward and contain Russia despite a series of Western assurances to Gorbachev about Soviet security during the German reunification process in 1990-91. Advertisement Declassified US, Soviet, German, British and French documents posted by the National Security Archive at George Washington University on December 12, 2017, reveal how Gorbachev was tricked into believing that NATO will not expand eastward despite Bushs assurance. Then-US secretary of state James Baker told Gorbachev in Moscow on February 9, 1990: For the Soviet Union and other European countries to have guarantees that if the United States maintains its presence in Germany within the framework of NATO, there will be no extension of NATOs jurisdiction or military presence by a single inch in the eastern direction. On May 18, 1990, Baker assured Gorbachev that the US was trying to ultimately transform the CSCE [Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe] into a permanent institution that would become an important cornerstone of a new Europe. Though the CSCE wasnt a treaty, it was an essential aspect of the detente process to minimise political and military tensions between East and West. Advertisement Gorbachev even suggested that the Soviet Union would announce that we want to join NATO too if the US insisted on Germany joining NATO. Around one-and-a-half years later, the Soviet Union collapsed and NATO was unstoppable. Under the successive Bill Clinton, George Bush and Barack Obama administrations, America used NATO for its geopolitical aspirations and shaping post-Cold War politics in Europe with the blocs membership almost doubling from 16 members in 1991 to 30 in 2020. Unhindered and overambitious, America also used NATO for its (mis)adventures outside the North Atlantic area in Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan. Instead of making Europe safe and stable, NATOs expansionism has brought the continent to the brink of WWIII. Using NATO in the proxy war against Russia in Ukraine is a saga of miscalculation of Putins military capabilities, a massive waste of the taxpayers money of several nations in the form of financial and military assistance and Americas endless and futile wars. Advertisement NATOs enlargement is increasingly proving dangerous. Several of Russias neighbours, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and Finland, joined the alliance, causing consternation in the Kremlin. Besides, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia have NATO aspirations. Despite Joe Biden saying that Ukraine isnt joining NATO anytime soon, secretary general Jens Stoltenberg has said that it is inevitable, but only if the war ends. Such statements, regardless of intention, rile Russia and stoke its fears. Moscow sees them as a threat. An antagonised Putin considers them increasing Western hegemony in Russias bordering countries. NATOs statements on Ukraine have further complicated the situation with Kyiv not meeting the conditions to become a member yet antagonising Russia. NATOs open-door policy and the US preoccupation with weakening and cornering Russia have been the biggest cause of friction with Putin. Moreover, Article 5, the crux of NATOs formation, states that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and the bloc can take such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area. However, Russia never attacked a NATO member and Article 5 has been invoked only once, post-9/11, with the terrorist event having no connection to Russia. Today, the sole purpose of the alliances formation is defeated. Neither Russia attacked any NATO member nor has any such intention. Instead, the US and NATOs expansionist spree and provocative statements have made the situation more volatile with a greater chance of military confrontation. The biggest reason for the US to rethink its strategy of using NATO for its geopolitics, dominance and power in Europe is China. The department of defence considers China, not Russia, its biggest threat today. The next power struggle will be in Asia, not Europe, with China eyeing Taiwan, Ladakh and Arunachal, dominating the South China Sea, collaborating with Russia to form a multipolar world and trying to portray itself as an alternative to the US in settling global disputes and persuading foes to become friends. For example, China brokered the Saudi Arabia-Iran deal in March 2023, ending years of bitter rivalry that had destabilised Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Bahrain. The inevitability of Americas focus shifting from Europe to China will gradually affect its commitment to NATO. In case of a Taiwan-China war, the US will face the biggest dilemma. If Biden is re-elected, he will have no option but to divert resources from the Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars to help Taiwan. A direct confrontation with China over Taiwan will result in frightening losses for the US. Several wargames, including by the Washington DC-based think tank Centre for a New American Security and the Pentagon, have shown devastating US losses with China targeting every American base in the Indo-Pacific. In 2018 and 2020, two other war games showed the same results with China targeting Guam. If Trump returns, the possibility of a weak NATO will increase considering his non-interventionist agenda and demand from other members to spend more. He caused an uproar in February after saying that he would encourage them [Russia] to do whatever the hell they want to NATO countries that spend less on defence. The former president and Trumpsters in the House of Representatives are already against assisting Ukraine. If the US-China rivalry comes to the brink of a military confrontation, Washington will be less invested in NATO, whose members would not prefer to get entangled in another war. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed the futility of getting caught up in a US-China war over Taiwan. During a three-day visit to China in April 2023, he also discussed Taiwan with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. Europeans cannot resolve the crisis in Ukraine; how can we credibly say on Taiwan, Watch out. If you do something wrong, we will be there? If you really want to increase tension, thats the way to do it, he said. Washington cant pressure other NATO members to help it against Beijing if a war breaks out. During an interview after his China visit, Macron clearly said that Europe risks becoming a US vassal if tension between the two superpowers heats up and the continent gets caught up in crises that are not ours. The US post-Cold War mission in Europe is useless today with NATOs original purpose fulfilled. Russia will not attack a NATO neighbour due to Article 5. Besides, adding members like Ukraine or Georgia will only destabilise, not stabilise, Europe. Riling Russia further by adding more countries to NATO will only bring Moscow and Beijing closer as seen after the Ukraine War. It is high time that the US left Europe to decide its future by letting other NATO members forge a close alliance to counter future threats. Washington should step back from playing the Big Daddy of European security and let global powers like Germany and France take matters into their handsand if they fail, the US will always be there to take command. The US has also been sharing the maximum burden of NATO by committing around 3.5 per cent of its GDP to the blocs defence expenditure in the last decade. The problem of more defence spending by the US and less by the other members dates back to the 1950s with Dwight D Eisenhower complaining of having the whole defence burden placed on US shoulders. Obama complained twice. In 2014, he said, I have had some concerns about a diminished level of defence spending among some of our partners in NATOnot all, but many. In 2016, he said, Every NATO member should be contributing its full share towards our common security sometimes Europe has been complacent about its own defence. NATOs annual budget is around $3.5 billion and members agreed after the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014 to spend two per cent of their GDP on defence to ensure the blocs military readiness. However, defence expenditures of NATO members as a percentage of GDP in 2023 before Sweden joined showed that only 11 countries spent more than two per cent. Poland was highest at 3.9 per cent, followed by the US at 3.49 per cent, Greece 3.01 per cent, Estonia 2.73 per cent and Lithuania 2.54 per cent. Luxembourg was lowest at 0.72 per cent, followed by Belgium at 1.13 per cent, Spain 1.26 per cent, Turkey 1.31 per cent and Slovenia 1.35 per cent. The writer is a freelance journalist with two decades of experience and comments primarily on foreign affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. India, like any respectable member of the community of nations, has the right and authority to pursue its enemies wherever they reside. However, to connect The Guardians report with Rajnath Singhs comment is erroneous read more Certain comments by Rajnath Singh, the Indian defence minister, in an interview with News18 have been taken out of context and abstracted out to make it seem that the defence minister was acknowledging the allegations made by 'The Guardian', something that was then again used by the British news outlet to buttress its version of the story. Image courtesy: Firstpost An article in the British news outlet The Guardian, titled Indian government ordered killings in Pakistan, intelligence officials claim, published on April 4, 2024, on the alleged extraterritorial operations by Indian intelligence against dreaded terrorists and their handler agents inside Pakistan has created waves within the Indian and international strategic communities. Notwithstanding multiple gaffes such as publishing incorrect photographs of alleged terrorists (later changed without disclaimer) or not following basic journalistic ethics such as corroboration of information received from dubious sources, the article seems to have been written to make certain tenuous connections between allegations of similar killings in other countries as well as paint the Indian state as one that willingly flouts international norms. Advertisement Certain comments by Rajnath Singh, the defence minister, in a subsequent interview with News18, have been taken out of context and abstracted out to make it seem that the defence minister was acknowledging the allegations made by The Guardian something that was again used by the British news outlet to buttress its version of the story. The string of new stories emanating from The Guardian makes it look like a very lazy attempt to make the case for an Indian intelligence commonality between what is alleged to have happened in Canada and the US and create an image of an out-of-place India that has forgotten its stature as a member of the Global South. Listening to the defence ministers conversation in detail and putting the comments in the historical context of Indias fight with sponsored terror from Pakistan paints a clear yet nuanced picture of the countrys changed calculus of response to terror incidents within its sovereign space. For a very long time, students of international relations and security studies have classified the India-Pakistan dyad as one demonstrating a classic case of the stability-instability paradox. This means that in a pair of two nuclear-armed adversaries, the stability engendered at the strategic and political level can be used to create instability at the lower or tactical level. Though the tenets of this paradox did not hold at the first instance of an armed confrontation between the armies of the two states in Kargil in 1999, Pakistan felt bold enough to carry out terror strikes with impunity inside India for close to two decades, secure in the fact that India will not take any reciprocal military action against the terror nests and havens inside Pakistan since a strike inside Pakistans territory may raise the stakes for a nuclear exchange in the subcontinent. Advertisement Before going further, one needs to highlight a peculiar fact about Pakistan, one that has been harped upon on multiple platforms but needs to be restated to put this entire episode in perspective: Pakistan is a state sponsor of terrorism. Nowhere in the entire world can you point to a country that has opened schools for indoctrinating, radicalising, and training terrorists; where a countrys armed forces and terrorists have open access to each others facilities and personnel; and whose trained terrorists have been responsible for killings as far wide as Europe, Africa, the US, and West Asia, apart from making the entire South Asia a killing ground. Advertisement Moving forward, Pakistans much-vaunted sovereignty was turning out to be a joke. A significant chunk of land in the countrys west was parcelled out to a motley group of jihadis and Islamist militants, and its forces struck peace deals with the likes of Al Qaeda and the TTP. The US drone attacks against militant hideouts within Pakistan became a matter of routine, and as the Raymond Davis affair showed, its so-called sovereignty and the attendant safety of its people were up for sale. It is in this context Pakistan as a badland of terror infestation that Indias future actions need to be seen. Advertisement Indias red line was the attack on a camp of Indian Army soldiers in Uri on September 18, 2016. It was decided to conduct a coordinated surgical strike against identified and verified terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Even in retaliation, India was conducting strikes within its own sovereign territory illegally occupied by Pakistan, and in that, only verified terrorist hideouts. However, an egregious act of violence committed by Pakistan-trained and sponsored terrorists led to the death of 40 central police forces soldiers in Pulwama on February 14, 2019. This prompted the government to launch Operation Bandar on February 26, 2019, under which Indian Air Force planes bombed the hideouts of Jaish-e-Mohammad in Balakot. Advertisement This time the hideouts were inside Pakistan; however, as explained earlier, Pakistan, as a state sponsor of terror, has these camps scattered across the length and breadth of the country. So any strike against terrorists will inevitably violate the formal sovereignty of the state. This, however, is the crux of the argument. A state cannot hide behind formal notions of territorial integrity and sovereignty when it does not respect the same for others. The defence minister, when replying to the anchors questions regarding the allegations in The Guardian paper, said that India as a country has never coveted its neighbours land and has always worked towards peaceful relations with them. However, if any country feels that it can send terrorists across the border, kill Indian citizens in cold blood, and then slink away back into Pakistan, then India will ensure that they are destroyed within Pakistan. This statement was from the defence minister of a resolute and resilient country that has finally said enough is enough to the terror emanating from its immediate neighbourhood. India, like any respectable member of the community of nations, has the right and authority to pursue its enemies wherever they reside. However, to connect The Guardians report with Rajnath Singhs comment is erroneous. The writer is a retired army veteran. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. While Pakistans jumping on the opportunity was expected, The Guardians reporting and subsequent myopic assessment of Rajnath Singhs statement prove it is just another rag and not a publication of repute as it claims to be read more A couple of days ago, The Guardian, a British publication, released a report, quoting anonymous sources from India and Pakistan, deducing that Indias external agency R&AW was behind the killing of anti-India terrorists in Pakistan. Approximately twenty low to medium level functionaries were eliminated in the past few years. Almost none of the cases were solved. The modus operandi, projected by The Guardian, mentions Pakistan locals being trapped and pushed to act, reading more like a Grade III Bollywood drama. Advertisement The Indian government refuted these allegations while Indians mocked The Guardian on fake reporting on social media sites, impacting its credibility. Replying to a question on The Guardian report on a media channel, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh mentioned, If they (terrorists) run away to Pakistan, we will enter Pakistan to kill them. He added, If someone repeatedly provokes India, commits acts of terrorism on our soil, they wont be spared. His words were evidently aimed at conveying the message that India will retaliate to any terrorist strike on its soil. Pakistan responded on expected lines. It had failed to investigate killings of terrorist group members over the years on its soil. Whenever its security agencies came under fire for failing in investigations, they picked a collection of low-level thugs, forced them to confess that Indian R&AW trapped or convinced them in a friendly middle eastern nation, to commit the crime. The article by The Guardian came as a life-saver and it held India responsible for all such incidents. Pakistans foreign office mentioned, Indias assertion of its preparedness to extra-judiciously execute more civilians, arbitrarily pronounced as terrorists, inside Pakistan constitutes a clear admission of culpability. It is imperative for the international community to hold India accountable for its heinous and illegal actions. It also linked accusations of Canada on Hardeep Singh Nijjar and that of the US on Pannun desperate to gain traction. This was on expected lines. Historically, Pakistan has lived with an Indian phobia, blaming it for all its ills, including ongoing terrorist attacks by the TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan) and Baloch Freedom Fighters. It produces imaginative dossiers of Indian involvement and gifts them to every dignitary including the UN Secretary General. Most end up in dustbins. Even floods in Pakistan are blamed on India. Advertisement The Guardian, in a subsequent follow up article, misinterpreted the defence ministers statement and mentioned, Indias defence minister has appeared to confirm that the government carried out extrajudicial killings in neighbouring Pakistan, after a Guardian report on the alleged assassinations. It added, Singhs comments are the first time that India has acknowledged any assassinations by its operatives on foreign soil. It also included PM Modis recent comments at an election rally when he mentioned, todays India goes inside enemy territory to strike. While the narrow mindedness of Pakistan is well known and understood, the desperation of The Guardian to defend its ill-investigated article based on anonymous statements was not. It was visualized that a reputed journal akin to The Guardian would comprehend the intent behind Rajnath Singhs statements. Advertisement The defence minister was highlighting the Indian military philosophy of hot pursuit as also justifying the officially admitted cross-border strike of September 2016 and the Balakot strike of 2019, both in Pakistan and the strike on terrorist camps in Myanmar. Hot pursuit, details of which exist in public domain, implies sending specialised teams across the border to strike at terrorist camps and launch pads as also in retaliation to any attack on Indian troops deployed along the LoC. This has been resorted to on multiple occasions, details of many such incidents being available on the internet. This is vastly different from targeting terrorists deep within Pakistan in their homes or place of worship. This implies more than just entering Pakistan to kill them. The impact of cross-border and Balakot strikes pushed Pakistan on the defensive. Major terrorist attacks ceased. The defence minister was reiterating the same as India is politically vulnerable in days preceding elections. Any terrorist incident at this time would invite a violent reaction. Advertisement The defence minister, as also the Indian government, has its eyes on top rung terrorist group leaders, all of whom are closely guarded by the Pakistan deep state, not those at tier II or III, which have thus far been eliminated in Pakistan. These are expendable for the ISI hence remain unprotected and ignored. Eliminating them would give India no major advantage. There are strong possibilities that the 20 eliminated thus far have been killed either by the Pak ISI, having outlived their value, or by their colleagues due to internal squabbles over funds and power. Finally, no national government ever admits to its actions, when it comes to eliminating those plotting against it. A number of nations have resorted to it in recent times, Israel, Pakistan, China, North Korea and Russia being examples. The targets are always those high in the hierarchy and never low-level functionaries, as claimed by The Guardian. Advertisement While Pakistans jumping on the opportunity was expected, The Guardians investigative reporting and subsequent myopic assessment of Rajnath Singhs statement prove it is just another rag and not a publication of repute as it claims to be. The author is a former Indian Army officer, strategic analyst and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Trump had also suggested that keeping Melania out of the limelight during election campaigning was his decision. He said he wanted to keep her away from the campaign read more Discussing her absence from the events, the 45th US President said that Melania Trump would return at an appropriate time Image Courtesy Agencies Donald Trump, a former US president, has discussed his wife Melanias decision to not run for president in 2024. Her son Barron Trump was recently sighted with her at Mar-a-Lago on Easter Sunday, where the whole family had gathered for brunch. She hasnt, however, attended any of the former US Presidents campaign rallies or court cases. According to an article in the Independent, her husbands participation in the Florida primary vote in February marked their final election-related activity together. Stay tuned was her response when asked if she intended to run alongside him in the elections scheduled for November 2024. Advertisement Discussing her absence from the events, the 45th US President said that Melania Trump would return at an appropriate time. Shes a private person, a great person, a very confident person, and she loves our country very much. Shell be - at the appropriate time - shell be out there, Mr Trump said during an interview with Meet the Press in September. Notably, Trump also said that his wife doesnt need to be out there. Trump had also suggested that keeping Melania out of the limelight during election campaigning was his decision. He said he wanted to keep her away from the campaign. Its so nasty and so mean, he said. In late March, a close aide to the first lady told CNN that Melania Trump chooses when and how to show up to political functions. On the other hand, it seems that she will become more noticeable as the election approaches. She and her husband will also be hosting a fundraiser on Saturday in West Palm Beach. She will also be present on April 20 at a Mar-a-Lago event for the Log Cabin Republicans. Her absence sparked missing posters to be posted online around the time of the Iowa caucuses. A picture of Mrs Trump with the words, Have you seen this woman? Where is our First Lady? Why is Donald Trump hiding her? We miss her. Please call 561-832-2600 if found was shared widely. (With agency inputs) The army claimed that after months of combat, it withdrew its soldiers from southern Gaza, leaving the Hamas commander Yahya Sinwars hometown of Khan Yunis in ruins read more Vast areas of Gaza have been turned into a rubble-strewn wasteland, its people trapped in a dire humanitarian crisis amid an Israeli military onslaught Image Courtesy AFP Israel withdrew its ground forces from the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday, marking a partial withdrawal six months into the catastrophic war that began with the October 7 attacks. However, the military declared that a significant force would continue to operate elsewhere in the besieged Palestinian territory, able to conduct precise intelligence based operations. Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, declared that his country was just one step away from victory and that war would not stop until Hamas released all hostages. Advertisement He informed his cabinet that there will be no ceasefire without the return of hostages just before new truce negotiations were scheduled to begin in Cairo. It simply wont occur." The statement Israel is ready for a deal, Israel is not ready to surrender was emphasized by Netanyahu. Witnesses reported that during the night, airstrikes continued to bombard Khan Yunis and Rafah. The army claimed that after months of combat, it withdrew its soldiers from southern Gaza, leaving the Hamas commander Yahya Sinwars hometown of Khan Yunis in ruins. The 98th commando division has concluded its mission in Khan Yunis, the army told AFP. The division left the Gaza Strip in order to recuperate and prepare for future operations. An army official told the Haaretz daily that the troops pulled out after they had dismantled Hamass Khan Yunis brigades and killed thousands of its members. We did everything we could there. The news of the partial withdrawal came on the day talks towards a truce and hostage release deal were expected to resume in Cairo, including US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators. Advertisement CIA chief Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani will join Egyptian officials for indirect talks from Sunday between the Israeli and Hamas delegations, Egypts Al-Qahera News said. Netanyahu had long threatened a ground offensive on far-southern Gazas Rafah city, sparking global concern, including from Israels top ally the United States. Up to 1.5 million Palestinians are crowded into the area on the Egyptian border, many living in tents. Dozens left Rafah by foot, in cars and on donkey carts and returned to Khan Yunis on Sunday after the Israeli pullout, AFP images showed. On Thursday, US President Joe Biden angered by an Israeli strike that killed seven aid workers of a US-based food charity told Netanyahu he wants to see a ceasefire and hostage release deal and ramped-up aid deliveries. Advertisement Biden whose government is Israels top arms supplier and political backer also hinted at making US support for Israel conditional on curtailing the killing of civilians and improving humanitarian conditions. Several aid trucks on Sunday entered southern Gaza through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, the drivers honking their horns as crowds ran after them, AFP TV footage showed. Israel has faced a storm of international outrage over the killing of seven aid workers of the US-based food charity World Central Kitchen in a Gaza air strike on April 1. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also demanded that this terrible conflict must end. Advertisement A Palestinian father-of-six in northern Gaza, Muhammad Yunis, 51, told AFP the territorys 2.4 million people desperately need a reprieve from the bombardment and suffering. Its been half a year and the bombing and starvation continue, said the man from Beit Lahia, now a broken landscape of shattered buildings. Watching the thin bodies of our children takes away our souls I feel helpless and humiliated, he said. Isnt the bombing, death and destruction enough? There are bodies still under the rubble. We can smell the stench. UNICEF chief Catherine Russell pointed out that more than 13,000 children were reportedly among those killed. Homes, schools and hospitals in ruin. Teachers, doctors and humanitarians killed. Famine is imminent, she said on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday. Advertisement The level and speed of destruction are shocking. Children need a ceasefire NOW. The Gaza war broke out on October 7 with an unprecedented attack by Hamas militants that resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians. Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants also took more than 250 hostages, and 129 remain in Gaza, including 34 who the army says are dead. Israels retaliatory offensive has killed at least 33,175 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. Vast areas of Gaza have been turned into a rubble-strewn wasteland, its people trapped in a dire humanitarian crisis amid an Israeli military onslaught. Gaza has received only sporadic aid via a road crossing with Egypt, airdrops and two sea shipments and aid agencies warn the deliveries fall far short of the dire needs. Under US pressure, Israel has pledged to allow for the first time aid deliveries through its Erez border crossing with northern Gaza. Most of Gazas hospitals are out of action and the largest, Al-Shifa, is now an empty shell with human graves, said World Health Organization head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Netanyahu has meanwhile come under intense pressure at home from families and supporters of hostages, and from a resurgent anti-government protest movement. Ten of thousands rallied in Tel Aviv and other cities Saturday, demanding elections now. Among the protesters was Israels centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid, who was later headed to Washington, his Yesh Atid party said. Lapid was expected to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a fierce critic of Netanyahu. Fears that the war could spread have intensified after Iran vowed retaliation for the killing of seven Revolutionary Guards in an air strike last Monday on the consular annex of its embassy in Damascus. Yahya Rahim Safavi, senior adviser to Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was quoted as saying by the ISNA news agency that the embassies of the Zionist regime are no longer safe. Speaking at a cabinet meeting to commemorate six months of the war that began on October 7 following an unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists, Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the situation in Gaza read more Israel has faced a storm of international outrage over the killing of seven aid workers of the US-based food charity World Central Kitchen in a Gaza air strike on April 1 Image Courtesy Reuters Declaring that Israel was one step away from victory in the Gaza War, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that there would be no ceasefire until Hamas released all of the detainees. Speaking at a cabinet meeting to commemorate six months of the war that began on October 7 following an unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists, Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the situation in Gaza. We are one step away from victory, Netanyahu said. But the price we paid is painful and heartbreaking. Advertisement Speaking as truce talks were expected to resume in Cairo with international mediators, he said: There will be no ceasefire without the return of hostages. It just wont happen. He stressed that Israel is ready for a deal, Israel is not ready to surrender. Instead of international pressure being directed at Israel, which only causes Hamas to harden its positions, the pressure of the international community should be directed against Hamas. This will advance the release of the hostages. Israel has faced a storm of international outrage over the killing of seven aid workers of the US-based food charity World Central Kitchen in a Gaza air strike on April 1. US President Joe Biden in a phone call with Netanyahu on Thursday demanded an immediate ceasefire and hinted at making US support for Israel conditional on curtailing the killing of civilians and improving humanitarian conditions. Netanyahu meanwhile accused Iran of being behind several attacks against Israel through its proxies. Anyone who hurts us or plans to hurt us we will hurt him. We put this principle into practice, all the time and in recent days, Netanyahu added. Fears that the war in Gaza could spread have intensified after Iran vowed to hit back for the killing of seven of its Revolutionary Guards in an air strike Monday on the consular annex of its embassy in Damascus. Advertisement Irans leaders have pledged retaliation, and the leader of Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, Hassan Nasrallah, has called the consulate strike a turning point. (With agency inputs) Peter Warren is a general assignment reporter for the Houston Chronicle. He can be reached at peter.warren@houstonchronicle.com. Peter previously lived in Dallas, where he covered the sports as a freelancer for the Dallas Morning News and other outlets. He has been published in Texas Highways Magazine, DMagazine.com, the Star Tribune and Bowlers Journal International. Peter graduated from Northwestern University in 2021. Peter Pellegrinis victory is likely to impact several things, from incumbent Slovak Prime Minister Robert Ficos hold on power to the countrys stand on Ukraine read more Peter Pellegrini, the nationalist-left government candidate, has won the Slovak Presidential elections. He garnered 53.26 per cent of the vote against the pro-West opposition candidate Ivan Korcok, results from 99.66% of voting districts showed. Heres a look at five key impacts of Pellegrinis electoral victory: 1. Strengthening Ficos grip on power: Pellegrinis victory has emboldened incumbent Prime Minister Robert Ficos grip on power. Fico, known for his controversial reforms and a more Russia-aligned foreign policy, finds in Pellegrini a presidential ally. The victory is likely to ensure a smoother implementation of Ficos legislative agenda. Pellegrinis victory shows the electorates endorsement of Ficos leadership despite concerns over the rule of law and media freedom. Advertisement 2. Presidential powers: The role of the Slovak president is largely ceremonial. However, Pellegrini has the authority to veto legislation and nominate constitutional court judges. Pellegrinis decisions could influence the trajectory of Ficos contested reforms. 3. Solidifying stance on Ukraine: Until recently, Slovakia was a staunch supporter of Ukraine, providing it with air defence and fighter jets. However, Ficos coalition government, which includes a party headed by Pellegrini, halted arms shipments to Ukraine. Pellegrini advocates for a position of peace, distancing Slovakia from active involvement in the conflict. His emphasis on non-engagement positions Slovakia on a path divergent from some of its European Union (EU) and North-Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) allies. 4. Moderate approach compared to Fico: Despite his allegiance to Fico, Pellegrini is perceived as a moderate force, particularly in matters of foreign policy. He has reiterated his commitment to maintaining Slovakias strong ties with the EU and NATO. Pellegrinis moderate stance, contrasting with Ficos more pronounced pro-Russian orientation, signals a potential for nuanced policy-making. 5. Reaction from the opposition: Ivan Korcoks post-election comments highlight another aspect of Pellegrinis politics. Korcok accused Pellegrini of spreading fear to secure victory. The decisive factor was high turnout, I respect that, but it was fear that decidedspreading fear and hatred, Korcok said. His statement points to a shift in the Slovak electorates mindset regarding the war. They seem to have concerns about Slovak troops getting involved. Advertisement With inputs from agencies The declaration was made the day after defense chiefs from four nations, including the Philippines, which has recently been involved in a number of bitter maritime disputes with Beijing, declared they will carry out coordinated drills in the region on Sunday read more Beijing has brushed aside competing territorial claims by several Southeast Asian countries in the South China Sea -- a crucial route for global trade -- as well as an international ruling that declared its stance baseless Image Courtesy Reuters On the same day that the Philippines, the United States, Japan, and Australia conducted joint drills, Chinas army reported that it carried out military combat patrols in the disputed South China Sea. The declaration was made the day after defense chiefs from four nations, including the Philippines, which has recently been involved in a number of bitter maritime disputes with Beijing, declared they will carry out coordinated drills in the region on Sunday. Advertisement The Southern Theater Command of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) in Beijing announced that it was planning joint naval and air combat patrols in the South China Sea. All military activities that mess up the situation in the South China Sea and create hotspots are under control, it said in a statement, in an apparent swipe at the other drills being held in the waters. There were no more announcements made regarding the Chinese militarys Sunday operations in the canal. Days before US President Joe Biden is scheduled to convene the first trilateral summit with the leaders of the Philippines and Japan, the exercises are taking place. To Beijings dismay, top US officials have frequently stated that the US is ironclad in its pledge to protect the Philippines from an armed attack in the South China Sea. China has been acting more assertively in the South China Sea in recent years, claiming territorial authority over almost the whole body of water. Advertisement The Philippine Coast Guard was involved in illegal operations at a disputed reef on Thursday, and Chinas Coast Guard announced on Saturday that it had handled the matter. Under the guise of protecting fishing, Philippine government ships have illegally violated and provoked, organised media to deliberately incite and mislead, continuing to undermine stability in the South China Sea, spokesman Gan Yu said. We are telling the Philippines that any infringement tactics are in vain, Gan said, adding that China would regularly enforce the law in waters under (its) jurisdiction. Beijing has brushed aside competing territorial claims by several Southeast Asian countries in the South China Sea a crucial route for global trade as well as an international ruling that declared its stance baseless. Advertisement The drills conducted Sunday by the Philippines, United States, Japan and Australia are intended to (ensure) that all countries are free to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a joint statement. Named the Maritime Cooperative Activity, the drills will include naval and air force units from all four countries, the joint statement said. There were no details in the statement on what the drills would precisely include. The Japanese embassy in Manila said in a statement that anti-submarine warfare training would be included in the drills. Last week, Australian warship HMAS Warramunga arrived at the Philippine island of Palawan, which faces the hotly contested waters. Advertisement Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos issued a strongly worded statement on March 28, vowing the country would not be cowed into silence, submission, or subservience by China. Talks between the Philippines and Japan for a defence pact that would allow the countries to deploy troops on each others territory were still ongoing, a spokesman for the Philippine foreign affairs department told reporters last week. Manila already has a similar agreement with Australia and the United States. (With agency inputs) If they keep hitting (Ukraine) every day the way they have for the last month, we might run out of missiles, and the partners know it, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview read more Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that his country's air defence missiles may run out soon. Sources: Reuters Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued the gravest warning about his countrys deteriorating air defence inventory since the start of the war with Russia. He said that Ukraine could run out of air defence missiles if Russia continues its intense long-range bombing campaign. Russia has been hitting Ukrainian energy systems, towns, and cities for weeks now. Moscow has been employing a broad arsenal of weapons, ranging from missiles to drones. Ukraines dwindling air defence supplies Advertisement If they keep hitting (Ukraine) every day the way they have for the last month, we might run out of missiles, and the partners know it, Zelenskyy said in an interview. He said that Ukraine had enough in their stockpiles to cope for the moment. However, Zelenskyy also said that his forces are already being pushed to make difficult choices about what to protect. We dont have shells for counteroffensive actions. As for the defence - there are several initiatives, and were receiving weapons, he added. Hope for US aid package In the interview, Zelenskyy spoke about the need for at least 25 of the Patriot air defence systems made by the United States. Patriot air defence systems have been vital in repelling Russian attacks, which use ballistic and hypersonic missiles that can hit targets within minutes. The approval for an aid package for Ukraine has been stuck in deliberations in the Congress of the US since late last year. The Republicans are staunchly opposing it. Advertisement Zelenskyy, however, is hopeful. I still believe that we can get a positive vote in the United States Congress, he said. When the interviewer asked about the possibility of Ukraine receiving the package as a loan, he said, We will agree to any options. Developments on the battlefield In the battlefield, the tide has turned against Ukraine in recent months. The country is grappling with a slowdown in military assistance from the West and continuous attacks by Russia. Most recently, a fresh spate of attacks by Moscow killed multiple civilians in Ukraine. Russia launched two missile attacks and drone strikes on Saturday, killing and wounding several people in Kharkiv, Ukraines second largest city. Advertisement Following artillery shelling, Ukraines largest private power company DTEK said that the strikes had hit 80 per cent of its generating capacity. With inputs from agencies Authorities say more heavy rainfall will cause water levels to continue to rise. Images showed Orsk almost completely flooded, with only the tops of submerged cars visible. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate as a result of the major flood, which was declared a critical situation by Moscow on Sunday and a warning of dangerous water levels in Siberia read more Although the 200,000-person city of Orsk is the most severely hit by the flooding, the regional center of Orenburg, which is home to about 560,000 people, was also experiencing rapid rises in water levels due to the Ural river Image Courtesy AFP The Ural River has flooded Orsk and is now threatening the main city of Orenburg due to heavy rains. On Friday night, a dam near Orsk, in the southern Urals near Kazakhstan, burst. Authorities say more heavy rainfall will cause water levels to continue to rise. Images showed Orsk almost completely flooded, with only the tops of submerged cars visible. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate as a result of the major flood, which was declared a critical situation by Moscow on Sunday and a warning of dangerous water levels in Siberia. Advertisement More than 6,500 dwellings in the Orenburg region were flooded, according to authorities, and more than 4,500 people had to be evacuated from Orsk. In the Kurgan and Tyumen districts of Siberia, the Kremlin has issued warnings about nature anomalies and commanded preparations for anticipated floods. Although the 200,000-person city of Orsk is the most severely hit by the flooding, the regional center of Orenburg, which is home to about 560,000 people, was also experiencing rapid rises in water levels due to the Ural river. More than 6,500 dwellings in the Orenburg region were flooded, according to authorities, and more than 4,500 people had to be evacuated from Orsk. In the Kurgan and Tyumen districts of Siberia, the Kremlin has issued warnings about nature anomalies and commanded preparations for anticipated floods. Although the 200,000-person city of Orsk is the most severely hit by the flooding, the regional center of Orenburg, which is home to about 560,000 people, was also experiencing rapid rises in water levels due to the Ural River. A critical situation has developed in Orsk, Russian Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenkov said while visiting the city. Images published by his ministry showed him going through the flooded city on a boat, passing typical Soviet-era housing blocks where water reached the first floor. He also visited evacuees in temporary housing centres. Nature does not tolerate mistakes, Kurenkov said, calling on authorities to ensure timely evacuations. Advertisement The flood situation can change rapidly, he warned. Orenburg regional authorities said they expected the peak of the flood on April 9 and for the situation to stabilise after April 20. Russias weather monitor Rosgidromet said that water levels on the Ural river in the main city of Orenburg will reach dangerous levels over the next three days. The situation remains critical, its mayor Sergei Salmin wrote on Telegram on Sunday, adding that the water level had risen 28 centimetres (11 inches) since the previous day. His office said 403 homes have been affected by the flooding in Orenburg. Salmin has warned residents of forced evacuations with the intervention of police officers in affected areas should they refuse to leave voluntarily. Advertisement We have no time for convincing, he said. Authorities have so far reported no casualties in the area but have ordered sanitary inspections and called on people to drink bottled water. Neighbouring Kazakhstan has also been affected by the floods with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev saying Saturday they were one of the countrys worst natural disasters in 80 years. The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin was getting information on the floods in the Orenburg region in real time. Putin also ordered the governors of the Siberian regions of Tyumen and Kurgan to prepare for expected sharp rise in water levels and inevitable floods, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian media. Advertisement Peskov said local hydraulic stations showed an abnormal increase in water levels not seen in 100 years. Putin, 71, was for much of his rule a climate sceptic, but has in recent years U-turned on the topic and ordered his government to do more to prepare Russia for extreme weather. Russia has in recent years been hit by a string of extreme floods and fires in the spring and summer. Scientists say climate change driven by human activity is increasing the length, intensity and frequency of extreme weather events such as wildfires, storms and floods. (With agency inputs) Astronauts answer questions via live video feed from the International Space Station in the background as people view the eclipse during the Space Center Houston Annular Eclipse Celebration and viewing event at NASAs John Space Center Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. Unfortunately, many in Southeast Texas will view Monday's partial solar eclipse under dense cloud cover and scattered thunderstorms. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Many Texans' take pride in how expansive the skies over Texas are. Unfortunately, a lot of that real estate could be occupied by cloud cover during Monday's total solar eclipse. The total solar eclipse Monday will emerge shortly before 1:30 p.m. in the Lone Star State between roughly Del Rio to Eagle Pass. From there, totality - the path where the sun is completely blocked by the moon - will be found in Austin and Kerrville between 1:30 and 1:35 p.m. Waco and Dallas-Fort Worth will experience totality between 1:35 and 1:40 p.m. Paris and Texarkana are last in line in Texas to experience totality between 1:45 and 1:50 p.m. Where should you go if you want to maximize your view? We've got you covered so the clouds won't. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Go north and west North Texas: If you want to optimize your odds at seeing totality in all its awe-inspiring splendor, head toward North Texas. The forecast here, while still far from perfect, is the most likely to yield overall good viewing conditions for Monday's total solar eclipse. If you're able to travel toward the northern extent of totality in the state, near and north of Dallas-Fort Worth, both high level and low level clouds look to be at a minimum early Monday afternoon. Total cloud cover of between 25 and 35% is expected for many in this area, which is much improved from the cloud cover expected across South Texas. South Texas: In South Texas, the cloud cover forecast here is likely to be the most tricky. Generally speaking, cloud cover in the southern half of the state decreases slightly the further west you travel. In Del Rio, forecast cloud cover of between 60 and 70% would give the best odds of seeing totality, albeit still likely through mostly cloudy skies. Not only could overall cloud cover be slightly lower closer to the Big Bend, but the type of clouds overhead could be more favorable to witness totality. Thin high level clouds are favored in this area as opposed to thick, rain-making cumulus clouds. Clouds win out for many High confidence remains that cloud cover will be abundant during totality on Monday, especially from the Heart of Texas to the Austin metro. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In South Texas, the cloud cover forecast depicts 75 to 85% cloud cover from Austin to Kerrville to Uvalde to Carrizo Springs leading up to totality. On top of the cloudy prospects, there's also the risk of showers and thunderstorms during the early afternoon. The greatest chance of rain will be found roughly along and east of I-35, which is just outside of the path of totality. Shown is the total cloud cover forecast in the path of totality across South Texas early Monday afternoon. Shades of blue indicate where cloud cover is expected, with bright blue toward Austin and San Antonio indicating thicker cloud cover. Pivotal Weather North Texas fares only slightly better in terms of overall cloud cover and rain chances. As stated above, areas near and north of Dallas-Fort Worth have the best chance of seeing totality with minimal cloud coverage. South of Dallas-Fort Worth, cloud cover begins to increase quite a bit. Low level cloud cover, the kind associated with dark clouds and even rain, is expected to be plentiful south of I-20 toward Waco, Killeen, and Temple. Showers aren't expected to be numerous during the early afternoon, but strong storms are possible by Monday evening. Shown is the total cloud cover forecast in the path of totality across North Texas early Monday afternoon. Shades of blue indicate where cloud cover is expected, with bright blue toward College Station indicating thicker cloud cover. Pivotal Weather Storms bring severe risk As exciting as it is to be in the path of totality of a solar eclipse, it'll be important to remain cognizant of changing weather conditions Monday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After the total solar eclipse passes Texas by, all eyes again turn toward the sky for the potential of strong thunderstorms Monday afternoon and evening. The Storm Prediction Center, an arm of the National Weather Service, suggests nearly 20 million Texans will be at risk of strong and severe thunderstorms, from Lubbock and Midland to Dallas and Houston. TRACK STORMS HERE: Strong storms are expected later today. Track them and know what road conditions are like by clicking here Showers and embedded thunderstorms are expected to be ongoing during the early afternoon, making Houston's prospect of seeing the partial solar eclipse quite unfavorable. As the day goes on and temperatures rebound from their brief drop during totality, thunderstorms are forecast to grow considerably in number and intensity. The latest high-resolution models show numerous strong storms from Austin to Dallas-Fort Worth by the early evening, with a secondary round developing along the dry line in the Texas Panhandle. Shown is how the High Resolution Rapid Refresh model, or HRRR, expects storms to develop Monday evening. Strong storms are expected from Dallas-Fort Worth to Wichita Falls during this period, with hail at times in excess of 2 inches in diameter possible. WeatherBELL The risk of tornadoes will be present as supercells develop, especially near and east of I-35 from Austin and Dallas toward Lufkin and Texarkana. Those same supercells bring the highest risk of large hail, particularly north of I-10 and east of I-27. Hail in some of the strongest cells that develop could exceed 2 inches in diameter Monday evening. Damaging winds will also be a possibility through Monday evening as storms become more linear in nature. bohlah at 7-04-2024 03:14 PM (6 months ago) (m) The peaceful observance of Laylat-al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, was disrupted by a violent altercation among a group of suspected cultists in Lagos on Saturday night, April 6. The peaceful observance of Laylat-al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, was disrupted by a violent altercation among a group of suspected cultists in Lagos on Saturday night, April 6. Reports indicate that the incident unfolded in Ikeja, though the precise cause of the altercation remains unclear at this time. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the suspected cultists exchanged punches, disturbing the solemn atmosphere of the religious occasion. Despite the significance of Laylat-al-Qadr in the Islamic calendar, the disturbance underscored the prevalence of social unrest and tensions within certain communities. Authorities have yet to release official statements regarding the incident, leaving residents and observers anxious about the potential ramifications of such outbreaks of violence, particularly during religious events. The clash serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in curbing the activities of cult groups and maintaining public order in Lagos and other urban centers across Nigeria. As investigations into the incident continue, community leaders and law enforcement officials are expected to collaborate in addressing the root causes of such violence and implementing measures to prevent future occurrences, particularly during significant religious observances. Reports indicate that the incident unfolded in Ikeja, though the precise cause of the altercation remains unclear at this time.Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the suspected cultists exchanged punches, disturbing the solemn atmosphere of the religious occasion. Despite the significance of Laylat-al-Qadr in the Islamic calendar, the disturbance underscored the prevalence of social unrest and tensions within certain communities.Authorities have yet to release official statements regarding the incident, leaving residents and observers anxious about the potential ramifications of such outbreaks of violence, particularly during religious events.The clash serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in curbing the activities of cult groups and maintaining public order in Lagos and other urban centers across Nigeria.As investigations into the incident continue, community leaders and law enforcement officials are expected to collaborate in addressing the root causes of such violence and implementing measures to prevent future occurrences, particularly during significant religious observances. Watch videos below... Suspected cltists seen exchanging pnches during Muslims Laylat-al-Qadr in Lagos A group of suspected cltists were captured exchanging pnches during Muslims Laylat-al-Qadr, also known as night of power, in Lagos. Tiktok/A.ayofe pic.twitter.com/aRQh7PkKn4 Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) April 7, 2024 It was gathered that the incident occurred on Saturday night, April 6, in Ikeja, although its unclear what led to the fiht.https://t.co/oB4rPDtBAN Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) April 7, 2024 Post Reply I have been reporting on latest news from Nigeria for almost 10 years now. I report on every possible news area I come across, but always ensure my reports are compiled with dignity and fact to uphold my personal values and duty as a journalist Posted: at 7-04-2024 03:14 PM (6 months ago) | Addicted Hero The Barefoot Laureate: Try out the playground of creativity Dennis received bachelor's degrees in communication and political science with a TAG degree in Spanish from The University of Akron in Ohio. He grew up in Ohio with two sisters and two brothers, one being his fraternal twin. He and his wife have two dogs: Bacio, and Cal. Dennis currently covers natural resource and environmental issues for The Daily Sentinel Students at the Jennings School District view the solar eclipse with glasses donated by Mastercard on Aug. 21, 2017, in St Louis, Missouri. (Jeff Curry/Getty Images for Mastercard/TNS) Jeff Curry/TNS The year was 1504 Feb. 29, to be exact and members of the Arawak tribe on the north coast of the island we know as Jamaica were sick to death of their alien visitors from beyond the sea. Christopher Columbus and two of his ships had cast up on the island in June of the year before, with shipworms gnawing through the planks of what had been a four-ship expedition. The undaunted explorer was on his fourth voyage to the New World. The story goes that the Arawaks welcomed the castaways, providing them sustenance and shelter, but as the weeks stretched into months, half of Columbus restless crew mutinied. They began robbing and murdering the native people. The peaceable Arawaks withdrew, leaving Columbus and his men to fend for themselves. It wasnt long before the stranded sailors were on the verge of starving. Columbus hit upon a devious plan. Relying on a navigators almanac that contained vital astronomical tables, he happened to notice that on the evening of Feb. 29, 1504, a total lunar eclipse would block out the rising moon. He asked to meet with the chief, informing him that his Christian god was very angry and was about to show the Arawaks just how angry. He told the chief that three nights hence the hand of God would pluck the moon out of the sky. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to Columbus' son, Ferdinand, when the eclipse took place, the Arawaks in a great panic "came running from every direction to the ships laden with provisions and beseeching the admiral to intercede with his god on their behalf." The interlopers remained well fed and well supplied until relief ships from Hispaniola came to their rescue a few months later. While we don't know how Arawak people would have told the story and they likely had their own knowledge of astronomy they would not have been the first to respond to an eclipse with awe, with fear, with a sense that they were experiencing an omen. Nor were they the only people to experience upheaval after one. In 840, in Europe, a total eclipse sent Holy Roman Emperor Louis the Pious into such a distemper that he refused to eat and died a month later, plunging his empire into a civil war. From prehistoric cultures to the ancient Greeks to the Chinese who recorded the first textual reference to the phenomenon in about 1200 B.C., eclipses have broken through the mundane, leaving witnesses unsettled, in awe. (What if the sun or the moon doesnt return?) Depending on the weather, Mondays solar eclipse promises to be even more awe-inspiring than the lunar event the Arawaks witnessed and, we hope, a positive experience for the millions of people placing themselves in the path of totality. Awe is still our intuitive response. We can also take comfort in knowing that eclipses have not always portended doom and disorder. The 1878 total eclipse over parts of the Rockies and Texas inspired the pursuits of noted scientists and inventors, including Thomas Edison's development of the light bulb. As David Baron writes in the book "American Eclipse," the event galvanized this young nation "to embrace something much larger than itself the enduring human quest for knowledge and truth." May it be so again, in 2024. Millions of us have been inspired to become umbraphiles (eclipse chasers). Millions have been making plans for years to intersect the zone of totality next week for approximately four minutes of mid-day darkness. They will be unsettling minutes prompting birds to tweet in alarm, bats to emerge, worried dogs to pace. They promise to be inspiring minutes, prompting an awareness both of our insignificance and our connection to something larger than ourselves. Car rental agencies have little to offer. Most hotels, motels and vacation rentals are booked up along the zones path across Texas and beyond. Delta and Southwest Airlines are operating flights that promise to give passengers unobstructed views. Law enforcement is on alert, not knowing what to expect from the arrival of sky-watchers expecting something awesome. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor at the University of California at Berkeley, has researched awe for the past 20 years. He celebrates what the visitors hope to experience. Those moments of awe are about as good for you and your body and your mental health as anything that you can do, he told a Kansas public radio interviewer last year. They benefit your immune system, your brain, your heart and your mind. And your social relationships. Melanie Rudd also knows awe. An associate professor in the marketing department of the C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston, she studies the experience of awe as it relates to consumer psychology. Perhaps more significant when it comes to awe, she has been on maternity leave this spring after giving birth to a daughter. Awe, she told us, requires a sense of vastness, which can come in many forms. Theres also a need for accommodation, for understanding that youre connected to something greater than yourself. Its self-transcendence. Both Rudd and Keltner report that feelings of awe nurture a sense of connectedness, not only to something greater but also to each other. In a nation that seems intent on tearing itself apart, thats obviously a quality much needed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rudd, who grew up at the foot of magnificent Mount Rainier in Washington State, points out that awe is not confined to the spectacular. Its an observation that may come in handy Monday, since clouds now seem likely to obscure the view. I think what we have in the next couple of days, she says, as we pay attention to the weather reports, is an opportunity to recalibrate our expectations. Russo-Ukraine War - 06 April 2024 - Day 773 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 on 28 March 2024, a Crimean Telegram channel reported that an SU-27 aircraft operating over Crimea had been shot down by Russian air defence in an incident of friendly fire. The Russian-installed Governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhaev, stated that there was a technical failure and that the pilot survived. Ukraine had conducted strikes against targets in Sevastopol and the Black Sea Fleet on 24 March 2024. This almost certainly led to local Russian air defence being at a heightened readiness. There have been previous unconfirmed reports of similar instances of friendly fire occurring, usually following periods of Ukrainian action against Russian forces in the illegally occupied territory. There is a realistic possibility that rather than a technical issue, the increased pressure and tension amongst Russian air defence operators induced by the fear of further Ukrainian action leads to them inadvertently engaging their own pilots and aircraft. This event, and others if confirmed, likely highlights the lack of situational awareness and coordination between elements of the Russian armed forces, while further demonstrating the second-order impact of Ukrainian actions. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that on April 6, 50x tactical engagements were reported. Russian forces launched a total of 8x missile and 83x air strikes, 37x MLRS attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the Russian attacks have killed and wounded civilians. Residential apartment blocks and private houses, educational institution, as well as other infrastructure were destroyed or damaged. Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of the formation of Russian offensive groups were found. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. Russia continues its sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shelling Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Russia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of settlements of Rodionivka (Sumy oblast), Ohirtseve, Kozacha Lopan', Lyptsi, and Kutuzivka (Kharkiv oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 20x settlements, including Liskivshchyna, Mykhal'chyna Sloboda (Chernihiv oblast), Mohrytsya, Nova Huta, Bilovody (Sumy oblast), Kozacha Lopan', Veterynarne, Strilecha, and Krasne (Kharkiv oblast). Kup'yans'k axis: Russian forces did not conduct any offensive (assault) operations. Although, Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Kup'yans'k, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka, and Borova (Kharkiv oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 15x settlements, including Syn'kivka, Stepova Novoselivka, and Kotlyarivka (Kharkiv oblast). Lyman axis: the Ukrainian troops repelled 7x attacks of the adversary in the vicinity of Terny (Donetsk oblast), where the Russian occupiers attempted to breach Ukrainian defense. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Nevs'ke (Luhansk oblast), Terny, Yampolivka, and Tors'ke (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian troops repelled 10x attacks in the vicinities of Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Vyimka, Spirne, Bohdanivka, and Klishchiivka (Donetsk oblast). With the air support, Russian forces attempted to improve their tactical position in that area. Also, the Russian adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of settlements of Slovyansk, Verkhn'okam'yans'ke, and Hryhorivka (Donetsk oblast). More than 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Bohdanivka, Kalynivka, and Chasiv Yar (Donetsk oblast). Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 5x attacks in the vicinities of Novokalynove, Berdychi, and Netailove (Donetsk oblast). With the air support, Russian forces attempted to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their positions. Also, Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Kalynove, Novoselivka Persha, Selydove, Arkhanhel's'ke, Berdychi, Semenivka, Ocheretyne, and Skuchne (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Nnovokalynove, Novobakhmutivka, Semenivka, and Nevel'se 'ke (Donetsk oblast). Novopavlivka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the enemy in the vicinities of Heorhiivka and Novomykhailivka. Russian forces made 16x attempts to breach Ukrainian defense in that area. Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Krasnohorivka and Urozhaine (Donetsk oblast). More than 10x settlements, including Heorhiivka, Paraskoviivka, Kostyantynivka, and Vuhledar (Donetsk oblast), were under Russian artillery and mortar fire. Orikhiv axis: with the air support, the occupiers launched 2x attacks on the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the vicinities of Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast) and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Also, the adversary launched an air strike in the vicinity of Mala Tokmachka (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Around 20x settlements, including Poltavka, Malynivka, Chervone, Bilohir'ya, Novodanylivka, and Shcherbaky (Zaporizhzhia oblast), came under Russian artillery and mortar fire. Kherson axis: Russia does not abandon its intention to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their bridgeheads on the left bank of the Dnipro River. For instance, on April 6, Russian forces launched 2x unsuccessful attacks on the positions of the Ukrainian troops. The enemy shelled more than 10x settlements, including Nikopol' (Dnipropetrovsk oblast), Kherson, Zmiivka, Krynky, and Tyahynka (Kherson oblast). On April 6, Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 14x concentrations of Russian troops, weapons, and military equipment, and 1x anti-aircraft missile system. The Ukrainian Missile Forces hit 2x concentrations of weapons and military equipment, 1x UAV ground control station, and 1x electronic warfare station of the Russian invaders. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the previous night, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out a group strike with long-range maritime and airborne precision weapons and strike drones against military industrial facilities engaged in the production and repair of armoured and motor vehicles, UAVs, military airfields, and temporary deployment areas for foreign mercenaries of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The goal of the strike has been achieved. All the assigned targets have been engaged. In Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces, aviation, and artillery inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of AFU 57th mechanised infantry, 103rd territorial defence brigades near Sinkovka and Berestovoye (Kharkov region). The enemy losses were up to 35 Ukrainian troops, one tank, two motor vehicles, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radar station. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forcs captured more favourable lines, and hit units of AFU 5rh assault, 79th air assault, 81st airmobile, 24th, 28th, and 53rd mechanised brigades near Antonovka, Krasnogorovka, Krasnoye, Novoye (Donetsk People's Republic), Belogorovka (Lugansk People's Republic). In addition, two attacks launched by assault groups of the AFU 10th Mountain Assault Brigade were repelled near Razdolovka (Donetsk People's Republic). Up to 470 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, eight motor vehicles, one 155-mm M109 Palladin self-propelled artillery gun, one U.S-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, four 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, one 100-mm Rapira anti tank gun, and one field ammunition depot were neutralised. In Avdeyevka direction, the Tsentr Group of Forces' units improved tactical situation on the front line, and repelled 12 attacks launched by units of AFU 25th airborne, 68th, 71st infantry, 24th, 47th, 115th mechanised brigades close to Novgorodskoye, Novokalinovo, Pervomayskoye, and Berdichi (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy lost up to 280 Ukrainian troops, three tanks, two armoured fighting vehicles, and six motor vehicles. In the course of the counter-battery warfare, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one U.S.-made M109 Paladin gun, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and one D-30 howitzer were neutralised. In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces improved situation on the front line, and inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of AFU 72nd mechanised infantry, 58th mechanised, and 128th territorial defence brigades close to Urozhaynoye, Staromayorskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 90 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and one D-30 howitzer. In Kherson direction, units of the Dnepr Group of Forces hit manpower of AFU 65th mechanised, 35th marines brigades near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region) and Ivanovka (Kherson region). The enemy losses were up to 35 troops, seven motor vehicles, one French-made 155-mm Caesar self-propelled artillery system, and one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers. Operational-Tactical Aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged two launchers of French-Italian-made SAMP-T air defence system, as well as AFU manpower and hardware in 133 areas during the day. Air defence systems shot down 205 AFU unmanned aerial vehicles, one French-made Hammer guided aerial bomb, as well as six HIMARS and Uragan MLRS projectiles. In total, 583 airplanes and 270 helicopters, 19,097 unmanned aerial vehicles, 497 air defence missile systems, 15,699 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,264 combat vehicles equipped with MRLS, 8,692 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 20,676 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 Oslo, 7 April 2024 Reference is made to the Extraordinary General Meeting("EGM") held in Ensurge Micropower ASA (the "Company") on 10 November 2023 whereby the EGM resolved to issue convertible loans with total par value of NOK 4,500,000 (the "Convertible Loans"), whereby the Convertible Loans, plus accrued interest, were convertible into shares prior to the maturity date at a conversion price of NOK 0.105 per share (NOK 0.525 following the share consolidation approved by the Extraordinary General Meeting on 19 March 2024, which became effective on 5 April 2024). The lender of an aggregated total of NOK 1,500,000 of the Convertible Loan, has provided its notification of conversion to the Company and requested that its part of the Convertible Loan, plus accrued interest, is converted into shares in the Company. The Board therefore resolved on 6 April 2024 to approve the conversion of NOK 1,500,000 of the Convertible Loan, plus accrued interest, and the resulting issuance of a total of 2,932,289 new shares in the Company to such lender. Upon registration of the share capital increase associated with the conversion of the convertible loan in the Norwegian Register of Business Enterprises, the Company's share capital will be NOK 275,343,871.50 divided into 550,687,743 shares, each having a par value of NOK 0.50. For more information, please contact: Lars Eikeland, Chief Executive Officer E- mail: lars.eikeland@ensurge.com ( mailto:lars.eikeland@ensurge.com ) This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. SAN FRANCISCO, April 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hagens Berman urges Sunnova Energy International Inc. (NYSE: NOVA) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now. Class Period: Feb. 25, 2020 Dec. 7, 2023 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Apr. 16, 2024 Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/NOVA Contact An Attorney Now: NOVA@hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895 Sunnova Energy International Inc. (NOVA) Securities Fraud Class Action: The litigation focuses on Sunnovas disclosures about its business practices and the recent award by the Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) of a $3 billion partial loan guarantee pursuant to a new solar loan channel named Project Hestia. The complaint alleges that Sunnova made misleading statements and failed to disclose that: (1) it routinely engaged in predatory business practices against disadvantaged homeowners and communities, the same groups that Project Hestia was purportedly intended to benefit; and (2) the foregoing conduct subjected it to a heightened risk of regulatory and government scrutiny, as well as significant reputational and/or financial harm. That loan guarantee and associated benefits to Sunnova were all placed at risk of not coming to fruition on Dec. 7, 2023, after the Chair of the US House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Ranking Member of the US Senate Energy and Resources Committee sent a letter to the LPO Director (Jigar Shah) regarding disturbing reports about Sunnova and demanding additional information and documents by no later than Dec. 21, 2023. The Chair and Ranking Member wrote that they were alarmed about: (1) recent, credible reports that Sunnova has racked up numerous consumer complaints, including those alleging troubling sales practices, such as Sunnova pressing elderly homeowners in poor health to sign long-term contracts costing tens of thousands of dollars[;] (2) predatory sales strategies[;] and (3) [a]dditional reports suggest these troubling reports are not isolated incidents. This news sent the price of Sunnova shares down $2, or about 16%, on Dec. 8, 2023. If you invested in Sunnova and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firms investigation, submit your losses now If youd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Sunnova case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Sunnova should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email NOVA@hbsslaw.com. About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. Explainer: Why does China-Europe Express Rail expand so fast and become more efficient Xinhua) 13:37, April 07, 2024 This photo taken on Jan. 15, 2024 shows the load-transfer yard of the Horgos Port in Horgos, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Bai Fengliang/Xinhua) According to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd., by the end of February 2024, the railway service connects 120 Chinese cities with 219 cities across 25 European countries. The China-Europe Express Rail is also less vulnerable to extreme weather or geopolitical tensions, thus better ensuring the unimpeded flow of international industrial and supply chains. BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- A freight train loaded with containers of goods was departing from China's northern city of Shijiazhuang to the European city of Belgrade, capital of Serbia, in late March. The train marks the launch of a new route of the China-Europe Railway Express, also the first direct rail line connecting the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region with Serbia. The China-Europe Express Rail transport service has witnessed tremendous expansion since its launch in 2011 and has provided transport and logistics support for Belt and Road cooperation over the years. What has contributed to its evident growth? REMARKABLE PROGRESS The China-Europe Express Rail served as a safe and reliable rail line linking Asia and Europe, transporting over 50,000 types of goods, including automobiles, spare parts, clothing, cereals, wine, coffee beans, and timber. According to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd., by the end of February 2024, the railway service connects 120 Chinese cities with 219 cities across 25 European countries, making it one of the main transport arteries between China and Europe. The service has expanded steadily in the first two months of this year, with the number of trains reaching 2,928 in January and February, a year-on-year increase of 9 percent. It also transported approximately 317,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of goods during the first two months of this year, up 10 percent from last year. SAFE SOLUTION During the COVID-19 pandemic, the China-Europe Railway Express has proven itself to be a more secure and stable way of cargo transportation as it was less affected compared with other transportation solutions like ships and planes. Businesses have preferred to choose the railway to transport large quantities of goods and cross-border e-commerce parcels. Metrans, a major logistics company in Europe, launched its first China-Europe train service in 2017. It now has 20 container terminals across Europe. "We see the significant importance of cargo going from China by rail, that is why we bought the terminal in Malaszewicze, Poland in January 2022, which is very much connected to the Silk Road and we started to boost the connection to China via Malaszewicze," said Martin Koubek, director of the Silk Road and CIS division of Metrans. The China-Europe Express Rail is also less vulnerable to extreme weather or geopolitical tensions, thus better ensuring the unimpeded flow of international industrial and supply chains. "The railway to Europe is a viable alternative and we are seeing increased demand for that route," Marco Forgione, director general at the Institute of Export &International Trade told South China Morning Post in an interview. Michael Aldwell, head of sea logistics at Kuehne &Nagel, told the Financial Times in March that there was "more demand" to move goods from Asia to Europe by rail under current circumstances, adding that "high-value cargo has always been popular on that route." INCREASED EFFICIENCY In recent years, the China-Europe Express Rail service has continued to be more efficient. Today, it takes only about 10 days for a train to travel from China's northwestern city of Xi'an to Duisburg in Germany, two days less than the time it took in 2023. Julija Sciglaite, RailGate Europe's chief business development officer, told CNBC in February that the company uses the China-Europe Express Rail to transport its products as the journey time is "significantly better" than the sea route. "Along the routes of China-Europe Express Rail, customs clearance and inspection have become increasingly convenient, the business environment at entry ports has been continuously improved, and rules and regulations related to cross-border transport have become more standardized," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a press conference on Feb. 29. The Alataw Pass and Horgos Port, two major railway ports in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwestern China, have optimized the procedures and expanded port capacity to promote transport efficiency along the route. In 2023, the stopover time of China-Europe freight trains at these ports was reduced to 6 or 8 hours, said Yan Huapeng, an official at the Alataw Pass. The China-Europe Express Rail service is also developing beyond rail, with the introduction of integrated sea-rail transport routes. A shipment of electric water heaters was delivered from Thailand to Germany about a month ago through multiple transport solutions, passing through Laos, Vietnam, and China. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), of which the China-Europe Express Rail is a flagship project, is a blueprint that every nation needs in an age of "uncertainty and disruption," said an article published in January in American magazine Foreign Policy, adding that the BRI represents what all countries should do in their own national interest. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Houston Mayor John Whitmire speaks during a press conference about his water bill improvement plan held at City Hall Thursday, April 4, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Flushing out the problem Regarding Houstons new water bill plan will help customers facing steep charges, Whitmire says, (April 4): The mayors aim to fix the issue of high water bills appears to be the typical bureaucratic response that hovers on the surface of the problem. There is no indication that the real nature and extent of the problem has been considered. No indication that, from that false start, all the factors that contributed to the emergence of the problem are in any way part of the process. Interestingly, and with specific reference to plans to fix the water bills, Houston Public Works sent me a letter dated April 1, containing a Notice of Water and Wastewater rate increase. The first line of that letter states, As Houston Public Works continues our commitment to transparency and restoring public trust in the water bill system ... Advertisement Article continues below this ad Wait, is that an admission that they have not been transparent and trustworthy? No wonder we see indications of incompetent management of a critical public service: broken water mains, water quality issues, failed water meters, and so on. Fixing the water meters is good but fails to get at the real problem, which is probably way up the line and all the way to whoever has been running the department. Getting competent and accountable managers of the water utility along with fixing the meters will flush out and fix the problem from both ends. Anthony H. Masso, Houston Too late Regarding EPA finds cancer-causing chemicals over screening levels near Fifth Ward creosote site, (March 29): My mother, born in 1917, lived in Fifth Ward. She and her siblings crossed the Union Pacific railroad tracks on the way to and from school. Three of the six died of cancer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Too bad something wasnt done to mitigate the toxins as soon as they were identified. Many lives would likely have been saved. Rene Maher, Houston Vanessa Guillen Post Office Regarding Houston post office officially renamed after Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen, (April 3): I am beaming with pride over seeing a Houston post office renamed in honor of a Houston Latina: Vanessa Guillen. This is a fitting tribute to honor the slain Army specialist and the service she gave to our country. This post office will keep her story alive and serve as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to address issues such as sexual harassment and assault within the military. It will also serve as a reminder of the need for accountability and change within institutions to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The Vanessa Guillen Post Office shows the support the community has for Guillens family and her loved ones while we honor her sacrifice. It is a celebration of Guillens spirit and legacy that will carry us into the future. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thank you, Rep. Sylvia Garcia, for taking the lead on this endeavor. And, may I say, from our Latino community, well done! Blanca Blanco, Houston Breath of fresh air Regarding Tensions flare at Houston City Council over voter-approved historic rule change, (April 3): As an outside observer living just north of Houston and a Republican, I have to say I am very impressed so far with Houstons new Mayor John Whitmire. Such a dramatic change over former Mayor Sylvester Turners eight years. Having been raised in Houston, Ive followed Houston news closely in the Chronicle since I moved back to the area seven years ago. I was appalled by what I saw as Turners dictatorial style, particularly as it pertained to his dominance over City Council meetings. Even though Proposition A was voter-determined, and clearly needed with the former mayor, it seems to fit Whitmires style of representative government. Case in point, his handling of the speed bump item was likely diametrically opposed to what Turners would have been. A representative form of governance is just more palatable to constituents. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hayden Black, Spring Crenshaws confused Regarding Crenshaw moves to block EPA crackdown on hazardous materials, (April 2): I read this piece with interest and puzzlement. Apparently, Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Houston, doesnt understand that hes supposed to protect citizens in his congressional district and not ward off important chemical safety advances that reduce catastrophic risk. Crenshaw, get on the right side of history and dont leave your legacy smudged, dingy and tarnished! Brandt Mannchen, Houston Advertisement Article continues below this ad Long-term changes Regarding How IRS Direct File could save you time and money | Opinion, (April 3): Interesting, very interesting to read in Shannon Halbrooks op-ed about the benefits Texas taxpayers could take advantage of if they use the free IRS Direct File pilot program. The hope is that the program will expand in coming years so that (in part) many more low-income families who do not file income tax but who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit will use the program. My hope is that Congress will move on the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act. And more specifically, I hope the Senate Finance Committee, where the bill appears stalled, will expand the Child Tax Credit for the next three years. Texas Senior Sen. John Cornyn sits on this committee and can be reached at 202-224-2934. Kathleen Duncan, La Porte, RESULTS volunteer No F1 return with Mercedes for Vettel? Sebastian Vettel will not be launching a return to Formula 1 with Mercedes. Sebastian Vettel, Miami GP 2022 Aston Martin Racing That is the confident claim of Germany's largest newspaper, Bild, citing sources who profess to know that Toto Wolff's short-list to replace Lewis Hamilton next year has only three names on it. And the German is not one of them, correspondent Michel Milewski said. That is despite the fact that quadruple world champion Vettel, who retired two years ago, says he's been in talks with Wolff. And Mercedes boss and co-owner Wolff said at Suzuka: Sebastian is someone that you can never discount. Another top contender is Fernando Alonso, or Max Verstappen if he leaves Red Bull amid the team's internal turmoil. Hamilton, though, would prefer if Wolff picks 36-year-old Vettel. I think the only thing I really care about is that the team takes on someone with integrity and values that are aligned with the team, the seven time world champion said at Suzuka. There are some drivers that are more selfish than others. Some that are good drivers but perhaps not the best within team environments, Hamilton added. Veteran Formula 1 journalist Roger Benoit, however, believes Vettel's time in F1 has passed. Too many things in motorsport simply no longer fit with his new attitude to life, he wrote in Blick newspaper, even if his urge to get into the cockpit has returned. But racing driver and pundit Jason Watt, speaking with the Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet, thinks the real problem is that Vettel is simply not fast enough. I think most people can see that it wasn't pretty when he was next to Lance Stroll in an Aston Martin, he said. "Given how Alonso is now dealing with Stroll, it screams to the heavens that Vettel no longer has what it takes to be a Mercedes driver. And whether you get even slower from sitting out for two years seems to be a rhetorical question, added Watt. Much more likely for Mercedes, given that George Russell is locked up in the other silver cockpit, is that Wolff will take a gamble on his 17-year-old protege Kimi Antonelli. Wolff admitted at Suzuka that while he had intended to wait until Antonelli turns 18 in August, more days have been added to the young Italian's comprehensive F1 test program for 2024. It kicks off at the Red Bull Ring in a 2021 Mercedes later this month. We want to give him a feeling of what a really good car feels like before we put him in the '22 car, said Wolff. Antonelli could even be among a trio of F1 rookies next year, with Oliver Bearman linked with Haas and Liam Lawson likely to replace Daniel Ricciardo at RB. Drivers like Logan Sargeant, Daniel Ricciardo, Guanyu Zhou and Valtteri Bottas will have to brace themselves for the coming summer, Benoit observed. They are all threatened with dismissal for 2025. And whether they will stay in Formula 1 at all is something you shouldn't bet on. (GMM) At Cage Elementary in September, parents and students protested the termination of teachers who spoke out against Houston ISDs New Education System-aligned model. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Members of the public line up to speak during a Houston ISD Board of Managers meeting at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Houston. One hundred and fifty members of the public signed up to speak at the meeting. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Since I started teaching seven months ago at Sharpstown High School, more than 30 teachers and staff have left. The vast majority resigned or were fired by Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles and his administration. HISD is marketing their New Education System (NES) reforms as necessary, student-centered, and working toward what they call Destination 2035. I dont believe that change is necessarily a bad thing. But the changes that have come as a result of the takeover are harming our schools and schoolchildren. I was hired as a first-year high school chemistry teacher at Sharpstown, having just graduated from Texas A&Ms Biology Honors program. My parents were born in other countries, so I felt called to teach at Sharpstown, a welcoming school with a large immigrant student population. Its estimated that Sharpstown students speak 60 different languages, and over half are classified as emergent bilingual/English learners. Many are refugees from war-torn nations. In a school where over 80% of the students qualify for free and reduced lunch, some are raising their brothers and sisters without adult support. I felt a strong connection to them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When I interviewed for the job in summer, I knew about the Texas Education Agencys takeover of HISD, but the interviewers told me that Sharpstown High School would be largely unaffected. It was not on the list of several dozen NES schools, and had not opted in to the reforms. TEA TAKEOVER OF HISD: Editorials and op-eds I was excited to join a teaching community with a built-in structure for collaboration, and with diversity of thought among an incredibly passionate teaching staff. I was excited to learn about teaching from veteran educators. Sharpstowns new principal was handpicked by the brand-new takeover superintendent. A widely circulated audio recording allegedly shows that principal screaming at students for violating new policies doing things like wearing Crocs or using cellphones or earbuds. Thats not effective leadership. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The top-down pressure from district policies also trickles down to the teachers and students. Ive heard administrators scream at and threaten students in the hallways. The Houston Federation of Teachers had to file a grievance to HISD regarding a policy that banned students from going to the restroom during instruction. No matter what their origins, all students deserve to be treated with dignity. At my school and so many others in HISD, they are not getting it. Before the takeover, it was rare for HISD teachers to leave mid-year. Now Sharpstowns rate of teacher turnover is even higher than the district-wide teacher turnover so far this year. Among the teachers and staff who have left or been fired from Sharpstown since I started, one had worked at the school since the year I was born. So many special education teachers have been fired or quit that my students have not had in-class special education support since October. Some of the new teachers have lasted less than a week. The students are so accustomed to a revolving door of substitute teachers that when I was sick one day, the students assumed I had been fired. As they walked into my class the next day, they were surprised to see that I was still their teacher. This cannot be considered a healthy learning environment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I have attended numerous professional development workshops held by HISDs new administration on how to implement our new, error-ridden curriculum. The scripted curriculum that the school district forces on teachers does not begin to cover the needs of the kids in our school. I have been told we cannot translate anything, including instructions, into another language. That means that I am explicitly forbidden from providing accommodations that would help the students learn, even though we are often told to differentiate. Teachers are often evaluated daily and chastised for everything, from not forcing students to respond with a multiple response strategy (MRS) every four minutes to playing classical music in class or even for reviewing the day before a test or on final exams. A teacher at my school was actually removed after he played chess with his students after everyone had finished their final exams. Since the state takeover, Sharpstown High School resembles a prison more than a school. Over the course of this school year, I have witnessed my students growing resentment for authority figures, as well as their increasing apathy and loss of motivation not only for school, but for their futures. In every single decision I make as a new teacher, I ask myself whether what Im doing is morally correct. Of one thing I am certain: HISD schoolchildren need more adults standing up for them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Editors note: According to an HISD spokesperson, 100% of Sharpstown High Schools special education positions have now been filled. HISD also says that its NES curriculum officially encourages strategic translation for English Language Learners. About eight to 10 schools could be closed if the student enrollment in most or all of them is small, based on more than 7,000 total enrollment loss in the Guam Department of Education over the past 10 years. But fewer GDOE schools could be closed if they involve larger schools. Schools that are being renovated or leased are unlikely to be among those to be decommissioned. A decision will be made by the end of April, on what schools will be decommissioned. These were among key points during GDOE meetings the past week on plans to close schools as public school student enrollment continues to decline while expenses, including utilities, continue to go up. And starting Tuesday, the general public can provide their input on GDOE school closure plans: 6 p.m. Tuesday at Southern High School 6 p.m. Wednesday at Price Elementary School 6 p.m. Thursday at Wettengel Elementary School The sessions will be in-person, on Zoom, and livestreamed on Facebook. The Zoom link is https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5907297795?omn=89914193456 and the meeting ID is 590 729 7795. Residents can also watch the sessions on GDOEs Facebook page. For the past week, GDOE officials have been meeting with employees to discuss the issue. In one of those meetings, Superintendent Erik Swanson told employees that the process of decommissioning schools would help save GDOE money on utilities, which cost a significant amount of money. After the meetings with the public, a committee working on recommendations on which schools will be up for decommissioning will provide that information to Swanson. The superintendent will provide that information to the Guam Education Board for their review for potential courses of action. Decision by end of April The expectation is by the end of this month, a decision will be made on what schools will be decommissioned, Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instructional Improvement Joe Sanchez said at the meeting. Sanchez said GDOE prefers not to close schools because it will be a painful process and admits it will be one of the hardest things they will ever do. It does take an emotional toll on folks, he said. GDOE wants to be as transparent as possible so everyone is informed about the process, he added. The public school system 10 years ago had a population of 31,593 and as of this school year, that number is at 24,322, according to GDOE statistics. Thats a 7,271-student population loss within the past decade. Sanchez said some of the factors that may have contributed to the decline include people moving off-island, families not having as many children, and enrollment at other schools. Depending on the size of the school, 7,000 students, youre looking at anywhere between eight to possibly 10 schools closing down. Larger schools would mean less schools closing down. Smaller schools would mean more schools closed. So 7,000 is substantial with regards to the potential number of schools that could be considered for decommissioning, Sanchez said. He said at this point, every school is up for review, but some that are being renovated or leased schools are unlikely options for decommissioning, Sanchez said. Factors that the committee will look at include the school population, school capacity, the location and costs to maintain the facility, he said. We do not take this project lightly, Sanchez said. Aggressive timeline Sen. Chris Barnett, oversight chairman of GDOE, shared how he felt about having decisions about school closures by the end of April and executed over the next one to three years. Its an aggressive timeline with little notice for the limited window that will be available for public and stakeholder engagement, he said. The department acknowledges that it expects opposition from stakeholders, and that is to be expected if the process for decommissioning schools is not transparent or if the public isnt given adequate time or notice to be involved and provide input, Barnett said. The senator said GDOEs enrollment being down didnt happen overnight, yet many feel the department is top heavy. So I definitely see the need to realign and adjust our systems so we can deliver what directly benefits our students in the classroom, Barnett said. The committee will meet the whole week starting April 15 to come up with their recommendations for the superintendent. The superintendent then will have about a week for review and final determination and by the end of April, an announcement of the decision should be made. Once the decision has been made, GDOE will start to work on transitioning the schools for decommissioning, but its not likely all the schools will close at the same time, Sanchez said. There will be a lot of work transferring students to other schools and moving faculty and staff to other schools as well, he said. The impact will not only be on the schools that will be closed, but for the others that will add on more students to their rosters. The schools that would be closed could still be reopened in the future if there is a need, he added. Government of Guam agencies could possibly use some of the closed schools for their operations since many of them are currently renting, he said. Sanchez said the closed schools will also still be maintained. Haiti - Security : Emergency landing of a plane from the American NGO Agape Flights Friday April 5, 2024, one of the two planes of the NGO Agape Flights (based in Venice, Florida) suffered a breakdown, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing at a small airport in Haiti. Neither pilot on board was injured, according to a statement from Tim Kenny, the organization's director of donor relations and development. The damage suffered by the plane was not yet known. No passengers were on board the plane, although it was scheduled to pick up several missionaries in Haiti on Friday before returning to Florida. "We thank God that our pilots are fine and no one on the ground was injured," said Allen Speer, CEO of Agape Flights, in a statement. More recently, since armed clashes banned all flights from Port-au-Prince's Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Agape Flights' aircraft has also been used to evacuate missionaries and their families from Haiti. See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-40405-icihaiti-humanitarian-agape-flights-continues-to-send-supplies-to-haiti-despite-the-risks.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36301-haiti-flash-violent-demonstration-in-les-cayes-several-victims-a-burned-plane.html S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - 221st of thedeath of Toussaint Louverture : Message of reflection from Lesly Conde This Sunday, April 7, 2024 reminds us of the 221st anniversary of the death of Toussaint Louverture, hero of independence who was deported to France in June 1802, incarcerated at Fort de Joux https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-12415-haiti-politic-moving-tribute-of-president-martelly-to-toussaint-louverture.html , where sick he died in his cell on April 7, 1803. In this circumstance, Lesly Conde, Ex-Consul General of Haiti in Chicago (2004-2018), delivered, as every year, a message of reflections that we invite you to read and share. Message from Lesly Conde : Dear compatriots and friends from everywhere I am very proud to commemorate with you the two hundred and twenty-first anniversary of the death of Toussaint Louverture at the end of a painful period of captivity in a horrible dungeon at Fort de Joux in France. It was in total solitude and the cruelest humiliations that one of the most worthy heroes in the history of humanity spent the last moments of his life. We can imagine the physical and psychological torture that this man must have suffered while he found himself entirely at the mercy of these French executioners who had no reason to love him. Regarding the last moments of Toussaint Louverture's life, there are only the testimonies of his executioners. His unforgivable crime was to fiercely oppose the horrors of slavery, and to want, at all costs, to improve the living conditions of his fellow human beings. A hero chooses neither the moment of his death nor the conditions in which he must perish. The man we are proud to honor today is among the first martyrs to the cause of human rights. However, the commemoration of the death of Toussaint Louverture gives us the opportunity to talk about the life of this great man. This life is a tribute to the resilience and tenacity that characterize heroes. It is a life during which our hero conquered the improbable, and offered many lessons in finesse and diplomacy to those who called themselves civilized. Thanks to his talents as a negotiator, he was able to take advantage of the rivalries that existed between the colonial powers of the time, and improve the living conditions of his peers. There is an important aspect of Toussaint Louverture's life that historians do not seem to dwell on, but which gives him even more merit. This is because he had a childhood and adolescence as a house slave. There is a vast difference between the treatment a domestic slave received, and the inhumane conditions in which field slaves languished. Despite this status, Toussaint Louverture remained faithful to the cause of his race. He trained the soldiers and generals who changed the course of human history by creating the first sovereign black state in the New World. The man who dedicated his entire life to the cause of human development did not see the birth of the Haitian nation of which he was the principal founder. For remaining faithful to the cause of his race, Toussaint Louverture met a horrible and humiliating end at Fort de Joux. He had to endure torture and taunts that we will not hear about. Although his legacy belongs to the whole world, it is first and foremost ours. We Haitians are the deep and numerous roots to which he alluded at the dark moment of his kidnapping. If nothing can prevent us from being proud of Toussaint and our unique identity of which he is the originator, we must also honor his precious memory by practicing, like him, self-love, solidarity and unconditional attachment. to our common dignity. At this time when our country is facing major challenges, we must, like Toussaint Louverture, let ourselves be guided by wisdom, patience and determination. The life of our hero was not a journey without errors. The circumstances which led to the ultimate defeat of Toussaint Louverture speak to us of the fallibility of man, and there are important lessons to be learned from them since the campaign he initiated is still not over, and that today we have a homeland to save. Today, the real settlers have changed continents. They have also changed their language, but they remain just as hateful, just as inclined to deprive us of what is rightfully ours. Today more than ever, the example of Toussaint Louverture can guide us towards the better days that belong to us." Also read : Message from Lesly Conde 2024: https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42012-haiti-easter-2024-reflection-message-from-lesly-conde.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41981-haiti-holy-week-message-of-reflection-from-lesly-conde.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41944-haiti-international-day-of-la-francophonie-message-of-reflection-from-lesly-conde.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41837-haiti-social-international-women-s-day-message-of-reflection-from-lesly-conde.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41575-haiti-black-history-month-message-of-reflection-from-lesly-conde.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41414-haiti-14th-of-the-2010-earthquake-message-from-lesly-conde-video.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41336-haiti-220th-anniversary-of-independence-message-of-reflection-from-lesly-conde.html Message from Lesly Conde 2023 : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41316-haiti-social-new-year-s-message-from-lesly-conde-2024.html Message from Lesly Conde 2022 : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-38451-haiti-christmas-end-of-year-message-from-lesly-conde.html Message from Lesly Conde 2021 : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35584-haiti-social-wishes-from-lesly-conde-on-the-occasion-of-the-new-year.html HL/ HaitiLibre Since Russia invaded Ukraine, companies have popped up that allow Russian tankers to register in different countries. The result is an armada that trades millions of barrels of oil a day without repercussions. Associated Press After the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel by Iran-backed Hamas, the Biden administration proudly touted its retaliatory crackdown on Irans oil revenue. Since 2023, however, Iran has made billions of dollars from its oil industry, using U.S. services and evading U.S. sanctions. And its not alone. Russia resorts to similar systems to steer clear of sanctions on its oil trade and hide any connection the cargoes have to Moscow. Since the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago, several companies have popped up in India, Gabon, Laos and the United Arab Emirates that allow Russian tankers to register in different countries. The result is an armada that trades millions of barrels of oil a day without repercussions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Washington and the international community must tackle these challenges to sanctions effectiveness. It is critical we keep illicit funds generated from the black-market energy trade out of the hands of authoritarians and bad actors in places such as Iran and Russia. These efforts must start at home because Western companies have become service providers facilitating the transportation of forbidden oil products. This is often inadvertently because of the secrecy and difficulty in connecting oil exports to sanctioned countries. A recent New York Times investigation found that a U.S.-based insurance provider, the American Club, was involved in trading over 59 million barrels of Iranian oil in 2023. Similarly, a U.K.-based insurer had links to approximately 33% of all Russian oil exports between the early phases of the invasion of Ukraine and November 2023. Maritime insurance is essential to oil-exporting countries since most ports require ships to provide proof of coverage before conducting business trade. The strategy behind enforcement makes the problem more challenging for sanctioning countries. Rather than empowering the appropriate sanctions-supervising bureau, governments largely rely on the private sector to ensure that no targeted actors violate existing controls. This allows companies attracted by the oil industrys profit potential to circumvent sanctions through willful negligence, or blindness to the red flags that signal sanctions evasion. The U.S. Treasury has only publicly enforced sanctions on the American Club once in the past 20 years, after the office discovered several transactions involving Cuba, Sudan and Iran. The company settled with the government for a $348,000 fine significantly less than the original penalty of $1.7 million. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Furthermore, the mechanisms Western countries use to help enforce sanctions could be more effective. For instance, theres a $60 price cap on Russian oil, but no verification process. Only a simple attestation from people involved in Russian oil transactions is required. The price cap hasnt been as productive as Western governments had hoped, with Russian oil consistently selling above the threshold. The existing loopholes have fragmented the global oil market, where shadow trade and economic partnerships between political allies have taken center stage. The current landscape benefits China, India and Turkey, which can purchase sanctioned oil at prices significantly below market value, according to a recent report by the American Enterprise Institute. Sanctioned outcasts have also strengthened their dependence on other markets in the Global South, as well as other isolated countries such as Libya, Cuba and Venezuela. The latter uses similar methods to avoid oil sanctions. There are several ways the West should reevaluate its sanctions strategy to bolster enforcement and restore traditional trade practices. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bureaus responsible for enforcing sanctions need greater resources. The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, for example, should receive the funding required to create a branch to investigate liable companies sanctions compliance. The United States and all sanctioning countries should also develop a mechanism to share surveillance data on evasion trends. This can be done through the Egmont Group, an international organization that facilitates intelligence sharing between financial intelligence units. Governments should also begin to levy heavier and more appropriate penalties for those who assist targeted actors in avoiding sanctions. That will increase the risks associated with doing business with sanctioned entities and disincentivize private companies from prioritizing profit over compliance with Western policies. Lastly, Western governments should establish maritime monitoring zones in evasion hubs that will make it more difficult for sanctioned trade to occur. This should be coupled with appropriate customs agencies overseeing oil transactions to ensure traders are complying with sanctions. Sanctions are currently a symbolic tool that generates lackluster results. Its time for Washington and the West to give them some teeth to maintain global security. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Finnish Consumer Ombudsman has filed a request for a police investigation into 365 Hankinta Oy, an electricity company accused of misleading consumers into paying unjustified charges by taking them to court. Due to the significant number of cases, the ombudsman is seeking to determine whether 365 Hankinta and its responsible persons have committed severe fraud under criminal law. The company's actions have been particularly harmful, as they have also extensively misused the court system. The Consumer Ombudsman and the Consumer Advisory Services of the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV) have received multiple reports from consumers who were sued by 365 Hankinta for "outstanding invoices" despite having no contractual relationship with the company. In some instances, 365 Hankinta has pursued contract penalties for breach of contract or attempted to collect debts owed to the bankrupt electricity seller Fi-Nergy Voima Oy. Nearly a thousand claims for debt collection have been filed by 365 Hankinta in district courts, all based on the premise of an "open invoice" claimed to be clear and undisputed. In many cases, the debt collection claim was the company's first communication with the consumer. The Consumer Ombudsman has provided assistance to consumers in dozens of legal proceedings, with district courts rejecting all claims made by the company where the consumer was assisted by the ombudsman. By attempting to collect non-existent debts, the Consumer Ombudsman believes that 365 Hankinta and its responsible individuals have either misled or attempted to mislead consumers into paying unwarranted fees. Given the volume of cases, an investigation is requested to assess if the actions constitute serious fraud according to criminal law. Moreover, the ombudsman contends that 365 Hankinta's practices of pursuing non-existent debts have constituted an abuse of the judicial system. The company has initiated debt collection lawsuits even when the claim had been disputed by the defendant prior to the filing. The distressing nature of being the subject of a lawsuit, which poses both a mental burden and a financial risk to individuals, adds to the severity of the misconduct. HT CEO Elon Musk announced that Tesla is set to unveil its robotaxi on August 8. Tesla's robotaxi project has been part of Musk's project for years, hinting at a new wave for the business to grow further this year. Read Also : Tesla EV Sales Drop Amid Increasing Competitive US Market Tesla to Launch Robotaxi on August Tesla has been experiencing a period of slowing growth in the past months. Investors are also getting wary of the future of electric vehicles as the market has seemed to slow down amid several ventures of different carmakers. Previously, Reuters reported that Tesla has scrapped its low-cost car project. However, the CEO was quick to debunk the claim, calling out the publication's report as a form of "lying." In an X post, Musk straightforwardly announced the launch of Tesla's new product. No other details or additional information was given by the CEO aside from its release date. The post has now reached 12.6 views as of writing. Tesla Robotaxi unveil on 8/8 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 5, 2024 Tesla Continues to Push EV Innovation to Consumers Tesla has yet to deliver its promise to develop a robotaxi or technology that can function as "level 3" automation, which has been the company's goal since 2015. Currently, Tesla is offering advanced driver assistance systems which include the premium Full Self-Driving (FSD) option. The FSD charges $199 per month for U.S. subscribers or $12,000 upfront. In addition, Musk also required all sales and service staff to install and demo the option for customers before handing over the keys. "Almost no one actually realizes how well (supervised) FSD actually works. I know this will slow down the delivery process, but it is nonetheless a hard requirement," the CEO wrote in an email to employees. Outside its car production and automation, Tesla has been expanding its Supercharger stations across the states and the globe. Recently, the state of Maine opened its first NEVI EV Tesla Supercharger station. More than a century ago, women workers of a cotton mill in Madurai held a nearly-two-month-long strike. They came together against gender discrimination and sexual harassment, and began to unionize all this against the backdrop of early nationalist activities. Unlike the popular notion that most resistance to such issues comes from middle-class women, history teaches us that dignity at the workplace and a congenial work environment were basic demands articulated by the woman worker in mill work. Further, constant engagement with the mass media, and these days, social media, creates a sense of a continuous present, as if our current being is isolated from the connected past. In the recent #MeToo campaign, middle-class women rallied together on social media to persuade dormant institutional and statutory structures to bring to book sexual harassers. However, my research into the conditions of work in the cotton textile mills of colonial Madras in the early 20th century had thrown up multiple instances of active, organised protest by working women against workplace sexual harassment and the complex ways in which the issue of sexual harassment was deployed by various stakeholders during strikes. Women workers in the textile mills were active members of trade unions and militant participants in strike actions. Many lost their jobs because of their activism. Historically, there has been evidence of feminisation of occupations in the cotton mill industry. Women were employed in low-paying, labour-intensive jobs, and many of these jobs were also seen to be unskilled. Women in the Madura Mill understood the experience of feminization of work in the women-only departments that were low-paid and were demanding that they work side by side with men in other departments. This is something that working-class women identified as a form of discrimination and fought to reverse, sometimes causing conflict with male workers and at times also dividing among themselves on union and political lines. They succeeded in winning the support of the trade union movement, nationalist leaders, and even official functionaries charged with identifying the causes of labour unrest. The Constitutions mandate for equality of remuneration between the genders did not come out of a vacuum. The gender pay gap continues to be an area of concern. Read an excerpt of the chapter, Women, union, and the strike against sexual harassment in colonial Madurai, 1920, published in Gender in Modern India: History, Culture, Marginality. The Madura Mill Strike: 14 April to 10 June 1920 The Madura Mill employed 750 women in a workforce of 4000 workers. These women were mainly in reeling and winding. A two-month-long strike was provoked by the managements conduct. A Tamil newspaper described their action as women workers defence of their honour. Such defence of honour aligned not only with the traditional womanly virtue of chastity but also resonated with the Gandhi-led discourse on womens self-respect as the national movement sought to mobilize women. In the specific context of Tamil Nadu, the notion of self-respect gained a life of its own in the subsequent anti-caste consolidation of Dravida politics. To the English daily newspaper, The Hindu, it was the struggle of the women against the management and the maistri for having denied them the right to join the union. The interpretation provided in the Hindu report is that the women were protesting on account of being denied the right to unionize, so womens resistance was characterized as part of the larger effort to organize the workers. In a letter to the editor in the Madras Mail newspaper, George Joseph (honorary president of Madura Labour Union) makes the point clearly: the dismissal of over 67 workers by the mill manager, Gillespie, being peddled as that of undesirable workers, was primarily on account of their demand to form a union and the original demand on which women struck work was that the management should dismiss the offending reeling maistri. The sequence of events was as follows. The women workers had wanted to start a cangam (organization) with the help of Mrs George Joseph, the wife of a nationalist lawyer from Kerala, locally working with the workers of the Madura Mills. George Joseph was actively engaged with taking up the causes and concerns of the workers in the region and was also closely involved with setting up unions for the mill workers. In the Madura Court, he also lodged a case challenging the provisions of the Criminal Tribes Act as a violation of the rights of the people from the Kallar community. Kallar workers were vulnerable to being controlled by the mill management, as the law required members of criminal tribes such as the Kallars to report to the police station periodically, subjecting them directly to state surveillance. Joseph was deeply influenced by and close to Gandhi in his style of work and approach to issues and soon was appointed the editor of Young India, a nationalist periodical. In the Madurai Mills, when the maistri, Guruswami Naidu, came to know of the efforts of the women to join the union, he abused and insulted the women workers. Gillespie, who was the manager of the mill, disapproved of the mobilization happening in the mill towards unionization of women and took matters into his hands by meeting the women and addressing them directly, asking them what their demands were. The women immediately complained and demanded that Guruswami Naidu, who was prone to using foul language and insulting the women, be removed from their department and struck work on this demand. Soon afterwards, the women also raised the demand for the transfer of the reeling clerk, C. S. Sambasiva Mudaliar, who according to them, taunted them and abused them, making the work environment toxic. The women demanded that they work along with men in various departments and stated that they were not comfortable with being confined to mainly women-centred sections such as reeling or winding as it also impacted their wages. Thus, here we have an instance where women were not uncomfortable to be working alongside men, contrary to some portrayal in the literature of women workers as shy, reticent, and wary of the mill environment. In fact, they were making a case that because of the differentiated work assigned to women, they were losing out on wages. Therefore, they were bidding for a better wage option of working in departments where there were men as well. This could also do with the fact that these women had kin working in the mill. The 700-odd women who started the strike vociferously demanded payment of their outstanding dues for work done until 13 April, the last day before the strike. On delay in payment, they took recourse to direct action, forcibly stopping the car of the mill manager Gillespie. Though the manager tried to placate them by promising them their wages, they stood firm on their demand that the maistri be dismissed. One of the women, their leader when asked her name, spiritedly responded, asking, as to why she should volunteer to give her name. By no stretch of imagination could this sequence of events have been a product of women being pushed by men to the forefront, for this form of accosting of the management by groups of women and men workers became a pattern of protest culture during strikes on multiple occasions in the region thereafter. The strike started on 14 April, with all regular workers, including men, joining in and went on for nearly two months without much success. The men soon started distancing themselves from the strike, seeing the strike as no concern of theirs! So here was a case when on an issue that concerned the self-respect of women comrades at the workplace, during a phase of the high tide of the Non-cooperation movement, most of the men workers did not see eye-to-eye with protesting women and there was a gender divide on the matter during the strike. At the same time there were moments during the strike when there were altercations between pro-strikers and strike-breakers, when women were there on either side and got hurt on both sides. One of the demands made during the strike, an important one for women workers, was that for appointing women maistris. The demand for women maistris soon became part of the public discourse on bettering the work environment for women when the Royal Commission on Labour recommended it nearly a decade later. The chapter authored by M V Shobhana Warrier has been extracted with permission from Gender in Modern India: History, Culture, Marginality' (2024), edited by Lata Singh and Shashank Shekhar Sinha, published by Oxford University Press. Bajaj Housing Finance has picked five investment banks as advisors for its proposed initial public offering (IPO), according to a Moneycontrol report. The work on the proposed Bajaj Housing Finance IPO is believed to have commenced (Representational Image) Kotak Mahindra Capital, Axis Capital, BofA Securities, JM Financial, and SBI Capital have been shortlisted for this IPO, the report said, quoting a person aware of the development. The deal has been kicked off and work has commenced on the issue, the person added. However, it wasn't immediately clear if more banks would be added at a later stage. Bajaj Housing Finance IPO The development comes days after it was first reported, by Moneycontrol on March 27, that the home financier was planning to launch an IPO within the next 12-18 months. The move would also mark return to the public market of the umbrella Bajaj Group. The firm's targeted valuation is between $9 billion and $10 billion. While these are early days, the firm is planning to raise $900 million to a billion dollars, keeping the minimum dilution and expected valuation range in mind, the report had said. The planned IPO is in line with the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) compulsory requirement for upper layer NBFCs (non-banking financial companies) to get listed on the stock exchanges within three years of being notified as an NBFC. Bajaj Housing Finance was declared as an upper layer NBFC by the RBI on September 30, 2022. Therefore, the former is mandated to be listed on or before September 30,2025, as per the regulatory framework. Meanwhile, on Friday, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) was informed by Bajaj Finance regarding actions being taken by the latter's subsidiary to fulfill the compulsory regulatory requirements. The Board of Directors will convene on April 24 to discuss strategies to comply with the mandatory listing requirement. The board will discuss various options, taking into consideration the prevailing market conditions, Bajaj Finance told BSE. New Delhi, Facing disruptions due to non-availability of crew, Vistara on Sunday announced reducing 10 per cent of its capacity or 25-30 flights daily and most of the cancellations are in the domestic network as the Tata Group airline strives to stabilise operations. HT Image The full-service carrier is to operate over 300 flights daily in the ongoing summer schedule and witnessed significant disruptions earlier this week as many pilots reported sick, resulting in cancellations of flights. "We are carefully scaling back our operations by around 25-30 flights per day, i.e. roughly 10 per cent of the capacity we were operating. This will take us back to the same level of flight operations as at the end of February 2024, and provide the much-needed resilience and buffer in the rosters," Vistara said in a statement on Sunday. According to the carrier, these cancellations are done mostly in the domestic network and much ahead of time to minimise inconvenience to the customers. "All the affected passengers have already been re-accommodated on other flights, as applicable," it said and added that the on time performance has improved. The airline hopes to have stable operations in April and beyond. The cancellations by Vistara will further reduce the overall available capacity amid rising domestic air passenger traffic and the fares could rise on certain routes due to lesser number of services. On Friday, Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan said that a stretched roster was the key reason for the flight disruptions. Some sections of the pilots have also raised concerns about the new contract that will result in pay revisions ahead of the airline's proposed merger with Air India. The carrier has around 1,000 pilots out of a total workforce of about 6,500 people. On April 1, Vistara said it was reducing operations due to the non-availability of crew and other operational reasons. A day later, aviation watchdog DGCA asked the airline to submit a daily report on flight cancellations and delays. In an interview with PTI on Friday, Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan said the airline will look to review the current rostering system after discussions with pilots and emphasised that there has been no unusual spike in attrition. Meanwhile, aviation regulator DGCA has issued a show cause notice to Vistara for alleged violations of pilot training norms. The violations happened during conversion training wherein pilots of narrow body planes are trained to operate wide body aircraft. Sources said the violations happened with respect to Zero Flight Time Training norms. Generally, ZFTT refers to training for a particular type rating done in a simulator. For a new type rating, a pilot has to undergo a skill test and then the ZFTT. In the current instance, it has been alleged that there was a longer gap than permitted for conducting the training after the skill test. The sources said the conversion training for more than 10 pilots of A320 family planes to operate Boeing 787 aircraft have been halted for now following the DGCA raising concerns. "We are in receipt of a show cause notice from DGCA and are in discussion with the regulator on the subject," an airline spokesperson said in a statement. This was in response to a query related to violation of ZFTT norms. Vistara has a fleet of 70 planes comprising 63 aircraft from A320 family and 7 wide-body Boeing 787s. As per the summer schedule, which started from March 31, the airline is to operate a little over 300 flights daily. The airline has decided to temporarily reduce the number of flights it operates, to ensure adequate connectivity across its network. Further, the carrier has deployed larger aircraft like B787-9 Dreamliner and A321 neo on select domestic routes to combine flights or accommodate more customers, wherever possible. In the ongoing summer schedule, Vistara will be operating 25.22 per cent more weekly flights at 2,324.. The airline a joint venture between Tatas and Singapore Airlines had a domestic market share of 9.9 per cent. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. The board of debt-ridden Vodafone Idea (VI) has approved a proposal to raise 2075 crore from promoter Aditya Birla Group, the telecom operator informed in a regulatory filing on Saturday. Vodafone Idea board has approved issuance of up to 1,395,427,034 equity shares to Oriana Investments, an entity of the Aditya Birla Group (Representational Image) The Vodafone Idea board has approved issuance of up to 1,395,427,034 equity shares of face value of 10 each at an issue price of 14.87 per equity share (including a premium of 4.87 per equity share), aggregating to 2075 crore to Oriana Investments Pte Limited, on a preferential basis, the filing stated. Oriana Investments is an entity under the Aditya Birla Group. The VI board also okayed an increase in the company's authorised share capital, from the existing 75,000 crore ( 70,000 crore equity share capital plus 5000 crore preference share capital) to 1 lakh crore, the filing noted. The increased authorised share capital will be divided into an equity share capital worth 95,000 crore and 5000 crore preference share capital. On May 8, the telecom firm will hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to seek shareholders' approval on all the proposals. Vodafone Idea under debt of 2.1 lakh crore VI, in which the central government now holds a stake of over 33%, has a debt of 2.1 lakh crore, and is seeing quarterly losses due to falling subscriber base. According to Trai's (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) latest data, the company continues to lose on the subscribers' front. Trai's data shows that Vodafone Idea lost 15.2 lakh wireless subscribers, plunging its mobile subscriber base to 22.15 crore in January, in a sharp contrast to rivals Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. In February, the VI board gave nod to raising up to 20,000 crore in equity from promoters and investors by June; the proposal was cleared in an EGM on April 2. VI also has plans to raise 45,000 crore, through a mix of equity and debt, as it seeks to match services offered by both Jio and Airtel, and arrest a prolonged subscriber loss. (With PTI inputs) Karnataka Industries Minister MB Patil said that issues like Teslas investments in Karnataka cannot be discussed on public platforms. He also said it is essential to be sensitive when dealing with companies like Tesla. 'Cannot discuss in public domain': Karnataka minister on Tesla investment Multiple reports have suggested that US electric car giant Tesla will be sending a team to India to look for an ideal location to establish an electric car plant with an investment of 2-3 billion dollars USD. Telangana government is reportedly trying to woo the Tesla team to invest in their state, and IT minister Sridhar Babu even said they are holding discussions. Also Read - Karnataka government invites Tesla CEO Elon Musk to invest in the state, offers full support Mohandas Pai, former Infosys CFO, tagged Karnataka minister MB Patil and asked him whether the Karnataka government is putting efforts to bring Tesla to the state. Responding to his X post, MB Patil said, Last time GoK and then CM tweeted, which wasnt welcome. When dealing with MNCs like Foxconn, Tesla, or any other large corporations, sensitivity is vital. What the Govt is Doing or Not Doing, cannot be entirely discussed in the public domain. He also said that this is not politics and that his department cannot reveal anything about the efforts. This is not politics, and the administration will have to behave maturely. Hence, the department and I would not like to comment on such matters, Patil added. Earlier in 2023, MB Patil had openly invited Tesla to invest in Karnataka when Elon Musk hinted about its footprint in India. He then wrote in an X post, Karnataka: The Ideal Destination for #Tesla's Expansion into India. As a progressive state & a thriving hub of innovation & technology, Karnataka stands ready to support and provide the necessary facilities for Tesla and other ventures of @elonmusk, including Starlink. After meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, Elon Musk said, I am confident Tesla will be in India and will do so as soon as humanly possible. Ludhiana : A team of Punjab Police special task force (STF), Ludhiana range, arrested two drug peddlers with 5.05-kg heroin in Amritsar, officials said on Saturday. The accused of drug peddling in custody of STF Ludhiana Range on Saturday. The operation was conducted on Friday, said officials, adding that the accused were using international numbers to contact the supplier, who used to smuggle heroin from Pakistan. Those arrested have been identified as Amritpal Singh, alias Matti, 22, and Sunny Kumar, alias Sunny, 20, of Mohkampura of Amritsar, the officials said. Inspector Harbans Singh, in-charge of STF, Ludhiana range, said the accused were arrested at a checkpoint on the Amritsar-Jandiala GT Road. We received an information that the accused are heading towards Jandiala Guru on a motorcycle without number plate to supply the consignment to their customers, he said. The team stopped the accused for checking and when frisked, 5.05-kg heroin was recovered from a bag. A case under Sections 21, 29 of the NDPS Act was registered against the accused at the STF police station in Mohali, he added. Amritpal is facing three FIRs under the NDPS Act and had come out of Amritsar jail on bail around a month ago. The team found no previous crime record against Sunny. During questioning, the accused revealed that their supplier used to procure heroin from Srinagar, Delhi and even from the Pakistan border. The TikTok ban bill, along with other bipartisan legislation directed at China, may soon "progress" with the US Senate resuming in the coming weeks, according to Democrat Sen. Chuck Schumer. First reported by Reuters, Schumer said Congress "have the opportunity to make progress on bipartisan bills" once it returns from its two-week recess. Schumer did not disclose his standing on the bill but rather shaded towards his Republican colleagues to not "allow the ultra-right wing of their party to derail progress on these bipartisan bills." The New York senator earlier highlighted the Senate's need to focus more on the proposed Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and the funding towards Ukraine than on TikTok. Senate to Hold onto TikTok Ban Bill Amid Pushbacks The statement comes after several senators indicated to carefully deliberate on the proposed ban after the US House of Representatives quickly passed the bill amid strong backlash from its users. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell previously proposed another public hearing on the supposed security concerns on the app before deciding to push through with the bill. It is worth noting that several senators have declared intentions for reelection in the upcoming voting polls this November, many of which use TikTok for their campaigns to appeal to younger voters. Data Safety Concerns Touted Ahead of TikTok Ban Hearing Similar concerns regarding the platforms' affiliation with China have been touted by lawmakers for continuing to push the proposed Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. Under the proposed act, all ByteDance-owned apps, including TikTok, will be banned across the country to protect Americans from foreign government interference. ByteDance's headquarters is based in China. TikTok, which platforms 170 million users in the US, has been advised to separate from its parent company to avoid the ban if the bill ever comes through. As of writing, no evident proof that TikTok is leaking US users' data and algorithms to the Chinese government aside from supposed insider reports. Its US division stores all American users' data on the cloud server provided by Texas-based Oracle Corp. TikTok earlier dismissed the government's allegations towards the social media. A 41-year-old woman was killed and five people, including her husband, were injured in a multiple-vehicle collision in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district on Sunday, a police official said. A 41-year-old woman was killed and five people, including her husband, were injured in a multiple-vehicle collision in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district on Sunday, a police official said (HT File) The accident took place at Dayala Chak along Jammu-Pathankot highway apparently due to speeding by two passenger buses, the official said. One of the buses hit two motorcycles before hitting the other bus, the official said, adding that four more private cars crashed with the buses at the scene. Panthkot resident Manjeet Kour, who was travelling on a motorcycle along with her husband, succumbed to injuries on way to hospital, the official said. The condition of her husband was stated to be critical, the official said. Four more persons, including two motorcyclists, were injured in the accident and are undergoing treatment at Government Medical College Hospital, Kathua, the official added. Dehradun: Former Uttarakhand minister Dinesh Aggarwal on Sunday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after resigning from the Congress party membership two days after he was named as a star campaigner for the party. Senior Congress leader and former minister Dinesh Aggarwal joined the BJP (Twitter/@mahendrabhatbjp) The three-time former MLA from Dharampur constituency in Dehradun, in his letter to Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee president Karan Mahara, resigned from the party without giving any reason. Aggarwal had previously held portfolios of sports, forests, wildlife, and law and justice in the Congress government between 2012 and 2017. He first became an MLA from the erstwhile Lakshman Chowk constituency and was re-elected from the same seat in 2007. The Lakshman Chowk constituency was abolished in 2012 following a delimitation. In 2012, Aggarwal contested from Dharampur constituency and became a legislator for the third time. In the 2017 and 2022 assembly elections, Aggarwal suffered defeat at the hands of BJPs Vinod Chamoli. He also unsuccessfully contested two assembly elections in undivided Uttar Pradesh from the erstwhile Dehradun constituency. In 2018, Aggarwal lost to BJPs Sunil Uniyal Gama in the Dehradun Mayoral polls. Speaking at a press conference at the BJP state office, Aggarwal said he was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership to join the BJP, adding that the Congress has become leaderless. I am inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India is shining bright on the global stage under his leadership. Our young chief minister is taking the state forward with welfare schemes. I wanted to join a party which is working for the progress of the state and country, he said. Congress has become leaderless. It was also one of the biggest reasons for several people leaving the party, he added. Many leaders of Uttarakhand Congress have left the party ahead of the Lok Sabha election. The exodus from the opposition party began with the resignation of former MLA Shailendra Rawat (Kotdwar) who joined the BJP on January 28. Those who have left Congress recently include former Badrinath MLA Rajendra Singh Bhandari, BC Khanduri, his son Manish Khanduri, senior Congress leader and former minister Harak Singh Rawats daughter-in-law Anukriti Gusain, partys state general secretary Mahesh Sharma, former Congress MLAs Dhan Singh Negi (Tehri), Vijaypal Sajwan (Gangotri) and Mal Chand (Purola), party general secretary Laxmi Rana, and partys former state vice president SP Singh Engineer. Speculations were also rife that former minister in the Uttarakhand government Rawat, who is facing a probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged money laundering case, could switch over to the BJP. Rawat, however, has denied being in contact with the BJP. Mathura Dutt Joshi, state Congress vice president (organisation), said, All those leaving the party are opportunists. And BJP is luring and arm-twisting our leaders and workers to switch sides. Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, Delhi cabinet minsters and MLAs held a day-long Samuhik Upwas (community fast) at Jantar Mantar on Sunday as a collective act of solidarity to protest against the arrest of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal while accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of resorting to dictatorship and asserting that people will respond to the incarceration with their votes in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. AAP supporters during the partys day-long protest against the arrest of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Sunday. (Sanjeev Verma/HT Photo) Read here: Kejriwal's arrest: AAP's collective fast today; congregation at Jantar Mantar, Khatkar Kalan The fast started at 11am with party leaders taking turns to speak about the jailed party leader, with a large image of Kejriwal behind bars forming the backdrop of the stage with the message, Kejriwal ko Ashirwad: Samuhik Upwas (). The senior functionaries who took part in the protest fast included Delhi assembly speaker Ram Niwas Goel, deputy speaker Rakhi Birla, cabinet ministers Gopal Rai, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Atishi, Kailash Gahlot and Imran Hussain, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and mayor Shelly Oberoi. Delhi minister Atishi accused the BJP of resorting to dictatorship and claimed that the AAPs fast will give sleepless nights to the BJP. Kejriwals arrest will prove to be the last nail in the coffin of BJP. Before independence, a Mahatmas fast shook the foundations of the British rule in India. Today, this fast by AAP will rob the dictatorial ruler of BJP of his sleep. This country has now woken up, the end of the dictator is near. Singh, who was recently granted bail by the Supreme Court in the Delhi excise case, said that an innocent person has been jailed in a fake case with the help of lying witnesses. Protests are being held in support of Kejriwal not only in the country, but also in different places in the world. This is a big achievement for us, our message against the dictatorial government is reaching the people. The real liquor scam has been done by the BJP, and its money trail has also been found. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax (I-T) department should investigate against the BJP leaders, Singh said. Party volunteers will now go from door to door to spread the message of the AAP, he added. Singh said that the AAP national conveners name was mentioned by just four of the 456 witnesses of CBI and ED that are probing the case. People know very well under what situation these witnesses named Kejriwal, he added. The party also put up pictures of Bhagat Singh, Dr BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi and floral tributes were paid to them. The speeches of the ministers and party leaders were punctuated by volunteers singing patriotic songs, reading poems and waving posters showing an image of Kejriwal behind bars. Similar protests were held in other states by the AAP state units. Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said that the party was now back to its mode of protests held in 2011-12. People came together to sing songs for the country, kept fast. The countdown of the BJP-led government has now started and there is a lot of anger among people. People are sad about how the CM elected by them has been put in jail. BJP may target the CM every day, but it is only leading to less number of votes for them, he added. Delhi assembly speaker Ramniwas Goyal said, The supporters of democracy all over the country and even the world are on a day-long hunger strike. This battle has now started against those who buy MLAs of the elected governments and bring down governments. This method of fasting was provided as a weapon to us by Mahatma Gandhi. The BJP is power-hungry and they can not even wait for five years after losing elections. We can protect the Constitution of India. They wanted to break AAP, but we became stronger, Goel said. Read here: AAP's Sanjay Singh says he is hurt over Nitish Kumar's exit from INDIA bloc Mayor Shelly Oberoi said that people will respond to the dictatorial attitude. It has now become clear the only Kejriwal can give competition to (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi. BJP has been rattled. They thought arresting the CM will disintegrate the party. We are praying with this fast that Kejriwal will be released soon. Giving good education, healthcare and welfare to people is not a crime. The AAPs Delhi unit convener Gopal Rai alleged that Kejriwals arrest by ED in a case linked to the Delhi excise policy case was part of the BJPs conspiracy to finish the AAP. The country is under crisis. If people speak against BJP, they are arrested and their families harassed... Kejriwal has said in court that our life is dedicated to this country. The election process has started and people have to decide whether the government will be constitutional or dictatorial. It is a battle to save democracy and the Constitution, Rai said. The fast ended at 5 pm with National anthem being played. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said, Kejriwal has engaged in so many corruption scandals. It would have been better if the Kejriwal party had collectively atoned for corruption today instead of resorting to the collective fast. BJPs Kapil Mishra said, Kejriwal is deceitful and is doing exactly the opposite of what he promised before coming into politics. Repentance for Kejriwals sins will not come from fasting for a day because the entire party has committed so many sins that even fasting for a lifetime wont absolve them. West Bengals ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Sunday alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jitendra Tiwari met the National Investigation Agency (BJP)s Kolkata-based superintendent Dhan Ram Singh at the latters residence on March 26 and handed a list of TMC leaders who should be arrested before the Lok Sabha polls. TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Chandrima Bhattacharya addresses a press conference at the party office in Kolkata on Sunday. (PTIthe) At a press conference in Kolkata, TMC general secretary Kunal Ghosh and minister of state for finance Chandrima Bhattacharya alleged that the NIA is being used by the BJP to arrest TMCs election managers in the districts when the model code of conduct is in force. The TMC leaders said that while entering a housing complex at New Town, where Singh lives according to their claim, Tiwari carried a white envelope which contained money. It will be a blunder to think that Saturdays NIA raid at Bhupatinagar in East Midnapore, where two local TMC leaders were arrested, was part of an investigation. As chief minister Mamata Banerjee said yesterday, NIA is acting under instructions from the BJP. On March 26, Jitendra Tiwari met NIA SP Dhan Ram Singh at the latters flat and handed a list of TMC leaders BJP wants arrested before the elections. We are alleging that Tiwari carried cash in a white envelope, said Ghosh. Bengal has been witnessing a political row since Saturday because the NIA, while raiding the homes of several TMC leaders at Bhupatinagar in connection with a December 2022 blast at a TMC leaders house, was allegedly attacked by local women. One of the NIA officers suffered a minor injury, and the windshield of a car was damaged. NIA lodged a police complaint regarding the alleged attack. Local people lodged a counter complaint, accusing NIA of making unlawful entry and molesting women. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought a report from the state government on the attack. West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose has sought a report as well. Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the TMC on Sunday while addressing voters at Jalpaiguri in north Bengal. When federal agencies come, the TMC attacks their teams. The TMC wants to slaughter law and order, said Modi. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee countered Modi from her rally in Purulia district. It has been brought to my notice that NIA is visiting hotels in Purulia as well to inquire which political party has booked rooms. Is it NIAs job? she said. While addressing the media in Kolkata, Ghosh said: Tiwari met Singh in his flat. While entering the complex, Singh signed the visitors log. He identified himself as J K Tiwari. The address he gave is Saraswati Niketan, 5 Camac Street, where his daughter lives in Kolkata, Ghosh said. He entered the premises at 6.30pm and left at 7.22pm. If anyone challenges this, we will release security camera footage in 48 hours, said Ghosh. Till December 2020, Tiwari was a TMC leader at Asansol in the West Burdwan district. He was a legislator and the mayor of Asansol. He joined the BJP alongside TMC leader Suvendu Adhikari, who is now leader of the Opposition in the Bengal legislative assembly. The TMC released copies of the visitors logbook, the lease agreement for Singhs flat and a copy of a statement NIA released in 2017 when he was awarded the Presidents medal on Republic Day. It said Singh was part of counter-intelligence operations in Jammu and Kashmir, the North-East and Maoist infested areas. Responding to the allegations, Tiwari said, Those making the allegation should prove it in seven days. Or else, I will file a defamation suit against them. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar defended Tiwari. Any citizen can meet an NIA officer at any point of time and share information about terrorist activities. I can arrange an appointment if TMC leaders want to meet NIA officers. The BJP does not need NIAs help to defeat the TMC. This is a bogus allegation. Anybody could have entered the housing complex and put Tiwaris name in the logbook. Also, there are more than 200 flats in that complex. How can someone say which flat a visitor is going to? Majumdar said. HT contacted the NIA Kolkata branch for official reaction but till 6pm it did not make any statement on the specific allegation against Singh. The NIA said Saturdays raid was carried out as part of the investigation ordered by the Calcutta high court (in 2022) and the allegations of forceful entry and molestation lodged against the agency were motivated. Kunal Ghosh said: We have learnt that Singh has connections with some important people in the Union home ministry. We want to ask the ECI how Tiwari could visit an NIA SP after the model code of conduct came into force. A first information report (FIR) must be filed. Locations of their phones on March 26 should be traced and calls made from these phones between 6.30pm and 7.22pm be examined. Chandrima Bhattacharya referred to Saturdays raid in which two TMC leaders, Manobrata Jana and Balai Chandra Maity, were arrested in connection with the December 2022 blast at TMC leader Rajkumar Mannas home. Manna and party workers Biswajit Gayen and Buddhadeb Manna were killed in the explosion. BJPs Suvendu Adhikari moved the Calcutta high court demanding the NIA probe. The NIA raided the homes of three more local TMC leaders, Subir Maiti, Manab Kumar Parua and Naba Kumar Panda, but they were not home. All three have been summoned to the NIA office on Monday. Bhattacharya said: The BJP provided these names to the NIA for political reasons. This is part of a bigger conspiracy. These raids are being conducted to create panic among ground level workers of the TMC so that the BJP benefits in the elections. The incident happened in December 2022. Why was the NIA waiting till April 2024 when the model code for elections is in force? Were there women officers in the NIA team that entered the village? The local police were informed at 5.45pm. The Election Commission (EC) has changed the states director general of police (DGP) thrice in 48 hours in the name of transparency. In that case why should EC not order a probe into the meeting between Tiwari and Singh? Bhattacharya added. LUCKNOW: With just a day left for the nine-day long Navratri to start, shopkeepers on Hanuman Garhi road in Ayodhya are opposing the district administrations move to install iron railings to regulate the movement of devotees, pointing out a decline in sales. Priests of Hanuman Garhi are endorsing the district administrations move and assert that the railings have streamlined the movement of devotees. (Sourced) Devotees in large numbers are turning up at Hanuman Garhi, making it difficult for the temple management and the Ayodhya administration to control the crowds movement. Around 200 sweetmeat shop owners on Hanuman Garhi road in Ayodhya kept their establishments closed on Saturday to protest the installation of railings on the entire stretch of the road. They also handed over a memorandum to the Ayodhya administration expressing their concern over the issue. Iron railings have been installed along the entire stretch of Hanuman Garhi road. Once a devotee enters this area, their movement gets restricted by these railings, said Nand Lal Gupta, a prominent sweetmeat shop owner near Hanuman Garhi. These railings are closed from both sides, and no one is able to move out from the queue to purchase prasad (offerings for the deity), he added. Saints of Hanuman Garhi are endorsing the district administrations move and assert that the railings have streamlined the movement of devotees. Due to the increased pressure of devotees, railings are necessary to prevent stampede-like situations. Within the temple complex, we have also created six queues to regulate the movement of devotees, said Mahesh Das, disciple of the head priest of Hanuman Garhi, Prem Das. However, he advised the administration to create opening in railings so that devotees could move out to purchase prasad for the deity. Meanwhile, Mahant Sanjay Das has advised that the movement of VVIPs during the nine-day long Navratri in Ayodhya should be stopped. The movement of VVIPs in Ayodhya should be banned during Navratri. Only the prime minister, chief minister, and chief justice of India should be permitted during this period, added Sanjay Das. LUCKNOW: Three including a trained militant of Hizbul Mujahideen, arrested by UP Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) while attempting to sneak into Indian territory from Sonauli border in East Uttar Pradeshs Maharajganj on Wednesday, were questioned about their intentions to enter India, said senior ATS officials. They said the ATS was questioning them after procuring their custody remand for six days since Friday. Hizbul Mujahideen militant Mohammed Altaf Bhat (Sourced) The officials suspected that the trio was attempting to sneak into Indian territory with the intention of carrying out terror activities during the Lok Sabha polls and in the wake of the Ram Temple consecration earlier in January this year. A senior ATS official confirmed that all three accused were identified as Mohammed Altaf Bhat, a resident of Rawalpindi in Pakistan; Sayyed Gajnafar, a resident of Jamia Ali Murtaza Mosque in Islamabad; and Nasir Ali, a resident of Srinagar. The official said that Bhat, who was born in Jammu and Kashmir, was a trained militant who shifted his base to Pakistan after the Kargil war in 1999 to join the Muzaffarabad camp of Hizbul Mujahideen. The official said that Sayyed Gajnafar was also a Kashmir resident who had been residing in Pakistan for the past ten years and had been working for Pakistans secret service agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), while his nephew Nasir Ali was serving as an overground worker for the ISI within India. He further said that the trio was attempting to sneak into Indian territory from the porous border at Sheikh Farenda village in Nepal near the Sonauli border. The ATS investigators are currently scanning their mobile phones and contacts, and they will also be taken to different places in Kashmir, their place of origin, and other locations near the Nepal border where they were hiding to enter Indian territory, he said. Notably, the trio was arrested under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Foreigners Act, and IPC sections related to fraud, use of forged documents, and using them as genuine documents. An FIR was lodged at the ATS police station in Lucknow regarding the matter. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday accused the Congress of being soft on terror suspects and described it as the biggest problem in the country. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addresses during a public meeting ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, in Bharatpur, Sunday (PTI) Adityanath was in Rajasthan on Sunday to campaign for the party candidates. This was his first election campaign outside UP since the declaration of the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls set to start from April 19. Read here: Ram Naam Satya for those threatening daughters, traders: Yogi Congress party is the biggest problem of the country and imposing curfew is part of its DNA. It would starve the poor but feed biryani to terrorists, Adityanath, a star campaigner for the party across the country, said in his well-attended election rallies in Rajasthan. Let alone building the Ram temple, Congress considered Lord Ram and Lord Krishna as imaginary figures, he said during a public meeting at the Ashok Sharma Senior Secondary School at Lalsot in Rajasthan. During Congress rule, only the work of robbing the poor of their rights has been done, he said. He recalled that people of Dausa had supported him during the Rajasthan assembly elections where the BJP won in five of the eight assembly seats and added that now across the nation there is just one chant, Fir Ek Baar, Modi Sarkar (Modi government once again), he stated. In the last 10 years of PM Modis rule, the countrys borders have been secured. Previously, there were terrorist activities in the country. Three days ago, news came out in a British newspaper that 20 terrorists were killed in Pakistan. This is a new India where the terrorists are meeting their nemesis, he remarked. Adityanath said those who gave shelter to terrorists till yesterday are now not daring to say anything against India due to the fear of air strike. Now, no nation dares to endorse terrorism. Over the past decade, the country has successfully tackled Naxalism, terrorism and stone-pelting in Kashmir, he said. Kashmir is now progressing in tandem with developmental initiatives and democratic principles. The region witnesses a substantial influx of tourists, with people safely participating in events such as the Amarnath Yatra and the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi, he said. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister also invited the people of Dausa to visit Ayodhya. In Bharatpur, Adityanath said, The Congress used to starve the poor and feed biryani to terrorists whereas under PM Modi free ration to 80 crore poor people is being provided for the past four years. Now, there is no curfew or riots in Uttar Pradesh, the Kanwar Yatra goes on with pomp and show and our generation is fortunate to be able to visit the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The Congress has problems within itself. Your one vote not only contributes to the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya but also ensures the security of the countrys borders. During COVID 19, when Congress and other parties were missing, Modiji was tirelessly working in every state without caring for himself, Yogi added. We are lucky to witness the emergence of new India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP government has provided security, respect, progress,and employment for people of the country, Adityanath said. A long wait of 500 years finally ended with Ram Lalla being enthroned at the newly constructed grand Ram temple, Yogi Adityanath said and asserted that this work was done by the Narendra Modi-led BJP government. Modi is the first prime minister who celebrated Holi and Diwali with soldiers on the borders, Adityanath said. We have to dedicate votes for Modi to make India strong, he further said. Read here: PM praises Yogis law and order model Referring to the Bharat Ratna conferred posthumously on former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh recently, he said this was done by the BJP government. While the Congress government was leaderless and policyless, under the BJP government, 60 crore poor people are getting health insurance and 12 crore farmers are getting the benefits of the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, Adityanath said. Mentioning other welfare schemes, he said houses for four crore poor people were constructed, 2.50 crore poor people got free electricity connections and 10 crore poor people also got free gas connections under the Ujjwala scheme. A 22-year-old youth from Pune, Pranav Karad, working as a deck cadet on a merchant vessel, has been missing since April 5, claim parents. Pranav Karad completed a three-year course in marine engineering from a city-based education institute and later got recruited to serve on the ship, said his family members. (Mahendra Kolhe/HT PHOTO) Pranavs father Gopal has lodged a missing complaint at the city police station and has written to the firm, which saids search efforts have been launched to locate him. His family which stays in Warje area in the city said he worked at the ship owned by Wilhelmsen Ship Management India Pvt Ltd, which has an office in Mumbai, for the last six months and went missing on Friday afternoon while on board the vessel. Gopal, Pranavs father who is a driver by profession, said, The ship was travelling from Indonesia to Singapore. On Friday evening, we received a call from the Mumbai office of the shipping firm informing us that our son had gone missing while on board. We have been told that the search operation is underway, and efforts are being made to locate him. Pranav completed a three-year course in marine engineering from a city-based education institute and later got recruited to serve on the ship, said his family members. Gopal said that the family had approached the central and state governments for assistance. We have reached out to both Mumbai and Pune police and sought their help, he said. India is perhaps the only country in the Global South that has had no serious economic crisis. The Congress, as the party which has ruled India for the longest period deserves some credit for this. Its ability to first pursue State-led industrialisation and then unleash economic reforms (albeit, when under the gun), with Jawaharlal Nehru rejecting Gandhijis gram swaraj vision in the former, and PV Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh manoeuvring out of the Nehruvian socialism dogma in the later years, highlight decisions taken despite differences of opinion within the leadership. The Congresss challenges today are very different from what they were when it managed these historic recalibrations. It has suffered humiliating losses in the 2014 and 2019 elections and has seen a massive erosion of the political power it used to wield. The agent of this weakening of the Congress has been the BJP, which under Narendra Modi, has perfected a political cocktail of nationalism, welfare, development and Hindutva. Can the Congress stage a comeback in 2024? Whats the best way to achieve this? The manifesto of the Congress, which was released last week, suggests that it is making yet another recalibration to revive its political fortunes. This seems to include a very large increase in the allocation of fiscal resources towards welfare. While the relationship between welfare and the Congress is not new in this country, what makes the 2024 manifesto unique in a way is that it seems to have given a complete go-by to concerns of fiscal sustainability while making these promises. In doing so, the Congress, clearly, seems to be decoupling itself from the bipartisan consensus it has helped evolve on things such as fiscal prudence and reforms at large in the post-1991 period. Will this decoupling help the Congress party or political discourse in the country? True, they throw light on the fact that the Indian economy is mired in deep-rooted and widespread inequalities. But Indias pre-1991 experience shows that the State was not very successful in managing economic aspirations and growth either. An even more important question is will such promises have credibility? The person who drafted the Congress manifesto has been one of the most outspoken advocates of the post-reform consensus the Congress is now asking to be discarded. This makes it very likely that the party is promising these things in a half-hearted manner rather than as a reflection of an organic debate on economic reforms. Neither will help the Congress in improving things for itself. Karnataka 2nd PUC Result 2024 Date Live Updates: The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) will announce 2nd PUC or Class 12th results on April 10, 2024 at 10 am. The result can be checked by candidates after 11 am onwards. Once declared, students will get their scorecards on karresults.nic.in, and they can download it using the registration number and subject combination/stream....Read More Earlier, it was rumoured that the PUC 2 result will be declared on April 3. The board quickly refuted the claim saying evaluation of answer sheets is underway and once the process is completed, the date and time for result announcement will be shared with students. As per reports, the 2nd PUC exam was held from March 1 to 23 for around 7 lakh students. The evaluation work started on March 25. Check this live blog for the Karnataka 2nd PUC result 2024 date and time and other updates. By Anna J. Park MBK Partners' Special Situations Fund is expected to participate in an acquisition bid for Asiana Airlines' cargo business by teaming up with a domestic low-cost carrier (LLC), according to company officials and industry watchers, Sunday. The Special Situations Fund II is the Asia-focused private equity firm's second flagship fund with a size of 2.1 trillion won ($1.8 billion) established in 2021. Yet, it is largely undecided which domestic carriers will be partnering with the private equity fund for the acquisition bid. "It's a deal that's out in the market, and the Special Situations Fund is reviewing whether to join the acquisition deal. But nothing has been decided for now," an official from MBK Partners told The Korea Times on Sunday. Early last month, UBS, the lead advisor for the sale, announced the shortlist of four LCCs Jeju Air, Air Premia, Eastar Jet and Air Incheon as potential buyers of the airline's cargo business. Given that only businesses with Air Operator Certificate (AOC) accreditation are eligible to participate in the bidding process, MBK Partners is required to join hands with one of the shortlisted carriers, if the private equity fund aims to enter the bid. Considering the limited financing capabilities of the shortlisted candidates, some of the low-cost carriers are mulling over the possibility of partnering with multiple financial investors with ample cash to strengthen their funding power to win the bidding. The seller Korean Air plans to select a preferred bidder as early as next month, as the first round of bidding is slated to be held at the end of this month. While the sales price of the cargo business is estimated to be around 500 to 700 billion won, potential buyers, who are currently conducting due diligence over the deal, are reportedly aiming at a lower price. Asiana Airlines' freight business currently operates a total of 11 cargo aircraft, including eight owned cargo planes and three leased ones, posting an annual revenue of 1.61 trillion won last year. In February this year, the European Commission approved Korean Air's acquisition of Asiana Airlines under the condition of full compliance with the remedies offered by Korean Air last November. Korean Air submitted the remedy proposal to the European regulatory authority in November, including the sale of Asiana Airlines' cargo business. UPMSP UP board 10th, 12th results 2024: The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) is likely to announce the results of the 2024 High School (Class 10th) and Intermediate (Class 12th) annual examinations this month. This year, the board completed the evaluation of 2.85 crore answer sheets in a record time of 12 days, and the results will be announced next. UP board 10th, 12th results 2024 are expected this month(HT File) When declared, students can check their scores on the following websites using their login details: result.upmsp.edu.in upresults.nic.in. Last year, UP board Class 10 and Class 12 results were declared on April 25. Read: UP Board HS, Inter Exams-2024: Evaluation completed in record time, results likely next month In a recent post on X, UPMSP Chairman Dibyakant Shukla cautioned students and parents against cyber fraudsters who ask for money to increase marks in the board examination. Shukla appealed to the parents and candidates not to fall victim of these scams and asked them to report such phone calls immediately to the district school inspector. Read: UP Board Result 2024: UPMSP warns against fraud calls done for increasing marks, passing candidates This year, the UPMSP conducted the High School and Intermediate final examinations between February 22 and March 9. A total of 55,25,308 candidates had registered for the board exams, of whom 29,47,311 are Class 10 and 25,77,997 are Class 12 students. Steps to check UPMSP UP board 10th, 12th result 2024 Visit one of the result websites: upresults.nic.in or results.upmsp.edu.in Open the UP board Class 10th (High School) or Class 12th (Intermediate) result link, as required. Enter your login credentials and submit. Check and download your UP board result. The All India Sainik Schools Admission Counselling (AISSAC) is expected to release soon the Sainik School Counselling 2024 seat allotment results held for admission to classes 6 and 9. AISSEE Counselling 2024: All India Sainik Schools Admission Counselling expected to release seat allotment results. (HT File) Candidates who cleared the Sainik School examination 2024 can check the seat allotment result on the official website pesa.ncog.gov.in/sainikschoolecounselling once released. Those students who are selected for the counselling should confirm their acceptance in the schools allotted to them by April 10, 2024, up to 10 AM. Following this, they will have to undergo medical tests and document verification that will begin on April 15, 2024, at 8 AM. Also read: UP board 10th, 12th results 2024 expected this month; steps to check scores on upresults.nic.in As per the schedule, students need to submit the documents and fees by April 27. It is to be noted here that according to the NTA, the admission of candidates in the 33 existing and 19 newly approved Sainik Schools will be carried out based on e-counseling as per rank secured by the candidates in the school-wise, gender-wise, category-wise (home state and outside state) merit list of AISSEE 2024, medical fitness approved by competent medical authorities and verification of original documents. In terms of reservation, 67% of the seats are reserved for candidates from their home state and union territories, whereas 33% of the seats are reserved for candidates from other states and UTs. Also read: CUET PG 2024 answer key objection window closes today on pgcuet.samarth.ac.in Notably, the examination for admission to classes 6 and 9 at Sainik Schools was held on January 28, in pen-paper mode, across 450 centers located in 185 cities in India. Sainik schools are run by the Sainik Schools Society (SSS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Defence, Govt of India. These are English-medium residential schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) that prepare cadets to join the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Naval Academy, and other training academies as officers. Students will have to carry two passport size photographs as well as the AISSEE score card 2024 and admit card, for document verification process. Candidates can visit the official website for fore related information. Ranchi, In anticipation of intense heat during the Lok Sabha polls in Jharkhand, comprehensive measures have been put in place to mitigate the effects of heat waves on voters, officials, and security personnel. HT Image These include extending poll timings, setting up makeshift sheds, providing ORS and lemon water, and deploying medical teams and ambulances, an election official said. The elections will be conducted in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with Jharkhand's voting taking place on May 13, 20, 25, and June 1 for its 14 seats. With over 2.55 crore eligible voters, including 1.25 crore women, increasing voter turnout amidst the heatwave presents a significant challenge for both the state and the Election Commission. In 2019, Jharkhand's overall voter turnout was 66.8 per cent, lower than the national average of 67.4 per cent. To address this measures such as extending polling hours from 7 am to 5 pm and providing temporary shelters at booths have been implemented. Additionally, facilities like drinking water, ORS, and lemon water mixed with salt and sugar will be available, along with medical teams stationed at each polling station to handle emergencies. Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar assured that these arrangements aim to ensure voters' safety and convenience during the polling period. The CEO said they have taken several initiatives to reduce the impact of heatwave conditions on voters. "Keeping in mind the safety of voters, we have extended the poll timing. Voting will start at 7 am and end at 5 pm. It means electors can exercise their franchise in the morning hours or in the second half as per their convenience. To spread awareness in this regard, we will soon launch a slogan 'Abki Baar, Din Bhar Matdaan'," Kumar told PTI. Temporary sheds of 15x15 feet are being set up in all the booths of the state. "There will be permanent as well as temporary sheds for the polling parties and voters in all booths this time," he said. Besides drinking water facilities at the booths, there will be arrangements of ORS and lemon water mixed with salt and sugar at selected booths. "Two employees will also be deployed to provide drinking water at all booths. We are also planning to keep earthen pots for drinking water wherever possible," Kumar said. Voting will be conducted in a total of 29,521 polling stations this time, up from 29,464 in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. State Health department officials said medical teams will be deployed at every polling station to deal with sudden emergencies. Mobile ambulances and air ambulances for emergency needs will also be kept on standby. Kumar said, "Paramedical staff will be deployed at every polling station and they would be equipped with a medical kit, comprising life-saving drugs, ORS and other required medicines. Mobile ambulance and air ambulance facilities will also be available for emergency services." This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Producer Vashu Bhagnani, who worked with Govinda in hits like Hero No 1 (1997) and the original Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998), recently recalled an instance when Govinda did not show up on set for three days in Switzerland, but when he ultimately landed, he finished most of the work in one day. Now, In an interview to ETimes, Govinda's manager Shashi Sinha has reacted to Vashu's recent comment. Also read: Jackky Bhagnani reveals how Govinda reacted after watching trailer of Akshay Kumar's Bade Miyan Chote Miyan Govinda with Karishma Kapoor in a still from Hero No 1, which was directed by David Dhawan and produced by Vashu Bhagnani. 'Doesn't make sense to say all these things now' Shashi expressed dissatisfaction with the timing of Vashu's statement, saying, "I don't recall such an incident, and I was responsible for coordinating Govinda's film shoots. Even if he (Govinda) has been late for 2-3 hours in day, it must have been because of health reasons, or delay in flight. And even Vashu Bhagnani ji has admitted that even if Govinda ji was late, he completed his work on time." Shashi further said, "We all respect Vashu sir a lot. We have worked a lot with him during our initial days. I have been a link between actors and producers all these years. It doesn't make sense for him (Vashu) to say all these things now after all these years. If he has any issues, we are ready to sit down with him and work it out." What Vashu said about working with Govinda In a recent interview with Reviewron Ronak Kotecha, Vashu said, People can say whatever about Govinda, but I have a great track record with him and he has been very nice to me. Sometimes he was two hours late, or one hour early but he always finished the work." Vashu Bhagnani also recalled an incident from Hero No 1, directed by David Dhawan, where the entire unit of 75 people sat idle in Switzerland for three days because Govinda had not arrived in the country. After waiting for him for three days, Vashu called Govinda. He recalled, I called him and asked, If you are not going to come, then we will come back. He got upset and said I am coming. He landed at 6 am. I went to pick him up at the airport. He sat in the van and we were not talking to each other for 10-15 minutes. Then he says I want to shave and I thought where we would find a place thats open at 6am. I took him to the petrol pump. We got a basic razor for one euro or something. In the bathroom there, he shaved quickly. At 7:30am, he gave the first shot. It was the number 1 song of the film. He finished 70 per cent of the song in one day. He wasnt there for three days but he finished 70 per cent of it in one day. Thats worth appreciating." Vashu is awaiting the release of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, starring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. The film will be out on April 10, 2024. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place In February 2020, The DisInsider reported the supposed news of a live-action Tangled movie being in the works. However, these claims were fuelled by mere whispers instead of confirmed announcements. Fans blew off steam by appointing their dream casting picks for the movie that initially pulled Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi to voice the titular characters in the 2010 animated Oscar nominee. Rumours: Avantika screen-tested for the role of Rapunzel for a potential Tangled live-action movie. Fact: No such live-action project has been officially confirmed, let alone the rumours around the fan casting.(Instagram) Subsequently outed rumours about Florence Pugh seemingly boarding the project as the front-running candidate to play Rapunzel fanned the fire. However, these long-time flying speculations have never been backed by a firm foundation of confirmations. Disney has particularly had its eye out for live-action reimaginations in the recent past, with The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, Lilo & Stitch and even the upcoming Moana movie. Despite the massive verbal attacks against these live-action iterations of classic works, Disney continues to double down on the agenda. Somehow, Tangled is one such project that fans are positively looking forward to. Nevertheless, this eventually became a contentious topic of debate when fans heard of Mean Girls star Avantika possibly screen-testing as Rapunzel with Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider through the internet grapevine. Avantika as Rapunzel in the live-action Tangled movie? Although casting rumours for the potential Disney project have been swirling online since 2020, the new unfounded claim subjected the American actress of Indian origin to unsolicited hatred on April 7 again. Also read | Love Island UK Season 11 release date: Where to watch; summer flirting just weeks away Dispelling the rumours: While Tangled is still a pipe dream, Avantika had previously declared the dawn of a new era of Disney princess, but for a different project altogether. In November 2022, she shared a Deadline exclusive reporting the adaptation of Roshani Chokshi's book, A Crown of Wishes, in the works for Disney+. Touted as a live-action fantasy series, the show will have Avantika Vandanapu headline the series rooted in Hindu mythology. She's also executive producing it for Disney+. The trailblazing actress had previously also led Spin - the network's first original movie with an Indian American lead. Somehow, her attachment to this Disney series got conflated with the development of a Tangled movie, that hasn't even been confirmed yet. The bubbling fiery discussion over Rapunzel fan castings again shot through the roof, with a majority vehemently against her playing Tangled's princess. Earlier this week, J-14 added to the conversation by listing Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider and Avantika as Rapunzel - their desired fan casting for the potential movie. Several TikTok discussions also blew out of proportion as netizens couldn't swear by Disney's race-swapping move. Comments like Rapunzel is a GERMAN fairy tale published in 1812 which was later bought by Disney. The whole plot of the story is that the hair was long blond and magical. If youre okay with an Indian girl playing Rapunzel then why cant a white girl play Jasmine??? Wait cause no, that would be racist, took precedence on X (formerly Twitter). The barrage of hate ultimately travelled to Avantika's Instagram as well over a fan casting for a project that has never been officially confirmed. Also read | Percy Jackson multiverse comes alive in earth-shaking Logan Lerman, Walker Scobell pic A stream of hate-mongering comments under A Crown of Wishes post (announcing her taking charge in the role of an Indian princess) directly attacked Avantika. Hate rhetoric targeting Avantika: Recent comments under her post from 2022 looked like the following: YOU DON'T FIT TO BE RAPUNZEL LOL I believe we should be watching live action Rapunzel with a actress that looks like her bc thats what we grew up with. Not an actress who had a whole other different ethnicity background and looks nothing like the original. Disney is ruined. Are you German? Do you have blond hair? No. So get tf out. u will never be rapunzel hope that helps. ur not rapunzel YOU CAN LITERALLY BE JASMINE, WE WANT A BLONDE GIRL NOT YOU Do not ruin rapanzel we all wish to see her golden blonde hair dont be in it Some contrasting replies attempted to break the misconception while hoping to knock some sense into those spewing their misplaced hatred against her: Glen Powell had crashed into Sydney Sweeney's monologue at Saturday Night Live (SNL) last month. It was during the sketch cameo when Glen appeared as Sydney's boss and called her baby cakes. Now, in his latest appearance at The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Glen has revealed that the cameo was not planned before. (Also read: Sydney Sweeney breaks silence on dating rumours with co-star Glen Powell: 'That's what people want!') Glen Powell was present during Sydney Sweeney's SNL debut. What Glen said During his appearance on The Tonight Show, Glen said, I knew I was going to do the monologue, so Sydney and I kind of planned this little bit the sketch was told to me by Lorne. Were sitting there having a cocktail below the bleachers, Im thinking were kind of done, and then hes like, I have this idea, maybe youre in the next sketch. Glen continued, "And Im like, Wait, what do you mean? And hes like, You know, well figure out a way to kind of end this sketch, and he just 15 minutes before, Im like, Do I have a line? What am I doing?' Its the pace of it that was very exciting. And, look, I dont know if I nailed it, but hopefully Im invited back at some point. More details Glen was talking about the final SNL sketch where Sydney played a woman who goes on a date trying to break up with her boyfriend. She is interrupted by people at the restaurant many times. She finally says, I cheated on you with my boss and I think we should break up! It was at that moment when Glen Powell showed up as the boss and asks Sydney, Hey baby cakes, wanna get out of here? The SNL performance also included a bit where Sydney clarified that she is not dating Glen, despite all the rumours that started ever since filming began. Sydney then added that her fiance was there to support her, but the camera panned towards Glen, who sitting in the front row! Thats not my fiance! Hes in my dressing room! Sydney said to loud cheers. Sydney was last seen in the horror film Immaculate. Glen will be next seen in the Netflix film Hitman, directed by Richard Linklater. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place YouTuber YourFellowArab recounts harrowing experience in Haiti, where he and his companion Sean Roubens Jean Sacra were stopped by armed men as they entered the country. They were taken to a cement compound surrounded by barbed wire and interrogated by a notorious gang leader named Lanmo Sanjou, who is wanted by the FBI. The YouTuber made headlines after reports of his kidnapping by a Haitian gang surfaced a few days ago. He was later released unharmed without any ransom being paid YouTuber Arab aka YourFellowArab has reportedly been kidnapped in Haiti(Instagram/@arab) Haiti kidnapping: YourFellowArab shares experience Earlier, it was reported that a $600,000 ransom was demanded for his release. Many even called the kidnapping fake until Arab himself addressed the experience, denying all allegations. In a new interview posted on his YouTube channel, Arab can be seen talking to his brother, Eddie Maalouf, about what unfolded. Also read: 'Joe, we're gonna..': What went down in the phone call between President Biden and Netanyahu Details of YourFellowArab Haiti kidnapping In an attempt to negotiate his release, Arab showed his earlier videos and talked about plans to interview the gangs boss. Despite handing over his phone and $3,500 to Lanmo, Arab was transferred to another camp with Sean. He described how he was instructed to contact his family to request the demanded ransom. Eddie highlighted the challenge of delivering the money. Arab said that if he hadnt told his family where he was going, he would have been in a lot of trouble. Eddie said, We knew exactly where you were the whole time. Thanks to the shared location beforehand. According to the YouTuber, while he was in captivity, he was asked to dance and joke around while Sean served as a bartender. Also read: YouTuber YourFellowArab kidnapped in Haiti for $600k ransom while trying to interview gang leader Barbecue Positivity saved my life in there, Im one of the only people that has come out of kidnapping with this guy untouched they didnt touch me. He said. Arabs abduction went viral after it was posted on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). Ultimately, Arab and Sean were freed without paying the entire ransom. He apologized for the suffering he put his family through and thanked them for their efforts to bring him back safely. The content creator also highlighted the fact that his fans were willing to pay the ransom in exchange for nothing. Director Shouryuvs maiden film, Hi Nanna, starring Nani and Mrunal Thakur in the lead roles won an award at a film festival. The film, which released internationally as Hi Dad, won the Best Feature Film award at the Athens International Art Film Festival in their March edition. (Also Read: Nani teams up with Srikanth Odela again a year after Dasara's release; calls the film madness) Nani and Mrunal Thakur feature with Kiara Khanna in Hi Nanna. Hi Nanna wins award Making the announcement on X, the producers of Hi Nanna wrote, Hi Nanna celebrations continue across all corners! #HiNanna released as #HiDad and received the prestigious award for Best Feature Film at the esteemed Athens International Art Film Festival in their March 2024 edition. Expressing his gratitude, Shouryuv said in a press release, We are overjoyed and deeply honoured to receive this award for Hi Nanna at the Athens International Art Film Festival. This achievement underscores the power of storytelling to transcend cultural boundaries and connect with audiences worldwide. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the festival organisers, the jury, and our dedicated team whose passion and creativity brought Hi Nanna to life. International festival circuit The makers also revealed that Hi Nanna aka Hi Dad will make rounds on the international film circuit. The filmmakers wrote in the press release, As we continue to showcase Hi Dad on the global film festival circuit, we are humbled by the support and appreciation it has garnered. This award serves as a testament to the collective efforts of everyone involved in the making of this film and inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and creating meaningful experiences. About Hi Nanna Hi Nanna was released on December 7 last year and received good reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film which also starred Kiara Khanna, Shruti Haasan and Ritika Nayak tells the story of a single father and his love for his daughter. Nani plays Viraj, a photographer who looks after his sick daughter, Mahi, single-handedly but shes always curious to know more about her mother, whos not in their lives. Hi Nanna is now streaming on Netflix. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place Nag Ashwins Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan-starrer Kalki 2898 AD is slated for release theatrical on May 9. However, the upcoming Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Lok Sabha elections loom over the films release, given that theyll be held on May 13. (Also Read: Kalki 2898 AD release date: AP, TS elections loom over Prabhas' film release; fans wonder if it'll release on time) Prabhas in a still from Kalki 2898 AD. Kalki 2898 AD postponed to May 30? A report by ETimes claims that the film will be released on May 30 now. The makers have decided to postpone the films release by a couple of weeks to ensure a smooth run in the theatres, they report. The move will also help the film in the global market as Hollywood film The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is also slated for release on May 9. The website also claimed that the makers have begun informing distributors about the change in the films release date. However, the makers are yet to make an official announcement despite the speculation that has been making rounds for weeks. A source from the films team told Hindustan Times, Its not true that a release date has been finalised because the makers are still discussing when the film should be released. While its true that the elections have put a wrench in the plans, no one has a clear idea of when the film will be released. When theres clarity, the makers will make the announcement themselves. The elections looming over Kalki It was announced in March that the Lok Sabha elections in AP and TS will take place on May 13, which will hinder Kalki 2898 ADs business. Since then, fans have wondered if the film will release on time or be postponed. However, the makers have not made an official announcement, nor have they addressed the issue to the press since then. The makers of Vishwak Sen, Neha Sshetty-starrer Gangs of Godavari made it clear that they will release only after the elections. As soon as the polling dates were announced, they revealed that the film will release on May 17. About Kalki 2898 AD Kalki 2898 AD is a sci-fi film starring Prabhas, Deepika, Amitabh and Kamal in the lead roles. The makers released a new poster on Maha Shivaratri, apart from announcing that Prabhas character will be named Bhairava in the film. Despite being a sci-fi film, Kalki 2898 AD has a surprising connection to mythology. At an event, Nag said about the films name, The film starts with Mahabharat and ends in 2898 AD. It spans 6000 years in time. We tried to create worlds, imagining what they would be like while still keeping it Indian, and not make it look like Blade Runner. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place From Hootie & The Blowfish to Shania Twain, several bands and independent artists from the 70s, 80s, and 90s are going to hit the roads in 2024 with a number of tours, marking their comeback after years. Heres a roundup: Hootie & The Blowfish and Shania Twain 1. Hootie & The Blowfish Hootie & The Blowfish Rocker Darius Rucker, formerly of Hootie & the Blowfish, transitioned into a sensation in 2008. Their 1994 debut album, Cracked Rear View, remains one of the top 10 best-selling albums in U.S. history, nearly 30 years post-release. Recently, they announced the Summer Camp With Trucks Tour for 2024, their first tour since 2019, featuring 90s stars Collective Soul and musician Edwin McCain across 43 North American dates. 2. Fairground Attraction Fairground Attraction Fairground Attractions all four members are embarking on their first tour in over three decades. Alongside a new album and single, theyll undertake a 14-date tour from September to October 2024. Their debut single, Perfect, soared to the top of the charts in 1988, achieving silver certification in the UK by selling over 250,000 copies. 3. Green Day Green Day In 2024, Green Day is launching The Saviors Tour, celebrating three albums: their latest, Saviors, along with American Idiot (2004) and Dookie (1994). The tour will feature the Smashing Pumpkins, the Linda Lindas, and Rancid as support for the North American leg, promising a 90s vibe. 4. Shed Seven Shed Seven Shed Seven, a prominent Britpop band of the 90s, is commemorating the 30th anniversary of their debut album, Change Giver, with a tour. The 23-date tour begins in November and concludes on December 14 in London, marking their significant contribution to British rock. 5. Blink-182 Blink-182 Blink-182 thrilled fans in 2022 by reuniting with guitarist Tom DeLonge after a seven-year hiatus and announcing a 2023 world tour. Their classic lineups return in 2023, alongside the release of One More Time, marked a pivotal moment for the band, who will embark on another world tour in 2024. Shania Twain Shania Twain is preparing for her Come On Over residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casinos Bakkt Theater in Las Vegas for the latter half of 2024. Overcoming a decade-long hiatus due to Lyme disease and subsequent surgeries, Twains return to performing is a cause for celebration among both her and her fans. Two Korean banks have compensated retail investors for their losses involving troubled Hong Kong-tied equity-linked securities (ELS) after financial authorities' probe into possible illegal activities related to the sale of the high-risk notes, industry sources said Sunday. Shinhan Bank and Hana Bank provided the compensation to some of the individual retailers who invested in Chinese shares listed on the Hong Kong bourse through ELS products sold in their outlets, they said. Other banks, including KB Kookmin, Woori and HN Nonghyup, are set to follow suit. But it appears to be taking some time for them to come up with their compensation plans for their HK-tied ELS investors. KB Kookmin said it will initially start negotiations with investors who have terminated their accounts since late last year and finalized the value of their losses. An average of 40 percent of investment losses in the ELS products are expected to be covered for each investor. The HK-tied ELS is linked to the movement of the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, and its value more than halved in March this year from its 2021 peak. This year, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has expanded its investigation into banks and brokerages over the possible mis-selling of the ELS products following complaints from investors concerned about heavy losses from the products. The sellers came under fire for not properly explaining the investment risks of the ELS products. The FSS found that some banks focused on selling more ELS products despite growing risks to boost their non-interest income. Financial institutions will be punished for any illegal activities committed during the sale of the products in order to strengthen regulatory oversight and investor protection, the FSS said. The FSS estimated the investors' losses linked to the ELS products sold by six local banks at 1.9 trillion won, or 50 percent of their investments of 3.9 trillion won, this year through March 22. (Yonhap) Strife-torn Manipur has not reported a single case of ethnic clashes, gunfights or killings for 41 days now, officials on the ground said on Sunday, adding that this is the longest lull in violence since May 3, 2023 the day clashes broke out in the state last year. In the last 41 days, Manipur reported two killings but they were not a result of ethnic violence. (ANI) While Manipur is still divided on ethnic lines with security forces continuing to guard the buffer zones to separate tribals and non-tribals from launching attacks against each other, security forces attributed the temporary peace in the state to two possible reasons abduction of a senior police officer by radical group Arambai Tenggol (AT) on February 27, which they believe has united the police force, and secondly, the security arrangements in place ahead of the general elections. Read here: Violence casts shadow over LS poll campaign in strife-torn Manipur After Manipur additional SP Moirangthem Amit Singhs abduction on February 27, there has not been a single case of killings or clashes. The abduction united the police force. If it could happen to an SP, it could happen to anyone. A day after the kidnapping, Manipur commandos, who were otherwise accused of bias by tribal groups, also laid down their arms in protest. Actually, most police officers were not happy with AT right from the start but their hands were tied. What they needed was support from the bosses in the police and political establishment. This came after the abduction, an officer from a central security force posted in Manipur said. A day after the abduction, police commandos met chief minister Biren Singh over the threat to their lives while on the job. On the evening of February 27, Singh along with another police officer was kidnapped from outside his house in Imphal West by AT members. While Manipur police did not share details of the rescue, officials aware of the case said Singh was dropped outside a hospital two hours later, after police vowed war if the officer was not released. Following Singhs rescue, Manipur police on February 29 called out the AT for its role in abduction and other crimes. Until then police were naming the accused only as miscreants. The police statement said, AT is engaging in anti-social activities like assaulting civilians, snatching vehicles and also indulging in extortion. They are also garnering false support from the public in the garb of protecting them. Two days before the SPs abduction, ethnic clashes were reported from Imphal-Kangpokpi buffer zone areas on February 24 and 25. However there were no fatalities. Before this on February 13, two people were killed while one junior commissioned officer of the army was injured in firing due to the ethnic clashes. A Meitei man had died in the firing at Khamenlok on February 13. Hours later, a tribal man, Demkhogin Khongsai was killed at Satang in Saikul area. On February 13, mobs supported by Arambai Tenggol had stormed into the armoury of the 5 India Reserve Battalion and looted arms and ammunition from the armoury. To be sure, Manipur has reported two killings in these last 41 days but they were not a result of ethnic violence. Two Kuki men were killed in Motbung Bazar on March 10. The two were killed by Kuki militants in the town area where Meiteis cannot enter due to security reasons. Last month, there were gunshots fired between police and militants on March 18 and 19 in Ukhrul during election campaigning of Congress Lok Sabha candidate Alfred Kanngam Arthur but officials denied this was an ethnic clash and pointed to the role of Naga militant groups. Also Arthur is neither a Meitei nor a Kuki. Before this current phase of 41 days, for 26 days between December 4 and 30 last year, no person died in ethnic violence. However there were sporadic incidents of firing reported. Read here: AFSPA extended for another 6 months in Manipur A second paramilitary force officer, who asked not to be named, said, Even Kuki groups are on the back foot. They are equally responsible for the violence. They also do not want to cause trouble at the time of elections as it could fall back onto them because of the security. We believe this is a temporary peace. The state is still divided. Meitei and Kuki groups continue to live in different parts of the state. AT is also on the back foot because the additional SPs father Dr M Kulachandra is a noted doctor and Samaritan. The doctor is well known in the Meitei community. The AT made the mistake of abducting a serving police officer, who happens to be the son of a local luminary. At least 219 people have died in the ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki groups in Manipur. Over 50,000 have been rendered homeless. Voting for the two Manipur Lok Sabha constituencies will be held in two phases on April 19 and 26. Six students from Afghanistan and one from East Africa have been asked to vacate the Gujarat University's hostel rooms for overstaying, an official said on Sunday, in a move coming weeks after some foreign students were attacked for offering namaz on the premises. A damaged bike on the Gujarat University hostel campus students hailing from different foreign countries were assaulted allegedly by a group of persons over the issue of offering Namaz, in Ahmedabad(PTI) An Afghan and a Gambian delegation had visited the university days after the March 16 attack and held a meeting with the vice-chancellor over safety measures. Talking to PTI, the universitys vice-chancellor Neerja Gupta said, "Six students from Afghanistan and one from East Africa were asked to vacate their hostel rooms after they were found overstaying. These persons had completed their studies and were staying in the hostel as ex-students due to some pending administrative work, she said. ALSO READ| Gujarat University violence: V-C claims namaz can't be only reason behind attack on foreign students The university has ensured that they are no longer required to stay in the hostel and arranged for them to return to their respective countries, Gupta said. We have completed the required paperwork and they can now safely return to their native countries. We don't want to keep any former students in our hostel. We have informed the consulates of the respective countries, and they have also directed these students to vacate the hostel, the vice-chancellor said. More than 300 international students are enrolled in Gujarat University, she said. Around two dozen people barged into the government-run university's hostel on the night of March 16 and assaulted students from foreign countries for offering namaz at one of the blocks during the ongoing month of Ramzan, police said. Two students from Sri Lanka and Tajikistan were hospitalised following the incident. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh, who is currently out on bail in the Delhi excise policy case, said on Sunday that he was hurt by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar's exit from the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc, adding that Kumar switching sides was not good at all. Nitish Kumar and AAP's Sanjay Singh Nitish Kumar comes from Samajwadi Andolan (Socialist movement)He has been with Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan. He kept switching sides like that. It was not good at all...The people of Bihar supported Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, who gave the slogan of a complete revolution. They (people) won't support Nitish Kumar, Singh told news agency ANI. The AAP leader was arrested in October last year in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. Also read: In Bihar, a Grand Alliance-era tussle follows CM Nitish to his new NDA government During that time, Kumar used to voice against the BJP-led NDA alliance. However, in January this year, the 73-year-old leader ditched Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and formed a new government in Bihar with on-and-off ally BJP. This was the fifth time that the Bihar CM changed sides. According to Kumar, he left the Mahagathbandhan and the INDIA bloc as things were not working well for him. Alleging that the INDIA coalition he spearheaded to take on the BJP was not doing its bit, Kumar said, People were unhappy with how others in the alliance were taking credit for the work being done. I have resigned as the CM today and have asked the governor to put an end to this government. Party leaders were giving me advice. I heard what they said and have resigned. The situation was not good. So, we have broken ties, he had said after submitting his resignation. (With inputs from ANI) The Abu Dhabi police have arrested an Indian employee of the LuLu Group in UAE, who went absconding on March 25 after allegedly embezzling 600,000 dirhams (equivalent to 1.5 crore) from the company. The accused had been reportedly working with the LuLu Group for the past 15 years. (Representative Image) According to reports, the accused, identified as Muhammad Niyas (38), is a native of Kannur district in Kerala, who worked as a cash office-in-charge at the LuLu Hypermarket in Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi. Regarding the details of the incident, it was clarified that the Al-Khalediya Police Centre in Abu Dhabi received a report from a business institution in Abu Dhabi, informing that the business institution was robbed and embezzlement by an employee, and immediately the criminal investigation teams of the Al-Khalediya Police Centre collected information, which led to his arrest in a record time and the investigation is progressing. The accuseds condition is being followed to the Prosecutors Office to take its legal actions, the Abu Dhabi police said in a statement on April 5. ALSO READ: Woman duped of 7 lakh: Accused purchased gold coins with money, say police On its part, the commercial institution thanked the General Command of the Abu Dhabi police for their prompt response to the report, and expressed its happiness to arrest the accused in record time, it added. The robbery came to light after the employee failed to report for duty on March 25. Subsequently, attempts to contact him failed as his phone was reported to be switched off. On further inquiry by the company, the alleged embezzlement was found and duly reported to the police. The accused had been reportedly working with the LuLu Group for the past 15 years and lived with his family in Abu Dhabi. The company officials were unavailable for comment. Police in West Bengals East Midnapore district filed a case against National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials under sections pertaining to molestation and house trespass as the state government and the Centre entered into what appears set to turn into another confrontation involving law and order, fuelled by an increasingly bitter battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress. A police vehicle after it was attacked by villagers in Purba Medinipur. (PTI) The FIR came a day after an NIA team was attacked by a mob at Bhupatinagar in Purba Medinipur district while carrying out a probe in connection with a blast case an incident the BJP said was at the behest of chief minister Mamata Banerjees party, which in turn accused the Centre of misusing federal agencies for political leverage. Read here: TMC alleges Bengal BJP leader met NIA SP days before Bhupatinagar raid The agency on Sunday issued a statement categorically denying any mala fide intentions and the unlawful allegations levelled against it, while calling the mob attack unprovoked. NIA has reiterated that its team had come under violent attack by an unruly mob when they had gone to conduct searches in Naruabila village on Saturday in connection with its probe in the said case. The attack was completely unprovoked and uncalled for, and an attempt to obstruct NIA from carrying out its lawful duties, said a NIA spokesperson in a statement. On Saturday, the agency raided the homes of three more local TMC leaders, Subir Maiti, Manab Kumar Parua and Naba Kumar Panda, but they were not home. All three have been summoned to the NIA office on Monday. The agency also filed a police complaint over the attack on its team which led to injuries to one official and damage to a vehicle near the Bhupatinagar police station. In connection with the blast case which chief minister Banerjee said was linked to firecrackers and not explosives the agency arrested two local Trinamool members. Saturdays incident is similar to an attack on officials of another federal agency, the Enforcement Directorate, on January 5 when its sleuths attempted to arrest a now-expelled member of Banerjees party. That case snowballed into one of the biggest political controversies ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The ruling party went on the offensive on Sunday over the recent incident, alleging BJP leader Jitendra Tiwari met National Investigation Agencys Kolkata-based superintendent Dhan Ram Singh at the latters residence on March 26 and handed a list of Trinamool Congress leaders who should be arrested before the Lok Sabha polls. It will be a blunder to think that Saturdays NIA raid at Bhupatinagar in East Midnapore, where two local TMC leaders were arrested, was part of an investigation. As chief minister Mamata Banerjee said yesterday, NIA is acting under instructions from BJP. On March 26, Jitendra Tiwari met NIA SP Dhan Ram Singh at the latters flat and handed a list of TMC leaders BJP wants arrested before the elections. We are alleging that Tiwari carried cash in a white envelope, said TMC general secretary Kunal Ghosh, speaking at a press conference with minister of state for finance, Chandrima Bhattacharya. The two alleged the federal agency was being used by the BJP to arrest Trinamools election managers at a time when the model code of conduct was in force. BJP provided these names to NIA for political reasons. This is part of a bigger conspiracy. These raids are being conducted to create panic among ground level workers of TMC so that BJP benefits in the elections. The incident happened in December 2022. Why was NIA waiting till April 2024 when the model code for elections is in force, said Bhattacharya. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought a report from the state government on the attack. West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose has sought a report as well. Both Modi and Banerjee too spoke on Sunday on the confrontation between the state and federal agencies. When federal agencies come, TMC attacks their teams. TMC wants to slaughter law and order, said Modi at a rally in Jalpaiguri on Sunday. Till December 2020, Tiwari was a TMC leader at Asansol in the West Burdwan district. He was a legislator and also the mayor of Asansol. He joined BJP alongside TMC leader Suvendu Adhikari who is now leader of the opposition in the Bengal legislative assembly. TMC released copies of the visitors logbook, the lease agreement for Singhs flat and a copy of a statement NIA released in 2017 when he was awarded the Presidents medal on Republic Day. It said Singh was part of counter intelligence operations in Jammu and Kashmir, the North-East and Maoist infested areas. Tiwari did not confirm or deny the allegation. Those making the allegation should prove it in seven days. Or else, I will file a defamation suit against them, said Tiwari. Read here: NIA says attack on its team in Bengal an attempt to obstruct agencys duty BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar however defended Tiwari. Any citizen can meet an NIA officer at any point of time and share information about terrorist activities. I can arrange an appointment if TMC leaders want to meet NIA officers. BJP does not need NIAs help to defeat TMC. This is a bogus allegation. Anybody could have entered the housing complex and put Tiwaris name in the logbook. Also, there are more than 200 flats in that complex. How can someone say which flat a visitor is going to, Majumdar said. The NIA said Saturdays raid was carried out as part of an investigation ordered by the Calcutta high court (in 2022) and the allegations of forceful entry and molestation lodged against the agency were motivated. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Madhavi Latha on Sunday mocked her Lok Sabha election rival from Hyderabad, Asadduddin Owaisi, after he claimed to have received death threats. Who is giving him (Asaduddin Owaisi) death threats?...Look at the level of his friendships. He is friends with people from ISIS, the kings' group...He says that he has a stronghold here and then says that he is receiving death threats, Latha told news agency ANI. On Friday, the four-time Hyderabad MP had alleged to have received threatening social media posts after his meeting with the family members of deceased gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari. Owaisi had visited Ansari's Ghazipur home in Uttar Pradesh to offer condolences to his family. Ansari died of cardiac arrest at a hospital in UP's Banda on March 28. BJP candidate Madhavi Latha is contesting from Hyderabad against AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi. The atmosphere created in the country is giving them strength to say such things. We will live as long as it is destined and no one is here to live forever. We appeal to ECI to monitor the situation, Owaisi was quoted by ANI as saying. An AIMIM bastion, the Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency comprises seven assembly segments of Bahadurpura, Chandrayangutta, Charminar, Goshamahal, Karwan, Malakpet and Yakatpura. All assembly seats, except Goshamahal, are held by the AIMIM. Goshamahal was retained by BJP's Raja Singh. Prior to Asaduddin Owaisi, his father Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi had represented Hyderabad in the Lok Sabha for six consecutive terms between 1984 and 2004. The BJP has fielded Madhavi Latha, a philanthropist, classical dancer and entrepreneur as its candidate in Hyderabad. She has the image of being a strong Hindutva proponent. As a social activist, she had collaborated with several Muslim women groups on triple talaq and she was one of the few who were invited to talk on abolition of triple talaq. Hyderabad is among the 17 Lok Sabha constituencies in Telangana that will go to polls on May 13 in the fourth phase of general elections. The counting of votes will take place on June 4. (With PTI, ANI inputs) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation into the death of a 20-year-old veterinary student, who was found hanging inside the bathroom of the college hostel in Kerala's Wayanad district on February 18. Sidharthan JS was allegedly ragged by fellow students, including activists of ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) students' outfit Student's Federation of India (SFI), as alleged by his family. According to a PTI report, the CBI re-registered an FIR at the Vythiri police station in Wayanad against 20 people on Friday. The accused have been booked under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections related to criminal conspiracy, abetment to suicide, wrongful restraint, voluntarily causing hurt and Kerala's anti-ragging law. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had assured a CBI probe on March 9 after political uproar A CBI team will visit the state soon with a forensics team, the officials said. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had assured a CBI probe on March 9 after political uproar. What happened on February 18? According to an Indian Express report, Sidharthan was a second-year student at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Wayanad. As per the case file documents, Vythiri police station sub-inspector Prashobh PV had written that Sidharthan's seniors and peers physically and mentally tortured him, forcing him to take the extreme step. As per the police official, Sidharthan was allegedly assaulted on February 16 from 9 am to 2 pm till February 17 continuously using a belt and was subjected to cruel ragging. According to the sub-inspector said that the student was in utter mental stress and was under feeling that he can neither continue his studies at the institute and complete the course nor go home dropping the course. "As he is so mentally stressed, he felt that there is no option for him other than suicide, he committed suicide by hanging himself in the bath room of mens hostel in between 12.30 pm and 13.45 pm on February 18, the Express report quoted the case document. Kochi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday took over the probe into the death of second-year undergraduate student JS Siddharth (20) who was allegedly brutally tortured and starved for days at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Pookode in Kerals Wayanad district, leading to his death, people aware of the development said. Central Bureau of Investigation (Representative Photo) A four-member CBI team arrived in Kannur from Delhi on Saturday and from there, they travelled to Wayanad and held discussions with the officers of the state police, including district superintendent of police T Narayanan and Kalpetta deputy superintendent of police TN Sajeev, who was the lead investigator in the case, said the people mentioned above. All relevant documents pertaining to the case were reportedly handed over to the central agency, they said. According to the people, the investigating agency is currently camping at a guest house in Vythiri and will visit the college premises in the next few days. They would also demand the custody of the accused arrested by the state police in the case so far. At least 18 people, including members of the college Union and local Students Federation of India (SFI) leaders, have been arrested and booked in connection with the students death. The central agency, said people, will record the testimony of T Jayaprakash, the father of the victim, on Tuesday (March 9) in Wayanad. The CBIs takeover of the probe into the case comes two days after the Centre issued the notification for the same on the directions of the Kerala high court. Jayaprakash had approached the Kerala high court last week stating that there was a delay in the central agency probe despite case files being handed over to them by the state government on March 23. The high court also slammed the state government for delaying the transfer of the case files even though it had notified its decision to hand over the probe to the CBI on March 9. The Kerala high court on Friday directed the Centre to promptly issue a notification to the CBI to take charge of the investigation into the death of the veterinary student. Siddharth, a native of Nedumangad in Thiruvananthapuram district, was found dead in the college hostel washroom on February 18. Though initially deemed a suicide without any external motives at play, the family of the victim raised an alarm after noticing several injuries on his body pointing to severe assault. Later, an interim report of the anti-ragging squad, based on testimonies from several students, said that the undergraduate student was forced to strip down to his underwear and was paraded and assaulted by several students in the open area of the hostel in the presence of many. Chennai, The Chennai Customs has issued a summons to Ponguleti Harsha Reddy, the son of a Telangana minister, for his alleged involvement in the smuggling of high-end watches worth several crores of rupees, according to official documents. HT Image Reddy was asked to appear on April 4, but in a letter dated April 3, he expressed his inability to show up, stating that he is recovering from dengue fever, Customs sources quoting the letter said. However, he has agreed to appear before the department after April 27, as per medical advice, official sources said. Speaking to PTI, Reddy said that he had nothing to do with the case. "It is completely baseless. I am unwell right now," said the son of Telanganas Revenue and Housing Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy. The summons dated March 28 was sent to the office of a family-owned firm in Hyderabad in which Harsha Reddy is a director. The smuggling case was booked by Customs on February 5 when two luxury watchesPatek Philipe 5740 and Breguet 2759were seized from a Hongkong-based Indian Muhammed Faherdeen Mubeen, who came to Chennai from Singapore. The original value of the watches was estimated by Customs to be 1.73 crore; the Patek Philipe has no dealer in India, while the Breguet is out of stock in the Indian market, an official press release by Customs said. According to investigations by Customs, Harsha Reddy has been allegedly identified as the buyer of the watches from Mubeen through an intermediary Alokam Naveen Kumar, who was interrogated by Customs on March 12, sources said. During interrogation, Naveen Kumar has revealed that he acted as an intermediary between Harsha and Mubeen, a luxury watch dealer, and facilitated payments for the transaction through USDT-a form of cryptocurrency- and cash, using the hawala route, Customs sources claimed, quoting Kumar's statements during questioning. When contacted by PTI, Harsha Reddy categorically denied these allegations, terming them "baseless". In his response to the Customs summons, Harsha Reddy said that he was surprised and denied knowledge about the case, sources said. However, he has agreed to appear before the department after April 27, as per medical advice, official sources said. Dismissing an anticipatory bail petition moved by Naveen Kumar, the Madras High Court in its order on March 18 said that the amount involved in the overall smuggling of luxury watches over a period might be more than 100 crore, based on a perusal of records. During a review of the case by the Alandur court here, the Judicial Magistrate on April 1 directed Customs to investigate Harsha Reddy and arrest Alokam Naveen Kumar, Customs sources said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Unveiling the Congress manifesto with five guarantees for the Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said his party, if voted to power at the Centre, would implement these in letter and spirit, as it has done in Telangana after coming to power in the November 30 assembly elections. Hyderabad: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and others release the partys manifesto Nyay Patra during a public meeting (Jana Jatara), ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha election, in Hyderabad, Saturday, April 6, 2024. (PTI Photo) (PTI04_06_2024_000342B) (PTI) Addressing an election rally at Tukkuguda on the outskirts of Hyderabad, Gandhi said the people of Telangana had seen how the Congress had been striving to implement the six guarantees given to them in the assembly elections. In the last three months, it (Telangana government) filled up 30,000 jobs. It implemented guarantees like supply of LPG cylinder for 500, free bus travel for women and free power supply up to 200 units, he said. Similarly, we shall implement all the five guarantees being promised at the national level, if the party is voted to power at the Centre in the coming Lok Sabha elections. Stating that the Congress manifesto would change the face of the country as it reflected the spirit of the common man, Gandhi said his party had promised to ensure unemployed youth would get job opportunities by providing them training, besides paying a stipend of 8,500 a month. Under the Mahila Nyay programme, we shall credit an amount of 1-lakh a year directly into their (poor womens) accounts, Gandhi said. We shall increase the minimum support price for farmers as per the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission and minimum wages would be increased to 400 per day. Although 90% of the countrys population comprised poorer and weaker sections, including 50% OBCs, 8% STs and 15% SCs, their percentage in any institution are not in proportion to their population, he said. We shall bring a new lease of life for these weaker sections by taking up a caste census to find out their socioeconomic status. Healleged that the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government in Telangana had misused the police, intelligence and official machinery to suppress opposition parties by tapping their phones. The Narendra Modi government, too, was misusing the central agencies to harass opposition parties, he said. The Enforcement Directorate has been made an extortion directorate. The CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) was used to target the industrialists and companies to collect party funds in the name of electoral bonds, which was a big scam, he alleged. Gandhi also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of conspiring to abolish the Constitution, which the Congress will oppose. We shall fight tooth and nail to protect the Constitution and democracy in the country, he said. The general elections are a battle between the BJP, which has money power and is backed by corporate forces, and the Congress, which has the love and affection of the people, Gandhi said. I have a familial bond with you and I shall continue to serve you all through my life, he said. Gandhi said he was ready to come to Telangana whenever the people wanted. I am sure under the leadership of the Congress, Telangana would be a role model for the entire country. I am sure Made in Telangana products would overtake the Made in China goods in the entire world, he said. Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy called upon the people of the state to display the same spirit they had shown during the assembly elections to bring the Congress to power. The vibrant Telangana model will soon overtake the Gujarat model, he said. The BJP had cheated the people of the country by making false promises like 20 crore jobs and housing for every poor family, but failed to implement any of them, Reddy said. Instead, the BJP is creating a north-south divide for coming to power for the third time, he alleged and appealed to the people to oust the BJP at the Centre, as they had done with the BRS in Telangana. Regular communication between the two Koreas through cross-border hotlines has remained severed for one year as the North continues to be unresponsive to calls from the South amid increasingly frosty ties. The two Koreas used to hold routine calls twice a day once in the morning and the other in the afternoon via liaison and military hotlines, but the North has stopped answering calls from the South since April 7, 2023. The move came a day after Seoul called on Pyongyang to stop its unauthorized use of the now-shuttered joint Gaeseong Industrial Complex. Due to the severed lines, Seoul's unification ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs has had to make public announcements through the media to communicate with the North. The military has relied on the U.S.-led U.N. Command that maintains a line with the North and oversees activities in the Demilitarized Zone, separating the two Koreas, to send messages. Seoul has called on Pyongyang to restore the lines in an effort to prevent accidental military clashes and for humanitarian purposes, such as rescuing ships adrift at sea and responding to natural disasters. The North has previously severed and later restored the hotlines with the South, although it remains uncertain whether the lines will open again. In July 2021, the North restored the inter-Korean hotlines, about a year after it severed them in June 2020, in protest of anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets sent via balloon by North Korean defectors in Seoul. In January 2018, it opened the channels after refusing contact since February 2016, in protest of the South's decision to stop operations at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex in the namesake North Korean border city. But hopes of a restoration remain dim this time as the North's leader late last year called inter-Korean ties as "two states hostile to each other" instead of those seeking unification. In January, the North's leader also called for defining South Korea as the North's "invariable principal enemy" in its constitution. "In the past, the communication channel could be restored once North Korea's complaints were resolved, but it will likely be considerably more difficult to restore it if South Korea is stipulated as a hostile country in the constitution," said Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. (Yonhap) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has used invoices of a refrigerator and a smart television as evidence to support its claim that former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren acquired 8.86 acres of land worth more than 31 crore illegally. Former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on January 31.(PTI file) According to a PTI report, the agency obtained these receipts from two Ranchi-based dealers and attached them to its chargesheet against the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader last month. The special PMLA court took cognisance of the prosecution complaint on April 4, the report added. As per the central probe agency, both the refrigerator and smart TV were bought in the name of the family of Santosh Munda, who told ED that he has been living as a caretaker of the property of the ex-CM on the said 8.86 acre land for the past 14-15 years. ALSO READ: Hemant Soren forcefully acquired land worth 31 crore in Ranchi: ED The ED used Munda's statement to counter the JMM leader's claims that he had no link with the said land. It also rejected the claim of one Rajkumar Pahan on the piece of land, alleging that he was a "front" for Soren to keep the asset under his control. According to the agency, soon after Soren was issued the first summons last year, Pahan had written to the Ranchi deputy commissioner stating he and some others have the land in possession and the earlier mutation in the name of other owners be cancelled and they may be saved from being evicted from their property. The JMM-Congress government "restored" the land to Pahan on January 29, two days before Soren's arrest, so that the JMM leader's control and possession remained "unimpeded,the ED alleged in its chargesheet. According to the ED, the land was originally a 'Bhuinhari' property that cannot be transferred or sold to anyone under general situations and 'Mundas' and 'Pahans' were the owners of such land assets. ALSO READ: Soren created parallel evidence to conceal illegal land, claims ED The immovable asset was later sold to some persons by the original allottees but Soren got them "evicted" and gained control of the land in 2010-11. Santosh Munda had also told the ED that Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana visited the land "two to three times" and that he worked as a labourer when a boundary wall was being erected at the plot. The ED claims Munda was entrusted the charge of the property's caretaker at the behest of Soren, apart from another accused in the case Hilariyas Kachhap who got an electricity meter installed there. A refrigerator was purchased in February 2017 in the name of Munda's son while a smart TV was purchased in November 2022 in the name of his daughter at the address where the land is located in Ranchi, the agency said. (With PTI inputs) Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday claimed that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge inadvertently exposed the Modi-Shah game plan of wanting to change Article 371 of the Indian Constitution. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge speaks during a public meeting, ahead of Lok Sabha elections, in Jaipur, Saturday, April 6, 2024.(PTI) Kharge stirred up controversy by mistakenly mentioning Article 371 while talking about the abrogation of Article 370. Union home minister Amit Shah was quick to seize upon the mistake and said such blunders by Congress have haunted our nation for decades now. Read: Amit Shah's Italian culture barb at Congress over Mallikarjun Kharge's remark on J&K in Rajasthan Clarifying Kharge's statement, Ramesh said it was a "slip of tongue" and the Congress president clearly meant Article 370. "Amit Shah immediately pounced on the Congress President. But the truth is that Modi does indeed want to change Article 371-A relating to Nagaland, Article 371-B relating to Assam, Article 371-C relating to Manipur, Article 371-F relating to Sikkim, Article 371-G relating to Mizoram, and Article 371-H relating to Arunachal Pradesh," Ramesh claimed. "Incidentally, Kharge ji was the man singularly responsible for Article 371-J relating to the erstwhile Hyderabad-Karnataka region - which he got accomplished only after Dr. Manmohan Singh became PM," he added. Amit Shah got all excited and agitated because Khargeji inadvertently exposed the Modi-Shah gameplan on Article 371; now that they have gotten Article 370 out of the way, the Congress general secretary said. Amit Shah shared a video on his X account on Saturday in which Mallikarjun Kharge, during a public rally in Jaipur, was heard saying, They (the BJP) are coming here and saying that they removed 371. What does it have to do with the people here? It's okay if you go and speak about that in Jammu and Kashmir. Reacting to Kharge's remarks, Shah said, "For the kind information of the Congress, it was not Article 371, but Article 370, that was abrogated by the Modi government. However, it is only expected of Congress to make such horrendous mistakes. Such blunders made by it have haunted our nation for decades now," Shah added. Patna: Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan has managed to upstage his uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras to become one of the most sought leaders after allying with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bihar, getting tickets for his party in return. Of the 40 seats in the state, the BJP has given five tickets to the LPJ. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan (File Photo) The party, which is part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is contesting on Vaishali, Hajipur, Samastipur, Khagaria and Jamui seats. Paswan had even offered the BJP to contest from his late father Ram Vilas Paswans constituency, Hajipur, which the senior Paswan represented eight times. In an interview with HTs Vijay Swaroop, Chirag spells out his plans on dynastic politics, hinting that he has moved on from the Pashupati Paras episode on the National Democratic Unity and caste survey impact on elections in Bihar. What are the foremost issues in this Lok Sabha polls for you? Answer: I have been raising the issue of Bihars development for a long time, through my Bihar First, and Bihari First slogan, including in my recent campaigns. (Bihar First, Bihari First campaign aims to develop the state of Bihar thoroughly. Paswan has earlier said there is an utmost requirement to make Bihar a number one state in the country.) Also Read: Why the BJP has chosen Chirag Paswan over his uncle, Union minister Pashupati Paras Our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a promise to make India a developed nation by 2047. This would be possible if each state develops as well. After a long time, Bihar has a double-engine government, and it is bound to propel development. For a long time, the state and the Centre had contradictory governments, and that is one of the reasons the Bihar state has not been developed, the way it should have. Take the example of Uttar Pradesh. The development in UP has been phenomenal, and we are confident that we would be fulfilling the dreams of development here too. BJP has raised the issue of parivarvaad (dynastic politics). What is your stand on this since allegations have also been levelled against you? Answer: PM Modi himself defined the term parivarvaad in the Parliament last year very clearly, what exactly it means. I also believe it can be a blessing to be a son or a daughter of big names, but that cannot be your USP (unique selling point) for success. If you do not have the potential or capability, nothing can work for you, big surnames cannot carry you too far. You have to prove yourself in the field to win peoples trust. Let me be candid. I also faced the same (allegations) in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. If surname mattered, I would have won by a huge margin as my father was alive at the time. But that was not the case. I only won by 85,000 votes. I worked hard and won by over 250,000 votes in the 2019 Lok Saba polls. It all depends do how well you connect with people to win their trust. Only hard work pays. Also Read: Chirag Paswan on possible Lok Sabha election faceoff with Pashupati Paras: Uncle to decide How do you access opposition in Bihar? Answer: The opposition is very fragmented. I do not see any unity, I do not see the opposition geared up properly. Their priorities are not clear. When one is working in alliance, the other has to see that there is no compromise with nationalism. The Opposition as I see it, is not even sticking to coalition dharma. They are distributing tickets without taking other partners into confidence. Take the case of Purnea in Bihar, where two allies are fighting (referring to Pappu Yadav, who filed his nomination for the Purnea Lok Sabha seat in Bihar, which has gone to the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) as part of the seat-sharing pact of the Opposition alliance also comprising the Congress, a party he had joined a little over a week ago). At the national level as well, there is a lack of cohesion. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress are fighting together, but in neighbouring Punjab, they are fighting independently (against each other). There is no clarity between them. Do you think a caste survey would make an impact or development would play a role in this Lok Sabha election? Answer: Caste survey, not really. Everything will boil down to development. I do believe that in my state, which has always faced this accusation of banking on caste-based politics, things have changed. Of late, I see these barriers are being broken. Youths cutting across caste and creed are voting for development, and general voters are clamouring for better avenues. This is why we see bigger victory margins in 2024. You have been a bitter critic of Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. Now you have started appreciating him. Is it because both you and Nitish are on the same side, or there has been a quantum change in governance for which you have targeted the Bihar CM? Answer: For me, the nation comes first. Today, all allies of the BJP, be it the Janata Dal (United), LJP (Ram Vilas)), Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, have come together with the priority to make PM Modi our PM again. All allies are working towards a common goal with clarity and honesty. This election is to ensure that the NDA government comes to power again and Modi becomes the Prime Minister again and with this goal in mind, we all, including Nitish Kumar are working sincerely to win all 40 seats. Yes, it is true that in some seats we have to work hard and put in extra effort. Also Read: NDA will win all 40 Bihar seats: PM Modi campaigns for little brother Chirag Paswan in Jamui Your uncle (Pashupati Kumar Paras) has extended support to you after bitterness. Is there any chance of a rapprochement or merger of the two LJP factions in future? Answer: I do not know how to answer this as it concerns my entire family, including myself, my uncle, my buas (fathers sister), and every other member. My aunts were hurt most after the split decision was taken by my chacha (uncle Pashupati Paras). He apparently has burnt all bridges. He used to say so many things. Spoke never, never, never whenever he was asked about re-rapprochement. What has hurt us most is that he used to call my mother Bhabhi but after the split, that relationship suddenly became Chirag Ki Maa (Chirags mother). My cousin Prince, the current MP from Samastipur started addressing my mother by her name, that too, with the wrong surname, Reena Sharma Paswan. I went to my uncles house after the split and was made to wait at the gate for over an hour. My uncle never considered me like his son. Things like this have left no scope to build a bridge when so much has happened. I have moved on. Much water has flowed down the Ganga. I have better priorities in life. I am building my janadhar (mass support), my party. So the question is not a point of concern in my party. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday attacked the Congress party over its poll manifesto, saying that it was more appropriate for elections in neighbouring Pakistan than for India. Sarma said the manifesto was targeted at dividing society. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma(HT File Photo) "This is politics of appeasement and we condemn it. The manifesto feels like it is not for elections in Bharat but for Pakistan," Sarma told reporters on the sidelines of an election rally in Jorhat constituency. The Assam CM said that no one in the country, neither Hindus nor Muslims, wanted the revival of triple talaq or supported child marriage or polygamy. "The mentality of the Congress is to divide the society and come to power," the BJP leader said. READ | Cong manifesto has photos of New York, Thailand; understand their seriousness: BJP Meanwhile, reacting to the Assam CM's statement, Assam Congress spokesperson Bedabrata Bora said that a turncoat like Sarma would not be able to understand the party's secular and inclusive ethos and asserted that its manifesto aims to safeguard the interests of all sections of society. "Sarma had been in the Congress for several years but he could not understand the main ethos of the party. That is why he went to the BJP. Even after being in the BJP for some time now, he still tries to defame Congress to prove his loyalty to the saffron party," Bora told PTI. READ | Congress manifesto makes it clear party is cut off from common man: PM Modi in UP The Congress released its poll manifesto on Friday. The right to apprenticeship, a legal guarantee for MSP, passing a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 per cent cap on reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs, a nationwide caste census, and scrapping of the Agnipath scheme are among the promises made by the Congress in its Lok Sabha poll manifesto. (With inputs from PTI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh launched a blistering attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party over the alleged liquor scam and dared the Delhi lieutenant governor to put BJP leaders behind bars. Sanjay Singh, who is out on bail in a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy, alleged that a money trail of 55 crore was found in BJP's account. AAP leader Sanjay Singh addressing the Upvas Diwas event at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Singh was referring to the donation made by Aurobindo Pharma, whose director and promoter Sarath Chandra Reddy was arrested in the same case. Reddy later turned approver in the case and was granted bail. If you (L-G) have any morality left, write a letterput BJP leaders behind bars, they committed the liquor scam, Singh told the gathering at Jantar Mantar in the national capital. Doubling down on his claims, Singh called the BJP the most corrupt party of independent India and mocked the slogan of Modi ki guarantee. Singh said that Modi guarantees to induct all corrupt leaders into his party and went on to name those who crossed over to the BJP and later got a reprieve from the probe agencies. Singh, a member of the Rajya Sabha, rejected the BJP's demand of Kejriwal's resignation as Delhi chief minister. Show me where it is written that if an honest Chief Minister is put in jail on false charges, then he has to submit his resignation. AAP leaders have not been getting bail for the past one year, Singh said. Read: Why was Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal arrested by ED? What's liquor scam? Top AAP leaders gathered at Jantar Mantar on Sunday for a day-long fast to protest against the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, who is also the party's national convener. Similar protests were being held in other states as well as by Indians abroad, including at Harvard Square in Boston, the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, outside the Indian Embassy in Washington DC, in New York Times Square and Toronto, London and Melbourne among others, party leaders said. Read: 'Awful': Bhagat Singh's kin reacts to Arvind Kejriwal's photo; AAP asks why Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann joined the collective fast at freedom fighter Bhagat Singh's ancestral village Khatkar Kalan. Kejriwal is in judicial custody till April 15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday highlighted the achievements of his government and slammed the Opposition as he pitched for a third term for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at a rally first in Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, and then Pushkar in Rajasthan, just weeks ahead of the start of Lok Sabha elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath at a road show in Ghaziabad on Saturday. (Ajay Aggarwal/HT Photo) Modi, who launched his Lok Sabha campaign for the state from Meerut on March 31, was back again in west UP for his second rally in a week; this time inSaharanpur, which is among 16 Lok Sabha seats the BJP lost in state in the 2019 elections. The state which, with 80 seats, sends the most of number of members to the 543-member Lok Sabha is pivotal to ensure another term for the BJP as well as its goal of sealing 370 seats in the elections. Urging the nearly hundreds of thousands of people at the rally to vote for the BJP, the PM said this Lok Sabha elections will pit Modi governments mission of making India a developed nation by 2047 against a commission-seeking, graft-hit opposition. Highlighting their achievements, Mod said, he and chief minister Yogi Adityanath were pushing for vocal for local and one district, one product scheme. We are also planning to open Ekta Mall (Unity Mall) in each state to display the countrys unity. The stone that pelters threw in Kashmir are being used to develop a developed Kashmir, he said adding niyat sahi, nateeje sahi (right intentions lead to the right results). Lauding CM Adityanath, he said, Yogi ji wont spare criminals or let up on law and order. Modi also hailed his governments decision to scrap triple talaq (the instant divorce practice prevalent among Muslims), reaching out to the sizeable Muslim population of state and Saharanpur city. There are many who feel that this decision only benefitted Muslim women. In fact, this move to scrap triple talaq helped scores of families as a married girl is also someones daughter and sister. This is such a big decision that Muslim daughters would bless me for a very long time, Modi said. He also talked about how special this years Ram Navami celebrations would be, seeing as it will be first after the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya last year a decades-old promise of the BJP. Launching scathing broadsides at the opposition parties in UP, he dismissed the alliance between the Samajwadi Party and Congress as a flop film that has been relaunched and said the Congresss manifesto, which was released on Friday, was out of touch with the aspirations and hopes of the common man. He said the party today lacks vision for national development. The Congress party that fought for independence has today been rejected by masses... The party today lacks vision for national development and their manifesto makes it clear that Congress is cut off from aspirations and hope of the common man. The Congress thinking today reflects the thinking of erstwhile Muslim League and leftists, and such a Congress cant take the country ahead, he said. In the 2019 elections, the BJP won 62 seats while its ally Apna Dal (S) won two. Former chief minister Akhilesh Yadavs SP won five seats. Its alliance partner Bahujan Samaj Party won on 10 seats, while the Rashtriya Lok Dal didnt win a single. The Congress was victorious in the Rae Bareli constituency, contested by senior leader Sonia Gandhi. This time around, the RLD has joined hands with the BJP, where it will compete on one seat and BJP on 75. The SP and Congress, which are both members of the INDIA bloc, are contesting together with the former contesting 63 and the latter on 17 in the state. This is the first election I am seeing in which the opposition isnt claiming to win but only referring to reducing BJPs numbers, Modi said, alleging that the SP was being forced to change candidates and the Congress was unable to find enough candidates. Modi made similar remarks against the Congress at a rally in Pushkar, promising major decisions from his government if they return for the third term. In Saharanpur, he repeated the BJP-led National Democratic Alliances goal of winning 400-paar (more than 400) seats in the Lok Sabha. Addressing the Vijay Shankhnad rally, Modi said, The third term of my government is not far. Within the first 100 days, the BJP government will take even bigger decisions and crackdown harder against corruption I am already prepared what has been done in the last ten years was just a trailer, lots more remains to be done. He was campaigning on behalf of Bhagirath Choudhary, the BJP candidate from Ajmer, and Jyoti Mirdha, a former Congress MP who switched to BJP last year and is now representing the party from the Nagaur seat. Modi said Congress never cared for women and never understood their pain but coming from a humble background, he could empathise with women. India can only become developed and self reliant when 50% of the population is given encouragement. Respect, security and prosperity of women is Modis guarantee. Thats why all women are saying we will make Modi win, this is each womans guarantee, he said. He also slammed the previous Congress government in Rajasthan, saying there was only negative news during its tenure. There was news of paper leaks, gang wars, atrocities on women, water scarcity and power struggle. But since the BJP has come to power, there is news of action against paper leak mafia, crackdown on criminals and gangsters, and starting of work on ERCP project that was stalled for decades this push to development, only BJP can give, he said. The BJP came to power in the state in the November 2023 Assembly elections. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 24 seats of Rajasthans 25 in 2019 elections. The RLD won the remaining one seat. The Congress hit out at Modi, slamming him for making false promises. Congress spokesperson Swarnim Chaturvedi said BJP had made crime a big issue in the assembly elections but has failed to curb it. We brought schemes like MNREGA, Right to food, right to education and right to information. BJP has not given any such scheme in 10 years. The schemes which were running for peoples welfare in Rajasthan, the BJP has stopped, Chaturvedi said. Congress does work which is visible for all to see while PM has only given empty promises in 10 years. Addressing a public rally in Jaipur, party president Mallikarjun Kharge said, We have promised to fulfil 25 guarantees, if our party comes to power. Unlike PM Modi, we dont tell lies. He has given several guarantees, but I want to ask you which guarantee has been fulfilled so far. He gave the guarantee to provide 2 crore jobs every year. So, in the last 10 years, he had to provide 20 crore jobs. I want to ask if you have got 20 crore jobs or not? (With inputs from Manish Chandra Pandey in Lucknow) Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Saturday called for a 'Dravidian model' of governance and development over the much-hyped Gujarat model. Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) leader Kamal Haasan Campaigning for DMK's South Chennai candidate Thamizhachi Thangapandian in the Mylapore area on Saturday, the Makkal Needhi Maiam chief said, People cannot always say that the Gujarat model is great, we have come to this model, which is also great (Dravidian model). Hereafter India should follow Dravidian model. Moving my chariot alone is not enough, so we have to move the chariot together" "If I had asked them (DMK) for this South Chennai seat, I would have got it, but I did not come here for a seat. I came here to seek votes for our sister. Don't forget this symbol: the rising sun It's for our nation; we have to do our rights," Haasan said while addressing the campaign event. READ | Kamal Haasan announces alliance with MK Stalin's DMK, but there's a twist MNM is an alliance partner of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu. In addition to MNM, a large number of party cadres from DMK's alliance partners, including Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India, and Communist Party of India (Marxist), also attended the campaign event. "These allies' party flags are flying here because we need one flag to fly forever: our national flag," Haasan said. Tamil Nadu will go to polls in the first phase of the general elections on April 19. The votes will be counted on June 4. In 2019, the DMK swept the Lok Sabha polls in the state, winning the lion's share of the total votes polled. The DMK won all 20 seats they contested while its ruling ally, the 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. The remaining two seats went to Independents. (With ANI inputs) Bharatiya Janata Party's Karnataka unit president BY Vijayendra on Sunday appealed to senior leader KS Eshwarappa, urging him not to contest from Shivamogga against his brother and sitting MP BY Raghavendra. Eshwarappa is a senior leader. I appeal to you that your contribution in building the party along with Yediyurappa and former Union Minister late Ananth Kumar is immense, Vijayendra was quoted by PTI as saying. KS Eshwarappa has already declared he will contest from Shivamogga in the Lok Sabha elections. (PTI) When the entire country is hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, please keep aside your grouse and join hands for strengthening the party, the BJP leader said. Both Vijayendra and Raghavendra are sons of former Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa. Asserting that Raghavendra will win by a margin of at least two lakh votes, Vijayendra added,"On behalf of our party workers I am praying to you. There is always a possibility to find a solution to every problem. If you have any grievances, then meet our Delhi leaders and solve your problem. We are with you and we too want you to be with our BJP workers." Vijayendra declined to comment on Eshwarappa using Modis photographs during his election campaign but said he would speak to him as well as the BJP central leaders. "I want Eshwarappa to support Raghavendra," he added, while refusing to comment on the veteran leader using Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photographs during his election campaign. ALSO READ: One family holding power of BJP in Karnataka: BJP's Eshwarappa Eshwarappa responds to Vijayendra Responding to Vijayendra, Eshwarappa said,"If he is so confident that Eshwarappa will talk to BJP central leaders in Delhi and if you want me not to contest the election then resign from the BJP state president post." ALSO READ: Rebel BJP leader KS Eshwarappa claims Amit Shah declined to meet him in Delhi "Just one family is controlling all the key posts. Why do you want me to talk to Delhi leaders?" he was quoted by PTI as saying. Eshwarappa is upset after the BJP denied ticket to his son Kantesh from Haveri. The party has fielded former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai from this constituency. He had blamed Yediyurappa for his son not getting ticket, accusing the veteran leader of betrayal. (With PTI inputs) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will observe a daylong fast today to mark their protest against the arrest of party chief and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai announced on Saturday that the collective act of solidarity would include a congregation of supporters at Delhis Jantar Mantar and Khatkar Kalan in Punjab, the ancestral village of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, where AAP leaders and party workers would undertake a mass fast. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh with his wife Anita Singh, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj and party supporters during his visit to Raj Ghat.(ANI) Simultaneously, in 25 states across India and key international hubs including New York, Boston, Toronto, Washington DC, Melbourne, and London, supporters will extend their support to Kejriwal through community fasting, Rai said at a press conference. Read: Why was Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal arrested by ED? What's liquor scam? Rai urged those opposed to Kejriwal's arrest and who want to save the country's democracy to participate in collective fasts across various locations, including homes, villages, neighbourhoods, block headquarters, tehsils, districts, and state capitals. He also encouraged people to collectively pray or listen to the devotional song "Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram" on YouTube, expressing solidarity with Kejriwal. "You can sing it collectively. Together, we will pray for Kejriwal to receive strength and fight against tyranny while he is in jail. We can fight to bring the truth to light," he added. Read: Sunita Kejriwal reads out husband's message at INDIA bloc rally: Arvind Kejriwal sher (lion) hai People holding fast to protest Kejriwals arrest have been asked to send pictures to the website kejriwalkoaashirvaad.com. Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by Enforcement Directorate last month in a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy. He has been sent to judicial custody till April 15. Kejriwal is lodged in Tihar jail along with his former cabinet minister Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been demanding Kejriwal's resignation as Delhi chief minister. The Enforcement Directorate also opposed the plea moved by Kejriwal before a city court for more time with his lawyer, saying special privileges cannot be extended to him merely because he wants to run the government from inside the jail. When a person is in jail his stature outside is irrelevant and he is treated equally (like other prisoners). They have already been allowed two meetings in a week. One of the consequences of JC (judicial custody) is that your exposure to the outside world is limited and in accordance with law. "Merely because someone chooses to run the government from the prison he cannot be treated as an exception and cannot be granted the privilege, the ED's counsel told the judge. By Monica Nickolai The Daejeon Arts Collective (DJAC) is preparing for its spring exhibition at I-Gong Gallery in Daejeon. In anticipation of the event, artist Christopher Maslon, one of the exhibiting artists, sat down for an interview with The Korea Times on the anniversary of his first landing in Korea 22 years ago. You cannot live in Korea and not be inundated with absolute inspiration, Maslon said. Through this country, I have learned of neon lights and this artificial world that doesnt exist where Im from the small town of Monson, Massachusetts. But here its like a concrete jungle. I take inspiration from everything from the neon and artificial world thats in Eunhaeng-dong (a popular nightlife district in Daejeon) to the countryside in Mokpo or the beachside in Boryeong. Theres such an extreme world between the peacefulness of that and the artificial world and electrified architecture that surrounds me. Maslon has been exhibiting with DJAC, an organization of Korean and international artists, for over 10 years and previously served as its president. He graduated from Columbus College of Art and Design in 1996 with a major in fine arts and a minor in printing. He has a home studio and specializes in silkscreen prints. His work has been exhibited in galleries in Daejeon and Seoul, and he is a former resident of the Korea International Printmaking Residency. His eye for spectacle and eclecticism is reflected in the the imagery of his earlier prints that he describes as carnivals, numbers, teacups, churches, graveyards, portraits and dogs. In Maslons most recent artwork, he has been using self-portraiture and himself as subject matter while drawing his attention inward. For the upcoming show, he will exhibit "Sleepless Nights," a piece in which he explores the subject of insomnia, which has plagued both him and his parents. For the piece, he photographed himself lying on the floor in his pajamas and staring at the ceiling. The photographs were silkscreened onto vinyl in segments and backed with silver into a piece that is almost life-size. Inspired by the corrosion he observed in stained-glass windows, he applied corrosion with a dry brush technique. He repeated the image thrice in order to evoke a triptych, which is an altarpiece image divided into three panels used for Christian devotion beginning in the Middle Ages. The work brings to mind images of death and entombment from medieval and Renaissance Christian paintings, giving the work an eerie and transcendent quality that encourages an altered state of consciousness. At the same time, the fragmentation communicates the suffering of an insomniac counting down his hours of sleeplessness. He describes it as one of the most emotional pieces Ive ever done. His work began to evolve several years ago when AC Parsons, an American photographer who is also exhibiting in the upcoming show, asked him to model for some of his photography work. This offered Maslon the opportunity to showcase his own eye-catching look he has been known to don a tophat and other dapper fashion and has a physique that has allowed him to take part in bodybuilding competitions. Before long, another DJAC photographer requested that he pose, and that led to further modeling work and commercial video work. He was also inspired by Australian photographer David Kent, another artist in the upcoming exhibition. Kent will show photographs from a series he is doing on the calm of Mount Gyejok. He takes these photographs from 3 a.m. until 5 a.m. to avoid crowds as he battles a chronic illness and tries to regain his health. David has had an amazing life journey. He is documenting his life here [in Korea] in an autobiographical way, Maslon said. Fellow DJAC artist Chetan Kaur also tackles the subject of belief for the upcoming exhibition. She is a post-doctoral researcher from India studying molecular genetics and bioinformatics. In a written statement about her artwork, she writes, The artwork 'Belief' reflects the idea that we're born without a set identity (a clean slate), and it's the beliefs we gather along the way that define us. The exhibition will take place at I-Gong Gallery at 183-4 Daeheung-dong in Daejeon, from April 11 to 16. The venue is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. DJAC will host an opening party on April 13 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Follow @igonggallery for information about the venue, or visit djartsco.org or fb.com/DaejeonArtsCollective for more about DJAC. Monica Nickolai is a writer and artist. Her text-based artwork has appeared at exhibitions in the U.S., Europe and Korea. She currently lives in Daejeon and teaches at Hongik University's Sejong Campus. Visit monicanickolai.com for more information. Apr 7, 2024 1:54 PM IST Lok Sabha Election 2024 news LIVE:Terming the BJP's '400 paar' slogan "perception management", Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar says such claims are a "malicious attempt" to alter the reality and are reflective of the ruling party's fear of defeat. In an interaction with PTI editors at the news agency's headquarters here, he questioned the BJP's confidence about the NDA crossing the 400-figure mark in the Lok Sabha polls, asking if it is so then why is it inducting leaders who cannot win polls while in the Congress and are like "used cartridges". Kumar also acknowledged that there was a "failure" on the part of old parties that had been in power earlier due to which the people got attracted towards the "extremism of the BJP" but said the change in the situation was only a matter of time as India's society is based on love and equality, and stands for co-existence and tolerance. People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti will contest the Lok Sabha election from Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, facing ex-Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Anantnag,(HT file) The PDP has also announced Waheed Para from Srinagar and Fayaz Mir from Baramulla constituency. The PDP said it will support the Congress on two Jammu region seats of Udhampur and Jammu. The seat announcement comes days after the PDP said it will contest on three seats in Kashmir valley alone, accusing INDIA bloc ally National Conference of leaving her party with no option'. "They (NC) have left no option for us other than to field candidates and contest the elections," Mufti had said. When the INDIA bloc'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, Mufti, who won from Anantnag in 2004 and 2014, said. ALSO READ: No INDIA alliance in J&K? NC fields Mian Altaf from Anantnag National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah had hit back at PDP, alleging it 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. Mufti is pitted against Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Ghulam Nabi Azad. The former Congress leader said he is fighting the election for reinstatement of J&K's statehood. The biggest issue is that we are without statehood. We are a Union Territory. I fought in the 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 Governor...My first battle in Lok Sabha would be for the reinstatement of statehood, ANI quoted him as saying. The Anantnag-Rajouri seat goes to polls in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections on May 7. The counting of votes will take place on June 4. A team of the National Investigation Agency was allegedly attacked by locals in East Midnapore district of West Bengal early on Saturday morning, triggering a political row with chief minister Mamata Banerjee accusing the central agency instead of mounting the attack. A police vehicle after it was attacked by villagers in Purba Medinipur district on Saturday. (PTI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said one of its officers was injured and a vehicle was damaged in the attack that happened in Bhupatinagar. Banerjee said it was self-defence by villagers, alleging that the NIA team had barged into several houses in the early hours over an incident of bursting of crackers in 2022. Governor CV Ananda Bose, however, said the matter should be treated with all seriousness that it deserves as any attempt to bully the investigating agencies does not bring credit to anyone. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party alleged that it was a state-sponsored attack, and accused Banerjee of inciting violence. The NIA said that in a breakthrough in the Bhupatinagar blast case, two key conspirators Balai Charan Maity and Manobrata Jana were arrested after extensive searches at five locations. The explosion, on December 3, 2022, in the house of a local Trinamool Congress leader Rajkumar Manna killed three people, including Manna and two-party workers party workers Biswajit Gayen and Buddhadeb Manna. In March 2023, the Calcutta high court ordered an NIA probe into the incident. The agency started its probe in June last year, and sent summons to eight TMC workers and local leaders but they skipped the questioning twice. Saturdays alleged attack on NIA officials happened near Janas house with a group of locals, comprised mostly of women, blocked the road to stop the NIA team, a senior police officer said. At around 5.30am, locals gheraoed (surrounded) the vehicle (carrying the NIA officials) and pelted stones at them when the officials were returning to the Bhupatinagar police station after arresting two people in the case, the police officer said. We have received a complaint from the NIA. Investigation is going on, said officer. The federal agency, in a statement, added, One NIA team member suffered minor injury and the agencys official vehicle was also damaged as some miscreants in the crowd attacked them at Bhupatinagar. They managed to reach the police station and complete the formalities, besides lodging a complaint. The NIA said that Jana and Maity were found to have conspired to manufacture and explode crude bombs to spread terror. The two were brought to Kolkata in the afternoon and will be produced before the special NIA court, an official said. Accusing NIA of attacking the locals, TMC supremo Banerjee said, Who led the attack? The women didnt attack. It was the NIA which attacked. If someone enters a womans house after midnight and tortures them, what should the women do? Are they supposed to sit? Will they not defend themselves and protect their dignity? Banerjee was addressing a rally at Balurghat in South Dinajpur district where voting for the Lok Sabha elections will be held in the second phase on April 26. Earlier, addressing reporters ahead of the rally, Banerjee alleged that the arrest of the two was a ploy by the BJP to intimidate TMC workers ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. If villagers see some strangers entering the village after midnight, how will they identify? Why are being people arrested ahead of the election? Is the BJP hoping to win the election after arresting all the booth agents (of TMC)? The arrests were made to support the BJP, Banerjee said. Both Jana and Maity are local TMC leaders. Banerjee accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of trying to use central agencies to win the elections. We want the Election Commission to work impartially, not turn into a BJP-run commission, she said. The incident bore similarities with the January 5 attack on a team of Enforcement Directorate officials in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas, when they went to search the house of TMC strongman and zilla parishad leader Shahjahan Sheikh in connection with a ration distribution scam. Raising concern over the incident, Governor Bose said muscle power should not replace legal power. This is a very serious situation which has to be dealt with all the seriousness that it deserves. This kind of goondaism should not be allowed. Muscle power should not replace legal power. This has to be dealt with an iron hand, he said. The BJP mounted an attack on the TMC, saying that these well planned attacks were being led by the TMC. The Bhupatinagar attack is not a stray case. Earlier ED officials had come under attack. The pattern is similar and these are planned attacks which are being controlled from one single place. Mamata Banerjee and her team are behind this. The Union home ministry should take stern actions. The TMC has allied with anti-National forces. The ECI should also think about whether such parties should be recognised, Sukanta Majumdar, BJPs state president told the media. The TMC said a two-member delegation of the party will visit the area on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that opposition parties are trying to save the corrupt and reiterated that his promises were a guarantee of completion as he toured Bihar and West Bengal for the second time in four days as part of an eastern push ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and BJP candidate Ashish Dubey during a road show ahead of Lok Sabha elections, in Jabalpur, Sunday. (PTI) The PM first travelled to Nawada in Bihar, and then to Jalpaiguri in northern Bengal where he hailed his government for its developmental policies and stressed that a third term for his party will be instrumental for Indias economic growth. Bihar, with 40 Lok Sabha seats, and Bengal with 42, are two of the largest states to go to the polls, and will be pivotal for the Bharatiya Janata Partys goal (BJP) of sealing 370 seats in the elections. Read here: Seven injured after stage collapses during PM Modi's roadshow in Jabalpur In both states, the BJP in alliance in Bihar and alone in Bengal is locked in fierce battles with regional outfits such as the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led coalition in Bihar and the Trinamool Congress in Bengal. Both regions go to the polls in the first phase on April 19. Addressing a rally, first in Nawada for BJP candidate Vivek Thakur, the PM said some opposition leaders were seeking a ban on the BJP slogan Modi ki guarantee as they feared the partys promises of poverty alleviation, reduction in electricity bills, and financial independence for the women of the state will be realised. The BJPs work in the last 10 years has given people reasons to vote for the party again this summer, the PM said and went on to list his governments achievements. Didnt Modi give guarantee to remove Article 370, implement Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkars Constitution in Jammu & Kashmir, abolish triple talaq, end the 500-year wait for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya? Did all these not happen? Hitting out at the opposition INDIA bloc, he said, They hold hands in Delhi under compulsion and hurl abuses on one another in states. I talk about removing corruption, they strive to protect the corrupt. Despite surveys predicting over 400 seats in the 543-member Lower House, the PM said he was working hard because Modi is not born to relax and enjoy. Modi is born to do hard work to serve the people. If India today has become a force to reckon with in the world, it is not because of Modi. It is because of the power of votes and my effort is to seek your blessings to continue on the path the nation has chosen for me, he said. The pace and scale of development the country has witnessed in the last 10 years was unimaginable before the BJP came to power in 2014, the PM said, adding that this was reflected in the peoples support. I had said from the Red Fort, this is the time for India. This time has arrived after a long wait and we dont have to let it go. We have to together work for a developed India, he said, calling on the people of Bihar to vote for the NDA. He also showered praise on Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who returned to the NDA fold in January, crediting him for ridding the state of jungle raj. Those who had to spend a lot of time in jungle Raj are witnessing a refreshing change in Bihar due to the hard work of Nitish Kumar and former deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi. They pulled the state out of jungle Raj, he said. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance had performed exceedingly well in the two states in 2019. In Bihar, the NDA comprising the BJP, the chief minister Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) and the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) swept the state, winning 39 out of the 40 seats. This time, the NDA is facing a resurgent RJD, currently the largest party in the state assembly. In neighbouring Bengal, the BJP posted its best-ever tally of 18 seats. In his Jalpaiguri address, the PM launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress, saying that the ruling partys syndicate Raj prevails in the state, and the party is only interested in protecting its corrupt leaders. The TMC government seeks to have a free pass for loot and terror in Bengal. To shield its extortionist and corrupt leaders, the TMC orchestrates attacks on central investigative agencies when they come here, he said. His comments come a day after a team of officials from the National Investigation Agency was allegedly attacked by a mob on Saturday when attempting to arrest two main suspects in a 2022 blast case in Purba Medinipur district. In a similar incident, an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team was attacked on January 5 at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas when it tried to search the house of TMC strongman Shahjahan Sheikh in connection with a public distribution system scam. Urging the gathering at Dhupguri in Jalpaiguri district to teach the TMC a lesson in these elections so that deposits of its candidates get forfeited, Modi called the attacks on agencies a reflection of how law and Constitution are getting trampled under the watch of the Bengal government. He mentioned that the situation in the state is such that the court has to intervene in various matters. The Prime Minister accused the TMC government of impeding implementation of the Centres welfare schemes in the state. Stating that the Centre had disbursed 30,000 crore to the West Bengal government under the PM rural housing scheme, Modi said, We wanted the money to be sent directly to beneficiaries. But the TMC wants the central funds in their own account first. How can I allow them to loot peoples money? Claiming that funds for the piped drinking water project never benefited the poor in the state, Modi accused the Mamata Banerjee government of also putting brakes on projects like Ayushman Bharat health scheme, free gas connections and PM Kisan. Referring to recent incidents in Sandeshkhali, where allegations of sexual abuse against TMC leaders emerged, Modi assured people that the culprits will spend the rest of their lives in jail. Read here: On Nitish Kumar touching PM Modi's feet at Bihar rally, Tejashwi Yadav says we felt very bad The entire country has witnessed what happened in Sandeshkhali. Dont you think the Sandeshkhali culprits should get exemplary punishment? he remarked. Modi, while avoiding a direct mention of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharges name, slammed him for objecting to the BJPs raising of the Article 370 abrogation issue during poll campaigns in other states. The Congress president thinks Article 370 has nothing to do with other states. Is Kashmir not an integral part of the country? This reflects their divisive mindset. It was Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, a Bengali, who fought against Article 370 and gave his life for the cause, said Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a whirlwind campaign trail across multiple states on Sunday in run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. His itinerary includes addressing election rallies in Bihar's Nawada district, kicking off the BJP's campaign in Madhya Pradesh with a roadshow in Jabalpur, and rallying support in Jalpaiguri district of North Bengal. Military personnel stand watch as people wait for India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival for a roadshow, ahead of the general elections, in Ghaziabad, India, April 6, 2024.(REUTERS) Security has been beefed up as the prime minister gears up for his second rally in Bihar. "Once again, a massive wave of BJP-NDA is being seen in Bihar. I will have an opportunity to meet my family members, who are excited about voting, in the public meeting in Nawada around 11 am today," Modi posted on X ahead of the rally. The Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded Vivek Thakur, son of senior BJP leader C P Thakur, as its candidate for the Nawada Lok Sabha constituency. Read: PM Modi's message to Owaisi-challenger Madhavi Latha: 'Exceptional...' Modi's roadshow in Jabalpur will be along the 1.2-km route starting from Shaheed Bhagat Singh crossing and will culminate at Adi Shankaracharya crossing in Gorakhpur locality of Jabalpur, reported PTI quoting BJP city president Prabhat Sahu. This will be his first visit to Madhya Pradesh after the model code of conduct (MCC) kicked in. "It will be a historic roadshow that will set the milestone," state minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, who is overseeing the arrangements, told reporters in Jabalpur. Read: Modis first poll rally as PM in Pilibhit on April 9 Special arrangements for the roadshow include showering flowers upon Modi when his convoy crosses the Gorakhpur market area. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also hold a public rally in the Jalpaiguri district of North Bengal where he is expected to intensify his attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress against the backdrop of attack on the NIA team in Purba Medinipur district during the raid in connection with a blast case. This afternoon, I will be among the people of Jalpaiguri to address a rally. There is outstanding support in @BJP4Bengal's favour. The people of West Bengal are tired of TMC's corruption and poor governance. Only BJP can fulfil their dreams. Modi posted on X. Read: Im on mission, Oppn is after commission: Modi The visit to North Bengal will also be his first since the upper reaches of Bengal were hit by a severe storm. The storm, which also lashed vast swathes of the Northeast, left a trail of devastation in its wake. The Jalpaiguri Lok Sabha seat will poll in the first of seven-phased Lok Sabha elections on April 19. Days after joining the BJP, former Congress spokesperson Gourav Vallabh on Sunday launched a targetted attack on Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh and said people who have not even contested for the election of class monitor are handling the party now. Gourav didn't name Jairam Ramesh in his interview with news agency ANI but asserted that he was talking about the same person after the interviewer took Jairam Ramesh's name. "When I joined the Congress, they had 42 MPs thinking that they would encourage new thoughts. For example, the Congress manifesto for the last 30 years has been made by the same person. Had that person's ideas been strong, the party would not have come to this situation," Gourav Vallabh said. Gourav Vallabh said Congress has lost contact with the grounds. The former spokesperson who was a regular at television channel debates said he refused to do a press conference on Budget and said he won't do a press conference until Congress leaders visit the Ram Temple. "I did a press conference against Adani but after Sebi gave him a clean chit, I did not do any other press conference. But the Congress was targeting wealth creators and sanatan," Gourav Vallabh said. The former Congress leader said the party is now being handled by the PAs of the former Union ministers. "PAs do not know how to contest election. They probably do not know Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are different states. They will be confused if you ask them this. If you ask them where Jalor, Sarohi are, they will say probably Madhya Pradesh or Chhattisgarh. This is their knowledge. Ground connection is extremely weak," Gourav said. The person who was Congress spokesperson years ago when I was in college is now the communications head. And he has no interest in Congress ideology. He is only interested in keeping his Rajya Sabha seat, Gourav Vallabh said. Jaipur, The new India knows how to protect its borders and safeguard its people, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday and asked if it was wrong to kill terrorists. HT Image The firebrand BJP leader, who addressed election rallies in Rajasthan's Bharatpur, Dausa and Sikar, referred to a report by the UK daily 'The Guardian' that claimed Indian intelligence agencies were involved in targeted killings of terrorists in Pakistan as part of an emboldened approach to national security after 2019. "On one hand is the report which says terrorists are being killed in Pakistan, the world considers terrorism a big burden, but on the other was the Congress government that used to feed biryani to terrorists," Adityanath said. "Should terrorists be killed or not? They are a burden on society and a threat to everyone's safety. Congress would starve the poor and feed biryani to terrorists," he said addressing the rally in Bharatpur. Adityanath said those who gave shelter to those terrorists till yesterday are "now not daring to say anything against India due to the fear of air strike". "Three days ago, a reputed newspaper of the UK said that 20 deadly terrorists had been killed inside Pakistan and it was possible that India might have killed them... We do not know what is the basis and the source of the report but this is the new India, which knows how to provide security to its people and protect its borders," he added. The UP chief minister's remarks came on a day Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav attacked the BJP saying that the Indian government is accused of getting people killed in another country. "Will the definition of viksit Bharat be that we will go to another country and commit murder?" Yadav said after meeting the family of mafia-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari at his home in Ghazipur. Ansari, a five-time MLA from Mau who was in jail, died after suffering cardiac arrest, on March 28, according to officials. However, his family members allege that he was given poison inside jail. In his address, Adityanath said the world respects India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. "When an Indian citizen goes abroad, he gets respect. The borders are safe; naxalism, extremism and terrorism have ended," he said. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister hailed the abrogation of Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, by the Modi government, saying, "Now no one will be able to foment terrorism within the borders of India." He said that over the past decade, the country has successfully quelled terrorism and stone-pelting in Kashmir. "Consequently, Kashmir is now progressing in tandem with developmental initiatives and democratic principles. The region witnesses a substantial influx of tourists, with people safely participating in events such as the Amarnath Yatra and the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi," he stated. Adityanath claimed that the Congress lacked leaders and intentions to take decisive steps. "Would Congress have been able to build Ram temple in Ayodhya? They say that Ram did not exist," he said at the election rally in support of the party candidate from the Bharatpur seat Ramswaroop Koli. Addressing another rally in Dausa, he said that the "Congress party is the biggest problem of the country and imposing curfew is part of its DNA." The BJP's star campaigner emphasised that worldwide, there is a belief that India's actions are in the interest of humanity. "Presently, no nation dares to endorse terrorism as they understand that such support would result in facing repercussions like airstrikes," he said without naming Pakistan. He said that there was a time when people of the Congress party denied rights to the poor. "However, in the Modi government, 80 crore poor people are benefiting from free ration, 60 crore poor people are getting coverage of health insurance of 5 lakh while housing has been provided for four crore poor people and the Kisan Samman Nidhi for 12 crore farmers," he said. Continuing his attack on the Congress, the chief minister said that the party did not want a solution to the Ram temple issue. "Congress is the problem of the country, which keeps giving problems to the country while Modi provides solutions," he asserted. He also appealed to the people of Dausa to vote for the party candidate Kanhaiya Lal Meena. The BJP leader addressed a third rally in the Sikar constituency in support of the party candidate Swami Sumedhan. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. A day after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was allegedly attacked in Bhupatinagar in West Bengal's East Midnapore district, the central agency refuted all the allegations of mala fide in its actions and clarified that the attack was unprovoked. According to the NIA, the attack by the mob was an attempt to obstruct it from carrying out its lawful duties. NIA says no mala fide intentions, says attack on team in Bengal 'unprovoked NIA made it clear that its actions were bona fide, lawful, and legally mandated, as part of its ongoing investigation into the heinous crime related to fabrication of crude bombs, leading to an explosion that killed three persons in Naruabila village, PS Bhoopatinagar, district Purba Medinipur in West Bengal, the central agency wrote in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. The NIA's statement came after Bengal's East Midnapore police registered an FIR against the NIA team and CRPF officials based on the complaint of a woman who claimed that the officials molested her by breaking the doors of their houses late at night. According to the police, there were reports of arguments earlier as another team of NIA visited the Bhupatinagar spot. On Saturday morning, a team of the NIA was allegedly attacked by a mob - mostly comprising of women - as the officials reached the Bhupatinagar area to investigate a 2022 blast case at a Trinamool Congress leader's house. According to the officials, the attack took place around 5:30 am during which one NIA team member suffered a minor injury and the agency's official vehicle was damaged. The mob tried to stop the team from entering the area and pelted stones at them, an official said. In a purported video doing rounds on social media, several people can be seen gathering around the NIA vehicle, trying to stop them from the suspects in the blast case along with them. The NIA has also registered a case against the attackers at the Bhupatinagar police station. On December 3, 2022, a blast took place at local TMC leader Rajkumar Mannas house in Bhupatinagar. Three people, including Manna, were killed in the incident. Three months after the incident, the Calcutta high court ordered an NIA probe into the matter, following which the central agency began its investigation in June 2023. On Saturday, the agency arrested two accused in the case - Manobrata Jana and Bailicharan Maity. According to the NIA, the two leaders had failed to appear before the agency despite repeated summons to join the investigation. The NIA then filed an application before the special NIA court in Kolkata, which, after perusing the case records, had issued an order on April 3, 2024, stating that it found the allegations to be of very serious nature, the NIA wrote in its statement. (With inputs from agencies) Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar is being trolled on social media for his latest gaffe, in which he predicted that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will win more than 4,000 seats. During an NDA rally in Bihar's Nawada, that will vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 19, Kumar was heard in the viral video making the faux pas before Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Janata Dal(United) chief, who recently returned to the NDA in January, can be heard fumbling "char lakh (four lakh)", before correcting himself and uttering "char hazaar se bhi zyada (more than 4,000)", while turning towards the PM whom he has been wishing a "400 plus tally" in the elections. ALSO READ: AAP's Sanjay Singh says he is hurt over Nitish Kumar's exit from INDIA bloc The Rashtriya Janata Dal, which was under fire from Kumar, reposted a viral clip of the chief minister's speech that had the caption,"Defeat is visibly seen on BJP leaders' faces as the NDA is clueless about the number of MPs in the country. The people of Nawada know how to drive away people who backtrack after making promises. Where is the special package meant for Bihar? Where is the special status to Bihar?" Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a public meeting ahead of Lok Sabha elections, in Nawada, Bihar,(HT photo) Kumar, the longest-serving chief minister of Bihar, has been in the news for slips of the tongue on a few occasions. His earlier reference to himself as a former union home minister was ridiculed by the BJP, which was then in the opposition and had alleged that the veteran leader was betraying senility. ALSO READ: Lok Sabha elections: BJP, Nitish Kumar's JD(U) seal seat-sharing deal in Bihar During the NDA rally, Nitish Kumar took on the RJD over its rule in Bihar from 1990 to 2005, saying,"Bihar is developing at fast pace. People should remember what was the situation before 2005. People would fear to go out late in night. Roads have been built. There's no communal tension. We united people." Bihar, which sends 40 members to the Lok Sabha, will vote in all seven phases starting April 19. The counting of votes will take place on June 4. (With PTI inputs) RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday expressed shock over a clipping of Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar touching Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet during a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) rally in the state, saying that he felt very bad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a public meeting ahead of Lok Sabha elections, in Nawada, Bihar What has happened? Nitish Kumar is our guardian...There is no other chief minister as experienced as Nitish Kumar and he is touching the feet of Prime Minister Modi, Tejashwi told the media. In the rally's clippings on social media, Kumar can be seen briefly touching PM Modi's feet after he addressed the rally in Nawada district. The gesture occurred as Kumar sat beside PM Modi on a chair on the stage. The Bihar CM is being trolled on social media over his gaffe predicting that the NDA will win more than 4,000 seats in the Lok Sabha election. During his speech at the rally, Kumar can be heard fumbling char lakh (four lakh) seats, before correcting himself and uttering char hazaar se bhi zyada (more than 4,000 seats). He then turned towards PM Modi whom he has been wishing a "400 plus tally" in the election. Following this, several RJD leaders, including its spokesperson Sarika Paswan, shared the video of Kumar who had criticised the party's president Lalu Prasad, and his wife Rabri Devi for their alleged dismal performance as chief ministers of Bihar. The chief minister wanted to wish more than four lakh MPs to the PM. Then he probably thought it would be too much and 4,000 would be sufficient, Paswan wrote in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) in Hindi. Kumar, who heads the JD(U), ditched Lalu Yadav's RJD in January this year and formed a new government in Bihar with BJP. This was the fifth time that the Bihar CM changed sides. (With inputs from agencies) The United States will deploy ground-based launchers capable of firing SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles in the Indo-Pacific region soon to address rising security threats, the Army Pacific commander has said. During his visit to South Korea, Gen. Charles Flynn said the U.S. Army has developed "long-range precision fires," listing the SM-6 interceptor and the maritime-strike Tomahawk as missiles that could be launched from the new launch system. It marks his first confirmation of the types of weapons systems to be fielded in the region this year. "That system will be deploying into the region soon. Where and when it's going to go, I'm not going to talk about that now," Flynn said during the interview with Yonhap News Agency at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, 60 kilometers south of Seoul, on Saturday. The SM-6 is designed to intercept ballistic missiles with a range of over 240 kilometers, and the Tomahawk is a subsonic cruise missile that can strike a target about 2,500 kilometers away. Experts widely speculate the system could be the ground-based Typhon system, which has been operated by the U.S. Army since last year. Guam, a U.S. territory in the Western Pacific Ocean, is considered a potential site for the system, according to Japanese media. It marks a significant development as such a weapon system would be deployed in the region for the first time since the U.S. and the former Soviet Union signed a treaty in 1987 to abolish the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF). After the U.S. withdrew from the INF treaty in 2019, citing alleged Russian violations, the U.S. Army has developed and deployed new intermediate-range missiles amid China's muscle-flexing in the Indo-Pacific region. Flynn, who was on a three-nation Asia tour, including stops in Japan and Thailand, addressed concerns over North Korea's recent string of missile tests but showed confidence in the alliance's "integrated and layered missile defense system." "Continued testing is concerning and, in many ways, destabilizing," he said. "I am confident, given our recent activities in the region, about layered missiles defense of what we have." North Korea said Wednesday it test-fired a new hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile, called the Hwasongpho-16B, claiming all of its missiles are now solid-fuel and nuclear capable with warhead control capability. A hypersonic missile is usually hard to intercept with existing missile defense shields as it can travel at five times the speed of sound, changes its flight paths and flies at low altitudes. The U.S. Forces Korea operates low-tier PAC-3 missiles and the upper-tier Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors. The U.S. missile shield is complemented by South Korea's homegrown surface-to-air missile (M-SAM) defense system, called Cheongung, against mid-tier threats. The top commander of the U.S. Army's largest component also highlighted potential risks associated with North Korea's supplying of arms to Russia for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Seoul officials have raised concerns over Pyongyang advancing its weapons programs with the help of Moscow in return for supplying thousands of containers carrying munitions and other weapons since last year. "More concerning, though, is the fact that North Korean capabilities are being used by the Russians in that laboratory on the battlefield," he said. "To me, that is an area that we are going to continue to watch." Flynn lauded the South Korean Army for going beyond its territory to join multinational drills with the U.S. and its allies abroad, believing it sends "an important message" to the broader region amid rising security challenges posed by China. "They are also projecting that alliance into the region at a time when we absolutely need our friends and allies across the region to be together so we can be a counterweight to some of the irresponsible and insidious behavior of China," he said. The four-star general, whose father previously served in South Korea, said he feels grateful to see the progress that the South Korean military and Army have made over the decades and the long-standing alliance between the two countries. "For two generations now, my father's generation and my generation, being able to bring those experiences and see the gains that have been made since the late '90s to now, it's pretty dramatic," Flynn said. (Yonhap) The government has already returned 1,220 crore out of 3,255 crore defrauded from 13,000 investors in the Jignesh Shah-run National Spot Exchange Ltd (NSEL) fraud case and is making efforts to quickly return the rest, people familiar with the matter said. Jignesh Shah, was a chairman and executive director of FTIL, and promoter director and vice-chairman of NSEL.(HT File) The defrauded money was recovered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which has led to refunding the full amounts to 8,430 out of 13,000 investors, they said, requesting anonymity. In all, 1,220 crore out of 3,255 crore proceeds of crime identified and attached by the financial crimes probe agency have been refunded. Read here: Investors group allowed to intervene in NSEL case The competent authority has directed all agencies, including the ED, to make conscious efforts for expeditious return of confiscated assets to their legitimate owners, an official in the finance ministry said. The NSEL scam, which came to light in 2013, involves defrauding 13,000 investors of 5,574 crore after inducing them to trade on the platform, creating forged documents and falsifying accounts, and thus committing a criminal breach of trust. On October 24, 2013, the Economic Offences Wing of Mumbai police invoked provisions of the MPID (Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors) Act, claiming that the money collected by NSEL was deposits. Thereafter, 63 Moons Technologies Ltd was roped in the case since its subsidiary NSEL did not have sufficient money or property to return the deposits or make repayments. Investigation carried out by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) revealed that the money collected from investors were diverted by borrowers and trading members of Jignesh Shah-run NSEL for other activities like investment into real estate, repayment of outstanding debts and other activities. The Centre amended the PMLA in 2019, enabling repayment to defrauded investors. The federal agency has been actively pursuing the process of restitution of attached assets to investors or banks in the money laundering probes, said a second official. For instance, state-run banks have received 15,184 crore out of total 22,586 crore defrauded by fugitive businessmen Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, the second officer said. The total proceeds of crime attached by ED involving three fugitives is 19,312 crore. There is a misconception that ED only investigates political cases. Over 95% of the cases in which we have attached the properties relate to bank frauds, terrorism, smuggling, siphoning of funds by businessmen, etc, an ED officer said. We are aiming to return the money to those it belongs to. We have regular meetings with banks, sister agencies, etc., on this issue. In the NSEL case, the Maharashtra government is also making efforts to fast-track the selling of properties attached by the EOW to make repayments to investors. As of November, the ED has attached over 1.23 lakh crore through 2,117 provisional attachment orders in hundreds of money laundering cases. Besides NSEL or Punjab National Bank case involving Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, the government is also working on ways to refund money to investors in other cases, the officials said. The government is considering legal ways to refund the amount taken from thousands of poor as bribe by the corrupt elements in the West Bengal recruitment scam, said the first official, referring to the bribe-for-job scam in the state education department, which is being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation and ED. Read here: NSEL scam: Dont intend to take coercive action against ex-FMC chairman, police tell HC HT on March 27 reported on the telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from Krishnanagar, Amrita Roy, when he said the government is seeking legal opinion to return about 3,000 crore looted from the poor in West Bengal. I am seeking legal advice. The ED has attached around 3,000 crore in Bengal. This money belongs to poor people, Modi had said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lashed out at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his remarks on Jammu and Kashmir a day before in Rajasthan's Jaipur Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public rally, in Nawada on Sunday. (ANI) "The post of the national president of the Congress is not a small thing. And the leader thinks Article 370 has nothing to do with Rajasthan. Is Jammu and Kashmir not an integral part of the country? His thinking betrays the mindset of tukde-tukde gang," PTI quoted Modi as saying during a rally in Bihar's Nawada. ALSO READ: PM Modi's imprint of Muslim League jibe at Congress Lok Sabha poll manifesto The prime minister highlighted that security personnel from all over India, including Rajasthan and Bihar, have laid down their lives fighting terrorists in J&K, and "their bodies have reached their native places wrapped in tricolour". "The INDIA bloc talks a lot about the Constitution. Their leaders should tell the people why they could not implement the Samvidhan of Baba Saheb Ambedkar fully in Jammu and Kashmir. Why did it take a Modi to do so?" the PM asked. The prime minister's attack comes a day after Kharge at a rally in Jaipur criticised him for raising the issue of Article 370 abrogation in Rajasthan. ALSO READ: Exposed Modi-Shah game plan: Congress on Kharge's slip of tongue on Article 370 Yesterday PM Modi addressed a rally in Rajasthan's Churu. There are a lot of issues related to the farmers. The farmers are suffering and thousands of them have died by suicide. Instead of speaking about their issues, PM said he removed 371. What do the people here have to do with it? Kharge had said. Union home minister Amit Shah had also lashed out at the Congress chief, saying,"It is shameful to hear that the Congress party is asking, Kashmir se kya waasta hai (What is the relation with Kashmir)? I would like to remind the Congress party that J&K is an integral part of India, and every state and citizen has the right over J&K, just as the people of J&K have the right over the rest of India." (With PTI inputs) A 22-year-old man from Pune serving as a deck cadet on a merchant ship has gone missing while the vessel was sailing from Indonesia to Singapore, his father said on Sunday. Pranav Karad is employed at Wilhelmsen Ship Management India Pvt Ltd for the last six months and has been missing since Friday afternoon, he said. A 22-year-old man from Pune serving as a deck cadet on a merchant ship has gone missing while the vessel was sailing from Indonesia to Singapore, his father said on Sunday. (Representational picture) "The ship was traveling from Indonesia to Singapore. On Friday evening, we received a call from the Mumbai office of the shipping firm informing us our son had gone missing while onboard. We have been told a search operation is underway and efforts are being made to locate him," said Pranav's father Gopal Karad. ALSO READ| Taps run dry: Pune residents decry inflated charge of water tankers "We are making attempts to reach out to the Union government for help. We have also approached Mumbai and Pune police. Pranav had done a three-year course in Marine Engineering from a city based education institute," his father informed. A Pune police official said Pranav's kin had approached them but they were redirected to Mumbai police since the shipping firm's office is in Andheri there. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said history will not judge Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar kindly and his exit from the INDIA bloc was a major setback to the opposition alliance. The AAP leader was recently released on regular bail in the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case by the Supreme Court. Sanjay Singh said Mamata Banerjee still stands with the INDIA bloc, Nitish Kumar betrayed the opposition alliance. (Hindustan Times) On INDIA bloc and Nitish Kumar Sanjay Singh said the biggest setback faced by the INDIA bloc so far was Nitish Kumar's exit. In an interview, Singh said, "Nitish Kumar ji's departure was completely unexpected. He was going from one place to another to bring opposition parties together and he then joined NDA. Switching positions in this manner impacts your image. You may be able to get power and some benefits in the short term, I don't deny that. But if you switch sides over and over again, history will not judge you kindly. You can be remembered either as coward or as courageous." We need to work harder because our chief is in jail: AAPs Sanjay Singh On the INDIA bloc in Delhi, Sanjay Singh said the Congress should declare candidates soon so that the campaign can start at the earliest. The AAP and the Congress also need to sit together and formulate a common minimum programme, he said. On Mamata Banerjee's decision to go solo in West Bengal, Sanjay Singh said she was not with the BJP, unlike Nitish Kumar. "The result in Bengal will be good and the INDIA bloc will benefit from it," he said. AAP's Sanjay Singh recalls Tihar jail days: I was inside small cell, read a lot Will Sunita Kejriwal lead AAP in husband's absence? 'No,' Sanjay Singh said emphasising that Kejriwal will remain the party convener and the chief minister. "She [Sunita Kejriwal] is the one who is able to interact with Arvind Kejriwal because he is in jail. Kejriwals messages are reaching the party through her. If the court allows, more lines of communication may open with Kejriwal. Currently, the party is facing a tough time. The party is focused on the campaign for its candidates," Sanjay Singh said. Three suspected Maoists were on Saturday morning killed in an encounter by security forces in a dense forest in Bijapur district near the shared border of Chhattisgarh and Telangana, taking the number of insurgents killed thus far this year to 50, up from 22 in all of 2023, and indicting a significant surge in aggression from both state forces and the Maoists. Chhattisgarh police said the gunfight started around 5.30am on Saturday. (Ajay Aggarwal/HT Photo) This is the second significant encounter in the district in a week after 10 Maoists were killed on Tuesday, and follows a series of confrontations between the extremists and security forces in the state. On Saturday, Chhattisgarh police said the gunfight started around 5.30am in Pujari Kanker forests where a team of Greyhounds, a Telangana special counter-insurgency unit, was conducting an anti-naxal operation.The area is a stronghold of the banned Left Wing extremist (LWE) outfit CPI(Maoists). A team from Chhattisgarh Police was also present in the area to provide auxiliary support to the Greyhounds. Police said the search and sanitisation operations at the encounter spot continued late into the night and one light machine gun (LMG) and one AK-47 rifle were recovered from the scene. Three Maoists were killed in the gunfight and one LMG, one AK -47 was also recovered from the spot, said Jitendra Yadav, superintendent of police (Bijapur), adding that forces from both the states were still in the forest. No other details of the encounter were immediately available. None of the dead rebels have been officially identified, but people familiar with the matter said that among the deceased was Anne Santhosh, alias Sagar, commander of battalion-2 of the Peoples Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA)s Central Regional Command. The PLGA is the armed wing of the banned CPI (Maoist). If true, this could be the biggest cadre killed this year. The operation on Saturday came a day after Chhattisgarh Police on Friday said a suspected Maoist was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Dantewada district. Earlier on Tuesday, 13 Maoists were killed and two jawans injured in Bijapur district in the deadliest exchange of fire in Bastar since 2019 when seven Maoists were killed in Nagarnar. This came four days after six Maoists were killed in another encounter in Bijapur. Overall, 50 alleged Maoists have been killed in 2024 in the seven districts of Bastar region Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur. This is more than double the 22 rebels killed in 2023. Officers also believe that the number of Maoists killed thus far this year may be higher, with count being conducted on the basis of the bodies that are recovered by security forces. Other bodies could have been taken away by the rebels giving an incomplete figure of Maoist deaths. But there has also been a counter-reaction from the insurgents, with 19 civilians killed by them in 2024, three of them BJP leaders, with 41 civilians killed in 2023. 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. 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, RK Vij, former special director general, Chhattisgarh police told HT earlier this week. Patna: After the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha in September last year, it seemed the much-hyped acche din (good days) for women in politics would come true. Hopes were high that the women would get a fair share of participation as contestants in the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. BJP has not fielded a single woman candidate in Bihar for the coming Lok Sabha polls (Representative Photo) However, the lists of candidates released by various political parties for the 40 Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar tell a different story. Not even a dozen names of women are there. It seems there is a clear message for the women political leaders in the state that they still have to go a long way to get considered as strong contenders for any Lok Sabha seat and that caste identity and family lineage still enjoy better preference than their political acumen. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which portrays itself as the champion of womens rights, has not fielded a single woman candidate from any Lok Sabha seat in Bihar. It is contesting elections from 17 Lok Sabha seats, but the list of candidates has no woman. Even chief minister Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], which is contesting elections from 16 seats in the state, has accommodated only two women, Lovely Anand and Vijay Lakshmi Kushwaha, in its list of candidates. Both had joined the party recently. Lovely is the wife of gangster-turned-politician and former MP Anand Mohan. She had shifted membership only a few days ago from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) to the JD (U). Vijay Lakshmi is the wife of the former Rashtriya Lok Morcha MLA Ramesh Singh Kushwaha. She too had recently joined the JD(U), along with her husband. She has been given the party ticket to contest the election from the Siwan seat, while Lovely has been fielded from the Sheohar Lok Sabha constituency. The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) (Ramvilas unit), which has been given only five seats in the state, has fielded a woman candidate, Shambhavi Choudhary, from Samastipur, a reserved seat for the Dalits. She is the daughter of state rural development department minister Dr Ashok Choudhary and the granddaughter of former minister Mahavir Choudhary. A better status for women politicians seems to be on the list of candidates released by the RJD, which is contesting 26 seats in the state and has nearly half a dozen women in the fray. On the Jamui seat, the party has given a ticket to one Archana Ravidas from Jamui. Bima Bharti, former JD(U) MLA from Rupauli assembly constituency in Purnea, has filed nominations for the Purnea seat as the RJD candidate. Meanwhile, Rohini Acharya, the second daughter of former Bihar chief minister Lalu Yadav, has been fielded from Saran, where she will be up against sitting BJP MP Rajeev Pratap Rudi. Another woman candidate, Anita Devi, an MLA from Nokha in Rohtas and wife of gangster Ashok Mahto, has been fielded from the Munger seat. While Lalu Yadavs daughter and Rajya Sabha MP Misa Bharti has once again been fielded from the Patliputra seat. No Left parties have given tickets to any women candidates. Even the Congress Party has no women on its list of candidates. The Congress has so far declared candidates for only three seats Katihar, Kishanganj and Bhagalpur. There are altogether 40 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. In the National Democratic Alliance, which consists of the BJP, the JD(U), Lok Janshakti Party (LPJ) and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HUM), the BJP is contesting elections from 17 seats, the JDU has got 16 seats, and the LJP has been given five seats. The HUM and Rashtriya Lok Manch have one seat each. The INDIA bloc parties consist of the RJD, Congress, Communist Party of India (MarxistLeninist) Liberation (CPI-ML), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), Communist Party of India (CPI), and the Vikasshil Insaan Party (VIP). Of the 40 Lok Sabha seats, the RJD is contesting 26 seats. The Congress is contesting nine seats, the CPI-ML has been given three seats, and both the CPI and CPI-M are contesting seats each. Besides, Mukesh Sahni-led VIP has been promised three seats in the state. But the status of women candidates in the candidates list of most of the political parties is grim and discouraging, Meena Tiwari, National general secretary of the All India Progressive Womens Association (AIPWA), said. Even the Left parties could not do justice to them, she added. Kanchanbala, a social activist who runs the Loktantrik Jan Pahal, said the most disappointing was the list of candidates from the BJP. The party has been claiming to be the champion of womens rights, but not a single woman has been given a ticket to contest the Lok Sabha elections, she said. She added that one thing was clear women leaders in Bihar are still not trusted by the political parties. Amrita Singh, BJP state vice president, said the party had this time repeated old faces in most seats. She added that the party could not find any strong woman candidates for the seats where old faces have been replaced by new ones. Loktantrik Jan Pahal member and leader Kanchan Bala said it is no better than the other political parties. The two women fielded by the JD(U) have Bahubali (criminal-turned-politicians) background, she said. Even in the RJD and LJP, women who have family connections with some former chief ministers and ministers, she added. Kiran Ranjan of the JD(U) said that some of these women candidates had been absolute freshers. It is frustrating for the women workers who have worked for years to strengthen the base of the party. But when there is an election, mostly the women with Bahubali background get tickets, she said. Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Malaika Arora and Amrita Arora visited designer Manish Malhotra's residence last night. The BFFs stepped out in the city to enjoy an outing. The paparazzi clicked them outside Manish's house, dressed in perfection. While Karisma wore a simple printed midi dress and Amrita donned a stylish co-ord blush pink blazer, shorts and waistcoat set, Kareena and Malaika chose chic neutral outfits for the occasion. Scroll through to check out what the girl gang wore for their outing. Kareena Kapoor, Malaika Arora, Karisma Kapoor, and Amrita Arora clicked outside Manish Malhotra's residence. Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Malaika Arora and Amrita Arora clicked at Manish Malhotra's residence The paparazzi clicks show Kareena Kapoor dressed in a neutral-coloured casual-chic ensemble. She chose a muted mint green shirt and taupe-coloured flared pants to enjoy the dinner outing with her girlfriends. While the blouse features a collared neckline, front button closures, full-length sleeves, and a relaxed fit, the pants have a mid-rise waist, flared hem, and a baggy silhouette. She accessorised the ensemble with a pink beaded layered necklace, a Hermes Birkin bag, tan Birkenstock sandals, and a silver bracelet watch. A blushed, no-makeup look and a sleek top knot rounded off her look. Meanwhile, Malaika chose a white and black-coloured neutral ensemble to visit Manish Malhotra with her friends. She wore a sleeveless white corseted blouse featuring broad shoulder straps, a plunging neckline, boning on the bodice, and a figure-hugging silhouette. Black leather pants with a tapered look, high-rise waist, and side pockets completed the look. A white embellished clutch, black pumps, a stylish watch, a centre-parted sleek bun, dewy base, rouge on the cheekbones, darkened brows, and mascara on the lashes rounded off the styling. On the other hand, Karisma Kapoor made a stunning appearance in a summer-ready printed midi dress featuring a multi-coloured abstract pattern. She styled the midi fit-and-flare ensemble with an over-the-body bag, sneakers, a loose braid, minimal gold jewellery pieces, deep red lip shade, and minimal makeup. Lastly, Amrita Arora aced co-ord fashion for the occasion. She wore a blush pink notch lapel oversized blazer, a matching waistcoat, and high-waisted shorts. She styled the ensemble with tan peep-toe pumps, side-parted open wavy locks, a plum handbag, pink lip shade, winged eyeliner, mascara on the lashes, and darkened brows. Gudi Padwa 2024: Gudi Padwa is celebrated with enthusiasm in Maharashtra. Popularly known as Samvatsara Padvo, Gudi Padwa marks the first day of the new year in Maharashtra. The festival marks the beginning of the Marathi New Year and the harvest season in Maharashtra. The word Gudi means a flag or emblem of the Hindu Lord Brahma, and Padwa means the first day of the phase of the moon. People in the state celebrate Gudi Padwa by decorating their homes, cooking delicious spread at home, and performing special rituals with family members. Gudi Padwa 2023: Date, history, significance, celebration of the Marathi festival (Photo by Twitter/heaptrace) Gudi Padwa 2024 Date: This year, Gudi Padwa or Marathi New Year falls on Tuesday, April 9. According to Drik Panchang, Marathi Shaka Samvat 1946 will start this year. Meanwhile, the Pratipada Tithi begins on April 8 at 11:50 pm and ends on April 9 at 8:30 pm. Gudi Padwa 2024 History, Significance and Celebrations: Gudi Padwa signifies the day Lord Brahma created the universe. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma also introduced days, weeks, months and years on this day. Meanwhile, another legend says that King Shalivahana's victory is also celebrated on Gudi Padwa as the Gudi or flag was hoisted by his people when he returned to Paithan. People in Maharashtra celebrate Gudi Padwa by making Gudi - made by tying a piece of fresh cloth around a 5-foot-long bamboo stick. They also place neem leaves and garlands made of sugar candy on the top. The stick is placed in a silver or bronze pot. Gudi is a symbol of victory and believed to ward off evil and invite prosperity. After placing it, people pray and consume the prasad made of neem leaves. On the day of Gudi Padwa celebrations, people wake up early, take a bath, clean their homes, and decorate their front gates with beautiful rangoli designs and Gudi. They also worship the Gudi to celebrate the New Year. Lastly, a delicious spread featuring Puran Poli and Shrikhand is enjoyed with family and friends. It is also customary to eat tender leaves of Neem and Mishri on the very first day of Samvatsara. Ugadi 2024: This is that time of the year when New Year starts in multiple states. This is the start of the harvest season, and brings hope, prosperity and promises of a better tomorrow. During this time, people deck up in new clothes, decorate their homes and welcome the New Year. It is celebrated in different names in different states. In West Bengal, Poila Boishak is celebrated, while Maharashtra celebrates Gudi padwa. In the states of Telengana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Ugadi is observed. The cycle of sixty years Samvatsara starts on this day. Every year of this sixty-year cycle has a new name. This year, Ugadi will be celebrated on April 9. (Unsplash) As we gear up to celebrate the special day, here are a few things that we need to keep in mind. Date: This year, Ugadi will be celebrated on April 9. According to Drik Panchang, the Pratipada Tithi will start at 23:50 PM on April 8 and will end at 20:30 PM on April 9. History: Ugadi, also known as Yugadi translates to yug meaning an era, and adi meaning something new. In the 12th century, Indian Mathematician Bhaskaracharya identified Ugadi as the start of the new year as the spring starts for the year after the cold harsh winters. This is the time when people get together with their loved ones and celebrate the day. Significance: It is believed that Lord Brahma created the world on this day and since then, the New Year is meant to be celebrated on this day. Yugadi brings the new era to us, and we celebrate the start of spring and the start of the new year with loved ones. Celebrations: Yugadi is celebrated with a lot of interesting rituals. The people start their day with an oil bath and consume neem leaves. They also hoist a colourful flag in front of their homes. Panchanga Sravanam is followed this is the ritual where an elderly person of the family recites the forecast for the coming year based on the moon signs. The year was 1960. KP Singh, now chairman emeritus of the real estate giant, DLF, was then an officer of the Indian Army. He was travelling from Secunderabad to Delhi. At the station, there was a mad rush to get into the train. KP, sitting in his first-class coupe, saw a thin, tall, bare-footed, bearded man, with a tin box on his head, desperately trying to get into the train. As a last resort, he pleaded with KP to let him in, and KP agreed. That man was MF Husain. That chance meeting led to a life-long friendship. Husain was employed by DLF as its art director for a paltry amount of some 3,000, but over time his paintings rose to skyrocketing prices. Many decades later, when KP met Husain in Dubai, where he was in self-imposed exile, he had a fleet of luxury cars and a museum to his name. At the home of Lord Gulam Noon, in London, I saw a portrait made by Husain in the 1950s of Noons father in Mumbai. He had charged 15 for the work. In March 2023, one of Husains paintings sold at an auction for a whopping 24 crore! So, is art a good investment? It is true that some painters SH Raza, VS Gaitonde, Husain, Rameshwar Broota, and Ram Kumar to name just a few, sell at prices that are astronomical compared to what they were sold for years ago. Aman Nath, the founder of Neemrana Hotels, bought a Tyeb Mehta for 2,700 in 1979. In 2006, he sold it for 3.5 crore and bought a house in Nizamuddin East in Delhi. Today, that painting is priced at 17 crore and featured on the cover of Sothebys catalogue. Investment in Indian art has gone up by 250% in the last decade. Last year alone saw a 9% rise in turnover and a 6% increase in the number of works sold. This was facilitated by as many as 103 online auctions in 2022, held by internationally reputed firms like Sothebys and Saffron Art. The annual India Art Fair, and the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, have soared in popularity. Today, the turnover of Indian art has reached $144.3 million. Last year, the late Amrita Sher-Gils work, The Storyteller fetched 61.8 crore, the highest for an Indian painter. Yet, it is sobering to note that the Indian art market accounts for only 0.5% globally. The United States has 43% of the cake, and, significantly, China 27%. For a three trillion economy like ours, the art market should be at least six times more. In a country of 1.4 billion, which has the third largest number of billionaires in the world, there are less than 500 serious art buyers. Often, we dont know the worth of our own emerging artists. One of the most talented among them is Manish Pushkale. Last year, the famous Musee Guimet in Paris selected his work for display, and it was visited by over 50,000 visitors. It is now moving to the Asiatic Museum of Art in Nice. How many Indians know of this success story? Manishs life reads like a dramatic movie script. He arrived in Delhi penniless in 1996 and slept for days on the platform at Nizamuddin railway station. His first buyer was the renowned artist, Sakti Burman, who paid 11,000. The next icon to spot his talent was Raza, who also became his guru. Famous artist Manjit Bawa bought one of his works for 13,000, sold it to an art collector for 1 lakh, and in an exceptionally gracious gesture, gave the 87,000 he earned back to Manish. Last year, one of Manishs paintings fetched 67 lakh. He now no longer lives in Shakarpur, where his landlords were a generous group of eunuchs, but has his own twin-floor home in Hauz Khas. Indian art is yet to get its due global recognition. That will happen when our artists shun mimicry, work with the originality that has been the hallmark of our ancient civilisation, and have far more patrons, if only for investment. Pavan K Varma is author, diplomat, and former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha). The views expressed are personal Tourism booms in three-day Tomb Sweeping holiday 14:14, April 07, 2024 By Cheng Si ( Chinadaily.com.cn A girl flies a kite in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province on Saturday. [Photo/Xinhua] The just-finished three-day Tomb Sweeping Day holiday, which started on Thursday, saw a tourism boom both in traveler numbers and tourism-related revenues. According to the latest release by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Saturday evening, domestic destinations nationwide received about 119 million visits during the holiday, up 11.5 percent from that in 2019 the time before the epidemic hit. The holiday only had one day off last year and saw around 23.77 million domestic travels. The travel boom this year, generated a tourism-related consumption of about 54 billion yuan ($7.47 billion) over the holiday, with the number marking a rise of 12.7 percent compared with that in 2019, the ministry said. Tourists visit a flower field in Nanjing, Jiangsu province on Friday. [Photo/Xinhua] Spring outings, both to domestic attractions and overseas destinations, saw a remarkable increase during the holiday. Figures from the ministry show that the Chinese mainland saw 1.04 million inbound trips and 992,000 heading to overseas destinations. Some less-known tourism places, such as Zibo in the eastern province of Shandong, famous for its barbecue, and Kaifeng in China's central Henan province, have become viral destinations over the holiday because of their delicious cuisines, cultural charms and entertaining events, said the ministry. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Return of students unclear amid prolonged confrontation between gov't, doctors By Jung Da-hyun Several medical schools have decided to resume classes this week, after nearly two months on hiatus due to students protests against the government's proposed expansion of the medical school enrollment quota. Over 10,000 students at medical schools across the country have applied for a leave of absence and boycotted classes in protest of the policy to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 starting next year. The schools' decision comes as the failure to resume classes by mid-April would lead to disruptions to the academic calendar, putting many students in a situation where they would need to repeat the year. It remains to be seen whether students decide to return to classes amid the protracted confrontation between the government and the doctors' community. Kyungpook National University decided to resume classes for its medical school on Monday and notified both faculty and students. The university had initially commenced classes on Feb. 13 but halted after a week as medical students nationwide started collective action. Despite the universitys effort to persuade students to return by extending classes five times, it became evident that further delays would be untenable. The current plan is to resume lectures for first- and second-year students online and start clinical practice for third- and fourth-year students from April 15 in a face-to-face format. According to Lim Sang-kyu, the dean of academic affairs at Kyungpook National University, there is some agreement on the necessity of resuming classes, but students still hold different opinions. So far, there have been no reported refusals among students, although some have asked for details since the announcement of resuming classes. Jeonbuk National University is also set to restart classes of its medical school on Monday after multiple extensions, as a total of 641 out of 665 medical school students have applied for a leave of absence at the university. Chonnam National University plans to resume classes for its medical school in mid-April, while Gachon University's medical school has already begun online classes as of April 1. Under the Higher Education Act, universities are mandated to fulfill 30 weeks of classes annually. Typically, schools try to ensure a minimum of 15 weeks of lecture hours per semester. Simultaneous delays of classes and tests could add significant pressure not only on students but also on medical professors, who are tasked with both lecturing and providing medical care to patients at the same time. As medical schools push to restart classes, the focus is on whether numerous medical students on leave will return or not. Each university anticipates a substantial number of students to come back as they are actively seeking to persuade students and offer alternative plans like online lectures, considering the pressure on students to return. If students dont attend classes even after the resumption, it could result in students failing and potentially being held back. Most medical schools impose fail grades if a student misses more than a third or a quarter of class days in a given subject. The Ministry of Education plans to assess whether medical schools have resumed classes this week and determine resumption dates for those that haven't. Total solar eclipse 2024: A phenomenal event is slated for April 8 that will change the way the Sun and the Moon look to those on Earth. During this Surya Grahan, Earths little satellite will entirely shade the blazing, humongous Sun, and leave just a fiery outline visible. A truly mind-boggling cosmic event that rarely comes along. Yes, the total solar eclipse is all set to roll around tomorrow and skywatchers need to get to know what will be on offer. The most notable part about this Surya Grahan is that it will be total in nature, which indicates that the Moon will entirely cover the Sun. Solar eclipse 2024 livestreaming: Know when and where you can watch Surya Grahan live In India on April 8.(REUTERS) Total Solar Eclipse 2024 - what will happen? What will actually come to pass during the event is that the Moon will come right in front of the Sun from Earths point of view, blocking the much larger orb fully. This will make temperatures drop, and virtually turn daytime into night. A mind-boggling and fascinating prospect. Surya Grahan in India The total solar eclipse is set to be visible from Mexico, United States to Canada. Those residing in India will have to access a solar eclipse livestream, which NASA will be providing globally. What time will the total Solar Eclipse happen? Sygazers will be able to watch Surya Grahan live view for around 12 hours - will commence on April 8 at 9:12 pm and will conclude on April 9 at 2:22 am. Considering the rarity of the event, a huge number of people will be traveling to geographical areas where the best views are while others will have to make do with a live stream of the event. Do remember that the totality will last around 4 minutes. What not to do while watching the total solar eclipse directly The most important part to note is the huge threat that a solar eclipse poses to the eyes. People have been blinded after looking at an eclipse directly with their eyes. The problem is that the eye is damaged without the person involved feeling any pain as there are no pain receptors in that sensitive art of the eyes. Best thing to do is to buy sturdy eclipse glasses for the purpose. Remember, sun glasses will not do and they may even worsen the case. How to watch the solar eclipse live stream You can watch the total solar eclipse online from the comfort of your home: It is not the ideal way, but unless you can go to the very areas it is happening, there is no other way. US space agency NASA says it will livestream the total solar eclipse. Watch the total solar eclipse here. A Norwegian skywatching website called Time and Date will also be livestreaming the event. You can watch it here. In case you want experience the solar eclipse in a different way, then check out what Exploratorium has to offer! This science and art museum in San Francisco will offer a unique sound experience. You can catch the livestream here. Happy watching! A video that has recently gained widespread attention on social media shows a man performing a dangerous stunt by dancing on top of a moving e-rickshaw. The video was originally shared on Instagram by a user named Babu Singh, and it quickly went viral. The stunt has left many people shocked and concerned for the safety of the man. The post has since received numerous reactions and sparked a chatter among netizens. Snapshot of the man on top of e-rickshaw. (Instagram/@BabuSingh) In the video, Singh can be seen standing on the roof of an e-rickshaw that is parked on a road. As the music plays, he can be seen dancing to a song. Suddenly, the e-rickshaw starts moving, and Singh loses his balance, falling off the roof and hitting the ground. (Also Read: Woman dances to Khalasi in office, people have a lot to say about her colleagues reactions) Watch the video here: This post was shared a few days ago on Instagram. Since being shared, it has gained more than nine million views and the numbers are still increasing. The post also has numerous likes and comments. (Also Read: Womans dance inside crowded train makes people say stop the trend) Check out how people reacted to the video: An individual wrote, "Sir, are you okay? Did you get hurt?" A second said, "Some people just don't understand physics." "Please don't put content like others; others might follow you. It is not safe," posted a third. A fourth commented, "Was the driver his enemy?" Earlier, another clip that went viral on social media showed two women celebrating Holi inside the metro by doing a dance. The women, who are clad in traditional Indian clothes, can be seen in the video dusting each other's faces with coloured powder before moving up close and rubbing their faces. There are other riders in the metro who are watching the duo perform. X user Madhur Singh shared the video and wrote, "We need a law against this asap." The head of the U.N.s atomic watchdog agency said Sunday a drone attack on one of six nuclear reactors at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident. A photo shows a view of the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine (AFP) In a statement on the social media platform X, Rafael Mariano Grossi confirmed at least three direct hits against ZNPP main reactor containment structures took place. This cannot happen, he said. He said it was the first such attack since November 2022, when he set out five basic principles to avoid a serious nuclear accident with radiological consequences. In a separate statement, the IAEA confirmed physical impact of drone attacks at the plant, including at one of its six reactors. One casualty was reported, it said. "Damage at unit 6 has not compromised nuclear safety, but this is a serious incident with potential to undermine integrity of the reactors containment system it added. Officials at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant said that the site was attacked Sunday by Ukrainian military drones, including a strike on the dome of the plants sixth power unit. According to the plant authorities, there was no critical damage or casualties and radiation levels at the plant were normal after the strikes. Later on Sunday, however, Russian state-owned nuclear agency Rosatom said that three people were wounded in the unprecedented series of drone attacks," specifically when a drone hit an area close to the site's canteen. The International Atomic Energy Agency said Sunday that its experts had been informed of the drone strike and that such detonation is consistent with IAEA observations. Without apportioning blame, the head of the U.N.s atomic watchdog agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, warned of the safety risks of such attacks. I urge refraining from actions that contradict the 5 IAEA principles and jeopardize nuclear safety, he said on the social media site X. The power plant has been caught in the crossfire since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and seized the facility shortly after. The IAEA has repeatedly expressed alarm about the nuclear power plant, Europes largest, amid fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe. Both Ukraine and Russia have regularly accused the other of attacking the plant, which is still close to the front lines. The plants six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features. Also on Sunday, three people were killed when their house was hit by a Russian projectile in the front-line town of Huliaipole in Ukraines partly occupied southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, regional Gov. Ivan Fedorov said. Later on Sunday, two people were wounded in another shelling of Huliaipole. Separately, three people were wounded in Russian shelling in Ukraines northeast Kharkiv region, according to regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov. In Russia, a girl died and four other people were wounded when the debris of a downed Ukrainian drone fell on a car carrying a family of six people in Russias Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said. Five individuals were wounded after a vehicle drove into a crowd of protestors during a large-scale anti-government protest in Tel Aviv on Saturday. Among the injured, one protester sustained moderate wounds, while the rest suffered minor injuries, local media reported. Police detained the driver and are investigating the motives behind the incident. Car rams into protesters at anti-government rally in Israel.(X/The Informant) Video footage shared on social media depicted the alarming scene as the vehicle accelerated into the crowd. Reacting to the incident, Israeli communications minister Shlomo Karhi attributed responsibility to leftist leaders, both inside and outside the coalition". "Dont run over protesters. Period. Dont attack police officers, period. Dont throw burning torches at the prime ministers house. Period, Karhi said in a social media post in Hebrew. Meanwhile, opposition leader Yair Lapid denounced the incident, holding the government under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accountable for purportedly fostering violence and discord, Israel's i24 News reported. Israel recently witnessed its largest anti-government demonstration. Protesters called for fresh elections and a hostage agreement with Hamas as the conflict reached its sixth month. According to Channel 13 news estimates, approximately 45,000 individuals protested in Tel Aviv on Saturday night, while organizers asserted that 100,000 participated. In addition to Tel Aviv, thousands voiced their demand for new elections in Jerusalem, Haifa, and dozens of other cities and towns nationwide, including Caesarea, where protesters gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence. Drawing upon his personal experience and those of his friends, a young Indo-Canadian has created a short feature film which is the first to explore the subject of the challenges faced by young immigrants to Canada. The film, Cash Cows, directed by Shubham Chhabra, has already been selected for an award at the inaugural Sundar Prize Film Festival, which focuses on inclusivity and diversity in Canada. Director Shubham Chhabra on the set of the film Cash Cows. (Credit: Tobi Agonias) The Punjabi-language project riffs on common themes running through the immigrant experience: From five sharing a basement apartment to exploitation by employers capitalising on the desperation of immigrants to maintain their status in Canada and secure permanent residency. Chhabra, who came as an international student to Canada in 2015, said, This idea was always there, of showing something from our lives. Most of us were too naive and optimistic. I talk to a lot of people and they have trauma, he said. However, though the subject matter is serious, Vancouver-based Chhabra tackles it with some humour. Even though the experience is tragic, theres comedy. I wanted to show the range of the experience, the spectrum of everything. I havent seen something similar, he said. The idea was also derived from a documentary Chhabra is working on looking at similar issues. I thought might as well make a punchy version of it, he said. It is also a timely project given the conversation over immigration currently in progress in the country amid reports of how international students have become cash cows. It premiered at Vancouver Asian Film Festival in November last year. Alex Sangha, co-founder of the festival, which will have its inaugural edition this summer, described the film as compelling in the manner it delves into the poignant narrative of an Indian immigrants pursuit of the Canadian Dream, navigating the complexities of securing Permanent Residency and the sacrifices entailed along the way. It has been awarded the Best Emerging Filmmaker Residency Prize. Seamlessly blending elements of comedy with the sobering realities of contemporary Canadian society, Chhabras work not only entertains but also sheds light on a pressing social issue, he added. Of Cash Cows, the organisers said it depicts a journey of an Indian immigrant who falls victim to an employment scam. Desperate to secure a permanent residency and a better life, he must confront the true cost of the sacrifices hes made. The Prize itself derives from the Sanskrit word for beautiful, to symbolise the convergence of cinematic artistry and social advocacy, he said. Its first edition will have the theme, Celebrating Human Resilience. Elon Musk is challenging a decision by a Supreme Court justice in Brazil who ordered his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to block certain accounts, and he called on Sunday for the judge's resignation. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of X, formerly known as Twitter(Reuters) "This judge has brazenly and repeatedly betrayed the constitution and people of Brazil. He should resign or be impeached. Shame @Alexandre, shame," Musk posted on X. In an earlier post, Musk said X was lifting all the restrictions decided by Justice Alexandre de Moraes on certain undisclosed accounts in Brazil and would publish details of the order despite the judge's prohibition on doing so. "This judge has applied massive fines, threatened to arrest our employees and cut off access to X in Brazil," Musk posted on Saturday evening. "As a result, we will probably lose all revenue in Brazil and have to shut down our office there. But principles matter more than profit." Musk promised to legally challenge the order where possible. Brazil's solicitor general, Jorge Messias, criticized Musk's decision and called for regulation of social media networks to prevent foreign platforms from violating Brazilian laws. "We cannot live in a society in which billionaires domiciled abroad have control of social networks and put themselves in a position to violate the rule of law, failing to comply with court orders and threatening our authorities," Messias said in a post on X. X Corp had been "forced by court decisions" to block certain popular accounts in Brazil and was prohibited from giving details of the order or which judge issued it, the company said in a statement. It said X was threatened with daily fines if it failed to comply. Musk said the blocking order was unconstitutional. "The people of Brazil, regardless of their political beliefs, are entitled to freedom of speech, due process, and transparency from their own authorities," he posted. A spokesperson for the Supreme Court said the court had no comment on the matter for now. Moraes, who is leading an investigation into an alleged coup attempt by former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, is one of the Supreme Court justices most active in combating online misinformation in Brazil. Last year, Moraes also ordered an investigation into executives at social messaging platform Telegram and Alphabet's Google, who were in charge of a campaign criticizing a proposed internet regulation bill. The bill put the onus on internet companies, search engines and social messaging services to find and report illegal material, instead of leaving it to the courts, and to charge hefty fines for failures to do so. In the six months since she survived Hamas' Oct. 7 attack by hiding beneath a pile of bodies at an outdoor music festival turned killing field in southern Israel, Ziv Abud has devoted all her time to freeing her hostage boyfriend. Ziv Abud, the girlfriend of hostage Eliya Cohen, who was kidnapped during the October 7 attack on Israel by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas from Gaza, shows her t-shirt with a picture of Eliya during an interview with Reuters, in Tel Aviv, Israel(REUTERS) Abud, 26, and her boyfriend Eliya Cohen were among party-goers at the Nova festival that was attacked by Hamas gunmen. Cohen was taken captive and is among the over 130 people still being held. Hamas' attack sparked the devastating war in Gaza. "We need more effort, we actually need to do more things in order to release them, because apparently what we are doing is not enough," said Abud in a square in Tel Aviv that has become a protest spot for families of hostages and their supporters. "I expected them to arrive home by now, alive, because to return hostages in coffins is not a picture of victory." ALSO READ| Israeli military withdraws most ground troops from southern Gaza: Report Many hostages' families are demanding the Israeli government does whatever it takes to secure their release from Gaza and are trying to increase pressure by stepping up street protests. They have also petitioned Israel's allies to do more to help their cause. Egypt on Sunday will host a fresh round of negotiations aimed at achieving a Gaza truce and hostage release deal. Abud, wearing a t-shirt with a picture of her boyfriend, recounted how she survived the Hamas assault. "I was buried under the bodies for six hours, and after six hours a man came to look for his son. And when he came to look for his son, based on the location his son had sent him, he found me and five other people," she told Reuters in an interview. "If he hadn't come, I might not be alive today either." Israel says it will not stop its Gaza offensive until all hostages are freed and Hamas is no longer a threat. Hamas has sought to parlay any deal into an end to the fighting and withdrawal of Israeli forces. "I myself have experienced the horrors, I myself am in mourning for my nephew, for my family, and with all of this I still have to get up every morning and think to myself - what I am doing today to release my partner from Gaza?" Abud said. Tens of thousands of Israelis protested against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday as Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza reaches its half-year mark. People take part in a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group.(AP) Organisers said about 100,000 people converged at a Tel Aviv crossroads renamed "Democracy Square" since mass protests against controversial judicial reforms last year. Chanting "elections now", protesters called for his resignation as the war in Gaza enters its seventh month on Sunday, AFP correspondents reported. Rallies were also held in other cities, with Israel's opposition leader Yair Lapid taking part in one in Kfar Saba ahead of his departure for talks in Washington. "They haven't learnt anything, they haven't changed," he said at that rally. READ | India abstains as UN body adopts motion against Israel for possible war crimes "Until we send them home, they won't give this country a chance to move forward." Israeli media said clashes had broken out between protesters and police at the Tel Aviv rally and police said one protester had been arrested. Later, the protesters in Tel Aviv were joined by families of Gaza hostages and their supporters. Earlier, the army announced that troops had recovered the body of a hostage abducted by Palestinian militants during the October 7 attack and later murdered in captivity in the Gaza Strip. READ | Donald Trump says Israel is losing the PR war with Hamas because The recovery of Elad Katzir's body brings to 12 the number of bodies of hostages which the army says it has brought home from Gaza during the war. The Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people in southern Israel, most of them civilians, according to Israeli figures. Israel's retaliatory offensive against Hamas has killed at least 33,137 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. About 250 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage by militants on October 7. The army says 129 are still being held in Gaza, including 34 who are presumed dead. Demonstrators are to take to the streets again on Sunday, with a rally planned in Jerusalem. Russias use of North Korean missiles in its assault in Ukraine is giving Pyongyang a rare chance to test its weapons in combat and perhaps take away lessons that could improve their performance, a top US general said. This photo provided by the North Korean government shows the test-fire of what they call an intermediate-range ballistic missile on the outskirts of Pyongyang, North Korea Tuesday, April 2, 2024.(AP) I dont believe that in my recent memory that the North Korean military has had a battlefield laboratory quite like the Russians are affording them to have in Ukraine, said General Charles Flynn, the US Army Pacifics commanding general. That gives North Korea an opportunity to gain valuable information in technical matters, procedures and the munitions themselves. The US will be watching closely how this unfolds, Flynn said Saturday during a visit to the sprawling US Army Garrison Humphreys, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Seoul. Read: Russia strikes Ukraine's Kharkiv with aerial bombs for the first time since 2022 Flynn said a great concern for him and others is that North Korea will be able to learn things about their weapons they would otherwise not have access to absent a conflict like the war in Ukraine. The US will be deploying missile systems with mid-range capability to the Indo-Pacific region soon, Flynn said, without giving further details on timing or locations. Such a move could draw the ire of China, which in 2019 warned that US allies in the region risked countermeasures if they accepted the deployment of intermediate-range American missiles. The US, South Korea and others have accused North Korea of sending to Russia its newest nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that are easy to hide, quick to deploy and hard to shoot down. Images provided by the US indicate they are Hwasong-11s, a wide class of short-range ballistic missile that can reliably hit targets with a high degree of precision, according to weapons experts. Read: Over 20 Indians in Russia-Ukraine conflict zone: MoS Muraleedharan They have ranges of 380 to 800 kilometers and increase the pool of weapons Russian President Vladimir Putin can draw upon. Prosecutors in Kharkiv said in March that Russian forces have fired North Korean missiles at Ukraine about 50 times since the start of the invasion, providing documentation for what it said included a Hwasong-11 family missile, specialist service NK News reported. The North Korean missiles sent so far are similar in size and flight dynamics to Russias Iskander series, weapons experts have said. A report last year by the Center for Strategic and International Studies showed that the US Patriot air defense system has so far been largely effective in countering Russias missiles. US allies South Korea and Japan both deploy Patriot batteries. These air defense systems have a powerful radar able to track as many as 100 targets including cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and aircraft, according to a report from the Congressional Research Service. Read: Russia's domestic ammunition production insufficient for Ukraine war, Western officials say The US, South Korea, Japan and Europe have accused North Korea of sending massive amounts of munitions to Russia, which are interoperable with the Soviet-era systems being used in Ukraine. Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the charges despite a multitude of satellite photos released by research groups and the US government showing the flow of weapons from North Korea to Russia and then to munitions dumps near the border with Ukraine. In return for the arms, which are likely valued at several billion dollars, Russia is providing North Korea with food, raw materials and parts for weapons manufacturing, South Korean officials have said. This has helped North Korean leader Kim Jong Un increase food security and further develop his weapons systems. Flynn called North Koreas continued testing of ballistic missiles concerning and destabilizing. Last week, Kim oversaw the test of a new ballistic missile designed to deploy a hypersonic glide vehicle that can deliver a nuclear payload to US bases in Japan and Guam. The Israeli army on Sunday said it had reached "another phase" of preparation for war on its northern border with Lebanon, where it has spent months exchanging fire with Iran-backed Hezbollah. A picture taken from the southern Lebanese village of Alma al-Shaab shows smoke rising from an Israeli outpost(AFP) Hezbollah generally targets Israeli positions close to the border, and says it is doing so in support of Hamas militants who have been at war with Israel in the Gaza Strip since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. Israel has increasingly carried out deeper strikes into Lebanese territory and has also targeted commanders from Lebanon's Hezbollah group. It has also stepped up strikes against Hezbollah and other Iran-linked targets in Syria, including an air strike on April 1 against Iran's embassy consular section in Damascus, in what analysts fear could spiral into all-out war. On Sunday the Israeli army said "another phase of the Northern Command's readiness for war" on the Lebanon front has been completed. In a statement on its website, the military said commanders "are prepared to summon and equip all the required soldiers in just a few hours... to the front line for defensive and offensive missions." The statement came after the military said its fighter jets struck a compound of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Forces "in the area of Khiam", several kilometres (miles) north of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, as well as a command centre near Toura, northeast of the coastal city of Tyre. Israel had earlier said it hit targets in Kawkaba, near Khiam, and Meiss El Jabal in southern Lebanon in response to rockets fired towards the Golan Heights. Emmanuel Navon, a political science professor at Tel Aviv University, told AFP it is "unlikely a war in the north can be avoided". But Israeli security expert Omer Dostri said a land war would not likely happen until the fighting on the ground in Gaza is over. Hezbollah and Israel last went to war in 2006. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in a televised speech on Friday that his movement had not yet used its "main" weapons, and reiterated that Hezbollah would cease its attacks only when the war in Gaza ends. Also on Sunday a source close to Hezbollah told an AFP correspondent in eastern Lebanon's Baalbek region that other strikes targeted Janta and Sifri in the Bekaa Valley, around 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the closest Israeli frontier. The Israeli military said on Telegram that fighter jets struck "a military complex" and three other infrastructure sites "belonging to Hezbollah's air defense network" in the region, after an army drone was shot down. Iranian leaders have vowed retaliation for the embassy strike which killed seven of its Revolutionary Guards. On Sunday Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said the army had finished all its preparations to react to any scenario that could arise regarding Iran. Descendant of US missionary family poised to take on new mission as politician By Kim Chang-young A renowned Korean American medical practitioner, celebrated for treating elusive illnesses at a Seoul hospital for three decades, now faces a new task: tackling the diverse range of visible and invisible afflictions plaguing South Korea. He is vying for a seat in the April 10 general elections and if elected, he will become the first parliamentarian with a dual nationality. Its not surprising to see John Linton, also known as Ihn Yo-han in Korean, entering the political arena, given his prior leadership role in the innovation committee of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) last October. However, what truly astonished observers was his composed demeanor upon receiving a phone call during an interview with The Korea Times in his office on March 18, informing him of his unexpected eighth position on the list of candidates for a PPP-affiliated party for proportional representation seats. Ihns party is likely to win well over 10 seats, according to political analysts. The interview was repeatedly interrupted by congratulatory calls and messages until he switched his mobile phone to mute. This upcoming election carries unprecedented significance. It will decide whether our nation can navigate through challenging tensions and risks, both domestically and internationally. We must persist on the path toward peace and prosperity by any means necessary, he said in the distinctive Honam dialect. I couldn't simply stand by on campus, witnessing the potential whirlwind that could disrupt the foundations of a free democracy and capitalist economy. These very foundations were built with the collective effort, sweat, tears, and blood of the past. He has been spearheading nationwide campaigns for the ruling camp, working closely with PPP interim leader Han Dong-hoon. Politicians must lead the charge in reforming our society, fostering unity among our people, and being willing to make personal sacrifices, he said, vowing to consolidate national interests befitting "one of the global top 10 powers" in international relations and to engage North Koreans once elected. Ihn, a professor at Yonsei University, has served as the director of the International Medical Care Center at Severance Hospital for 33 years and visited North Korea almost 30 times on humanitarian missions. Ideal relief pitcher Born and raised in southwestern Gwangju and Jeolla provincial area, also known as "Honam" that is generally favorable to progressive parties, Ihn is widely anticipated to resonate with the sentiments of the populace. Former President Kim Dae-jung remains my favorite politician of all time, he said. The late Kim was revered as the undisputed hero of Honam residents, having risked his life in the pro-democracy movement of the 1980s and emerged victorious in the 1997 presidential election. Ihn shifted to a moderate conservative stance after his meeting with President Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2021, shortly after the prosecutor general-turned-political novice secured the PPP primary for the upcoming presidential election. Yoon sought his assistance, prompting Ihn's ideological shift. He possesses a frank and affectionate demeanor, speaking candidly and forging warm relationships quickly, even with people he just met. This ability has enabled him to establish rapport with world leaders and achieve notable successes in global diplomatic efforts focused on sales, he said. Yoon was appointed by former President Moon Jae-in as the country's top prosecutor in 2019 to arrest two former conservative leaders in a political purge. He eventually became the conservative party's presidential candidate and won the election by a margin of less than 1 percentage point, just one year after entering politics. Now, facing the upcoming general elections, he finds himself under siege from progressive forces joining hands in an anti-Yoon coalition. Lee Jae-myung, his rival in the presidential election and leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), advocates for "harsh judgment against the Yoon administration," while Cho Kuk, a former justice minister during the Moon administration, loudly demands his impeachment. Both Lee and Cho, along with other candidates of their parties, have been accused or found guilty of various charges. However, their parties enjoy strong popularity in the ongoing campaigns, partly due to Yoon's failure to fulfill his key election promise of upholding "justice and common sense" in public administration, and partly because support has waned due to his perceived failure to energize the South Korean economy. The pillars of our society lie in compromise and tolerance. Politicians must abstain from stoking anger for their own partisan conflicts and power struggles. The DPK has forsaken the longstanding virtues of progressivism since leadership shifted to Lee Jae-myung's hands, he said. South Korea has succeeded in industrialization and democratization and remodeled the poor and divided state into a robust, democratic economy during the past seven decades. However, it has overlooked endeavors to address the aftermath of rapid economic growth, which is currently marked by income disparity and social inequality. The enduring legacy of unbalanced development has ignited bitter political clashes between the haves and have-nots, conservative and progressive factions, and the relatively affluent southeastern Yeongnam (Busan and Gyeongsang provinces) and disadvantaged Honam regions, the bastions of the PPP and the DPK, respectively. The progressive movement ousted President Park Geun-hye from office in 2017 amid a massive corruption scandal, paving the way for Moon to assume the presidency. While the impeachment marked a triumphant conclusion to the so-called "candle revolution," where millions of citizens took to the streets holding candles on weekend nights, it also heralded the start of more intense struggles. According to Ihn, the new power holders monopolized values and left entrenched societal issues unaddressed, signaling a fresh beginning of bitter challenges. Huge tasks ahead In addition to mounting external challenges, South Korea grapples with a plethora of enduring and emergent issues: social conflict, moral decline, sluggish economic growth, a record-low birthrate, and a high suicide rate, among others. A seasoned physician and a witty optimist who always sees the silver lining beyond the clouds, Ihn appears to be one of the most able politicians capable of diagnosing society's ailments from a physician's perspective and offer effective policy alternatives from the viewpoint of a political outsider. Koreans have demonstrated remarkable resilience, triumphing over colonial rule, division of their land, a three-year war, poverty, and myriad other adversities. As a people, we have the capacity to transform every bitter crisis into a better situation, he said. Since his youth, he has been characterized by a positive outlook and dynamic activism. During the pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju in 1980 against the military junta led by Army Gen. Chun Doo-hwan, Ihn sought his father's permission and drove a truck from his hometown of Sunchun to Damyang. From there, he walked 25 kilometers to reach the bloody site, risking his life in the pursuit of justice. "At the age of 21, I served as a voluntary interpreter for foreign journalists at the South Jeolla Provincial Government hall," he recalled, reminiscing about that pivotal moment in history. "The site resembled a vast mortuary. The hall was overrun by armed militia, while the rest of the city was encircled by armed servicemen." His courageous actions incurred harsh repercussions not only from the U.S. Embassy, but also from the South Korean government. Embassy officials labeled him a "political headache," while local government agents subjected the "subversive" individual to constant surveillance. Upon returning to Yonsei University to resume his medical studies after the uprising subsided, he volunteered to participate in a student military camp in an effort to demonstrate his innocence, contrary to the accusations of being a "subversive." Notably, students with foreign nationality were not obliged to undergo the short-term drill, highlighting his commitment to dispel any doubts about his loyalty. His family has a rich tradition of sharing in the glory and shame, honor and disgrace, and joys and pains of the Korean people since 1895. This legacy traces back to Eugene Bell, the father of his grandmother, who took his first step onto a remote village in the hermit kingdom of Joseon as a Southern Presbyterian missionary. All of his ancestors adhered to the principle of noblesse oblige, dedicating their lifetimes to religious, educational, and welfare services for Koreans. They played pivotal roles in establishing hundreds of churches and schools, leaving a lasting legacy of service and compassion. Born in 1926 in Gunsan, another city in Honam, his father Hugh Linton, along with his family, was deported to the U.S. by Japanese colonialists in 1940. During World War II, he fought against Japan as a U.S. Navy officer. When North Korea invaded South Korea, the veteran volunteered for Operation Chromite in 1950 and subsequently settled in the Honam area as a missionary. His father tragically passed away in a taxi on the way to the hospital in 1984, after his truck was struck by a bus. With no ambulance available in Suncheon and lacking medical services, this tragedy spurred him to develop a spacious Korean-style ambulance capable of providing emergency treatment. In recognition of this contribution to Korean society, Ihn was granted Korean nationality through a special naturalization process in 2012. Having philanthropic roots, Ihn has visited North Korea 29 times since 1997, initially traveling to Pyongyang to donate one of the new-type ambulances. He holds a deep interest in humanitarian aid for the North Korean people. However, he expresses regret over the deadlock in inter-Korean relations, primarily due to repeated nuclear provocations by the Kim Jong-un regime. He said politicians have to learn former President Kim Dae-jungs political philosophy of reconciliation and engagement. Politicians require a blend of a cool head and a warm heart, whereas statesmen must possess both a cool head and a cool heart. It is the statesmen who can craft strategies that withstand the test of time, even in the event of opposition rivals assuming power. Kim Chang-young worked for The Korea Times for 15 years before he assumed the posts of vice spokesman and spokesman of political parties and later served as deputy minister for public relations at the Prime Minister's Office. He has translated and authored books including Bob Woodward's "Bush at War" and "Plan of Attack." Quetta, Six security personnel, including a senior police officer, died while 12 militants were killed in separate terror incidents and security operations in Pakistans restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces in the past two days, officials said on Sunday. HT Image The Inter-Services Public Relations , the media wing of the Pakistan armed forces, said in the Balochistan province, four militants were killed in two separate incidents. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , eight militants were killed in the Kot Sultan area of Kulachi tehsil in Dera Ismail Khan district when security forces carried out an operation against them, the ISPR said. The security forces recovered weapons, ammunition and explosives from the slain militants, it added. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Lakki Marwat, a DSP and two cops were killed and a constable was injured by armed miscreants in two separate incidents on Friday night, officials said. The officials said DSP Gul Muhammad, along with other policemen, had set up a temporary checkpoint on the busy Peshawar-Karachi highway as part of polices security preparations before the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr. As they were returning from the checkpoint, armed men opened fire on the police van near Manjiwala Chowk, leaving the DSP and Constable Naseem Gul dead, the report said. In another attack the same night, Constable Sanamat Khan was killed when unknown assailants opened fire on him near his house in the Sra Darga area. The cop was stationed in Miramshah town of North Waziristan district, and he had returned to the village on leave, the Dawn reported. Moreover, a police official was killed and another injured when a remote-controlled improvised explosive device went off in Mamund tehsil of Bajaur district on Saturday, according to the report. A head constable of the Counter Terrorism Department was killed by unknown people near the Mian Lal police post in the Tank district on Saturday night. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack on policemen in Lakki Marwat. Taking to social media platform X, Sharif said, Cowardly acts of terrorists cannot shake our resolve. K P Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur also denounced the militant attacks and directed the police authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice without delay, the report said. Pakistan has been facing a rise in violence in the wake of the Taliban seizing power in Afghanistan in August 2021. The surge in militant attacks on Pakistani security forces many by the Pakistani Taliban have strained relations between Islamabad and Afghanistans Taliban rulers. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Sign up here to receive The US in brief as a newsletter, each weekday, in your inbox. Former US President and 2024 presidential hopeful Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the Hyatt Regency in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 2, 2024. (Photo by Alex Wroblewski / AFP)(AFP) Wisconsin, one of six swing states expected to decide the presidential election, holds primaries on Tuesday. The state is using new legislative maps after its most senior court deemed old district lines, which heavily favoured Republicans, unconstitutional. Joe Bidens campaign will be hoping that the newly competitive local races boost Democratic turnout. Some Wisconsin Democrats, like those in nearby Michigan, may vote uncommitted to protest against Mr Bidens support for Israel in the war in Gaza. Donald Trump posted a bond worth $175m as part of his civil-fraud case in New York. The payment, which was reduced on appeal from $454m last month, staves off the seizure of the former presidents assets, which could have hobbled his election campaign. Mr Trump was found guilty of fraudulently inflating his property values. Floridas Supreme Court ruled that the states ban on abortion after 15 weeks, with some exceptions, was constitutional. That ruling allows a harsher six-week ban, which was passed last year, to come into effect on May 1st. Separately, the court approved an abortion referendum to enshrine the right to abortion until viability (generally around 23 weeks) in its constitution. Floridians will vote on the measure in November. Floridas top court also said the state could vote on legalising recreational marijuana. The ballot measure would allow existing medical marijuana operators to start selling to anyone aged 21 or older. New York, which gave the green light to recreational cannabis in late 2022, did not take that approach. But New York has struggled to issue licences and, like California, is battling a robust illegal market. Shares in Mr Trumps social-media company fell by 21% on Monday, after the firm disclosed losses of over $58m in 2023 and said it expects to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future. The firm, which owns Truth Social, went public last month after merging with a special-purpose acquisition company. It was arguably never a sound economic bet. The mayor of Uvaldethe Texan city where 19 children and two adults were shot dead at an elementary school in 2022quit, citing health issues. Cody Smith, who was elected in 2023, resigned less than a month after the city published an independent report clearing local police of wrongdoing in the widely-criticised response to the shooting. In January a scathing federal report said police errors proved fatal. It has long been fashionable for right-wing politicians to declare that California is a failed state. This rhetoric is often overblown. But for all its continuing prowess in innovation (not least in artificial intelligence), the state again appears to be entering one of its periodic rough patches. Read our story about Californias three overlapping economic challenges. A view from elsewhere Donald Trumps populist goals of mass deportations and war against the economic establishment may be unrealistic, but the alternative is perhaps even more subject to doubt, wrote Sherelle Jacobs, a columnist, in the Daily Telegraph, a conservative British broadsheet, on March 18th. Democrats appear not to grasp the perils of Americas economic model nor the need for order in the face of appalling levels of crime, she wrote.What do you think about our new feature, A view from elsewhere, which takes in views on American politics from around the world? Send us feedback on usib@economist.com. Todays polls The race between Mr Biden and Mr Trump remains stubbornly stable. According to our poll tracker, which is updated daily and shows an average of the latest polls, the candidates are still in a dead heat. Figure of the day 90%, the share of special-purpose acquisition companies, or SPACs, that have lost value after combining with their target company since 2019, per one estimate. Read our story from last month about Donald Trumps meme-stock gamble. Daily quiz Tuesday: Which state was the first to permanently abolish the death penalty?Monday: How many states have no death penalty? From Monday to Thursday well quiz you on American politics. Email all your answers with your name and where you are from to usib@economist.com before 5pm New York time (10pm London time) on a Thursday. The weekly winner, chosen at random from those who give all the right answers, will be announced here on Fridays. If you enjoyed this weeks quiz, play Dateline, The Economists new history game. Justice Juan Merchan, the presiding judge in Donald Trumps upcoming hush-money payments case, in his ruling that expanded a gag order on the former president on April 1st. Mr Trump has repeatedly targeted the judges daughter online. 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com A UK resident, also being dubbed as the evil monster, killed his wife by stabbing her and then cut her body in over 200 parts before dumping it in a river a few days later. The couple got married in 2021 and were on the verge of separation when Metson murdered Bramley. (X) The body parts of Holly Bramley were found in the UK's River Witham in March 2023. Nicholas Metson, a 28-year-old resident of Shuttleworth House in Lincoln, has admitted to murdering his wife. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday. The Lincoln Crown Court heard that Metson took the help of his friend, Joshua Hancock, and offered to pay him 50 to dispose of his wife's remains after they had been hidden in their shared flat for nearly a week, BBC reported. Judge Simon Hirst was informed during the sentencing hearing on Friday that Metson never explained how and why he killed his spouse. The testimonies of Bramley's mother and siblings, which were read out in the court, revealed that the 26-year-old was subjected to coercive control and manipulation and that the couple's marriage had broken down irretrievably. As mentioned in the court, the couple got married in 2021 and were on the verge of separation when Metson murdered Bramley. What happened? Prosecutor Gordon Aspden KC told court that on March 24, 2023, the Lincolnshire Police were called to the couple's flat due to a concern regarding Bramley's welfare. However, when they reached the flat the next day, they witnessed an overwhelming smell of ammonia and bleach, a towel on the floor in the kitchen and bloodstained sheets in the bathtub, BBC reported. Investigators discovered evidence suggesting recent attempts at redecoration and cleaning within the apartment. Moreover, the police identified several large, dark stains on the bedroom floor, which were later confirmed to be the victim's blood, according to Aspden. During the investigation, Metson claimed that his wife had been abusive towards him, showing the officers a bite mark on his forearm. He also stated that she had left their home on March 19 with a local mental health support group. As per Aspden, Metson lied to law enforcement officers on several occasions after the murder. As per BBC, Aspden said in court, At one point Mr Metson joked she might be hiding under the bed, A walker discovered floating plastic bags in the River Witham at Bassingham and one of these bags contained a human hand, Aspden said. Divers recovered 224 remains of Bramley's body but some of her body parts were never found. The prosecutor told the court that it seemed like Bramley was stabbed multiple times in her bedroom, was then moved to the bathroom where she was allegedly dismembered and was then stored in a larder, which is used to store food products in the kitchen. Aspden said that the bite mark on Metson's hand suggests she was being restrained in a headlock, BBC reported. In the aftermath of the murder After the murder took place, Metson is said to have withdrawn 50 from the bank. He also searched several questions on the internet like "What benefits do I get if my wife has died" and Can someone haunt me after they die, BBC reported. CCTV footages were played in the court. One of the footage showed Bramley going to her flat on March 17, when she was last seen. Another footage showed Metson using the lift of the flat wearing a rucksack and moving bags from the 14th floor to the ground floor early on March 25. During the sentencing Speaking to Metson directly, Bramley's mother Annette Bramley said that he condemned her family to a life sentence of grief. The heinous way in which she was murdered and dismembered has left us in such unimaginable pain, she said. She added that since Metson was controlling and coercive, the family couldn't see Holly even in the years before she died. Metson denied charges earlier The court proceedings revealed that Metson had a history of convictions for offences against his previous partners, dating back to 2013, 2016, and 2017. Furthermore, Metson earlier admitted to conspiring to pervert the course of justice by disposing of Bramley's remains. Initially, Metson had denied the murder charge, but he later changed his plea to guilty when he appeared before the Lincoln Crown Court last month. On February 23, the Lincolnshire police said in a statement, A 28-year-old man from Lincoln has pleaded guilty to murder. Nicholas Metson, 28, of Shuttleworth House had previously denied killing Holly Bramley (latterly Metson) after her body was discovered in Bassingham in early 2023. But Metson has now pleaded guilty to the charge at a hearing at Lincoln Crown Court today, Friday, 23 February. He will appear before officials for sentencing on 5 April. A second man, Joshua Hancock, 28, of Walnut Close in Waddington, also pleaded guilty to disposal of a corpse with intent to obstruct or prevent a coroners inquest at the same hearing. Hancock had previously denied the charge. He will also be sentenced on 5 April. Russia on Sunday said that a Ukraine drone attack hit the Moscow-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) urged restraint. A view shows Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant from the bank of Kakhovka Reservoir near the town of Nikopol(REUTERS) The Zaporizhzhia atomic plant, Europe's largest, has been occupied by Russian forces since the start of their 2022 Ukraine offensive. "The Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked the dome of the sixth power unit of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant," the Moscow-controlled management of the plant said on social media. It said there was no radioactive release as a result of the attack. The (IAEA) said it was told by the Russian-installed management that a "drone detonated on site today." "I urge to refrain from actions that contradict the five IAEA principles and jeopardise nuclear safety," the UN agency's director Rafael Grossi said. Russia's nuclear agency ROSATOM urged the West and Grossi to "categorically condemn the attempt to escalate the situation around the biggest nuclear power plant in Europe." It said the drone hit the plant's canteen, wounding three staff members, one of them "severely." "Luckily, there is no critical damage or casualties and the radiation level at the station and territory around it has not changed," the agency said. A power company in Colorado on Saturday announced that it will suspend power to about 55,000 customers as strong winds battered the state, prompting concerns of wildfire. Xcel has urged customers in Colorado, who utilize medical equipment that it depends on, to take precautions in case of prolonged power outages.(Unsplash) In a statement, Xcel Energy said customers in Boulder County and some areas close to Denver may witness power cuts beginning at 3 pm local time on Saturday and continuing until at least noon on Sunday. The power company made the decision to proactively de-energize lines" but added that outages are likely to last longer that time frame because workers need to physically inspect the power cables. Temporarily shutting power off is intended to prevent our electric system from becoming the source of a wildfire ignition, the firm added. In a warning to the Denver area, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a red flag alert until Sunday, predicting gusts of wind up to 90 miles per hour in dry conditions. In 2012, it was determined that Xcel had contributed to the start of the wind-driven Marshall Fire, which destroyed over 1,000 homes in the Boulder suburbs. The company recently admitted that the worst wildfire in Texas history was caused by a damaged electricity pole. Also Read: Drunk Colorado Rep Lauren Boebert did this at the GOP gala Fire danger alerts issued for five state As per the Storm Prediction Center, there is a high possibility of fresh fires developing and spreading quickly. They also predicted extremely critical fire conditions that could affect parts of southeast Colorado, the Oklahoma Panhandle, and southwest Kansas. Fire danger alerts have been issued for five states, including Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma, according to the center. While over 2.9 million people were in "critical" zones, which have the highest fire danger, more than 77,000 people were in "extreme" areas. Despite Xcel's claims that they have tried to alert customers on Friday night, several outage zone homeowners alleged to have received minimal notification. Also Read: What is Heterobilharzia americana? US experts raise alarm over dog-killing parasite found in Colorado River Colorado people express outrage over power cuts Speaking to 9News, Littleton resident Mike Raabe claimed that he was only informed four hours prior to the outage through an automated phone call. He said that he and his wife panicked after receiving the alert due to their dependency on electricity at night for medical reasons. Xcel has urged customers, who utilize medical equipment that it depends on, to take precautions in case of prolonged power outages. Meanwhile, the NWS advised residents in locations where strong winds are present to "avoid any activity that may produce a spark" and to stay inside if possible. Additionally, it warned people against using outdoor stoves indoors for cooking or heating. Former US President Donald Trump is in the full sprint to narrow down the huge fundraising advantage enjoyed by President Joe Biden, who is engaging in a flurry of meetings and conversations with major donors throughout the week. Former President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he arrives for a GOP fundraiser, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)(AP) Trump is fully aware of the substantial imbalance in fundraising as well as taking quick action to offset the gap. The Washington Post cites that Trump is already doing his best to raise funds from as many donors as possible, and they say his fundraising machine appears to be rallying quickly. Republican politicians are especially eager to bridge the divide between American people pretending to match President Biden's action-oriented campaign and extensive advertising campaigns in order to support Republican candidates at the different levels of the state. But legality troubles arising for some of the PAC's of the Trump legal do not help him. ALSO READ| Trump still hasn't tired out of comparing himself to Nelson Mandela in 2024 over ongoing trials There is speculation that the Palm Beach charity dinner this weekend will raise at least fifty million dollars, opening a door by some who would like to keep the event a secret. In the call they received earlier in the afternoon, the President of this nation himself noted that the fundraiser was going to be a record one, shattering the $25 million that the Democrats raised in the New York fundraiser, which Biden, together with former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, are said to have graced. Trump still trails behind Biden Still, Trump's fundraising apparatus remains significantly behind Biden's, which benefitted from an earlier start and extensive networks with wealthy donors through shared accounts with national and state parties. In March alone, Biden amassed over $90 million in donations, leaving his campaign with a substantial war chest of $192 million in cash on hand, more than double Trump's holdings. The formidable financial advantage enjoyed by the Biden team, coupled with the media spotlight on the Democrats' New York fundraising success, has heightened the urgency among Republican donors to demonstrate their capacity to swiftly mobilize funds to remain competitive, insiders revealed. ALSO READ| US on high alert as Iran vows revenge for Israel strike on Tehran's Syria Embassy: 'Stay away so you won't get hurt' Trump himself is closely monitoring the attendance and contributions at the Palm Beach fundraiser, with advisors providing regular updates on the event's progress. He is focused on this fundraiser, one individual familiar with Trump's mindset quoted to the Post. He has a lot of friends in Palm Beach, and hes saying, are they giving? At the Republican gala, Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert reportedly became offensively drunk and was then denied service by the bartenders. Lauren Boebert's boozy behavior and selfie requests stir trouble with Donald Trump (Photo by Anna Moneymaker / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) While witnesses have sided that servers did not deny Boebert alcohol. During the New York Young Republicans annual event in December, the Congresswoman allegedly sought numerous selfies with former President Donald Trump, prompting his security team to intervene. According to CNN, Cipriani Ballroom's (the venue for the night) servers, told Boebert that she was no longer allowed to be served another alcohol. However, the witnesses disagreed with this argument, saying that while Boebert did not face any hurdle while grabbing a glass, she did manage to irk Trump during the proceedings. ALSO READ| What is May-Thurner syndrome, the condition Lauren Boebert has been diagnosed with? Witnesses recounted an incident where Boebert attempted to take selfies with Trump and Gavin Wax, the club's president, at the gala's main table. Boebert annoyed Trump for selfies She came over between Gavin Wax and President Trump and tried to take a selfies with the two of them. After taking a few and being unhappy with how they looked she tried to take more selfies but she was pushed away by President Trump who said, Thats enough, the eye witness spills. While addressing Boebert's embarrassing moment, New York Young Republican Club President Gavin Wax commented, Everyone knows the New York Young Republican Club throws the best galas. If you're asking if Congresswoman Boebert had a good time at one of our galas, the answer is I hope so. Following the booz night at Cipriani, Boebert continued her night out in New York City, joining House colleague Representative Byron Donalds and former GOP Representative George Santos at the Upper East Side's Beach Cafe, where they partied till late hours. ALSO READ| Donald Trump is in full sprint' to catch Joe Biden's huge election fund lead as legal bills mount Boebert's purported antics at the gala add to a series of controversies she has been involved in. In September, she made headlines when she and her then-partner, Quinn Gallagher, were asked to leave a performance of 'Beetlejuice' at Denver's Buell Theatre due to their excessive public displays of affection. Democrat Joseph E. Brennan, whose hardscrabble childhood shaped his working-class views in a political career that included two terms as Maine's governor and two terms in the U.S. House, died Friday evening at his home in Portland. He was 89. FILE - Maine Gov. Joseph Brennan, left, enjoys a laugh with U.S. Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware during the opening ceremonies at Maine's Democratic presidential straw poll in Augusta, Maine, Friday, Sept. 30, 1983. Brennan, whose hardscrabble childhood shaped his working class views in a political career that included two terms as governor and two terms in the US. House, died Friday evening, April 5, 2024, at his home in Portland, Maine. He was 89. (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach, File)(AP) Brennan died with his wife at his side a few blocks from the third-floor tenement housing on Munjoy Hill where his Irish immigrant parents raised a family of eight children, Frank O'Hara, a longtime friend, said Saturday. Brennan's experience in that neighborhood, a working-class melting pot, stayed with him when he entered politics with a campaign for the Maine Legislature at age 29, O'Hara said. An Army veteran, Brennan attended Boston College under the GI Bill and graduated from the University of Maine Law School. He served as a county district attorney and state attorney general, in addition to state lawmaker, governor and congressman. Former Democratic Gov. Joe Baldacci called Brennan a friend, a mentor and a dedicated servant. ALSO READ| Trump still hasn't tired out of comparing himself to Nelson Mandela in 2024 over ongoing trials He was a man of the highest integrity, who led Maine through difficult times. He believed that he had an obligation to make things better, and he lived that ideal through his commitment to public education and improving the states economy, Baldacci said. As attorney general, Brennan participated in negotiations with Wabanaki tribes and the federal government on what became the Maine Indian Land Claims Settlement Act of 1980, which was signed by President Jimmy Carter when Brennan was governor. Also as governor, Brennan launched education reforms, pressed for tough highway safety measures and helped establish the Finance Authority of Maine. Current Gov. Janet Mills, a fellow Democrat who was appointed by Brennan in 1980 as the first woman to serve as district attorney, said her selection despite objections from a number of men at the time put her on a path to become Maines first female governor. Gov. Brennan demonstrated for me and others that politics is about building relationships, that public service is not about enriching yourself but about enriching the lives of others, and that the most important relationship is the one we have with the people we serve, she said. ALSO READ| Donald Trump is in full sprint' to catch Joe Biden's huge election fund lead as legal bills mount Another key appointment by Brennan was tapping George Mitchell, a federal judge, in 1980 to fill the seat vacated by Democratic U.S. Sen. Edmund Muskie, who resigned to become secretary of state. Mitchell went on to become majority leader in the Senate. His family and the people of Maine have lost a great man, and I have lost a dear friend, said Mitchell, who called Brennan a superb leader and lawyer who understood the importance of a firm and fair system of justice in our democracy. After facing the wrath of pro-Palestine supporters in New York, Joe Biden's close aide and former US State Secretary Hillary Clinton met with protest on Saturday during her visit to Wellesley College. Hillary Clinton returned to her college to accept the honor of having a college building name after her. On campus, demonstrators gathered to intimidate attendees of the women-led democracy event that included Clinton, Fox News reported. (AP) Clinton returned to her college to accept the honor of having a school building named after her. On campus, demonstrators gathered to intimidate attendees of the women-led democracy event that included Clinton, Fox News reported. They claimed that the former US States secretary was unaffected by the violence against Palestinians. The protest comes at time when Biden administration is under fire over its response to Israel's war on Gaza that has killed over 33,000 Palestinians and failure to declare a ceasefire. According to local news media reports, irate students reportedly distributed flyers around the campus claiming that Clinton is the "most beloved war criminal" at Wellesley and that the former first lady has "blood on her hands." The college administration recognised the protest, but did not denounce it. In a statement, Vice president and dean of students Sheilah Shaw Horton said, "I encourage all who participate in activism to follow the demonstration policy and be mindful of our Code of Student Conduct so that you remain safe for yourself, and for our community." This wasn't the first time that Clinton was met with demonstration during her visit to American universities. Also Read: 'Super predator' Hillary Clinton heckled by Palestine supporters over Gaza deaths: I hope their screams haunt you During her February visit to Columbia University, she was heckled by the demonstrators who called her a "war criminal." The latest demonstration in Wellesley comes only a few days after Clinton lectured American voters on Jimmy Fallon's "Tonight Show." Fallon questioned Clinton about how she would respond to those who are "upset" that they only have two options: former President Trump and incumbent Biden. "Get over yourself," Clinton said, adding that "Those are the two choices. Hillary and Bill Clinton accused of facilitating genocide' In New York City, Hillary and her husband Bill Clinton were labeled as 'super predator' and a 'piece of shit' respectively. As they Clintons were leaving a Biden fundraiser, they were heckled by pro-Palestine protestors who accused them of "facilitating genocide" in Palestine. "You are responsible for genocides, you are responsible for atrocities. You're literally helping facilitate the genocide of Palestinian people," one protestor shouted. Also Read: Will Hillary Clinton's get over yourself advise to upset voters backfire on Joe Biden? Hillary appeared to remain unaffected by the abuse hurled at the couple as she continued to smile and then got into her car. Following this, one shouted, "Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton, we can see you hiding in the back of your car." I hope their screams haunt you every night, another protestor added. At least 1,200 Israelis were killed after Hamas launched unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. President Joe Biden may face issues getting on the Ohio ballot over a scheduling conflict related to the timing of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) with the deadline for presidential nominee certification, which falls on the same day. President Joe Biden's Ohio ballot inclusion uncertain(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)(AP) Ohio Secretary of State has contacted the state's Democratic Party Chair Liz Walters, to clarify the inconsistency of regulations as there might be grey zones in-laws. The legal provision establishes that the list of the nominees, put forward by the party, is certified to Ohios Secretary of States office as of August 7. Nevertheless, this daybreak has approximately 14 days lead time to the DNC, to take place on August 19 in Chicago, Illinois. ALSO READ| Donald Trump is in full sprint' to catch Joe Biden's huge election fund lead as legal bills mount Now, it can result in the denial of Biden's right to inclusion in the list. Paul DeSantis, the attorney with the office of the Ohio Secretary of State, told The Hill about two possible strategies to answer it. DeSantis stated, Therefore, pending further clarification, I am left to conclude that the Democratic National Committee must either move up its nominating convention or the Ohio General Assembly must act by May 9, 2024 (90 days prior to a new laws effective date) to create an exception to this statutory requirement. Were confident that Joe Biden will be on the ballot Both the Second and the Third Congressional Districts, along with their leaders, State Sen. Nickie Antonio representing the Senate Democrats as the minority leader, and State Rep. Allison Russo fulfilling the House Democrats role as the minority leader were included in the exchange. Were monitoring the situation in Ohio and were confident that Joe Biden will be on the ballot in all 50 states, a Biden campaign spokesperson quoted to ABC News, who first broke the news. ALSO READ| Former Maine Governor and US Congressman Joseph E Brennan passes away at 89 The Democratic Party has consistently appeared on the ballot across all 50 states. However, this isnt the first instance of ballot-related challenges for Biden. During the primary season, he was not listed on the New Hampshire ballot due to the states primary coinciding with the DNC schedule, which had designated South Carolina as the host for the first primary. Still New Hampshire called for Biden through write-in votes. The state of Ohio, the key state that carried former President Donald Trump's victory in elections in 2016 and 2020, is yet again the heart of all activities. With the general elections only three days away, the rival parties made last-ditch efforts to woo voters in capital regions and closely contested districts Sunday, after the turnout in early voting hit an all-time high of 31.28 percent. Ruling People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon was to canvass the central city of Daejeon and its surrounding Chungcheong provinces Sunday before concentrating campaign efforts on the Seoul metropolitan area for the next two days. Han plans to ramp up criticism against the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), focusing on the various controversies and improprieties involving opposition candidates in an attempt to unite its core supporters and woo undecided voters for support. DPK leader Lee Jae-myung was to focus on campaigning in Seoul, including the conservative district of Gangnam, to urge voters to deliver a stern judgment on the administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol for mismanaging the economy and livelihood affairs. Voter interest in this year's elections is high as shown in the record turnout in early voting held Friday and Saturday, in which 13,849,043 out of 44,280,011 eligible voters cast their ballots ahead of Wednesday's main vote. It marked the first time the early-voting turnout for general elections exceeded 30 percent since Korea introduced the system in 2014. In the previous parliamentary elections in 2020, the turnout was 26.69 percent. The quadrennial race holds significance, as the results will determine whether President Yoon Suk Yeol's ruling party wrests back control of parliament or renders Yoon a lame duck for his remaining three years in office. (Yonhap) President Joe Biden recently had an important conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a brief phone call about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The US President listed several things that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should do immediately to specifically, concretely and measurably implement the protection of civilians at all costs. This combination photo shows President Joe Biden, left, on March 8, 2024, in Wallingford, Pa., and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 28, 2023. Biden and Netanyahu spoke Monday, March 18, in their first interaction in more than a month as the divide has grown between allies over food crisis in Gaza, conduct of war. (AP Photo)(AP) Increase humanitarian aid in Gaza President Joe Biden outlined a number of steps he urged the Israeli Prime Minister to take as soon as possible, CNN reports. As per the information these measures include- opening the Erez border crossing to northern Gaza and a port in southern Israel, Ashdod, to allow humanitarian aid to reach people who need it. Biden also urged Netanyahu to boost the flow of goods through the port of Kerem, another entry point into Gaza. As per the CNN source who is familiar with the conversation, cited Netanyahu as responding: Joe, were gonna do it. Also read: Nancy Pelosi joins calls with 40 house democrats for Biden to stop arms sales to Israel Inside the phone call between President Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu These measures were not just a suggestion, but the USA wanted to enforce them as a matter of priority. Biden called the incident unacceptable", according to the White House's description of the conversation. On Thursday evening, the Israeli security cabinet had approved these three measures to increase humanitarian aid in the besieged enclave. The call was Biden's first since the attack on World Central Kitchen employees, in which seven people lost their lives. Biden reportedly warned Netanyahu that there would be "severe consequences" if Israel did not change its approach to the war in the Strip. US officials have declined to specify what changes to US policy are being discussed in the call, both in the official White House readout and in public statements after the call. Also read: Son of American killed by Elephant in Africa defends animal, 'mom would have done the same US aiming to halt arms supplies? Earlier, Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the House, joined 40 other Democratic lawmakers in calling on President Joe Biden to halt the shipment of U.S. weapons to Israel. This comes after the Gaza Ministry of Health announced that more than 33,000 people have died in the war. The report emphasises that there is a severe famine in the densely populated coastal region, which is exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis. This has led to worldwide criticism of the war and the arms trade. After Republicans proposed to rename Washington Dulles Airport in Virginia after Donald Trump, three House Democrats introduced legislation to rename a federal prison in Miami after the 45th US president. Taking a dig at Trump, Connolly in a statement on Friday stated that while the GOP leaders want to rename Dulles after Trump, the most suitable option would be to rename a federal prison.(AP) The bill, which was introduced by Representatives Gerry Connolly of Virginia, John Garamendi of California and Jared Moskowitz of Florida on Friday, seeks to change Miami Federal Correctional Institution's name to the "Donald J. Trump Federal Correctional Institution". Taking a dig at Trump, Connolly in a statement on Friday stated that while the GOP leaders want to rename Dulles after Trump, the most suitable option would be to rename a federal prison. Meanwhile, Garamendi quipped, "I hope our Republican friends will join us in bestowing upon Donald J. Trump the only honor he truly deserves." He went on to day that renaming the federal prison nearest Mar-a-Lago in Trump's honor would be a more fitting tribute given that he is the only former president in American history to face criminal charges. Moskowitz ridiculed the Republican leader, emphasising that Trump enjoys having his name written in gold letters on all of his buildings. He said, "But he's never had his name on a federal building before, and as a public servant, I just want to help the former president. Help us make that dream a reality. Also Read: Donald Trump's niece spells doom for Truth Social, it's destined for failure, experts agree Trump's estranged niece Mary reacts to prison renaming proposal Responding to the new bill, Mary Trump cheered the Democrats and said more such proposals should be introduced. Hey Dems: more of this, please, she said in a post on X Friday afternoon. Mary Trump has been an outspoken opponent of her uncle, who is a presumed Republican contender for 2024 presidential elections and is headed for a rematch with incumbent Joe Biden. Blasting his uncle in 2020, she penned the memoir "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man". Also Read: Donald Trump mocked over 'God Bless the USA Bible' venture; He's never prayed in his life Trump has been charged in four different prosecutions, ranging from charges of illegally concealing classified information at his Florida resort to allegations that he plotted to overturn a lost 2020 presidential election. He is charged with 88 criminal offenses in total. A 4.8 magnitude earthquake shook the New York City area on Friday morning. With the impact lasting a few seconds, approximately 42 million civilians felt it, according to USGS. Striking at 10:23 am local time near Lebanon, the quake's tremors were felt in New Jersey, all through Pennsylvania to Connecticut. US earthquake as captured in Allison Martins' TikTok video. The rare violent occurrence caught residents by surprise, especially given their unpreparedness for the experience. User @allison.martins_ TikTok video caught the live moment the tumbling struck their home on Friday. Although the rattling experience did little damage to NYC, the unnerving unravelling left the flummoxed residents shaken up, owing to its unfamiliarity. Rare NYC earthquake caught on TikTok video Allison's video showed that the harmless seismic activity wasn't as much of a physical danger as it targeted the spectators' nervous system. Capturing the widespread essence of the unfamiliar experience, this video also shows the pictured startled woman taking a minute to comprehend what the shaking was. Also read | Total solar eclipse final countdown begins: Know about the five stages and their duration The violent rocking threw her off-balance as she finally removed her headphones to digest that an earthquake was causing the tremors. Oh my god, an earthquake! she exclaims. Over the next few minutes, the tongue-tied witness yelled out to alarm the other residents of the house presumably. New York Governor Kathy Hochul eventually reported no life-threatening situations," with minimal damage to the sidewalk. In response to the jolting moment, some residential blocks in New Jersey evacuated homes. Other confused responses entailed employees at a New Jersey general store near the epicentre wondering if the sound was that of a truck crashing into a building, per the NY Times. NYC is home to some of the most notable US monuments or skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building, a World Trade Centre, and even the Statue of Liberty. The rattling quake even disrupted an ongoing UN meeting in New York at the time. The Empire State Building also responded with an all-caps tweet after the earth-shaking moment: I AM FINE. A camera atop Lady Liberty also showed the statue shaking during the US East Coast earthquake. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are living an opulent life in the US. Despite leaving their UK royal palace and relocating to California for a new start, their billionaire lifestyle with designer outfits and private jets is well-known. The couple has been residing in the US since 2020, but according to a royal expert, they are aware that money is disappearing fast. FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: Prince Harry and Meghan's charitable organization hit hard with donation decline REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw/File Photo/File Photo(REUTERS) The lavish lifestyle of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been residing in California since resigning from their royal duties and leaving the UK's royal palace. They live in a luxurious nine-bedroom mansion in Montecito with their two children, Archie and Lilibet. Their stunning home is situated among the homes of many celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and Katy Perry. The couple reportedly spent around 11 million on the mansion. Apart from their expensive outfits, lavish spending habits, and frequent outings, the couple also owns a few private jets. According to a royal expert, the couple is well aware of the money they spend. Recently, Meghan launched her own lifestyle brand, which is gaining attention for various reasons. Also read: Meghan Markle may never return to UK with Prince Harry due to safety fears and Kates' Financial worries for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Royal expert and author Tom Quinn told the Mirror, "Harry and Megan certainly have enough money for now to carry on with their Royal lifestyle in America, but the launch of the new brand suggests that they are aware that the money is disappearing fast. The royal author asserts that Meghan is resolute in living the way mega-rich celebrities do in Montecito. However, the mere thought of having to make financial decisions sends shivers down the couple's spines. "They live among mega-rich celebrities in Montecito, and Meghan is determined to live as they live. The idea they might have to make choices about what they can and cannot afford fills the couple with horror. This is why whatever happens to Kate and King Charles, the new brand will not be neglected." He adds. Also read: Meghan Markle strongly warned ahead of Prince Harrys UK visit for how she has acted for American Riviera Orchard Meghan Markle, who might not be joining Harry on his latest trip to the UK, recently launched her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. However, her promotional efforts were overshadowed by Kate Middleton's sudden announcement of her cancer diagnosis, which came just days after Meghan's launch. The news shifted the entire focus to the UK family, leaving Meghan's brand in the background. Despite the tough timing, Meghan plans to continue with her new business but may take a more subdued approach due to Kate's illness, according to experts. High-profile Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested during a mass demonstration near the The Hague on Saturday and quickly released only to rejoin the protest and get busted again. Thunberg, 21, and hundreds of supporters of the Extinction Rebellion group tried to block the A12 highway that leads to seat of government and the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands, Reuters reported. Dozens of cops, including officers on horseback, were on hand and arrested Thunberg and others, according to Germany's Deutsche Welle public broadcaster. Thunberg was held for a short time and released at which point she joined a small group that was blocking a different road to the local train station, Reuters said. She was arrested again but instead of being freed, Thunberg was driven off in a police van. Thunberg was held for several hours and released in the evening, an Extinction Rebellion spokesperson told Reuters. A total of 412 people were detained, mostly for participating in a banned protest, local police said on X, formerly Twitter. Officials wouldn't discuss any specific cases but said everyone who tried to block roads was arrested, Reuters said. Saturday's protest was the latest in a series of more than 30 demonstrations against Dutch subsidies for the fossil fuel industry, which lawmakers are set to debate in June, according to DW. Before being arrested, Thunberg told reporters that climate change posed an existential crisis for humanity. "We are in a planetary emergency and we are not going to stand by and let people lose their lives and livelihood and be forced to become climate refugees when we can do something," she said. When asked whether she was worried about getting arrested, Thunberg, who as a teen began staging weekly protests outside the Swedish parliament, answered, "Why should I be?" Thunberg has been repeatedly fined in both Sweden and the U.K., where she was cleared in February of violating the Public Order Act during a demonstration at an oil and gas conference in London last year. Xcel Energy planned to cut power to 55,000 customers across six Colorado counties starting Saturday, citing dangerous wind conditions and increased wildfire risks. Some customers in Boulder, Gilpin, Larimer, Douglas, Broomfield, and Jefferson Counties were slated for planned power outages starting around 3 p.m. local time on Saturday, continuing through noon on Sunday, according to a news release from the company cited by the Denver Post. The preemptive shutdown came as Colorado was set to be hit with a powerful storm system including potential wind gusts of 100 mph. Xcel provides electricity and natural gas to 1.6 million customers across Colorado. A Douglas County Sheriff posted on X that traffic lights may be out as well and to treat lights like a four-way stop. Outages may extend beyond Sunday due to crews having to physically inspect powerlines before turning them back on, the company said. "Customers who use medical equipment that relies on electrical service should take steps to prepare for extended outages," Xcel said. "Temporarily shutting power off is intended to prevent our electric system from becoming the source of a wildfire ignition." Xcel currently faces hundreds of lawsuits after investigators determined that one of the company's powerlines helped spark the wind-driven Marshall fire in Boulder County in 2021. The high winds may damage electric equipment and cause additional outages of their own, Xcel said. Those dependent on oxygen were told to prepare enough spare supplies to last through Sunday, or consider staying with family, friends or in a hotel outside of the planned outage area. Responders are only able to provide oxygen for medical emergencies. South Metro Fire Rescue additionally warned residents against using gas stoves to warm their homes or an outdoor stove indoors for heating or cooking. People were also advised to keep any generators outside in well-ventilated areas away from windows. A South Carolina man who was recently diagnosed with dementia disappeared after getting off a cruise ship during a family vacation to Mexico. Edmond Bradley Solomon III, 66, suffers from frontotemporal dementia, a cognitive disorder that alters a patient's personality rather than their memory. "He sometimes says odd things and behaves erratically or oddly because he's just doing what he knows how to do," Solomon's daughter, Savannah Miller, told WCBD. "He can't process the same way you or I can." Solomon was last seen on Wednesday afternoon, in Cozumel, Mexico. He and his wife, Mimi, had stopped to use the restrooms on the shore before returning to their cruise ship. Mimi reportedly waited for several minutes before sending another relative to look for Solomon. That relative realized that Solomon was not in the bathroom. "That was the point that we knew he was lost," Miller told WCBD. "We know that no matter where he was he would have difficulty understanding what was going on and communicating his needs due to his dementia. I think everyone just immediately became so terrified for his safety." Solomon was wearing a white t-shirt, gray shorts and sunglasses when he disappeared. Solomon's family has been in contact with local law enforcement authorities, as well as the American embassy and consulate in Mexico. A family friend organized a GoFundMe so that Mimi could remain in the area as the search for Solomon continues. "Mimi and Brad are both nurses that have dedicated their lives and careers to helping others," the GoFundMe reads. "Mimi works at the local VA Hospital and is one of the most compassionate nurses I have ever worked with. She is also a breast cancer survivor. Between cancer and dementia, they have been through so much in the last few years." A California man says he lost nearly $900,000 to a new scam being run by a Mexican drug cartel that's branched out into preying on retirees by offering to buy their unused timeshare vacation properties. James, 76, told the Daily Mail that the Jalisco New Generation cartel conned him out of his life savings using fraudulent bank statements, a phony Mexican intelligence agent, websites registered in Arizona and Iceland, and an escrow company in New York City. "It was very elaborate," James, who asked that his full name not be used, said in a report published Sunday. "That's why I was sucked in. I just thought there were too many players involved for it to be a scam." The ruse began with an unexpected, October 2022 call from a man who claimed to be real estate agent in Atlanta and who offered more than $22,000 for the California timeshare James bought for $9,000 in the mid-1990s but only used twice in the past 20 years, he said. But the deal supposedly hit a series of snags, all of which required James to wire funds to a bank in Mexico, and eventually led to another call from a purported agent with Mexico's financial intelligence service. That man allegedly extorted more money from James to overlook what he claimed were violations of Mexican law. James was even duped into investing in a bogus, sustainable housing project in Mexico, he said. In addition to draining his savings, James said, he gave the scammers the proceeds from selling his childhood home and $150,000 he borrowed from his daughter. "My wife said from the start that it didn't sound right. Obviously, I should have listened to her," he said. "She's pissed about the whole thing. But she's kind of resigned herself to the fact that I was the stupid one." James first told his story to the New York Times, which last month revealed how Jalisco New Generation, one of Mexico's most violent gangs, has made hundreds of millions of dollars over the past decade by operating call centers that target older timeshare owners in various countries. Some targets are identified by bribing employees at Mexican resorts to leak information about the guests, unidentified American officials told the Times. The scam has also turned bloody, with eight call center workers found dead on the outskirts of Guadalajara last year. When local officials searched the call center, they found blackboards with lists of foreign names and details of timeshare memberships, along with a red-stained mop, the Times said. Michael Finn, a lawyer in St. Petersburg, Florida, said he's represented thousands of clients embroiled in various types of timeshare fraud and realized how serious it was becoming when he got a call four years ago from a woman whose mother wired her life savings of $1.2 million to Mexico to sell her timeshare. "I'm old, just like these clients," Finn told the Times. "We tend to be trusting when someone calls chatting us up and selling us these dreams." Israel's seemingly sudden large-scale military withdrawal from Gaza's south appears to be "largely rest and refit for troops," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Sunday. Israel announced Sunday that it had withdrawn all troops save a single brigade from southern Gaza, but offered little elaboration on the reasoning behind the shift. Appearing on CBS' "Face the Nation" shortly after the announcement, Kirby said that it appeared the shift was a respite to war-weary Israeli troops. "The indications that we've been getting from them this morning is this is really largely rest and refit for troops that have been on the ground consecutively now for four months," the National Security Council spokesman said. "They need a chance to come out." "Now, what they'll do with those troops after a rest and refit, I can't speak to." Kirby reiterated that the U.S. does not support a major Israeli ground operation in the city of Rafah, a notion that has proven a sticking point between the two nations in recent weeks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been adamant that such an operation in Rafah is necessary to root out Hamas and end the war that began on Oct. 7 with Hamas' surprise assault on Israel. President Biden and members of his administration have repeatedly urged Netanyahu against going into Rafah, where displaced Palestinian civilians have gathered en masse amid the advance of Israeli troops. Israel has faced mounting international pressure to drastically reduce civilian casualties in Gaza and significantly increase access to humanitarian aid. More than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. Some 1,200 people were killed in Israel during Hamas' Oct. 7 attack. In both cases, civilians represent the majority of those killed. Outcome remains uncertain until April 10 By Nam Hyun-woo Rival parties are putting their own spin on the record-high voter turnout for early voting in the April 10 general elections, suggesting that the attendance mirrors the public's discontent with the opposing political party. Analysts say it is too early to conclude if the high turnout will deliver a significant blow to the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, as asserted by the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), or if it reflects public dissatisfaction with corrupt opposition candidates, as claimed by the ruling People Power Party (PPP). According to the National Election Commission (NEC), the turnout for early voting from Friday to Saturday stood at 31.28 percent, as 13.85 million out of 44.28 million eligible voters cast their ballots before the voting day. This marked the highest turnout for a general election since the adoption of early voting in 2016, surpassing the 12.19 percent attendance recorded at the time. This year's voter tunout was 4.59 percentage points higher than the previous general elections. The 2020 general elections saw a voter turnout of 26.69 percent. In contrast, voter turnout for the 2022 presidential election reached 36.93 percent. PPP spokesperson Rep. Park Jeong-ha said Sunday the turnout shows that voters cast their precious ballots for the PPP, which represents the future and hope of Korea, in a showdown against forces that have resorted to abusive language, unethical tactics, tricks and crimes. A day earlier, the partys interim leader Han Dong-hoon also said while out and about campaigning that it will be the first election in which we can gain momentum in early voting. The turnout is high because voters headed to polling stations to show how angry they are because of the criminals, Han said, referring to the main opposition DPK Chairman Lee Jae-myung who is standing trial for a number of corruption allegations. The DPK also hailed the high early voter turnout, interpreting it in its favor. The record-high early voter turnout confirmed the angry sentiment against the Yoon Suk Yeol administration," DPK spokesperson Rep. Kang Sun-woo said during a press briefing, Saturday. The voters unequivocally sent a message to the ineffective and authoritarian Yoon administration, affirming who holds the sovereign power in this nation. The DPK chairman also said, It is time to hold (the Yoon administration) accountable for ruining our lives and using taxpayers money against the people. While each party is interpreting the situation as being to their advantage, outcomes in previous elections show it remains uncertain which side will benefit from the record-high early voter turnout. In previous general elections, higher turnouts in early voting resulted in the liberal side having a majority in the 300-seat National Assembly, as early voting encouraged relatively younger people to cast ballots and enjoy the election day as a holiday. The turnout by region is also prompting the DPK to cast a rosy picture regarding its chances. The DPKs conventional strongholds of South and North Jeolla provinces showed the highest turnouts with 41.19 percent and 38.46 percent, followed by Gwangju at 38 percent. On the other hand, Daegu, a conservative stronghold, showed the lowest turnout with just 25.6 percent, and the surrounding South and North Gyeongsang provinces posted 30.71 percent and 30.75 percent respectively. Despite the past results, however, the PPP is also interpreting the situation positively, stating that the recent electoral landscape is showing signs of change. During the 2022 presidential election, the country recorded the highest early voter turnout of 36.9 percent, electing the conservative PPP candidate, Yoon, as president. At that time, the early voter turnout among individuals in their 60s stood at 45.5 percent, the highest among all age groups. This trend highlights the increasing prevalence of early voting among older adults. They have long been a strong support base for the conservatives, and those aged 60 or over account for 31.89 percent of total eligible voters in the upcoming elections. With the NEC not revealing the turnout of Friday-Saturday's early voting by age group, it remains uncertain whether the latest results are advantageous for the DPK or the PPP. One of the reasons why the NEC does not reveal the early voting turnout by age is because it clearly shows which side is leading before the Election Day, political commentator Park Sang-byeong said. To clearly compare the two sides, you have to compare the early voter turnout for those aged over 60, which is the conservative base, and those aged between 30 and 50. If those aged over 60 showed overwhelming turnout in early voting, it would be advantageous for the PPP, but the general tendency is that the early voting is still advantageous for the DPK. DOR: March Revenue Collections Total Near $4 Billion BOSTON Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder today announced that preliminary revenue collections for March totaled $4.065 billion, $182 million or 4.7 percent more than actual collections in March 2023, and $129 million or 3.3 percent above benchmark. FY2024 year-to-date collections totaled approximately $27.531 billion, which is $4 million or 0.01 percent less than collections in the same period of FY2023, and $145 million or 0.5 percent less than the year-to-date benchmark. "March collections increased in income tax withholding in comparison to March 2023," said Commissioner Snyder. "The increase in withholding was partially offset by decreases in non-withheld income tax, sales and use tax, and all other' tax. The increase in withholding was due, in part, to current labor market conditions. The decrease in non-withheld income tax was driven by an unfavorable increase in income tax refunds and a decrease in income tax returns and bills. The decrease in sales tax was mainly due to typical timing factors in collections. The decrease in all other' tax is mostly attributable to a decrease in estate tax, a category that tends to fluctuate." Historically, March is a mid-size month for revenue collections, ranking sixth of the 12 months on average in the last 10 years. Many corporate and business taxpayers are required to make estimated payments during the month. The tax filing season is underway, and March is typically a significant month for refund payments (outflows), which reduce total net revenue. Details: Income tax collections for March totaled $1.991 billion, $133 million or 7.2 percent above benchmark, and $232 million or 13.2 percent more than March 2023. Withholding tax collections for March totaled $1.946 billion, $207 million or 11.9 percent above benchmark, and $293 million or 17.7 percent more than March 2023. Income tax estimated payments for March totaled $96 million, $6 million or 5.6 percent below benchmark, and $0.2 million or 0.2 percent less than March 2023. Income tax returns and bills for March totaled $492 million, $69 million or 12.2 percent below benchmark, and $21 million or 4.0 percent less than March 2023. Income tax cash refunds for March totaled $543 million in outflows, $1 million or 0.2 percent below benchmark, but $39 million or 7.8 percent more than March 2023. Sales and use tax collections for March totaled $664 million, $5 million or 0.8 percent below benchmark, and $26 million or 3.8 percent less than March 2023. Corporate and business tax collections for March totaled $1.235 billion, $2 million or 0.1 percent below benchmark, and $5 million or 0.4 percent less than March 2023. "All other" tax collections for March totaled $175 million, $3 million or 1.9 percent above benchmark, but $19 million or 10.0 percent less than March 2023. Arrest Warrant Issued in Pownal, Vt., Homicide POWNAL, Vt. The Vermont State Police Thursday announced they have obtained an arrest warrant for a Massachusetts man on a murder charge arising from a fatal stabbing Feb. 6 in Pownal. POWNAL, Vt. The Vermont State Police Thursday announced they have obtained an arrest warrant for a Massachusetts man on a murder charge arising from a fatal stabbing Feb. 6 in Pownal. The suspect is identified as Elizah Coppedge, 18, of Chicopee, police said. He faces a charge of second-degree murder in the killing of Casey Gras, 36, of Bennington. A Vermont Superior Court judge in Bennington County signed the warrant last week and ordered that Coppedge be held without bail upon his arrest. Police describe Coppedge as a Black man, 6 feet, 2 inches tall, weighing 200 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. His last known whereabouts were in Pittsfield, Mass., on the night of Feb. 6. The police investigation indicates this was an isolated incident that arose from a drug-related dispute, according to the Vermont State Police news release Police ask anyone with information on Coppedges whereabouts to call their local police department or the Vermont State Police in Shaftsbury at 802-442-5421. Anonymous tips also can be submitted through VSPs website at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit. By Kwak Yeon-soo Political parties have been rushing to present pledges to reduce working hours in a bid to win workers' votes ahead of the April 10 general elections. Liberal and progressive parties appeared to be more dedicated to such pledges than conservative ones. Korea is notorious for being one of the highest in the world for annual working hours per employee. In 2022, the average yearly working hours per person in the country came to 1,901 hours, which was 149 hours more than the OECD average. The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea promised to implement a 4.5-day workweek, vowing to draw up supportive measures for companies that introduce such a system. It also suggested banning the blanket wage system as a means to cut overtime hours. The blanket wage system refers to a wage calculation method used in Korea, under which workers are paid a fixed monthly salary regardless of how many extra hours they work. The minor progressive Green Justice Party has shown a willingness to establish a standard four-day workweek as well as giving 30 days of paid annual leave for all parents. It suggested expanding the pre- and post-natal break from work and raising parental leave benefits. It also promised to add five extra paid vacation days for all workers. Korea's parental leave benefits average 44.6 percent of actual wages, placing it near the bottom of the list among OECD member countries, according to the organizations Family Database. The minor opposition Saemirae Party, for its part, rolled out its plan to reduce employees regular working hours from 40 hours a week to 35 hours. It also vowed to increase paid vacation days up to 25 days from the current 15 days. The ruling People Power Party made no particular pledges to reduce working hours. It instead included mandating one month of paternity leave, establishing paid child care leave for parents until before their child turns nine and allowing fathers to use childcare leave before the expected birth date in its policy to help tackle the country's low birthrate problem. However, theres a debate about whether pledges on reducing working hours and increasing vacation are realistic and economically feasible for Korea, with business insiders highlighting the different characteristics of each industry. Some also warn that abruptly changing systems could cause turbulence in the labor market, cutting employees wages and forcing them to find extra income opportunities, which could undermine the productivity of workers and firms alike. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy By now, we are all familiar with the grim, absurd details of Prince Andrews 2019 Newsnight interview. Yes, he claimed he couldnt have had sex with 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre because he was at a Pizza Express in Woking. Yes, he insisted he was physically unable to sweat after an overdose of adrenaline in the Falklands war. And yes, he said he had visited convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in New York because he hadnt wanted to take the chickens way out and dump his old friend over the phone. But what the new Netflix film Scoop shows us, for the first time on screen, is the nail-biting behind-the-scenes operation to get the story. It shows us how the BBC convinced Andrew to agree to an interview so disastrous that it resulted in the duke stepping back from royal duties and eventually being stripped of his military titles and patronages. The movie is based on the memoir of former Newsnight booker Sam McAlister, who negotiated and secured the interview. McAlister with her distinctive dress sense (big gold hoops, leopard-print boots) is portrayed in the film by Billie Piper. Then theres the face of Newsnight, a coiffed, low-voiced Gillian Anderson as presenter Emily Maitlis, alongside a prosthetic-covered Rufus Sewell as Andrew and a wide-eyed Keeley Hawes as his then private secretary, Amanda Thirsk. Whether its the insight that Scoop offers into Maitliss psyche, or the subplot about the dogged British photographer who captured Epstein and Andrews walk in the park, the film gives a new perspective on one of the most famous interviews of the century. But some moments in Scoop seem too wild to be true. So, what is fact and what is fiction in the film? Weve unravelled what really happened below... Who was photographer Jae Donnelly? The opening shot in Scoop is not what youd expect. Theres no sign of Maitlis shuffling her papers at the start of Newsnight, nor do we see McAlister chasing leads around London the film instead begins with young British photographer Jae Donnelly scrambling to get the photo of Epstein and Andrew together in New York that would change everything. Donnelly (Connor Swindells) is central to the story of how the interview came to be. What we dont learn in the film is that he is a hostile-environment-trained photographer, who views his jobs as missions and his photographs as evidence. A 2021 Vanity Fair feature detailed how he learned endurance under pressure, during a week of intense military-style training in Virginia, where he and a group were taken hostage ... with explosives going off and bags put over our heads ... and marched through forest. After the training was complete, he said, he could be trusted and insured to go to these places and cover the dangerous stuff. open image in gallery Connor Swindells as Jae Donnelly, the man who captured the photo that changed everything ( Netflix ) As we see in the film, on the afternoon of Sunday 5 December 2010, Donnelly was waiting outside Epsteins seven-storey, 40-room Manhattan mansion, with News of the World reporter Annette Witheridge. The pair saw Epstein and Andrew emerge from the building, but struggled to get a clear shot of them, so followed them to Central Park in a black SUV. Donnelly jumped out to race after them on foot, but because he couldnt get close to the two men without being spotted by their bodyguards, he clambered onto a high rock overlooking Epstein and Andrews path. It was there, teetering on a rock, that Donnelly took the photo of Prince Andy and the Paedo as the News of the World headline read meaning that the pair could never deny knowing each other. The existence of the photo also meant that, in the Newsnight interview nine years later, Andrew would have to answer why he was spending time with the financier after Epstein had pleaded guilty to child sex charges and served 13 months behind bars. Did Prince Andrews PR guru really quit? In Scoop, we meet Jason Stein, a PR guru brought in just weeks before Andrews Newsnight interview to help put the royals Playboy Prince reputation to bed, as it were. His plan had been to invite friendly journalists into Buckingham Palace for meet-ups with the prince, so they could get to know him and have a chance to warm to him. But when he hears that the dukes private secretary, Thirsk, is working behind his back with Newsnights McAlister to organise a filmed interview, he dramatically quits, declaring Im out! 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 In reality, Stein had indeed been hired to help Andrew in September, just weeks before the Newsnight interview took place in November. That same month, he had lost his previous job as a special adviser to Amber Rudd, after she quit as work and pensions secretary. According to The Times, Stein left his role in Andrews office by mutual consent, after advising the duke not to speak to Newsnight, warning it could backfire. He was right it has gone down as one of the most disastrous PR moves in the 21st century. Does Emily Maitlis have a whippet called Moody? Everywhere Maitlis goes in Scoop, so too goes her grey whippet Moody. The film shows the journalist and her pooch wearing matching blue knitwear on a run. We also see the dog present during rehearsals for the big interview. And we see Moody being brought into the Newsnight studio itself on a short lead. Three women and a whippet? Wouldnt have seen that in a BBC studio when I started, quips Maitlis. open image in gallery Three women and a whippet: Emily Maitlis does have a dog named Moody in real life ( Netflix ) The real Maitlis does have a whippet called Moody. And she did often bring him to work. As one BBC insider told the Daily Mail: Emily loves that dog so much, and he would often be at her side when she came to work. It was just one of those things that happened. But the constant presence of Moody the newshound at Maitliss side hasnt always gone down well. In the summer of 2019, just months before the Newsnight interview, Maitlis was photographed with her laptop at a table on a GWR train with her whippet curled up on the seat beside her. Newsnights Emily Maitlis slammed for letting dog sleep on seat of packed train ran a Daily Mirror headline at the time. Maitlis nicknames the pooch Moods and he can be seen all over her Instagram feed, enjoying wet walks on the beach. Does Andrew have a teddy collection? According to Scoop, Andrew never grew out of teddies. In the film, we see dozens of them piled up on his bed in Buckingham Palace, and at one point he scolds a female aide for putting a fluffy kangaroo back in the wrong place. In 2022, it was revealed in The Sun that the dukes teddy collection was so big it took a whole day for staff to be trained how to arrange them. The newspaper reported claims from Andrews former maid Charlotte Briggs, who said he had a total of 72 soft toys that had to be painstakingly placed in size order every morning. Briggs, who worked for Andrew in the Nineties when the duke was in his thirties said: As soon as I got the job, I was told about the teddies and it was drilled into me how he wanted them. I even had a days training. Everything had to be just right. It was so peculiar. There have also been reports that there was a laminated diagram showing clear instructions on the correct placement of each teddy. Was Andrew really friends with Jimmy Savile? One of the strangest scenes in the film sees Andrew tell an astonished Maitlis: I dont know why everyones so upset about my friendship with Epstein I knew Jimmy Savile so much better. While it is unknown whether Andrew and Savile were close, it is true that the duke was called on to help in an episode of Jimll Fix It after an eight-year-old girl asked if she could visit a warship; Andrew hosted her on the minehunter HMS Cottesmore. open image in gallery Prince Andrew and Jimmy Savile it was known that Savile was close to the royal family, particularly Charles ( Getty ) The notorious Savile inveigled his way into many of Britains leading institutions, and the royal family was no exception. Prince Charles repeatedly sought Saviles advice, according to claims in the 2022 Netflix documentary Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story. Notes from Charles to Savile uncovered by the documentarys producers showed that, over the course of about 20 years, Savile became an unofficial adviser to the man who would become King. In one instance, Savile was brought in to give PR advice to the royal family after Andrew made insensitive comments about the Lockerbie bombing during a visit to the disaster site in 1988. The duke had been filmed saying how the disaster involving the Frankfurt-to-Detroit flight was much worse for the Americans, adding: I suppose, statistically, something like this has got to happen at some stage on a town. Of course, it only affects the community in a very small way. In a five-page, hand-written dossier titled Guidelines for Members of the Royal Family and Their Staffs, which was shown to the late Queen, Savile laid out his vision for how the royal family should respond to significant incidents. He suggested the hiring of a special person with considerable experience in such matters and advised: There must be an incident room with several independent phone lines, teletext etc ... The Queen should be informed in advance of any proposed action by family members. What happened when Maitlis interviewed Bill Clinton? In the film, Maitliss regret over not asking Bill Clinton about his affair with Monica Lewinsky is a key driver in her desire to get the Andrew interview right. We see her say that she felt she had let women down by not asking the former president about the White House intern with whom he had a sexual relationship. It is true that, in 2014, while accompanying Clinton on a trip to India, Maitlis refrained from bringing up Lewinsky. She made the last-minute decision not to ask him about her after Clintons aides told her he had just had a funny turn and said they might pull the interview tapes altogether if anything happens on camera. Maitlis wrote about the situation in her 2019 book Airhead, saying that suddenly her priority on the day stopped being the Lewinsky question. Instead, she was worrying about whether Clinton would keel over with the cameras rolling. One thing I learnt in that split second: the belief that you have any control is mythical, she wrote. Like those childrens books where you choose your own adventure but ultimately end up at the same place whatever you do. open image in gallery A coiffed Gillian Anderson portrays Maitlis in the film ( Netflix/Channel 4 ) In an interview on the podcast Desperately Seeking Wisdom earlier this year, she said: Quite frankly, I should have [asked the question]. You know, I look back, and Im not a brave person physically. Im really pathetic. But generally, in an interview, I dont pull my punches. And so that was an example of where I was actually embedded in the Clinton campaign, we were in the middle of a goat farm in Uttar Pradesh in India. So I didnt have a lot of autonomy to make the interview about Monica Lewinsky. She continued: Its surprising how little autonomy you have in that situation. You cant sort of have a hissy fit when youre standing on a goat farm... you know, surrounded by the presidents security people. She said she wrote about the moment in her book because she wanted to give an example that every journalist will understand, of coming away slightly crushed and feeling pathetic and weak because you didnt get to ask the question you wanted to, and that really hurts. Where is Amanda Thirsk? Hawes portrays Andrews private secretary as a woman completely spellbound by Andrew, as someone desperate for the world to see the funny and kind man she sees. In Scoop, she is the person who meets with McAlister and presses the duke to agree to the interview. Thirsk started working as Andrews private secretary in 2012; she was a key part of Andrews all-female inner circle of aides and advisers, dubbed Andys Angels. open image in gallery Keeley Hawes is Andrews wide-eyed private secretary in Scoop ( PA ) In 2020, just two months after the disastrous interview, it was reported that Thirsk had reached a legal settlement to end her employment in the royal household. She is now working in a senior business development role at JD.com, one of Chinas biggest ecommerce groups. Was Andrew in the bath when Newsnight was on? Was Andrew really so relaxed about the Newsnight interview that he was luxuriating in the bath while it aired? Its impossible to know unless you were in Buckingham Palace that night. But in Scoop, hes shown ensconced in a cloud of suds when his phone begins to flash and bleep as the world reacts to the car-crash interview. Unfortunately, we see Andrews curiosity get the better of him and he gets out of the bath to fetch his phone. Cue a scene of Sewell (in prosthetics) stepping onto a plush palace rug pale, dripping and butt-naked. Scoop is out now on Netflix 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 Emily Maitlis has broken her silence on the new Netflix drama Scoop, based on her infamous interview with Prince Andrew. The film, released on Friday (5 April), depicts the events behind the Duke of Yorks car-crash sit down with the BBC broadcaster, played by Gillian Anderson. Ive left them very much to do their own thing because I think the last thing they want is me peeking around the edges offering my [views], Maitlis told Deadline. The Newsnight host is also executive producer of a rival three-part Amazon series about the same interview, which will star Ruth Wilson as Maitlis. open image in gallery ( Netflix / Channel 4 ) It says its based on a fictional account, so I think it goes into different places and it does different things [to the Amazon series], she explained. Her spokesperson later clarified that the term fictional account was intended to describe the series as a dramatisation. The prince was grilled over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as well as his relationship with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was 17. Andrew has always strongly denied all claims. The disclaimer used by Netflix is: This film is based on real events however certain elements have been fictionalized for dramatic purposes. Maitlis confirmed that she hasnt watched the movie yet, but would get around to it at some stage, adding she was very excited about the film and her former colleague Sam McAlister had taken the story to brand new heights. 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 She also denied that the Netflix and Amazon projects were rivals, stating that the duel was probably overplayed, overstated. She added: This [the Amazon series] will be a very different beast. Im sure theres room for both, she added. Its unreal that there is all this interest and all this excitement. Netflixs Scoop is based on the book Scoops: Behind the Scenes of the BBCs Most Shocking Interviews by former Newsnight producer Sam McAlister, who is played in the film by Billie Piper. By Kim Jin-heon The shrine named Ssangchung Temple is located in Nokdong, Goheung County, South Jeolla Province. It was built to memorialize two naval admirals, Lee Dae-won and Jeong Un. Both of them were heads of the naval base called Nokdomanho. The memorial service for them is held on May 1 every year. As Japanese battleships appeared on Sonjuk Island in 1587, Lee, 22 at the time, destroyed 20 Japanese battleships and killed numerous soldiers. At the moment, his higher officer demanded that he should give himself credit for the war, but Lee rejected it. As a result, the chief had a dislike for his attitude. A few days later, as more Japanese battleships again appeared there, the senior ordered him to make an unconditional attack without adequate preparation. In the situation, Lee told him, "The weather is too bad, and the troops are unprepared for dispatch." However, the higher officer further ordered him to engage the Japanese invaders. Lee dispatched his troops and fought against the Japanese attackers, but the number of their soldiers was insufficient to win the battle. Nevertheless, Lee did his best to defeat the enemy, but he was killed. Later, the king ordered the people to build a shrine in Nokdong and honor his memory. After Lee's death, in 1591, as soon as Jeong Un became head of the naval base, the lesson from the battle of Sonjuk Island led him to improve preparations for war. Yi Sun-shin, commander-in-chief of the Eastern Sea of Jeolla Province, praised his preparation. When the Imjin War (15921597) broke out, Jeong Un was brave enough to be called to Yi's right arm. For example, as Japanese battleships invaded the coast of Gyeongsang Province, the commander-in-chief of the area asked Yi to defeat the enemy, but he hesitated. At the moment, Jeong Un told his commander, "As our battleships defeat the enemy in Gyeongsang Province, our sea is safe." Jeong Un's message motivated him to take part in the battle in Gyeongsang Province. At the first naval battle in Okpo, Jeong Un went to the battle as a vanguard to sink two Japanese ships. His outstanding service helped Yi to defeat the enemy. His continuing distinguished services such as Dangpo, Hansan Island and Busanpo as a vanguard led to Yi's invincibility. Unfortunately, he was killed in the battle of Busanpo at the age of 50. Due to the death of Jeong Un, Yi lost his war-fighting capability and cried, saying, "There must be death in life, and life depends on heaven, so there is no reason to be sad about death. But I'm heartbroken only about you." Then, Yi suggested to the king to make a memorial service with Lee at the shrine in Nokdong, and the suggestion was accepted. Since then, memorial services have been held there for the two admirals. Jeong Un was two years older than Yi. Moreover, he was commissioned earlier than Yi, but his resistance to injustice and uprightness prevented him from advancing to office. However, Yi's martial spirit and personality led Jeong Un to follow his principles. Two admirals died defending the Kingdom of Joseon. One admiral did so while guarding an area, the other did so while shielding his country in an extremely precarious position. To honor and emulate the will of the two heroes, citizens in Nokdong have imitated their spirit by building Ssangchunggwan, a school auditorium, and Ssangchung roads. Their spirits have not yet disappeared, and the memory of them is being passed on to the local people. The writer is a retired English teacher who published a book titled "Flower Is Flower." 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 British tourist has died in a horror accident while body surfing on a beach in India. The man, described as an expert body surfer by police, died at Varkala Beach in Kerala on Friday morning after a rough wave swept him and crashed him onto the dune, reportedly causing head and neck injuries. It has been reported that he was holidaying with his wife at a beachside hotel, having arrived in Varkala the day before the fatal incident. An eyewitness told local media: He along with another lady was seen swimming and body surfing at the beach from morning. The accident is believed to have happened at around 11.30am local time when the beach was full of people, according to the New Indian Express. One of the lifeguards who was on duty at the time of the incident said: The person was doing body surfing on the waves when a rough wave swept him and crashed him onto the dune. He suffered injuries on the head and neck and we gave him first aid and took him to the hospital. The lifeguard added that the beach had been calm with visitors allowed on it for the two days prior to the incident. A police spokesman told the newspaper: We have completed the inquest and the body has been sent for postmortem at Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. From the preliminary investigation, the accident happened because of rough waves while he was body surfing. It added that the incident has been reported to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), the Indian High Commission and the British High Commission in Delhi. A UK Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed to The Independent: We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in India. The Independent has contacted Thiruvananthapuram Rural Police for comment. Fridays incident came just two weeks after another British tourist drowned while on holiday in India, having been swept out to sea with his wife. Vijay Tulshidas Daswani, 72, died at Talpona beach in Goa on the evening of 22 March after going for a swim just after 6pm. Harish Raut Dessai, a police officer at Canacona police station, told The Independent the couple were dragged out to sea by a strong wave. Lifeguards rushed to rescue the pair and brought them to shore. While the woman was revived, the man could not be saved. Mr Daswani, from Mapesbury in London, was taken to a local hospital but was later pronounced dead. 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 Climate activist Greta Thunberg was detained twice on Saturday by the Dutch police at a demonstration in The Hague in the Netherlands. Ms Thunberg was arrested and detained for several hours along with other protesters who were attempting to block a major highway into The Hague but was released later in the evening. She then rejoined a group of protesters who were blocking a different road and was detained a second time. Protesters have attempted to block the A12 highway in the Netherlands several times in recent months demanding that there be an end to subsidies and tax breaks to companies linked to fossil fuel industries. Before being taken by officers in a police van, Ms Thunberg told reporters that she was protesting as the world was facing an existential crisis. We are in a planetary emergency and we are not going to stand by and let people lose their lives and livelihood and be forced to become climate refugees when we can do something, the Swedish climate activist said. When asked if she was worried about being arrested, Ms Thunberg said Why should I be? She flashed a victory sign as she sat in the bus used by police to transport detained protesters. India's health ministry reviews preparedness for management of heat-related illnesses Before the demonstration, the Extinction Rebellion campaign group said activists would block a main highway into The Hague. The march was organised by Extinction Rebellion and was part of a plan to pressure the Dutch government in the run-up to another planned debate about fossil subsidies in June, the group said in a post on X. After a heavy police presence was deployed, a small group sat down on another road but were detained after ignoring police orders. We are unstoppable, another world is possible, the demonstrators chanted as they waved flags and banners. This is a dead-end street, one banner read. Police shared in a post on X that they arrested more than 400 people over the day for ignoring orders to disperse. Ms Thunbergs activism since 2018 has inspired a global movement demanding stronger efforts from governments to fight climate change. Extinction Rebellion said it will continue to protest until the Dutch government stops using public funds to subsidise the oil and gas industry. Meanwhile, the ecological crisis continues to rage and the countrys outgoing cabinet pretends that we have all the time in the world, while the crisis is now, it said in a post shared on X. 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 We dont like complexity when we talk about violence against women. We prefer it when victims are vulnerable and passive, the crimes against them brazen and straightforward. In a society that is structurally and socially designed to make us blame victims (especially when theyre women), presenting them in these terms elicits empathy and, crucially, credibility. Its enormously important and helpful, both at a societal and legislative level. But where does this leave victims who were less passive? Women who, in the face of violence, not only defended themselves but actually fought back. What are we to make of those other kinds of women? These are the questions posed by Emmy Award-winning journalist and author Elizabeth Flock in her new book, The Furies: Three Women and Their Violent Fight for Justice. In it, she dives into the stories of three real-life women who used violence in the face of violence. Theres Brittany Smith, a young mother from Stevenson, Alabama, who killed the man she said raped her; Angoori Dahariya, the leader of a gang in Uttar Pradesh, India, who is committed to avenging victims of domestic abuse; and Cicek Mustafa Zibo, who is in charge of a thousands-strong all-female militia that fought Isis in Syria. I spent a long time being obsessed with female vigilantes in pop culture and mythology, explains Flock, whose book takes its name from the three Greek goddesses of vengeance who punished sinners in the underworld. According to the poet Hesiod, they were created from the blood that was shed when the son of Gaia and Uranus was goaded by his mother to cut off his fathers testicles. I was always consuming stories of women who wielded violence against men who had done something to them, adds Flock. It took me a really long time to recognise that was because of my own personal experience. And the experiences of so many women I know. Flock begins the book by sharing how, in her early twenties, she went on a trip to Rome with some friends, where they were shown around by a local tour guide. They concluded the tour with a trip to a bar. All Flock remembers next is waking up in the guides bed with him raping her. I have spent the last 15 years not at home in my body, in the skin that I once saw as protection, she writes. Often, Ive wondered how that morning, and my life since, might have been different if Id had access to a knife or a gun. open image in gallery Elizabeth Flocks The Furies looks at women who used violence in the face of violence ( Vintage ) But this fantasy only yielded further questions. At the heart of Flocks book is one central issue: these womens actions may have helped them obtain a sense of cosmic justice, which, in most cases, also saved their lives, but when you consider the long-term ramifications of their actions, its hard to know whether it helped or hindered them. It definitely helped [Brittany and Angooris] communities, says Flock. Theres more reporting on domestic abuse in Stevenson and Uttar Pradesh, and so many women were inspired by Cicek. As for whether it helps the women themselves? I mean, in the UK, US and elsewhere, if you kill an abuser, youre almost certainly going to jail. Even if you claim self-defence and have a really strong claim. One forensic expert told Flock that 80 per cent of women in these cases end up taking plea deals. I think all of these women would say theyre glad they did what they did, and feel they have more agency and power, she adds. I looked at my own story and wished I had fought back. Im kinder to myself about that now, but I spent a long time thinking. I just wanted to have done something instead of freezing. Out of the three women covered in The Furies, Smiths case is the most well known, and was even the subject of a true-crime Netflix documentary from 2022. It was a product of Flocks own reporting in 2020, she published a long read about Smith in The New Yorker. It detailed how Smith had been drinking in her home with a man named Todd, whod recently sold her a puppy. He consumed a substantial amount of methamphetamine before getting into an argument with her, one that she says led to him assaulting her. He told me not to say a f***ing word and if I even breathe wrong hed kill me, she told the court. Later that night, after Smiths brother arrived and got into a physical fight with Todd, Smith shot him dead. Smith, who has four children she lost custody of in 2013 after her struggles with substance abuse, went on to spend four months in prison and was later institutionalised. She was eventually granted a Stand Your Ground hearing, in which she tried to gain immunity from prosecution via a statute that makes it legal to use lethal force as a form of self-defence. However, despite a sexual assault nurse documenting more than 30 injuries on Smiths body, she lost the hearing and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. She served 18 months and was released and placed on house arrest under parole conditions.Shes back in prison unfortunately, says Flock, who explains that Smith violated her parole and has subsequently been given her original sentence, which means shell stay in prison until 2041. I looked at my own story and wished I had fought back. Im kinder to myself about that now, but I spent a long time thinking. I just wanted to have done something instead of freezing. Elizabeth Flock Perhaps one of the most striking things about Flocks book is its examination of female prisoners like Smith. One 2010 study on the female Illinois prison population found that 98 per cent of women said they had experienced physical violence before being imprisoned. Meanwhile, 85 per cent had been stalked or emotionally abused, and 75 per cent had been sexually abused. Another study estimates that nearly half of the women in maximum-security prisons in the southeast US said their crimes were committed after theyd been abused. Meanwhile, a 2020 report published in The Appeal and The New Republic found that at least 30 per cent of women serving time for murder or manslaughter in 22 states said theyd been protecting themselves or someone else from physical or sexual violence. The hard data doesnt exist beyond that, adds Flock. But when I looked at a review of why women are violent versus men, it found that men wielded violence for control and women in self-defense and sometimes in retaliation. It really makes me think about how effective incarceration really is. Our original motivation for incarceration was to rehabilitate people and weve come so far away from that. Smith aside, theres no paucity of high-profile cases in this arena. Flock details them at length. There is Nokubonga Qampi, dubbed the South African Lion Mama in the press, who was charged in 2017 for stabbing to death one of three men while they were raping her daughter. Only after public outcry were the charges dropped. There is Yakiri Rubio, in Mexico, who cut her rapists throat after he abducted her. She was imprisoned until international media coverage led to her release. In the UK, there is Sally Challen, who beat her abusive husband to death in 2010 and was sentenced to life in prison. She stayed there until 2019, when nationwide outrage and a historic appeal led to her freedom. There are other, more disturbing, stories that detail the thousands of other women who spend their lives in prison for killing their abusers. Flock also recounts stories like Tuti Tursilawatis, an Indonesian housekeeper living in Saudi Arabia who killed her employer in 2011 she accused him of sexually and physically assaulting her. Shortly after, she was sentenced to death; drug trafficking, rape, murder, apostasy and armed robbery are all punishable by death under Saudi Arabias legal system. In 2018, Tarsilawati was executed. All of the women Flock writes about are a far cry from what society would deem the aforementioned perfect victim someone harmed in a way that is non-negotiably violent, and responded in the appropriate manner to elicit cultural sympathy. Anyone that dares respond differently, or claims to suffer a form of abuse that is more complex, let alone one involving drugs and alcohol, is demonised, denigrated and not believed. Perhaps the most recent high-profile example of this is Amber Heard. open image in gallery Amber Heard during the civil defamation trial brought to court by her ex-husband Johnny Depp in 2022 ( Getty ) As humans we crave simplicity and things that are easy to characterise, says Flock when I bring up Heard, who became a viral laughing stock during her 2022 US defamation trial against her ex-husband, Johnny Depp. Scenes from their marriage were reenacted by TikTok users and layered with audio of Heard alleging domestic and sexual abuse by the actor, who ultimately won the trial. The jury found Heard guilty of defaming her ex in an article in which she claimed she was a victim of domestic abuse, meaning that they did not believe her. This followed Depps loss in a UK trial over an article that called him a wife-beater the judge ruled that the allegations against him were substantially true. Flock was most rattled by the misinformed discourse around abusive relationships that the Depp v Heard trial sparked. The term mutual abuse kept being thrown around, she recalls. If you talk to any domestic abuse expert, they say mutual abuse does not exist. There is always one person who wields power and control and then someone else is reacting to that. And that was so clear to me and to so many people whove covered domestic abuse. She remembers a podcast she once appeared on, which explored the story of a domestic abuse survivor in Alabama. Sometimes, her partner would have a bruise on him because he would beat the hell out of her and she would fight back, she recalls. Or maybe on a given day when he didnt do it, it was one of 100 days when she did initiate. But in these cases, one person is still controlling the finances, and has all of the power and public opinion [on their side]. Its why she felt the response to Heard was so damaging. There are toxic relationships where people can be mutually toxic to each other, but when it comes to abuse, its very different. Its hard to know where to look for optimism. In the UK alone, one in four women will experience domestic abuse during their lifetime, while the same proportion have been raped or sexually assaulted as an adult. Legislation in both areas is lagging behind it was only in 2015 that coercive control was recognised by the government. The conviction rate for sexual assault in England and Wales is also so low that, in 2020, former victims commissioner Dame Vera Baird claimed we were witnessing the effective decriminalisation of rape. Ive been covering domestic abuse for a long time and it was only when I started writing about women like Brittany that people started showing interest Elizabeth Flock Books like Flocks certainly help, if only to get people talking more about the issue at hand. Ive been covering domestic abuse for a long time and it was only when I started writing about women like Brittany that people started showing interest, she says. I will get people to show an interest in any way that I can. She continues: In a depressing way, people do not read stories about abuse survivors who just sit there. They read stories about women who fight back. Because when you tell someone a domestic abuse story, you think, thats horrible, I would never let that happen to me. But when you talk about a woman who killed and shot her abuser after a decade or more of abuse, then youre saying, OK why did she do that? Was this justified? Youre asking a lot more questions. And youre willing to dive into the details and wrestle with what happened. And perhaps only then, as you get further along in that process of interrogation, do you find your preconceived, socially conditioned ideas around abuse and victimhood changing. Once you dig into these stories and you actually consider the full history of what went on, these womens actions do not seem so crazy, says Flock. How much would you endure before you lost your mind? The Furies: Three Women and Their Violent Fight for Justice by Elizabeth Flock is out now with Viking 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 Perch LA, a rooftop restaurant with a French flair, has sparked outrage by adding a 4.5 per cent security charge to customers bills. The fee first appeared on customer bills late last month and has since become the subject of numerous articles and Reddit posts. Perch is located in the Pershing Square Building, in the Historic Core neighborhood of LA. The restaurant had explained that the surcharge was necessary to pay for personnel to secure its location which spans several levels including the roof, according to The Hollywood Reporter. One restaurant patron pointed out that having security isnt atypical for the area. All of the buildings down here [in Perchs neighborhood of the Historic Core] have security. So why 4.5%? Why not $1.00 per check? the anonymous Redditor asked. Why this amount? How much does this fee generate for them per night? How much do they spend on their security and, most importantly, why do patrons have to pay it? Why advertise it? Is it their commentary about how unsafe their community is? Another added: Why not add rent charge? Or insurance charge? Or payroll charge? But one customer, Eve Li, told CBS News, that she didnt feel safe in the area. I honestly dont feel that safe so it might be necessary, she said. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Perch had removed the explanation for the security fee from their website. Mrs Fish, a sushi restaurant which shares the building with Perch and is owned by the same parent company, Citrus Hospitality Management, does not have a security fee. The Independent has contacted Perch LA for a comment. Since the pandemic, restaurant-goers have become increasingly frustrated with restaurant surcharges for employee health insurance, tap water, credit card transactions, along with costly cancellation fees. An unnamed Michelin-starred restaurant in Brooklyn, New York reportedly charged one patron a $200 fee when he was forced to cancel due his son being hospitalized, the New York Times reported in 2022. According to a National Restaurant Association survey, 15 per cent of restaurant owners added surcharges in 2023. 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 Monday nights edition of Stephen Colberts late-night US talk show ended on a sombre note. The usually chipper host of The Late Show asked the audience to hold their applause, then appeared choked up with emotion as he briefly said goodbye, before leaving the studio in silence. What the people in the crowd didnt know was that Colbert was mourning the loss of his long-time colleague Amy Cole: the executive assistant, who worked for the presenter for 16 years, had died a few days earlier at the age of 53. When Mondays show aired on American TV, it concluded with a black title card dedicating the episode to our dear friend. Grieving for a colleague whether they were a good friend, a mentor or simply someone you might have nodded to in the kitchen can be a complicated process to navigate. Any death inevitably forces us to think about our own mortality, but if the deceased was a co-worker, then their passing was probably untimely. If they were of a similar age or life stage to you, then the confrontation can feel especially stark; its hard not to think about the plans they had, and the things theyll never get to do. And then theres the fact that we lack a clear template or expectation when it comes to dealing with this situation, according to Bianca Neumann, head of bereavement at the palliative care and bereavement support charity Sue Ryder. Often grieving colleagues are forced to coldly consider the practicalities who else can make sense of the spreadsheets? Who can fill their job? before theyve even had time to decipher how theyre feeling. When we lose a family member, were expected and even encouraged to take some time off to deal with our grief in private; we help to plan their funeral, think of ways to keep their memory alive and do all we can to get some form of closure. And were treated with empathy, as others can clearly understand the magnitude of that loss. But a working relationship is more difficult to categorise: it often involves a mix of professional and personal dynamics, Neumann says, making it hard to navigate your emotional investment in the relationship. Its a bond that can be difficult to sum up to others. So if that person dies, you might not even feel like youre entitled to the emotions youre experiencing. I didnt know them that well, your reasoning might go. So am I overreacting? And does everyone else think Im overreacting? Our co-workers are woven into the fabric of our lives. Their messages are sometimes the first thing we read in the morning, and their camaraderie and in-jokes can get us through the most stressful of times. Consider them this way, rather than as just someone from work, and its no surprise that their sudden loss might feel like an assault on our sense of safety and certainty, as counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, Georgina Sturmer puts it. Hybrid working might mean that we see our colleagues less than we did before the pandemic, but whether its in a physical location or not, youre still spending a lot of time communicating with a colleague maybe a lot more [time] than you would with close relatives, adds Noel Bell, psychotherapist and spokesperson for the UK Council for Psychotherapy. Even if your relationship with your colleague wasnt particularly close or positive, Neumann says, its entirely normal to experience a range of emotions shock, confusion and even guilt are all to be expected. Difficult feelings can often stem from grieving the relationship that you were never able to have, or knowing that any chance of reconciliation in the future has now gone, she adds. And the experts highlight one response as particularly common, especially if the death came as a shock: replaying your final interaction with the deceased (and stewing over it). If you inadvertently ended things on a sour note, hearing those words echo around your head will probably only compound that sense of guilt. A situation like this presents us with a clash of relationships, expectations, boundaries and behaviour, explains Sturmer. In most [work] circumstances, we have an implicit understanding of what professional behaviour looks like, even if we dont always live up to it, she adds. Outbursts of emotion dont tend to be considered office-appropriate. In fact, most of us bring a tempered down version of ourselves to work, which Sturmer likens to wearing a professional mask; this can help us to be assertive and to command respect, or to maintain a little distance between your work life and your real life. But the death of a colleague, she adds, represents a moment when our personal world spills over into our professional one when the sort of messy, difficult feelings that were more used to dealing with in private, away from our co-workers, impinge on office life. open image in gallery Stephen Colbert appeared emotional on air after the death of staffer Amy Cole ( CBS/YouTube ) The professional mask weve so carefully developed, Sturmer says, can get in the way at times like these. It can stop us from connecting with our feelings and expressing them, for fear of looking vulnerable, and therefore somehow less resilient and reliable, and it might also stop us from seeking out the support and solidarity of colleagues. This can be especially marked in companies where the culture is one of relentless competition and comparison between peers, the sort of place where everyone is constantly jostling to be seen as having the edge. All businesses should have a bereavement policy, which might allow workers to gain support from HR or from external counsellors, notes Jane Murray, a bereavement services manager for end-of-life care charity Marie Curie. But when theres that competitive edge, you compare yourself to each other and think, well, he doesnt need [extra support], he seems to be OK. So why am I being vulnerable?. Its important, she says, that workers are encouraged to access these services, and that they dont feel like a failure for doing so. Difficult feelings can often stem from grieving the relationship that you were never able to have Bianca Neumann, head of bereavement at Sue Ryder Managers need to acknowledge, too, that no one does their best work in the aftermath of a bereavement. Grief affects your ability to concentrate and focus for a period of time, Murray says. So, depending on how close you were to that person, it may well affect your ability to do those spreadsheets, add up those numbers, or whatever it is [you do] Everyone in the team needs to be aware of that and just be gentle with each other. The harsh reality is that often this is much easier said than done: these days, unfortunately, most companies rely on their employees working to their absolute maximum, all the time, and simply arent structured to make allowances when this isnt possible. If youre still struggling to process your feelings, getting involved in any plans to commemorate your colleague might help, Bell suggests. Find a way to honour their memory, whether its something being done as a group or organisationally, he says: planning this might be a useful outlet for sharing your feelings and talking about what they meant to you. Those feelings, Sturmer adds, are valid, whatever they are, so you shouldnt feel embarrassed about them. Theres no set framework for how we can and should process our grief, she says. Find ways to express and explore what youre feeling, so that it doesnt stay locked up inside and left to fester. 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 }} When America's top diplomat called to offer condolences over the killing of his son in the Israeli airstrikes that hit a World Central Kitchen convoy delivering aid in Gaza, John Flickinger knew what he wanted to say. The grieving father told Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the killings by Israel in the Hamas-run territory must end, and that the United States needs to use its power and leverage over its closest Mideast ally to make that happen. Flickinger's 33-year-old son, Jacob Flickinger, a dual U.S. and Canadian citizen, was among the seven humanitarian workers killed in the April 1 drone strikes. If the United States threatened to suspend aid to Israel, maybe my son would be alive today, John Flickinger told The Associated Press in describing his 30-minute conversation Saturday with Blinken. Flickinger said Blinken did not pledge any new policy actions but said the Biden administration had sent a strong message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the relationship between the United States and Israel may change if the Israeli Defense Forces do not show more care for the fate of Gaza's civilians. I'm hopeful that this is the last straw, that the United States will suspend aid and will take meaningful action to leverage change in the way Israel is conducting this war, John Flickinger said. Flickinger said Blinken also spoke with his son's partner, Sandy Leclerc, who is left to care for their 1-year-old son, Jasper. In addition to Jacob Flickinger, three British nationals, an Australian, a Polish national and a Palestinian were killed in the strikes. John Flickinger described his son as larger than life, a loving son, a devoted dad and new father and a very loving companion to his life partner. Jacob Flickinger was remembered as a lover of the outdoors who ran survival training retreats and was involved in mountaineering, rock climbing and other adventure activities. He spent about 11 years serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, including eight months in Afghanistan. The elder Flickinger said his son knew going to Gaza was risky, but he discussed it with family members and volunteered in hopes of helping Palestinians in Gaza that aide groups say face imminent famine. He died doing what he loved, which was serving and helping others, said Flickinger, whose own nonprofit, Breakthrough Miami, exposes underrepresented students to academic opportunities and prepares them for college. World Central Kitchen representatives have said they informed the Israeli military of their movements and the presence of their convoy. Israeli officials have called the drone strikes a mistake, and on Friday the military said it dismissed two officers and reprimanded three others for their roles. The officers mishandled critical information and violated rules of engagement, the military said. But John Flickinger said that in his view the strike was a deliberate attempt to intimidate aid workers and to stop the flow of humanitarian aid. World Central Kitchen has since ceased food deliveries in Gaza, Flickinger noted, and he said it looks like Israel is using food as a weapon. The Canadian government has been communicating with the family and is offering financial support to move Leclerc and Jasper from Costa Rica, where the family lives, back to Quebec province to be closer to family, Flickinger said. Flickinger said his son's remains are in Cairo pending the issuance of a death certificate by Palestinian authorities. Once that happens, the family has made arrangements for them to be transported to Quebec. 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 man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder after human remains were found in a south London park. The Metropolitan Police said a 44-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman remain in its custody after the pair were arrested on Saturday following the discovery in Rowdown Fields in Croydon. A post-mortem examination will take place on Sunday. The force launched a murder investigation after it was alerted to the possible discovery of human remains in the park shortly after 9am on Tuesday ( Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire ) The force launched a murder investigation after it was alerted to the possible discovery of human remains in the park shortly after 9am on Tuesday. Searches of the area near New Addington were subsequently conducted, involving police forensics and dog teams, with a large cordon in place for days. Local residents expressed their shock at the discovery. Matthew Popoola said: Its really shocking to hear there were human remains here. Sam Urquhart, 52, added: No one expects body parts to be found, do they? Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, from the Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, has now confirmed the search is over, adding that the Met believes the remains belong to just one victim. Searches of the area near New Addington were conducted, involving police forensics and dog teams, with a large cordon in place for days ( Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire ) He said: I understand the significant concern this discovery will have caused to local people, and I want to thank the community for their patience. I can confirm our work at the location is complete and we believe that the remains found are those of one person. Although we are unable to formally identify the victim at this time, my team are working around the clock in order to do so. Their enquiries have made significant progress and I will provide a further update as soon as possible. We remain in contact with partners and local community members. I am grateful to them for their support. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation who has yet to speak with police is asked to call 101, quoting reference 1656/02Apr. 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 Kings plan to build an ideal town in Kent has sparked outrage amid accusations of swallowing up historic villages into one urban mass. The Duchy of Cornwall has proposed to build 2,500 homes on 320 acres of agricultural land in the medieval market town of Faversham, Kent. The plan was announced when Charles, then the Prince of Wales, managed the estate in 2018, with the aims of delivering the most sustainable homes possible, while simultaneously combatting a housing crisis in the area. However, local residents have warned the development which is set to deliver an ideal town similar to the Duchys first urban extension in Poundbury is totally at odds with the monarchs stance on environmental and farming issues, and could not be supported by the towns infrastructure. The strong opposition has been aired in a public consultation following the submission in December of an application for consent to start work on the initial 261 homes, with 120 homes set to be built per year across two decades. The Kings plan to build an ideal town in Kent has sparked outrage amid accusations of swallowing up historic villages into one urban mass ( PA ) The development website says the plot, which was acquired by the Duchy in 1999 and is located to the southeast of Faversham, will have affordable homes designed and built to the same high-quality standards, indistinguishable from market homes. There is set to be space for food stores and independent retailers, craftmakers and producers as well as a new high street and primary school. Options are being explored for a care home and potentially a range of health-related facilities. It adds: South East Faversham will be an attractive, modern and enjoyable place in which people can live, work, shop and relax. It will be guided by local needs and inspired by the character of Faversham. After the plans were put out for public consultation with Swale Borough Council, The Telegraph reported one complainant saying last week: The Duchy proposes such a development with the consequential loss of a huge area of fine productive agricultural land. This seems totally at odds with HRHs public stance on environmental and farming issues. Construction builders work on the facade of a newly built house in the latest phase of development in Poundbury ( AFP via Getty Images ) Voicing their grievances in a social media campaign group, another local said: It seems theres no end to the greed of Prince William and King Charles!! Its a disgrace that they pose as environmentalists when in fact theyre like all developers and its purely about the money! And what about food security?? All this Grade 1 and 2 farmland being concreted over. A third resident added: My family are very proud third-generation Duchy farmers and they feel ashamed and betrayed. No honour, just greed. We were hoping the Royals were maybe oblivious to it all, with good intentions, but its all a gloss. One more said: Do you really want it to be on your watch that all our historic villages are swallowed up into one urban mass, and so much vital agricultural land will be lost forever? A spokesperson for the Duchy of Cornwall told The Independent: South East Faversham will, if planning permission is granted, follow in the footsteps of Poundbury, Nansledan and other sustainable Duchy developments and become one of the most environmentally friendly neighbourhoods in the United Kingdom. It will prioritise access to green spaces, sustainable transport and will focus on the communitys needs including affordable housing and a new primary school as well as new traffic infrastructure and healthcare services. New green spaces including meadows, orchards, allotments and woodland means biodiversity is set to increase by 20 per cent while a focus on sustainable travel and building a walkable neighbourhood is expected to generate 20 per cent fewer car trips compared to similar-sized communities. The Duchy added that at least 400 homes will be social rent and linked to local incomes, and a further 475 market homes will be discounted for first-time buyers and shared ownership homes, with affordable housing for local people and key workers prioritised. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight 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 Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The boss of the National Farmers Union (NFU) has hit out at Conservative ministers for rushing Brexit and said the government got wrong some aspects of Britains withdrawal from the EU. Tom Bradshaw, who has replaced Minette Batters at the top of the NFU, which represents more than 46,000 farmers and growers across England and Wales, said ministers should have taken some of our warnings [about Brexit] at face value. The arable farmer from Essex, who took over from Ms Batters in February, said members are traditionally big supporters of the Tories. But he said many are feeling let down by post-Brexit trade deals and said the government did not consult and did not listen to farmers when leaving the EU. A group of farmers in tractors descended on London to protest in March ( AFP via Getty Images ) He said trade deals are undermining UK farms because supermarkets can sell foods produced to lower standards abroad. And Mr Bradshaw criticised the short term focus of the current government, with a general election expected later this year hampering longer-term decision-making. In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph, he said: Historically our members would have been big supporters of the Conservative Party, but many are feeling let down, particularly by the international trade deals [which they believe disadvantage British farmers]. They are not going to forget about that quickly. He added: The Brexit deal got delayed but our ministers at Defra were not willing to delay the transition and so put themselves under huge time pressure to deliver a scheme, he says. Their department was the most impacted by withdrawal from the EU and it became a totem pole. They didnt consult and they didnt listen. They delivered a scheme under a restricted timescale and there are areas of it that I think they got wrong. They should have taken some of our warnings at face value. And, in a dig at some of Britains post-Brexit trade deals such as with Australia and New Zealand, Mr Bradshaw said: If we are expected to produce to standards here then we should expect all the food sold in this country to be produced to that standard. And if as a country we dont care about those standards, then our members should have the competitive advantage to produce to lower standards. You cant have it both ways. Losing the support of British farmers would be a hammer blow for the Conservatives, who have enjoyed the support of rural voters for generations. A poll for the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) suggested the Tories would lose 53 of their 96 rural seats at the general election, with high-profile Conservatives such as Jeremy Hunt at risk. And in March Tractor-riding farmers descended on Westminster to protest against trading arrangements they claim will decimate British farming and jeopardise UK food security. In March, protesting farmers called for a radical change of policy and an urgent exit from these appalling trade deals which will decimate British food ( Gareth Fuller/PA Wire ) Campaign groups Save British Farming and Fairness for Farmers of Kent organised the demonstrations at which farmers called for a radical change of policy and an urgent exit from these appalling trade deals which will decimate British food. Mr Bradshaw did say recently appointed environment secretary Steve Barclay is doing a good job so far, but said I dont think [ministers] can be clear about their plans when you are only planning for six months time. And, with Labour on course for a landslide majority, he added: At the NFU we are proudly apolitical, but in the four years Ive been in the NFU team, I have built up a strong relationship with shadow farming minister Daniel Zeichner, who has been in post throughout that period. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight 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 Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Brexit has relegated Britain to just one of many middle powers in the world, David Miliband has said. The former foreign secretary, who served under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, said the UKs wealth, military assets and reputation have all declined relative to other countries in the past decade. And he said Britain needs to understand the realities of our power in todays world and enter new structures and commitments with the European Union on foreign policy. David Miliband was foreign secretary under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Writing in The Observer, Mr Miliband said: Britain still has global reach and global power, and retains hard and soft power. We are one of the richer countries and are privileged in our position on the UN security council. But we have an imperative to understand the realities of our power in todays world. He added: We do not have the finance of Saudi Arabia, the EU anchor of France, the regional activism and risk-appetite of Turkey, or the demographic strength of India or Indonesia. We are one among a number of middle powers in the global system. Our wealth, military assets and reputation have all declined relative to others in the last decade. Mr Miliband said it was a delusion of Brexit to think Britain held all the cards and that the countrys destiny depended only on its own decisions, rather than its ability to engage, incentivise, bargain with and deter others. The danger for British policymakers was exemplified by the Johnson government, with its wishful thinking about our power and position in a world dominated by increasing global risks and muscular, transactional, adroit sometimes predatory nations and non-state actors, all growing in influence by the weakening of the multilateral system, he added. And Mr Miliband, who now runs the humanitarian International Rescue Committee (IRC) charity, said Britain needs to enter new arrangements with the EU on shared foreign policy, defence, security and development policy interests. His comments go further than Labours promises on the EU so far, with the party having promised to forge a closer relationship with our neighbours in the European Union. Sir Keir Starmer is seeking to win over disgruntled Brexit voters ( PA Wire ) In an appeal to Brexit voters in December, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: I voted Remain. Theres no shame or secret in that. But I know the vote to leave was a vote for change. And change at a much deeper level than our trading relationship with the European Union. It was a vote to say our country has got its priorities wrong. If you voted for Brexit seven years ago, if you voted for the Conservatives four years ago you will not get it from a Tory fifth term. Only a change of government can bring change to our country. Mr Miliband warned that Britains global status could decline further under a second term for former president Donald Trump in the US. And he wrote in The Observer that even if Joe Biden is reelected the warning signs about American willingness, patience and ability to provide active and continuing strategic global leadership are still there. Our position, on critical interests from the economy to the climate crisis, national security and international development, will get worse unless we get our act together. The reason is simple: the world is trending towards an unhealthy disequilibrium, and Britain is on the wrong side of some of the key trends, Mr Miliband said. Fix electoral system to ensure fair representation In a democratic society, a robust voter turnout signifies an engaged populace eager to exercise their rights in selecting representatives to amplify their voices. Therefore, the high turnout during the early voting held on Friday and Saturday preceding the April 10 general elections is a positive indicator. Notably, boasting a turnout of 31.3 percent, this election marks the highest level of participation among general elections since the system's inception in 2016. But there is one underlying condition that must be met to make early voting a sensible system: The voting process needs to be clear and convenient enough to make sure voters cast their ballots for the candidates they had in mind without difficulties. The early voting held on Friday and Saturday revealed a serious problem that needs to be fixed. Some voters complained that it was a frustrating experience. Their grievances centered on the ballot paper used to indicate their preferred party. At polling stations, each voter received two ballot papers: one to elect a representative in their electoral district and the other to designate their preferred party. The National Election Commission will utilize the results from the party ballot to allocate each political group its share of lawmakers chosen through the proportional representation system. Voters were confused because the 51.7-centimeter-long ballot paper has names of 38 political parties, almost all of which were unheard of. Parties like the People Power Party (PPP) which is the current ruling party, and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) were not present. This is because those major parties registered under the names of their paper parties for the proportional representation system. The ruling party did this with its satellite party, dubbed the Peoples Future Party (PFP), and the DPK with its paper party, the Democratic Coalition Party of Korea. They submitted their lists of candidates on the proportional representation system under these paper parties. Under the current system, 254 out of 300 National Assembly members are elected through direct voting from voters. The candidates who gained most votes in each electoral district are declared winners. The way the remaining 46 Assemblymen and women are elected on the proportional representation system is a bit complicated. They are chosen based on total votes their parties won in the proportional representation voting, but the number of seats each party will get is determined by their parties relative performance in electoral district voting. The greater the number of seats political parties secure in electoral districts, the diminished their prospects become for obtaining seats through the proportional representation system. Once all votes are cast, the NEC calculates each partys ratio of votes earned against total votes cast to figure out how many parliamentary seats each of them should have. Then, the election watchdog checks how many seats each party won in 254 electoral districts. If the number of a certain partys seats it secured in direct voting is lower than the number of seats it was supposed to have based on the calculated ratio, the party will get more seats on the proportional representation system. In other words, parties with fewer victories in electoral districts but garnering significant support in proportional representation voting will be allotted more seats through the proportional representation system. This complicated system was introduced to fix a representation problem in previous elections. In the 2016 National Assembly elections, for example, then ruling Saenuri Party (the predecessor of the PPP) won 33.5 percent of votes in the proportional representation ballots, compared to the DPK's 25.5 percent. However, the Saenuri Party secured 122 parliamentary seats, constituting 40.67 percent of the total, while the DPK claimed 123 seats, accounting for 41 percent. In contrast, the minor Justice Party garnered 7.2 percent of the popular vote, yet its parliamentary representation amounted to only six seats. This tally fell significantly short of the 21 seats (equivalent to 7.2 percent of the total 300 seats) the party was expected to receive. This representation issue popped up because the number of lawmakers selected on the proportional representation system was relatively low compared to the ones elected directly from electoral districts. And this imbalance resulted in the overrepresentation of major parties in the National Assembly and underrepresentation of minor parties, like the Justice Party. Parties sat down to fix this representation problem and agreed to introduce the current system calling for more seats for underrepresented parties. Despite this, the representation problem was not solved because major parties took advantage of the loopholes in the current system and created paper parties to gain more seats on the proportional representation system. If voters are not sure about whether the party they voted for is the one they supported, democracy will be in danger. The representation problem must be fixed. 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 }} Voters across Poland are casting ballots in local elections Sunday in the first electoral test for the coalition government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk nearly four months since it took power. Voters will elect mayors as well as members of municipal councils and provincial assemblies, an important exercise in self-governance that is one of the great achievements of the democratic transformation that Poland made when it threw off communism 35 years ago. In all there are nearly 190,000 registered candidates running for local government positions in the central European nation of 38 million people. Runoff votes will must take place two weeks later, on April 21, in cases where mayoral candidates do not win at least 50% of the vote in Sunday's first round. Opinion polls released in the days ahead of the vote showed the two largest political formations running neck-and-neck: Tusk's Civic Coalition, an electoral coalition led by his centrist and pro-European Union Civic Platform party, and Law and Justice, a national conservative party that governed the country from 2015 until last year. Several other groups trail the two main groups, including the Third Way coalition, the Left and the radical right-wing Confederation party. Tusk's coalition government, which includes the Third Way and the Left, together won the national election in October. The result amid record turnout spelled the end for eight bumpy years of rule by Law and Justice, which was accused by the European Union of violating democratic standards with its changes to the judicial system and public media. Tusk won on promises to reverse many of those changes and is trying to implement that program, but it isn't easy. His attempts to restore independence to the judicial system are a long process that will require the passage of new legislation. And a promise to liberalize the strict abortion law is being hampered by conservatives in Tusks own coalition. The vote is also a test for Law and Justice, which had a string of electoral victories and dominated the political scene for years, enjoying strong support in conservative rural areas. However, its hard-line policies on LGBTQ+ and its restriction of abortion rights were rejected by many of the young and female voters who turned out in October to vote. Local governments have played an important role in the two major crises of recent years, rolling out vaccinations against COVID-19 and helping the huge numbers of Ukrainian refugees who arrived in the country after Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Among those running is Warsaw Mayor Rafa Trzaskowski, a Tusk ally who is seeking a second term. He is favored to win, but it is not clear if he could win outright Sunday or would need to face a runoff in two weeks. The outgoing term of office for local officials was the longest since 1989 after Law and Justice extended it from four to five years, and then delayed the elections by half a year, worried that holding local elections along with those to the national parliament would hurt its chances. 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 boss of a major charity on the frontline of Britains drug deaths crisis has challenged authorities by announcing that he plans to open potentially life-saving overdose prevention facilities in a matter of months with or without their help. As drugs charities brace for a feared influx of lethally strong synthetic opioids to hit the UK, experts are urging Rishi Sunaks government to end its longstanding opposition to facilities where people can consume illicit drugs in the presence of trained staff armed with the overdose reversal drug naloxone. While Scotland is now pushing ahead to create the UKs first official facility in Glasgow, after a game-changing intervention by the countrys top legal authority put an end to a long-running Holyrood-Westminster dispute, hopes for similar services in England and Wales are yet to materialise. Exasperated by years of fruitless discussions while drug deaths mount, and bolstered by developments in Scotland, Martin Blakebrough, chief executive of the charity Kaleidoscope has now told The Independent that he plans to pilot several micro drug consumption spaces in south Wales as early as this summer potentially even sooner than in Glasgow. Its an active debate were now having in Wales which Ive basically forced onto the agenda, partly by saying, Were going to start this service with or without you, said Mr Blakebrough. Weve been discussing this in Wales for 10 years, and weve done nothing, he added. The Scottish one gave me the confidence to say, Im going to blow your cover now, Im going to cause a fuss about this, and at long last its gone up the political agenda. There are over 200 such overdose prevention services across 17 countries, including the US, Canada, France, Australia and Iceland. Some facilities have reversed thousands of overdoses, without a single death, while being proven to cause no increase in the number of people using drugs, generally reducing or having no impact on local crime levels, and often dramatically reducing drug-related litter and incidents of street injecting. Despite this, the facilities have long been rejected and even mocked by the current Westminster government. Meanwhile, drug deaths have risen for 11 consecutive years in England and Wales to break grim new records, having nearly doubled since 2012. But after activist Peter Krykant risked arrest in 2020 to offer such services out of a repurposed ambulance, Scotlands lord advocate intervened last year to say such prosecutions would not be in the public interest. As a result, the UK government has now relented that it will not block such services in Scotland, potentially paving the way for others to follow suit in parts of England and Wales, dependent on the support of police and local leaders. Peter Krykants unsanctioned facility reversed nine overdoses among nearly 900 supervised injections over the space of nine months, a study found ( Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images ) Kaleidoscopes pilots will be limited only to a targeted number of drug users, to whom the charity already provides clean needles but is currently forced to send back onto the streets to consume their drugs. While the charity warns it is vital to rapidly establish proof of concept in the UK before deadly synthetic opioids arrive en masse, Mr Blakebrough stressed the planned facilities importance in helping to clear the streets of discarded needles and prevent instances of people injecting publicly. Im standing up for community residents who are fed up, he said. Come down to Cardiff and you will see people openly injecting, you will see discarded needles all over the place, and I think the scandal is why are we tolerating this? Critically, Kaleidoscope has vowed to self-fund the new services if it cannot secure official backing. Ultimately wed prefer not to fund them out of our own resources. But there comes a point where if you dont act, nothing changes, Mr Blakebrough said. Mr Blakebrough stressed that he was merely proposing to create a consumption space at a number of his charitys existing needle exchange sites, at minimal cost and only open to around 30 or 40 selected drug users already in the community, in contrast to the new multimillion-pound centre being set up in Glasgow. He said: I have every sympathy when residents complain to me, Youre giving needles for somebody to inject in my backyard. And I go, What else can I do? So we need to do something about it. The only way I can think is: isnt it better they come into my facility where theyre getting the needle anyway and just consume it in that premises? But its not a free-for-all for every drug user. Kaleidoscope has been holding talks with local leaders and has gained the backing of Senedd members among all four major parties, while Mr Blakebrough works to secure a memorandum of understanding with South Wales Police that he and his charitys staff will not face arrest for facilitating the services. Superintendent Mark Kavanagh told The Independent, In principle, the force is supportive of delivering innovative and ambitious practices to reduce drug-related harm, and safe consumption is one of a number of potential health-led avenues which are currently being explored by partners. He added: This is a complex undertaking and is therefore still a work in progress. Whilst this is being worked through, we are continuing to work closely with partners ... to minimise drug-related deaths and associated harms. Peredur Owen Griffiths, the Plaid Cymru chair of the Senedds crossparty group on substance use and addiction, said: If anybodys going to be able to pilot this well I think Kaleidoscope is one of the best-placed to do that because of their expertise in the field. Theyve got good relationships with communities and police, so its building trust on all sides really to check if this actually works in practice on the ground in Wales. Most of civil society would see ... [it] is a positive thing because it eases some of the issues in the NHS, it releases police officers to be able to deal with other things, so theres a rational reasoning behind why it works, Mr Owen Griffiths added. Drug deaths are going up and up, so obviously there is a need for this, he said, adding: Its making sure that people dont die unnecessarily its fundamental, really. Pat Hudson, a professor emeritus at Cardiff University whose 32-year-old son Kevin died following a heroin overdose in 2017, told The Independent: I do believe my son would still be alive today had there been somewhere safe for him to go and inject in the centre of town in Carmarthen where he died. Instead, like many other people, he used a toilet in a department store, in Marks & Spencers, locked the door and overdosed, which is so easy to do when youre acquiring heroin off the street, you dont know the strength and dosage of what youre taking. And of course nobody noticed because the door was locked and it wasnt until someone realised it was locked for some time that they cleared the store, broke in and by that time it was too late. Pat Hudson has previously said 200 people attended the funeral of her intelligent, sociable, funny, generous and kind son Kevin Lane ( supplied ) I fully support this progressive move on the part of Kaleidoscope. If theres somewhere people feel its safe to go and be monitored they would choose that, said Professor Hudson, a member of the campaign group Anyones Child. Also it would get more young people beyond the stigma attached to approaching the treatment services when their drug use has become a problem. If theyre regularly attending somewhere where theyre treated with some respect and care, theyre more likely to access treatment services at the crucial point when they first need it. Expressing concern over a feared influx of new potent synthetic opioids, which claimed at least four lives in a south Wales prison earlier this year, Professor Hudson said: Its an epidemic waiting to happen, and if we can get some of these centres up and running we will be able to tackle the crisis before it overwhelms young people and families like mine. A Welsh Government spokesperson said: The use of overdose prevention vans or safe injecting sites, is a matter for the UK government as legislation on the misuse of drugs is not devolved, adding: We are working with partners across Wales ... to rapidly develop our response to the threat of synthetic opioids. 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 deputy prime minister has opened the door to a possible January 2025 general election, despite Rishi Sunak insisting he will go to the polls later this year. Oliver Dowden said 2024 will almost certainly be a general election year, but did not rule out the prospect of a contest happening next year. The latest possible date for an election is 28 January 2025, meaning Mr Sunak could delay the vote for a further eight months. He was already accused of being a chicken and squatting in Downing Street after ruling out holding the general election on 2 May, when voters will go to the polls for local elections across the country. Deputy PM Oliver Dowden said there will almost certainly be an election this year, leaving the door open to a January 2025 contest ( PA Wire ) Responding to Mr Dowdens comments, Labours national campaign coordinator Pat McFadden MP said: The public are paying the price for the chaos of this clapped out Conservative government. The prime minister needs to get on and name a date for the election rather than running scared from the voters. Labour has a plan for a better future for Britain, through higher economic growth, high quality public services, and safer streets. The sooner the voters get their say the better. Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: Rishi Sunak needs to put the country out of its misery and name an election date now. People across the country are fed up with this endless speculation of when the election will be. She added that the public deserve the chance to deliver their verdict in the ballot box without any further delay. Mr Sunak has repeatedly said it is his working assumption that there will be a general election at some point in the second half of this year. But the PM has refused calls to name the date, which would end the constant speculation about when the general election will be. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called for Rishi Sunak to name the date for the general election ( PA Wire ) He was criticised last week for laughing at a journalist who asked him when the general election would be. The latest hint at a general election date comes as the Conservatives sit 22 points behind in the polls. A series of polls have shown the party is heading for electoral oblivion, with even Mr Sunak at risk of losing his seat. A Survation poll of 15,000 people last week suggested defence secretary Grant Shapps, Commons leader Penny Mordaunt and home secretary James Cleverly would also all lose their seats. The study of individual seats also suggested the Tories would be wiped out in Scotland and Wales and hold just 98 seats in England. It also predicted a landslide victory for Labour, with Sir Keir Starmers party winning 468 seats, while the Scottish National Party would pick up 41 seats, the Liberal Democrats 22 and Plaid Cymru two. If correct, it would see a massive swing away from the Tories based on the 2019 general election, when it won 365 seats. The latest possible date for a general election is 28 January, 2025 ( EPA ) Asked about the dire polling, Mr Dowden told Sky News: As we as we get into an actual election campaign, and this almost certainly is an election year, we move from a kind of referendum on the government to a choice. I'm confident as people face that choice and they look at the threat of Labour, whether it is building over the green belt in my constituency, carte blanche to do that, whether it's in relation to their employment laws, which are going to destroy the jobs market, or it's in relation to their sums that don't add up versus our plan, you will see those numbers narrowing. I'm totally confident of that. 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 }} Nigel Farages Reform UK has dropped two more election candidates and suspended a third over a series of offensive remarks, reportedly including a slur about brown babies. The right-wing challenger party has suspended its South Shropshire candidate Pete Addis after a slew of comments posted online were exposed. Vulgar social media posts uncovered by the Mail on Sunday showed he had called for Sir David Attenborough to be killed off and made a racist joke about brown babies. Richard Tice is the leader of Reform UK, which was set up by Nigel Farage as the Brexit Party ( PA Wire ) Reform said it has removed Mr Addis, as well as Amodio Amato, who reportedly said London is an Islamic State and that there would be a Muslim army run by Sadiq Khan. A spokesman for the party said: Amodio Amato and Pete Addis have been removed from their candidature with immediate effect, for comments that clearly breach any basic idea of decency. Iris Leask has been suspended pending further investigation. Ms Leask reportedly called for meat-eaters to eat other humans and for the human race to be obliterated. Mr Addis told the Mail on Sunday that he obviously regretted his remarks and that they were a joke. They are only the latest Reform UK candidates to be dropped amid accusations they made racist or offensive posts on social media. Campaign group Hope Not Hate found tweets by candidates Jonathan Kay and Mick Greenhough in which they made derogatory comments about Muslims and black people. Nigel Farage, the former Reform UK party leader with Richard Tice, his successor ( Getty Images ) Mr Kay, who was standing for election in South Ribble, tweeted in 2019 that Muslims never coexist with others and should be deported, and claimed Africans had IQs among the lowest in the world. Mr Greenhough, who was the Reform candidate in Orpington, tweeted in 2023 that the only solution was to remove the Muslims from our territory and in 2019 said Ashkenazi Jews were a problem and had caused the world massive misery. Hope Not Hate, which campaigns against the far right, said the pair were wildly unsuitable for public office. Both men were removed as Reform candidates on Wednesday, following the publication of Hope Not Hates findings. A spokesman for the party said: Reform has removed our candidates for Orpington and South Ribble. We want to make it crystal clear that while we defend our candidates right to freedom of speech vigorously, we act fast when we find that individuals statements fall beneath our standards. Labour and Conservatives also have candidates that make statements that fall below acceptable standards, but we move faster than others in acting decisively. Reform has now ditched nine candidates for the upcoming election following complaints about their comments on social media. Benjamin Beau Dade was dropped as the candidate for Swindon South following a similar investigation by Hope Not Hate; while Ginny Ball in Rutland and Stamford; Nick Davies in North East Bedfordshire; David Carpin in Henley and Thame; and Roger Hoe in Beverley and Holderness, have all been sacked for comments made on social media. The party has also drawn criticism over some of its other candidates, including a convicted animal abuser and a fortune-teller who sold spells for 200 on the OnlyFans website. Increased scrutiny of Reform comes as the party is consistently sitting at third place in the polls, behind the Conservatives. It is not expected to win any seats in this years general election, but could deprive the Tories of majorities in tens of closely-fought battles across the country. 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 man was charged Sunday with setting a fire outside the Vermont office of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, federal prosecutors said. Shant Soghomonian, 35, who was previously of Northridge, California, entered the building on Friday and went to Sanders' third-floor office where security video showed him spraying a liquid on the door and setting it afire, officials said. The building's interior suffered some damage from the fire and sprinklers that doused the area with water, but no one was hurt. Sanders, an independent, was not in the office at the time. Soghomonian was arrested Sunday on a charge of using fire to damage a building used in interstate commerce, according to a statement from Nikolas Kerest, the U.S. attorney for Vermont. The motive remained unclear. Soghomonian was detained Sunday and could not be reached for comment. It was not immediately known if had a lawyer, and an initial court appearance had not been set, officials said. The crime carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The case was investigated by police departments in Burlington, Shelburne and Williston; Vermont State Police; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and U.S. Capitol Police, officials said. 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 suspect has been arrested over an arson attack at Bernie Sanders office in Burlington, Vermont. Shant Michael Soghomonian, 35, has been charged with one count of intentionally setting a fire with the purpose of damaging the independent senators office, according to the US Attorneys Office for the District of Vermont. He faces a minimum of five years in prison and heavy fines if convicted. Mr Soghomonian has not yet retained legal counsel, according to reports. On Friday morning, security footage showed a man spraying a chemical accelerant on the door of the senators third floor office. The man is then seen lighting the liquid on fire before leaving the building. No injuries were reported despite multiple staffers being in the building at the time. Mr Sanders was not present when the attack occurred. The Senate is adjourned until Monday. Police issued a photo of the suspect who set Bernie Sanderss Vermont office on fire ( Burlington Police Department ) Burlington police are coordinating with US Capitol Police, which investigates crimes that target lawmakers, in the investigation. A Burlington police spokesperson described the blaze as a significant fire which engulfed the door and part of the vestibule, impeding the egress of staff members who were working in the office and endangering their lives. The fire was largely extinguished by onsite fire suppression sprinklers while firefighters dealt with the remainder. We are grateful to the Burlington Fire and Police Departments who responded immediately today to a fire incident that took place in our office building, Mr Sanders office said in a statement. We are relieved that no one on our staff and, to our understanding, no one in the building was harmed. Thank you as well to the Vermont State Police for their assistance and the efforts of the US Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms, who are working in coordination with local first responders. Earlier this week, the Vermont senator joined President Joe Biden at the White House for an event to promote lowering costs for inhalers and other prescription drugs. Mr Sanders is a champion of the progressive movement and has finished second in two consecutive presidential primaries. He is also no stranger to threats against his life. Several people have been charged for issuing death threats to the Vermont lawmaker. 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 again compared himself to a historically-persecuted figure - this time, the late South African leader and anti-apartheid legend Nelson Mandela. Mr Trump made the comparison on Saturday on his social media platform, Truth Social, as he railed against Judge Juan Merchan for his latest ruling to expand a gag order against him. Mr Trump is accused of falsifying business records to cover up hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels in the New York trial. The former president even claimed that he was prepared to go to jail. If this Partisan Hack wants to put me in the clink for speaking the open and obvious TRUTH, I will gladly become a Modern Day Nelson Mandela - It will be my GREAT HONOR, Mr Trump posted. Mr Mandela spent 27 years in jail for standing up to South Africas apartheid system. He was later released and went on to become the first Black president of South Africa after a fully-democratic election. Donald and Melania Trump pictured on Saturday at the home of hedgefund manager John Paulson in Palm Beach during a fundraiser ( Getty Images ) Mr Trump has previously likened himself to Mr Mandela. Last October, at a campaign event, he said: Ill tell you what, I dont mind being Nelson Mandela, because Im doing it for a reason. The former president has previously likened himself to Jesus and Elvis Presley. Mr Trumps most pressing legal woes this past week stemmed from the hush money case, where he has lost all of his bids to delay a trial that is now slated to begin on 15 April. He faces 34 felony counts in the case. On Monday, the president was dealt another blow in the New York case when the judge presiding over the trial expanded a gag order already in place to include members of his family, whom Mr Trump had railed against in social media postings. On 26 March, Mr Trump posted on Truth Social accusing judge Merchans daughter of political connections to Joe Biden and California lawmaker Adam Schiff, a frequent outspoken political foe of Mr Trump. In all, Mr Trump faces 88 felony counts in four separate criminal prosecutions along a civil fraud trial in New York, which he has lost but filed an appeal to overturn. Mr Trumps trial in New York remains the only one now guaranteed to take place before the 2024 general election. A series of delays in his two remaining federal cases and Georgia prosecution have pushed those expected trial dates into the realm of total uncertainty. He remains the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party after defeating rivals in the GOP presidential primaries this winter. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight 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 Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An EU commissioner has riled up long-running tensions by saying that Gibraltar is Spanish while disregarding hopes for a Brexit deal ahead of a June deadline. Gibraltar espanol, Margaritis Schinas said, when asked about the issue at a briefing in Seville. The slogan means Gibraltar is Spanish and goes back to the Franco era, and is often said by those who claim the territory belongs to Spain. Known as the Rock, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and city located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. It was surrendered to Britain in 1712 under the Treaty of Utrecht and has not been part of Spain since then. Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and city located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) The UK and EU are negotiating to secure a deal for a post-Brexit common travel area between Spain and Gibraltar before the European Parliament elections in June. If the deal is not struck before June, Gibraltar could face full border controls on movement to and from Spain. However, as Spain has not demanded sovereignty over Gibraltar as part of Brexit negotiations, Commissioner Schinass comments have been widely criticised. Margaritis Schinas stirred up tensions when he said Gibraltar is Spanish at a briefing in Seville ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Jose Manuel Albares, Spains foreign minister, said the remarks are very unfortunate and incomprehensible. He added that Commissioner Schinas is not at all involved in the dossier of the withdrawal agreement concerning Gibraltar. It is Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, with whom I have also had a conversation about it, and we both, both the commissioner who knows and handles that negotiation and myself, agree that the negotiations are progressing at a good pace, he said. And I have also conveyed to Commissioner Schinas that, besides his statements being unfortunate, I hope that in the future only the commissioner in charge of that negotiation, which is Maros Sefcovic, will be the one to comment on it. Speaking to Spains state broadcaster RTVE on Thursday night, he said: Mr Albares and Maros Sefcovic, the European Commission vice-president who is leading the Gibraltar talks, issued a joint statement condemning the remarks. The negotiations between the EU and the United Kingdom regarding Gibraltar are progressing as planned, it said. We are entering a sensitive stage of the negotiations. Mr Albares said that Commissioner Schinass reaction told the foreign minister it was not his intention and he regretted it. 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 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 }} Russia-friendly populist candidate Peter Pellegrini has won Slovakias presidential election, likely strengthening the governments resolve to withdraw military support for Ukraine. Mr Pellegrini, 48, who was the Slovak nationalist-left governments candidate and a close ally of the populist prime minister Robert Fico, defeated the pro-Western Ivan Korcok with 53 per cent of the vote. While presidents do not have many executive powers in Slovakia, the election result will strengthen the grip of the pro-Russian prime minister over the country. As president, Mr Pellgrini can veto laws or challenge them in the court and nominate judges moves that could make his role important for the fate of Mr Ficos reforms. Mr Fico won the 30 September parliamentary elections conducted by the nation of 5.4 million people on a pro-Russian and anti-American platform. His coalition, which includes a party headed by Mr Pellegrini, already halted Slovak weapon shipments to Ukraine, and Mr Fico has also spoken about Western influence in the region leading to Slavic nations killing each other. The pro-Russian prime minister has also initiated reforms of criminal law and the media, raising concerns about the weakening of the rule of law. From trench-fighting to mortar firing: Here's what Ukrainians are taught by European troops However, Mr Pellegrini has portrayed himself as more moderate compared to the prime minister. In the lead-up to the elections, he accused his rival Mr Korcok a former ambassador to the US and Germany as well as a former envoy to Nato of being a warmonger who would send Slovak soldiers to fight in Ukraine. The president does not have the power to control troop deployments. Mr Pellegrini told the AFP ahead of the vote that the EU and Nato were divided between those who are in favour of the continuation of the war [between Russia and Ukraine] at all costs, and those who demand the start of peace negotiations. I will do everything for Slovakia to forever remain on the side of peace and not the side of war, Mr Pellegrini said. He said on Saturday that his election would not mean a rush to any fundamental change in foreign policy. This is not about the future direction of foreign policy. I also guarantee, like the other candidate, that we will continue to be a strong member of the EU and Nato, the president-elect added. Mr Korcok conceded defeated, but accused Mr Pellegrini of winning by spreading fear. A campaign can be won by making the other a candidate of war. I will not forget this. The decisive factor was high turnout; I respect that, but it was fear that decided... spreading fear and hatred, he said, according to Reuters. By Robert Neff In the early 1920s, an American gold miner working at Oriental Consolidated Mining Company in northern Korea wrote: The Koreans are not allowed any firearms, so do not do much hunting except a little with hawks. They catch hawks and starve them and then liberate them to catch pheasants and other birds. When the hawk catches the bird the hunter steps in and takes the bird away from the hawk. It sounds odd but you would be surprised how many they catch. The idea of falconry may have seemed strange to this young American, but he, like his peers, was fairly impressed especially considering (judging by their letters home) their own bird hunts with guns were often unsuccessful. His assumption that Koreans hunted with hawks was because they were banned from owning guns wasnt quite true. Korea has a long and colorful history of hawking. In the mid-1890s, Isabella Bird Bishop, an English travel writer, described pheasants as being literally without number and are very tame. While they may have seemed tame to her, they were not so tame that one could easily walk up and snatch them. Hawks and falcons were needed for the task and they did very well. In the 1930s, one Korean hunter boasted to Sten Bergman, a Swedish zoologist, that in one season, with just one hawk, he managed to bag 300 pheasants. Perhaps not as impressive as the hunter who claimed to Bishop that he sometimes got between twenty and thirty pheasants a day but had to walk or run 100 li [approx. 55km] to do it. Bishop pointed out that obtaining and training falcons was no easy matter. To obtain them three small birds are placed in a cylinder of loosely woven bamboo, mounted horizontally on a pole. On the peregrine alighting on this, a man who has been concealed throws a net over the whole. The bird is kept in a tight sleeve for three days. Then he is daily liberated in a room, and trained to follow a piece of meat pulled over the floor by a string. At the end of a week he is taken out on his masters wrist, and slipped when game is seen. He is not trained to return. The master rushes upon him and secures him before he has time to devour the bird. It was extremely important to get the falcon before it ate too much. Once full, the falcon would no longer hunt. Once trained, these birds were very expensive and in the 1890s brought as much as $9 a bird a princely sum considering servants could be hired for a couple of dollars each month. Of course, such valuable and noble birds attracted less than honorable attention. The Korean idiom shi chi mi tte da meaning to feign ignorance is said to have its origin in the theft of falcons. The falcons were marked with tags (shi chi mi) on their tail which indicated their owners but occasionally these tags were removed by unscrupulous people who then claimed the falcon as their own. At least one American raised hawks for a very short time in the early 1900s. William Franklin Sands, an adviser to the Korean government, wrote: A very noble but exceedingly expensive sport was hawking. I kept hawks for a while, for the experience and as an attraction to the young courtiers, but it was too troublesome to go on with. Unlike many of the early Westerners in Korea, Sands was fairly adventurous and recorded many of his encounters: Two expert falconers, heavily paid, and a dog man to follow with the retriever, were necessary for each bird. The hawk was [] perched on a heavy gauntlet and hooded, with a small silver bell on his collar to locate him after flight. He is not trained to return to the hawkers wrist, but to the dog. The dog is of no particular breed, and is rarely broken to retrieve. His duty is to find the fallen game and guard it until it is picked up. The hawk is trained to go and perch on his back until the hunters come up with him, and they follow on foot. The broken hill country is not suited to hawking from horseback. It is a delightful sport. Pheasants are the easiest game. They are plentiful and fly straight away for the far side of the narrow valleys, the hawk a little above until he can strike at the neck or head, and he rarely strikes until just before the pheasant reaches safety on the other side. The stout, elderly noble waits in full sight of the chase and joins it at his leisure while younger blood runs at top speed with the hawkers and miscellaneous beaters and follows behind the two birds. Sands went on to explain that the hawk was kept fierce by starving and teasing it. It was only fed enough to keep its strength but never enough to satisfy it. It was also deprived of sleep by a man who would tease it to ensure that it was constantly alert. It is little wonder that the birds often suffered from innumerable ailments and, according to Sands, if one pursues this noble game, it is etiquette to believe absolutely and without comment all that the hawker tells you in regards to the birds health and to pay him what he asks for rare medicines and remedies, equally without comment. Hawking is no longer as popular as it once was, but it still exists. One of my fondest memories was a visit I made to the Korea Hawking School, a school of falconry in Daejeon, in 2015. Master falconer Park Yong-soon, who has been learning falconry from when he was a boy, demonstrated his craft to a large crowd of spectators and journalists. With the passage of time, many things are lost, but hopefully, through the efforts of Park and his school, falconry will live on in a a colorful display of the past when the great raptors ruled the sky. Robert Neff has authored and co-authored several books, including Letters from Joseon, Korea Through Western Eyes and Brief Encounters. 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 }} A top Iranian military adviser has warned Israel that none of its embassies are safe following a strike in Damascus last week which killed 12 people including two elite Iranian generals. Regional tensions have threatened to draw the Middle East into a wider conflict as Israels war against Hamas marks six months. Israel has been preparing for an Iranian response to the strike without directly acknowledging its involvement. The remarks by General Rahim Safavi signalled that the attack on a diplomatic mission could be met with a similar response. None of the embassies of the (Israeli) regime are safe anymore, Gen Safavi, a military adviser to Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was quoted as saying by the semi-official Tasnim agency. Rescue workers search the rubble of a building used by the Iranian embassy in Damascus after the airstrike ( Getty ) Gen Safavi was speaking at a memorial ceremony in Tehran for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard generals who were killed in the strike which flattened an Iranian consular building in Damascus. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is prepared for any response. Whoever harms us or plans to harm us, we will harm them, he told a cabinet meeting. We follow that principle in practice, all the time as well as in recent days. The surging regional tensions came six months after the start of the war, which was sparked when Hamas militants charged from Gaza into Israel on 7 October last year, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 captive. Israel retaliated with fierce bombardments and a ground offensive that has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities. Also on Sunday, Israels military announced it is drawing back forces from the 98th Paratroopers Division who have been operating in the area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, bringing Israeli troop levels in Gaza to some of the lowest levels since the war began. The Hamas stronghold has been the main focus of Israels offensive in recent months. The forces withdrew to recuperate and prepare for future operations, while a significant number remain elsewhere in Gaza, said Israeli military officials. Israel maintains troops in devastated northern Gaza and can send them south when needed. Israel has vowed a ground offensive on the southernmost Gaza city of Rafah, considered Hamass last stronghold. Buildings reduced to rubble in Khan Younis, Gaza, after the Israeli military withdrew most of its ground troops from the region ( Reuters ) But the area shelters some 1.4 million people more than half of Gazas population. The prospect of an offensive has raised global alarm, including from top ally the US, which has demanded to see a credible plan to protect civilians. The wars six-month mark has been met with growing frustration in Israel, where anti-government protests have swelled and anger is mounting over what some Israelis see as government inaction to help free the remaining roughly 130 hostages, about a quarter of whom are said by Israel to be dead. Negotiations in pursuit of a ceasefire in exchange for the hostages release were expected to resume in Cairo on Sunday. An Israeli delegation led by the head of the Mossad intelligence agency was due to depart for Cairo, according to an Israeli official. Israel is prepared for a deal. Israel is not prepared to surrender, Mr Netanyahu said. Instead of the international pressure being directed at Israel, which is only causing Hamas to harden its positions, the pressure of the international community needs to be directed at Hamas. Pressure has risen for action to be taken immediately, bolstered by an attack on volunteers providing food in Gaza. This doesnt seem a war against terror. This doesnt seem anymore a war about defending Israel. This really, at this point, seems its a war against humanity itself, chef Jose Andres told ABC, days after an Israeli air strike killed seven of his World Central Kitchen colleagues. Aid deliveries on a crucial new sea route to the territory were suspended. Humanity has been all but abandoned in Gaza, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said in a statement marking six months of war. The UN and partners now warn of imminent famine for more than one million people in Gaza as humanitarian workers urge Israel to loosen restrictions on the delivery of aid overland, the only way to meet soaring needs as some Palestinians forage for weeds to eat. Mothers who have given birth in Gaza since the war began are especially vulnerable. The health ministry in Gaza said the bodies of 38 people killed in Israels bombardment have been taken to the territorys remaining functional hospitals in the past 24 hours. Hospitals have also received 71 wounded, it said. The ministry said 33,175 have been killed since the war began. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants but says two-thirds of the dead are children and women. Another 75,886 have been wounded. Israels military continued to suffer losses, including in Khan Younis, where the military said four soldiers were killed in a battle with militants. More than 600 Israeli soldiers have been killed since October 7, including 260 in the Gaza ground operation, according to Israels government. 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 }} David Cameron has warned Israel that British support is not unconditional as he said Palestinians in Gaza are on the brink of famine. As a Royal Navy ship was deployed to help supply life-saving aid to the strip, the foreign secretary said the situation in Gaza is dire and the prospect of famine is real. The government announced on Saturday its support to set up a maritime aid corridor to Gaza, including sending a Royal Navy ship to join the life-saving mission in the Eastern Mediterranean alongside 9.7m in funding. The ship would help set up an international humanitarian maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza, assisted by the UN and expected to be operational in early May according to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office. We remain committed to getting aid to those who so desperately need it. Along with the US, Cyprus and other partners, we are setting up a new temporary pier off the coast of Gaza to get aid in as quickly and securely as possible, Lord Cameron said. And, writing in the Sunday Times, he said: Of course our backing is not unconditional: we expect such a proud and successful democracy to abide by international humanitarian law, even when challenged in this way. As an occupying power, Israel has a responsibility to the people of Gaza. Amid a split in the cabinet about whether to suspend arms sales to Israel, deputy PM Oliver Dowden said the country was being held to incredibly high standards. And he said there is a relish among some critics of how Israel is conducting its war on Hamas. The deputy PM confirmed Britain would stop arms sales to Israel if it was found in breach of international law. He told the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: We will of course act in accordance with our obligations under law in respect of arms sales and the way that that works is there is legal advice, the Foreign Secretary reaches a judgement and he gives that advice to the Business Secretary. If it is the case that we cant lawfully in accordance with the act do so, of course we wont supply those arms, but that is precisely the position for example even in respect of the United States or any other country around the world. We rightly hold ourselves to a high standard, and we hold the countries to whom we export arms to a high standard, and I think that is what you would expect. And it contrasts so strongly, our adherence to very high values, with the appalling atrocities that have been committed by terrorist organisations against Israel. It came as David Lammy accused Lord Cameron of hiding from scrutiny over arms sales to Israel. The shadow foreign secretary accused Lord Cameron of ignoring calls for legal advice on arms sales to be published, failing to answer questions from journalists and failing to act on the Procedure Committees recommendation to take questions from MPs at the Bar of the House of Commons. He said there is extensive plausible evidence that the threshold for suspending arms licences been crossed, but that determining this legally is the proper task of competent lawyers, not politicians. And, speaking on Skys Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Mr Lammy said: Far too many people have died, 33,000 now. Many women, many children, and I think it is serious when we have senior judges who are on our Supreme Court who raise issues about the clear risk of breaches in international law, former head of the MI6 Sir Alex Younger says the same, and of course, Ive said that I have serious concerns about a breach in international humanitarian law in regard to this and its for that reason, that Im asking David Cameron to be very clear, and to publish the legal advice because this is serious for the British people because it would mean that we are complicit in that action. On Sunday morning Israel issued a new update on its six-month war against Hamas, saying the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have hit 32,000 aerial targets in Gaza, killing more than 12,000 combatants in the Strip. The figures could not be independently verified and Israel did not provide an overall death toll including civilians for the conflict. Gazas Hamas-run health ministry says more than 32,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed, while much of the 2.4 million population of the Strip has been displaced and faces acute food shortages. Lord Camerons warning came after Israel killed three British aid workers in Gaza on Monday night. John Chapman, 57, James Jim Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, who were employed by the charity World Central Kitchen (WCK), died in air strikes carried out by the IDF on 1 April. Israel admits 'mistakes' in Gaza aid worker deaths Lord Cameron said there was no doubt where the blame lies, warning Israel that this must never happen again. Following the attack on aid workers, several agencies have since suspended operations in Gaza, further increasing the risk of starvation for the regions residents. The UK government called for an urgent reform of deconfliction and assurances that guarantee the safety and security of humanitarian aid workers in Gaza. The UN estimates that 2.7 million people across the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) need humanitarian assistance, including everyone in Gaza. Land access remains crucial to deliver aid at the scale now required. The opening of Erez and the Port of Ashdod is hugely welcome and something the UK has long been calling for, Lord Cameron said. But we need to continue to explore all options, including by sea and air, to ease the desperate plight of some of the worlds most vulnerable people, the foreign secretary added. Along with aid delivery, the UK said it is also sending logistical and equipment support to the corridor, including forklift trucks and storage units as well as expertise to maximise the levels of aid reaching the people who desperately need it. The aid corridor initiative hopes to see tens of thousands of tonnes of aid pre-screened in Cyprus, and delivered directly to Gaza, via a temporary US pier that is being constructed off the coast or via Ashdod Port. The Armed Forces are playing a central role in delivering aid, with the Royal Air Force recently completing five airdrops of food supplies for the people of Gaza, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said. We are now going further, working with international partners to set up a humanitarian maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza, Mr Shapps added. 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 }} Israel has withdrawn most ground troops from southern Gaza exactly six months after the start of its offensive in the wake of the 7 October Hamas attack. A single brigade was left in Khan Younis tasked with securing the Netzarim corridor that divides the Gaza Strip, according to local reports. It was unclear whether the withdrawal would delay a long-threatened incursion into the southern city of Rafah, which Israels president, Benjamin Netanyahu, says is needed to eliminate Hamas. It comes as pressure has been mounting on Britain to suspend arms sales to Israel after seven aid workers including three Britons were killed by the Israeli military. Buildings reduced to rubble in Khan Younis, Gaza, after the Israeli military withdrew most of its ground troops from the region ( Reuters ) The UKs deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden told Sky News Israel had made big mistakes during the conflict and the UK was holding them to a very high standard. Mr Dowden insisted Britain was not giving Mr Netanyahu carte blanche and was having robust conversations with Israel. He also said any halt in sales was a decision for business secretary Kemi Badenoch, on the advice of foreign secretary David Cameron, and he had not changed his advice yet. However, Lord Cameron warned that British support for Israel was not unconditional and that Palestinians in Gaza were on the brink of famine. He said the situation in Gaza is dire and the prospect of famine is real as a Royal Navy ship was deployed to help supply life-saving aid to the strip. Of course our backing is not unconditional: we expect such a proud and successful democracy to abide by international humanitarian law, even when challenged in this way. As an occupying power, Israel has a responsibility to the people of Gaza, he wrote in The Sunday Times. Israel had planned a ground invasion of Rafah, claiming the southern Gaza city, near the border with Egypt, is a hive of Hamass remaining strongholds. Graffiti left by Israeli forces inside a building in Khan Younis before Sundays troop withdrawal ( Getty ) But Rafah has become the last refuge for more than a million Palestinians sheltering from Israeli bombing elsewhere. The UN has warned an assault on the city would lead to a slaughter. Following the withdrawal of troops, Israeli government spokesperson, Avi Hyman, said Mr Netanyahu would absolutely go ahead with a ground invasion of Rafah. If we dont go ahead with [invading] Rafah, we lose the war, he added. The White House claimed the withdrawal was likely so troops could rest and refit rather than a move towards a new operation. Theyve been on the ground for four months, the word were getting is theyre tired, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told ABC. But a senior Israeli government source told Sky News the withdrawal was probably linked to ongoing negotiations with Hamas over Israeli, hostages, with Mr Netanyahu desperate for a deal. Talks had been due to resume in Cairo on Sunday. The seven aid workers who were killed by an Israeli air strike ( AP ) Pictures from Khan Younis on Sunday showed some Palestinians returning to a landscape marked by shattered multistorey buildings and climbing over debris to explore crumbled, dusty remains. Cars were overturned and charred. Up to 33,137 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since 7 October, according to the Hamas-run health authority. It does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths, but claims women and children have made up around two-thirds of those killed. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said on Sunday that it had completed another step in preparing for a possible war along its northern front, where it has been trading fire with Hezbollah for six months. Palestinians line up for free food in Rafah, Gaza Strip, amid warnings of famine across the region ( AP ) It earlier launched airstrikes on eastern Lebanon and hit Hezbollah infrastructure sites after the Iranian-backed group downed an Israeli drone. Hezbollah said it fired dozens of Katyusha rockets that hit an air defence base in the occupied Golan Heights. Israeli shelling has killed around 270 Hezbollah fighters and around 50 civilians, security sources say, and displaced some 90,000 people in southern Lebanon. On the other side, around 60,000 Israelis have been uprooted from the countrys northern border area, and 18 people civilians and soldiers have been killed on the Israeli side of the border, according to Israeli tallies. 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 }} Jose Andres said that Israel is waging a war against humanity after drone strikes killed seven aid workers from the celebrity chefs organisation World Central Kitchen (WCK). On 1 April, the aid workers were leaving a warehouse in two armoured cars with WCK logos when they were attacked from the air. The workers had communicated their route to Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in advance. Lalzawmi Francom, 43, from Australia; Damian Sobol, 35, from Poland; James Henderson, 33, James Kirby, 47, and John Chapman, 57, all from the UK; Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25, from Gaza; and Jacob Flickinger, 33, a dual US-Canadian citizen were killed in the attack. WCK had taken charge of efforts to bring food in by sea in the face of famine for many Gazans. On Wednesday, Mr Andres noted that they had served more than 43 million meals at 68 kitchens in the war-torn area. Several humanitarian groups, including WCK, suspended operations in Gaza following the fatal attack. Mr Andres mourned his colleagues and expressed his outrage during the Sunday interview. This is not anymore about the seven men and women of World Central Kitchen that perished [in] this unfortunate event, he told ABCs This Week. This is happening for way too long. Its been six months of targeting anything that ... moves. The chef added that the war no longer appeared to be about fighting terror or about defending Israel. This really, at this point, seems its a war against humanity itself, he said. From top left to right: Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, Damian Sobol, James Kirby, Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, James (Jim) Henderson, John Chapman, and Jacob Flickinger ( WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN/AFP via Ge ) World Central Kitchen has been delivering food in disaster areas and war zones in 45 countries since Mr Andres founded the organization in 2010 following the Haiti earthquake which killed more than 200,000 people. WCK has also operated in 21 Ukrainian cities during the war. Andres expressed his gratitude that the Israeli military is investigating the drone attack. But he also called for an independent investigation. The investigation should be much ... deeper, Mr Andres told ABC News. And I would say that the perpetrator cannot be investigating himself. The attack on the aid workers, as they left a warehouse in central Gaza, prompted outrage around the world including from the White House. Israel has been widely condemned for not taking enough care to avoid the killing of civilians and aid workers. People inspect the site where World Central Kitchen workers were killed in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, April 2, 2024 ( AP ) Following the attack, the Israeli military said the drone strikes had been made on the mistaken belief that the convoy was carrying Hamas fighters. Two IDF officers were fired from their posts and others have faced disciplinary actions. The Israeli military said in a statement: The strike on the aid vehicles is a grave mistake stemming from a serious failure due to a mistaken identification, errors in decision-making, and an attack contrary to the Standard Operating Procedures. Mr Andres said on Sunday that Hamas cannot be the constant refrain of the IDF every time something goes wrong. Palestinians inspect a vehicle with the logo of the World Central Kitchen wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip on April 2, 2024 ( AP ) Every time something happens, we cannot just be bringing Hamas into the equation, he told ABC News. It is six months since the war in Gaza began after Hamas 7 October attack which killed nearly 1,200 people in Israel. Some 250 people were taken hostage with around 100 still missing in Gaza. Since Israel launched its counterattack, about 33,000 people in Gaza have been killed. 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 The Sun is going to disappear from the sky in the US before coming back again, almost five minutes later. A total solar eclipse on 8 April, visible across North America, means that day will briefly turn into night. And this time around it is relatively easy to see. The eclipse is much longer than the previous one. This time around, the total darkness will last up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds twice as long as a similar event in 2017. It will also go through a more populated route, meaning more people are likely to see it. It will start on the Pacific coast of Mexico, before heading up and east: taking in Texas, Oklahoma and all the way up to New England, before disappearing in Canada. An estimated 44 million people live inside the 115-mile-wide path of totality stretching from Mexico to Canada. About 32 million of them are in the US, guaranteeing jammed roads for the must-see celestial sensation. The eclipse will allow many to share in the wonder of the universe without going very far, said NASA's eclipse program manager Kelly Korreck. Here's what to know about April's extravaganza and how to prepare: What happens during the total solar eclipse? The moon will line up perfectly between the Earth and the sun, blotting out the sunlight. It will take just a couple hours for the moon's shadow to slice a diagonal line from the southwest to the northeast across North America, briefly plunging communities along the track into darkness. Fifteen U.S. states will get a piece of the action, albeit two of them Tennessee and Michigan just barely. Among the cities smack dab in the action: Dallas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Indianapolis, Cleveland, Ohio; Buffalo, New York; and Montreal making for the continent's biggest eclipse crowd. Don't fret if you don't have front-row seats. Practically everyone on the continent can catch at least a partial eclipse. The farther from the path of totality, the smaller the moon's bite will be out of the sun. In Seattle and Portland, Oregon, about as far away as you can get in the continental U.S., one-third of the sun will be swallowed. Why is totality longer? By a cosmic stroke of luck, the moon will make the month's closest approach to Earth the day before the total solar eclipse. That puts the moon just 223,000 miles (360,000 kilometers) away on eclipse day. The moon will appear slightly bigger in the sky thanks to that proximity, resulting in an especially long period of sun-blocked darkness. What's more, the Earth and moon will be 93 million miles (150 million kilometers) from the sun that day, the average distance. When a closer moon pairs up with a more distant sun, totality can last as long as an astounding 7 1/2 minutes. The last time the world saw more than seven minutes of totality was in 1973 over Africa. That won't happen again until 2150 over the Pacific. How do I safely watch the eclipse? Sunglasses won't cut it. Special eclipse glasses are crucial for safely observing the sun as the moon marches across the late morning and afternoon sky, covering more and more and then less and less of our star. During totality when the sun is completely shrouded, it's fine to remove your glasses and look with your naked eyes. But before and after, certified eclipse glasses are essential to avoid eye damage. Just make sure they're not scratched or torn. Cameras, binoculars and telescopes must be outfitted with special solar filters for safe viewing. Bottom line: Never look at an exposed sun without proper protection any day of the year. Where are some eclipse watch parties? Towns up and down the path of totality are throwing star parties. Festivals, races, yoga retreats, drum circles and more will unfold at museums, fairgrounds, parks, stadiums, wineries, breweries and even one of Ohio's oldest drive-in movie theaters and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Besides looking up, you can attend a space prom in Texas Hill Country, get married at eclipse-themed ceremonies in Tiffin, Ohio, and Russellville, Arkansas, or brush up on moonwalking history at the Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio Neil Armstrong's hometown. As the eclipse unfolds, NASA will launch small rockets with science instruments into the upper atmosphere from Virginia and chase totality's shadow from high-altitude planes. Satellites and the International Space Station crew will attempt to capture the show from space. When is the next total solar eclipse?Full solar eclipses occur every year or two or three, often in the middle of nowhere like the South Pacific or Antarctic. The next total solar eclipse, in 2026, will grace the northern fringes of Greenland, Iceland and Spain. North America won't experience totality again until 2033, with Alaska getting sole dibs. Then that's it until 2044, when totality will be confined to Western Canada, Montana and North Dakota. There won't be another U.S. eclipse, spanning coast to coast, until 2045. That one will stretch from Northern California all the way to Cape Canaveral, Florida. Aside from Carbondale, Illinois, in the crosshairs of both the 2017 and 2024 eclipses, it usually takes 400 years to 1,000 years before totality returns to the same spot, according to NASA's Korreck. Additional reporting by Associated Press 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 An investigation has been launched after two passenger planes collided while one of the aircraft was being towed at Heathrow Airport. Footage posted on social media shows a Virgin Atlantic planes wing touching a British Airways aircraft, surrounded by emergency services. The Virgin Boeing 787-9 plane had completed a flight and was being towed to a different part of the airfield with no passengers on board at the time of the incident, it is understood. Virgin said it has launched an investigation into the collision. The aircraft has been taken out of service and engineering teams are performing maintenance checks on it, the airline added. The British Airways (BA) aircraft was stationary at the time of the incident and is being assessed by engineering teams, the company said. BA said it has provided an alternative aircraft to limit the impact on our customers. A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: We are aware that the wingtip of one of our empty aircraft came into contact with another aircraft whilst being towed from the stand at London Heathrow Terminal 3. The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority. We can confirm no customers were on board the Virgin Atlantic aircraft during this time. Weve commenced a full and thorough investigation and our engineering teams are performing maintenance checks on the aircraft, which for now has been taken out of service. It is understood Virgin Atlantics flying programme has not been disrupted by the incident. The tow movement was provided by a ground handling company under contract by Virgin Atlantic. A spokesperson for British Airways said: One of our aircraft, whilst stationary at Heathrow earlier today, was involved in a collision with another airlines jet, which was being towed from a stand at the time. Our aircraft is being assessed by our engineering teams and we have provided an alternative aircraft to limit the impact on our customers. A Heathrow spokesperson said: We are working alongside emergency services and our airline partners in response to an incident involving two aircraft on the ground earlier today. At present, no passenger injuries have been reported and we do not anticipate there to be any ongoing impact to airport operations. Greta Thunberg was among dozens of climate protesters detained by police in The Hague on Saturday, 6 April, as a demonstration partially blocking a road in the Dutch city. Extinction Rebellion (XR) said activists planned to block the A12 highway for the 37th time. Were staying here because we know what is at stake. And we are not going to give up, the Swedish environmental activist, 21, told reporters at the protest against Dutch subsidies and tax breaks to companies linked to fossil fuel industries. Ms Thunberg was pictured making a victory sign as she sat in a bus used by police to take detained protesters from the scene. Keeping it in the family: Why one insurance broker has no regrets for not selling up Offers came his way as consolidation swept the insurance broker sector, but Tim Dooley is happy for the family firm to stay independent Tim Dooley of Dooley Insurance plays the long ball game. Photo: Big Picture Communications Fearghal O'Connor Sun 7 Apr 2024 at 03:30 Irish insurance brokers have lived through a consolidation goldrush in recent years, but one of the sectors last remaining large independent brokers believes that the big offers and huge paydays are over. The Home Rescue star brings a passion for building to TV and a new business venture that demystifies construction Builder Peter Finn and I are chatting about the Irish public appetite for home makeover shows. I think construction is in our blood, he says. And I think our homes come as part of that. Weve such a strong design industry in our country. Ive been in England and Europe at construction and design exhibitions, and when youre there, inevitably in the room and usually at the highest table, theres an Irish person. All of which goes some way to explain the popularity of Home Rescue, now into its seventh series. The draw of the series isnt so much about the makeover, its the window it provides into the challenges of peoples lives. Often when we see inside peoples houses, these are showcases like Home of the Year or the other end of the scale where people are hoarders. But that middle place, where people are trying to live normal lives amid a lack of space and lack of money, thats where Home Rescue fits. When The Talented Mr Ripley was released 25 years ago, it was a powerhouse of a movie. Visually sumptuous and tonally menacing, it featured Jude Laws career best performance as the spoiled and louche playboy, Dickie Greenleaf and a soundtrack for the ages, highlighted by Sinead OConnors stark and haunting performance of Lullaby for Cain. There was, as the novelist Tony Parsons once noted, just one crucial flaw with the film. Matt Damon was badly cast as the titular Mr Ripley: Too handsome to be the shifty and empty anti-hero with a body rippling with LA trainer muscles, deeply out of place in the storys 1950s setting. And so the heart leaps in anticipation at the news that Patricia Highsmiths source novel has been adapted again, this time as a TV series, created by Steven Zaillian (who won every award there is for his Schindlers List screenplay) and with possibly the best actor working today in the title role: Andrew Scott. The broader canvas of 10 episodes gives this dream team ample scope to stake out their own territory and treatment. Zaillian eschews the Gatsby-ish glamour and vivid sienna colours of Anthony Minghellas film, and opts for Bergman-esque black and white, which better fits the noir mystery feel of the story. 'Ripley' is beautifully shot. Photo: Netflix Scotts Ripley is a small-time debt collector and conman, scrabbling to make a living in New York City until he is summoned to a lavish Upper East Side drawing room where Herbert Greenleaf, a shipping magnate, and his charity-dame wife, have a proposal. Will he travel to the Amalfi coast and convince their son Dickie, who they believe is friends with Ripley, to come back to America and face up to adult life? In this moment, as in so many to come, Ripleys black eyes shine with devious calculation: this proposal will be merely a pretext for something more darker and more exploitative. Crisply and newly suited, he sets forth and arrives in an Italian town in which the initial difficulties the language, the demented driving are secondary to falling in with Dickie (Johnny Flynn) and his writer girlfriend Marge (Dakota Fanning). Ripleys conman sleight of hand semi-convinces them he and Dickie are old friends but this ensemble is much older than that of the 1999 film and there is, consequently, a plausibly heightened scepticism from the off, particularly from Fannings Marge, a woman who is being lied to and seems, on some level, to know it. Andrew Scott delivers a towering performance. Photo: Netflix Eliot Sumner as the rakish Freddie Miles, Dickies best friend, is perhaps the sole character who both sees straight through Ripley from the off and says it to him a crime for which he will pay. The beauty of the setting seems to heighten the sense of menace as the eyes of antiquity look down judgingly on the mystery unfolding at the villa. Meanwhile, the viewers own eye is periodically plunged down into the black depths of the roiling sea below. It is both a mirror of Ripleys black soul and a tool in his murderous grift. Each episode is nearly an hour long and Zaillian takes his time in ratcheting up the tension. The scenes in which Ripleys scheme threatens to come undone explode like mini bombs. Its difficult to overstate how beautiful this series is to watch. Each scene could be hung in a gallery and Zaillian has completely reimagined the story perhaps the only link back to Minghellas film is the sound of OConnors voice, as her spectral version of Silent Night rings out over a moonlit Italian street. At the heart of it all is Scotts towering performance. The whole thing is a study of his face, by turns ingratiating, psychopathically calm, and coolly scheming. In the hands of another actor, Ripleys lack of redeeming features might have been a difficult watch but the Irish actor, with his casually flawless Italian, masterfully mines the deeply buried desperation and emptiness that drives this man against the slowly ticking clock. And by the denouement of this gripping story you will have fallen in love with a monster. Cops, Koreans and Colin Farrell: Three to watch Sugar Apple TV+ Where is Colin Farrell? Its a question that might have crossed the mind lately. It turns out the answer is, hes playing a multilingual and hard-drinking private investigator who has to hunt for the missing daughter of a famous movie director. Its dark, slick and fun. Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer Netflix Operating (probably rightly) on the premise that we can never get enough true crime, Netflix has a story of a killer who terrorised Berlins gay clubs and of police who seemed bewildered and out of their depth in trying to navigate the subculture. Parasyte: The Grey Netflix If you were raised on 1980s horror films you might have found recent series like The Last of Us a little subtle in their depiction of sci-fi parasites taking over human brains. In which case, this gory and sometimes silly Korean series has got you covered. Korea's charging infrastructure for hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) deteriorated in the past three years, a local automobile association said Sunday. The number of hydrogen FCEVs per charging, or refueling, station came to 203 in March this year, up 12 percent from 180 in March 2021, which means a lack of charging spots for hydrogen car owners, according to the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association (KAMA). In the past three years, the country's hydrogen car registrations have far exceeded the number of newly established hydrogen charging stations, KAMA said. The number of hydrogen car registrations jumped to 34,872 units from 12,439 during the cited period, while that of hydrogen stations rose to 172 from 69. Of local provinces and cities, Sejong, 113 kilometers south of Seoul, saw its hydrogen charging infrastructure worsen the most in the mentioned period, with the number of hydrogen cars per station soaring to 224 from 53, the association said. In contrast, Gangwon Province's hydrogen charging infrastructure improved the most, with the number of hydrogen cars per station dropping to 226 from 484. (Yonhap) Compulsory purchase orders still have to be agreed with land owners to complete route An alternative loop along the Bray to Greystones cliff walk is expected to open this summer, while plans to reopen the full 6km trail remain stalled. The walk, one of the most popular along the east coast, has been closed for more than three years to the dismay of residents and politicians, who point out the negative impact it has on tourism, particularly in summer. Taoiseach-designate and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris represents Greystones, and two local councillors said he has an active interest in getting the walk reopened. I know from talking to him about it, he wants it done yesterday, said independent Greystones councillor Tom Fortune. But theres not very much he can do. Right now, there are landowners on both sides who have to agree to work being carried out on their land that will likely involve the purchase of some of their land. That should now take priority. It involves discussions between the local councils, their legal people and the landowners. It has been going back and forward and one of the landowners is in probate, which is a problem thats adding to the delay. Until thats sorted out, most of the work to tackle the erosion cannot be carried out. Independent Councillor Tom Fortune at the start of the Greystones to Bray Cliff Walk which has been closed due to erosion on the path. Photo: Owen Breslin Fine Gael councillor Derek Mitchell agreed Mr Harris has shown an interest in reopening the walk. Hes keen to see it sorted out, like all public representatives in Greystones and Bray, he said. The whole thing has been going on for far too long. Greystones and Bray Municipal Districts engineers have been working to resolve issues around the cliffs erosion. Mr Mitchell said it would have made more sense to have one person assigned from the beginning to be in charge of the entire project, which could have speeded up the project. At Greystones Municipal Districts meeting last month, councillors sought an update from district engineer Ruairi OHanlon and district manager Michael Nicholson on whether the walk will be reopened for this summer. As a point-to-point walk, it needs to be open at both ends before it can be returned as a complete route. At the Bray end, serious repairs to the cliff face are required, while at Greystones, a section has fallen into the sea. Mr OHanlon said compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) are going ahead in Greystones for landowners along the route. He added that no communication has been received from the landowners and it was hoped the CPOs would provoke a response. The Bray end of the popular cliff walk. Photo: Getty The meeting heard there are four landowners involved in the vicinity of Greystones and they all need to be on board before any work can be carried out. However, Mr Nicholson warned: We cant re-open the cliff walk ever. The cliff walk as we know it will never be re-opened. We have to divert the cliff walk. Mr Fortune said he now believed it would be possible to safely open a loop by the summer, while it was imperative talks with the landowners in Bray and Greystones were given priority as it could take some time to be resolved. An alternative loop walk can be created and be safely opened, we hope, by the summer, he said. It would be very different to the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk. It would encompass Redford rail crossing and Windgates in Greystones and various parts of Bray, including the side of Bray Head. We hope to get an update on the loop plans by the end of the month. Meanwhile, steel netting should be erected on the Bray side, carried out by abseilers, which could ensure the re-opening of part of the cliff walk, Mr Mitchell said. That should be done quite promptly and it would make a difference in terms of an alternative route, he added. People could have rocks falling on their heads The two local authorities will have to work closely together to ensure the alternative loop walk is agreed on and has the correct signage, Mr Fortune said. There have been continuous issues with members of the public circumventing barriers and fencing put up on both sides to gain access to the cliff walk. This is extremely dangerous. People could have rocks falling on their heads, Mr Mitchell said. Constituents in Bray and Greystones were regularly contacting their local politicians to ask when the cliff walk would reopen, and there was a major sense of frustration at the slow pace of the plans. The money is there to do the work and people find it hard to understand why progress is so slow, Mr Mitchell said. Its having a huge effect on local tourism, but its not just that local people miss having it on our doorstep. The scenery is just beautiful. Its a big loss. Irelands rich and famous talk about their Irishness in new film by Carlows Frank Mannion What makes Irish people unique? The pull of our homeland has been so powerful that even influential names such as Jeremy Irons and Randal Plunkett have been content to claim a bastard version of our heritage. The pair were among a number of high-profile Irish men and women who have featured in a new film called Quintessentially Irish, released on streaming platforms this month. Directed by Carlow man Frank Mannion, the film delved into the minds of Irelands rich and famous as they pondered on what their Irishness meant to them. Randal Plunkett in 'Quintessentially Irish' Randal Plunkett, 21st Baron of Dunsany, has been aware of the nuances in his own familys heritage and said in jest that people should only refer to him as a French not an English bastard. We are ourselves not British, we are Norman. So its normally French bastard, not English bastard. Weve always been different than many of the other titled folk. Weve embraced being Irish, he said. The aristocrat tried to cement his Irishness by claiming personal ties to Irelands most celebrated poet WB Yeats, explaining that he was very good friends with his great-grandfather and that the pair often played a game of chess together. Another man who described himself as a blow-in was Jeremy Irons. The Mission actor was drawn to live in Ireland by the attitude of the people and the countrys anarchic quality. I have never sat down and listed what it is that makes me happy when I go west of Skibbereen to where I live, he said, but Im honoured that Ive been accepted, a bastard Englishman. I dont know, I always feel home is where the heart is and when Im here, my heart is here. Prince Albert of Monaco and Frank Mannion Speaking to the Sunday Independent, director Frank Mannion described how he was struck by the power of Brand Ireland when making the film. I know this from having spent time in Washington, there is an incredible envy from other ambassadors who ask how does Ireland pull that off [St Patricks Day at the White House] every year? He recalls how former Irish ambassador to the US, Daniel Mulhall, told him that he was often glad-handled by other ambassadors who wanted to know how they could do it. In the film, Dr Michael Smurfit gave the filmmakers exclusive access to his superyacht, Lady Ann Magee, named after his mother. The film looks at an Irish mothers place in the heart of every Irish man, and a portrait of Dr Smurfits mother takes pride of place among his impressionist artwork over the boardroom table. The eldest of eight children, Smurfit explained why his father pulled him out of school to work when he was still a teenager: My father coined the expression, You buy brains and you make businessmen. Asked what he considered his greatest achievement, Smurfit said: That is a very simple one to answer. Seeing the Irish flag fly in my factories around the world is always something that I insisted upon every factory. Great pride in seeing that. Pierce Brosnan in 'Quintessentially Irish' Meanwhile, Pierce Brosnan spoke about his renewed relationship with his Irish mother and says he chose films based on their location so he could stay close to her. We speak every day. Mays 91. There was time lost, you know, at the beginning of our lives together. She was 19, 20 when she had me, he said. Its very young. Very young. Wed had so many years of separation and hellos and goodbyes. So weve made up a lot of life over the years. Supported by Culture Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs, the film, it is hoped, will be a calling card to some of the 82 million people around the world who claim Irish heritage. Attack victim Natasha OBrien: My issue is not with Cathal Crotty, its with the system. Its not about head-hunting its a lot bigger than him Unpublished report into Martin Abbotts death finds serious safety issues in overcrowded department An investigation into the death of a patient at University Hospital Limerick has found serious safety issues in how drugs are dispensed in the consistently overcrowded emergency department. The unpublished report on the death of Martin Abbott (65) found the medicines were dispensed in his name even though he had not been prescribed them and these continued to be prescribed even after he had died. Council admits bizarre legal letter sent to residents in planning row was a fake Forgery threatened the residents of Burrow Road in an escalation of dispute over building The alleged unauthorised structure on Burrow Road in Sutton Maeve Sheehan Sun 7 Apr 2024 at 03:30 Fingal County Council has admitted a letter apparently issued by its legal department explaining its failure to take enforcement action against an allegedly unauthorised building was a fake. A van driver in his 60s also died in an incident in Dublin this morning (Pix: Damien Storan) Three people died in separate tragedies in Dublin, Wicklow and Cork in the space of just 12 hours over the weekend bringing the death toll so far this year to 61. Two of the victims have been named locally. A male pedestrian who died in Co Cork after a collision with a car, near Midleton, in the early hours of this morning, has been named locally as John Barry (45). A man in his 20s who died following a motorcycle crash in Carnew, Co Wicklow, yesterday evening has also been identified as Niall Keane. A tribute to Mr Keane, from Munny, Gorey, Co Wexford, on rip.ie read: Very sadly missed by his loving mother and father Peter and Bridget, sister Brenda, grandparents, brother-in-law Jimmy and loving nephew Joel, nieces Harper, Taylor and Isabelle, his partner Shannon, extended family, relatives and friends. Rest in Peace. The notice stated that funeral arrangements are to follow. One of Mr Keanes friends posted online: RIP Niall, a true gentle soul, fly high. Mr Keane died after his motorcycle crashed shortly after 6.30pm on Saturday at Tombreane in Carnew. He was taken to Beaumont Hospital, where he died from his injuries. There were no other vehicles involved. Gardai have appealed for any witnesses to come forward to help their inquiries. The force asked anyone with camera footage and who was in the area at the time to make it available to them. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Baltinglass Garda Station on 059 6482610, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. A van driver in his 60s also died in an incident in Dublin this morning (Pix: Damien Storan) In Cork, John Barry (45) suffered fatal injuries after being involved in a collision with a car at 1.30am on Sunday. The tragedy happened on the N25 Cork-Waterford road at Water Rock on the eastbound section of the route. Gardai and paramedics were at the scene within minutes but Mr Barry was pronounced dead before he could be rushed to Cork University Hospital (CUH). Gardai are appealing for any road users who have camera footage and were travelling on the N25 Eastbound between 1:15am and 1:30am to make this footage available to them. Tributes were also paid online to Mr Barry by family and friends who said they were "shocked to hear the news. A friend remarked that Mr Barry possessed a heart of gold. There isnt a bad thing anyone could say about you. Youre a one of a kind friend, he added. Gardai have also confirmed that the driver of a van (60s) involved in a single vehicle crash in Churchtown, south Dublin at 6.15am this morning has died. The crash occurred on Churchtown Road Upper, Dundrum, Dublin 14. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. A technical examination of the scene was conducted by forensic collision investigators and the road has since re-opened. Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dundrum Garda Station on 01 666 5600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. A Co Limerick woman is among a group who have travelled to Israel to protest peacefully against aid trucks being blocked from entering Gaza as thousands of people starve in the war-torn territory. The woman, who is from Limerick and cannot be named over concerns that she could be detained by the Israeli security services when leaving, is part of the Stop Starving Gaza initiative, which was established in Ireland. The NGO worker is one of four people who have travelled to Israel the others came from France. Another group of activists aligned to Stop Starving Gaza are due to travel to Israel in about a weeks time. Since her arrival, the woman has gone to Ashdod Port to protest against aid trucks being blocked from entering Gaza. She has also taken part in a protest outside the parliament in Jerusalem and the ministry of defence in Tel Aviv. The group of four are based in Tel Aviv, and this weekend were planning to travel to the Erez crossing. On Friday, Israel said it had approved the reopening of the crossing into northern Gaza and the temporary use of Ashdod Port in southern Israel following US demands to increase humanitarian aid supplies into Gaza. The woman, who has been in Israel for 10 days, said there were security concerns wherever she travelled, and the purpose of the small group present at the moment was to prepare for a larger contingent due to come from Ireland and other countries soon. There are people walking around with guns as big as your arm, automatic machine guns. The carry them around the way people in Ireland would walk their dog or carry their purse. We are here to do reconnaissance before the larger group arrive, she said. Safety concerns are very important. Some of the Israeli settlers who are blocking the food trucks, they would be extremists, they would have guns. Our protest is peaceful, of course, but we have to be aware of our own personal safety. The woman said she also intended to travel to the Kerem Shalom border crossing this weekend. At Erez and Kerem Shalom we will be taking footage about how to get in and out safely so that we know the best way to do things when the larger group arrives. The fact that we are foreigners and that I am a woman, these are things we have to take into consideration, she said. The woman, who has taken unpaid leave from her job for a month, said another important part of the groups work so far has been forming connections with other groups and activists of a similar mindset, who are trying to help the civilians in Gaza. We dont want to be coming in as outsiders claiming we know everything, so weve been forging links with other organisations here who know how things work. That has been a great help to us, she said. Talha AlAli, a Palestinian peace and human rights activist living in Ireland, established the Stop Starving Gaza initiative. However, he cannot personally travel as he would not be allowed to enter East Jerusalem, being a Palestinian citizen from the West Bank. He is in regular contact with the Limerick woman and is helping organise the larger group travelling from Ireland and other countries. Mr AlAli, who has lived in Ireland for several years and is married to an Irish woman, said he is desperate to do anything he can to help the people in Gaza. Hunger and starvation are now the predominant issue, he said, adding that he believes peaceful protest will be effective in efforts to ensure food and other vital supplies are allowed in. He said the safety of those in the group was paramount, and added that some people who have protested peacefully against Israeli settlers blocking aid have been attacked. Mr AlAli, a therapist and artist, said more than 50 people are involved worldwide in the Stop Starving Gaza campaign, which he started from Dublin on Instagram. Some of them are paying their own way, but the campaign has also launched a GoFundMe appeal. Mr AlAli said Irish people have been generous in their support of the campaign. I think because Irish people have suffered so much themselves in history, they have a great sense of justice, he said. But this is the only way I can think of to help. There is not a Palestinian in the world who has not lost someone in this conflict. A prominent figure in the medical world, Dr Catherine ONeill, who has died at the age of 74, initially qualified as a nurse and went on to become a leading academic in the health sector with a speciality in nursing ethics. She was born Catherine Sarah Gallagher on December 12, 1949, the eldest of five children in a family living in Longford town. Their father Charlie was originally from Killybegs, Co Donegal, and his wife Bridie came from Co Offaly. Charlie Gallagher had a wide and varied career, working in the civil service, the cinema business, greyhound racing and on the local newspaper, The Longford Leader. Catherine Gallagher attended St Josephs National School before moving on to secondary level at the Mean Scoil Mhuire Convent of Mercy in Longford. She trained as a general nurse in the Richmond Hospital, Dublin, and in 1971 married Henry ONeill, who managed The Lucan Inn, a pub in west Dublin owned by the ONeill family. The couple went on to have four children, and opened a restaurant in Lucan called Henris in 1979 that specialised in traditional French cuisine. When the business closed in 1985, Henry took up a position as the first chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) and Catherine worked as a relief public health nurse in Dublin before going to UCD where she developed a more academic side to her career, achieving a BA, MA and Masters of Social Sciences degrees as well as a PhD at the school of sociology, where the subject of her doctoral thesis was ethical decision-making in the care of the elderly in hospital. She was also awarded a fellowship of the faculty of nursing and midwifery at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). Dr ONeill held a senior lecturer post at the RCSI school of postgraduate studies in Bahrain and was director of the MSc nursing and midwifery programme on the Dublin campus. She previously lectured at UCD, Trinity College Dublin and Dublin City University. The areas she specialised in were the philosophy and sociology of healthcare, with a particular emphasis on ethics. She taught these topics at undergraduate and postgraduate levels to nurses as well as medical doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and radiologists. She was actively involved in a research consortium that produced an ethical framework for end-of-life care in 2010, setting out an approach that has been followed by hospitals and long-term care facilities throughout the State. She was also a representative of the general public on the Speech and Language Therapists Registration Board; a member of the RCSI Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery Board, Dublin (2015-2019); served on various advisory committees to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI); and was actively involved in the review of the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives in Ireland (2014). Her projects and publications included updating the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives (2020) and an evaluation in 2019 of the CLIMB (Childrens Lives Include Moments of Bravery) programme to help children aged five to 12 cope with the stress of having a family member diagnosed with cancer. She also took part in a review of the European Code of Conduct and Ethics for European Nurses (2017). Her work in healthcare education and research in the third-level sector covered 22 years from 1993 to 2015 and she remained professionally involved afterwards as a research and educational consultant. At the invitation of the family, Jonathan Drennan, professor of nursing at UCD, spoke at her funeral mass about his long-time colleague and friend and her tremendous impact on nursing both in Ireland and overseas. Catherine was a remarkable individual whose influence has left an indelible mark on the field of nursing, ethics, law and beyond, he said. He described her doctoral thesis, completed at UCD in 2011, as groundbreaking in understanding ethical decision-making and care of older persons in hospitals by bringing together the fields of bioethics and sociology. The findings have had a far-reaching impact on how patients are now involved in decision-making and ensuring the human aspects of care and patients and family voices are central to the delivery of healthcare in hospitals. He added: The importance of Catherines family in her doctoral work was evident and, to quote Catherine herself, Sarah and Carla advised, cajoled, entertained and lectured me at various stages of my study. Shane and Vinnie offered support in their own unique ways: Vinnie in the early days transcribed interviews, and Shane advised on keeping the body fit in order to reach the finishing line. Henry, I know, as Catherine said, you had to tolerate the curtailment of social life and incessant piles of books, journal articles and writing drafts in your home over many years: a thesis born of love and a truly family affair. I know at first hand that Catherine was an innovative educator for countless healthcare professionals, instilling in them the values of compassion, integrity and ethical practice. Catherines dedication to the principles of nursing ethics was there for all to see and her passion for teaching was contagious. Through her lectures, Catherine has inspired generations of nurses and other healthcare professionals, not only to provide exceptional care, but to do so with a profound sense of moral responsibility. She possessed the rare gift of inspiring others to embrace the principles of ethical practice. Catherines ability to bring together both the science and art of nursing and Catherine truly knew the arts was truly unique and well ahead of her time. Catherine was truly empathetic and encouraged her students to always prioritise the well-being of those under their care. Catherine was a mentor and friend to many, and as an academic possessed the rare combination of intellect and empathy, making her not only an exceptional educator, but also a beloved confidante, adviser, collegial collaborator and, above all, a dear friend to many. In a tribute on RIP.ie, Aisling Culhane of the Psychiatric Nurses Association described Dr ONeill as a lovely lady, great teacher and a truly authentic person. Marie Carney from the RCSI said: She was a dear friend, kind and thoughtful and a wonderful teacher to her many students. Dr Catherine ONeill passed away peacefully on March 29 at St Vincents Private Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She will be greatly missed by her husband Henry, children Sarah, Shane, Vinnie and Carla, sisters Marie and Bernie, brothers James and Charles, sons-in-law Tom and Shane, daughters-in-law Orla and Melanie, grandchildren Ryan, Henry, Lucy, Sebastian, Euan, Luca and Fleur, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. Her funeral mass took place last Tuesday at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook, and was followed by removal to St Jamess Church, Glenbeigh, Co Kerry a regular location for ONeill family holidays for a blessing followed by burial in Ballinakilla Cemetery. Sister Majella McCarron, who has died at the age of 84, was a highly driven campaigner for environmental and social justice and the rights of migrants and worked closely with Nigerian poet Ken Saro-Wiwa up until his execution in November 1995. As the poets daughter, author Noo Saro-Wiwa, recalled last week, Sr McCarron kept her fathers spirits up during his detention under the military dictatorship in Nigeria through letters they wrote to one another. Saro-Wiwa and eight other members of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People had been imprisoned over their non-violent campaign against the environmental destruction of the Ogoni area of the Niger Delta by Royal Dutch Shell. By faithfully preserving their correspondences, Sr Majella has helped maintain my fathers legacy and provided his family and the world with valuable insights into his inspiring thoughts, Noo Saro-Wiwa said. Sr McCarron was born in Derrylin, Co Fermanagh, and joined the Missionary Institute of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) in 1956. She studied science at University College Cork and was then sent by her order to Nigeria, where she taught for 30 years initially at St Teresas secondary school in Ibadan and latterly at the universities of Lagos and Ibadan, where she completed postgraduate studies. As Helen Fallon, retired deputy librarian of Maynooth University recalled, she was asked by the Missionary Institute of the OLA in 1990 to conduct some work in Nigeria on its behalf. The institute was a member of the Brussels-based Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN), established in 1988 to lobby the EU on behalf of communities adversely affected by European business. She first met Saro-Wiwa through Lynn Chukura, a prominent member of the Association of Nigerian Authors of which Saro-Wiwa was once president. She visited his office in Lagos to offer the AEFJNs support for his campaign. She travelled 500km through the Niger Delta to visit Ogoni villages destroyed in 1993, and offered to lobby for EU relief, with the support of the Daughters of Charity in Port Harcourt and Trocaire in Dublin. Saro-Wiwas first of many letters to her after his imprisonment was a note of thanks. Using bread baskets as a form of delivery, the poet also corresponded with Nelson Mandela, Body Shop founder Anita Roddick, novelist William Boyd and US human rights campaigner Ethel Kennedy. Such was the trust that developed between him and Sr McCarron that when Saro-Wiwa was awarded the Right Livelihood Award in October 1994, she travelled to Stockholm to collect it for him and delivered his acceptance speech. On November 10, 1995, Saro-Wiwa was hanged following a military tribunal, along with Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel and John Kpuine, having been charged on spurious evidence with incitement to murder Ogoni chiefs. Sr McCarron was back in Ireland at the time, and her sense of shock was only leavened by the knowledge she had kept all their correspondence. In 2011, she donated the archive to Maynooth Universitys library. Silence Would be Treason, a compilation of the correspondence, was published in 2013. The library has since published a second edition, along with an audio archive. Working with Ogoni Solidarity Ireland, she campaigned on behalf of 20 more Ogoni detainees and gave her support to the self-styled Bogoni, the north Mayo residents and community activists opposed to the methodology used by Shell Ireland and Corrib gas partners for pumping non-refined gas ashore. During her time living in Dublin; Claremorris, Co Mayo; Rostrevor, Co Down; and latterly Cork, she continued to highlight environmental justice issues. She established links with the Love Leitrim campaign against fracking and opponents of gold mining, including the Greencastle Peoples Office and the Save Our Sperrins environmental group. Professor Donncha OConnell of University of Galways school of law said she was a great early champion of the rights of refugees and asylum-seekers. Former school pupil in Nigeria, Philippa Ademuyiwa, and OLA Irish province head Sr Mary Crowley, have described her as a remarkable woman. In a poem dedicated to her, Ken Saro-Wiwa wrote: What is it, I often ask, unites / County Fermanagh and Ogoni? / Ah, well, it must be the agony / The hunger for justice and peace / Which married our memories / To a journey of faith... Paddy Cosgrave has been reinstated as the chief executive officer of Web Summit, Europes largest tech conference, the Sunday Independent understands. The reappointment follows his high-profile resignation on October 21 last year, which made international headlines. The 42-year-old entrepreneur took the decision to step down shortly after he posted comments on social media about the Israel-Hamas war. One comment had read: War crimes are war crimes even when committed by allies and should be called out for what they are. But there was a swift backlash from tech giants including Google parent company Alphabet and Meta, Siemens and Amazon, Intel and Stripe, all of which threatened to pull out of the companys flagship conference weeks before it took place in Lisbon. In a statement on October 21, giving reasons for his resignation Mr Cosgrave said: Unfortunately, my personal comments have become a distraction from the event and our team, our sponsors, our start-ups and the people who attend. I sincerely apologise again for any hurt I have caused. Web Summit then appointed Katherine Maher as CEO on October 30. However, Ms Maher left the role three months later to join US radio network NPR. It employs 200 people at the Dublin headquarters out of a total of more than 300 around the world. Cosgrave is the majority shareholder, with an 81pc stake. Staff at the company were told on Friday of Cosgraves decision to return as CEO. Yesterday, a Web Summit spokesperson did not respond to calls from the Sunday Independent. Cosgrave declined to comment. Legal system fails to aid domestic players against surge in Chinese platforms Editors note This article is the first in a three-part series on the impacts of Chinese e-commerce platforms' expansion into the Korean market and the responses of local rivals. ED. By Lee Min-hyung Chinese e-commerce companies are posing a growing threat to Korea's retail ecosystem, as their Korean counterparts lose price competitiveness due to the ultra-low pricing strategy of Chinese players. Besides price competitiveness which is backed by the enormous amounts of capital they possess, Chinese companies enjoy less strict regulations here than their local rivals according to the applicable laws and thus, have advantages in expanding their business here. This has led to calls from local e-commerce platforms for the government to introduce appropriate countermeasures. In recent years, Chinese companies, including AliExpress, Temu and Shein, have exponentially expanded in Korea. According to data from market tracker, Wiseapp Retail Goods, AliExpress is the nations second-most visited e-commerce platform with monthly active users (MAU) registering at 8.87 million in March, up 114 percent from a year earlier. The MAU of Temu soared to 8.29 million, up 1,508 percent since August last year when it started offering its services here. Coupang, the unwavering leader in Korea's e-commerce market, kept its top spot but its MAU as of March, 30.86 million, was only 5 percent up from the previous year. The robust growth of AliExpress is driven by its cheaper product sales strategy than its Korean counterparts. For example, Maxim Mocha Gold instant coffee sells at $30.51 (41,000 won) for 360 packs on AliExpress, but the same product is priced at 47,200 won on Coupang. For this reason, Coupang and a group of other local retailers such as Shinsegae and Lotte, are paying close attention to the rapid rise of Chinese e-commerce firms here. The influx of Chinese low-priced products is weakening the competitiveness of Korean firms, said Jun Bo-hee, senior researcher at the analysis & forecasting department of the Korea International Trade Association. Experts say the current relevant regulations are rather favorable to the Chinese newcomers than Korean companies. Many global platform firms are not obliged to abide by several domestic laws such as rules on corporate tax because of legal loopholes, so local firms face reverse discrimination when doing business here, Lee Yang-kee, professor of international trade at Pusan National University, said. Some also raise the possibility that the Chinese companies may adopt a strategy used by other global firms: opening a limited or limited-liability company here. This allows them not to provide public notices on their sales, revenues and dividend plans, so there's no legal way to grasp their exact sales and revenue performance although many such companies release dubious sales data here. Korean counterparts argue this is reverse discrimination, as they have to pay an enormous amount of corporate taxes and other taxes transparently under the local acts. "We do not have to release any official earnings data since it has been less than a year after we set up a branch office here," a spokesperson at AliExpress Korea told The Korea Times. Experts and industry insiders warn that these legal loopholes threaten to erode the foundation of fair competition, leaving Korean firms vulnerable as the primary casualties in the face of expanding Chinese e-commerce giants. In response, the government is stepping up regulatory pressure against the Chinese firms by establishing a task force to monitor any illegal acts conducted by them here. The Fair Trade Commission is also moving to introduce a regulatory measure by mandating them to designate local agents who can respond promptly to any customer complaints here. However, experts said that this is not enough to put the brakes on the growth momentum of Chinese players here. The Korean government and regulatory authorities cannot slap tighter sanctions just like those from the European Union, due to Koreas strong trade reliance on China, Lee at Pusan National University said. There stands a possibility that the Chinese government offers subsidies to AliExpress and other platforms, so they can tap deeper into the Korean market until they can exhibit dominant influences. Some urge the government to revise rules on foreign direct purchases, in a bid to protect local firms and slow down the rapid inroads of cheap Chinese products here. Korea has lax taxation rules on individuals foreign direct purchases, Jun at the trade association said. Korea charges taxes for each foreign direct purchase worth over $150. But there is no rule as to accumulated annual purchases, so individuals can engage in a buying spree of Chinese imported products, which is not the case for China. The country has a tighter rule of imposing taxes on any foreign direct purchases whose accumulated value tops 4.8 million won each year. Others call for the need to toughen tariffs. AliExpress will start charging service fees to customers after expanding its user base here with its super-cheap sales strategy, Kim Dae-jong, professor of business administration at Sejong University, said. My suggestion is to impose more tariffs on Chinese goods, the professor said. If we leave the status quo unchanged, more Korean companies will fall prey in the end. Industry officials say Korea should also focus more on easing complex regulatory hurdles against local players, rather than taking steps to tighten regulations on Chinese companies. If we step up regulations on foreign firms, this may create a side effect in other parts of the industry or even diplomatic circles, an official at a major retail firm here said on condition of anonymity. A more realistic countermeasure is to deregulate existing rules on Korean e-commerce firms, so they can gain more competitiveness amid the escalating rivalry against the Chinese platforms. Fine Gael leader and incoming taoiseach Simon Harris arrives for his leader's address at the party's ard fheis in Galway. Photo: Gerry Mooney Fine Gael leader Simon Harris (centre) at the party's ard fheis at the University of Galway. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA The renters tax credit should be increased to more than 1,000 and tax-free grants of up to 30,000 for people buying a new house extended for another five years, Simon Harris has said. This is a significant increase from the current rate of renters tax credit of 750, which was previously 500 per year per renter. The Taoiseach-designate pledged in his Fine Gael ard fheis speech that 250,000 homes will be built over the next five years. He also promised to cut taxes, increase the pension, extend the hot-school meals programme and extend the Carers Allowance to thousands. Mr Harris said the Government will respond to help farmers, who have had a brutal year. The housing promises come amid criticism from Sinn Fein for not talking enough about housing policy after being selected Fine Gael party leader. He said being taoiseach will be the greatest challenge of my life and promised to hit the ground running. Fine Gael leader and incoming taoiseach Simon Harris arrives for his leader's address at the party's ard fheis in Galway. Photo: Gerry Mooney Under the Help to Buy scheme, first-time buyers are able to get up to 30,000 tax back when buying a new home. Mr Harris promised to extend the scheme for five more years. In all, 45,000 families, including 2,000 in Galway, have availed of the initiative. The scheme has come in for criticism for pushing up house prices and for being a very costly measure. Mr Harris also promised cuts to income tax and the USC and said Fine Gael will outline a five-year tax strategy later on this year, which will protect the tax base but also help put more money in peoples pockets. In all 150,000 more children will avail of hot-school-meals as the programme will be extended to 900 more primary schools in the next year. He also promised more cash for carers by increasing the Carers Allowance income disregard so that thousands more carers will qualify. He also said the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention for the Rights of People with Disabilities will be ratified this year. Simon Harris also hinted at further increases to the pension in the budget, saying it has been increased for the past three years. Every single year Fine Gael is in Government, we will do more, he said. He also said Fine Gael had a plan to deliver 1,500 more beds and recruit more staff in hospitals. He also promised to reform mental health services and introduce new laws to reform mental health services. He said Fine Gael will bring in a package to support businesses in the next year to make sure you thrive and prosper. The Government is already rolling out a 250m scheme to help firms with costs and the paperwork has been cut down so that businesses can get the grant into their bank accounts as quickly as possible. Mr Harris said the year has been brutal for farmers and promised the Government would help them. A secret briefing paper from the Department of Justice said the State urgently needed to resume deportations as the majority of applicants for international protection were economic migrants. It said that without a robust system for deportation, it had very little ability to ease pressures on the immigration system or deter inappropriate applications. The briefing for Justice Minister Helen McEntee also said countries that failed to co-operate with Ireland when it came to removing failed asylum-seekers should be penalised. A review of these states should be considered and whether Irish visas would continue to be granted to their citizens. The full information note has long been withheld by the department. It was prepared as it sought to resume deportations following a moratorium on removals during the pandemic. The paper said the longer a person remained, the more difficult it became to remove them as they put down roots, held jobs or had children in school. It added that Ireland was currently experiencing a wave of migration that had not been seen since the early 1990s, and not just from those fleeing the war in Ukraine. The sense is that the majority of these are economic migrants as opposed to those seeking protection from their home states, said the briefing. The international protection process is perceived as a means to an end, that end being access to the labour market and a better standard of living. It said a review of the deportation process would be prudent and enforced removal operations should be resumed soon. The deportation regime shall apply equally to family groups as well as individuals, the paper added. It said people who had entered the state in the past three years should be prioritised for deportation to prevent the putting down of roots. The paper suggested the old approach of dealing with deportations in chronological order should be set aside so the most recently failed applicants can be put to the top of the list instead. Applications for international protection, which are assessed as having been made purely for access to the labour market, should be prioritised for disallowance and referred for deportation, it said. Appeals against such decisions should be fast-tracked. It also said abuse of the international protection system could be countered by a better approach to granting migrant access to the labour market, especially at a time of full employment. The department should, in co-operation with other government bodies, look at bilateral international arrangements and dedicated schemes to help regularise migration. States who do not co-operate with Ireland on the return of their citizens in the context of deportation should come under review in the context of the granting of Irish visas to their citizens, it added. Ms McEntee was also told there were generally three routes whereby a person could be deported. The first was where they had entered the state illegally by evading port or entrance officials or by using fraudulent documentation. The second involved cases where a person breached rules on legal entry and residence by, for example, overstaying a visa or committing a crime. And the final option was where a person had made a legitimate application for international protection, but it had been rejected. Due to the moratorium on deportation, only cases with serious levels of criminality have been deemed suitable for deportation in recent times, the paper said. Between 2015 and 2020, Ireland made an average of 1,341 deportation orders per year. In 2021, that number fell to 155. Taoiseach-designates vow widely at odds with Coalition target Simon Harris says government will build 250,000 houses over the next five years in ard fheis speech Simon Harris has said the Government will build 250,000 houses over the next five years in a promise widely at odds with the Coalitions current housing targets. The Taoiseach-designates dramatic pledge last night came as the latest Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks opinion poll finds housing the number one issue with a significant majority of the public. In the poll, housing (59pc), up 11 percentage points in a month, is well ahead of healthcare (31pc), the cost of living (27pc) and immigration (26pc) as the publics top priority. In his first major speech last night as Fine Gael leader, Mr Harris, who will be elected Taoiseach by the Dail on Tuesday, claimed: We will build 250,000 homes over the next five years. This would represent a significant increase in the current level of house building or even targets. To meet Mr Harriss new target, the Government would need, on average, 50,000 new housing units built a year between now and 2029-2030. However, the Governments Housing for All plan contains a target of 33,000 new units a year, on average, up to and including 2030. This includes, on average, 10,000 social housing units, 4,000 homes for affordable purchase, 2,000 cost-rental homes and 17,000 private homes. A total of 32,695 new homes were completed last year, exceeding the 29,000 target set out in the Governments housing plan. In March last year, Leo Varadkar, who steps down as Taoiseach on Tuesday, said there was a deficit of 250,000 homes and it would take a long time to resolve the States continuing housing shortage crisis. Last month, Mr Varadkar also said increasing housing targets to 50,000 a year was not achievable this year or next. However, speaking in the Dail, he said the Government believed such a target was achievable in the longer term. At the time, the ESRI had said the Governments housing targets were too low to meet population growth. In response, Mr Varadkar said 40,000 homes needed to be built every year and the Government was ramping up to that under the Housing for All plan. Now Mr Harris has dramatically upped the ante for the Government he will lead, with a promise to build 50,000 homes a year over the next five years. Fine Gael leader Simon Harris speaking at the party's ard fheis in Galway. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA In his speech last night, he also said that under his leadership, Fine Gael would extend the Help to Buy scheme for a further five years, and for those renting, the renters tax credit should be increased, he said, to more than 1,000. We will grow our construction labour force because talk doesnt build houses, he also said. However, by promising to build 250,000 houses in five years, Mr Harris has left himself open to an accusation of over-promising. In an article in the Sunday Independent today, Sinn Fein housing spokesman Eoin O Broin highlights a series of housing targets missed by the Government. He said its vacant property refurbishment grant target was missed by 83pc, its affordable home purchase home target by 62pc, its cost rental target by 59pc and its First Home Scheme by 44pc. However, a Central Statistics Office report last January said 32,695 homes were delivered in 2023 a 10pc rise on 2022, the largest annual delivery in 15 years. Tanaiste Micheal Martin recently said the Government had gained momentum in housing. Fine Gael leader Mr Harriss revised housing promise comes as todays opinion poll also finds that a significant 57pc say housing should be his greatest priority ahead of other priorities identified by the Taoiseach-designate himself such as tackling crime (9pc) and helping small businesses (5pc). The state of the parties is: Sinn Fein (26pc), down one point; Fine Gael (21pc), down one; Fianna Fail (16pc), down one; Social Democrats (6pc), unchanged; Aontu (4pc), unchanged; Green Party (4pc), unchanged; Labour (3pc), unchanged; Solidarity-PBP (2pc), unchanged; and Independents/Other (17pc), up three points. Todays poll records Sinn Feins lowest level of support since January 2022 when the Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks monthly series began. Increased support for Independents comes at a time when the accommodation crisis for immigrants remains a potent topic with the public: immigration (26pc) is up three points as an issue in a month. Mr Harriss leadership approval rating is also gauged for the first time: at 41pc approval, he comes in behind Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin (47pc), unchanged; social Democrats leader Holly Cairns (42pc), up one point; and ahead of Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (39pc), unchanged; Aontu leader Peadar Toibin (35pc), up a significant eight points; Labour leader Ivana Bacik (33pc), unchanged; and Greens leader Eamon Ryan (24pc), down one. The poll also finds strong, though minority, opposition to the Governments Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences Bill and a strong minority view that the Government has become too liberal/left wing on social issues. Renewed weather warnings are in place for parts of the country for the rest of Sunday and into Monday, as hundreds of homes across the country remain without power in the aftermath of Storm Kathleen. Conditions remain blustery as there is a small craft warning in place for all coasts until midnight. There is also status yellow gale warning in place for the coasts of the northwestern counties of Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal until 10pm, where southwest winds could reach force 8 at times. For Monday there is a yellow warning for the southeastern counties of Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, Carlow and Kilkenny from midnight on Monday to midnight on Tuesday. Met Eireann said it could mean heavy rains at time with possible flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions. It will stay windy and showery for the remainder of Sunday, with winds easing overnight and showers becoming more isolated. However, rain will begin to spread over Munster and Leinster by morning in lighter winds. Rain will spread over much of the country on Monday but it will stay relatively dry in much of the west coast. The rain will persist for much of the day across the midlands, south and east, heaviest in the southeast with flooding likely. Winds will be light and variable at first but will increase mostly moderate to fresh north to northwest through the day, becoming strong along southern and southwestern coasts. Cooler than the weekend, with afternoon highs of only 5 to 10 degrees, Met Eireann said. Tuesday will be largely dry with fresh winds and temperatures of up to 12C, followed by a dull, misty and wet Wednesday with highs of 15C. Thursday is likely to be quite cloudy with some outbreaks of rain, with highs of 16C with moderate to fresh winds. Brave walkers in Salthill, Galway battle winds as Storm Kathleen sweeps Ireland Hundreds of farms, homes and businesses remained without power on Sunday, down from a peak of 34,000 at lunchtime on Saturday. The largest outages were in counties Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Laois and Wicklow, though restoration works continue. Almost 600 customers in the Roches Street area of Limerick are impacted by ongoing outages. Storm Kathleen caused major travel difficulties yesterday as road, rail and ferry routes all faced disruption. A total of 20 flights in and out of Dublin Airport had been cancelled as of 7.30pm on Saturday, with eleven diverting away and three flights diverting into Dublin Airport. But there was little disruption on Sunday. Local authority crews were on standby to tackle fallen trees that obstructed roads yesterday, with Irish Rail passengers also facing substantial delays due to trees falling on the line. All services from Heuston station were suspended for a period yesterday morning due to a tree falling on the line at Monasterevin. The young girl was recovered from the water in Dun Laoghaire harbour yesterday evening at around 8.20pm A child was rescued at sea in Co Dublin yesterday during a multi-agency operation as Storm Kathleen caused dangerous waves along Irelands coasts. The young girl was recovered from the water in Dun Laoghaire harbour yesterday evening at around 8.20pm by gardai and the Dun Laoghaire coast guard. A local branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) was also called to the scene, as well as the National Ambulance Service, the Dublin Fire Brigade, and the Irish Coast Guards search and rescue helicopter, Rescue 116. The child was taken to a hospital in south Dublin to be treated for her injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening. It is not known why the girl had been in the water at the time, but a Status Yellow gale warning had been in place for all Irish coasts at the time, with Met Eireann issuing warnings of gale force 8 or 9 winds and choppy waves in some areas. Gardai confirmed that they assisted with the rescue operation and said the girl had gone into the water at Dun Laoghaire harbour yesterday evening, Saturday 6th April 2024. The child was rescued from the water by emergency services and taken to hospital in South Dublin to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries, a spokesperson said. A clip of the rescue of the rescue was shared online, which the Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard reposted on X, formerly Twitter, cautioning followers to respect the water and heed the warnings. Ive begun to wonder if the old adage What doesnt kill you makes you stronger is true 71-year-old Roisin Lavelle In her 71 years, Roisin Lavelle has survived a car incident, house fire, ectopic pregnancy and a lethal virus, among other challenges, all of which have taught her some valuable lessons Roisin Lavelle outside her home on Achill Island, Co Mayo Roisin Lavelle Sun 7 Apr 2024 at 03:30 Youve heard the old adage What doesnt kill you makes you stronger, but Ive begun to wonder whether its always true. Ive been lucky to make it to the age of 71 relatively unscathed, and Ive enjoyed good health along the way, but it would have been unusual if Id got away without a couple of close shaves. Some of them have made me stronger but others have left me wondering. Gardai are investigating an alleged assault on a teenager at a train station in county Longford yesterday that left the victim in hospital with serious injuries. A teenager is in a serious condition in hospital after being attacked by a gang of youths at a train station in county Longford yesterday afternoon. The victim, who is in his late teens, was set upon close to Edgeworthstown Train Station at around 3pm. Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene and tended to the teenager before he was transferred to Mullingars Midland Regional Hospital. The Irish Independent understands due to the gravity of his injuries, medics have since transferred him to Dublins Beaumont Hospital. A Garda spokesperson said while no arrests had been made, an investigation was now underway in a bid to track down the young mans assailants. Gardai are investigating an incident of assault which occurred in Edgworthstown, Co. Longford, yesterday afternoon, Saturday 6th April 2024. A male, aged in his late teens, was taken to Mullingar Hospital to be treated for serious injuries. No arrests have been made at this time and investigations are ongoing. Its time to spring clean your make-up bag so check out these eyeshadow, mascara, lipstick and brush replacements Finally, spring is in the air! It was a long few months where I caught an awful bout of the menopause but one thing that always lifts my spirits is a lil make-up bag refresh at this time of year. I would never have thought 22 years ago when I started this column that I would feature so many Irish brands. The change in Irish beauty brand offerings means many of the lovelies mentioned here are sold worldwide and not just on our tiny island of beauty lovers. I used everything Im writing about this week when I was MCing a fashion show at The West Cork Hotel in Skibbereen. We had a great night with loads of fun and a big shout out to Mairead Hurley for all of her hard work to raise money for the Skibbereen Luncheon Club. BPerfect X Mrs Glam Showstopper II Palette, 37.95, bperfectcosmetics.com You should have heard the gasp from everyone around me when I took out my new BPerfect X Mrs Glam Showstopper II Palette, 37.95, bperfectcosmetics.com. I dont blame them because its truly a thing of beauty. Curated by celeb make-up artist, Michelle Regazzoli-Stone, it has 25 gorgeous eyeshadows 15 matte, 5 metallic shimmers and 5 illuminating cream pigments as well as four multi-use face powders. Congratulations to BPerfect Cosmetics founder Brendan McDowell, whose vision and drive are the main forces behind the brands success. Volumizing Mascara, 15, sarahkeary.ie Of course I had to have something from Cork on my lashes so I used Sarah Kearys fabulous new mascara. Sarah is an award-winning make-up artist so she knows what shes talking about and her BYSK Volumizing Mascara, 15, sarahkeary.ie is fantastic. Its available in two shades, black and brown, and is ultra-lightweight and smudge-proof. I particularly love the brown shade for days when you dont want to be as dramatic but still want loads of volume. Darlings, one of the lip products that people keep talking about to me these days is the lovely nude pink Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm, 34, charlottetilbury.com. Pillow Talk is already everyones favourite so this makes your lips look fuller and is going to be another winner. 12-Piece Luxury Brush Collection, 105, lisaandcocosmetics.com There is no point in having all the right products if you dont have the right tools to apply them with. Lisa McGowan, aka Lisas Lust List, is one of Irelands leading influencers, and she recently brought out the Lisa & Co. 12-Piece Luxury Brush Collection, 105, lisaandcocosmetics.com. The brushes are really soft and velvety on the skin with ultra-fine white vegan hairs and they come in a lovely white and gold cup holder. And finally, Kim OSullivan is known as the Irish brow queen for good reason as she looks after everyone who is anyone at The Dublin Makeup Academy on Fitzwilliam Street. She has launched her brand Brow Aid so we can all have a little of that Kim magic and Im a huge fan of The Definer Brow Pencil & Highlight, 28, browaid.com. Youll be raising your eyebrows at everyone in style Three of the best... Body Oils Bare by Vogue Golden Shimmer Dry Oil, 29, barebyvogue.com 1 Bare By Vogue Golden Shimmer Dry Oil, 29, barebyvogue.com You know when your fake tan is on a few days and looking a little dull and you have to go out and youre too busy/ lazy to do the whole scrubbing it off and reapplying and washing it off routine? Well, this is perfect as it reignites your faux glow with a subtle bronze shimmer. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, 26.99, boots.ie 2 Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, 26.99, boots.ie I love a multi-purpose product so this, The OG of dry oils, is perfect for using on the face, body and hair with seven botanical oils to moisturise, nourish, repair and beautify anywhere you put it! Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil, 52, brownthomas.com 3 Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil, 52, brownthomas.com This one, beloved of the tweens, helps to tackle puffiness thanks to the addition of micro algae extract and has Brazilian olive oil to deliver nutrients to the skin without greasiness. Smells gorge too of course! Valentines scents to make your crush swoon! Bjorn Ulvaeus on stage at The Novello theatre in London, following a performance of Mamma Mia, as the West End show celebrates a quarter of a century, on the same day as the Abba 50th anniversary of their hit Waterloo and their Eurovision song contest victory (Lucy North/PA) Abba star Bjorn Ulvaeus reflected on the bands Eurovision win 50 years ago as the stage show Mamma Mia celebrated 25 years in the West End. The Swedish band triumphed with their song Waterloo in Brighton on April 6 1974 and the musical show featuring their best loved songs premiered in London on the same day in 1999. Taking to the stage after a celebratory performance of the show at the Novello Theatre, where much of the original cast was in the audience, Ulvaeus said: About this time in the evening, exactly 50 years ago I was standing on another stage here in the UK. Bjorn Ulvaeus surprised the audience by appearing on stage after a celebratory performance of Mamma Mia on Saturday (Lucy North/PA) It was the second time I entered that stage that night because me and my three bandmates had been called back to perform our song a second time because the juries of the Eurovision final had delivered their verdicts nil points from the UK. But despite that, we won and by and the thinnest margin in the history of Eurovision. I think that record (would) still stand. So on a night like this, its strange to think that if we hadnt won what happens to those who come number four, number three at Eurovision theyre never heard of after that. If we hadnt won, I most probably wouldnt be standing here today. And this wonderful adventure, which we call Mamma Mia, would not have happened and I wouldnt have met with all these wonderful people that Ive worked with through the years and that would have been so sad. So Ive got a lot to thank Waterloo for. The cast of Mamma Mia on stage at The Novello theatre in London following their celebratory performance of Mamma Mia to mark a quarter of a century (Lucy North/PA) He was met by laughter and applause as he added: But here in this room, I can admit that when I relax at home and put on some music, its not Waterloo. He continued: Somehow Abba has managed to touch so many millions of lives around the world, generation after generation. And people ask me how does it feel for you to know that? and thats a very that question and very hard to answer. Its a very, very elusive feeling. And its more to do with gratitude and with humility than a pride. Because it humbles you to know that so many people have listened to something youve created, and that theyve been made happy by it or sad, and that it has meant so much for them in their lives. And its very, very difficult to fully emotionally grasp that, at least for me. He also expressed gratitude for the sheer existence of music because of what kind of a world we have without it. Referring to the bands sellout show Abba Voyage, he concluded: I might not be here for the next big anniversary, but my avatar will. The musical, which features the songs written by performed by Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson and performed with Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, is only the third in the history of the West End to celebrate 25 years. Since its premiere, more than 50 productions have been staged in more than 450 cities in 16 languages, including versions on Broadway and in Paris. The performance opened with a video about the history of the show, including birthday messages from Hollywood stars Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper, who appeared in the 2008 movie adaptation. Judy Craymer and Bjorn Ulvaeus (centre) on stage at The Novello theatre in London, following a performance of Mamma Mia to mark the West End shows 25th anniversary (Lucy North/PA) Speaking backstage after the curtain call, producer Judy Craymer, the creator of the show, told PA it had been an emotional day and an emotional few weeks. Im incredibly proud and felt I was hyperventilating slightly. It really has gone by in a flash, in the blink of an eye. Weve earned a place in history that we didnt even think existed and it was humble beginnings not to just fall flat on our face and we have built something incredible. The show, written by Catherine Johnson and directed by Phyllida Lloyd, stood out because it was being helmed by three women . Craymer said: Now it would be seen as diverse but we didnt realise the ceilings we were smashing, because we were really, and I think this show has influenced a lot of young women and feminists. The US Federal Aviation Administration on Sunday said it would investigate after an engine cowling on a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 fell off during take-off in Denver and struck the wing flap. Southwest Flight 3695 returned safely to Denver International airport around 8:15 a.m. local time on Sunday and was towed to the gate. The Boeing aircraft with 135 passengers and six crew members aboard had been headed to William P. Hobby Airport in Houston. Property expected to see sound spring recovery, experts say 14:27, April 07, 2024 By Wang Ying ( China Daily Potential homebuyers look at a property model in Taiyuan, Shanxi province. WEI LIANG/CHINA NEWS SERVICE A property market recovery is likely to emerge in many cities in early spring, thanks to the central government's resolve to keep the market healthy and stable, coupled with heightened expectations of more supportive measures from local governments, industry experts said. With the property market entering its traditional sales season in March and April, hopes for a boost in spring sales have been raised by multiple factors including positive signals from the two sessions, the effects of supportive measures announced by major cities, and the gradual recovery of market expectations and confidence. The Government Work Report, delivered in March at the second session of the 14th National People's Congress, the nation's top legislature, outlined key tasks for the property sector. These tasks include defusing risks in the property market, accelerating efforts to foster a new development model for real estate, and increasing the construction and supply of government-subsidized housing. Pang Ming, chief economist at JLL China, said the measures are very targeted, and the creation of a new model for property development is the most important one. "In the future, the new development model will join forces with the property financing system to form a whole-cycle management mechanism of commercial housing, which covers development, construction, financing, sales, use, maintenance, and trading. In the meantime, efforts will be made to ensure various requirements of buying, leasing and government subsidies will be met under the new system," Pang said. Quality of life Chen Zhixu, senior manager of CBRE China research, expects a greater balance will be achieved between supply and demand under the new property development model. "The report also reaffirmed taking action on urban regeneration, which would help optimize supply and promote the release of potential buyer demand," she said. Shaun Brodie, head of research on the Chinese market at Cushman& Wakefield, a global real estate services firm, said two phrases "new urbanization" and "green and low carbon development" had caught his eye. "I think both these key phrases will impact the real estate market in China immensely in the future as cities continue to improve the quality of life for their citizens and move toward their netzero carbon goals," Brodie said. During the two sessions, Ni Hong, minister of housing and urban-rural development, reiterated the government principle that "housing is for living in, not for speculation". This was viewed by observers as a signal from the central government to uphold the principle amid the ongoing market adjustments. The principle will continue to define long-term arrangements for the residential housing market in China, Brodie said. By adhering to the principle, a rational, steady and healthy development of the residential housing market in China will be ensured, he added. "To my understanding, 'housing is for living in, not for speculation' is the premise and the overall position of the new development model of the property market," said Yan Yuejin, director of the Shanghai-based E-house China Research and Development Institution. "Under such a principle, various related industries will coordinate and join forces to build the new pattern. This gives the parties involved inspiration," he said. Yan added that market expectations have been heightened by more policy adjustments and the spirit expressed at the two sessions. Active local responses One of the cities that has taken proactive measures to invigorate its property market is Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province. Hangzhou, famous for its picturesque West Lake, announced on March 14 it is scrapping all purchase restrictions on pre-owned homes. "This is an immediate response to Ni, who said during his news conference that respective and tailor-made measures will be implemented accordingly from one city to another," said Li Yujia, chief researcher at the Guangdong Planning Institute's residential policy research center. Local governments have been granted full decision-making power in optimizing their macro-control policies for the stabilization of the market, Li said. Ni also dispelled concerns that the cancellation of former purchase restrictions may overheat the market. "The key problem of the real estate market is not to prevent overheating, but overcooling," Ni said. Li said a gradual relaxation of the purchase restrictions is expected. "Specifically, it will start in the outskirts before expanding to urban centers in first-tier cities, and smaller cities are likely to take greater supportive measures than big cities," Li explained. Beijing is going to take different measures on a district-by-district basis in the optimization of its housing policy, Xia Linmao, executive vice-mayor of Beijing, said at a news conference on March 19. Xia said the precise measures are hoped to better fit people's varied requirements for a home. "We expect the tailor-made policies to be announced from the capital's suburban areas will also help boost market sentiment," said Chen Wenjing, director of research with the China Index Academy. Chen said a range of different property-buying measures have already been rolled out across China. In late January, Shanghai revised its homebuying requirements by allowing eligible nonlocal individuals to buy one residential apartment each outside the city's downtown area. Shenzhen and Guangzhou in Guangdong province as well as Suzhou, Jiangsu province, also modified related housing policies ahead of the Chinese New Year. "Such tendencies are becoming more evident after the State Council executive meeting was held on March 22, which stressed the significance of the real estate market in the overall stabilization of the macro economy and also demanded more effective measures in driving potential homebuying requirements," Chen said. Brodie said if executed correctly, and strong local knowledge is taken advantage of, cities' greater autonomy meant real estate markets around the country will be in a good position to become more stable and optimized. Encouraging signs Some positive signs relating to the property market were seen in National Bureau of Statistics data released in mid-March. "In month-on-month terms, the new home price index drop in 70 major Chinese cities has been narrowing for three consecutive months," Yan said. "Given the continuous supportive measures from local governments, buying enthusiasm as well as home sales volume, both picked up in March, making us believe the home price data stabilization is on a solid footing," Yan said. According to Brodie, secondhand housing transaction data in China's four first-tier cities Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen indicated a rebound continuing into March. The daily transaction volume in Beijing and Shenzhen exceeded 1,000 units; Shanghai's average daily transaction volume reached twice that of February; and Guangzhou's secondhand housing market activity also increased. "Given that the property market is still at the stage of adjustment and transformation, some time is still needed for the normalization of the new-normal market," Brodie said. JLL China's chief economist Pang said although sales by floor area continued their year-on-year decline due to the high base they were coming off last year, sales volumes of both new and pre-owned homes rebounded after the Chinese New Year. Overall market prices and sales of products in the real estate industrial chain have also stabilized, he added. Pang said he expected the fundamentals of the Chinese real estate market to improve in the first quarter, as local governments pushed for more optimization of the market. The volume of new home transactions will see a mild recovery and market activities in large cities will gradually improve, with signs of a stable recovery in property development investment and construction, he added. Time to move Wang Shu, 35, who works at a State-owned company, recently sold his 46-square-meter one-bedroom flat in Shanghai's Yangpu district and purchased a 78 sq m two-bedroom one in the same district. "From my personal experience, the current market adjustment offers the best timing for selling an existing home for a better one," he said. Although Wang pays a higher monthly mortgage, it is more important to him that his son grows up in a comfortable and spacious living environment. The market sentiment index in 50 key cities has risen for three consecutive months since December, according to data collected by Zhuge Real Estate Data Research Center, which also projected the index to maintain the rebound. Pre-owned home transaction volumes in core cities have seen weekly rises since the second half of last year, which continued into March, said CBRE's Chen citing a report by the China Index Academy. The transaction volume of new homes will also see a mild recovery. "Therefore, it is predictable that a mild sales pickup will appear in some major cities this spring, though their performances will vary from city to city," Chen added. Brodie said the property market is still in the process of adjustment and transformation due to the combined effects of the macroeconomic transition, demographic changes, housing supply, and the principle of housing without speculation. "Once a new-normal market status quo is reached and achieved, then we will see a healthy and stable real estate market emerge and come to fruition," he said. JLL's Pang said, "Despite the challenges and difficulties in property development investment, new commercial housing sales will hopefully achieve stabilization both in terms of volume and value in 2024." With further improvement of property policies, it is only a matter of time before the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China's vision for a housing system that takes into account the happiness of the Chinese people is realized, Pang added. The vision promises to "move faster to build a housing system featuring multiple suppliers and various channels of support that encourages both housing rentals and purchases". (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) S. Korea warns N. Korea will see end of regime if it harms its people Family and supporters of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip protest to call for the captives' release and to mark six months since since the Hamas-led October 7 cross-border attack, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Sunday. Photo: AP The Israeli military has withdrawn all ground troops from the southern Gaza Strip except for one brigade, a military spokesperson said on Sunday. The military did not immediately provide further details. It was unclear whether the withdrawal would delay a long-threatened incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, which Israeli leaders have said is needed to eliminate Hamas. Joe Biden vows to find the $1bn to rebuild Baltimore bridge that collapsed, killing six workers Recovery of missing bodies is key priority as US president visits site of maritime disaster Joe Biden and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, right, on Friday. Photo: AP Erin Cox Washington Post Sun 7 Apr 2024 at 03:30 Joe Biden flew over the scene of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore on Friday, surveying the wreckage as the recovery enters a pivotal new phase, 10 days after a massive container ship ploughed into the span and brought it down in a jumble of twisted steel and concrete. Former Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. Photo: Getty Nancy Pelosi, former US House speaker and a key ally of Joe Biden, has signed a letter from dozens of congressional Democrats to the US president and the Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging a halt to weapons transfers to Israel. In images Sidharthan JS/ courtesy: X New Delhi/IBNS: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the case of the death of a 20-year-old veterinary student, whose body was found in a college hostel in Kerala's Wayanad district. The body of the student, Sidharthan JS, was found inside the hostel's bathroom on February 18. His family had alleged he was subjected to ragging by other students, including activists of the Students' Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M). Sidharthan was "continuously" assaulted for 29 hours by seniors and classmates before he died by suicide, the Kerala Police said in the suicide abetment case file they gave to the CBI, The Indian Express reported. Sub-inspector Prashobh PV of Vythiri police station wrote that seniors and peers "physically and mentally tortured" Sidharthan, driving him to die by suicide, according to The Indian Express report. "... They assaulted Sidharthan on February 16 from 9 am to 2 pm till February 17 continuously with hand and using a belt and subjected him to cruel ragging. This made him in an utter stage of mental stress and feeling that he can neither continue study in the Institute and complete this course nor go home dropping the course. "As he is so mentally stressed, he felt that there is no option for him other than suicide, he committed suicide by hanging himself in the bathroom of men's hostel in between 12.30 pm and 13.45 pm on February 18," the police report said, according to The Indian Express story. The CBI had re-registered the first information report (FIR) filed with Wayanad's Vythiri police station against 20 people on Friday night, within hours of getting a notification from the Centre. The procedure in state-referred cases is such that the CBI starts an investigation by re-registering the FIR. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had assured a CBI probe on March 9 after a political uproar over the case. The issue snowballed into a huge controversy after the opposition Congress and the BJP alleged that the state government was yet to hand over key files to the CBI weeks after the assurance. Photo Courtesy: UNI New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday hit out at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who had slammed PM Modi for mentioning Jammu and Kashmir in a Rajasthan rally, saying "It is mostly the Italian culture of the Congress party that is to blame for not understanding the very idea of India." Shah's remarks came after Kharge slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for mentioning the abrogation of Article 370 in Rajasthan's Churu. "Such statements hurt every patriotic citizen who cares for the unity and integrity of the nation. People will certainly answer Congress," Shah wrote on social media X (formerly Twitter). "It is shameful to hear that the Congress party is asking, "Kashmir se kya waasta hai?" he said. "I would like to remind the Congress party that J&K is an integral part of India, and every state and citizen has the right over J&K, just as the people of J&K have the right over the rest of India. The Congress does not know that many brave sons of Rajasthan have sacrificed their lives for peace and security in Kashmir," Shah said. It is shameful to hear that the Congress party is asking, "Kashmir se kya waasta hai?" I would like to remind the Congress party that J&K is an integral part of India, and every state and citizen has the right over J&K, just as the people of J&K have the right over the rest of pic.twitter.com/cFeO80XBxl Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) April 6, 2024 The Home Minister continued, "It is not merely the fault of the Congress leaders. It is mostly the Italian culture of the Congress party that is to blame for not understanding the very idea of India. Such statements hurt every patriotic citizen, who cares for the unity and integrity of the nation. People will certainly answer Congress." Over Article 370, he said, "For the kind information of the Congress, it was not Article 371, but Article 370, that was abrogated by the Modi government." "However, it is only expected of Congress to make such horrendous mistakes. Such blunders made by it have haunted our nation for decades now," he added. (With UNI inputs) Photo Courtesy: Nitish Kumar X page Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday reminded people of "Jungle Raj" in Bihar during RJD regime and asked them not to vote for INDIA bloc, in upcoming Lok Sabha elections. While addressing a joint public meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi here in favour of BJP candidate Vivek Thakur from Nawada Lok Sabha seat in parliamentary elections, he said that "Jungle Raj" had prevailed in Bihar during the RJD regime. People were afraid of coming out of their houses after sunset as there was no safety and security for them, he recalled. "Law and order had collapsed during RJD regime which improved remarkably when the NDA government was voted to power in 2005," he said and asked people not to vote for INDIA bloc, of which RJD is major partner, in ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The Chief Minister further said that people are now seen travelling even at night without any trace of fear. Health, education and other sectors were in poor conditions and people were worst sufferers of chaos that prevailed during RJD regime, he claimed. Kumar also claimed that on an average 39 patients used to visit Primary Health Centres (PHCs) for treatments during RJD regime. However, due to sustained efforts made by NDA government, the number of patients seeking treatments in PHCs has crossed 1,000 per month, as there are better medical facilities and doctors available in hospitals, he informed. The Chief Minister further informed that more than four lakh government jobs have been given to youths by his government in Bihar since 2020 but RJD, which was his coalition partner for a brief period, was trying to take its credit, he said in a jibe. Claiming that RJD had done nothing and only his government had given jobs, he stated that by the year 2025, more than 10 lakh government jobs would be given. Besides government jobs, a large number of employment opportunities would also be created in Bihar for youths to earn their livelihood, he promised. Kumar appreciated PM Modi for having given assistance to Bihar in carrying out various welfare and development works. He exhorted the public to vote for an NDA candidate so that Modi could become PM for a third term with massive support of NDA, bagging more than 400 seats. (With UNI inputs) Photo Courtesy: Pixabay Two gangsters were arrested and three pistols seized from them following an encounter with the police in Haryana's Faridkot, sources said on Sunday. The arrested gangsters, Vipal Preet and Karan, alias Ashu - both residents of Jalandhar - are said to be associates of Arsh Dalla. When the police team tried to nab the gangsters, the latter rained bullets, following which the cops fired back. Both the gangsters were shot in the leg. (With UNI inputs) Photo courtesy: UNI The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday categorically denied any malafide in Saturday's arrest in West Bengal's Bhupatinagar in East Medinipur district, as the ruling Trinamool Congress accused the anti-terror agency of attacking women during the arrest. The NIA in a statement refuted the allegations of unlawful actions leveled against it and dismissed the entire controversy as unfortunate. The NIA made it clear that its actions were bonafide, lawful, and legally mandated as part of its ongoing investigation into heinous crime related to the fabrication of crude bombs, leading to an explosion that killed three persons in Naruabila village under Bhupatinagar police station in East Medinipur. The blast had taken place in December 2022 and the agency took over the case on June 6, 2023, on the direction of the Calcutta High Court, the statement said. " The NIA reiterated its team had come under attack by an unruly mob when they had gone to conduct searches. The attack was completely unprovoked and uncalled for and attempted to obstruct the NIA from carrying its lawful duty,' The anti-terror agency conducted searching five locations in the presence of independent witnesses and under security cover provided by the CRPF, in which the lady Constables were there. The arrest was made after legally lawful procedures. " The aggressive crowd assaulted one NIA personnel, who was taking the arrested accused Manobrata Jana to the local police station to complete the legal formalities. One NIA official sustained injuries and an NIA vehicle was damaged. " Jana and Ballicharan Maity were arrested for their alleged involvement in the crude bomb explosion case after they skipped several summons, the NIA said. The agency had moved before a special court on April 3 and the judge opined that the allegation was of a very serious nature. (With UNI inputs) Image of the couple posted on X by @renmusb1 In a shocking murder, a 28-year-old UK man stabbed his wife to death, then chopped her body into over 200 pieces, and stored them in his kitchen for a week before dumping them in a river with the help of a friend. Nicholas Metson, 28, admitted Friday to stabbing his wife Holly Bramley, 26, in March after weeks of denying the allegations, even joking with police officers who came looking for her that she "might be hiding under the bed". According to reports, Metson stabbed his wife several times in the bedroom and chopped the body in the bathroom. He then put the pieces in plastic bags and stored them in a kitchen larder, a cold area for storage of food, before getting rid of them. Almost a week later and before police arrived at his door, he paid his friend 50 to help him dispose of the body parts. "Just got 50 for disposing of a body," the friend wrote in a text message, as was informed in the court. A day later, the plastic bags containing the mortal remains of the victim were discovered floating in the Witham River by a morning walker. One of the bags had a human hand and another had Bramley's shaved head. In total, divers found 224 body parts with some still missing. The body was chopped in such a way that it was impossible to find a cause of death, the court was told. Bramley's mother told the court that her daughter had been married for just 16 months and the "evil monster" didn't allow her to meet her family for years and the couple were on the verge of separating when he killed her, she said. Bramley had once fled her home with her pet rabbits and sought police help after he killed her hamsters by putting them in a food blender and the microwave oven. He had also put her new puppy in a washing machine, only for Bramley to find the dead animal spinning inside the machine. By Park Jae-hyuk Major construction firms have replaced their chief executives with financial experts in recent weeks to brace for a prolonged industry downturn, according to industry officials, Sunday. DL E&C decided Wednesday to hire former LG Electronics executive Seo Young-jae as the new CEO, following the resignations of his predecessor, Ma Chang-min, and other senior executives last month. The former CEOs resignation was attributed mainly to the companys worsening profits from housing construction and a series of industrial accidents that killed multiple workers in recent years. The company introduced the CEO nominee as an expert in strategic planning and finance, as well as an IT specialist, in response to concerns over his lack of experience in the construction industry. The nominee has extensive experience in the field of management, so he is expected to show his leadership for DL E&Cs quantum jump, a DL E&C official said. Shinsegae E&C said Tuesday that it dismissed CEO Jeong Doo-young and decided to give the post to Vice President Huh Byung-hoon, who previously served as a chief financial officer at Shinsegae Group and Samsung affiliates. The replacement came as the construction firm suffered a 187.8 billion won ($139 million) operating loss last year and faced downgrades in its credit ratings. The nomination of Huh as the new head of our construction unit shows our groups will to take care of the construction units financial issue to the end, a Shinsegae Group official said. POSCO E&C is another construction firm that recently replaced its CEO with a financial expert. Former POSCO Holdings President Chon Jung-son, who was in charge of strategic planning and finance at the steelmaker, was appointed last month as the successor to former POSCO E&C CEO Han Sung-hee, who had led the construction firm since 2020. The new CEO is expected to prioritize financial soundness and competitiveness of POSCO E&C, which has faced difficulties due to the slowdown in the construction industry, a POSCO Group official said. Some construction firms tasked their owner family members with management. Last year, GS E&C replaced CEO Lim Byeong-yong, a professional manager, with Huh Yoon-hong, the son of the companys largest shareholder, GS Group Honorary Chairman Huh Chang-soo, to restore its tarnished brand image after a parking garage at an apartment complex in Incheon being constructed by the builder collapsed last April. Kolon Global appointed Vice Chairman Lee Kyu-ho, the oldest son of Honorary Chairman Lee Woong-yeul, as a new executive director last month. Taeyoung E&C, which is under the corporate restructuring process due to its liquidity crisis, has been led by founder Yoon Se-young, who returned to management just before the company filed for debt workout last December. Photo Courtesy: Lincolnshire Police website A 28-year-old British man stabbed his wife to death and then slashed her into over 200 pieces before dumping the remains in a river, police said. Nicholas Metson, 28, of Shuttleworth House had previously denied killing Holly Bramley (latterly Metson) after her body was discovered in Bassingham in early 2023, said Lincolnshire Police in a statement. He has admitted to the murder and is due to be sentenced on Monday (April 8, 2024). A second man, Joshua Hancock, 28, of Walnut Close in Waddington, also pleaded guilty to disposal of a corpse with intent to obstruct or prevent a coroners inquest at the same hearing, police said in a statement. He had also previously denied charges. During Friday's hearing, Judge Simon Hirst was told Metson never gave a reason behind the killing of Holly Bramley. Victim impact statements read out in court by Bramley's mother and siblings indicated the 26-year-old had been subjected to 'coercive control and manipulation' by the 'evil monster' and their marriage had "broken down irretrievably", reported BBC. The court heard that the couple was married in 2021 but they were on the verge of separation ahead of the incident. Prosecutor Gordon Aspden KC told the judge Lincolnshire Police were called to the couple's flat on 24 March 2023 because of a concern for Bramley's welfare, reported BBC. After officers visited the home, they found a strong smell of ammonia and bleach, bloodstained sheets in the bathtub and a towel on the kitchen floor. There was evidence of recent redecoration and cleaning. The police also spotted a number of large dark stains on the floor in the main bedroom, which later turned out to be Holly's blood, Aspden was quoted as saying by BBC. Police found Metson had told lies to officers. Police returned to the flat later to conduct searches. "At one point Mr Metson joked she might be hiding under the bed," said Aspden. The following day a walker "made a grim discovery" when he noticed plastic bags floating in the River Witham at Bassingham, one of which contained a human hand, he said as quoted by BBC. After murdering his wife, Metson withdrew 50 from her bank account and searched on the internet with questions such as "What benefits do I get if my wife has died" and "Can someone haunt me after they die". Photo Courtesy: IDF X page The Israel Defense Forces withdrew its manoeuvring ground forces from the Gaza Strip on Sunday, a move made at a time when the conflict between the two groups entered its sixth month. According to reports, the IDF has kept just one brigade to secure a corridor splitting the Palestinian enclave. Troops of the 98th Division were pulled out of the Khan Younis area after four straight months of fighting, the IDF said as quoted by The Times of Israel. The Nahal Brigade, which is currently in the region, has been tasked with securing the so-called Netzarim Corridor, which crosses Gaza from the Beeri area in southern Israel to the Strips coast. Rishi Sunak says UK will continue to stand by Israels right to defeat the threat from Hamas As the conflict entered its sixth month, British PM Rishi Sunak issued a statement where he said: "Six months later, Israeli wounds are still unhealed. Families still mourn and hostages are still held by Hamas." "We continue to stand by Israels right to defeat the threat from Hamas terrorists and defend their security," he said. "This terrible conflict must end. The hostages must be released. The aid which we have been straining every sinew to deliver by land, air and sea must be flooded in," he said. Highlighting the issue of ceasefire, Sunak said, "The children of Gaza need a humanitarian pause immediately, leading to a long-term sustainable ceasefire." Gaza and healthcare situation With the largest hospital in Gaza largely destroyed and out of action, access to healthcare has now become totally inadequate following six months of brutal fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants, said the World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday. Thats the assessment following a WHO-led multi-agency mission to Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza on 5 April which examined the extent of destruction following a weeks-long Israeli offensive aimed at rooting out militant forces who were allegedly operating inside. The highly complex mission was conducted in collaboration with the acting Hospital Director. Prior to the mission, WHOs efforts to reach the hospital to evacuate patients and staff and conduct an assessment, were denied, delayed or impeded six times between 25 March and 1 April. Sunday marked the completion of the sixth month since the conflict between Israel and Hamas started on October 7. The Hamas attack left 1200 people dead and beginning of the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip which has left around 33,000 people dead. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay At least two terrorists were killed during an exchange with security forces in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region on Sunday. A press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that a fire exchange took place between terrorists and security forces on Sunday night, reported Dawn News. Own troops effectively engaged the terrorists location as a result of which two terrorists were sent to hell. Weapons and explosives were also recovered from them, it said. Weapons and explosives were reportedly recovered from them. Sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country, it said. Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities in recent times ever since the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. The spike in terrorism is specially witnessed in KP and Balochistan. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash At least two persons died and seven others were hurt after a shooting incident occurred at a bar in a popular outdoor mall in the US city of Miami, media reports said. According to local law enforcement, an altercation at a martini bar at the CityPlace Doral complex broke out around 3:30 a.m. Saturday, prompting a security guard working the scene to intervene, reported NBC News. A man, who was involved in the altercation, later shot and killed a gun. Two police officers then shot and killed the alleged gunman, but not before one officer and six bystanders five men and a woman, according to police were wounded in the shootout, NBC News reported. Two of the bystanders were listed in critical condition, while the officer was listed as stable after being shot in the leg. That officer, a four-year veteran of the force, applied a tourniquet on himself immediately after being struck, Doral Police Department Chief Edwin Lopez was quoted as saying by the news portal. An individual, who was identified as a man with whom the gunman was arguing, has been taken into custody. The City of Doral Police Department alongside the Miami Dade Police Department and the Federal Department of Law Enforcement have been working to probe the cause of the gunfire, said the Doral Police Department on social media. The United States has by far the highest rate of gun-related deaths among wealthy countries. Over 4,200 people died and more than 7,500 others were injured from gun violence in the country so far in 2024, according to the Gun Violence Archive, Xinhua reported. Looking for a good read that explores the complexities of love? Here are some of the best books about love to dive into right now: Pinterest 1) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen This timeless classic follows the spirited Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates the challenges of love, class, and societal expectations in 19th-century England. Full of wit, romance, and unforgettable characters, it's a must-read for any literature lover. 2) The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks A heartwarming tale of love, loss, and second chances, "The Notebook" follows the enduring romance between Noah and Allie, whose love story spans decades and defies the odds. Set against the backdrop of the American South, this novel is sure to tug at your heartstrings. Pinterest 3) Me Before You by Jojo Moyes This poignant love story follows the unlikely relationship between Louisa Clark, a quirky young woman, and Will Traynor, a wealthy quadriplegic. As they embark on a transformative journey together, they discover the power of love, friendship, and the courage to live life to the fullest. 4) The Fault in Our Stars by John Green Told from the perspective of teenagers Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, this heartrending novel explores the beauty and fragility of life and love in the face of terminal illness. Their unconventional love story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, leaving a lasting impression on readers. 5) Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert In this memoir, Gilbert chronicles her journey of self-discovery and healing after a devastating divorce by traveling to Italy, India, and Indonesia. Along the way, she explores the nature of love, spirituality, and the pursuit of happiness, inspiring readers to embrace life's adventures and embrace love in all its forms. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert 6) The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger This unique love story follows Henry DeTamble, a man with a genetic disorder that causes him to involuntarily time travel, and his wife Clare Abshire, who patiently waits for him throughout his unpredictable journeys. Through its inventive narrative structure, the novel explores the enduring power of love and the complexities of relationships. 7) Outlander by Diana Gabaldon Blending elements of historical fiction, romance, and time travel, "Outlander" tells the epic tale of Claire Randall, a WWII nurse who finds herself transported back in time to 18th-century Scotland. As she navigates this unfamiliar world, she encounters Jamie Fraser, a dashing Scottish warrior, and embarks on a passionate love affair that transcends time and space. Whether you're in the mood for classic romance, contemporary drama, or adventurous tales, these books offer captivating stories that celebrate the many facets of love. So grab a cozy blanket, curl up with one of these novels, and get ready to be swept away on an unforgettable journey! For more on lifestyle, astrology and health from around the world please visit Indiatimes Lifestyle. The Directorate of Education (DOE) issued the Delhi School Calendar 2024 giving the vacation schedule for the upcoming summer break for all government and government-aided schools in Delhi. According to the calendar, instead of the one-month summer break, this year, schools in the national capital will have holidays for one month and 19 days. BCCL Summer vacation for Delhi schools The 2024 summer vacation will start from May 11 and continue till June 30. Students will also be given projects and assignments during this break. This will mean that schools in Delhi will remain open for 220 days in the 2024 academic year. The DOE has directed all schools to ensure that studies are conducted over all 220 days and that holidays are planned accordingly. Heat waves in north and central India The extended summer vacation in Delhi coincides with the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) prediction of heat waves in Central and Northern India. BCCL The intensity of heat is expected to be the highest in May-June, especially over Central India. IMD heat wave prediction In its summer forecast, the IMD had said that there was a high probability that certain regions will experience 10-20 days of heat waves between April and June, compared to the usual 4-8 days. Last week, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had directed states and Union territories to chalk out a plan to mitigate heat wave impact. BCCL Advisory on heat waves "Timely, advance and wide awareness among the people on the preventive measures will hugely support in reducing the severe impact of such heat waves," the minister said. Since the beginning of April, temperatures of 40 to 42 degrees Celsius have been recorded in many parts of the country, due to which the risk of heat stroke has increased, Mandaviya said. He stressed on taking special care of children and the elderly at home. BCCL In case of symptoms of heat stroke, one should go to nearest community health centre, Ayushman Mandir, or consult a doctor in the district hospital, Mandaviya said. An advisory on heat waves was issued to all the states by the Ministry of Health on February 29, along with which the action plan prepared by the National Centre for Disease Control for the states and Do's and Don'ts for the general public were shared. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. In the midst of the recent placement season at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, a BTech student encountered unexpected hurdles in his pursuit of employment. Despite the renowned reputation of the institution, securing a high-paying job proved to be a daunting task for this individual. Resorting to unconventional methods, such as reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn, yielded little success, leaving the student disheartened. Representational Image Speaking to TOI regarding the 2024 placement season, the student described it as lacklustre, particularly for postgraduate and PhD candidates who faced additional challenges. With the placement process unfolding in three phases, from December to May, many students found themselves exploring alternative avenues after failing to secure positions during the initial rounds. Dheeraj Singh, an IIT Kanpur alumnus and founder of the Global IIT Alumni Support Group, explained to TOI the the prevalent dissatisfaction among students, both with the on-campus placement opportunities and the offered pay packages. The evolving job market landscape, coupled with the recession, has further compounded the challenges faced by aspiring graduates. Despite diligent preparation spanning several days, students encountered unexpected demands during interviews, particularly in niche areas like artificial intelligence and machine learning. The disparity between skill sets sought by employers and those possessed by students contributed to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. In response to TOI's inquiries, IIT-Delhi officials emphasised the institution's commitment to supporting students in their career pursuits through various initiatives, including alumni engagement and networking events. The outcome of the placement season underscored broader trends in the job market, with students grappling with uncertainty and exploring alternative paths to success. While some found solace in securing placements with startups or smaller firms, others continued to navigate the challenges of an increasingly competitive landscape. As students reflect on their experiences and chart their paths forward, the broader implications of the evolving job market landscape remain a topic of concern and discussion among stakeholders within the academic community. Bengaluru police were kept busy as they nabbed five individuals involved in a rather bizarre case. The plot thickened as it turned out that two of the culprits were none other than colleagues of the victim! The victim, Suresh, an auditor at a private firm, found himself in the spotlight after a disturbing video surfaced online. In the footage, a gang of goons can be seen giving Suresh a taste of their wrath, armed with nothing but an iron rod and a dash of misguided rage. Umashankar and Vinesh, fellow coworkers of Suresh, were revealed to be the masterminds behind this unconventional office dispute. Apparently, they weren't too thrilled with Suresh's knack for efficiency, dubbing it as "typical manager" behavior. Their bone of contention? Suresh's relentless push for faster transaction clearances, a move that rubbed the duo the wrong way. So, what did they do? Well, like any rational individuals, they allegedly decided to outsource their frustrations to a group of goons. Social media exploded with shock and dismay upon witnessing the ghastly video. One netizen even pondered, What's happening in Bangalore these days? First, it's corruption, now it's assaults and road rage! Truly, a tale straight out of a workplace sitcom gone wrong! The African nation of Botswana has issued an unusual 'threat' to Germany -- to flood that country with 20,000 elephants. The move is in response to German efforts to restrict trophy hunting, a controversial practice of which African countries like Botswana are beneficiaries. Unsplash What is trophy hunting Trophy hunting is the hunting of wildlife for sport by wealthy hunters who pay large sums to shoot wild animals including tigers, lions and elephants. The hunters also get to take home parts of the animal's body including head, bones, or skin as trophies. The controversial practice is a massive source of income for some impoverished nations like Botswana which argue that the money earned from it, at least in part goes into conservation efforts. Why Germany, UK want to restrict trophy hunting Recently Germany's environment ministry had suggested there should be stricter limits on importing trophies from hunting animals. Unsplash Last month, UK MPs had voted to support a ban on importing hunting trophies. However, Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi argues that such restrictions will only result in people of his country living in poverty. How Botswana has responded In response to the German move, President Masisi said his country would gift 20,000 elephants to Germany so that Germans could learn to live with the animals the same way they had been telling his people should. Masisi also made it clear that he was not joking and wouldn't take no for an answer. Unsplash Botswana's Wildlife Minister Dumezweni Mthimkhulu last month threatened to send 10,000 elephants to London's Hyde Park so British people could "have a taste of living alongside" them. Botswana's problem of too many elephants Botswana, a landlocked country that is spread across an area of 581,730 square kilometres is home to a third of the world's elephant population. Unsplash According to estimates, there are around 130,000 elephants in Botswana. According to the authorities due to conservation efforts and a ban on trophy hunting in 2014, the elephant population there has exploded. Botswana lifted the trophy hunting ban in 2019 due to protests by locals amid an increase in human-animal conflict. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Srinivas Pallia: Wipro's Board of Directors at a meeting held on April 6, approved the appointment of Srinivas Pallia as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Company with effect from April 7, 2024, for five years. Pallia assumes the position of CEO and MD, succeeding Thierry Delaporte, who resigned from his role effective April 6. Wipro Limited the Company, effective immediately. He succeeds Thierry Delaporte, who, after spearheading a significant transformation at Wipro for the last four years, is stepping down to pursue passions outside the workplace. Srini has been with Wipro for over three decades and most recently served as the CEO for Americas 1, Wipro's biggest and fastest-growing strategic market. In this role, he oversaw diverse industry sectors, established their vision, and implemented growth strategies, resulting in increased market shares within these sectors. Srini is a member of the Wipro Executive Board. Photo: fortuneindia Wipro CEO Thierry Delaporte quits Delaporte, who took over as the CEO and managing director of the global information technology, consulting and business process services company on July 6, 2020, had joined the company from Capgemini Group. He had served as the CEO and member of its executive board of Capgemini as well during his 25-year-long stint at the company. He was preceded by Abidali Neemuchwala, who had left the leadership role on June 1, 2020. Wipro on Saturday said its chief executive officer Thierry Delaporte was leaving the company effective immediately to pursue passions outside the workplace. Delaportes exit comes at a time when Wipro has been criticised for continued underperformance. The company has also seen a series of high-profile leadership exits. Who Is Srinivas Pallia? Srini joined Wipro in 1992 and has held many leadership positions, including President of Wipros Consumer Business Unit and Global head of Business Application Services. Srini brings to the CEO role extensive institutional and industry knowledge, as well as a strong track record of leadership through some of the most significant technological shifts the industry has seen. Here is a summary of Wipro's New MD and CEO Srinivas Pallia's profile: Rinivas Pallia has built a career spanning over three decades at Wipro. He has a deep understanding and extensive experience across Wipro's various geographies, functions, service lines, and business units. Pallia is dedicated to ensuring client satisfaction and consistently delivering results. His firsthand experience with significant technological changes and industry transformations has contributed to Wipro's success. Since joining Wipro in 1992, Pallia has held various leadership roles, including President of the Consumer Business Unit and Global Head of Business Application Services. Most recently, he served as the CEO for Americas 1, Wipro's largest and fastest-growing market. Pallia played a crucial role in defining the vision and implementing growth strategies across different industry sectors. He holds a bachelor's degree in engineering and a master's in management studies from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Pallia has enhanced his leadership skills through programs at Harvard Business School and the McGill Executive Institute. Outside of work, Pallia, also known as Srini, enjoys hiking. For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here The 2023 pay package of Boeing's CEO, who recently announced his departure in the midst of a safety crisis, rose about 45 percent to nearly $33 million, the U.S. planemaker said on Friday. Boeing said much of CEO Dave Calhoun's compensation is in deferred stock that has fallen in value following a January mid-air panel blowout. The adjusted value of Calhoun's total 2023 compensation is $24.8 million, the company said in a regulatory filing. Boeing shares have tumbled nearly 30 percent this year as the company wrestles with quality concerns from regulators and customers following the Jan. 5 blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 jet. The proxy does not mention an exit package for Calhoun, who announced on March 25 that he will step down from the top job by year-end. In 2022, he received $22.6 million in total compensation, according to the filing. Calhoun's potential retirement payouts were valued at more than $44 million as of year end 2023, the filing showed. Production of Boeing's strong-selling 737 MAX has slipped in recent weeks as U.S. regulators step up factory checks and the planemaker seeks to boost quality. European rival Airbus has extended its lead in the market for single-aisle jets. The crisis led to a broad management shakeup with Boeing board chair Larry Kellner and Stan Deal, head of the commercial planes business, also leaving. Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Pope has replaced Deal. The board's new chair, Steve Mollenkopf, told shareholders in Friday's filing: "I promise that I personally, and we as a board will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to get this company to where it needs to be." Calhoun took home $5 million in pay in 2023 after declining to be considered for his $2.8 million bonus, compared with $7 million in 2022. Earlier filings show Calhoun did not receive a bonus over the last three years. Deal earned $2.6 million in actual pay in 2023 and his total compensation jumped 42 percent to $12.5 million, although Boeing estimates the current value at $9.7 million. Boeing's board also decided this year that the value of long -term executive officer awards would be reduced by the percentage decline in the company's stock price since the blowout and the 2024 award date. Due to that reduction, Calhoun will receive an award of $13.25 million in 2024, compared with a target of $17 million. A year earlier, the award was $21.25 million. After two separate 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed a combined 346 people, Boeing had revamped its executive compensation policies to emphasize product safety and quality. In 2024, for Boeing's commercial airplanes, safety and quality will be assigned a weighting of 60 percent when deciding annual incentives, compared with a 40 percent weighting for financial performance. Long-term incentive awards for Boeing's executive officers will also include new metrics, such as mandating an employee culture survey to assess safety management. In February, an expert panel reviewing safety management found a "disconnect" between Boeing's senior management and employees on safety culture. Rosanna Weaver, director of wage justice & executive pay at shareholder advocacy organization As You Sow, said she thinks Boeing is doing the right thing in rewarding safety, although such efforts should have been there "in the first place." (Reuters) The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress says it wont keep calm until National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure is removed. According to NLCs spokesman, Benson Upah, despite the illegal national convention that returned Abure to office, the union would never give recognition to his leadership. Advertisement Speaking with Punch, he said: Our position on this matter is clear and has not changed. Abure remains unknown to us. It is not a question of removal. As far as we know, he does not exist. This stems from the action of a group of retired workers under the aegis of Lagos Assembly of Labour Veterans and Trade Unionists who called for the resignation of the embattled national chairman of the party and the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, over their contentious leadership struggle. READ ALSO: Electricity Tariff: Unleashing Another Reformll Push Nigeria Into Deeper Crisis Atiku The Partys presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had expressed displeasure over the manner it conducted the convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, despite his plea for wider consultation. Upah however said the issue of whether Obi should stay or leave the Party should not be debated, saying the former Governor was free to determine his destiny. The NLC, he said, cannot stand in the way of the presidential candidate should he decide to defect to another political platform. The right of choice is available to Mr Obi. If he chooses to leave the party, that is his preference. We cant sit in judgment over him on that. But if he chooses to remain, of course, Peter Obi is an asset any day. I rest my case on that, he added. Ovie Omo-Agege, former Deputy Senate President, has expressed optimism that the All Progressive Congress (APC), will eject the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State during the 2027 election. He disclosed this on Saturday while speaking to Party faithfuls in Ughelli, Ughelli South Local Government Area of the State. Advertisement Omo-Agege assured the people who welcomed him back to the State after serving twice as senator and deputy Senate President, that what took place in the 2023 governorship election, where the party lost to the ruling PDP, would not repeat itself in 2027. READ ALSO: Delta APC: Those Accusing Omo-Agege Of Working With Obi Fighting Lost Cause Aide Areh We have lost the 2023 general election but I am sure APC will take over the Delta State governorship position come 2027, he stated. He however commended the people of the State for their support during his contest for the position in 2023, urged them not to give up but to continue to support the party in future elections at all levels. Afenifere, pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, on Saturday, accused the Ministry of Power and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, of forcing Nigerians to pay for their inefficiency. NERC had on Wednesday, announced that electricity consumers on Band A would begin to pay N225 per kilowatt hour as against N68 they had been paying up till then. Advertisement Reacting, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group decried that the increase would thwart the current administrations effort at boosting the economy as businesses would shrink. Afenifere called on President Bola Tinubu to compel the Ministry of Power, to reverse the present hike, go into alternative energy sources like solar and wind, review the terms with which the 2013 exercise was carried out and be more innovative, the statement read. READ ALSO: EFCC Files Fresh 26-Count Charge Against Emefiele, To Be Arraigned Monday The group further wondered how businesses could flourish with 300 percent increase just within 24 hours of its announcement. If the relevant government agencies are to be sincere with Nigerians, what they should do is to first ensure regular and efficient supply of electricity before acceding to increase in payment for services that are being poorly rendered. A rough calculation indicated that a person on Band A who was paying an average of N50,000 per month (on N68 per kWh) would now have to pay N170,000 for the same service. Note the increase! It is noteworthy that the Ministry and its agency, the NERC, are interested in the revenue that would be generated rather than first ensuring regular and efficient supply. This is in contradiction to the claim that the government agencies care about the pains of Nigerians, the statement added. Shade Ladipo, a television celebrity, recommended women to pray to God for a kind man when looking for a future husband. The Canadian-born Nigerian said this on an edition of the Bahd and Boujee podcast, which is hosted by Tolani Baj and Moet Abebe. Advertisement Shade, who just revealed her divorce, stated that she is already dating another man in Lagos. She expressed how loving this man is for her and how he takes care to reduce the stress in her life. This spurred her advice, as she stated that she believes all women should receive this type of care. Its simpler for a woman to submit in that kind of relationship, in Shades opinion, because her mans level of responsibility embodies true manhood. Tolani and Moet Abebe concurred, stating that it should be standard practice for men in partnerships to respect their partners in this manner. READ MORE: My Heart Goes Out To Him, Be Strong James Brown Declares Support For Bobrisky If youre praying for a husband, dont pray for anything else, pray for kindness, Im not joking, Im seeing someone now, hes a Nigerian, natural mans man, if Im wearing hills hell never let me open the door of the car, we have our issues of course like normal but you see theres something he does naturally, this man doesnt wait, he drops me off at work she said in part. SEE POST: The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Sunday, reacted to reports suggesting a exist from the Party amidst its ongoing leadership crisis. In a chat with newsmen in Gombe State after donating a borehole to the ram market in Tike Pantami on Sunday, Obi dismissed speculations of joining the Social Democratic Party. Recall that Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) through its spokesman Benson Upah, stated that the congress would not obstruct his leave the Party. Advertisement The right of choice is available to Mr Obi. If he chooses to leave the party, that is his preference. We cant sit in judgment over him on that. But if he chooses to remain, of course, Peter Obi is an asset any day. I rest my case on that, he had said. Reacting while fielding questions, Obi said, No, there is no such thing. Im for peace, I like peace. I believe we are one people. Our concentration should be on peace, and I believe that we will resolve all situations. READ ALSO: Abure Doesnt Exist, Obi Is Free To Leave Labour Party NLC While reacting to a possible collaboration with former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, the LP candidate said, Well, Im more interested now in Nigerias success today than tomorrow. We are always concentrating on the election rather than what Nigerians are going through. My commitment is about Nigerians living in a better society, given a better life, and thats my concern. Decrying the increased electricity tariff for Band A consumers by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Obi urged stakeholders to be strategic, saying, We should all think it through, see how we can provide remedy. How we can deal with it, especially as it concerns the poor areas? Everywhere in the world, those living in Band A areas pay more while those in rural areas are subsidised. That is how it works. The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said that the military can solve the security challenges facing the country. The former governor of Kano State, stated this while addresing newsmen shortly after the NNPP National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on Friday. Kwankwaso said that although, it was the responsibility of the Federal Government to address the security challenge, Nigerians also had a crucial role to play by supplying vital information to security agencies. Advertisement READ MORE: Peter Obi, Atiku, Kwankwaso, To Form Mega Party, Challenge Tinubu In 2027 Pat Utomi He said: As former Minister of Defence, a former Chief Security Officer of Kano State for eight years, somebody who has gone around and well exposed in this game of politics, I believe that tackling security challenge is now on the shoulders of the Federal Government. We have seen states forming some security outfits. Sometimes, you laugh. The level at which it is today is at the level of Nigerian military, and anything short of that wouldnt work. And everybody must work together to make sure there is peace in this country. Some of us who are from the villages and even towns, we can remember how our people were going to farms. Now people cannot go to the farm. They are also being chased from their villages and towns. Our children are daily abused and taken away by criminals and bandits in hundreds. Bello Bodejo, President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, has disclosed that the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, was behind the establishment of the ethnic militia group, Kungiya Zaman Lafiya. The Miyetti Allahs President, who is facing terrorism charges, was arrested by operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency in January at the groups office in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa for allegedly unveiling a militia group. He was arraigned before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on three counts of terrorism on March 22, and was specifically accused of establishing the militia without authorisation. Advertisement The offence was said to be punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. In his confessional statement sighted by Punch, Bodejo alleged that the State governor pressurized him to form the militia His words, I was arrested because of the vigilantes I paraded in Nasarawa State. Sometime in early January 2024, Governor Sule called me and said that he wanted me to see him concerning a Fulani group called Kungiya Zaman Lafiya, which I told him I didnt know about. The governor said what he called me for was because all the governors had agreed to form vigilante groups in their states like Katsina State had done, but he did not want to organise his like other state governors. He said he wanted to use all those who participated in the political rally before the election. And he intended to link them with the Army and they would work for him as vigilantes. The governor asked if I could work with Akajo, the leader of the group and I told him that I couldnt come down to work with Akajo because I am from the national level. Later, I called Akajo to meet me and we discussed how to operate the Kungiya Zaman Lafiya in the state. I told the Emir of Lafia that people complained about the group and I didnt like them. However, I asked Akajo about the number of his men. He said there were about 700 men. I demanded for their ID cards which he showed me; the ID cards were authorised and signed by the CSO to the Nasarawa State governor. About two weeks later, Governor A. A. Sule called me to come with Akajo. Bodejo who stated that he met with Akajo and Sule at the Governors Lodge in Abuja said despite informing the Governor of the negative narratives about Akajos group, he insisted that he (Bodejo) worked with him. So, I left Bauchi and sent for Akajo to meet me at the Governors Lodge. When I got to the lodge, I met Akajo with the governor. The governor enquired what was happening between me and Akajo. I told him that Akajo and his group were spoiling the good name of the governor by causing crises, stealing cattle, and killing people. They went and cleared the Toto LGA problem. When they got there, they gathered Fulani and harassed them. The Fulani ran away, leaving the cattle. Akajo and his group gathered the cattle and sold them. The governor insisted that I should work with him, he added. READ ALSO: FG Arraigns Miyetti Allahs Bodejo On Three-Count Terrorism Charge The Miyetti Allah leader claimed that other people from Nasarawa, Obi, and Kyana Local Government Areas of the State who were meant to join Akajos group pulled out because Akajo failed to give them their share of the fund released by the Governor. I told the governor that I requested for the groups list from Akajo so that I could join it with my people to make up the 2,000 and that he had not given me. The governor said we should have a meeting in Lafia. During the meeting, I told the Ardos what the governor wanted to do with the Kuniya Zaman Lafiya and they bought the idea. During the meeting, one member of the Kunya Zaman Lafiya complained that they were not benefiting from anything. I immediately called the governor to inform him. The governor affirmed that all funds were released to Akajo for the group, so it was Akajo who failed to settle them. On this revelation, the people were angered and the people from Nasarawa, Obi, and Kyana LGAs said they could not join Akajos group. The governor instructed that I should make do with the existing 700 members of the Akajo group and if possible I should make it up to 1,000, Bodejo said. Bodejo added that after the meeting, he met with one of his friends, Captain Ahmed Chiroma (retd.), who advised him to make the establishment of the group legal. According to him, Chiroma made a write-up, which they both presented to the Governor. Bodejo claimed that when the governor was presented with the write-up, he rejected it. He said, After the meeting, I met one of my friends, Captain Ahmed Chiroma (retd.), who is the deputy secretary of the Presidential Think Tank and explained everything to him. Captain advised that I make it legal; he said he would put a write-up for the governor, which he did, and the two of us went to present it to the governor. I dont know what he wrote but after the governor read the paper, he said no that he wanted to run the state the way he wanted. Bodejo said the governor then instructed him to meet with the Secretary to the State Government to discuss the cost of procuring kits for 1,000 members of the group. He added, The governor said I should meet the SSG and tell him the cost of procuring 1,000 uniforms and kits. Chiroma advised me to be careful with the governor because what he was doing was illegal. That is number one; the governor cant just carry one tribe of Fulani as vigilantes, and secondly, he cant carry one as security. He did not build schools for them, just this security vigilante group. Bodejo said the governor called him the following day to inquire about the arrangements put in place for the establishment of the group, adding that he pleaded with Sule to give him two weeks. READ ALSO: Im Innocent, Have No Criminal Record Miyetti Allahs Bodejo Not knowing what to do, Bodejo said he contacted Chiroma who advised him to establish a nomad vigilante group and register it with the Corporate Affairs Commission. He stated, The following day, I was on my way to Bauchi and the governor called me. So I stopped to see him in Lafia and he inquired about the arrangements. I told him to give us two weeks. I informed Akajo and sent a text message to Captain Chiroma, who agreed that we should meet in Bauchi. While in Bauchi, Chiroma advised that I should inform the governor that we would not use the Kungiya Zaman Lafiya, rather we would use Miyetti Allah and register it as a nomadic vigilante group. The governor said he had released funds for the uniform that I should contact the SSG, and when I contacted him (SSG), he directed me to the state Deputy Commissioner of Police. He gave me N14,500,000, but I learned that the governor gave N15,000,000. I informed Captain Chiroma about the money and he advised that we should quickly register the nomadic vigilante group with the CAC to give us cover. We registered the group and were issued a certificate. Bodejo stated that after registering the group, he got the uniforms and presented them to the governor. The Miyetti Allah leader said the governor was very angry and asked him to put Kungiya Zaman Lafiya on the badges of the uniforms. He said, We sewed the uniforms and put badges that showed the Nomadic Vigilante Group of Nigeria. When we took the sample to the governor, he asked us who told us that what he wanted was Kungiya Zaman Lafiya. He said I should remove the badges of the Nomadic Vigilante Group from the uniform and put Kungiya Zaman Lafiya. The governor was very angry with me and I left. He alleged that the Governor directed him to come with the Commissioner of Police (CP) and Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) to his office. On January 12, 2024, the governor called me and I told him I was in Bauchi. He said I should come with the state Commissioner of Police and the Director of the DSS. However, before I could arrive from Bauchi, they had finished the meeting. I met the governor after the Jummat prayer and he said I should meet him in his office. He said he had directed that we should parade the Kungiya Zaman Lafiya with the uniform on January 17, 2024. He told me that he met the Commissioner of Police and the DSS Director, he added. Bodejo said he met with the CP who was in support of the Governors directive, but the DSS director advised him to apply wisdom. He said, I met the Commissioner of Police and asked him if he supported the governors idea and he said yes. When I met the Director of DSS, he said we all knew that what the governor was doing was wrong but that he was the governor; that if I said I couldnt do it, he might tag me as an enemy of the state and sponsoring bandits. He advised me that I should be wise about it. READ ALSO: Those Who Benefited From PDP Must Rebuild It Ikpeazu The Miyetti Allah leader said he was given N7.5m out of the N15m released by the governor to convey members of the group and to book the hall for the unveiling. He said, The Deputy Commissioner of Police gave me N7,500,000 out of the N15,000,000 released by the governor for the transportation of the group members to Lafia and payment for the hall in Lafia. Bodejo said on the day of the unveiling, the Governor, his SSG, and other officials were absent. He stated, On January 17, 2024, we assembled all the members in the hall in Lafia. On getting to the venue, I did not see the governor and the SSG. I called the governor and he told me he was in Abuja because the judgment on his case would come up on January 18, 2024, at the Supreme Court and that I should continue. I asked about the SSG or any governors representative. He gave different excuses for their absence. Then I sensed trouble. He said after the exercise, he realised that the governor planned to remove him from the equation to have full control of the group to perform nefarious activities against the Fulani. The governor directed that I should march the group to the office of the Commissioner of Police after the ceremony. I did exactly that. However, it dawned on me after the whole exercise that the governors agenda was to extricate me from the state so that he could have his way to use the group to his advantage. I know that I am the only person who can stop the group from performing some nefarious activities against the Fulani. So now that I am arrested, his purpose has been accomplished because he knows that I never liked the group before he tactically involved me and backed out during the launch. When contacted, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, denied involvement in the establishment of the Kungiya Zaman Lafiya. Ahemba said, The Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, has no hand in the establishment of the Nomad Vigilante Group of Nigeria. The governor cannot authorise such an establishment when it has not been backed by the laws of the land. Governor Sule, being a man who believes in the rule of law, could not have just authorised or encouraged anyone to operate an illegal vigilante group. I am urging members of the public to disregard such misinformation and rumour because there is no truth in it. So, nobody or group of persons should drag him into a matter that he knows nothing about. The management of Elegushi Private Beach, on Saturday, denied claims by the Nigerian Navy that an illegal fuel depot was discovered on the beach facility. The stance was made during a press briefing, even as they threatened to take legal action if the defamatory statement is not retracted. Recall that the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, in a statement on Tuesday, said it discovered an illegal fuel depot with about 6,5000 litres of Automative Gasoline Oil in Lekki, and arrested five suspects linked to the illegal activity after credible intelligence was received on suspicious activities that took place at Elegushi Beach. Advertisement Reacting, Yusuf Olowo, the beachs Social Manager, said the spot where the suspects were arrested was not close to the private beach. It has come to our attention that our friends in the media mistakenly associated our beach with these illegal activities; however, the arrest was made at a house located at 3 Silverbird Road, Ilasan, Lekki. READ ALSO: Lagos: Navy Uncovers Illegal Depot With 65,000 Ltrs Of Diesel, Nabs Five Upon thorough verification, including visitation by our management delegation to the specified location, it has been confirmed that this location does not share any geographical proximity with Elegushi Private Beach. The impact of this report, if left uncorrected, could have severe implications not only on our business but also on the trust and safety perceptions of our esteemed guests, he said. Please be informed that we are prepared to take legal action to defend the reputation of Elegushi Private Beach if these corrections are not made promptly. We believe it is in our mutual interest to resolve this matter amicably and without recourse to legal proceedings, Olowo warned. Asishana Okauru, Director-General of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), says the decisions of the remaining 20 State Governors on the proposed establishment of State Police are expected to be submitted in four weeks time. Recall that 16 state governors had earlier thrown their weight behind the establishment as a method for combating insecurity at the State level in the country. The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Media and Communication, Stanley Nwkocha, had earlier disclosed that 16 out of the 36 states already submitted their reports on the state policing initiative. Advertisement However, Okauru explained that it became clear after the NGFs last meeting that there was a need for the governors to speed up whatever report they were putting together in respect of state police and submit it. The official position of the forum is in favour of state police. I dont know of any state that is not in support of state police. I can tell you that I dont know of any state not in support of the idea. That the governors have not submitted their reports for now is not saying they are not in support of it (state police). READ ALSO: Things Nigerians Must Do To Keep Dollar Below N1300 Reno Omokri They are in the process of submitting their reports and I can tell you that in the next couple of weeks that would have been resolved. This is the only way to go. The forum has come a long way. So, theres a very strong consensus in support of state police. Asked if funding would be a major challenge for the state police, the NGF Director-General added that the government should begin to think about innovative ways to fund the security architecture of the country. Even the way the police structure is configured, funding is still an issue. So, the funding issue will always be there. In some other countries, the police institution is to some extent revenue-generating. You know, it has revenue-generating potential. I mean, if done well, you know that everybody will agree to it. Lets accept that the funding issue will always be there whether it is done centrally or you are for state police. Another point that must be made is that it is not because some states have not submitted their reports that the idea hasnt taken off. It became very clear after the last meeting that they needed to speed up whatever report they were putting together in respect of state police and submit it. So, a maximum of about four weeks, and it should be done, he added. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on Thursday, February 15, 2024, agreed on the need to establish state police as recommended by state governors to curb rising insecurity in the country. The Presidency, on Saturday, announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue his official duties during the Eid-el-Fitr holidays. To his end, Tinubu will depart the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, for Lagos to observe this years Eid-el-Fitr today, Sunday. Advertisement The Presidents trip was made public by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale via a statement. READ ALSO: Be Sincere With Nigerians, Stop Forcing Us To Pay For Inefficiency Afenifere To Power Ministry President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja, the Nations Capital, for Lagos on Sunday ahead of Eid-el-Fitr. In deference to the solemn occasion, which marks the end of Ramadan, the President will observe the moment in prayers for Nigeria and with family. The President will continue official duties during and after the Eid-el-Fitr holidays, the statement reads. Rwandans are commemorating 30 years since the genocide in which an estimated 800,000 people were killed by government-backed extremists, shattering the small East African country that continues to grapple with the horrific legacy of the massacres. Rwanda has shown strong economic growth in the years since, but scars remain and there are questions about whether genuine reconciliation has been achieved under the long rule of President Paul Kagame, whose rebel movement stopped the genocide and seized power. Kagame, who is praised by many for bringing relative stability but vilified by others for his intolerance of dissent, will lead somber commemoration events Sunday in the capital, Kigali. Foreign visitors include a delegation led by Bill Clinton, the U.S. president during the genocide, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Kagame will light a flame of remembrance and lay a wreath at a memorial site holding the remains of 250,000 genocide victims in Kigali. The killings were ignited when a plane carrying then-President Juvenal Habyarimana, a Hutu, was shot down over Kigali. The Tutsis were blamed for downing the plane and killing the president. and became targets in massacres led by Hutu extremists that lasted over 100 days in 1994. Some moderate Hutus who tried to protect members of the Tutsi minority were also killed. Rwandan authorities have long blamed the international community for ignoring warnings about the killings, and some Western leaders have expressed regret. Clinton, after leaving office, cited the Rwandan genocide as a failure of his administration. French President Emmanuel Macron, in a prerecorded video ahead of the Sundays ceremonies, said on Thursday that France and its allies could have stopped the genocide but lacked the will to do so . Macrons declaration came three years after he acknowledged the overwhelming responsibility of France Rwandas closest European ally in 1994 for failing to stop Rwandas slide into the slaughter. Rwandas ethnic composition remains largely unchanged since 1994, with a Hutu majority. The Tutsis account for 14 percent and the Twa just 1 percent of Rwanda's 14 million people. Kagames Tutsi-dominated government has outlawed any form of organization along ethnic lines, as part of efforts to build a uniform Rwandan identity. National ID cards no longer identify citizens by ethnic group, and authorities imposed a tough penal code to prosecute those suspected of denying the genocide or the "ideology behind it. Some observers say the law has been used to silence critics who question the governments policies. Rights groups have accused Kagames soldiers of carrying out some killings during and after the genocide in apparent revenge, but Rwandan authorities see the allegations as an attempt to rewrite history. Kagame has previously said that his forces showed restraint in the face of genocide. Kagame is expected to give a speech and a night vigil will be held later on Sunday as part of a week of remembrance activities. Naphtal Ahishakiye, the head of Ibuka, a prominent group of survivors, told The Associated Press that keeping the memory of the genocide alive helps fight the mentality that allowed neighbors to turn on each other, killing even children. Mass graves are still being discovered across Rwanda 30 years later, a reminder of the scale of the killings . Its a time to learn what happened, why it happened, what are the consequences of genocide to us as genocide survivors, to our country, and to the international community, said Ahishakiye. He said his country has come a long way since the 1990s, when only survivors and government officials participated in commemoration events. But today even those who are family members of perpetrators come to participate. Kagame, who grew up a refugee in neighboring Uganda, has been Rwandas de facto ruler, first as vice president from 1994 to 2000, then as acting president. He was voted into office in 2003 and has since been reelected multiple times. A candidate for elections set for July, he won the last election with nearly 99 percent of the vote . Rights activists and others say the authoritarian Kagame has created a climate of fear that discourages open and free discussion of national issues. Critics have accused the government of forcing opponents to flee, jailing or making them disappear while some are killed under mysterious circumstances. Kagames most serious political rivals are his Tutsi ex-comrades now living in exile. Though mostly peaceful, Rwanda also has had troubled relations with its neighbors. Recently, tensions have flared with Congo , with the two countries leaders accusing one another of supporting armed groups. Relations have been tense with Burundi as well over allegations that Kigali is backing a rebel group attacking Burundi. And relations with Uganda are yet to fully normalize after a period of tensions stemming from Rwandan allegations that Uganda was backing rebels opposed to Kagame. (AP) A yet to be identified truck has reportedly crushed two persons to death on Saturday, in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. It was gathered that the incident happened along the Ore-Okitipupa Expressway, in the Idi Mango area of the community, involved a truck and a motorcycle. A source who told PUNCH said that the accident was a result of the motorcyclists recklessness. Advertisement The source added that the motorcycle slipped and rammed into the truck which was coming from the opposite direction. He, noted that the driver of the truck escaped from the scene for fear of being lynched. The source said: The motorcycle slipped and rammed into the truck which was coming from Okitipupa. READ MORE: 11 Burnt To Death In Ondo Road Accident The two boys who are siblings died on the spot. The driver of the truck ran away while the truck has been taken to the police station in Ore. However, the state Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr Ezekiel SonAllah, confirmed the incident, adding that, the accident occurred due to wrong overtaking and speed limit violations. SonAllah said: Two people died in the accident, and it was a result of wrong overtaking and speed limit violation. The victims corpses were deposited at the mortuary of the General Hospital Ore. The crashed vehicles were handed over to NPF, Ore Division. Ahead of Edo, Ondo gubernatorial election, the All Progressives Congress, has vowed to win the forthcoming polls in the respective states. It was gathered that the APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, made this known while addressing newsmen at the partys National Secretariat in Abuja, on Saturday. Duru reassured the 16 aspirants vying for the APCs nomination in the Ondo state governorship election, scheduled for November 16, 2024, of a fair and transparent primary election. Advertisement He emphasized the partys commitment to an open and equitable selection process that will determine the partys candidate. He said: Edo has become a test case. They know that the party is resolute in determining, through a process that is free, who the candidate of the party would be. READ MORE: APC Will Reclaim Delta In 2027 Omo-Agege Assures For the few who felt they would need to go to court, as we would always expect, there were three sixty-degree turnarounds. They came to the negotiation table, had a handshake, and now we have a formidable team. We believe that APC would win Edo state. Mo Keys hoses down the weirs of a sewage settlement tank at the Borough of Conshohocken Authority wastewater treatment plant on East Elm Street. The borough council was considering selling the sewer system, but decided to retain it after public opposition mounted. Read more Lisa Lilick and Carol Smith struggled to get fellow Conshohocken residents to pay attention to their campaign opposing the sale of the boroughs sewer system. Who wants to think about boring wastewater when theres a pandemic going on? Then Carol, she did the little thing with a toilet, said Lilick. Advertisement The little thing was a simple image that Smith dug up on a Google search, a cartoon commode with a worried expression and the palm of its hand held up. No to sewer sale, the cartoon toilet intoned. Bad for residents, seniors, fixed income. Lilick said her online posts about sewer rates suddenly found an audience. A Facebook page was launched, local bloggers took note, a petition was organized, and yard signs went up. Scores of angry residents tuned in to borough Zoom meetings, worried that their elected officials were trying to pull a fast one. The campaign worked. The Conshohocken council voted abruptly on March 17 to walk away from a $52 million offer for the sewer system, which council had been quietly exploring for two years. Afterward, Council President Colleen Leonard scolded residents to become a little more involved instead of waiting until youre in a panic mode and really dont have all the facts you need to really decide something. If what we have here is failure to communicate, Conshohocken is not alone. Grassroots campaigns have emerged in several towns around Philadelphia opposing sales of municipal water and wastewater systems, energized by distrustful residents who fear their towns are trading a one-time cash windfall for perpetual higher sewer rates under private owners. In Norristown, the seat of Montgomery County just up the Schuylkill from Conshohocken, a citizen opposition group organized after the municipal council voted in June to sell its sewer system for $82 million. The group, Norristown Opposes Privatization Efforts, or NOPE, gathered more than 2,000 signatures that would have forced a repeal referendum on the ballot. The buyer, Aqua Pennsylvania, walked away in December. I think the average resident felt they were getting the wool pulled over their eyes, said Councilman Hakim Jones, one of two council members who voted against the sale. He said the NOPE activists did more education on the matter in a small period of time than we were able to do as a municipality in a full year and a half. NOPEs success inspired it to broaden its horizons. Renamed Neighbors Opposing Privatization Efforts, NOPE helped organize the Conshohocken campaign, and is now advising residents in Towamencin, a Montgomery County township that is studying a potential sewer sale, said David McMahon, a founder. Its also advising a citizens group in Carteret County, N.C., which in February agreed to sell its system to Aqua. McMahon said local officials considering a sewer system sale may comply with laws requiring such transactions to be advertised, but they often couch the deal in language not understood by the public, and downplay the negative long-term rate impact. Residents in an area dont know whats happening until its over basically, said McMahon, a scenery builder for films and television. Anti-privatization advocacy groups, such as Food and Water Watch, which assists local activist groups, say that public opposition to utility sales is not unusual, or new. Weve seen this in Democratic cities, or rural conservative towns, said Mary Grant, the director of Food and Water Watchs campaign against water privatizations. Its pretty common when these companies are aggressively trying to take over the water system or sewer system that people react negatively. Officials from Aqua, the second-largest private water and wastewater operator in the state after Pennsylvania American Water, said the number of towns where organized opposition has developed has increased only in proportion to the growing number of acquisitions underway. What youre seeing is the volume of municipal transactions has really started to gallop, said Chris Franklin, chief executive of Essential Utilities, the Bryn Mawr parent company of Aqua. In many towns where Aqua is active, he said there is no opposition to a sale. In others, he said, people are saying their piece and in some cases, its more active than others. The frenzy of acquisitions in Pennsylvania is driven by a 2016 state law that encourages the consolidation of smaller water and wastewater systems under private ownership. The law, called Act 12, allows investor-owned utilities to pay an appraised fair-market value for an acquired system, rather than its lower depreciated cost or book value, and then to recoup the costs through higher rates. Fair-value laws, enacted in about a dozen states, have triggered a land rush by private buyers to pay top dollar for systems. Some acquisitive public authorities have also increased their offering prices to compete with private companies -- Conshohockens preferred bidder was the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority, which has acquired systems in Montgomery and Chester Counties. Under either public or private ownership, the higher price is passed on to customers through higher rates. New Jersey also approved a fair-value law, but bidders are only allowed to recoup the higher market value they pay for municipal systems that can show they are in financial distress, so there are fewer acquisitions. In Pennsylvania, there is no such restriction. Officials from five states told the U.S. General Accountability Office that one potential disadvantage of fair-market value laws is their potential to increase a utilitys rates, according to a GAO report released Monday. Five studies examined by the GAO found that average water rates charged by private for-profit utilities are about $15 to $21 higher per month than the rates charged by public water utilities. Private utilities have an incentive to generate a return for investors, the GAO said, while public utilities may need to respond to political pressures to keep rates low for all residents. Every municipality has a different reason for approving or rejecting a privatization, and different circumstances -- they may require significant infrastructure investments that would be better managed by a larger private entity, or already have high rates. Some towns just want to get out of the sewer business and focus on core public services. Some places have really bad sewer systems that are becoming very expensive to fix and they dont have the revenue to fix them, said Chris Manero, president of Plymouth Township Council in Montgomery County. And some places have seen the chance to get a lot of cash. Plymouth Township explored a sale in 2019 but opted out after holding four town-hall meetings because projected increases were too high, said Manero. The township will find some other way to pay for $15 million in needed renovations to municipal buildings, he said. But having gone through the exercise of examining and rejecting a sale two years ago, Plymouth officials were worried this year when neighboring Conshohocken was considering selling its system. Conshohocken treats sewage from part of Plymouth, which would have realized higher rates if Conshohocken sold its system, while reaping none of the benefits. Plymouth Townships anxiety over the sale of a neighboring towns system highlights another challenge of privatization that potentially pits town vs. town: Municipal sewer systems are often interconnected with neighboring towns, since sewer mains mostly flow downhill. One towns decision to sell may impact customers in another municipality. Such is the case in York, Pa., where Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of Camden-based American Water Works Co. Inc., last month announced it will buy the York City Sewer Authority for $235 million. The sale will bail out the financially distressed city. But several surrounding towns whose customers pay York to treat their sewage will see higher rates. Those towns say they are examining their legal options. Pennsylvania American also has signed agreements with Valley Township in Chester County and Royersford borough and Upper Pottsgrove Township in Montgomery County. Aqua has six acquisitions underway, at a cost of $438 million, the largest of which is a contentious $276 million acquisition of Delaware Countys sewer system, DELCORA. That deal is tied up in court, but Franklin, the Aqua CEO, talks about it as though a successful conclusion is inevitable. Based on the approximate rate base of $438 million, these signed agreements are expected to generate about $22 million of incremental annual income when theyre fully earning, and these are great examples of our acquisition strategy at work, Franklin told investment analysts in February during an Essential Utilities quarterly earnings teleconference. Franklin lives in Willistown Township, an affluent Chester County community around Malvern that agreed in January to sell its sewer system for $17.5 million to Aqua. The Willistown sale pits the towns sewer customers vs. homeowners with septic systems. Sewer customers, who paid for the Willistown system with past fees and make up about half of the townships residences, say they will now face higher rates under Aqua ownership. For them, its a question of equity -- half of the town will pay more after the transaction, but the whole town, including septic customers, will benefit from the proceeds of the sale. Basically, public officials love to get their hands on free money, right? said Henry Yordan, a sewer customer who helped organize an opposition group, Concerned Willistown Sewer Customers. They have all this free money, and they didnt have to go to the whole town to say, `Hey, were increasing your tax for all these wonderful things were doing. Franklins view is that Willistown is having an internal disagreement about how to deploy the sale proceeds -- sewer customers say the net earnings from the sale should be used to lower sewer rates, or get refunded to sewer customers. After a series of online town-hall meetings, Willistowns leadership appears to be leaning toward apportioning at least some of the proceeds to rate relief. (Franklin is a Willistown sewer customer, but obviously he supports the sale.) Another large transaction involving Aqua Pennsylvania is its uninvited $320 million takeover bid of the Chester Water Authority (CWA), a public water system headquartered in Chester city but whose customers are mostly in suburban Delaware and Chester Counties. The sale would bail out financially distressed Chester city, which created the authority, at the expense of suburban water customers who would pay more. The Chester Water Authority countered with a proposed $60 million takeover that would bail out the City of Chester and thwart Aquas bid. Aqua has sued, and the transaction is tied up in court. In response to public outcry, two state legislators from suburban CWA counties, State Reps. John A. Lawrence (R., Chester) and Christina D. Sappey (D., Chester), have introduced bills that would require the sale of public water systems to get voter approval. Innocent people living on fixed incomes in my district shouldnt pay for the fact that the City of Chester needs to be bailed out, said Sappey, who reintroduced her Water Payers Bill of Rights this year after it failed to get any traction last year. Weve got to find another solution to that problem. In Conshohocken, the exploration of a sewer sale was initiated two years ago as part of a review of borough assets. Like many towns, the borough has a long list of needs -- police, streets, aging municipal buildings, storm-water management -- and limited sources of funds. A sewer system sale presented an opportunity to pay for all of the boroughs $28 million wish list in one transaction. In February, the borough council approved an ordinance transferring the sewer assets from the Borough of Conshohocken Authority, which oversees the sewer system, to the borough itself. Opponents interpreted that as a signal that the council was moving to sell. The borough was not transparent, said Carol Smith, a pharmaceutical-industry retiree who serves on the Borough of Conshohocken Authority and the creator of the cartoon toilet that became the mascot of the opposition. We were told things were going to take months, they were just doing an inquiry, but the goalposts kept shifting, Smith said. We thought, `We gotta alert people to this. Borough Manager Stephanie Cecco said the borough council was not being sneaky, but careful and deliberate about considering differing views. Theres a group of people that have a loud voice and an initiative that they want to accomplish, but thats not the only dynamic that were dealing with, said Cecco. Theres a whole other part of the population of Conshohocken that doesnt understand why you turned down $52 million. Conshohocken will now consider other ways to finance needed improvements. One option is to get sewer users to pay higher fees and to take over the costs of managing and upgrading Conshohockens storm sewers, now paid out of the boroughs budget. Cecco said theres no hard feelings -- its a small borough, and residents are neighborly. For elected officials, the exercise of getting bids for the sewer system was also useful, she said. It gives them options. Now they have data in hand on the value of one of its major assets, Cecco said, which they could use in the future if they need it. The Philadelphia Inquirer is one of more than 20 news organizations producing Broke in Philly, a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the citys push toward economic justice. See all of our reporting at brokeinphilly.org. A 3-year-old girl was in extremely critical condition Saturday evening after being shot in the right eye at a home in East Germantown earlier in the day, police said. Police told The Inquirer that the girl found her fathers unsecured gun and shot herself. The bullet had entered her right eye, and exited her left eye, according to police sources with knowledge of the shooting who did not want to be identified because they were not authorized to speak publicly about it. Advertisement The wounded girl was driven in a private vehicle to Einstein Medical Center about 1:15 p.m., police said. The child was flown to St. Christophers Hospital for Children, police said. Investigators recovered a gun inside the home on the 500 block of East Chelten Avenue, and police took a man into custody for questioning, said Cpl. Jasmine Reilly, a spokesperson for the department. The girl was the second child shot at a Philadelphia home in nine days. On March 28, a 4-year-old girl in Northwest Philadelphia was hospitalized in stable condition after she accidentally shot herself while playing with a gun she found in a relatives bedroom. Police interviewed three adults, including the girls mother, who were in the home at the time. It is unknown whether any arrests were made in that case. According to police, 29 children under the age of 18 have been shot in Philadelphia in 2024, six of them fatally. Staff reporter Emily Bloch contributed to this article. The news of an incoming bagel spot serving "LA-style" bagels sparked a ferocious debate throughout Philly: to scoop or not to scoop? Read more A new bagel spot is coming to South Philly a relatively unremarkable occurrence amid Phillys ever-growing list of bagel shops. But this one says its different. And its sparked a ferocious debate weeks ahead of opening its doors: to scoop or not to scoop? Newcomer Slice and Schmear is taking over the former Korshak space at 10th and Morris Streets. [It will serve] bagels in the morning followed by square pizza the rest of the day, food reporter Mike Klein writes in his newsletter. Owner Aakash Patel, who dishes round pies at his Bar 1010 in Northern Liberties, says his bagels will be served as L.A.-style sandwiches: scooped out and open-face. Advertisement *Insert record scratch sound FX here* Word of the new bagel joint spread fast online, with Philadelphians questioning if bagels serve any purpose if theyre scooped out and open-face. A tweet by outgoing Inquirer editor Katie Krzaczek who lives about 100 feet from the shop garnered roughly 50,000 views within hours and dozens of hot takes. South Philadelphia is a pro-carb zone, one user wrote. Keep LA out of Philly, said another. The news even traveled to Rabbi Mordechai Lightstone, a hyper-online Chabad rabbi and social media director from New York, who like many other Jewish social media users joked that the news was another affront to their culture. The discourse has raised more questions than answers, including but not limited to what even is an LA-style bagel? Are there any merits to ordering a bagel scooped, or open-faced? Will scooping be the default at Slice and Schmear? If so, what will become of the bagels innards? And most importantly: Who wants this? Owner Patel is taking the criticism in stride, acknowledging that the Cali dough might not be for everyone. I know scooped bagels arent everyones cup of tea, but its a great alternative for those looking for a lighter option, he told The Inquirer. For me, the ratios are reminiscent of Bagel-Fuls, which I ate growing up. Heres what we do and dont know. What is an LA-style bagel? As best as we can tell, LA-style and California-style bagels are almost always open-faced meaning the sandwiches are served uncovered and exposed sometimes use sourdough starter, and are characterized as light and fluffy. But this is all open to vibes, as theres no hard and fast definition. (On Reddit, the mention of LA-style bagels being lighter and fluffier sparked a barrage of comments explaining dubiously that New York-style bagels are already light and fluffy.) California appears to be a pro-scoop state. A bagel can be ordered scooped anywhere in the country (including in Philly!) but the order placer should prepare to be hassled except in California, where scooped orders appear to fly without excessive judgment. Though there doesnt seem to be a hard and fast rule, in Patels opinion, LA style is comprised of an open-faced sandwich and sometimes, but not always, scooped. What other bagel styles are there? So glad you asked. While most of Phillys bagels are New York or East Coast style, there are a few outliers. Heres a quick rundown: New York bagels have malt and the dough is typically fermented. Theyre boiled before baking to give them that signature chew. Montreal-style bagels omit the salt and are boiled in a mixture of water and honey before baking in a wood-fired oven. The local Spread Bagelry chain classifies itself as Montreal-style. St. Louis-style bagels are considered nightmare-fueling atrocities by bagel aficionados for being cut into multiple vertical slices. It prompted a lot of memes years back, but fans insist it allows better enjoyment for toppings between the layers, especially while driving. What qualifies as a scooped bagel? We realize this might be a tough topic for some locals to grapple with. A scooped bagel carves out the interior fluff with toppings piled into the hollowed-out cavity. Bon Appetit suggests the practice grew in popularity during the late 90s and early aughts when carbs were made out to be a bogeyman. If this seems like an unfathomable idea for Philly readers, its because its not exactly a popular practice. On the East Coast, Northeasterners have historically raised their eyes at the thought of scooping bagels. Late last year, bagel scooping brought on a new wave of outrage thanks to a viral TikTok where an Angeleno bravely ordered a scooped gluten-free bagel in New York; it went about as well as youd expect. What happens to all the bagel innards? Thats to be determined, but Patel says hes scheming up some options. Theres no plans on the innards yet, he said. I was thinking bread pudding, but also thinking we wont have enough innards before they dry out. So time will tell. Why would someone order a bagel scooped or open-face? Besides attempting to save some calories, theres a case made that scooping a bagel can make more room for fillings. Others say it leaves them less full or sleepy. Its also how Jennifer Aniston and Bethenny Frankel order their bagels, if that means anything to you. Regarding the merits of ordering an open-faced sandwich, Patel says it helps avoid the cream cheese squeezing out the opposite end of the bagel upon the first bite. Will all Slice & Schmear Shop bagels be scooped by default? No! Following the initial publication of this story, Patel told The Inquirer that everything will be available unscooped by default. On Instagram, the shop featured several photos of several open-faced sandwiches featuring scooped bagels, as well as an overhead photo of wholly intact everything and presumably jalapeno and cheese bagels. Patel said Slice & Schmear will offer rotating open-faced sandwich specials, but that a lot of the ordering power remains in the hands of the customers. Which leaves us wondering which brave Philadelphian will try first? Elaine Allen of Cherry Hill buys eclipse glasses in the gift shop at the Franklin Institute Sunday. The museum will host a free communitywide eclipse viewing party on Monday, with special solar filter tents (designed by chief astronomer Derrick Pitts) set up in front of the museum's steps, along the 20th Street sidewalk, where Pitts will host the event, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. to safely observe the solar eclipse. Read more Viewing a solar eclipse can be a spectacular, life-changing experience. It can also permanently burn your eyes if youre not gazing to the skies with proper protection. In places such as Philadelphia, Mondays eclipse will be visible, but the sun will be only partially covered by the moon. That makes it imperative that eclipse-watchers view this astronomical phenomenon only through special glasses to avoid long-term eye damage, experts say. And, no, your regular pair of sunglasses wont cut it. Advertisement Here are tips from a NASA scientist and a local retina expert on how to safely view the eclipse: What can I expect to see on Monday in Philadelphia? Philadelphia isnt the most ideal spot to watch the solar eclipse in Pennsylvania that would be Erie, smack-dab in the path of totality, where thousands of astronomically inclined tourists are flocking to watch the moon completely block the sun. In the path of totality, it will be possible to look at the eclipse without eye protection but only during the three to four minutes when the suns rays are completely blocked, said Nicholas Lang, a NASA scientist who is coordinating the agencys engagement efforts in Erie this week. Here in Philly, we might see about 85% to 90% of the sun covered, Lang said, and viewers should not look at the eclipse at all without special eye protection. Why are eclipses dangerous for my eyes? Staring directly at the suns rays in any capacity can burn your retinas, said Sunir Garg, a physician who co-directs the retina research program at Wills Eye Hospital. Think of the eye as being like a magnifying glass, he said: When the light ray comes into the eye, the cornea and the lens at the front of the eye focus light on the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for clear vision when were looking straight ahead. Lots of people have used a magnifying glass to create a fine point of light and set leaves on fire, Garg said. The suns rays and heat energy can get concentrated on the macula and can create, functionally, a burn. The sun is normally bright enough to deter most people from staring directly at it. During eclipses, the sun is easier to look at for a longer period of time because its partially covered, Garg said. That additional length of time can give these light rays a chance to damage the macula, he said. What eye protection should I use to safely observe the eclipse? Look for glasses whose specs include this number: ISO 12312-2. Thats the code that the International Organization for Standardization, which sets technical standards for manufactured items around the world, has designated for glasses that are dark enough for eclipse viewing. The American Astronomical Society has a handy list of vendors that the society has vetted to be sure they are selling eclipse-safe glasses. Eclipse-safe glasses are more opaque than standard sunglasses. Theyre so dark that if I tried to walk around in my house with them on, I cant see my kitchen lights and I cant see the headlights of my car, Garg said. Some people might consider watching the eclipse through a welding mask, which is also darker than typical sunglasses. But those masks should be used only if they meet the ISO 12312-2 standard, Lang said. And dont try to watch through a camera, or through your phone screen, without protection over the cameras lens. Thats going to damage or fry your lens, Lang said. For those who dont want to buy eclipse glasses, local astronomical societies often allow people to view eclipses through a telescope fitted with the proper protective lenses, Garg said. And you can watch the eclipse indirectly with a DIY trick: Take an index card and poke a bunch of small holes in it, Garg said. Then, hold the card a foot or two off the ground and stare at the ground not the sky. Youll see the moons shadow cross the pinpoints of light that filter through the card. But he cautioned: Its not as fun. Theres really nothing as cool as looking up at the skies, so make sure you have the appropriate protective gear. Once I have eye protection, where should I watch the eclipse in Philly? Lang recommends finding a clear view to the southwest, unobstructed by buildings and trees, and to make sure youre safe. Dont try to watch in the middle of the road or while driving. Its an amazing celestial ballet we get to observe, Lang said. And people can contribute to the science of understanding eclipses it doesnt matter who you are or where youre from. This is for everyone. I think I might have damaged my eyes looking at the eclipse. What should I do? Warning signs of a damaged macula include trouble reading or straight lines seeming wavy or crooked, Garg said. The numbers three and eight might seem indistinguishable, or people might not be able to see all the letters in a word theyre reading. Macular scarring from staring at the sun can present as a small smudge, waviness, blurriness, or distortion in the center of your vision. People concerned that they might have damaged their macula should speak to an eye doctor, Garg said. In a lot of these cases, we cant do anything to make it better, he said. But we can help people understand whats happening with their vision and give them things to look for. People with macular scarring will likely still have pretty good vision, he said, but might have trouble reading fine print and qualifying for a drivers license. The best thing is to prevent these problems by getting approved protective gear, he said. Nicole Mclane watches the beginning of the eclipse through her special solar eclipse glasses early Monday afternoon at Belmont Plateau. JOY LEE / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Read more Conspiracy theorists and apparent sun-damage denialists are out in full force ahead of Mondays total eclipse. But experts warn looking directly at the suns rays comes with risks and you shouldnt do it. Their warnings may not be enough for some. Perhaps a tale as old as time, myths and unproven theories surrounding eclipses date back centuries. Advertisement NASA reports that the earliest account of an eclipse may date back 5,500 years. And since then, unproven theories ranging in severity from eclipses causing the plague to eclipses harming pregnancies have swirled around for just as long. And while those rumors have been debunked and demystified by experts over the years, in the age of social media, more extreme theories about the eclipse are spreading far and wide. As reported by Wired, social media channels and conspiracy-focused message boards have been flooded for weeks with over-the-top false claims questioning the eclipses legitimacy along with what will happen when the moon blocks out the sun. Simultaneously, some theorists also falsely claim that warnings not to look directly at the sun are merely a ploy to control consumers and get people to buy eclipse glasses. Its worth noting that plenty of eclipse glasses are available for free. In Philly, the Franklin Institute and the Science History Institute have free glasses. Ahead of the eclipse, which will cross from Texas to Maine, experts are trying to get ahead of anxieties and inconveniences the day could cause because of normal and expected events, not the apocalypse. Heres what we know. Some areas expect loss of cell phone services because of tourists, not the sun Citing the sheer influx of tourists visiting areas in the eclipses path, some areas are preparing for cell phone service outages, caused by the surge of people using their phones at the same time nearby. Its the same way that its hard to get reception at an Eagles game or Taylor Swifts Eras concert. The eclipse could impact power grids because itll be dark for solar generation As noted by Reuters, electric grids nationwide are anticipating a rapid decline in solar generation during the eclipse because of its expected path of totality the time in which the sun will be completely blocked by the moon. While it will only be about five minutes of darkness in each area, the total amount of darkness across its multistate journey will last about an hour and a half. And even when its not completely dark, the hours of increasing darkness as the sun enters and exits the path of totality will still impact the number of megawatts of solar power that will be generated, proving to be a major test for power grids which have doubled their solar power generation since the last solar eclipse took place in 2017. Still, power grid operators arent too worried about outages or major problems, according to Vox. National Guard is coming into areas because of the influx of people, again, not the sun In some cases, National Guard say theyll be waiting on standby to assist first responders in areas that expect large groups of tourists. McCurtain County Emergency Management requested our support because they expect up to 100,000 additional people visiting their communities to watch the eclipse, an Oklahoma National Guard commander said in a statement. This influx of visitors has the potential to overtax local resources. You shouldnt look directly at the sun (ever) Scientists are also trying to remind people: please please please do not stare at the sun. Directly going against Taylor Swifts Anti-Hero lyrics (shell stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror), NASA says its never safe to look directly at the suns rays even if the sun is partly obscured. In fact, even when the sun is 99% obscured, it can still cause damage. Even during the beginning and ending phases of total eclipses, experts warn youll still need eye protection and that you can only remove protective glasses when the moon has completely covered the sun during totality. This also applies if youre looking through a camera, telescope, or binoculars unless they have a special filter, you shouldnt stare at the sun through them. So what happens if you peek? The sun is super bright and looking for any longer than a few seconds can damage the cells in the retina (the back of the eye). And that damage can be permanent, causing someone to lose some of their central vision. Because eclipses last so long from start, to totality, to end, USA Today warns that viewers may feel compelled to glance a few seconds at a time. But those glances will add up and could seriously harm a persons eyesight. Just dont do it, OK? A woman uses a special filter to watch the eclipse with hundreds of others along the Ben Franklin Parkway, outside the Franklin Institute in August 2017. Expect similar scenes Monday. Read more At the heart of a phenomenon that has alternately mystified, terrorized, entertained, transfixed and awed human beings for eons is an amazing and perhaps underappreciated cosmic coincidence from which millions of Americans will benefit come Monday afternoon. For several minutes our humble moon will manage to block out the light of an object 400 times its size, as millions along a 100-mile-or-so corridor from the Mexican Pacific Coast to Newfoundland and slicing through western Pennsylvania, experience a total eclipse. Advertisement It so happens that on Monday the moon is making one of its closer approaches of the year, and will be positioned about 400 times nearer to Earth than the sun. In that alignment, from our perspective, both the sun and moon will appear to be about the same size in the sky. As the moon passes between the Earth and sun, starting shortly after 2 p.m. in the Northeast, it eventually will be perfectly positioned to block out the suns surface entirely along the path of totality. While Philly will miss out on the sudden nightfall and corona halo effects and the potential traffic jams to the northwest it will be getting quite the consolation prize, said NASAs Gina A. DiBraccio, deputy director of the Heliophysics Science Division, and a Bucks County native. As eclipso-mania events occur all over the region, about 90% of the sun will be covered by about 3:20 p.m. when the sun will look like a cookie with a bite taken out of it, said DiBraccio. Being able to experience any solar eclipse partial, annular, or total is sure to be an experience of a lifetime. READ MORE: Six reasons to be excited about the eclipse Said Amy Keesee, physics and astronomy professor at the University of New Hamphire, which is in the 95% zone, Its just a reality that not everyone can travel to the path of totality, but it will still be worth observing the partial eclipse. Philly will get its shot in 2079, just 600 years after that last happened in this nook of the planet, in 1478. What will be happening over Philly The skies wont be completely clear, but at least partial sun is expected to be visible when the show starts, forecasters say. Plus, temperatures will be in the low and mid-60s, ideal for watch parties, just make sure you bring eclipse glasses or some other eye protection. Temperatures can drop as much as 10 degrees during totality, said Stephen Morgan, a Fox Weather meteorologist, but it likely wont change much here. READ MORE: Philadelphians appear to enjoy the partial eclipse in 2017 The August 2017 experience bodes well for this one. That summer, the partial eclipse received rave reviews from Philly spectators and in that case the sun was only 75% obscured, and it was cloudy. On Monday, the landscape may darken subtly, but nothing like it will in the totality zone. However, looking up, the path of the moon crossing the sun will be evident, with the peak darkness occurring around 3:23 p.m. That show will be over at 4:25 p.m. READ MORE: Here's what to expect on eclipse day A bonanza for science While this will be a celebratory occasion, it will be a bonanza for helio-physicists, the people who study the suns mysterious corona, which will be visible to the naked eye during totality. The fiery corona is millions of degrees hotter than the suns surface, and scientists would like to figure out why. The corona is the cause of all space weather, said Keesee of the cosmic weather that affects the aurora, satellites, the power grid, and the communication systems used by the military and emergency responders. We eventually would like to forecast these types of events, she said. Said NASAs DiBraccio, Eclipses give us a unique chance to study the corona by performing experiments that we cant do on a day-to-day basis. She said NASA will be flying a high-altitude research jet to capture images of the corona during the eclipse. The sun is approaching one of its 11-year peaks and has been quite active in recent weeks. Totality on Monday, she said, may represent the best chance we could hope for to observe solar activity. Did the Pueblo people capture the corona? Long before high-altitude jets and instrument packs, it is possible that the Pueblo people of New Mexico captured images of the corona during an active solar period on July 11, 1079, according to NASA. It is known that a total eclipse occurred that day, and a petroglyph rock carving appears to depict a coronal mass ejection from the sun. North American Indigenous peoples had many different interpretations of eclipses, some of them with profound religious significance. A brief history of eclipses Just how long the sun and the moon have engaged in their celestial ballet of crossing paths and magically getting in each others way is unclear, but presumably it has been happening since the birth of the moon billions of years ago. It just took a while for humans to write things down, or at least carve them into rocks. NASA says the oldest available record appears to date to 3340 B.C. in petroglyphs discovered in Ireland. The Mayans were known to maintain careful astronomical records that include eclipse documentations, and they have been credited with predicting the solar eclipse of July 1991. Total eclipses occur regularly, about once every 18 months. However, totality occurs on only a relative sliver of the planet. For example, Mondays path of totality from San Antonio, Texas, to Caribou, Maine, will cover about 0.1% of the planet. Belgian astronomer Jean Meeus estimated that on average, a total solar eclipse occurs on the same point on Earth once every 375 years, says Harry J. Augensen, emeritus professor and director of the Widener University Observatory, in Chester. The last one to cross the contiguous United States was the aforementioned Aug. 21, 2017, a partial eclipse in Philly. Since the last total solar eclipse in what today we call Philadelphia occurred 546 years ago, you might say were overdue. Set your clock for May 1, 2079. The war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas marked its grim six-month anniversary on Sunday, and one of the most jarring things about this very 21st-century conflict has been the almost daily headlines about Israeli airstrikes obliterating the homes of notable Palestinians sometimes known Hamas operatives, but often journalists or physicians or aid workers. In many of these attacks, large numbers of family members, including young children, die under the rubble. In one of the wars most notorious incidents, the prominent Palestinian poet and professor Refaat Alareer so haunted by the daily devastation and the likelihood he and his own family would be targeted that in his final weeks he wrote a poem called If I Must Die had sought refuge at a family home when an Israeli airstrike killed not only him but his brother, sister and four children. Advertisement Its a similar story for journalists in Gaza, whose death toll at least 90 Palestinians, according to the conservative tally of the Committee to Protect Journalists has exceeded any other modern conflict, in just half a year. Just two days after Alareers death in December, an Israeli airstrike on the home of reporter Ola Attallah killed not only her but nine members of her family. That same week, Abdalhamid Abdelati, head of the Al Sawt Al Shab radio station, wasnt home when an Israeli bomb struck, but his mother, brother, sister and four other family members were killed. This frequent death from above in a war that has claimed the lives of more than 33,000 Palestinians, the majority of them women and children has raised some uncomfortable questions about Israels conduct in the conflict. Just who are Israeli commanders targeting for these deadly strikes? And how are there targets selected? This week, an investigative report from +972 Magazine and Local Call led by independent, left-leaning Israeli journalists covering the region from Tel Aviv offered some answers that are deeply disturbing, posing questions about the blurred lines between artificial intelligence and real morality that cut to the core of our basic humanity. The +972 Magazine report, which it confirmed in interviews with six Israeli intelligence officers, said an AI program known as Lavender has been used by the Israeli Defense Force to identify targets in Gaza since the start of the war on Oct. 7. The IDF has confirmed that AI is used by its intelligence officers in guiding its tactics in Gaza, but the military and the magazine differed sharply on the issue of human involvement. IDF claims the computer-driven data is only advisory and that humans are still making the key decisions for targeting bombs, but the +972 report said human reviews of the AI targets were often a rubber stamp as brief as 20 seconds. The 20-second finding is deeply troubling, and yet arguably not the most bothersome disclosure in the magazines investigation. For one thing, our faith in computers is centered on the notion that advanced technology might reduce the fatal mistakes that occur during the fog of war, but +972 reported that Lavenders error rate in targeting is still 10% bombing someone with the same name as a Hamas member, for example, or even someone who just inherited a phone number. But even when Israeli intelligence, with the help of AI, pinpoints a target that it suspects of ties to Hamas which triggered the war when it killed 1,200 Israelis in a surprise attack and which still holds 130 or so hostages it faces a decision on the fate of civilians who might be in the home or nearby. In the early weeks of the war, +972 reported, Israeli commanders deemed it was OK to kill as many as 15 or 20 innocent civilians for every low-level Hamas operative targeted, a number that rose to the hundreds for higher-level Hamas leaders. Whats more, the intelligence sources told +972 that alleged low-level Hamas operatives were targeted with so-called dumb bombs, less-precise weaponry that leads to more collateral killing, in order to save more expensive smart bombs for their higher-ups. In an earlier report last fall on Israels use of AI, a military source told +972: When a 3-year-old girl is killed in a home in Gaza, its because someone in the army decided it wasnt a big deal for her to be killed that it was a price worth paying in order to hit [another] target. The devolution from Biblical commandment in the Book of Exodus of an eye-for-an-eye justice to a 20-1 kill ratio is hard to fathom. Yet not as unfathomable as this: +972 also reported that the Lavender AI excelled at tracking its selected targets to their homes, where it was deemed an airstrike would be most successful. Of course, the targets home is also where their wives, children and other family members would be killed in their sleep. Even worse, the AI was better at finding the targets home than at determining if he was actually there. It happened to me many times that we attacked a house, but the person wasnt even home, one source told +972. The result is that you killed a family for no reason. The Orwellian name for this particular operation? Wheres Daddy? In one sense, the exposure of Israels Lavender program is the latest twist on a story that goes back hundreds of years the use of new technologies not to better humankind but to destroy it. Think about the machine guns that made a mockery of front-line warfare in World War I, the Nazis harnessing Zyklon B gas for their death camps, or America dropping atomic bombs on the civilians of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. But the rise of AI brings this to a troubling if inevitable level: The fantasy that we can escape moral culpability by assigning life-or-death decisions to a machine. READ MORE: We interrupt this Super Bowl for a massacre | Will Bunch Newsletter If nothing else, these disturbing stories coming out of Gaza should confirm that the rise of AI, and the decisions we have to make as a society about how to deploy it, is the issue that will come to define who we are in the 21st century. How can we make the most out of this remarkable technology identifying cures for diseases, for example while avoiding the many pitfalls from classroom plagiarism to rising unemployment as machines learn to perform human jobs? But are we even asking the right questions? The ultimate fear around AI has always been that the machines become sentient, rise up, and overthrow humankind. Its not wrong to worry about that dystopian scenario, but isnt it just as bad when we abdicate our morality by farming out mass death to a computer program? Perhaps someday artificial intelligence will evolve to a higher state of consciousness, but right now Lavender is issuing death warrants for toddlers and their mothers because it reflects the inhumanity that we programmed it with. The +972 report happened to come out at a moment when Americans, including our leaders, may be more receptive to hearing it. We dont yet know if AI played a role in Israels decision last week to target a convoy of aid workers for renowned chef Jose Andres World Central Kitchen, killing seven people, including a Canadian American veteran of the war in Afghanistan. But the shocking incident has led even some of Israels staunchest allies in Congress like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi to call for restrictions on the massive flow of U.S. weapons, unless the bloodshed is reduced. After just one phone call from a clearly angered President Joe Biden to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel approved a new food corridor into famine-stricken Gaza. That one small step for humanity also begged the questions of why Biden and U.S. officials didnt use their leverage sooner, and why an attack on Western workers for politicians favorite Beltway chef provoked a response when the killing of innocent Palestinian babies did not? The reality whether the fighting is with sticks and stones or cruise missiles guided by supercomputers is that the horror of war always hinges on our tragic flaw to see some people as more human than others. Last week, former U.S. State Department official Aaron David Miller tried to explain to the New Yorkers Isaac Chotiner why Biden had a more visceral reaction to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel than to its massive retaliation, even as the deaths of children mounted. Do I think that Joe Biden has the same depth of feeling and empathy for the Palestinians of Gaza as he does for the Israelis? Miller asked rhetorically. No, he doesnt, nor does he convey it. I dont think theres any doubt about that. Whatever flaws exist in an AI program such as Lavender, the real computer bug is the lack of human love and understanding that we program it with, the ghost in the machine. Artificial intelligence wont have the capacity to distinguish between a Hamas killer or an acclaimed poet or the baby in a crib nearby unless we input the values that cherish all innocent human life equally. It wasnt AI that named a poorly discriminating murder program Wheres Daddy?; it was humans, who programmed it with a moral compass that is spinning out of control. Until we can rediscover our depth of feeling and empathy, war by computer is merely garbage in, garbage out. READ MORE: SIGN UP: The Will Bunch Newsletter Gov. Josh Shapiro shows his ballot to election officials before he drops it in the box Sunday at a Montgomery County in-person satellite voting site in Willow Grove, one day ahead of the voter registration deadline for the April 23 Pennsylvania primary election. Read more Gov. Josh Shapiro cast an early primary ballot Sunday to draw attention to a hotly contested attorney general race and the states early voting options. The Democratic governor dropped off his ballot at a Montgomery County satellite voting location in Willow Grove, one day before the voter registration deadline for the April 23 primary, and highlighted the safety and security of Pennsylvania elections. Advertisement READ MORE: The Pennsylvania Voters Guide to the 2024 primary election We want to have another free and fair, safe and secure election, Shapiro said Sunday afternoon at the Montgomery County Annex. People can vote however they want on election day, from the privacy of their own home, or here at a satellite office. And its safe and secure. Shapiro also made a special note, acknowledging that Pennsylvanias Jewish community would be observing Passover on election day. The governor said his family had opted to vote early because they will be at their official residence in Harrisburg during the holiday. The current attorney general, Michelle Henry, opted not to run for a full term, sparking a crowded primary that has drawn five Democrats and two Republicans all seeking to become the commonwealths top prosecutor. Politically, the position is hotly sought after as it is often viewed as a stepping stone to higher statewide offices. Shapiro himself served as Pennsylvania attorney general from 2017 until his ascent to the governors mansion last year. Democratic primary candidates include former chief Philadelphia public defender Keir Bradford-Grey, former two-term Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, former Bucks County Solicitor Joe Khan, Philadelphia State Rep. Jared Solomon, and Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. On the GOP side, State Rep. Craig Williams will face off against former York County prosecutor David Sunday, who has scored a party endorsement. Shapiro did not advocate for a particular candidate the Democratic Party declined to endorse anyone in its five-way race. He instead urged voters to go out and vote, make their voices heard, and strengthen democracy through their participation. But the governors promotion of early voting methods and utilization of a satellite polling place also seemed a calculated move as Pennsylvania and its electoral system are poised to play a pivotal and heavily scrutinized role in the 2024 presidential election. The Keystone State has played a decisive role in recent presidential contests. Following the defeat of former Republican President Donald Trump in 2020, the states electoral systems particularly mail ballots and satellite voting locations were subject to numerous and largely unfounded voter fraud claims. But interparty legal and legislative disputes over procedural rules, like the legal status of mail ballots with missing or incorrect dates, have persisted to this day. Democrats in Harrisburg have pushed for legislation allowing pre-canvassing the counting of early votes prior to election day and uniform rules for curing or correcting ballots that contain errors. On Sunday, before heading to a block party at Penn State Abington, Shapiro also called for some of those additional electoral changes. The governor sought to strike a bipartisan tone, stating that pre-canvassing and standardized ballot-curing rules were long overdue and beneficial to both Republicans and Democrats alike. A couple watches the 2017 eclipse on the Parkway. Read more Sky conditions Monday afternoon over Philly wont be perfect during the eclipse, but the sun should be visible and the temperatures ideal for outdoor viewing. Some high, see-through clouds are expected, and cloudiness is more of a threat to the north and west, said Amanda Lee, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Mount Holly. Its something well have to keep an eye on, she added. Advertisement However, she said, it will be completely dry, Said Brian Thompson, senior meteorologist with AccuWeather Inc., Youre not dealing with a solid low cloud deck. Thats certainly good news. Thompson said the outlook isnt quite as bright for some areas to the south of the Ohio Valley that are in the U.S. corridor of totality, which extends from San Antonio to Caribou, Maine. Among areas that he said should be in the clear are northwestern Ohio and northern New England. If you plan to view the eclipse Monday, be sure to wear eclipse glasses or use some other protective eyewear. I suppose you heard the news that Kate Winslet was in Cork. We failed to keep it a secret. I warned her team three weeks ago: "The secret of Fatima will be easier to keep. "Even the dogs on the street will know she's here if Ballymaloe is on the cards." Ballymaloe, you see, is Ireland's worst-kept secret. Anyhow, it became public news quickly, and there was nothing I could do about it. Now the real reason Miss Winslet was in Cork had nothing at all to do with frivolities like cooking. In the name of heaven, sure who would come here to spend all their time banging saucepans and twisting egg timers? No. You'll know by now that, of course, she came here to meet myself and others in farming to discuss the chronic weather, for she had read about our woes on the front page of the Farm Exam and wanted to see if Hollywood could do something about it. In fairness to the girl, she listened intently to me as I spilled the beans on the situation. I left no stone unturned. I showed her my muddy wellingtons. I pulled out my torn oilskins and tossed my soaking-wet donkey jacket at her feet. "Will you show me the poaching?" she then asked. "For I have heard it is fearful." "I'll do one better," I vowed, and so I took her to the cattle mart, where farmers weren't long surrounding us and telling her exactly what was on their minds. "Miss Winslet," says I, as farmers appeared from all corners, "The situation is diabolical. 'Tis like Titanic only without the lifeboats and the special effects. "'Tis sink or swim," I roared. She shed a tear for us, and I begged her to stop, for couldn't she see there was enough water about already? Kate then said she would tell DeCaprio all about it as soon as she got home, for he's no stranger to the water either. DeCaprio knows only too well what it's like to be up to your armpits in water. Kate had a very simple message for the farmers of Ireland. She asked us all to "Keep dry." I thanked her for her kind words and for her listening ear. Kate Winslet then went on to tell me that she knows all about the problems in Irish farming because she gets the Irish Examiner every Thursday - specifically for the farming supplement. "It's very popular down in Hollywood Boulevard," she bragged, obviously trying hard to impress me. But that didn't surprise me in the least. "Are you a married man Mr Lehane?" the screen siren then asked, clearly smitten with my rugged good looks and earthy charms. "Alas, I am," says I, "And have been with almost thirty years." "Well, your wife must be the luckiest woman in the world," the Oscar winner then proclaimed. I agreed with her, of course, for there would be little point in denying it. "She counts her lucky stars every night before getting into bed with this fine lump of a man," I roared while beating my chest. Kate was all agog. "Well, if you ever separate," she cooed. "Make sure you give me a call." "Oh, I will for sure," I chuckled, stomping my muddy boots in a puddle, before warning her that a divorced farmer will probably only come with half a farm. "Better half a farm than no farm at all," the savvy star of the silver screen then quipped, before slipping into her limousine and speeding off back to Hollywood, no doubt to tell them all about the rain and her time in Cork. The Hares Corner, an innovative biodiversity initiative in The Burren, is being rolled out this year to landowners in Galway, Mayo, Meath and Leitrim. It follows the successful piloting of a similar non-profit project by Burrenbeo in Clare and Mayo that resulted in the creation of 125 ponds, 200 orchards, 175 native mini-woodlands and 97 plans for nature by landowners, farmers, and community groups across these counties. The Hares Corner is an old farming expression for an awkward section of a field which wasnt intensively farmed and was left to nature. Creating habitats that have proven benefits to biodiversity, climate action well, and the well-being of participants is the projects aim. It offers landowners hassle-free support to carry out simple but impactful actions for biodiversity. These can include the creation of a wildlife pond, a native mini-woodland, a heritage mini-orchard with apple trees or a bespoke site plan for nature or peatland. The support is offered in the form of materials, professional services such as a visit by a hydrologist or ecologist, and guidance. Burrenbeo Trust is partnering with the Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE IP in Mayo, Biodiversity officers in counties Galway, Leitrim, Meath and Galway City to offer 600 more Hares Corners across these counties. The local authority biodiversity officer programme is delivered in partnership with the Heritage Council. Hares Corner 2024 will be funded through a combination of public and private sector funding. An application portal was open from March 15 to 31 for landowners in the four counties. Connie Corry, Ennis Mens Shed group in Clare, said it received guidance and encouragement from the Hares Corner team to create a wildlife pond. One and half years later, we did a study on it and identified 30 different species in and around the pond. Our members really enjoy this pond, and now we are designated as one of just six ponds in the whole country as a demonstration site for ponds, he said. Clare landowner Maeve Ryan said receiving a Plan for Nature visit from The Hares Corner was like getting an education on your own land. The ecologist identified eight areas on our land for us where we could make small and very manageable changes to enhance biodiversity. The tips were priceless and came with a map of our site and I keep them handy on my phone at all times, she said. Meanwhile, the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association has called on Teagasc to include a module on upland farming as part of a new Green Cert to be rolled out this September. Vice President Micheal McDonnell said: The future of upland farming is vital to the survival of those rural communities, and we must ensure that those farming these lands are properly educated to carry out this vital task. As the focus on upland farming increases, he said it is important that future farmers are equipped with the knowledge and research that will help them make informed decisions that will benefit the agricultural output while also benefiting biodiversity. Mr McDonnell said upland farmer education is crucial for promoting sustainable agriculture and protecting our way of life. As these are farmed landscapes, it is vital that farmers have the knowledge to identify the right type of animal, in the right place, to carry out the right task that benefits our sustainable farming system while also benefiting our biodiversity and ecosystem services, he said. It happened not even 24 hours ago. You lost someone very close a parent or a much-loved aunt who was like a mother and now youve got a million things in your head, a million things to do. Whos going to do what at the funeral? Have those reception venues phoned back? What about ordering the wreaths, getting food in for visitors? Have you got something black to wear? Emotionally, youve been hit by a juggernaut, but your head is crammed full of practicalities full of jobs demanding focus. Theres no space right now for a broken heart. From a small family, Dara OShea lost her dad four years ago and for the first time found herself organising a funeral. Im an events manager and, despite managing and delivering events for years, I could feel the stress I was under, the pressure of trying to organise a funeral. It was 10.30 at night, after a very long busy day, when I got the time to sit down and write my dads eulogy. I thought this is wrong. Daras personal experience was the catalyst for setting up RHEA with co-founder Louise OBrien, also an events manager three years ago. An independent funeral planning service, it helps people have meaningful funerals that honour the life of the person who has passed and reduce stress on their loved ones. RHEA is named for the Greek goddess associated with comfort and ease. Its not that I set out saying this is the area I want to work in, says Dara. But that it was the last thing I did that night, writing the most important words I was going to write about my father, I thought it shouldnt be like this. Louise OBrien and Dara OShea: It was 10.30 at night, after a very long busy day, when I got the time to sit down and write my dads eulogy. I thought this is wrong. Pic: Larry Cummins Fortunate to have Louises support during the funeral, Dara says the penny dropped for both of them there should be someone to help families in these circumstances. Theres a burden of work to be done over those days and theres usually a short lead-in funerals are done under huge pressure, says Louise, outlining just some of the work. There are jobs to be done around the funeral for example, choosing readings, what personalised elements to incorporate and jobs that may happen in the home. Does the house need to be prepared for visitors? Whos going to be travelling and needing accommodation? Dara sees an Irish mindset where, as newly-bereaved, we want to be involved in all of the jobs. Its almost a sign of honour to the person who has gone. Working with people in grief, both women see that decision-making ability can be challenged. People can tie themselves in knots, afraid to make a wrong decision, says Dara. And the bereaved family dont always know what to expect. They often havent thought, for example, that theyll be picking out a coffin, or that theyll be asked to bring the clothes in which their loved one will be laid out, says Louise. People can very easily survive the funeral days on adrenalin, rushing around, staying busy, without ever allowing themselves to go there with their emotions, says Dara. This can be very difficult afterwards they havent really allowed themselves be present in the moments around the funeral, and the many social and spiritual rituals and milestones that go with it. RHEA guides the family through all the piled-up, time-contingent tasks and helps them arrive at decisions that feel right. So they have a meaningful, memorable funeral that can support them in their grieving a personalised experience that really reflects the person who has passed, says Louise. Translating this vision into the detailed micro-tasking of funeral preparation could see the Cork-based RHEA partners doing anything from bringing flasks for the catering, to spending two hours with a family on prayers of the faithful. Sitting around a kitchen table with newly-bereaved siblings and one remaining parent, everything is loaded with emotion and meaning. Helping the family negotiate whos going to do what in the ceremony can be a very long conversation, says Louise. Were like a filter. The family are all talking together, talking from the heart. What kind of music did their dad like? Theyre reminiscing about the time they went to Spain and he fell in love with the culture and do you remember him driving us off to Flamenco displays, and how the car broke down and they missed the flight home. All these funny stories and 15 minutes later they take a breath. Dara and I are distilling down the conversation, taking it in, organising the information, saying you mentioned Flamenco would it be nice to have a bit of Flamenco music playing in the background at the reception, would that strike the right chord? Dara says RHEA wants the family to feel minded. Switch them off from Ive 15 phone calls to make, I have to buy the black pants, ring back the hotel and tell them the menu and did Auntie Eileen get a hotel room? They should be sitting with family, sharing comforting memories, putting their arms around a grandchild, opening the door and saying come in to the neighbour dropping off an apple tart. Were doing the tangible stuff [so they] have the intangible benefit. Dara OShea and Louise OBrien: "Were doing the tangible stuff [so they] have the intangible benefit." Pic: Larry Cummins Working with families at such a precious time is a privilege, Dara muses. Youre seeing them in the lowest of times. And yet, says Louise, there can easily be laughter too as they remember when that happened. You start seeing the colour and life of the person who has died. Ive introduced myself to the person in the coffin, who Ive got to know through their wife, child, grandchild. Dara and Louise attend Irish Hospice Foundation events. They were also coordinators on UCCs posthumous graduation honouring students who died before sitting their final degree exam. Theres this little pocket of sadness a grieving family in the midst of 170 students celebrating their achievement with proud parents, explains Dara. Youre minding them in a sad event, in the middle of a happy one, says Louise. It means discreetly finding a way to bring them quietly into the ceremony, not exposing them to on-campus celebrations. Speaking to families after, I saw the importance of a meaningful ceremony. It gave something back the life of their loved one wasnt defined by the way they died. When Louise says shes a funeral coordinator, people openly express their wishes: my ashes to be brought to the bottom of the sea by a diver, my dog to be there, the Barracks Street Band to lead the cortege. On pre-planning, RHEA recently launched two new offerings: help arranging ahead of the final goodbye for a loved one and helping people plan their own meaningful last goodbye. We imagine the sense of control and empowerment to be able to plan your own funeral must be reassuring, says Dara. Weve all been that person, or seen them the one running around before the funeral ceremony with pieces of paper containing readings and prayers, watching the clock, asking is so-and-so here? And theyre missing being there, connecting with the beautiful words and rituals, says Dara. Nobody looks forward to a funeral, she says. But everybody should be able to look back and feel consoled and proud that they did their best for the person who has gone. A man diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) who says his life was transformed by spending time at sea, plans to run sailing days around the coast for people with the condition. Stephen Fitzpatrick, 56, has linked up with the British charity Oceans of Hope Challenge to run the first such pilot day on the water in Dun Laoghaire this week. The event, which is supported by MS Ireland, is already booked out, but Mr Fitzpatrick hopes that the 20 people on a waiting list may also secure an opportunity later on. Mr Fitzpatrick, who is from Dublin but lives in Killorglin, Co Kerry, was diagnosed with MS five years ago. Someone said it is like walking along normally and then falling through a trapdoor into another life", he says, describing how it took him a long time to adjust. I had always sailed and had a Laser dinghy on Caragh lake near Killorglin, but was initially nervous about how I would manage if I capsized, he says. However, he regained his confidence after he participated in an Oceans of Hope Challenge cruise in Greek waters last year, when he spent a week at sea with people he had never met before, all with one condition in common. The philosophy of the journey was simple: do what you can and take breaks whenever necessary. Everyone understood the individual challenges faced by participants, he says, recalling how refreshing the experience was. Oceans of Hope Challenge UK founder Robert Munns on right.jpg As someone once put it, courage comes after you do something that truly scares you, and not before. The experience inspired him to work with Oceans of Hope founder Robert Munns to establish an Irish branch. Mr Munns was working as a marina manager in Brighton, England, when he was diagnosed with MS in 2008. A chance meeting at the marina with a Danish doctor, Mikkel Anthonisen led to him participating in one leg of a global circumnavigation on board Oceans of Hope, a 67fy racing yacht. Dr Anthonisen had put together a crew of over 100 people with MS from around the world to complete the sail in 2014-15. His aim was to change perceptions of what is possible when living with a chronic and debilitating condition. It wasnt until I got on the boat that I realised how locked in I was in my head, and how I wasnt living my life to the full, Mr Munns recalls. The British wing of Oceans of Hope which Mr Munns has established with Nicola Kaufman since then has held a number of sailing events for people with MS, initially in Turkey and Croatia and beyond. We keep it lean, as we dont own any boats, but we charter vessels that are suitable, and ensure we have a qualified skipper and crew for support where necessary, he says. About 80% of our first-time participants return for more." The first Irish event for people with MS takes place at the Irish National Sailing and Powerboat School in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin on April 10, weather permitting. MS Ireland marketing and communications officer Fergal OKeeffe says that while places are booked up, there are plans for further opportunities. More information can be obtained at info@oceansofhope.co.uk Patients continue to face frighteningly long waiting lists contributed to by a shortage of beds, consultants, and GPs, the new Irish Medical Organisation president has warned. Any doctor is working with one hand tied behind their back due to these shortages, Dr Denis McCauley warned. Hospital bed numbers are a key issue, he said. The ESRI anticipates that we need over 5,000 new beds in public hospitals, he said. Absent those extra beds, our bed occupancy rates run at 88%, he added, saying this is 11% over the recommended upper limit". In addition, hospitals now operate full capacity protocols all year round instead of only in winter, as they move patients around to cope with overcrowding. Consultant shortages only add to this, he said, despite contract changes that are expected to boost recruitment. One in five consultants posts aren't filled and there are gaps in key specialities across the country, Dr McCauley told the IMO AGM in Killarney. So yes, we have a new contract and many consultants have signed up to it but the shortages remain and are acute. We also need to build trust we need an acknowledgement from the system that consultants already provide care 24/7 through the on-call system." This follows recent calls from the HSE and health minister for doctors to switch to seven-day working patterns. We have to ensure that we properly support the consultants working on weekends so that we dont simply move work from the middle of the week to the weekend, Dr McCauley said. As a GP in Co Donegal, he said GP shortages are an issue in every county. Many cannot accept new patients while others operate a waiting system for non-urgent cases. We welcome the increase in training posts for GPs but we have a huge need to substantially increase the number of GPs across the country, he said. And we must ensure that continuity of care is at the heart of how we approach General Practice into the future. The IMO has campaigned for young doctors, NCHDs, to have reduced working hours. These can spiral as high as 100 hours weekly. Dr McCauley welcomed that Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and HSE CEO Bernard Gloster told the AGM of their strong support to reform this. 'Illegal, unsafe hours' He cautioned these doctors are working illegal and unsafe hours and warned: If you don't respect them, they wont stay." He also discussed medical negligence litigation, saying this is having a detrimental effect on how doctors practice medicine now. Medical negligence is proven when a doctor deviates from the standard which is actually applied by competent professionals of similar speciality in an area. But case law is moving beyond that, he said. He called on legal workers to understand the constraints under which doctors work. They must recognise that in a hospital setting the clinical staff are essentially working with one hand tied behind her back due to staff shortages and infrastructural deficiencies, he said. Ireland is now an outlier in medical litigation which is also pushing doctors to emigrate, he said. More importantly, it is leading to altered patterns of medical practice which is leading to increased investigations and referrals from primary care to a secondary service that will soon collapse under this legally induced demand, he said. A young man woke at night to see a stranger in the house and on Friday a 36-year-old man was brought before Cork District Court charged with burglary. Detective Sergeant Kieran OSullivan objected to bail being granted to Don Duggan, originally from 65 Ballinderry Park, Mayfield, Cork, on the charge of carrying out that burglary at Old Youghal Road, Cork, at around 3am on Thursday, April 4. He faced a second charge of burgling a doctors surgery at Mayfield Medical Centre on March 27. Det Sgt OSullivan said CCTV footage of that alleged incident showed a man getting into the premises by a back window, moving around inside, and taking 50 from a cashbox. In respect of the April 4 burglary at the house, the detective said: A female was home at 3am when her son saw an unknown male in the house. Seeing the son (who is in his 20s), he fled the scene. The woman's bank card was tapped at a nearby garage 27 minutes later for a 37 transaction, Det Sgt OSullivan said, adding that gardai recognised the defendant from CCTV at the garage and in the previous incident at the medical centre. Don Duggan said he would be pleading not guilty to the burglary charges. His solicitor, Shane Collins-Daly, said it was disputed by the defendant that he was seen on CCTV, which he described as being of poor quality. He said he went mad on drink for the past week because stress became too much for him but that he had been doing much better in his life and not getting into trouble. Sergeant Gearoid Davis asked the accused how the prosecution could be sure there would be no slip-ups if he was granted bail. Mr Duggan said: There is no room for slips. Judge Mary Dorgan considered the application and remanded him in custody with consent to bail on extensive conditions that included twice daily signing at his local Garda station, an 11pm curfew, and 5,000 bail with half of that to be lodged. An independent surety of 7,500 was required, with 3,500 of that to be lodged in court. He is to reside at an address at Newtown Avenue, Boherboy, Lotabeg, Cork, if granted bail. The case was adjourned until April 12 to allow time for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. The group that Local Government Minister Darragh OBrien says should examine Cork Citys potentially crippling 22m index-linked city boundary compensation crisis no longer exists, his department has confirmed. The revelation is likely to lead to renewed calls at Aprils meeting of Cork City Council on Monday night for Mr OBrien to either increase council funding or directly intervene to resolve the issue. The minister was first criticised last November when he refused to sanction additional local property tax (LPT) funding to the city to help it to cope with the surge in its compensation payments to Cork County Council arising out of soaring inflation. He described the funding challenge, which is unique to Cork City, as an exceptional issue which should be dealt with by the implementation oversight committee a special three-person group which was established to oversee the 2019 city boundary extension and to deal with any disputes which may arise between the two local authorities. However, almost four years on, the operational and legal status of the committee was unclear. In February, councillors passed a motion proposed by Fine Gael councillor Shane OCallaghan which asked the minister to identify the implementation oversight committee members, the date of their appointments, and the date of their last formal meeting, and to set out the process through which he thinks the council should engage with them. The formal response to that motion shows that the minister passed the issue on to junior minister Kieran ODonnell to deal with. 'No membership' In his response to council, Mr O'Donnell confirmed that the implementation oversight committee has not been active" since the formal boundary extension was concluded "and currently has no membership. However, he did say that members could be appointed by the minister, if required. He repeated the minister's defence of the allocation of baseline LPT funding to Cork City Council which took no account of the increased compensation payments it faces arising out of the boundary extension. Under the terms of the boundary extension, the city has to pay an annual index-linked contribution of around 13.5m to the county council for a minimum of 10 years, with the first payment made in 2020. At the time of the boundary extension negotiations, the city argued, unsuccessfully, against index-linking the payments. The Irish Examiner first reported last November how soaring inflation has seen the annual compensation payment surge. City council chief executive Ann Doherty told councillors that the 2024 payment will top 15.4m and that the index-linking element alone could add 22m to the overall cost of the compensation payments over a decade. This is not a sustainable cost for Cork City Council, she warned. The council has told Mr O'Brien that it is difficult to comprehend how it got an increase in its LPT baseline funding of just 1.5m the minimum increase available to all local authorities while the county got an extra 10m, given that the city is compensating the county to the tune of around 15m a year. The eating habits of Irish people began to change in the defining decade that began in 1960 with foreign travel, holidays in the sun, and the opening of the countrys first national television service, now RTE. Fruit and vegetables grown in warmer climates tickled the taste buds of a nation that was more accustomed to potatoes, cabbage, turnips, and carrots grown in back gardens, apples from trees planted on suitable plots of land, and eggs laid by roaming farmyard hens. The days of churning butter in country kitchens had already gone, but the free range hens still laid fresh eggs. Families backed their own bread and consumed slices of home cured salty bacon, washed down with fresh milk. And they also made black and white puddings. They were self-sufficient long before the term became popular, but then the consumer market arrived with shoppers seeking more variety in the food they bought. Ireland joined what is now the European Union and large-scale supermarkets began to displace country shops. People were exposed to high powered marketing. A new generation sought more food choices and that led to an explosion in the range and variety of produce on offer in the countrys retail outlets. The realisation that most of the present generation have no land and that few have the required know-how to grow their own fruit and vegetables was a stark reflection of how far country people had moved from their roots. Today, a staggering 83% of the fruit and vegetables consumed nationally is imported, but 29% of them could be easily grown here. The figures triggered a growing public debate last year about the countrys fourth biggest sector in agriculture. Irelands fruit and vegetable sector employs about 7,000 people in full-time primary production, and a further 11,000 in downstream businesses. Farm gate output was worth 531m in 2022. Horticulture food crops represent more than 80% of this output value at 431m, with amenity horticulture (non-food crops) making up the remaining 20% (100m). The retail fresh produce market was valued at 1.65bn, with vegetables accounting for 605m, fruit 811m, and potatoes 232m. A strategic roadmap for the sector published by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Marine sets down a clear vision for the sector to grow a more profitable, value-added sector, driven by innovation and sustainability, and provides a roadmap for the sector to achieve its potential. Key challenges facing the industry were also discussed in the Seanad and at meetings of the joint Oireachtas agriculture committee, led by Jackie Cahill TD. Imports, labour shortages, falling grower numbers, rising energy costs, food waste, and climate change were among the issues raised at hearings with key stakeholders. A focus was also put on the power of supermarkets, below cost selling, and difficulties in growers securing sustainable returns from a competitive marketplace. Despite the many challenges facing the industry, experts believe it has the potential to become a flagship sustainable food system. It already produces a wide range of food crops, including potatoes, mushrooms, field vegetables, fruit and protected crops, which are primarily sold on the home market. Horticulture food crops represent more than 80% of this output value at 431m, with amenity horticulture (non-food crops) making up the remaining 20% (100m). Experts accept, however, that the sector is facing many challenges from imports, high startup costs for new entrants, significant labour shortages, and climate changes. Seasonal imports of fruit and vegetables that can be grown domestically make up 29% of total imports: potatoes (18%), apples (5%), and soft fruits (6%), according to a report by UCD. Bord Bia director of horticulture Mike Neary outlined to an Oireachtas committee recently some of the key statistics relating to the industry. There are currently about 300 commercial potato producers in the country compared with some 1,400 in the 1990s. The number of field vegetable growers has dropped from about 400 in 1998 to around 60 growers at present. There are currently about 250 fresh produce growers in the country. In 2022, Ireland imported about 850m worth of produce, amounting to about 600,000 tonnes. About 577m of that value was fruit including bananas and oranges. There is seasonality. At certain times, we cannot grow crops, so we need imports. If I am asked if there are crops that we can grow in season here, we definitely can grow more," he said. For example, we have been doing work to try to look at import substitution opportunities, such as growing more fresh potatoes for the chipping trade. "That import figure is roughly 50,000 tonnes per year, he said. Mr Neary said there are seven tomato growers left in the country. They are called high-wire growers. They are great growers and very invested in the business. They have major operations, and there is a high cost from an energy perspective. We produce about 4,000 tonnes of tomatoes annually and import about 25,000. That is the size of the market. Over the years, we have fewer growers, but the ones who are growing are excellent, he said. The dean of the Business School at UCC, Prof Thia Hennessy, said the Food Vision 2030 committee acknowledged the challenges facing the sector. These are in terms of the scale required to support a viable business in the sector, the high start-up costs for new entrants, and significant labour shortages. Availability and cost of labour, in what is a labour-intensive sector, and the weak position of the producer in the supply chain in respect of the price being paid for the final product are among the challenges. Taking these challenges and opportunities together, the committee came up with a major recommendation to develop a strategy to set out the road map for the horticulture industry to 2030. Professor Hennessy has also expressed concerned about supermarkets selling fruit and vegetables at low prices as part of promotions and what it may mean for the sector in Ireland and warned that the practice may be causing an increase in food waste. When I walk into a supermarket the week before Christmas and I can buy a bag of carrots for 29c because they are on promotion, that does bother me because I know it costs a lot more financially to bring that bag to market, a lot more environmentally as well. UCD's Prof Dolores ORiordan said horticulture is the fourth largest sector in Ireland in terms of gross agricultural commodity output value. Claire Kerrane TD said: 'We cannot grow everything, but what we can grow, we should grow.' Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Despite all these challenges, horticulture is still seen as having the potential to become a flagship sustainable food system in Ireland. Speaking at an Oireachtas Committee meeting, Eugene Murphy TD said Ireland spent 50m on importing tomatoes 2022, 23m on onions, 26m on cabbage, 12m on carrots and 20m worth of blueberries. 30% of the fruit and vegetables imported could have been grown here. We are even importing potatoes, he said. Mr Murphy said he failed to understand why millions of euros were not being put into subsidising Irish horticultural businesses. He also claimed the flavour of an Irish apple can be far better than that of many of the apples that come in from abroad. In 2022, we imported 70,000 tonnes of apples into a country that can probably grow apples better than any other in the world. The story is incredible, he said. Macra na Feirme president Elaine Houlihan said horticulture has the potential to be a leading sector as regards its green credentials. Horticulture and its preservation and expansion presents an opportunity to positively target carbon emissions and enhance sustainability of food systems. The chairperson of the Macra agricultural affairs committee, Liam Hanrahan, called for prioritising Irish growers who can produce a very fresh produce, going from the growing stage today and onto the supermarket shelf tomorrow. Whereas if we are buying from abroad, produce may spend one or two weeks in a container, require inhibitors, and, therefore, by the time it gets to the shelf, it is not as fresh and does not last as long in ones home. That is a serious issue. Prioritising Irish growers would be an easy thing to do, he said. Claire Kerrane TD said: We should stand on our own two feet much more when it comes to growing fruit and vegetables. We cannot grow everything, but what we can grow, we should. For our fathers and mothers and the generations before them, anything they ate, they grew. That was how it was. We need to go back to some of that to be more self-sufficient than most of us are. International leaders have condemned Ecuador after police in the countrys capital broke into the Mexican Embassy to arrest a former vice president who had been granted political asylum. The raid late on Friday prompted Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to break off diplomatic relations with Ecuador, while his governments foreign relations secretary said the move will be challenged at the World Court in The Hague. Police broke through the external doors of the embassy in Quito to arrest Jorge Glas, who had been residing there since December. He had sought asylum after being indicted on corruption charges and it had been granted hours earlier. The break-in was widely condemned. People protest outside the Ecuadorian Embassy in Mexico City after police broke into the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest Jorge Glas (Ginnette Riquelme/AP) The Organisation of American States in a statement reminded its members, which include Ecuador and Mexico, of their obligation not to invoke norms of domestic law to justify non-compliance with their international obligations. The Spanish foreign ministry, in a statement on Sunday, said: The entry by force into the Embassy of Mexico in Quito constitutes a violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. We call for respect for international law and harmony between Mexico and Ecuador, brotherly countries to Spain and members of the Ibero-American community. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said: The United States condemns any violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and takes very seriously the obligation of host countries under international law to respect the inviolability of diplomatic missions. He called on both countries to resolve their differences. Honduran President Xiomara Castro, writing on X, formerly Twitter, characterised the raid as an intolerable act for the international community and a violation of the sovereignty of the Mexican State and international law because it ignores the historical and fundamental right to asylum. Ecuadors Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld said the decision to enter the Mexican Embassy in Quito was made by President Daniel Noboa (Dolores Ochoa/AP) Diplomatic premises are considered foreign soil and inviolable under the Vienna treaties and host country law enforcement agencies are not allowed to enter without the permission of the ambassador. People seeking asylum have lived anywhere from days to years at embassies around the world, including at Ecuadors in London, which housed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for seven years because British police could not enter to arrest him. Alicia Barcena, Mexicos secretary of foreign relations, on Friday posted on X that a number of diplomats suffered injuries during the break-in. She said Mexico will take the case to the International Court of Justice to denounce Ecuadors responsibility for violations of international law. She also recalled Mexican diplomats. On Saturday, Glas was taken from the attorney generals office in Quito to the port city of Guayaquil, where he will remain in custody at a maximum-security prison. People who had gathered outside the prosecutors office yelled Strength as he left with a convoy of police and military vehicles. Glass lawyer, Sonia Vera, told the Associated Press that officers broke into his room and he resisted when they attempted to put his hands behind his back. She said the officers then knocked him to the floor, kicked him in the head, in the spine, in the legs, the hands, and, when he couldnt walk, they dragged him out. Ecuadors former vice president Jorge Glas had sought asylum in the Mexican Embassy in Quito after being indicted on corruption charges (Dolores Ochoa/AP) Ms Vera said the defence team was not allowed to speak with Glas while he was at the prosecutors office, and it is now working to file a habeas corpus petition. Authorities are investigating Glas over alleged irregularities during his management of reconstruction efforts following a powerful earthquake in 2016 that killed hundreds of people. He was convicted on bribery and corruption charges in other cases. Ecuadors Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld told reporters on Saturday that the decision to enter the embassy was made by President Daniel Noboa after considering Glass imminent flight risk and exhausting all possibilities for diplomatic dialogue with Mexico. Mexico granted Glas asylum hours before the raid. Ms Sommerfeld said it is not legal to grant asylum to people convicted of common crimes and by competent courts. Mr Noboa became Ecuadors president last year as the nation battled unprecedented crime tied to drug trafficking. He declared the country in an internal armed conflict in January and designated 20 drug-trafficking gangs as terrorist groups that the military had authorisation to neutralise within the bounds of international humanitarian law. A military vehicle transports former Ecuadorian vice president Jorge Glas from the detention centre where he was held after police broke into the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest him (Dolores Ochoa/AP) Will Freeman, a fellow of Latin American studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said the decision to send police into Mexicos embassy raises concerns over the steps Mr Noboa is willing to take to get re-elected. His tenure ends in 2025 as he was only elected to finish the term of former president Guillermo Lasso. I really hope Noboa is not turning more in a Bukele direction, Mr Freeman said, referring to El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, whose tough-on-crime policies have been heavily criticised by human rights organisations. Thats to say, less respectful of rule of law in order to get a boost to his popularity ahead of the elections. Mr Freeman added that whether Glas was abusing diplomatic protection is a separate issue from the decision to send police to the embassy. We see a pattern of that in Latin America, with politicians abusing embassies and foreign jurisdictions, not to flee prosecution but to flee accountability, he said. The Mexican Embassy in Quito remained under heavy police guard after the raid the boiling point of recent tensions between Mexico and Ecuador. Glass lawyer said she fears something could happen to him while in custody considering the track record of the countrys detention facilities, where hundreds of people have died during violent riots over the past few years. Those killed while in custody include some suspects in last years assassination of a presidential candidate. In Ecuador, going to jail is practically a death sentence, Ms Vera said. We consider that the international political and legal person responsible for the life of Jorge Glas is President Daniel Noboa Azin. Officials at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant said that the site was attacked on Sunday by Ukrainian military drones, including a strike on the dome of the plants sixth power unit. According to the plant authorities, there was no critical damage or casualties and radiation levels at the plant were normal after the strikes. Later on Sunday, however, Russian state-owned nuclear agency Rosatom said that three people were wounded in the unprecedented series of drone attacks, specifically when a drone hit an area close to the sites canteen. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Sunday that its experts had been informed of the drone strike and that such detonation is consistent with IAEA observations. Without apportioning blame, the head of the UNs atomic watchdog agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, warned of the safety risks of such attacks. I urge refraining from actions that contradict the 5 IAEA principles and jeopardize nuclear safety, he said on the social media site X. IAEA experts have been informed by ZNPP that a drone detonated on site today. Such detonation is consistent with IAEA observations. I urge to refrain from actions that contradict the 5 IAEA principles and jeopardise nuclear safety, Director General @rafaelmgrossi said. IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency (@iaeaorg) April 7, 2024 The power plant has been caught in the crossfire since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and seized the facility shortly after. The IAEA has repeatedly expressed alarm about the nuclear power plant, Europes largest, amid fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe. Both Ukraine and Russia have regularly accused the other of attacking the plant, which is still close to the front lines. The plants six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features. Also on Sunday, three people were killed when their house was hit by a Russian projectile in the frontline town of Huliaipole in Ukraines partly occupied south-eastern region of Zaporizhzhia, regional governor Ivan Fedorov said. Later on Sunday, two people were wounded in another shelling of Huliaipole. Separately, three people were wounded in Russian shelling in Ukraines north-east region of Kharkiv, according to regional governor Oleh Syniehubov. In Russia, a girl died and four other people were wounded when the debris of a downed Ukrainian drone fell on a car carrying a family of six people in Russias Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said. By Lawrence Hill-Cawthorne, University of Bristol | The UK government has received internal legal advice that Israel has broken international humanitarian law in its current war on Gaza. The advice was revealed by Alicia Kearns, the Conservative chair of the House of Commons foreign affairs select committee, in a speech to a fundraising event on March 13 and leaked to the UKs Observer newspaper. The paper quoted British barrister and war crimes prosecutor Sir Geoffrey Nice as saying: Countries supplying arms to Israel may now be complicit in criminal warfare. The public should be told what the advice says. The Guardian has now revealed that the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, has since received a letter signed by 600 lawyers and academics, including three former supreme court justices among them Baroness Hale, the courts former president as well as former court of appeal judges and more than 60 KCs, warning that UK arms sales to Israel are also illegal under international law. But what does international law actually say on this issue, and what are the UKs (and other nations) legal obligations in relation to the ongoing assault on Gaza? In recent months, a number of countries have announced they are suspending arms exports to Israel. These include Canada, Belgium, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands, as well as the Japanese company Itochu Corporation. Germany and the US by far the biggest suppliers of arms to Israel have not as yet signalled intentions to follow suit. Neither has the UK. But with arms exports amounting to 42 million in 2022, it is not one of Israels major suppliers. Suspending arms exports to Israel indicates not only political concerns, but also fear over the legality of continuing to support Israel militarily in its assault on Gaza. The Netherlands court of appeal ruled in February that the Dutch government must discontinue its sales of F35 fighter jet parts on the basis of its obligations under the UN arms trade treaty. A similar lawsuit is currently pending in Denmark which exports F35 parts to the US, which then sells the finished jets to Israel. In the UK, the high court dismissed an attempt to challenge the governments continued licensing of arms exports to Israel. But this was because the particular procedural hurdle that applicants in such cases have to get over is notoriously high. The judgment said nothing definitive as to Israels (or the UKs) compliance with international law. Following this, 130 MPs and peers from across party lines recently signed a letter to the foreign secretary calling on the government to suspend arms exports to Israel. Arms trade treaty So what is the position under international law of countries, such as the UK, that support Israel militarily? There are many specific and general rules of international law that are relevant here. The most obvious, and the one emphasised in the British MPs letter, is found in the UN arms trade treaty, to which the UK is a party. Article 7 requires a risk assessment for all weapons transfers, and prohibits exports where there is an overriding risk that the weapons could be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law (the law of armed conflict). Sky News Video: Top judges urge UK to stop arms sales to Israel | Israel-Hamas war The only objective test we have for determining risk of future violations is to examine whether there is evidence of a pattern of past violations by Israel. UN reporting of past serious violations is one of the key considerations that the UKs own policy points to in determining future risk. In 2019, the UK court of appeal suspended arms exports to Saudi Arabia based on the governments failure to assess whether past violations of international law had likely been committed in Yemen. The available evidence suggests there have been countless examples of Israeli actions in Gaza that appear, on their face, to be inconsistent with international humanitarian law. Among the most recent examples are the Israeli attack on an aid convoy on April 1, the destruction of Gazas hospitals, and the well-documented famine that now engulfs the territory. The Hague court of appeal that ordered the Dutch government to suspend arms exports to Israel relied on reports from Amnesty International and the UN when it listed multiple examples of apparent violations of the law of armed conflict in Gaza. And in the long-awaited UN security council resolution adopted on March 25, with the US abstaining, the security council condemned all attacks against civilians and civilian objects, as well as all violence and hostilities against civilians, and demanded the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, in line with international humanitarian law. This suggests a pattern of past serious violations and thus a clear risk of continuing violations. So, signatories to the arms trade treaty continuing to supply weapons to Israel likely do so in breach of article 7. Geneva conventions Yet all nations have other obligations that take on particular importance in relation to Gaza. One of these is the obligation to prevent genocide under article 1 of the Genocide convention (which was the focus of the letter to the prime minister referred to above). This is especially relevant since the International Court of Justice (ICJ) determined in January that there is an imminent risk of irreparable harm to the rights of Palestinians in Gaza under the Genocide Convention. But it also includes article 1 of the 1949 Geneva conventions, which requires states to ensure respect for international humanitarian law. There is overwhelming support for the view that this requires all states not only to avoid aiding or assisting violations (for example, through arms exports) but to take proactive steps to ensure warring parties comply with their obligations under international law. They can do so via diplomatic channels or by imposing sanctions. On March 1, Nicaragua instituted proceedings before the ICJ against Germany (the second-biggest arms exporter to Israel), in part alleging that it is violating article 1 of the Geneva conventions due to its support for Israel. In this way, all countries are legally obliged to ensure that others comply with international humanitarian law. If the catastrophic destruction, massive civilian death toll and immense suffering of those still alive in Gaza is not enough to pull Israels allies into line over their continuing arms sales, it is difficult to conceive of any situation that ever could. Lawrence Hill-Cawthorne, Associate Professor of Law, University of Bristol This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Saturday, April 6, 2024 Actor Victor 'Nkubi' Nwaogu and his wife Vivian have welcomed their first child. The couple, who got married in 2021, announced the happy news via Instagram. They shared a video showing Vivian's baby bump on display, with Nkubi planting a kiss on her belly. Watch the video below. Sunday, April 7, 2024 Former Prime Minister Raila Odingas Azimio politicians have differed following the recent motion by Embakasi East legislator Babu Owino to impeach Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha. A section of Azimio MPs from the Western region has come out to defend the health CS, terming the impeachment motion dead on arrival. The motion by Babu Owino seeks the ouster of Nakhumicha from the role of health CS citing incompetence and gross violation of the country's health standards. However, Babu Owinos move has sparked fierce opposition from some MPs, including those from the Azimio coalition, who now want Babu Owino to drop the motion. There is no way we are going to allow our fellow MPs to impeach her, so the impeachment idea and motion is not there, stated Tindi Mwale, Butere MP. According to Kakamega Deputy Governor, Ayub Savula, there is no concrete reason for impeaching CS Nakhumicha. Savula insisted that the doctors strike was a labour-related issue and had nothing to do with Susan Nakhumchas role as a health CS. "We know she is the only minister representing us in the national government and we want her to stay there and perform. No one should use the excuse of a strike, a strike is a labour matter," Savula noted. The swift move comes three days after Babu Owino filed an impeachment motion against CS Nakhumicha. According to the legislator, since the start of the doctors' strike on March 15, Kenyans have been unable to access medical care. Nakhumicha was also accused of exhibiting incompetence by failing to end the strike which has since entered its third week. Babu Owino further faulted the Health CS for failing to honour the doctors' Collective Bargaining Agreement, and instead threatening to sack doctors. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, April 7, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has told Kenyans living in the diaspora that President William Ruto has managed to stabilise the country's economy. Addressing over 400 members of the diaspora community in Kigali, Rwanda on Saturday night, the Deputy President urged Kenyans living abroad to invest in Kenya and buy the governments affordable houses, since there is political and economic stability. Kenyas security is high. Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security Prof Kithure Kindiki has helped restore security in North Rift and Lamu. "This will continue so that the government can create the right atmosphere to attract investment and tourism. "Kenya is great again, we have political stability, everyone is employed and we are back on track in terms of economic development, Gachagua said. Invest back home and especially in the housing programme. "The houses are affordable and the mortgage is manageable and payable for the long term. You wont even feel it, Gachagua added. The second in command further noted that the Kenya Kwanza administration upholds democracy and President William Ruto is open to criticism. We have tolerance, we are democratic and we run an open system where the government and the president are ready to be criticised in any way. "We dont want dictatorship, we want to be held accountable, he said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, April 7, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was all smiles after he announced the arrest of a Nyeri Tycoon, who has been on the run for years, for the distribution of illicit alcohol in the region. Speaking during a food distribution exercise in Nyeri, the DP noted that police successfully arrested the tycoon based in Rurungu during the week. He praised investigative officers for the successful operation, maintaining that he won't relent in the war against illicit drugs. "The other day we were able to arrest one rich man who lived in Ruringu and had a big house and a lot of money. He was the one who was responsible for the illicit liquor that was being distributed here," the DP announced in Nyeri. Gachagua also warned the police to be cautious, given that the tycoon was prone to bribing his way out of police arrests. Further, the DP warned that he would take a keen interest in the case and go after any officer who would be bribed to scuttle the investigations. "And because he has the money to bribe people around, I want to warn the police that if you take that bribe, I will come for you. We have information that he has been bribing people here but we have finally arrested him. "I want to say that no bribe will be taken this time. Nobody will be allowed to make poison in the pretense that they are making alcohol," he stated. On the other hand, the DP maintained that the ongoing nationwide crackdown targeting drug dealers would continue until the dangerous substances were completely destroyed. He maintained that they would push on with the campaign even if it runs through to the 2027 polls. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, April 7, 2024 - A section of Luhya community Members of Parliament in Azimio One Kenya Alliance has said they will not support the impeachment of Health Cabinet Secretary, Susan Nakhumicha. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has tabled a motion in Parliament to impeach Nakhumicha over incompetence and gross violation of the constitution in the ongoing doctors' strike. But speaking on Saturday, Luhya community MPs led by Butere MP Tindi Mwale defended CS Nakhumicha, terming the impeachment motion dead on arrival. There is no way we are going to allow our fellow MPs to impeach her, so the impeachment idea and motion is not there, said the ODM MP. His sentiments were echoed by Kakamega deputy governor Ayub Savula, who said there is no concrete reason for impeaching the Health CS. Savula argued that the doctors strike was a labor-related issue and that it had nothing to do with CS Nakhumchas role. We know she is the only minister representing us in the national government and we want her to stay there and perform. No one should use the excuse of a strike, a strike is a labour matter, Savula stated. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, April 6, 2024 A former bank employee, Mike Ilishebo, 44, allegedly killed his 35-year-old wife, Valerie Franco, before taking his own life in Zambia. The incident happened at Meanwood Ndeke Phase One area in Lusaka on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Police Public Relations officer, Rae Hamoonga, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, April 4, said that Mr. Ilishebo strangled Valerie with an electric power adapter cable and stabbed her in the stomach with a knife. Yesterday, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at approximately 16:05 hours, Chelston Police Station, through Ndeke-vorna Police Post, received a distressing report from Alice Mapulanga, 38, that Mr. Ilishebo has perpetrated a heinous act against his wife, Valerie, aged 35, he said. "Upon the arrival of Police Scenes of Crime officers at the scene, Ms. Franco's lifeless body was discovered lying in the bedroom adjacent to the bed, with a knife embedded in her abdomen Meanwhile, Mr Ilishebo was found deceased in the sitting room, with a black substance coming from his mouth It's alleged that Mr Ilishebo strangled Ms Franco using an electric power adapter cable and subsequently stabbed her in the stomach with a knife, before taking a poisonous substance, resulting in his own demise. Mr. Hamoonga stated that the incident is said to have occurred between 15:00 and 16:00 hours. "The bodies were transported to the University Teaching Hospital mortuary for further examination. Hamoonga said the motive behind the incident appears to stem from long marital dispute between the couple who shared an eight-month-old child. Saturday, April 6, 2024 A man who sleeps with s3x workers for free and steals their stuff while they are asleep has been nabbed by some of his victims. The suspect was simply identified as Richy. It was gathered that he met his waterloo after robbing 5 s3x workers. Its unclear if he was handed over to the police. Sunday, April 7, 2024 - Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has emerged from the woods with one request from the church, after going missing from the public limelight for months. Speaking during the Episcopal Ordination of two Catholic bishops in Nairobi on Saturday, Uhuru called on the church to take up its role in defending the rights of Kenyans from oppressive rule. He noted that the church played a critical role in ensuring that justice is served for all. He also expressed that many Kenyans depend on the church to guide them during the difficult moments that the country is currently grappling with. On the other hand, he called on Kenyans to maintain peace and pray for the nation and the church leaders. "They say that the church is the conscience of the society. We must always ask ourselves, especially the leadership whether we are still faithful to that calling. Are we still conscious of society or have we forgotten that role? "I pray that God will continue blessing our country and our fellow citizens. Let us continue loving each other and may the Church ensure that they take up their role of ensuring that they defend the rights of the people of Kenya," he stated. Further, the former Head of State urged leaders, who were currently serving in various positions, to collaborate with the church in finding solutions that are facing Kenyans. Uhuru was last seen in public in February during the burial of retired Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Zachary Mwangi Kingori. Notably, during the Saturday event, Uhuru was accompanied by his mother, Mama Ngina Kenyatta, and his brother, Muhoho Kenyatta. Also present at the event were National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. The Kenyan DAILY POST Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Farm Safety, Martin Heydon and Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Neale Richmond have launched a farm safety awareness campaign focussing on farm vehicles and machinery. The joint campaign supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Health and Safety Authority promotes farm safety practices and behavioural change when operating farm vehicles and machinery. Over the last ten years there have been 191 farm fatalities of which over half, or 96 people, lost their lives in incidents involving farm vehicles and machinery. 16 of the 17 child fatalities in the same period involved farm vehicles and machinery. According to the Teagasc National Farm Survey in 2020, approximately 11% of the 4,500 non-fatal incidents on Irish farms each year, involve farm vehicles and machinery, with some resulting in life-changing injuries. Right now farmers are battling difficult weather conditions but these sobering figures highlight the serious safety risks associated with farm vehicles and machinery, Minister Heydon said. Behind each one is a farm, a family, and a community that have been left devastated. In the weeks ahead tractor activity will increase and we need to drive down the unacceptably high number of fatalities involving farm vehicles and machinery. It is incumbent on everyone involved in farming to act now by taking the practical steps necessary to prevent any loss of life or injury when using farm machinery. Minister Neale Richmond added: The needless loss of life on our farms is an ongoing tragedy. Farmers must take safety on their farms seriously and take common sense actions to protect themselves and their families. Tractors and farm machinery pose well-known dangers that must be addressed. No job is so important or urgent that a persons life is put in danger or harms way. Plan ahead, get help where needed and dont take short cuts, its just not worth it. Conor O'Brien, CEO, Heath Safety Authority, said the evidence is clear, farm machinery and tractors are the leading cause of fatalities and injuries on farms. Many of these incidents are caused by poor maintenance and upkeep so make sure your machinery is in good working order, particularly brakes and mirrors, he said. Only competent users with proper training should operate farm machinery, and please keep family members and visitors well away. HSA inspectors will be undertaking a nationwide farm inspection blitz over the coming weeks to support this campaign and help farmers understand and address the issues. Emergency services have been praised for rescuing a girl from the sea off Dun Laoghaire in Co Dublin. An operation was mounted after the youngster was swept out to sea from the east pier of Dun Laoghaire Harbour at around 8.20pm on Saturday. The incident came amid rough seas on a day when Storm Kathleen hit Ireland. After being pulled from the water, the girl was taken to hospital for treatment for non life-threatening injuries. The Coast Guard, RNLI, Garda, ambulance service and Dublin fire brigade were all involved in the operation. The Coast Guards Rescue 116 helicopter was also deployed. Dun Laoghaire Fine Gael TD Jennifer Carroll MacNeill praised the extraordinary efforts of the rescuers. Fianna Fail TD Cormac Devlin described the rescuers as heroic. Thank you and I hope that the young girl is recovering well, he posted on X, formerly Twitter. In a statement on Sunday, the Garda said: Gardai assisted emergency services in the rescue of a female child who had gone into the water at Dun Laoghaire harbour yesterday evening, Saturday 6th April 2024. The child was rescued from the water by emergency services and taken to hospital in South Dublin to be treated for non-life threatening injuries. Status Yellow Wind warning for Donegal, Mayo & West Galway Very strong and gusty southerly winds associated with Storm Kathleen. Valid: 20:00 Saturday 06/04/2024 to 16:00 Sunday 07/04/2024https://t.co/lvQFgW8DsS pic.twitter.com/pnqZtyCVLK Met Eireann (@MetEireann) April 7, 2024 Around 34,000 customers lost electricity supply on Saturday as Storm Kathleen swept across the island, with orange wind warnings in effect in southern and western parts. A few thousand customers remained without power overnight but by Sunday afternoon almost all had had their supply restored. A yellow wind warning covering Donegal, Mayo and west Galway was to remain in effect until 4pm on Sunday. Kilkenny One Parent Community (KOPC), held a symposium in the Watergate Theatre recently to mark National Single Parents Day. The purpose of this Kilkenny event was to celebrate people who are parenting alone, to explore the issues faced by single parents and to reflect of the achievements of the KOPC since it was founded in 2020. To this end the organising group attached to the KOPC were delighted to have two national organisations at the event to speak about the work they do with lone parents across Ireland. Treoir speakers, Damien Peelo and Gayle Smith spoke about the challenges lone parents face daily, stating that they get over 3,000 calls yearly from lone parents who are seeking information and help regarding access, maintenance, welfare, and court procedures. Gayle Smith also reflected on policy implications for lone parents. Valerie Maher - Programmes and Information Manager from One Family introduced the services they provide for lone parents. Niamh Wynne the Employability Manager from One Family spoke about some upcoming training opportunities for lone parents called the New Steps and New Futures Programmes. The New Steps personal development programme is a free 8-week, part-time programme developed for people parenting alone who are in receipt of a social welfare payment. The aim of these programmes is to enable partakers to become more confident, gain personal development skills, and learn how to balance work and family life. The next New Steps/New Futures programmes will begin in May 2024 and will be delivered online. Dr. Caroline Crowley delivered a presentation on Valuing Relationships with One Another and Our Collective Future, outlining the value of hidden care in human needs and care relations, and the invisibility of care. Kilkenny One Parent Community presented some of the activities they run through a visual presentation, and artist Michelle McMahon presented the Brat Brid Project which entailed the designing of a St. Brigids Cloak that Kilkenny One Parent Community members have been proud to be involved in since its birth. This project was created by Michelle because of a devastating tragedy in January 2022 with the horrific murder of Ashling Murphy, a talented young woman at the start of her teaching career, and the announcement of a new public holiday to celebrate St. Brigid, and to mark the start of Spring. The project began with groups of women creating lino prints on fabric. These prints depicted matriarchal/matrilineal figures, and they were screen-printed onto bespoke fabric, with members of KOPC partaking in the production of these designs. Again, in February 2024 KOPC members assisted Michelle in assembling the St. Brigids cloak. Michelle plans to invite women from across Kilkenny and Ireland to gather in sewing circles and embellish the cloak with embroidered designs associated with Brigid. Kilkenny One Parent Community would like to sincerely thank Kilkenny Leader Partnership and Healthy Kilkenny for their support whom without their support this event would not have been possible. If you are parenting alone and would like to know more information about Kilkenny One Parent Community, please look up our website www.kilkennyoneparentcommunity.ie or checkout our Facebook page Kilkenny One Parent Community or contact Juanita on 0861917195. Giant panda Fu Bao starts quarantine after returning from South Korea Ecns.cn) 15:29, April 07, 2024 Giant panda Fu Bao is seen in an enclosure at the Shenshuping giant panda base in Wolong National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 3, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Li Chuanyou) Fu Bao, the first giant panda born in South Korea, arrived at the base on Wednesday for a one-month quarantine in Sichuan. Giant panda Fu Bao is seen in an enclosure at the Shenshuping giant panda base in Wolong National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 3, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Li Chuanyou) Giant panda Fu Bao is seen in an enclosure at the Shenshuping giant panda base in Wolong National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 3, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Li Chuanyou) Giant panda Fu Bao walks in an enclosure at the Shenshuping giant panda base in Wolong National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 3, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Li Chuanyou) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) New calculations saying eclipse maps might be off aren't thoroughly reviewed, scientists say By Casey Lartigue Jr. Last year, I was listening to one of my favorite rappers, Chuck D., when a line from one of his songs caught my attention: When I cant change the people around me, I change the people around me. In other words, when he cant alter the culture, attitudes, or behavior of those around him, he chooses to associate with new individuals. Over the past few months, I've observed North Koreans in various situations as our organization placed them in different contexts; I have had new experiences as I have put myself in different situations; and, vice-versa, I recognized that a close colleague may have also made a change by not associating with me for a while. After reflecting on Chuck D. 's lyrics, I shared with FSI co-founder Lee Eun-koo a new idea for a project. We would take North Korean refugee YouTubers out of their current environments and have them engage with new people. I had noticed that many of the North Korean refugee YouTubers had similar contents, mainly of them talking in a studio with a guest. I proposed, Lets change the situation and the people around North Korean refugees. Lets ensure they feel respected as content creators and see what happens with the content they create after experiencing new situations outside of South Korea. We could have executed the project in South Korea, which would have been easier and cheaper. However, by taking them out of their familiar surroundings, they could be inquisitive citizen journalists working on diverse projects in unfamiliar territories. We spent ten days in California, placing six North Korean refugee content creators in situations where they could give speeches, run campaigns, sing in public, or pursue their respective missions. Not only did they gain new insights, but they also learned from observing other North Korean refugees engage with people in diverse settings. It was a great success and I plan on posting the videos at this Workable Words blog over the coming weeks. This experience served as a reminder for me to put myself in new situations. I have embraced this approach for most of my adult life, starting with my decision to forego internships after graduate school and see the world (starting with Taipei, Taiwan). I have worked with people in a variety of situations in three different countries. Some of that curiosity and experimentation slowed when I committed to building an organization in South Korea. Most of my life I have been a leaf floating in the wind, but I had to change that style as the co-founder of an organization in a foreign country. As an organizational leader focused on empowering North Korean refugees to speak freely, I often find myself in a supportive role rather than as the main speaker testing new ideas. Recently, I decided to challenge myself by engaging with new people and being a solo speaker probing different ideas. During the month of March, I spoke at the Harvard Graduate School of Educations Alumni of Color Conference and I delivered two speeches to Harvard Clubs in Florida. Usually, I fundraise for such trips to invite at least one North Korean refugee, but this time, I went to Florida alone and was joined by South Koreans at the HGSE Workshop. The result was a series of new questions from Harvard alumni, including some inquiries I hadn't encountered in twelve years of speaking, organizing, and moderating events about North Korea and with North Korean refugees. What made these experiences different? The main thing is that I spoke without North Korean refugees. People may hesitate to challenge North Korean refugees telling their personal stories of suffering in North Korea or China and escaping to freedom. However, as the sole speaker probing a sensitive topic, the audience showed no mercy as they fired questions at me as I reflected on the lack of a revolution in North Korea. I still thought their questions werent challenging enough so I invited the skeptics in the room to challenge me and to hit me with their most difficult questions. I believe those situations North Korean refugees being in different situations and my own case of speaking to different audiences as a solo speaker fit in line with Chuck Ds point about changing the people around you. But is there anyone out there who would sing or rap about booting Chuck D out of their lives? Two years ago, I collaborated with a North Korean refugee on a book. We worked closely in 2021 and part of 2022, but she began to distance herself from me when new people learned about her and invited her for opportunities. Few of them mentioned me and even when she did mention me they clearly preferred not to include me. She delivered a couple of speeches and had some YouTube and media interviews without me. At first I saw it as a case of her trying to find her voice without me being part of it and got back to my own work. Then when I heard the Chuck D rap, I considered it might have been vice-versa about changing people around you. Sometimes we make the change by moving away from others, sometimes others make the change to move away from us. However, she recently approached me again, expressing gratitude and a desire to collaborate once more. Before I departed Seoul for nearly a month in the USA, our team asked her to record a short video for Harvard alumni interested in hearing about her life. Midway through, she turned it into a loving testimonial about me. When someone publicly states you've changed their life and even says you have been the turning point it is truly touching. Four days after I gave a speech in Florida that covered her memoir we wrote together, she gave a speech in Seoul to tourists with one of our partner organizations. FSI co-founder Eunkoo Lee sent me lovely photos of my co-author speaking to an audience without me. Some of them bought her book and she signed it for them. Some of them held up copies of the book to show how proud they were to have bought it. Roman Stoic philosopher Seneca the Younger wrote, "Every new beginning comes from another beginning's end." The conclusion of one chapter or a significant change serves as the foundation for a fresh start or a renewed beginning. Changing the people around us and circumstances can lead to new experiences. I witnessed how North Korean refugee YouTubers created fresh content in unfamiliar environments. In my case, I had a novel experience talking more broadly about North Korea rather than being an organizational figure preparing the stage for North Korean refugee speakers. After a North Korean refugee seemed to change to have new experiences without me, she returned refreshed, thankful, and eager to collaborate once more. Casey Lartigue Jr. (CJL@alumni.harvard.edu) is the co-founder of Freedom Speakers International with Lee Eun-koo and co-author with Han Song-mi of her memoir "Greenlight to Freedom. Suspended operations at TSMC raise concerns over single supply chain By Baek Byung-yeul Korean semiconductor companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix stand to gain from the escalating demand to diversify global chip supply chains in response to the recent earthquake in Taiwan on April 3, according to industry experts, Sunday. The production disruption in Taiwan's semiconductor industry, which holds a pivotal position in the global chip market, is anticipated to raise concerns about the vulnerability of a single supply chain. Consequently, experts suggest that this event may drive a push for supply diversification in the future. Taiwan hosts semiconductor giants like TSMC, UMC, and the U.S.-based memory chip manufacturer Micron Technology. Following the earthquake, some of these companies have suspended operations at certain production lines. TSMC, the world's leader in the chip foundry business, said a day after the earthquake that it had resumed operations at its facilities that were temporarily halted in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake, saying "overall tool recovery of its fabrication facilities exceeded 80 percent." But it added, "certain production lines in areas that faced greater impact were likely to take more time to return to fully automated production." With TSMC commanding over 60 percent of the global foundry market share and serving major U.S. chip design firms like Apple and Nvidia, experts are voicing concerns regarding the need for diversification in chip supply chains. The halt of some of TSMC's production lines could potentially inflict significant damage on the entire industry. "We believe this could lead to supply disruptions in the tech supply chain. While we note some companies have reported limited damage and many of the semiconductor fabs should have been designed to withstand strong earthquakes, halts in some operations at high-tech semiconductor fabs could mean disruptions," Bum Ki Son and Brian Tan, analysts at British investment bank Barclays, said in a report. "Some of the high-end chips need 24/7 seamless operations in a vacuum state for a few weeks. Operation halts in Taiwans northern industrial areas could mean some high-end chips in production may be spoiled," they added. Kim Dae-jong, a professor of business administration at Sejong University, also said that global chipmakers need to diversify the semiconductor supply chain concentrated in Taiwan to reduce risks. "Chip companies need to reduce their dependency on Taiwan and diversify their orders to other countries to lower the risk when facing a special crisis like this earthquake," the professor said. "Chip design companies should diversify their non-memory demand to Taiwan, Korea and the U.S. as a way to prepare for crises." The professor said prices of memory semiconductors are also on a rising trend due to the Taiwan earthquake, adding that Samsung and SK hynix have reportedly halted memory chip price negotiations with clients because the supply of memory chips will decrease, leading to higher prices. Kim Dong-won, an analyst at KB Securities, said in a report released after the Taiwan earthquake, "The production disruption in foundries caused by this earthquake is poised to serve as a pivotal moment, shedding light on the industry's structure. With 69 percent of global foundry production concentrated in Taiwan, it underscores the risk associated with relying on a single supply chain. "TSMC's Fab12 plant, where all production personnel evacuated following the earthquake, is encountering operational uncertainty due to damaged water pipes and system errors in certain front-end equipment. As a result, further inspections are necessary to assess the situation," the analyst said. "The Korean semiconductor ecosystem is emerging as the optimal alternative for diversifying the memory and foundry supply chain, with long-term benefits expected." However, another expert predicts that while TSMC did sustain some damage from the earthquake, it is not likely to have a substantial impact on the foundry industry's market share. This is because the foundry industry has long-term contracts with chip design companies, and it is difficult to suddenly change the order and design of the chips to be produced. "The foundry business needs to supply products tailored to the design requirements of chip design companies. Stable supply is key in maintaining long-term cooperative relationships with customers, so it is difficult for TSMC to lose its customers just because of the earthquake damage," said Lee Jong-hwan, a professor of the department of system semiconductor engineering at Sangmyung University. The professor also forecast that in the memory semiconductor industry, Samsung and SK could benefit from the earthquake as the industry has a different structure. "The memory semiconductor industry may be affected by the earthquake. As production facilities of Micron Technology and Nanya Technology were reported to have suffered damage, rival memory semiconductor companies, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, are likely to benefit from the market where chip production and supply are more directly connected," the chip professor added. Israel's defense minister said on Sunday the country was ready to handle any scenario that may develop with its foe Iran as it stayed on alert for a possible retaliatory attack to the killing of Iranian generals on April 1. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's office made the statement after he held an "operational situation assessment" with senior military officers. "Upon completing the assessment, Minister Gallant emphasized that the defense establishment has completed preparations for responses in the event of any scenario that may develop vis-a-vis Iran," his office said. Iran has threatened to respond to a suspected Israeli strike in Damascus that killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps members, among them a senior commander. A senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, Yahya Rahim Safavi, said on Sunday that none of Israel's embassies were safe anymore and that Tehran viewed confrontation with Israel as a "legitimate and legal right." Iran's semi-official ISNA new agency published a graphic on Sunday that it said showcased nine different types of Iranian missiles it says are capable of hitting Israel. Israel has not confirmed it was behind the strike on Damascus. Though its leaders have said in more general terms that they are operating against Iran, which backs militant groups Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both of which have been in combat with Israel for the past six months. The United States is also on high alert and preparing for a possible attack by Iran targeting Israeli or American assets in the region. Israel has blamed Iran for being behind the 1994 deadly bombing of a Jewish centre in Argentina's capital, which killed 85 people and for which Tehran denied any involvement. (Reuters) The romantic relationships of Korean celebrities always and inevitably draw much attention. When their relationships are exposed to the public, whether by choice or because they were exposed, they find themselves in a position where they must react to how fans' feel towards the news, whether it be praise or disappointment. Occasionally, the pressure becomes overwhelming, resulting in the end of the relationship. Here are 5 female K-stars who experienced short-lived public relationships. 1. aespa Karina aespa member Karina and actor Lee Jae Wook first crossed paths at a fashion show in Milan, Italy, back in January and soon started dating. Their relationship, which drew considerable attention as they are both top stars in their fields, took a turn when it was announced they broke up after five weeks of publicly dating. Lee Jae Wook's agency, C-JeS Studio, briefly addressed the split, claiming Lee Jae Wook broke up with Karina to prioritize his ongoing filming commitments. Despite breaking up, they stated they would remain colleagues who support each other. 2. BLACKPINK Jennie In 2019, BLACKPINK member Jennie and EXO member Kai confirmed their breakup after just a month of publicly dating. The pair were selected as Dispatch's new-year couple that year, with the publication releasing photos of the two on a date. The idols' agencies confirmed the report. However, before the end of January, they announced their breakup. They stated they would remain seniors and juniors in the K-pop industry. 3. Bae Suzy In 2018, Suzy found herself caught up in dating rumors with actor Lee Dong Wook. Though reports initially stated the two just liked each other, the couple surprised the public by boldly announcing their relationship. People were especially interested in their 13-year age gap. YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: 5 K-Pop Idols Who Own Luxurious Houses: BLACKPINK Lisa, BTS Jungkook, MORE! They called it quits after four months of making their relationship public, citing their hectic schedules as the reason for the breakup. 4. BLACKPINK Jisoo In August of last year, BLACKPINK member Jisoo found herself involved in rumored dating when a photo surfaced of her on a date with actor Ahn Bo Hyun. The two soon confirmed they were in a relationship. Despite keeping their relationship from the public eye, the couple revealed their split two months later. It's been reported that they chose to break up because their busy schedules put strain on their relationship. 5. Han So Hee In March 2024, rumors started going around that Han So Hee and Ryu Jun Yeol were dating after they were spotted traveling together overseas. Amid speculation and accusations that Ryu Jun Yeol pursued Han So Hee while he was dating Girl's Day Hyeri, Han So Hee personally confirmed their relationship. However, their relationship was not well-accepted, mostly due to Han So Hee's contentious social media posts. This ultimately led the two to announce their breakup just two weeks after they publicly confirmed they were dating. Following her split from Ryu Jun Yeol, Han So Hee garnered attention by sharing a photo of Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman on the day of her divorce from Tom Cruise. Who is your favorite K-pop couple? Tell us in the comments below! CHECK THIS OUT: 4 K-Stars Going Viral for Their Stunning Physiques: ITZY Yuna, Red Velvet Seulgi, MORE! KpopStarz Owns This Written by Alexa Lopez Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 7 (ANI): National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has issued a notice to the West Bengal government on Saturday in connection with objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by party Trinamool Congress leader Pijush Panda. Earlier, the NCBC had issued a notice to the Director General of Police (DGP) of Bengal state calling for action against the TMC leader. Also Read | Assam Shocker: Man Allegedly Kills Wife on Suspicion of Extra-Marital Affair in Guwahati, Chops Her Body Into Pieces Before Trying Dispose Them; Arrested. Pijush Panda had allegedly made "objectionable and casteist" remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi while giving reference to the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. But, after the body didn't receive any response, it has issued a notice to the West Bengal government asking what action has been taken against the accused leader. Also Read | India Will Hunt Down Its Enemies Within and Outside Its Borders, Says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Rajasthan. Taking immediate cognizance of this, the National Commission for Backward Classes issued a notice to the Director General of Police (DGP) of Bengal state asking him to take action. After not receiving any response from their side, the National Commission for Backward Classes sent a notice to the West Bengal administration on Saturday. And information has been sought regarding what action has been taken against Pijush Panda in this regard. In this regard. NCBC Chairman Hansraj Ahir has said that the body has not received any response on both these notices, adding that another reminder notice will be sent to the TMC-led government on Monday. Ahir said that if the local administration does not take cognizance even after multiple notices and disregards the Commission, then the NCBC will take "strict action" using its constitutional powers. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Apr 7 (PTI) The Congress on Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to answer on key issues his government should have focused on in Bihar, saying while the BJP has "excelled" at forcing its way into power, its governance has left much to be desired. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh posed questions to the prime minister on Bihar ahead of his rally in Nawada. Also Read | Dog Attack in Uttar Pradesh: Mentally Challenged Woman Mauled To Death by Stray Dogs in Kushinagar. "Today, the Prime Minister heads to Nawada in Bihar - the state where the BJP orchestrated its latest government collapse. While they have excelled at forcing their way into power, the BJP's governance has left much to be desired," Ramesh said. He hoped the PM can answer three questions about the issues his government should have focused on. Also Read | Online Fraud in Mumbai: Teen Loses Rs 2 Lakh While Playing Game on Mother's Mobile Phone, Dies by Suicide. When the PM visited Nawada before the 2014 election, he raised the issue of the Warisaliganj Sugar Mill, asking why it had remained defunct for so many years, Ramesh noted. "This raised the hopes of thousands of locals, as in its heyday, the mill directly employed 1,200 workers and additionally supported hundreds of sugarcane farmers. Both BJP MPs from Nawada, Giriraj Singh (2014) and Chandan Singh (2019) also promised to start sugar mills during their tenure. Ten years later, all those promises have turned up empty," he said. When the PM visits Nawada this time, he must answer the people as to why has the Warisaliganj Sugar Mill remained defunct for the last ten years, Ramesh asked. "They might have renamed Race Course Road but the BJP continues to bet on horse-trading. Given the BJP's lack of respect for the democratic values enshrined in our Constitution, no government has been safe from their political manipulations," he alleged. The Congress leader alleged that the BJP does not hesitate to topple governments or use their "ill-gotten Electoral Bonds chanda" to buy and sell MLAs in their desperate bids to cling to power, "as was evident when Nitish Kumar flip-flopped once again earlier this year". "We now know that the Electoral Bonds Scam cost Indian citizens Rs. 4 lakh crore - the question is how much did the change in government in Bihar cost the people of India," he asked. Ramesh claimed that the state of public education in Bihar has gone from bad to worse in recent years. Thousands of teachers and retired college employees are up in arms because they have not been paid their dues, he claimed. "Delays in teacher appointment have shrunk the number of active teachers to an abysmal 35% of the sanctioned number. Most recently, guest teachers in Patna took to the streets to protest their abrupt termination, and instead of listening to their concerns, the BJP government had them lathi-charged," he said. "As KB Sinha, working president of the Federation of University Teachers' Association of Bihar (FUTAB) said, "The problems of the universities have been confounded due to the arbitrary actions of the department of education - Even for important festivals like Holi and Eid, salary and pension remain held up for three months and nobody seems bothered. Does the PM have anything to say for the sorry state of affairs in Bihar education?" Ramesh said. What is the BJP government doing to secure the livelihoods of Bihar's teachers, he asked. Ramesh urged Prime Minister Modi to break his silence on these issues. (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 7: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bihar on Sunday, Congress accused the NDA government of horse trading, asking how much the change in government in Bihar earlier this year cost the people of the country and sought his stance over the delay in the appointments of teachers. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X, "Today, the Prime Minister heads to Nawada in Bihar - the state where the BJP orchestrated its latest government collapse. While they have excelled at forcing their way into power, the BJP's governance has left much to be desired." Congress Posts 'Four Questions for PM Narendra Modi' Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Campaign in Bihar, Seeks His Stance on Caste-Census Released by Nitish Kumar Govt. Jairam Ramesh also posed three questions for PM Modi as the latter is all set to address a public rally in Bihar as part of his election campaign at 11 am on Sunday. He alleged that the ruling BJP party does not hesitate to topple governments or use 'ill-gotten electoral bonds chanda' to buy and sell MLAs in desperate bids to cling to power. "They might have renamed Race Course Road but the BJP continues to bet on horse-trading. Given the BJP's lack of respect for the democratic values enshrined in our constitution, no government has been safe from their political manipulations. They do not hesitate to topple governments or use their ill-gotten electoral bonds chanda to buy and sell MLAs in their desperate bids to cling to power - as was evident when Nitish Kumar flip-flopped once again earlier this year. We now know that the #ElectoralBondsScam cost Indian citizens Rs. 4 lakh crores - the question is how much did the change in Government in Bihar cost the people of India?" the Congress leader asked. Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Former Union Minister Killi Kruparani Returns To Congress Two Days After Quitting Ruling YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh (Watch Video). Nitish Kumar took the oath as Chief Minister of Bihar for the ninth time in Raj Bhawan, Patna, switching sides again, this time with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in January this year. It was for the second time in two years that Nitish Kumar had jumped the ship, his fifth crossover in a little over a decade. He further questioned Bihar's Warisaliganj sugar mill, which had not operated for the last ten years. "When the PM visited Nawada before the 2014 election, he raised the issue of the Warisaliganj Sugar Mill, asking why it had remained defunct for the last ten years. This raised the hopes of thousands of locals as the mill directly employed 1200 workers and additionally supported hundreds of sugarcane farmers. Both BJP MPs from Nawada, Giriraj Singh (2014) and Chandan Singh (2019) also promised to start sugar mills during their tenure. Ten years later, all those promises have turned up empty. When the PM visits Nawada this time, he must answer the people - why has the Warisaliganj Sugar Mill remained defunct for the last ten years?" the Congress leader said. Jairam Ramesh Poses Three Questions Ahead of PM's Rally: , Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 7, 2024 Claiming that delays in teacher appointments in the state have shrunk the number of active teachers to an abysmal 35 per cent of the sanctioned number, Jairam Ramesh asked what the BJP government is doing to secure the livelihoods of Bihar's teachers. "The state of public education in Bihar has gone from bad to worse in recent years. Thousands of teachers and retired college employees are up in arms because they have not been paid their dues. Delays in teacher appointments have shrunk the number of active teachers to an abysmal 35 per cent of the sanctioned number," he said. "Most recently, guest teachers in Patna took to the streets to protest their abrupt termination, and instead of listening to their concerns, the BJP government had them lathi-charged...Does the PM have anything to say for the sorry state of affairs in Bihar education? What is the BJP government doing to secure the livelihoods of Bihar's teachers?" he asked further. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a massive wave of BJP-NDA is being seen once again in Bihar. "Once again, a massive wave of BJP-NDA is being seen in Bihar. I will have the opportunity to meet my family members who are excited about voting in the public meeting in Nawada," the PM Modi said in a post on X. 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. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA, consisting of BJP, JDU (Janata Dal-United), and LJP (Lok Janshakti Party), secured victory by taking the lead on 39 out of 40 seats. Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan, led by RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal), INC (Indian National Congress), and RLSP (Rashtriya Lok Samta Party), only managed to secure one seat. New Delhi [India], April 7 (ANI): The Delhi Police have arrested four fraudsters who cheated passengers by impersonating as Customs officers, police said. Delhi Police arrested 30-year-old Riyaz Ahmed, 37-year-old Kamruddin, 33-year-old Kasmuddin and 34-year-old Rehman on April 3. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Shocker: 35-Year-Old Man Beaten to Death With Sticks in Fatehpur Over Land Dispute. According to DCP Airport Usha Rangnani, on 3 April a PCR Call was received at police station IGI Airport where the caller stated that the luggage, passport and 1800 Riyal were taken fraudulently by some unidentified persons on the pretext of checking the luggage and then those persons went away taking their belongings. The victim, Riyasat Ali, a resident Udham Singh Nagar, stated that when he arrived from Saudi Arabia on 3 April and came out of 'Arrivals', T-3, IGI Airport, one unidentified person called out his name, who introduced himself to be from Customs Department and asked him to show his luggage. Also Read | Chhattisgarh Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Narendra Modi To Address Rally in Bastar on April 8. Thereafter, that person took him to Multi Level Car Parking and asked him to show his luggage alleging therein that there was illegal gold in his luggage. He further stated that the accused was accompanied by one more person, who also introduced himself from the Customs Department. He further alleged that the accused booked a taxi from IGI Airport to Sec-21, Dwarka Metro Station and thereupon took his Passport, Cash 1800 Riyal and two mobile phones on the pretext of checking and left him there and ran away. During course of investigation, all CCTV cameras of the Airport i.e. Arrivals, T-3, Multi-level Car parking and the route taken by the complainant and accused persons, were minutely analyzed. After analyzing more than 100 CCTV cameras, the registration number of the taxi/cab which was booked by the accused persons, was traced. Thereafter, ownership of the cab was found and the driver namely Naresh Kumar, a resident of Delhi's Mahipalpur, was traced and examined. During examination, he also corroborated the version of complainant. The driver further revealed that the accused persons had made the payment of the taxi through UPI gateway. The mobile number through which UPI transaction was carried out was traced and the same was found registered in the name of Riyaz Ahmad, a resident Delhi's Kalkaji. When the suspected mobile number was called, it was found switched off. Thereafter, Riyaz Ahmad was arrested from one of his hideouts in Jaitpur. On sustained interrogation, he confessed his crime and disclosed that he runs a barber shop at Jaitpur. He along with his associates Rehman Ali, Kasmuddin and Kamruddin had committed the crime. Accused Riyaz Ahmad further disclosed that Kasmuddin is master mind of the whole plan and Rehman Ali was working at his barber shop for last 3 months. Rehman Ali and Kasmuddin are childhood friends. On the instance of accused Riyaz Ahmad, co-accused namely Rehman Ali alias Monu was also arrested in the case. He also disclosed that Kasmuddin is the master mind of the plan and on his directions, they had made the plan to cheat the gullible passengers at Delhi's IGI airport. Upon further investigation, Kamruddin, a resident of Panipat, was apprehended in Afjalgarh, Distt. Bijnor UP, while celebrating Eid at a friend's house. He was detained based on technical surveillance and confessed to his involvement in the case. A mobile phone belonging to the victim was found in his possession. Kamruddin admitted to being acquainted with Kasmuddin in the UAE, where they became friends. He also confessed that the plan was devised by Kasmuddin and carried out by the group. Furthermore, at the instance of accused Kamruddin, master mind accused Kasmuddin, a resident of Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand was arrested from his home and at his instance original Passport of victim and the other mobile phone were recovered. He was interrogated and arrested in the case. On interrogation, he disclosed that he works as an electrician and further disclosed that he was visiting UAE for last 10 years on work Visa. During his journeys, he noticed the working of custom officers at Airport who used to check the luggage of the passengers. He was not earning good enough for his livelihood, so in order to earn quick money, he made a plan to dupe gullible passengers at IGI Airport on the pretext of luggage checking by impersonating themselves as Custom officers and he along with his friends made a plan and they cheated the passengers at IGI Airport. Investigation of the case is in progress to trace possible involvement of the accused persons in other similar cases. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Baramulla (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], April 7 (ANI): The police in Baramulla attached properties worth crores belonging to proclaimed offenders, who have exfiltrated to Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The police obtained an attachment order passed by the Sub-Judge of Uri, they said, adding that the land amounted to 30 kanals and 15 marlas. Also Read | Mallika Naddas SUV Recovered: Delhi Police Retrieve Stolen Fortuner Car of BJP Chief JP Naddas Wife From Varanasi; Two Arrested. The land belonged toMohammed Lateef (18 kanals and 6 marlas), Sadar Din (9 marlas) and Aziz Din (12 kanals), police said. The action was taken under various sections of the law registered at Uri police station. Also Read | Gold Rate Today, April 7, 2024: Ahead of Gudi Padwa, Check Prices of Yellow Metal in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Other Metro Cities. Police said the property was identified as belonging to proclaimed offenders during the course of an investigation by the police. Further updates are awaited. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], April 7 (ANI): In a major crackdown against drug trafficking, Jammu Police arrested 85 peddlers and registered 71 cases related to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act on Sunday. Under the supervision of Jammu Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vinod Kumar, the police intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, showcasing a zero-tolerance approach towards crime in the region. Also Read | Jharkhand: Police Say Rats Destroyed Confiscated Bhang, Ganja Kept in Store. Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Kumar said, "This year 71 cases have been registered, 85 people have been arrested, different contraband have been seized including heroin." He said that Jammu Police identified 14 locations as drug hot spots in the city and carried out 85 raids at these places besides increasing the presence of manpower. Also Read | Vistara Flight Cancellations: Airline Reduces Flights by 10%; Cancellations Mostly on Domestic Network. "We've pinpointed 14 areas within the city known for drug activity and conducted 85 raids in those areas. Additionally, we've ramped up surveillance by district special branch officials in these targeted locations," said Jammu SP. He stated that within the last three months, 13 well-known drug dealers have been charged under the strict NDPS Act. Kumar further informed that the Jammu Police conducted awareness drive to tackle drug menace among people and established a drug rehabilitation centre in Jammu for the drug addicted youth who are treated as victims. "On drive against drugs by Jammu Police awarness drive was conducted. 13 peddlers have been detained so far. A drug de-addiction centre has been established in Jammu. Investigating officers are being trained to check the drug menace," said the Jammu SSP. Seeking active support of people in eradicating the drug menace, he said even if any police personnel was found involved in drug peddling, strict action will be taken against such persons as per the prevalent laws. "To control drugs in the region, Jammu Police have adopted some strategies, including awareness programmes, anti-drug rallies, Nukkad Natak, seminars", informed Kumar. He appealed people of Jammu to inform them if any drug trafficking is happening in their area, so that the peddlers can be arrested. "Out of all the cases, law enforcement has disrupted the connections and networks of 47 cases in the last three months and seized three properties belonging to well-known drug dealers, with plans for similar actions against others underway," Kumar informed. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], April 7 (ANI): Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Sunday held a meeting regarding the preparations for the INDIA bloc's Nyay Ulgulan Rally to be held on April 21. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Kalpana Soren, Congress state in-charge Ghulam Ahmed Mir, state president Rajesh Thakur, MLA Vinod Singh, MLA Satyanand Bhokta, JMM general secretary Vinod Pandey attended the meeting. Also Read | Jharkhand: Police Say Rats Destroyed Confiscated Bhang, Ganja Kept in Store. All the big leaders of the INDIA bloc are likely to participate in this rally called by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. Earlier, Kalpana Soren, the wife of former Chief Minister Hemant Soren, held a meeting with party workers on April 6 to ensure the success of the Ulgulan Rally scheduled for April 21. Also Read | Vistara Flight Cancellations: Airline Reduces Flights by 10%; Cancellations Mostly on Domestic Network. The rally will be held at Prabhat Tara Ground on April 21 to protest against the arrest of former Chief Minister Hemant Soren. After the meeting, while speaking to the media, Kalpana Soren urged all party members to participate in large numbers in the rally and discussed ways to strengthen the alliance. "I have appealed to all the party members to participate in large numbers in the INDIA rally. We will tell how the central government is discriminating against Jharkhand. Our honorable Hemant Ji has also been imprisoned, and they have put Delhi's Kejriwal Ji in jail as well. The discussion happened to strengthen the alliance," she said. Meanwhile, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which leads the ruling coalition in the state, on Thursday announced the first list of the two candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. The party has fielded Nalin Soren from Dumka constituency and Mathura Prasad Mahato from Giridih. There was speculation that former chief minister Hemant Soren could contest from Dumka against his sister-in-law and BJP candidate Sita Soren. According to the broad seat-sharing formula, Congress is expected to contest 7 of 14 seats in Jharkhand. JMM is expected to contest five and RJD and CPI (ML) one seat each. RJD is keen to contest at least two seats. Elections will be held in Jharkhand in four phases: May 13, 20, 25, and June 1. During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 12 seats in Jharkhand, with the BJP winning 11. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress got one seat each. (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 7 (PTI) As the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections gathers momentum, Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray, the leaders of two prominent regional parties in Maharashtra, are fighting a battle for political survival. The polls are also an acid test for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy and NCP chief Ajit Pawar as they have cast their lots with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by splitting their respective parties. Also Read | Suicide Caught on Camera at Delhi Metro Station: CISF Jawan Dies After Shooting Himself at Paschim Vihar West Metro Station; Shocking Video Surfaces. But the challenge is tougher for Thackeray and Sharad Pawar as they are out of power and have lost control of their parties -- Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), respectively -- along with the original name and electoral symbol. The Election Commission and the Maharashtra assembly speaker have recognised the Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Shinde-led Sena as the real NCP and the real Shiv Sena. Also Read | AAP to Observe Collective Fast Against Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest Today: Live Breaking News Headlines & Updates, April 7, 2024. Senior journalist and political analyst Prakash Akolkar told PTI that both the leaders need to put up an impressive performance in the polls, or else they risk political extinction. "Uddhav Thackeray needs to get at least six to seven MPs elected to keep his flock together till the assembly polls which are due later this year," Akolkar said. Thackeray had to contest as many Lok Sabha seats as his party contested when he was a BJP ally in 2019, and he is doing just that, declaring 21 candidates so far notwithstanding the Congress staking claim to some of these seats, the senior journalist noted. The NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) is contesting 10 seats as per the seat-sharing formula worked out with his MVA allies Sena (UBT) and Congress. But Akolkar said the key seat for Pawar senior is his home turf Baramati, where his daughter and three-time MP Supriya Sule is facing a challenge from Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar. "If Sharad Pawar loses Baramati, everything is lost for him. This is a battle between him and his nephew Ajit who has managed and controlled Baramati constituency for the family all these years," Akolkar said. While Pawar, 83, has never lost an election in his political career spanning more than five decades, Uddhav Thackeray has never contested a direct election. When he became chief minister, Thackeray was elected to the legislative council. The Shinde faction often taunts him for not stepping out of house when he held the top post in the state. But in the run-up to the elections, Thackeray has been travelling to different parts of the state, and his rallies are getting good response. Pawar, too, is on the move while also reaching out to his old rivals in Pune district (where Baramati constituency is located) like the Thopates of Congress to ensure his daughter has a smooth sailing. With the MVA's seat-sharing talks with Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar's Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) falling through, the direct contest between the MVA and Mahayuti alliance has become a triangular fight, and in Akolkar's opinion it would benefit the ruling alliance. Abhay Deshpande, another senior journalist, pointed out that the elections will also test the claim of Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray that the traditional voters and cadres of their respective parties are loyal to them. There is also unrest in BJP cadres, and it will have to be seen if they work wholeheartedly for candidates of Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Shinde-led Shiv Sena, Deshpande added. 'Splits in political parties is not a new phenomenon. But for the first time, rebels have hijacked the original parties after the split and got recognition, he noted. "The slogan of 400-plus seats is meant to motivate BJP workers. But to realise that goal, the BJP will have to retain the 2019 tally of 41 seats (which it won in alliance with undivided Sena) in Maharashtra. Due to the alignment and realignment of political equations, this is going to be a challenge, Deshpande said. Harshal Pradhan, a former journalist and now a close associate of Uddhav Thackeray, claimed these elections are really about the survival of the BJP and its leadership. The BJP used central probe agencies to weaken and intimidate opposition parties, and its modus operandi is to accuse opposition leaders of corruption and then induct them into the party fold, he alleged. When Uddhav Thackeray was in power as CM for two-and-a-half years, he worked to mitigate the damage caused by cyclones in Konkan and save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pradhan said. Thackeray's growing political stature during this period made the BJP insecure, he claimed. Clyde Crasto, spokesperson of the NCP (SP), echoed the same view. "This election is a battle for survival for the BJP, because they are afraid they will lose, and therefore resorting to cheap tactics like breaking up parties and families, he alleged. Ratnakar Mahajan, senior Congress leader and political commentator, said," Both Shinde and Ajit Pawar are past 60. To start a new innings at this age is not easy. But they did this (split their parties) not for power but to avoid possible action by the ED, Income Tax and CBI which the Union government is using to harass opposition leaders. Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray will be looking for vindication of their political stands in these elections, Mahajan opined. "After the 2019 assembly elections, an unusual alliance emerged through the initiative of these leaders. There was dissension within the Shiv Sena about joining hands with Pawar. But the two leaders went ahead and Thackeray became the chief minister. Now they are fighting to retain their hold over voters in the state," he said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jaipur, Apr 7 (PTI) The new India knows how to protect its borders and safeguard its people, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday and asked if it was wrong to kill terrorists. The firebrand BJP leader, who addressed election rallies in Rajasthan's Bharatpur, Dausa and Sikar, referred to a report by the UK daily 'The Guardian' that claimed Indian intelligence agencies were involved in targeted killings of terrorists in Pakistan as part of an emboldened approach to national security after 2019. Also Read | Assam Shocker: Man Allegedly Kills Wife on Suspicion of Extra-Marital Affair in Guwahati, Chops Her Body Into Pieces Before Trying Dispose Them; Arrested. "On one hand is the report which says terrorists are being killed in Pakistan, the world considers terrorism a big burden, but on the other was the Congress government that used to feed biryani to terrorists," Adityanath said. "Should terrorists be killed or not? They are a burden on society and a threat to everyone's safety. Congress would starve the poor and feed biryani to terrorists," he said addressing the rally in Bharatpur. Also Read | India Will Hunt Down Its Enemies Within and Outside Its Borders, Says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Rajasthan. Adityanath said those who gave shelter to those terrorists till yesterday are "now not daring to say anything against India due to the fear of air strike". "Three days ago, a reputed newspaper of the UK said that 20 deadly terrorists had been killed inside Pakistan and it was possible that India might have killed them... We do not know what is the basis and the source of the report but this is the new India, which knows how to provide security to its people and protect its borders," he added. The UP chief minister's remarks came on a day Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav attacked the BJP saying that the Indian government is accused of getting people killed in another country. "Will the definition of viksit Bharat (developed India) be that we will go to another country and commit murder?" Yadav said after meeting the family of mafia-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari at his home in Ghazipur. Ansari, a five-time MLA from Mau who was in jail, died after suffering cardiac arrest, on March 28, according to officials. However, his family members allege that he was given poison inside jail. In his address, Adityanath said the world respects India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. "When an Indian citizen goes abroad, he gets respect. The borders are safe; naxalism, extremism and terrorism have ended," he said. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister hailed the abrogation of Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, by the Modi government, saying, "Now no one will be able to foment terrorism within the borders of India." He said that over the past decade, the country has successfully quelled terrorism and stone-pelting in Kashmir. "Consequently, Kashmir is now progressing in tandem with developmental initiatives and democratic principles. The region witnesses a substantial influx of tourists, with people safely participating in events such as the Amarnath Yatra and the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi," he stated. Adityanath claimed that the Congress lacked leaders and intentions to take decisive steps. "Would Congress have been able to build Ram temple in Ayodhya? They say that Ram did not exist," he said at the election rally in support of the party candidate from the Bharatpur seat Ramswaroop Koli. Addressing another rally in Dausa, he said that the "Congress party is the biggest problem of the country and imposing curfew is part of its DNA." The BJP's star campaigner emphasised that worldwide, there is a belief that India's actions are in the interest of humanity. "Presently, no nation dares to endorse terrorism as they understand that such support would result in facing repercussions like airstrikes," he said without naming Pakistan. He said that there was a time when people of the Congress party denied rights to the poor. "However, in the Modi government, 80 crore poor people are benefiting from free ration, 60 crore poor people are getting coverage of health insurance of Rs 5 lakh while housing has been provided for four crore poor people and the Kisan Samman Nidhi for 12 crore farmers," he said. Continuing his attack on the Congress, the chief minister said that the party did not want a solution to the Ram temple issue. "Congress is the problem of the country, which keeps giving problems to the country while Modi provides solutions," he asserted. He also appealed to the people of Dausa to vote for the party candidate Kanhaiya Lal Meena. The BJP leader addressed a third rally in the Sikar constituency in support of the party candidate Swami Sumedhan. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bharatpur (Rajasthan) [India], April 7 (ANI): Launching a scathing attack on the Congress during his public meeting in Bharatpur Lok Sabha constituency, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday that during Congress' tenure, the partused to starve the poor and feed biryani to terrorists, whereas PM Modi has been providing free rations to 80 crore poor people for the past four years. The Chief Minister was seeking votes in favour of former MP and BJP candidate Ramswaroop Koli. He said, "To achieve the slogan of 'Abki baar 400 paar', Ramswaroop Koli needs to win. The Central Government is formulating its schemes keeping in mind the interests of farmers, poor, women and youth." Also Read | Akhilesh Yadav Visits Mukhtar Ansari's Home: Samajwadi Party Chief Meets Afzal Ansari, Son Umar Ansari in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur (Watch Videos). CM Yogi praised the work of the Modi government at the centre and the Bhajan Lal government in the state, urging people to vote for the BJP. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the people of Rajasthan for their support in bringing the lotus to bloom in the Rajasthan Assembly elections. He said that the report of 'The Guardian' says that terrorists are being selectively killed inside Pakistan. The world sees terrorism as a burden. For the safety of society, these terrorists should be eliminated. This is a danger to everyone's security. Also Read | Central Agencies Asking TMC Leaders To Join BJP or Face Action, Alleges West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. CM Yogi said that under PM Modi's leadership, a new India is becoming a global force. "Just two to three days ago, a report that appeared in the prestigious English newspaper 'The Guardian' revealed that 20 hardened criminals have been killed in Pakistan. The new India knows how to protect its citizens and borders," CM Yogi remarked. He said that under PM Modi's leadership, Article 370 was abrogated. "People in Rajasthan not only say 'Ram Ram Sa' but also stand firm in securing the borders against terrorists. Under PM Modi's leadership, India's respect in the world has increased. Naxalism, extremism, and terrorism have ended. Article 370, which was imposed in Kashmir by Congress in 1952, was permanently abolished by PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah," Yogi added. The CM said that Congress' intentions were not clear. "During its government, there were no policies, leaders, or decisions, but in the Modi government, there is no shortage of schemes for the poor," he pointed out. The CM also mentioned the development works of the Central Government, stressing that under BJP rule, there is security, prosperity, and development. "Congress people couldn't get the Ram temple built in Ayodhya. They used to say that Ram didn't even exist. Next to Bharatpur are Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Barsana, Nandgaon, Govardhan, and still, Congress people say that Lord Krishna never existed. Congress questions our history and heritage," Yogi added. The CM called for a developed Rajasthan for a developed India. For developed Rajasthan, developed Bharatpur is needed and for developed Bharatpur, Ramswaroop Koli is needed, he asserted. CM Yogi remarked further, "We are the rightful heirs of a prosperous heritage. Maharaja Surajmal defeated Aurangzeb's forces and filled the forts of the Mughal armies with straw. Showing the Mughals their place, he said to those who cherished the dream of crushing India, "Now, eat this straw." The Mughal army was forced to retreat in front of him. Those who have been robbing the poor also need to be shown the right path now. The divisive politics cannot appreciate the rich and valorous tradition," Yogi stated. He further mentioned that a new India is on the horizon. "On one hand, we have the prosperous legacy of Maharaja Surajmal, and on the other, PM Modi honoured Chaudhary Charan Singh, the messiah of farmers, with Bharat Ratna. Through this, gratitude has been expressed for the work done for farmers and the poor during Chaudhary Sahab's tenure," he said. The Chief Minister highlighted that there is no curfew or riots in Uttar Pradesh anymore, but the Kanwar Yatra still goes on with pomp and show. "Our generation is fortunate to be able to visit the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Each of your votes has changed the fate and image of the country. If you hadn't used your vote correctly, we wouldn't have had security, development, or the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the CM said. "Congress has problems within itself. Your one vote not only contributes to the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya but also ensures the security of the country's borders. During COVID 19, when Congress and other parties were missing, PM Modi was tirelessly working in every state without caring for himself," Yogi added. On this occasion, BJP Rajasthan in-charge Vijaya Rahatkar, Bharatpur MP Ranjita Koli, Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham, State Minister Bhupendra Saini, Division in-charge Hemraj Meena, BJP District President Manoj Bhardwaj, MLAs Shri Bahadur Singh, Mahant Balveer Das among otheres were present. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Patna (Bihar) [India], April 7 (ANI): With only a fortnight to go for the first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a public rally in Bihar's Nawada on Sunday in a bid to woo the voters of the constituency. A large number of people are expected to attend the rally. Also Read | Lucknow Lok Sabha Elections 2024: District Administration Asks Banks To Monitor Transactions Above Permit Limit of Rs 10 Lakh, Send Report To District Poll Department. This will be the second visit by the PM within a week. Voting for Nawada will take place in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 19 and the BJP has fielded Vivek Thakur from the seat. Also Read | Mallika Naddas SUV Recovered: Delhi Police Retrieve Stolen Fortuner Car of BJP Chief JP Naddas Wife From Varanasi; Two Arrested. Vivek Thakur, the son of former union minister CP Thakur, will be contesting against RJD candidate Shrawan Kushwaha. Chirag Paswan, National President of Lok Janshakti Party that is party of the BJP-led NDA exuded his confidence in the alliance of winning all 40 parliamentary seats in the state. "It's not just Bihar, but the whole country and even the world have full faith in PM Modi's guarantee...On one side, we have PM's guarantee and on the other side, we have a strong alliance (NDA), which assure that we are going to win 40/40 seats in Bihar..." Paswan said. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said, "We welcome PM Modi to the land of Bihar." Earlier, Prime Minister Modi came to Jamui on April 4 and addressed the rally. PM Modi appealed to the voters to vote for Arun Bharti, candidate of NDA's ally in the state Lok Janshakti Patry (Ramvilas). The Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), the opposition coalition in Bihar, including Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress and Left parties, recently announced that the RJD, its largest constituent, will contest 26 out of the state's 40 Lok Sabha seats, including Purnia, in the upcoming elections. The Congress will contest nine seats, followed by CPI (ML) on 3 seats, and CPI and CPI (M) with one seat each. 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. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA, consisting of BJP, JDU ( (Janata Dal-United), and LJP (Lok Janshakti Party), secured victory by taking the lead on 39 out of 40 seats. Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan, led by RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal), INC (Indian National Congress), and RLSP (Rashtriya Lok Samta Party), only managed to secure one seat. The Lok Sabha Elections 2024 will be held in seven phases from April 19. Counting of votes on June 4. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) [India], April 7 (ANI): Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed an overwhelming response as a large number of people participated in PM Modi's public rally in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, on Sunday. The enthusiastic turnout underscored the significant support for the Prime Minister and his party in the region. Also Read | Ahmedabad: Woman Accuses Her Husband, His Relatives of Assault for Dowry; Claims Partner Sold Jewellery She Received As Gifts During Wedding. The Prime Minister enthusiastically waved at the crowd, accepting the greetings of the audience. The PM reciprocated his affection towards the crowd by holding the party's symbol, the Lotus, in his hand. During his speech, PM Modi discussed several key issues. Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PDP Names Candidates for Three Valley Seats, Fields Mehbooba Mufti Against Ghulam Nabi Azad in Anantnag. Earlier today, PM Modi accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal of "putting brakes" on central government schemes and said that the Trinamool Congress wants that the beneficiaries' money should first come into the accounts of their leaders. He said that the development in the last 10 years is just the 'trailer' while urging people that everyone has to work to achieve the BJP's mission of making India the "third largest economy in the world". Addressing a public meeting in Jalpaiguri, PM Modi said, "Our government's schemes have made the lives of the poor easier. We have restored the poor's self-respect and increased their pride. The development work done by Modi in 10 years is just a trailer. We still have to take the country much further, we have to make India the third largest economic power in the world. The 42 parliamentary seats of Bengal will poll across all seven phases--on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. In 2019, TMC won the maximum 22 out of 42 seats, but the BJP improved its tally significantly creating inroads and bagging 18 seats. The Congress won two se Apart from Jalpaiguri in North Bengal, PM Modi held a rally in Nawada in Bihar, on Sunday. (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 7 (ANI): Amid repeated disruptions, Vistara has announced scaling back its operations by 25-30 flights per day, which is expected to provide much-needed resilience and buffer in the rosters and bring stability, the airline spokesperson said. He said that after scaling back operations, the airlines will reach the same level of flight operations that the airlines had in February this year. Also Read | Vistara Flight Cancellations: Airline Reduces Flights by 10%; Cancellations Mostly on Domestic Network. "We are carefully scaling back our operations by around 25-30 flights per day, i.e. roughly 10 per cent of the capacity we were operating. This will take us back to the same level of flight operations as at the end of February 2024, and provide the much-needed resilience and buffer in the rosters," the Vistara spokesperson told ANI. This proactive approach underscores Vistara's commitment to customer satisfaction amidst operational adjustments, he added. Also Read | Assam Shocker: Man Allegedly Kills Wife on Suspicion of Extra-Marital Affair in Guwahati, Chops Her Body Into Pieces Before Trying Dispose Them; Arrested. He said that the cancellations are mostly being done in domestic network, while adding that the affected passengers have been re-accommodated in other flights. The spokesperson further said that the improvement in situation has been seen for the last few days and the airline is hopeful of reaching stable operations for the rest of the month and beyond. "These cancellations are done mostly in our domestic network and much ahead of time to minimize inconvenience to the customers. Also, all the affected passengers have already been re-accommodated on other flights, as applicable," the spokesperson said. "In line with what we had said earlier, all the changes for the month of April 2024 have been done and the situation has already gotten better with our on-time performance improving for the last few days. Looking ahead, we are hopeful of stable operations for the rest of the month and beyond," he added. The airline remains dedicated to providing seamless and reliable services to its passengers while navigating the evolving aviation landscape. Vistara's strategic manoeuver reflects a proactive stance aimed at ensuring operational efficiency and maintaining service excellence amidst challenging circumstances, the statement added. Earlier on Saturday, the Chief Executive Officer of Vistara, Vinod Kannan, said that the airline hopes to stabilise operations for the rest of April 2024 by this weekend, as 98 per cent of pilots have signed the new pay contract. The airline said it has been reaching out to all customers affected by the delays and cancellations to offer relevant refunds and compensation. Notably, a significant number of Vistara pilots had taken sick leave following the announcement of new salary rules, which coincided with the merger with Air India. The pilot shortage issue stemmed from pay cuts implemented after new flying hours regulations came into effect recently. Due to crew shortages earlier this week, the full service carrier experienced severe operational disruptions and numerous flights were cancelled. The Vistara CEO also informed that the airline is engaging with pilots to clarify and resolve their concerns. In this regard, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) last week, asked Vistara Airlines to submit daily reports about flight operations and follow the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR). (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 7 (ANI): Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'do ladkon ki flop film' statement, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Ghanshyam Tiwari said someday a question will be asked in KBC-what is the name of the Prime Minister who spoke the most lies and 'Jumlas'? "Someday a question will be asked in KBC- What is the name of the Prime Minister who spoke the most lies and jumlas? and the options would be- Natwarlal, Mungerilal, Narendra Modi and others," the SP leader said while speaking to ANI. Also Read | Mallika Naddas SUV Recovered: Delhi Police Retrieve Stolen Fortuner Car of BJP Chief JP Naddas Wife From Varanasi; Two Arrested. "If INDIA bloc says every youth across the country should have the right to have a job, then the Prime Minister thinks it is against the nation. Similarly, if it is said that every female belonging to poor families should get Rs 1 lakh as financial assistance from the government, then the PM thinks it is the agenda of Pakistan," said Tiwari. "When it comes to granting MSP to farmers, PM Modi thinks it is agenda of Canada. When it is said that there should be a caste census across the country, the PM thinks it is anti-national work," he added. Also Read | Gold Rate Today, April 7, 2024: Ahead of Gudi Padwa, Check Prices of Yellow Metal in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Other Metro Cities. Earlier on April 6, taking a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav over the tie-up between the two parties for the Lok Sabha polls, PM Modi referred to their unsuccessful partnership in the 2017 assembly polls in the state and said "do ladkon ki flop film" has been released again. Addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur, the Prime Minister also attacked the INDIA alliance and said while they are for "commission", his government is on a mission. Attacking Congress, he said the party is finding it difficult to find candidates even from its strongholds and that there were instances where party candidates did not file nominations. "This is the first election I am witnessing where the opposition is contesting not to win but to contain the BJP below 370 seats and NDA 400. Samajwadi Party is in such a condition that they have to change the candidates every hour and for Congress, it is even worse, they aren't finding candidates, even at their strongholds... 'Do ladkon ki film jo pichali baar flop ho chuki hai, un do ladkon ki film ko in logon ne fir se release kiya hai (the film of two boys, which flopped last time, that these people have launched again)," PM Modi said. The elections to 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases, with nearly 97 crore voters eligible to exercise their franchise, according to the Election Commission (EC). The counting of votes has been scheduled for June 4. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chennai, Apr 7 (PTI) Refusing to be eclipsed by the major political parties in Tamil Nadu, the DMK and AIADMK, besides an aggressive BJP, actor-politician Seeman is busy crisscrossing the state ahead of the April 19 Lok Sabha elections, turning out to be a crowd-puller. His Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) that supports the cause of Tamil nationalism, is said to be a hit among the educated youngsters. The fact that 16 of the 39 candidates he has fielded for the polls are medical doctors, is some proof. Also Read | Lucknow Lok Sabha Elections 2024: District Administration Asks Banks To Monitor Transactions Above Permit Limit of Rs 10 Lakh, Send Report To District Poll Department. Others are drawn from various professions including engineering and academics. Film director M Kalanjiyam and Vidhya Veerappan, daughter of slain forest brigand Veerappan, are also in the fray. A lawyer by profession, Vidhya, 33, who was formerly with the BJP, runs a school in Krishnagiri. She is NTK's candidate for Krishnagiri Lok Sabha. Also Read | Singhbhum Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Interior Areas of Maoist Den in Jharkhand To Witness Voting for First-Time; Polling Teams, Materials To Be Air Dropped. NTK, the Tamil nationalist party launched in 2010, secured 6.89 percent vote share in the 2021 Assembly elections. It has fielded candidates for all 39 seats in the state in the ensuing Parliamentary polls. Incidentally, NTK emerged third in many Assembly segments in the 2021 polls. "Seeman's political rhetoric and his sharp criticism of the DMK, Congress and even the BJP is sustaining his party in state politics. Of late, many youngsters, particularly the educated from the backward and oppressed communities are getting drawn to his pro-Tamil stand," a political observer said. Nevertheless, despite the stakes being high for his party in this April 19 election owing to the decision to contest alone, Seeman is able to attract huge crowds at his political rallies across the state. His clear thinking on certain issues is also another reason that lures the people. For instance, a strong critic of the NEET, Seeman attacked the national party over its latest assurance on the medical entrance test. The Congress first introduced NEET and now says it will make centrally-conducted qualifying examinations like the NEET and CUET optional. This only shows that the party that ruled the nation for nearly half-a-century has no forethought," Seeman said on the sidelines of his political campaign here. Also, he flayed the BJP for raising the Katchatheevu issue with an eye on the Lok Sabha poll. "Both the national parties have no genuine reason to safeguard the interest of Tamil Nadu," he added. On the DMK's campaign based on its welfare initiatives, especially Rs 1,000 monthly grant to women, Seeman remarked "how can we consider the DMK as genuine when it asks votes for Rs 1,000 being given to women." "It is attempting to mislead the people with false promises," he claimed. Incidentally, the NTK is the only party in Tamil Nadu to have allocated 50 percent seats for women candidates for this poll, even as Seeman has not aligned with any party or outfit. "The decision to contest alone is to prove our strength and emerge as the third major party in Tamil Nadu. Like in the past we will perform better than the national parties that depend on regional parties' strength to contest," a senior leader of NTK said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Tel Aviv [Israel], April 7 (ANI/TPS): Israeli President Isaac Herzog is in Rwanda for the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide and met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Herzog called Kagame a "true friend of Israel" and presented him with a necklace bearing the "unequivocal demand" to bring home the Israeli hostages brutally held captive by the terrorist organisation Hamas in Gaza. Also Read | Arvind Kejriwal Arrest: Indians Living in 13 Countries Took Part in Fast to Protest Against Delhi CMs Arrest, Says AAP. "Three decades after these atrocities," Herzog said, "the world must look squarely at the terrible crimes and recognize the true horrors of genocide - the deliberate attempt to annihilate a people. " On the Rwandan genocide, he said "the world must not allow the politicization of genocide, it must not allow the belittling of the horror of such crimes, and the degrading of the memory of the victims of genocide." Also Read | Weather Forecast for Solar Eclipse 2024 in US: Clear Skies in the Northeast, Clouds in Texas. Herzog added that the Jewish people "know all too well what it means to be threatened with annihilation," and that they "know all too well what it means to be the victims of genocide, terror, and hatred against our people. Even today - as we are falsely and blatantly accused with modern blood libels - we remain the target of a vicious and evil regime with its proxies across the region, whose stated aim is the destruction of the Jewish nation." "We must all stand together in the promise, Never Again," he declared. (ANI/TPS) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bratislava [Slovakia], April 7 (ANI): Slovakia's Parliament Speaker Peter Pellegrini secured a win against pro-West career diplomat Ivan Korcok for the Slovak presidency in a runoff election held on Saturday, Politico reported. The election result gives Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico's ruling coalition full control over the executive and legislative branches of government. As 99.9 per cent of ballots have been counted, Peter Pellegrini received 53 per cent of the vote, while Korcok got 47 per cent votes. Pellegrini said, "This victory is an enormous vindication for me." Also Read | Pakistan: Two People Killed During Attempted Robbery in Lahore. Korcok accepted the defeat by saying, "I'm disappointed and bummed out, to be honest, but as a sportsman I have to respect the result." He even criticised the aggressive campaign methods of the Pellegrini camp, Politico reported. Notably, the Slovakian President has limited powers that include appointing ambassadors, returning legislation to parliament and issuing amnesties. Also Read | UAE: BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi Hosts Interfaith Cultural Eve Omsiyyat During Ongoing Month of Ramzan (Watch Video). Pellegrini and his supporters' campaigning for the polls demonstrated importance that Fico's coalition government, which includes Pellegrini's Hlas (Voice) party puts on controlling the presidency and rest of the executive branch. After Korcok defeated Pellegrini by five percentage points in the first round of polls two weeks ago, the latter on March 24 vowed to "maintain decency" and "not to descend into aggressive tactics" before the runoff which was scheduled for Saturday. Two days later, Fico called Korcok as "a warmonger who unhesitatingly supports everything the West tells him, including dragging Slovakia into [the Russia-Ukraine] war," according to Politico report. Ivan Korcok, who has previously served as Slovakia's foreign minister and country's permanent representative to the EU, said that it was actually Fico's government and parliamentary majority, not the president, that had the power to start war as per the constitution of Slovakia. Korcok said he saw no reason to send Slovakian soldiers to fight in Ukraine. However, he added that he supported Ukraine in its war against Russia as "Ukraine's security increases our own security ... It's clear that if Ukraine loses the war, it brings war that much closer to our own border." While addressing a press conference on March 27, Slovakia's minister of social affairs and a member of Pellegrini's party, Erik Tomas, said, "I want to tell people, seniors and all at-risk groups, that if Korcok becomes president and this government falls, you will lose all your social benefits." Erik Tomas did not mention how Korcok could make the government to fall or what power the presidency had over social benefits, which needed to be approved by Tomas' own ministry. At the same press conference, Pellegrini spoke about the COVID-19 pandemic, which erupted during the previous 2020-2023 government when Korcok worked as foreign minister, Politico reported. Offering support to pensioners, Peter Pellegrini said that "during the pandemic, they were locked up at home ... they froze the minimum pensions, on which you can barely survive, and for several years they did not increase them even by a penny." Tomas announced a one-time payment of EUR300 to pensioners "as compensation and recompense for all these damages" and a Christmas pension bonus of EUR600. On March 28, Slovakian Defence Minister Robert Kalinak said that some 20,000 Slovak soldiers and ministry employees would be receiving a EUR500 spring bonus. Further, Slovakian Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok, who is also a member of Pellegrini's Hlas party, said on social media that almost 24,000 police and firefighters would be receiving a EUR500 bonus in their next pay packets. On April 5, members of Pellegrini's party shared doctored pictures of a frail older woman embracing a man in military fatigues. While sharing the pictures, the members of the Hlas party wrote, "Come out and vote. Don't let Slovak sons and grandsons die in war." (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad [Pakistan], April 7 (ANI): After the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) faced pressure in the form of arrests and desertions after the violence that erupted on May 9, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Saturday some of his party leaders were still in touch with the establishment, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. Speaking to reporters at Adiala Jail following the hearing of the Al-Qadir Trust case, Khan said he was willing to hold talks with anyone for the sake of Pakistan. Also Read | Pakistan: Two People Killed During Attempted Robbery in Lahore. The PTI founder said if he could hold talks with Pakistan's former army chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa, whom he later accused of being instrumental in the fall of the PTI government in 2022, then he could hold talks with anyone as the country was going through a difficult phase. Imran said that a few leaders in the PTI "are still in contact with the establishment," apparently for negotiations, according to Dawn report. However, he did not mention further details. Also Read | International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Rwandan Genocide: Know History and Significance of the International Observance by the United Nations. He said that PTI's mandate had been stolen and "efforts were being made to take over the party." Imran Khan said his wife, Bushra Bibi was being allegedly targeted to put pressure on him and added that those pointing fingers at her were doing so to "dismantle" PTI. The PTI founder said he had never entered into a confrontation with the military and alluded to his ties with Pakistan's former chief of army staff, despite his government's ouster. Imran Khan accused the former Pakistan army chief of backstabbing him and added that he could have de-notified him but he exercised restraint. Around the time of his ouster, Imran said that General Bajwa was involved in a US-backed conspiracy to remove him from office. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Imran said he also sent a message to Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, through former Pakistan President Arif Alvi that he knew about the so-called 'London Plan', Dawn reported. Imran alleged that police entered his bedroom on August 5 last year to detain him, as per the Dawn report. He said the police at the time confiscated his passport and the chequebook, adding that Bushra Bibi had moved her valuables to a secure location. He claimed that intelligence agencies had asked his staffers to become 'approver' against him. The PTI founder said Pakistan was facing a 1970s-like situation. Speaking about the incumbent government, Khan said that the "king is sitting behind and [interior minister] Mohsin Naqvi is at the forefront as his viceroy", Dawn reported. According to him, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif had no authority. Meanwhile, the accountability court continued recording the testimony of the witnesses, as five prosecution witnesses had been cross-examined by the defence counsel on Saturday. The case will now resume after the Eid holidays. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Agartala, April 7: In a shocking incident in Tripura, a housewife was allegedly found hanging at her home in the Durjoynagar area of the city under the Airport police station area. Soon after the incident came to light, the police launched an investigation into the alleged suicide case. Police officials said that the housewife ended her life after her paramour allegedly shared their intimate photos online. According to a report in the Times of India, the incident came to light on Friday, April 5, when she was found hanging at her home. After the incident, the police began their probe and questioned several people, including the woman's friend and family. Tripura Shocker: Man Beats His Wife to Death Over Dispute in Khowai District, Detained. An officer also said that they recorded the deceased woman's parents' statements. Sources told cops that the deceased woman had developed an extra-marital relationship with a man of the same locality. The man with whom she developed the affair after her marriage had clicked a few photographs of their intimate moments when the woman was trying to come out of the relationship. A police officer said that the accused posted their intimate pictures on social media. The officer also said the possibility of the woman ending her life fearing social stigma cannot be ruled out. Meanwhile, the deceased woman's husband lodged a complaint against the accused for allegedly defaming his wife and abetting her suicide. Tripura Police Seize 753 Kg of Narcotics Valued at Rs 50 Lakhs. Last month, the Tripura police Police launched a probe into the suicide of a minor girl after she was allegedly beaten up mercilessly by her neighbours for allegedly stealing a mobile phone in Charilam of Tripuras Sepahijala district. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 07, 2024 04:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Kumamoto, Apr 08 (News On Japan) - During his visit to Kumamoto Prefecture on the 6th, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida toured the factory of Taiwan's leading semiconductor manufacturer, TSMC. During this visit, TSMC revealed plans to construct a second factory in Kikuyo Town. Upon arriving at TSMC's Kikuyo Town factory, Prime Minister Kishida received a briefing on the facility's operations before meeting with TSMC CEO C.C. Wei. During the meeting, CEO Wei confirmed plans for a second factory also to be built in Kikuyo Town. According to insiders, the second factory is expected to be located adjacent to the first facility. TSMC had previously announced in February that it would be constructing this new plant within Kumamoto Prefecture. Following CEO Wei's statement, Kikuyo Town Mayor Takatoshi Yoshimoto expressed, "We wholeheartedly welcome this development. Just like with the first factory, we will work closely with Kumamoto Prefecture and do our utmost to ensure the project proceeds smoothly according to TSMC's schedule." Over 20 dreaded terrorists, all on Indias most wanted list, were mysteriously killed in Pakistan and Canada over the last two years. A police constable was killed after a suspected gun misfire in the old city of Hyderabad on Sunday. Baleshwar (52) was found dead while on duty near Kabutar Khana under the limits of Hussaini Alam Police Station. New Delhi, April 7: The Indian startups continued to raise funds at a normal pace, and last week, as many as 30 startups secured over $172.71 million in the country. This included eight growth-stage deals and 16 early-stage deals, reports Entrackr. "As many as six early-stage startups did not disclose the amount raised," the report mentioned. About 17 early and growth-stage startups collectively raised around $125.73 million in the week of March 25-30. Among the growth-stage deals, eight startups raised $130.1 million in funding last week. Ola Electric, led by Bhavish Agarwal, secured the highest amount of debt funding of $50 million. boAt Lifestyle Data Breach: Aman Guptas Consumer Electronics Company Hit by Hacker Called ShopifyGUY, Loses Critical Data of 7.5 Million Customers, Says Report. Hyperlocal marketing-to-commerce software platform SingleInterface, NBFC Infinity Fincorp, housing finance company Nivara Home Finance, payment gateway and point of sales provider Innoviti, and digital banking infrastructure firm M2P Fintech secured $30 million, $26 million, $10 million, $4.8 million, and $4.2 million in funding, respectively. Moreover, 16 early-stage startups collectively secured $42.61 million in funding. D2C health and wellness brand Traya topped the list followed by full-stack retailer of used two-wheelers BeepKart, AI platform SiftHub, deep-tech startup Planys, and full-stack metal supply-chain platform Metalbook. India Needs One Million Fast Chargers To Become 100% Electric in Two and Three-Wheeler EV Segment by 2030: Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant. City-wise, Bengaluru-based startups led with 11 funding deals followed by Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The last few weeks have brought lots of wind, rain and an earthquake, but that is not the reason Delaware River Park in Phillipsburg looks the way it does not entirely. The outdoor recreation site tucked just behind Howard and Market streets is a dumping ground for junk, broken glass, flyaway plastic bags, and piles and piles of dog and deer feces. A jail sentence and 20 year driving ban was handed down to a man who was caught without insurance for a seventh time. Marian Botos, 39, of 24 Rushall, Mountrath pleaded guilty at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court to not having a licence or insurance on the Portlaoise Road, Mountrath on March 1, 2024. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant was stopped while driving a 05WW registered red Hyundai car at 10.15am on the date in question. Once stopped, gardai discovered the man was disqualified from driving. He said he had six previous convictions for driving while uninsured. Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was married with three children. He was originally from Slovakia but has been in Ireland for 13 years. He said his client was driving a car registered to his wife who was ill at the time. He was going to collect his son from school, said Mr Meagher. Mr Meagher said his client had previously been given a driving ban and a suspended sentence and had mistakenly believed the ban would end with the term of the suspended sentence. He accepted the man had an appalling record and asked the court to consider not imprisoning him. Judge Andrew Cody said the mans last two suspended sentences had not deterred him from offending. He imposed a six month jail sentence, disqualified the man from driving for 20 years and fined him 500. He fixed recognisance in case of an appeal. Mr Meagher said he had anticipated a custodial sentence and lodged an appeal with the court immediately after the case was heard. Communities and businesses across Laois are getting ready to support Rainbow Day on April 26 to fundraise and raise awareness of autism. This is the fourth annual Rainbow Day being run by Laois Offaly Families For Autism (LOFFA), a fundraising event which is vital for supporting families across the two counties. This week Leinster Express/Laois Live spoke to Chair of LOFFA Breda Murray about the huge amount of support being shown again this year. "This is our fourth annual Rainbow Day which is fantastic and it is getting bigger and bigger every year which we are delighted with," said Breda. "We ask all our members to contact a local business near them, be it a hotel, chemist, pub, or a shop and ask them if they would like to take part. If they say yes then we give them a letter, a poster and bucket. It's very simple, they put the bucket on top of their counter. "A lot of businesses will leave the bucket up for the month of April because April is autism awareness. It's quite easy to get involved just contact LOFFA for anyone who wants to take part. "On the day we ask staff in businesses to wear a coloured top. A lot of businesses go all out, they put balloons in the shop and they wear coloured tops and some of them spray their hair and the public can donate what they want into the bucket. "We also invite all the schools to take part in Laois Offaly and they are asked to wear a coloured top on the Friday and they put a euro into the bucket. "For those that may not be out and about or would like to donate online we have our website where you can donate." LOFFA has 170 families registered with them this year which has increased substantially from 40 families four years ago. The charity subsidises private therapies, speech therapy, occupational therapy, counselling, behavioural therapy as well as important days out for families and educational workshops. On average they spend 30,000 per year on therapies alone. "We have 170 families registered and we are closed for this year as we can only take so many families per year," explained Breda. "There are families receiving a diagnosis every week and there are only ten on the committee. We are all volunteers so there is only so much we can do." Last year's Rainbow Day brought in 31,000 with all money raised going back to the families of Laois and Offaly. As well as raising vital funds Rainbow Day is all about educating people about autism and raising awareness. Breda said there is now a lot more awareness about autism in our communities but she said there is still a long way to go in terms of acceptance. "This autism journey can be very lonely. Your family and friends can be great to you but it's really other parents, they get it," she said. "A lot of families want to come on the days out. It's a very relaxing, safe environment for them. "There is more awareness out there but acceptance has a long way to come through public education. It will be a long road ahead. "With Rainbow Day we want to get the word out. We want people to learn about autism, even if it's just one person." If you would like to get involved in this year's Rainbow Day on April 26 you can contact LOFFA through email: info@loffa.ie or through their Facebook page. TOKYO, Apr 08 (News On Japan) - Crown Prince Akishino and Prince Hisahito visited Tamagawa University in Machida, Tokyo, to inspect facilities dedicated to advanced technological research. The Crown Prince and Prince Hisahito, who is currently on spring break, arrived at Tamagawa University shortly after 10:30 AM on April 6th. The university is known for conducting cutting-edge research while leveraging its naturally rich campus, a site previously visited by the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita, as well as by the Akishino family. During their visit, they toured a facility cultivating approximately 20,000 abalones and received an explanation on bee research, with the Crown Prince inquiring about the different types and colors of the bees observed. They also inspected a "biotope," a natural habitat area within the campus grounds, where the Crown Prince asked if dragonflies visit the area, and Prince Hisahito commented on the well-maintained embankments. The visit concluded after approximately three hours, which included a tasting session of the cultivated abalones and a discussion with the university's executives. Source: NEWS A Mountrath man who has lost his eyesight is urging Laois people to support the Irish Guide Dogs charity, after the great support he has gained from it. Sean Byrne says he is lucky to have his supportive family and his guide dog Elf, which helps him to stay surprisingly independent. He spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live at the Laois Live Well Expo on April 4, where he was manning the Laois branch of the Irish Guide Dogs Association with his wife Louise and gorgeous labrador Elf. Sean was a sales rep in the agricultural industry, but he had to leave his job after his sight began failing, as it necessitated driving. "Honestly that was the worst thing, that I couldn't drive any more, it was a huge loss of independence," he said. "I was fully sighted until 2001. I have an eye condition called Congenital Glaucoma. "I got surgery but it unfortunately caused scarring. In 1995 I needed a corneal transplant but it didn't work. I've had six of them. "The last surgery was in September 2022 and now it is total blackness. "I have my guidedog and a great family, I am lucky," Sean said. "Without them we'd be lost," Louise agreed. "That's why guidedogs are so important. He would be totally reliant on me otherwise," she said. "They are so valuable, please support them. People don't realise how valuable they are," Sean said. "To have that independence, to go somewhere on your own and know you are safe as well. "I go for a walk every day. We live a mile outside Mountrath. In fairness to Laois County Council there is a great path in. I walk to the shop and visit my family and walk home," he said. Sean is one of the recent participants of the inclusive nationwide drama project, Sightless Cinema. The radio play was screened in the Dunamaise Arts Centre last February. "It is coming back again to Laois," Louise adds. Elf is Sean's third guide dog. Despite the crowds and petting he was experiencing at the busy expo in Portlaoise College, he is quiet and gentle. "They are named before we get them. Every litter gets the next letter of the alphabet so all his siblings have names beginning with E. They cost about 65,000 to train and maintain as a working guide dog. "85% of that has to be fundraised. There is no cost to us. that is why we have a Laois branch of the Irish Guide Dogs. "There are nine guidedogs and assistance dogs in Laois at the moment. Assistance dogs for people with Autism are becoming very popular," he added. See https://www.guidedogs.ie/ on how to support it or become a foster puppy owner. The Laois Live Well Expo was organised jointly by Active Ageing and Healthy Laois. As the countdown to the 2024 Punchestown Festival gets underway the Bollinger Best Dressed Style Council is delighted to welcome Jessica OMahony as guest judge for the prestigious racing fashion competition. As a busy mum of three, Jessica has amassed a following of over 95,000 Instagram (@jeskaomahony) followers thanks to her enviable sense of style from formal occasion wear to casual match day outfits and everything in between. New experience Whilst more familiar pitch side than track side, as Jessicas husband is Peter OMahony, captain of the victorious Six Nations Irish rugby team, the Cork woman is looking forward to embracing this new experience. This will be my first visit to the Punchestown Festival and certainly my first time being involved in a style competition like this. Im excited to experience a different side of a major sporting event and take in all the fashion, colour and atmosphere that it brings. Whilst Im as comfortable in casual wear I do love an excuse to pull out all the stops and a big day out at the races with friends is just that, not to mention the amazing prize from Bollinger. Best dressed The 2024 Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday 30 April to Saturday 4 May with the iconic champagne house Bollinger celebrating eight years involvement at the social and sporting highlight. The Bollinger Best Dressed Competition takes place over the first four days of the event. Judges and style scouts will be tasked with seeking out a number of finalists each day. The daily winner will then progress to the grand final on Ladies Day, Festival Friday, May 3. The overall winner and guest will enjoy an appropriately stylish and exclusive money cannot buy trip to the famous Champagne Bollinger Estate with luxury overnight stays in Paris and Reims to include Michelin dining and private transfers. Truly a trip of a lifetime and something worth dressing up for. Jessica OMahony joins the established and diverse Style Council led by head judge, stylist and influencer Jess Colivet and ably assisted by returning names including beauty entrepreneur and Kildare native Suzie ONeill of AYU, David OConnor from Louis Copeland, stylist Lawson Mpame, sustainable fashion stylist Roxanne Parker, former winner Katie Nally-McCormack and MC Marietta Doran. Travelling especially from France to enjoy her first Punchestown Festival experience is Champagne Bollinger Brand Ambassador Eva Gottesman. This years Punchestown Festival will roll out new reduced ticket pricing and earlier start times on the first two days. Whilst hospitality is now sold out for the Kildare racing festival from Tuesday to Friday there is limited availability on Saturday 4 May with waiting lists in operation throughout the week. Cost should not be the overbearing factor in consideration of a united Ireland, Simon Harris has insisted. The Fine Gael leader and incoming taoiseach said despite his view that reunification should not be a priority at the present time, he said he remained committed to the objective and hoped he would see it achieved in his lifetime. Mr Harris told reporters on Friday that achieving a united Ireland was not where his priorities currently lie. On Sunday he was asked about that stance and also on the findings of a new study from the Dublin-based Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) that suggested unification could cost the Irish government 20 billion euros a year for 20 years, with a 25% increase in taxation potentially needed to shoulder the costs of uniting Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Instinctively, I want to see a united Ireland and cost isnt the overbearing factor, Mr Harris told RTE in response to the reports findings. But he stressed his priority was harnessing the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement and building better cross border relations. Mr Harris, who is set to become taoiseach on Tuesday, will attend a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council in Armagh on Monday. It will be outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkars last political engagement before formally tendering his resignation to the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins on Monday evening. Mr Harris said he would not be dismissive of the IIEA report but said its findings had prompted a lot of scrutiny. Theres a dynamic effect to any economic change, but the point is the Good Friday Agreement provides a way forward for peoples political aspirations, he told RTEs The Week In Politics show. The priority right now, in my view, for the people on the island of Ireland is to live in peace, live in prosperity, get to know each other better, cooperate and collaborate. In a later interview with RTEs This Week programme, Mr Harris was asked was he turning his back on Fine Gaels founding principle of seeking a united Ireland. Let me be clear, I want to see a united Ireland, I believe in a united Ireland, it is in the title of my party, he said. He added: Its my personal political aspiration that we would see one in my lifetime but Im one person, as taoiseach of this country, should I be given that honour next week, my immediate priority will be on ensuring that we can see the full potential and beauty of the Good Friday Agreement in peace and prosperity across this island and closer relationships with our nearest neighbour in the UK. And I think thats where the focus should be right now. Mr Harris said peace on the island was enduring but cautioned that it could be chilly and frosty at times. So, I want my focus to be on practical areas of cooperation and collaboration and getting to know each other better, he added. Securing Canada's AI advantage MONTREAL, April 7, 2024 /CNW/ - Artificial intelligence (AI) has incredible potential to transform the economy, improve the way we work, and enhance our way of life. The global race to scale up and adopt AI is on, and Canada is at the forefront of this technology. To make sure we can seize every opportunity in the economy of the future, and set every generation up for success, we need to scale up our innovation ambitions. And do it in a way that brings everyone along. For Millennials and Gen Z, who feel their hard work isn't paying off like it did for previous generations, we must invest in good-paying opportunities that help them get ahead. That's why we're focused on creating more good jobs, including in innovation and technology, which are among the highest paying of all industries. AI is already unlocking massive growth in industries across the economy. Many Canadians are already feeling the benefits of using AI to work smarter and faster. The rapid advance of generative AI today will unlock immense economic potential for Canada, significantly improving productivity and reducing the time workers have to spend on repetitive tasks. Researchers and companies in Canada are also using AI to create incredible new innovations and job opportunities across all facets of the Canadian economy, from drug discovery to energy efficiency to housing innovation. In the past year, job growth in AI increased by nearly one third in Canada ? among the highest growth of any sector. And most AI jobs pay well above the average income. Canada has a world-leading AI ecosystem ? from development, to commercialization, to safety. We have an advantage that can make sure Canadian values and Canadian ideas help shape this globally in-demand technology. Canada was the first country in the world to introduce a national AI strategy and has invested over $2 billion since 2017 to support AI and digital research and innovation. Since then, countries around the world have begun investing significant funding and efforts into AI to advance their economies, particularly in computing infrastructure. In order to maintain Canada's competitive edge, and secure good paying jobs and job security for generations of young Canadians, we must raise the bar. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced a $2.4 billion package of measures from the upcoming Budget 2024 to secure Canada's AI advantage. These investments will accelerate job growth in Canada's AI sector and beyond, boost productivity by helping researchers and businesses develop and adopt AI, and ensure this is done responsibly. These measures include: Investing $2 billion to build and provide access to computing capabilities and technological infrastructure for Canada's world-leading AI researchers, start-ups, and scale-ups. As part of this investment, we will soon be consulting with AI stakeholders to inform the launch of a new AI Compute Access Fund to provide near-term support to researchers and industry. We will also develop a new Canadian AI Sovereign Compute Strategy to catalyze the development of Canadian-owned and located AI infrastructure. Ensuring access to cutting-edge computing infrastructure will attract more global AI investment to Canada , develop and recruit the best talent, and help Canadian businesses compete and succeed on the world stage. As part of this investment, we will soon be consulting with AI stakeholders to inform the launch of a new AI Compute Access Fund to provide near-term support to researchers and industry. We will also develop a new Canadian AI Sovereign Compute Strategy to catalyze the development of Canadian-owned and located AI infrastructure. Ensuring access to cutting-edge computing infrastructure will attract more global AI investment to , develop and recruit the best talent, and help Canadian businesses compete and succeed on the world stage. Boosting AI start-ups to bring new technologies to market, and accelerating AI adoption in critical sectors , such as agriculture, clean technology, health care, and manufacturing, with $200 million in support through Canada's Regional Development Agencies. , such as agriculture, clean technology, health care, and manufacturing, with $200 million in support through Regional Development Agencies. Investing $100 million in the NRC IRAP AI Assist Program to help small and medium-sized businesses scale up and increase productivity by building and deploying new AI solutions. This will help companies incorporate AI into their businesses and take on research, product development, testing, and validation work for new AI-based solutions. This will help companies incorporate AI into their businesses and take on research, product development, testing, and validation work for new AI-based solutions. Supporting workers who may be impacted by AI, such as creative industries, with $50 million for the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, which will provide new skills training for workers in potentially disrupted sectors and communities. with $50 million for the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, which will provide new skills training for workers in potentially disrupted sectors and communities. Creating a new Canadian AI Safety Institute, with $50 million to further the safe development and deployment of AI. The Institute, which will leverage input from stakeholders and work in coordination with international partners, will help Canada better understand and protect against the risks of advanced or nefarious AI systems, including to specific communities. The Institute, which will leverage input from stakeholders and work in coordination with international partners, will help better understand and protect against the risks of advanced or nefarious AI systems, including to specific communities. Strengthening enforcement of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, with $5.1 million for the Office of the AI and Data Commissioner. The proposed Act aims to guide AI innovation in a positive direction to help ensure Canadians are protected from potential risks by ensuring the responsible adoption of AI by Canadian businesses. Today's announcement is about investing in innovation and economic growth to secure Canada's world-leading AI advantage today and for generations to come. This will create good-paying opportunities for every generation, boost innovation across the economy, raise productivity, and accelerate economic growth ? and it's just one of the things that we are going to be doing in Budget 2024. Alongside these measures, we're building more homes faster, ensuring every kid has the food they need, investing in health care, making life more affordable, and creating good jobs to make sure every generation can get ahead. Quotes "AI has the potential to transform the economy. And our potential lies in capitalizing on the undeniable Canadian advantage. These investments in Budget 2024 will help harness the full potential of AI so Canadians, and especially young Canadians, can get good-paying jobs while raising our productivity, and growing our economy. This announcement is a major investment in our future, in the future of workers, in making sure that every industry, and every generation, has the tools to succeed and prosper in the economy of tomorrow." ? The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada "Today, we are making a significant investment to boost our economic growth. This will keep Canada a global leader in AI and ensure we are at the very cutting-edge of new technologies. And most importantly, this will mean more high-paying careers for Canadians who are leading the charge in AI." ? The Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Quick Facts Associated Links PMO Media Relations: [email protected] SOURCE Prime Minister's Office 7 april 2024 at 12:19 News published onand distributed by: Change to Perseus's Senior Management Team perth, April 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CHANGE TO PERSEUS'S SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM Perth, Western Australia/April 8, 2024/Perseus Mining Limited (ASX/TSX: PRU) wishes to advise that its Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mr. David Schummer, has advised that he will resign from the Company with effect from September 30, 2024, to pursue new employment opportunities located closer to his family in North America. Mr. Schummer has agreed to remain in his role with Perseus until the end of September to manage a number of strategic work streams that are currently underway at the mine sites and to assist with the smooth transition to his successor. The process to select and appoint a new COO will commence immediately with consideration being given to both internal and external candidates for the role. Perseus's Chairman and CEO Jeff Quartermaine said: "On behalf of the Perseus Board and our employees, I would like to thank Dave for his commitment and dedication to Perseus and our operations, and for his contribution in addressing a number of operational challenges. We wish Dave and his family all the best for the future. We will commence the search for a new COO immediately and look forward to Dave's support in ensuring a smooth transition over the coming months." PERSEUS MINING LIMITED ASX/TSX CODE: PRU REGISTERED OFFICE: Level 2 437 Roberts Road Subiaco WA 6008 Telephone: +61 8 6144 1700 Email: [email protected] www.perseusmining.com CONTACTS: Jeff Quartermaine Chairman & CEO [email protected] Stephen Forman Investor Relations [email protected] Nathan Ryan Media Relations +61 420 582 887 [email protected] This market announcement was authorised for release by Jeff Quartermaine, Chairman and CEO of Perseus Mining Limited. 7 april 2024 at 18:30 News published onand distributed by: A running bear recorded by a surveillance camera, in Liptovsky Mikulas, Slovakia, on March 17, 2024. VIDEO OBTAINED BY REUTERS "If a bear attacks a human being once, experience shows that it will do so again. So, as soon as it's found, it will be killed straight away." With this statement, on Tuesday, March 26, Jaroslav Slastan, head of Slovakia's brown bear intervention teams, marked 10 days since he first took up the trail of an animal that had injured five people in the town of Liptovsky Mikulas on March 17. That day, images posted on social media by the panicked residents of this small town in the foothills of the Tatra mountains were shared all over Europe. They showed a distraught animal running madly between the houses. "Local politicians are worried that it's going to happen again," explained the sturdy man clad in camouflage gear from the lobby of the town hall, as he took a few minutes' break to describe how his teams had set off in pursuit of a "male weighing around 100 kilos." "It's like a race against time with a fugitive prisoner," he said, detailing his array of night-vision drones in particular. The pressure was on, because the subject had become "political," said the patrolman. In this Central European country blessed with some of the best preserved national parks on the continent, the long peaceful cohabitation with bears has suddenly become tense since a fatal attack in 2021, the first in 100 years. Since then, the number of attacks has been on the rise, with around 20 reported each year, each time reigniting what has become a genuine "bear war" which has deeply divided Slovakia's 5.5 million inhabitants. A few days before the attack in Liptovsky Mikulas, a hiker had fallen to her death in a ravine after fleeing from a bear. On Thursday April 4, once again in the same region, a forest ranger was attacked, and had to fire warning shots to scare off the beast. These animals have even become a feature of the campaign for the second round of the Slovakian presidential election, which was held on Saturday, April 6. On March 28, Peter Pellegrini, the victorious candidate who was backed by the populist, pro-Russian coalition government, announced that he was in favor of pushing through as quickly as possible a bill presented by the environment ministry, which authorized the slaughter of any bear "crossing into a 500-meter limit" around villages. This measure could run counter to European law, which only authorizes slaughtering these protected animals in cases of direct danger. The ministry, which since October 2023 has been controlled by the far-right Slovak National Party (SNS), has asked Brussels to lower this level of protection, with the support of its Romanian and Finnish counterparts. You have 64.37% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. Simon Harris speaks after being confirmed as the new leader of Fine Gael in Athlone, Ireland, Sunday March 24, 2024. EAMON WARD / AP Simon Harris, who is set to become Ireland's youngest-ever prime minister, said on Sunday, April 7, Irish unification was a "legitimate political aspiration" but not a priority for him as leader. The 37-year-old was appointed leader of the center-right Fine Gael party leader last month after the shock resignation of his predecessor Leo Varadkar. A vote to confirm Harris as Taoiseach (prime minister), which he is expected to win, will be held in the Irish parliament on Tuesday. Read more Subscribers only Irish PM Leo Varadkar's resignation leaves burning questions for his successor Harris has said his main focus will be on "law and order", crafting a "more planned and sustainable" immigration policy and fighting "against the dangers of populism". On unification, he said he understood the desire of some to see a united Ireland but that this was not "my focus or priority is now". "We have a peace process that is enduring on this island and is in many ways one of the most successful peace processes in the world, but it's also a frosty peace," he told Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips on Sky News. "I don't believe we've had an opportunity to see the full potential of prosperity embedded right across the island of Ireland, through the framework of the Good Friday Agreement," he added. The 1998 agreement largely brought to an end three decades of violence over British rule in Northern Ireland, known as the Troubles, in which some 3,500 people were killed. Asked about the Israel-Hamas conflict as it reached its half-year point, Harris called for an "immediate ceasefire". "What we've seen happen in Gaza and the actions of the Israeli government is utterly reprehensible," he said. "It's appalling and it's grotesque." He also described the Israeli attack that killed seven aid workers including three Britons earlier this week as "callous and chilling". He said Ireland stood ready to play its part in a "political process that brings about a two state solution" to the conflict, adding that Ireland understood a lot about political solutions. Read more Subscribers only Sinn Fein on the brink of power in both the North and Republic of Ireland Long ReadEthiopia is once again on the brink of famine, forty years after the disaster that claimed the lives of over 300,000 people in 1984. "There are no longer any natural famines in the world; there are only political famines. If people in Syria, Sudan or Somalia starve to death, it's because some politician wants them to," writes academic and historian Yuval Noah Harari in his book Homo Deus. His assertion finds particular resonance today in the humanitarian situations in Gaza, where famine is "imminent" according to the United Nations; in Sudan, where civil war has plunged 18 million people into an unprecedented hunger crisis and northern Ethiopia, where the specter of famine is resurfacing after the devastation left by the Tigray conflict (2020-2022). A mother and her child at the Red Cross hospital in Korem, Ethiopia, 1985. THE MOHAMED AMIN COLLECTION Forty years earlier, it was from these same Ethiopian provinces of Tigray and Wollo that apocalyptic images emerged of a devastating famine that claimed more than 300,000 lives. Photographs of men and women on the verge of starving to death in front of the lens of journalists were seen around the world, shocking the West and giving rise to an unprecedented wave of solidarity, the most visible manifestations of which were recorded by the musical elite in the US, UK and France. The famine of 1984 reached "biblical proportions," in the words of BBC reporter Michael Buerk, as he commented on his report from an arid, cold Wollo valley, transformed into an immense open-air camp where hundreds of displaced people, fleeing civil war and hunger, died every night and whose bodies were picked up by truckloads in the early hours of the morning. He was accompanied by Kenyan photographer Mohamed Amin, whose photo archives are published here. A formidable weapon These images are still very much a part of Ethiopia today. The country's northern highlands experience droughts of varying severity roughly every decade. Ten years earlier, in 1973, the lack of rain killed some 50,000 farmers in the area, under the indifferent gaze of Emperor Haile Selassie I, who had even been quick to cover it up, at the risk of tarnishing his reputation. Public anger, fueled by a Marxist student revolution that used the Wollo famine to illustrate the monarch's selfishness and cruelty, precipitated his downfall the following year, 1974. At its height, the Ethiopian famine claimed hundreds of victims every day, many of them dying alone, like this young boy under the blanket. Korem, Ethiopia, 1984. THE MOHAMED AMIN COLLECTION As Harari suggests, hunger can be a formidable weapon in war, and Ethiopia is no exception. While the land in the north of the country is vulnerable to drought, food crises there have always been aggravated by revolts and their repression. Current events are a painful reminder of this. During the Tigray War (2020-2022), a blockade put in place by the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize prevented humanitarian aid from arriving and pushed 90% of Tigray to the brink of famine. Today, a year and a half after the peace agreement that ended the conflict, hunger is still killing. In the last six months, 1,390 Tigrayans died from it, according to regional authorities. You have 61.02% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. One of the links in the chain of devices increasing the energy of the world's most powerful laser, at the European ELI-NP laboratory, near Bucharest, Romania. LAURENT THION/THALES Three. Two. One. Fire! Nothing seemed to have happened. There was not a sound in the room. Yet the shot was successful, as evidenced by a perfectly circular gray spot that had suddenly appeared on a black screen in the control room. The shot was the world's most powerful laser light emission: 10 petawatts (PW), in other words, 10 quadrillion (million billion) watts. It's equivalent to one-tenth of the power emanating from the Sun that is received on Earth, or 6 million times more than a European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) nuclear reactor. However, the reason the control room didn't quake was that this power is delivered over an extremely short period: Around 25 femtoseconds (or 25 millionths of a billionth of a second) and across a width of just three micrometers. This fire-breathing "dragon" dwells within its lair, a 2,400-square-meter hall at the Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) in Magurele, a town located 10 kilometers south of Bucharest, Romania; near a nuclear research center that had long housed a Soviet reactor. It actually has several heads: Two that "spit fire" at a level of 10 PW (once per minute maximum); two others at 1 PW (once per second); and two more at 100 terawatts (TW, or 0.1 PW)) (10 times per second). Built by the French company Thales, it cost around a third of the 320 million that was needed to build the laboratory, 80% of which was financed by the European Union (EU) and the rest by the country of Romania itself. It also has two "brothers" in Hungary and the Czech Republic (which were not built by Thales). These are less powerful, but were also born of the same EU desire to install such cutting-edge infrastructures in less scientifically rich countries to help their development. To celebrate the anniversary of the first 10 PW shot at a solid target, on April 13, 2023, Thales invited journalists to discover the inner workings of this technological wonder, whose purpose is not to replace the sun or nuclear power plants, but to carry out physics experiments under extreme conditions; which have given the ELI its suffix, NP, for Nuclear Physics. Every year, around 15 experiments are carried out over a period of around one month. The dream of 'boiling the vacuum' "By illuminating gases, we're approaching certain astrophysical conditions," explained Domenico Doria, the head of the ELI-NP experimental target areas, in the middle of which sit silver-plated metal containers containing a vacuum, in which gases or solids will be atomized to create plasmas or particle soups. You have 65.98% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. A FALLING out between neighbours over music being played late at night during Covid, led to a woman threatening to damage vehicles and her then partner starting a consaw and threatening to cut up the complainants. The victims - a Polish couple who were told by Mr X they were foreigners and you work for us - youre in our country moved away from the area following the incident, Limerick Circuit Court heard. Sarah Purtill, aged 35, of Cluain Ard, Fedamore pleaded guilty to making a threat to damage property belonging to her neighbours - a Mercedes car and an Audi car - on July 10, 2022. Prosecuting barrister John OSullivan, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the case with the assistance of Detective Garda Fiona Reidy. Mr OSullivan said the accused and her then partner (who was referred to as Mr X) lived in an adjoining semi-detached property with the Polish couple. There had been a falling out over music being played at night during Covid. Relations had deteriorated and on the night of the incident gardai were called three times between midnight and 2.30am. The Polish nationals contacted gardai and complained that the accused and her partner were playing loud music, banging on the wall and fence that divides both properties, said Mr OSullivan. The prosecuting barrister said when gardai returned for the third time, the Polish couple reported that Ms Purtill had threatened to damage their cars which were parked in a driveway by using a broken bottle which she had in her hand. Mr X started a consaw, revving it violently and threatened to cut up the parties with it and damage vehicles. He was highly aggressive, said Mr OSullivan. CCTV and audio footage recorded on a mobile phone was played to the court. Mr X can be heard saying, Ill cut you. You work for us, youre in our country. Come out you f*****g p***k and Ill cut you asunder. Ill stab you in front of the cops. Ill cut the s**t out of his car. The consaw can be heard starting. Ms Purtill can be heard saying, Do you like your car? Nice car isnt it? while touching and walking in close proximity to the vehicle. Mr OSullivan said no damage was caused and her plea of guilty to threatening to cause damage was welcome. A victim impact statement, prepared by the Polish couple, was read out by the prosecuting barrister. In it, they said they decided to leave and move (home) over what happened. They said their child has had to move schools, has trouble sleeping and spoke of PTSD. There were parties every weekend. The house was full of teenagers. We decided to leave. They are dangerous people. How could we stay in that place, the victim impact statement added. Joseph McMahon BL, who represented Ms Purtill, asked Detective Garda Reidy if Mr X was the more aggressive of the two? Yes, said the detective garda. The detective agreed with the barrister that matters were not helped by alcohol. Mr McMahon put it to the detective that there were a lot of social events at the complainants house. Det Garda Reidy said that was put forward during interviews. Mr McMahon read out Ms Purtills statement. It was just a moment of madness from the tension. It shouldnt have happened. Mr McMahon said his client is a mother-of-two and matters have ended with Mr X irrevocably. The complainants no longer live in close proximity. There is unlikely to be a bust-up again. She works as a chef for a well known multinational company. READ MORE: Limerick man receives suspended sentence for growing cannabis in 'unusual case' She has no previous convictions and is unlikely to appear before a court again. Only for the actions of the co-accused the matter would have been heard in the district court. She profusely apologises, said Mr McMahon. Judge Tom ODonnell noted the accused had spent quite a bit of time scoping the cars on the night and he said the victims had to make the decision to leave the area. The main protagonist is Mr X. The accused seems to have got caught up in the maelstrom given the heightened tensions. The court has to mark its disapproval of the threatening and sinister behaviour, said Judge ODonnell. The judge said the mitigating factors were that Ms Purtill has no previous convictions, is in full-time employment, has two children and there has been no difficulties since July 2022. Judge ODonnell applied the Probation Act which means Ms Purtill left the court without a criminal conviction. Im taking a huge leap of faith in this matter. I dont want to see you in court again, said Judge ODonnell. TOKYO, Apr 07 (News On Japan) - Princess Kiko attended an international symposium reporting on the restoration project of the oldest existing "Grand Formal Dress" worn by Empress Shoken, the consort of Emperor Meiji. On Saturday afternoon, Princess Kiko listened to presentations at the Meiji Jingu Kaikan in Shibuya, Tokyo, themed around the Meiji-era dress titled "The Dress Passed Down Through Meiji." The restoration of this highly formal and oldest existing long dress, known as the "Grand Formal Dress," worn by Empress Shoken, commenced in 2018 and was completed over five years. Experts involved in the project shared their outcomes at the symposium held on April 6. Princess Kiko serves as the Honorary President of the Cultural and Friendship Association at Daisanji Temple in Kyoto Prefecture, where the dress is preserved. The symposium highlighted Empress Shoken's role as a pioneer in adopting Western dress while valuing the traditional silk industry. It also suggested the dress was likely made in Japan in the 1880s, with discussions on the embroidery and weaving techniques used. Princess Kiko attentively followed these discussions. According to the Imperial Household Agency, on April 3, Princess Kiko visited the Meiji Jingu Museum, where she viewed the restored Grand Formal Dress, asking insightful questions during her visit. The Meiji Jingu Museum is hosting a special exhibition from April 6 to May 6, showcasing the restored Grand Formal Dress, connecting visitors with a significant piece of Japan's cultural and royal heritage. Source: TBS A GROUP representing past pupils of a Limerick school has bought a portrait of one of the countys most well known faces, with the proceeds of the purchase going to charity. Crescent Past Pupils Union (CPPU) purchased the portrait of Terry Wogan, one of the biggest stars to grace our television screens and radio airwaves, by local artist Barbara Hartigan to present to the school. Last year, acclaimed Limerick artist Barbara Hartigan announced that she would donate the proceeds of her lifes work to a good cause. Ms Hartigan, who resides in Castleconnell, has compiled some 70 signed portraits of well-known faces. They include Mr Wogan, Mother Teresa, Dolly Parton, Bill Clinton, Lionel Richie, Kris Kristofferson, Marcel Marceau and Jimmy Carr to name but a few. The CPPU agreed to purchase the portrait of Crescent Mr Wogan, who was once a pupil of Crescent College Comprehensive SJ himself. The portrait is signed by both the artist Ms Hartigan and Mr Wogan. READ MORE: Poetry in motion for the month of April in Limerick 500 was donated to the Samaritans in Limerick and 500 to the school Pyjamas Appeal in support of the Jesuit Refugee Service. The donation to the Samaritans was made in memory of our former school French and History teacher Carmel OFarrell who passed away in April last year, a CPPU spokesperson said. Dermot Maher, president of CPPU thanked Barbara Hartigan for her generous act in donating the fee to our nominated charities and to Peter Doyle for suggesting the purchase of the painting for the school. SINN Fein TD for Limerick City, Maurice Quinlivan, has been formally selected by the party to contest the Limerick mayoral election. Speaking following a meeting of the partys Ard Chomhairle this weekend, Deputy Quinlivan said he was honoured to have been selected by the party to be Sinn Feins candidate for the Limerick Mayoral election. I want to be mayor of Limerick to serve as a mayor for all the people of Limerick. The people of Limerick need a mayor who will stand up for Limerick, who will work hard to ensure that we get a fair deal from the Government and that our city and county work better for its people. That is what I am committed to delivering. The people of Limerick need change. They need change to end the crisis at University Hospital Limerick, tackle the housing crisis and deliver much-needed investment and regeneration across our city and county. As a mayor for all the people of Limerick, I would deliver this change. Limerick has so much potential, but this potential must be unlocked," said Mr Quinlivan. READ MORE: Upgrade to Limerick road which has taken battering over new bypass Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald, who was in Limerick on Wednesday, said she was delighted that Mr Quinlivan has been confirmed as Sinn Feins candidate to be mayor of Limerick. "Maurice will be a Mayor for all the people of Limerick. I am proud to have known Maurice for many years. His record as an activist and as a public representative is second to none. He is deeply rooted in his community and is a hard worker who will be a strong voice for the people of Limerick as mayor. His track record in Limerick includes managing a business, serving as a councillor, a TD and party spokesperson, from enterprise to workers rights, trade and employment. He also serves as an effective chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment. "He has been a formidable voice for Limerick in the Dail and would stand up for the city and county as mayor to deliver the change that the people of Limerick need," said Deputy McDonald. Maurices proven ability to achieve consensus as an Oireachtas Committee chair would make him an ideal person to serve as Mayor of Limerick. By voting for Maurice Quinlivan for mayor of Limerick, you are voting for a mayor for the people," she concluded. FUNDING of 3.4 million to support digital learning in schools and minor building works in Limerick has been announced by Minister for Education Norma Foley TD, 50 million in grant funding for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) will issue shortly to all recognised primary and post-primary schools across the country, while a separate 29 million in minor works funding is being provided to primary and special schools. The ICT funding is being provided to schools to help them continue to use digital technologies in their teaching, learning and assessment, while the minor works funding can be used by these schools for maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds. The 50 million ICT grant represents the second tranche of ICT funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027. Schools previously received 50m in ICT grant funding for the 2021 to 2022 school year. Ms Foley said: I am pleased today to be announcing funding which will support primary, post-primary and special schools in Limerick and throughout Ireland to enhance both school settings and teaching and learning, to benefit our pupils and students. ICT grant funding will support schools to ensure they can continue to embed the use of digital technologies in their teaching, learning and assessment. Digital technologies can open up a world of opportunities to our pupils and students. It is important that schools can properly equip our young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding to harness the benefits of such technologies. The Digital Strategy ICT grant will consist of a 2,000 basic grant for primary schools plus an additional payment of 39 per mainstream pupil, 43 per pupil in DEIS schools and 47 per pupil with special educational needs attending a special school or attending a special class attached to a mainstream primary school. For example, a 100 pupil-primary school will receive 5,973 and a 500 pupil- primary school will receive 21,865. Post-primary schools will be paid a 2,000 basic grant plus 47 per mainstream student and 52 per student in DEIS schools. A 500 student- post-primary school would receive 25,840 and a 1,000 student-post-primary school would receive 49,680. This ICT grant builds on the 210m already allocated under the previous Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020, and the 50m issued under Irelands National Recovery and Resilience Plan to enable schools to support learners at risk of education disadvantage through the digital divide. Ms Foley said the department is acutely aware of schools need to have appropriate ICT infrastructure and it remains committed to continued funding to support the implementation of the Digital Strategy. Ms Foley is also commissioning further research into the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning as part of the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027. Implementation of this strategy is well underway so it is timely to consider where we are in this journey. To that end, I am further commissioning research on the impact on student learning and wellbeing through the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning to help inform policy and optimise the resources and supports provided to schools. READ MORE: Horses saved by firefighters and staff in stud farm blaze in Limerick The circular outlining the criteria applying to the Digital Strategy ICT Infrastructure Grant Scheme will be published soon. Meanwhile, arrangements are now being made for the payment of 29 million in Minor Works grants to primary schools and special schools. This will support the operation of the primary schools for the forthcoming 2024/25 school year. The lead-in period ahead of the new school year will give schools good time to consider plans and priorities for use of the funding. Ms Foley said: Minor works payments are a vital resource in terms of supporting the operation of schools generally and I am pleased to be able to announce 29 million in funding that will allow school communities to address issues at local level. Given that each school setting is different, individual schools are best placed to decide how best to use this funding to address their particular maintenance needs. In this respect the minor works grant funding provides good flexibility to address issues at local school level. Good maintenance arrangements are important and should be prioritised with this funding. Maintenance of school buildings is important in promoting health and safety, in providing an appropriate and welcoming learning environment, and in protecting the significant levels of public funding being invested in new and upgraded school infrastructure. The departments Planning and Building Unit is currently finalising updated guidance for schools in relation to good practice arrangements for maintenance of school buildings. It is envisaged that this guidance will be finalised and published later in Q2 2024. It is envisaged that the guidance will be provided in an on-line interactive format that will be easily accessible and user friendly for use by schools. Irelands incoming taoiseach Simon Harris has pledged to lead his party with a new energy as he vowed to hit the ground running as leader. Ahead of his expected election as Irish premier in the Dail parliament next week, recently appointed Fine Gael leader Mr Harris addressed delegates at his partys annual conference in Galway on Saturday evening. His uncontested elevation to leader of Fine Gael came after Taoiseach Leo Varadkars shock resignation last month. Mr Harris is to formally replace Mr Varadkar as the head of Irelands Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Green Party coalition government in the Dail on Tuesday. In a wide-ranging speech at the close of the ard fheis at the University of Galway, Mr Harris identified housing; law and order; and support for small business as key priorities. He also addressed recent tensions in Ireland over increased immigration rates, as he pledged to oversee a fair but firm system to manage migration into the country. Launching a broadside against the main opposition party, Sinn Fein, he said the electorate in forthcoming local and European elections faced a stark choice between opportunity and outright opportunism. Mr Harris, who paid warm tribute to his predecessor Mr Varadkar, said he was deeply honoured to take on the greatest challenge of his life. He described himself as a proud Wicklow man as he referred to his upbringing as the oldest of three children and the values instilled by his mother, a special needs assistant, and his taxi driver father. The 37-year-old also spoke with pride about his wife Caoimhe, a nurse, and young children Saoirse and Cillian. Everything I do will be the grounded in the values my parents raised me with hard work, compassion, and a desire to help those who need it the most, he said. And everything I do will be with the ambition to create a better Ireland not just for Saoirse and Cillian for all of our children. He told delegates his political story began when his younger brother Adam was diagnosed with autism and he began campaigning for better information and services. He characterised Fine Gaels fundamental values as hope, enterprise, equality of opportunity, integrity and security. That is the Fine Gael I intend to lead, with a new energy, he said. On his expected election as taoiseach, he added: If given this great honour, I will take office when time is short but there is much to do. Tonight, I promise you, were going to hit the ground running. I will stand by our values as a party and our vision as a nation. A tolerant, inclusive and outward-looking society, which is fair, caring and secure. I am going to match that vision with action. Mr Harris vowed to tackle Irelands housing crisis, pledging to build 250,000 new homes in five years. I am of a generation where home ownership can feel out of the reach of many, he said. To young people, I want you to know your future is here in Ireland. And I want your parents to know we will move mountains to get the children out of the box room and into a home of their own. We have to fix housing once and for all. Mr Harris pledged a package to support small business owners as he acknowledged they were hurting under the pressure of increasing costs. He said Fine Gael was also the party of farmers, fishermen and women and rural Ireland. Commenting on the challenges presented by climate change, Mr Harris stressed the need for a collaborative approach. I want to say to farmers and to rural Ireland, Fine Gael will never talk down to you on climate action, he said. We will sit down and work with you and for you. Mr Harris also vowed to help families struggling in the cost-of-living crisis. He restated his ambition to raise the threshold for the higher rate of income tax to 50,000 euro (43,000) and promised to further reduce the universal social charge burden on low and middle-income earners. Mr Harris also pledged to break down barriers to education and improve access to childcare facilities. The Wicklow TD also promised to take action to help people with disabilities. On the wider health service, he said the focus would be on improving access and opening more beds and theatres and ensuring the training and recruitment of more GPs, consultants, nurses and therapists. He said Fine Gael would always stand for law and order under his leadership. We stand for more gardai, with more powers and more resources to make our streets safe, he said. We stand for tougher sentences for those who commit horrific crimes. He said he would fast-track legislation to give judges powers to make sure heinous criminals serve long sentences before they are considered for release. On the fall-out from Novembers far-right influenced riots in Dublin, Mr Harris said he would immediately convene a Dublin city centre taskforce bringing together the council, retailers, business, community groups and gardai to chart a path towards a safer and vibrant city. It is time to have pride again in our capital city, he added. Mr Harris said Ireland needed a fair and firm system to better manage migration. Outlining his support for the new EU migration pact, Mr Harris added: We need to move away from the emergency use of hotels for housing asylum seekers. I believe we now have that plan. But the implementation will be key and engagement with communities is essential and leadership across government. We need to listen to people. The Irish people want to play their part. Irish people want to help. They already are. Speaking about the tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees who have fled to Ireland, Mr Harris acknowledged the influx had posed challenges. Taking in families fleeing the war has brought significant pressures. But it is the right thing to do, he said. Ireland, as a proud and committed member of the European Union, will always stand with the people of Ukraine. Addressing the conflict in the Middle East, Mr Harris issued a blunt message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying Ireland was repulsed by his actions. The comments drew a standing ovation from the Fine Gael membership. In Gaza we see a humanitarian catastrophe worsen before our eyes, he said. We unreservedly condemn the massacre carried out by Hamas in October and again call for the unconditional release of all hostages. But we cannot and will not stay silent on the actions of Israel either. Reason has been replaced by revenge and by the bombing, maiming and death of children. Famine. A spectre no Irish person can bear. Anyone who can countenance deliberate starvation has lost their humanity. Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Irish people could not be clearer. We are repulsed by your actions. Cease fire now and let the aid flow safely. We need a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side, in peace and security. I reiterate, Ireland stands ready to recognise the state of Palestine. On Northern Ireland, Mr Harris spoke of the need to maintain positive co-operation. I am determined to work together on a north-south, east-west basis to improve the lives of everyone across these islands, he said. Mr Harris said the choice facing the electorate at local and European elections in June was the starkest it has faced in generations. A choice between opportunity and outright opportunism, he said. Sinn Fein promises change. What they mean is they will change their mind at every chance. A party which promises utopia, but specialises in U-turns. He accused Sinn Fein of exploiting every challenge for its own gain. In conclusion, the Fine Gael leader said he would work day and night to make peoples lives better. We will have your back. We will repay your trust, he said. Together, I promise we will deliver. With a new energy. Now lets get to work. A Status Yellow wind warning remains in place for three counties as strong gusts continue from Storm Kathleen with more unsettled weather on the way. Met Eireann has warned that there may be damage to already weakened structures after high winds on Saturday. The national forecaster warns of some fallen trees and difficult travel conditions. Counties Donegal, Mayo and west Galway were issued with a further warning from 8pm last night until 4pm today. Met Eireann has also warned of debris, coastal flooding and wave overtopping. A gale warning remains in place for all coasts of Ireland and on the Irish Sea until 2pm today. South to southwest winds will reach gale force 8 or strong gale force 9, according to Met Eireann. There is the potential for isolated hail or even thunder in some regions, according to forecasts. Met Eireann has also forecast that temperatures could drop to as low as 2C overnight. Today will be quite windy with fresh to strong and gusty southwesterly winds, very strong in the northwest where gales or strong gales will persist near coasts, according to Met Eireann. There will be a mix of sunny spells and scattered blustery showers, some heavy with isolated hail and thunder possible. Highest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees, are forecast. Winds will ease early tonight and showers will become isolated, mainly affecting the northwest and west. However cloud will increase from the south overnight and rain will extend over much of southern parts of Munster and south Leinster. Lowest temperatures of 2 to 6 degrees are forecast with winds becoming light southerly or variable. Rain will extend to most areas during Monday morning. Concerns have been raised after the hen harrier population in Northern Ireland was found to have dropped by more than a quarter. The 2023 hen harrier survey in Northern Ireland found only 34 territorial pairs recorded in the region last year a drop of over 26% since 2016. The survey was conducted in partnership with RSPB NI, Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group (NIRSG) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera), as well as a team of volunteers, to understand more about the numbers and distribution of this rare species. A 2011 independent Government report had previously estimated that there should be around 150 pairs of hen harriers breeding in Northern Ireland. The NIRSG has described the hen harrier population in Northern Ireland as being under immense pressure from a range of land management activities and human-mediated threats. The group said this has led to extensive and ongoing losses of suitable habitats and widespread disturbances at nesting and foraging habitats, and called for change. Gregory Woulahan, operations director and head of land at RSPB NI, said the drop was a drastic decline in numbers. One of the main reasons for this decline was loss of habitat, he said. This coupled with the landscape scale threats and pressures to the species means we need a coherent, practical and policy based restoration strategy for the needs of the hen harrier and its habitat. Unfortunately, this recent decline mirrors a similar population decrease within the Republic of Ireland in 2022. He said the observations of the fieldworkers and the survey findings have shown that hen harriers and their habitats need greater protections. He said support is needed to retain valuable and biodiverse scrub and heather habitats across the uplands. There needs to be landscape scale restoration of peatlands and habitats for this species and its prey, he said. The devastating effects of wildfire and inappropriate land management needs reversed through robust policy and support for landowners, and wider awareness amongst the public to minimise disturbing activities. Whilst some population increases were recorded by the survey results in other parts of the UK, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have both exhibited substantial declines since the last surveys. Stormont Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said landowners, farmers and other stakeholders must work in partnership to address the situation. I am concerned to learn of the declining population of hen harriers in Northern Ireland and appreciate there are several factors contributing to this including loss of suitable breeding habitats, habitat degradation, the climate, predation and wildfires, he said. Action needs to be taken to stop the decline of this iconic bird, but it can only be achieved through working in partnership with landowners, farmers, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and all other stakeholders, to restore and enhance breeding habitats and appropriately manage activities which have the potential to cause disturbance and displacement. While the overall picture is not encouraging, I am pleased the survey showed that the number of hen harriers within the two designated Special Protection Areas, approximately half of the population, remained relatively stable since the 2016 census. The public have been asked to report any dead or injured birds of prey in suspicious circumstances that they see to police on 101, or 999 if it is an emergency situation. If you have information about anyone killing birds of prey which you wish to report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Boeing CEO David Calhoun received $33 million in compensation last year, mostly from stock awards, but gave up a roughly $3 million cash bonus and is getting less stock this year in the wake of a near tragedy on Jan. 5. Boeings board said it took additional steps to tie executive pay to new quality and safety goals in the wake of the door plug blowout on a 737 MAX jet. The board recently announced that Calhoun would step down by year-end and that it was searching for a new leader. Calhoun and other senior executives will get stock awards for 2024 that are about 22% below original targetsa figure matching the decline in Boeings share price after the blowout, the company said. That percentage amounted to a reduction of about $3.75 million for Calhoun. The CEO also gave up a cash bonus for 2023 that was targeted at $2.8 million. Calhouns 2023 compensation totaled $32.8 million, including $1.4 million in salary and equity awards valued at $30.2 million at the time of grant last year, the company said in its annual proxy statement, filed Friday. His pay totaled $22.6 million in 2022, including $17 million in stock and options. Boeing said the value of Calhouns 2023 equity awards had declined by about $8 million through year-end and significantly from the value it had placed on his compensation at the outset. Boeings share price rose almost 29% during 2023 but is down by a similar percentage so far this year. Calhouns earlier-than-expected departure comes as the company deals with fallout from the door-plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight, from federal probes to slowed production lines. While we have made progress in strengthening our safety management and quality control systems and processes in the last few years, recent events make it absolutely clear that we have more work to do and must improve everyday," Steve Mollenkoph, who took over as board chair last month, wrote in a letter to shareholders. Starting this year, Boeing also said it would tie incentives to new quality and safety goals. Under the new plan, 55% of executives long-term incentive pay will be affected by two factors. These factors could increase that portion of executives stock awards by 25%, or reduce it to zero. The first is whether management surveys employees about how well they understand and follow Boeings safety protocols. The second is putting in place systems to better determine when to pause production for safety risk assessments, a move intended to cut down on out-of-sequence work that executives say compromises quality. The goals are in addition to changes the company announced last month to emphasize quality and safety over meeting financial targets. Those changes, which include reducing traveled work, apply to Boeings more than 110,000 nonunion workers, including senior executives. It isnt the first time Calhouns pay has been dinged since taking over as CEO in 2020. During 2022, the board declined to award him a $7 million performance bonus, citing delays with the 777X jetliner. Write to Sharon Terlep at sharon.terlep@wsj.com and Theo Francis at theo.francis@wsj.com It is too soon to say he is becoming this generations Evelyn Y. Davis, the late, infamous activist shareholder who for years needled public CEOs from IBM to General Electric with personal insults and corporate critiques. But hes traveling a similar patheven as he leads car company Tesla, rocket maker SpaceX and social-media platform X. How can he be a gadfly and one of the worlds richest men? He trod unfamiliar ground this past week with an overture to help change the makeup of Disneys board, but failed, effectively making him more of an annoyance to the Mouse House than a threat. Hence, gadfly. Since Musk bought X in 2022, Disney has halted advertising on X. Subsequently, Musk has called for its chief executive, Bob Iger, to be fired, and joined a chorus of conservative critics decrying what they say is the companys embrace of woke culture. His vocal antagonism with Iger surely made him an appealing ally to activist investor Nelson Peltz, who sought Musk out to help in a bruising proxy war that came to a head this past week. But if Peltz was hoping Musk would be the closer to his monthslong campaign, he was sorely disappointed. Yes, Musk made some calls to investors, my colleagues have reported. But he didnt publicly endorse the proxy battle until just hours before the results were announcedtoo late to have much of an effect influencing the army of retail shareholders Musks echoverse might have persuaded to vote to put Peltz onto the Disney board. While I dont own any Disney shares today, I would definitely buy their shares if Nelson were elected to the board," Musk tweeted Wednesday, the day the vote came to a close. His track record is excellent." The day after his victory, Disneys Iger took a victory lap, appearing on CNBC, where he was asked about Musks attacks. I ignore it," Iger said. Theres no relevance to the Walt Disney Co. or me.People have been coming after me and the company for years, and I dont get distracted by those things." Indeed, Disney has a long history with gadflies. Almost 20 years ago, Igers mentor, then-CEO Michael Eisner, received rowdy applause when he cut off Davis as she rattled off a list of criticisms during a shareholder meeting. By then, she was well-known for appearing at such meetings and holding court. She once told then-Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca he needed to lose weight and proposed a soft-porn actress as a candidate for ITTs board on the theory her romantic links to the British royal family would give the company influence. As a defender of shareholder rights, Evelyn Y. Davis was moderately effective," The Wall Street Journal began her obituary when she died at age 89 in 2018. In her parallel quest for publicity, she was in a league of her own." Davis, who often questioned CEO pay as being too much, published an annual newsletter, Highlights and Lowlights, and insisted that companies buy at least two copies. A criticism of Davis was that CEOs subscribed hoping to avoid her criticism, a claim she denied. Musk has a different megaphone, with more than 179 million followers on X and a daily habit of opining on many topics from politics to videogames. His drift toward more contentious social issues has been controversial among some of his old supporters and cheered on by new ones. It is hard to imagine Musk welcoming another CEOs meddling in a proxy battle against himself. Hes willing to be the gadfly, he would not want anybody to be the gadfly in his orbit," said Nell Minow, vice chair of ValueEdge Advisors and a Tesla investor. If he thinks Peltz is smart and has good ideas and can help with strategy, then by all means, I would stand up and cheer if he added Peltz to the [Tesla] board." In fact, Musk has been publicly agitating since January for Teslas board to give him a giant new pay package to increase his ownership stake in the automaker, arguing he doesnt feel comfortable working on robotics and artificial intelligence without the reassurance that he has more control over the company than activist investors. It was a point Musk reiterated on the same day as the Disney proxy fight concluded. I (obviously) dont need to money personally, but am concerned about not having voting power that to influence Tesla to do the right thing," Musk tweeted late that night with typos. His demands come as some Tesla shareholders are losing patience with his anticsincluding his own ongoing feud with Disneyand the electric-car companys performance. Tesla shares have fallen 34% this year through Friday, while the S&P 500 index has risen 9.7%. The automaker this past week reported disappointing first-quarter delivery results that marked the first year-over-year decline since 2020, the latest sign that the electric-car market is struggling. The stumbles have attracted Musks own gadflies. Ross Gerber, a vocal Tesla shareholder who last year briefly attempted to get elected to the companys board, laid blame for the disastrous quarter on Musks behavior. For over a year Ive been warning about this potential reality," Gerber tweeted this past week. Now its here. Its time for shareholders to assess the blame where due. The tesla BOD should be replaced immediately with independent directors as required by law." Musk responded by deriding the longtime advocate and investor as an idiot." Despite losing the fight, Peltz sounded happy with Musk. This guy has no ego," he told CNBC on Thursday of Musk, calling him a brilliant guy, understands so many things about the world and all you want to do is listen to a lot of what hes got to say." Were Musk to go full-on corporate gadfly, one wonders how many CEOs would agree. Write to Tim Higgins at tim.higgins@wsj.com The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has expressed reservations over Hinduja Group firm IndusInd International Holdings' (IIHL) Reliance Capital acquisition, reported PTI citing sources. IIHL's 9,650 crore resolution plan, to acquire bankrupt Reliance Capital Ltd is not in line with insurance regulations, said IRDAI in a recent communication to Nageshwara Rao Y, Reliance Capital's administrator. The insurance regulator also expressed concerns over the exceeding limit of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the debt-ridden company. Earlier, IRDAI has sought details of IIHL shareholders in connection with the matter. It also sought clarifications regarding the capital IIHL is planning to infuse into the debt-ridden insurance company. Moreover, the IRDAI has expressed reservations about debt that IIHL plans to raise to fund the Reliance Capital acquisition, sources told PTI. Protection of policyholders top priority The promoters should invest their capital in such plans as insurance firms deal with policyholders' money and as a regulator protection of policyholders is the top priority, suggested the regulator. Apart from seeking information about the source of capital infusion, the insurance regulator asked for clarification on the structure of IIHL's borrowing plans, including the rate of interest, the instruments to be issued and the proposed subscribers etc. The exceeding limit of 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) after the takeover has also caught IRDAI's attention as it expressed apprehensions over the rise in FDI following the transfer of the stake of Reliance Capital to IIHL. IRDAI raises concerns over 100% FDI "In other words, RCL (Reliance Capital Ltd) will have 100% FDI. Please confirm if the same is permissible as per extant FDI law. Please provide reference to the said law that permits the same," the communication said. In February, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) greenlit Hinduja Group firm IndusInd International Holdings Ltd's 9,650-crore resolution plan for Reliance Capital. In November 2021, the Reserve Bank of India superseded the board of Reliance Capital on governance issues and payment defaults by the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group company. Later, Nageswara Rao Y was appointed as the administrator of Reliance Capital. Rao invited bids in February 2022 for the bankrupt company's acquisition. TOKYO, Apr 08 (News On Japan) - Hikaru Utada is set to appear on the first regular broadcast of the new Nippon Television music program "with MUSIC" (every Saturday from 7:56 PM), which starts on April 13th. Shiina Ringo will also make a special appearance, marking the first time the two artists will perform together on television. The show "with MUSIC," themed around the concept of "with," aims to delve into the charm of artists through various segments, featuring a lineup of stellar artists performing their songs. The program will be hosted by Yumiko Udo with artist navigator Kouhei Matsushita, and it seeks to explore the joy of experiencing music through television, a medium that is diversifying rapidly in today's age. It will endeavor to convey the allure of artists and their music to the fullest. For this memorable first regular episode, Utada's participation has been confirmed. Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of her debut, Utada is releasing her first best-of album "SCIENCE FICTION." Her songs will be reborn in new forms and delivered to the world. In this significant moment, she will perform "One Last Kiss," the theme song for the 2021 film "Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time," on television for the first time. Furthermore, Shiina's special appearance has been decided. Together, they will perform their collaborative song "Nijikan Dake no Vacance." This will be the first television performance for the two artists, who debuted in the same year and were signed to the same record label, often referred to as "classmates." The song, included in Shiina's sixth album "Fantome" released in 2016, expresses the precarious relationship between the ordinary and the extraordinary. What will the "now" look like, woven by the two artists who have walked the path of 25 years to become top artists? Additionally, there will be a conversation between Utada and Udo. Various perspectives will be used to dig deeper into the "current" Utada. Source: MDPR It is ChInas gravest economic test since the most far-reaching of Deng Xiaopings reforms began in the 1990s. Last year the country achieved growth of 5%, but the pillars of its decades-long miracle are wobbling. Its famously industrious workforce is shrinking, historys wildest property boom has turned to bust and the global system of free trade that China used to get richer is disintegrating. As our reporting explains, President Xi Jinpings response is to double down on an audacious plan to remake Chinas economy. Blending techno-utopianism, central planning and an obsession with security, this sets out Chinas ambition to dominate the industries of tomorrow. But its contradictions mean it will disappoint Chinas people and anger the rest of the world. Compared with 12 months ago, let alone the go-go years, the mood in China is dour. Although industrial production perked up in March, consumers are depressed, deflation lurks and many entrepreneurs are disillusioned. Behind the angst lie deeper fears about Chinas vulnerabilities. It is forecast to lose 20% of its workforce by 2050. A crisis in the property industry, which drives a fifth of gdp, will take years to fix. It will hurt cash-strapped local governments that relied on land sales for revenues and flourishing real estate for growth. Relations with America are steadier, as a phone call between Mr Xi and President Joe Biden this week attested. But they remain fragile. Chinese officials are convinced that America will restrict more Chinese imports and penalise more Chinese firms, whoever wins the White House in November. Chinas response is a strategy built around what officials call new productive forces". This eschews the conventional path of a big consumer stimulus to reflate the economy (thats the kind of ruse the decadent West resorts to). Instead Mr Xi wants state power to accelerate advanced manufacturing industries, which will in turn create high-productivity jobs, make China self-sufficient and secure it against American aggression. China will leapfrog steel and skyscrapers to a golden era of mass production of electric cars, batteries, biomanufacturing and the drone-based low-altitude economy". The scope of this plan is breathtaking. We estimate annual investment in new productive forces" has reached $1.6trna fifth of all investment and double what it was five years ago in nominal terms. This is equivalent to 43% of all business investment in America in 2023. Factory capacity in some industries could rise by over 75% by 2030. Some of this will be made by world-class firms keen to create value, but much will be prompted by subsidies and implicit or explicit state direction. Foreign companies are welcome, even though many have been burned in China before. Mr Xis ultimate aim is to invert the balance of power in the global economy. Not only will China escape dependence on Western technology, but it will control much of the key intellectual property in new industries and charge rents accordingly. Multinationals will come to China to learn, not teach. However, Mr Xis plan is fundamentally misguided. One flaw is that it neglects consumers. Although their spending dwarfs property and the new productive forces, it accounts for just 37% of GDP, much lower than global norms. To restore confidence amid the property slump and thereby boost consumer spending requires stimulus. To induce consumers to save less requires better social security and health care, and reforms that open up public services to all urban migrants. Mr Xis reluctance to embrace this reflects his austere mindset. He detests the idea of bailing out speculative property firms or giving handouts to citizens. Young people should be less pampered and willing to eat bitterness", he said last year. Another flaw is that weak domestic demand means some new production will have to be exported. The world has, regrettably, moved on from the free-trading 2000spartly because of Chinas own mercantilism. America will surely block advanced imports from China, or those made by Chinese firms elsewhere. Europe is in a panic about fleets of Chinese vehicles wiping out its carmakers. Chinese officials say they can redirect exports to the global south. But if emerging countries industrial development is undermined by a new China shock", they, too, will grow wary. China accounts for 31% of global manufacturing. In a protectionist age, how much higher can that figure go? The last flaw is Mr Xis unrealistic view of entrepreneurs, the dynamos of the past 30 years. Investment in politically favoured industries is soaring, but the underlying mechanism of capitalist risk-taking has been damaged. Many bosses complain of Mr Xis unpredictable rule-making and fear purges or even arrest. Relative stock market valuations are at a 25-year low; foreign firms are wary; there are signs of capital flight and tycoons emigrating. Unless entrepreneurs are unshackled, innovation will suffer and resources will be wasted. China could become like Japan in the 1990s, trapped by deflation and a property crash. Worse, its lopsided growth model could wreck international trade. If so, that could ratchet geopolitical tensions even higher. America and its allies should not cheer that scenario. If China was stagnating and discontented, it could be even more bellicose than if it were thriving. Old reductive forces If these flaws are obvious, why doesnt China change course? One reason is that Mr Xi is not listening. For much of the past 30 years, China has been open to outside views on economic reform. Its technocrats studied global best practice and welcomed vigorous technical debates. Under Mr Xis centralising rule, economic experts have been marginalised and the feedback leaders used to receive has turned into flattery. The other reason Mr Xi charges on is that national security now takes precedence over prosperity. China must be prepared for the struggle ahead with America, even if there is a price to pay. It is a profound change from the 1990s and its ill-effects will be felt in China and around the world. Bank Holidays next week in April 2024: Bank customers will have to plan around five non-working days at their banks this week with back-to-back religious holidays and the weekend. In fact, in some states, the holidays stretch out further into the next week too, with Monday and Tuesday also being holidays. All national banks, including the State Bank of India (SBI), have five back-to-back holidays on April 9 for Gudi Padwa, Ugadi and Telegu New Year, on April 10 Bohag Bihu and Eid, on April 11 for Eid, April 13 for the second Saturday and April 14 for Sunday. Further in some states, April 15 and 16 are also bank holidays for Bohag Bihu (in some states) and Ram Navami, respectively. Customers are advised to check with their nearest bank branches to confirm local and state holiday leaves to avoid confusion and inconvenience. Overall, the banks in India will remain shut for 12 days in April 2024. This will differ in each state as per the Reserve Bank of India's calendar, for reasons like public holidays, regional holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The holiday calendar is decided by the RBI and the corresponding state governments. The regional holidays of the banks vary depending on the local customs of different states. See | Maharashtra Bank Holidays in 2024 Below is the full list of other bank holidays in April 2024 April 5 bank holiday: On account of Babu Jagjivan Rams Birthday/Jumat-ul-Vida, banks will remain shut in Telangana and Jammu April 9 bank holiday: Banks in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Manipur, Goa, Jammu and Srinagar will be closed for Gudhi Padwa/Ugadi Festival/Telugu New Year's Day/Sajibu Nongmapanba (Cheiraoba)/1st Navratra. April 10 bank holiday: Banks will be closed in Tripura, Assam, Manipur, Jammu, and Srinagar because of the Bohag Bihu/Cheiraoba/Baisakhi/Biju festivals. Also Read | Bank Holidays in 2024. Check the full list here April 15 bank holiday: On this day, banks will suspend offline operations for customers in Assam and Himachal Pradesh due to Bohag Bihu and Himachal Day. April 16 bank holiday: On the occasion of Ram Navami, banks will be closed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Chandigarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh. April 20 bank holiday: Banks' branches in Tripura will be shut for Garia Puja festival. Regular Bank Closures Banks will be closed on the second Saturday: April 13 Banks will be closed on the fourth Saturday: April 27 Bank holiday on Sundays: April 7, 14, 21 and 28 Customers Can Use Online Banking Facilities, ATMs Online banking services will continue as usual regardless of holidays or weekends. Customers can conduct their banking activities via banks' websites, mobile apps or ATMs for urgent transactions. However, in case of work needing bank staff assistance, it is imperative to be cognizant of the bank holiday schedule and plan visits around the non-working dates. New Delhi: In September 2019, Sunil DSouza, the former managing director of Whirlpool India, a maker of appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines, received a call from Egon Zehnder, an executive search firm. Tata Global Beverages, the beverages arm of the Tata Group, was looking for a chief executive officer (CEO). Would he be keen? Initially, DSouza wasnt sure. The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) play of the Tata Group wasnt that coherent back then. It was spread across three-four companies and many legal entities. Tata Global Beverages was largely in the business of selling tea, coffee and water. A joint venture with PepsiCo, since 2010, also sold non-carbonated ready-to-drink beverages. Tata Industries, a company that promotes and incubates the Tata Groups entry into new businesses, held SmartFoodz, an entity that sold ready-to-eat products. Tata Chemicals, a chemical company, once sold Indian consumers salt and pulses. A few months before the headhunting firm approached DSouza, in May 2019, the salt and pulses business merged with Tata Global Beverages. Egon Zehnder convinced DSouza to meet Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the chairman of the Tata Group. One of the many jobs, he figured out, would be to synergize and simplify" this mish-mash of many entities. He (Chandrasekaran) painted his vision to me saying that Tata is a big brand name and the group has every right to succeed in the consumer space. But when people count FMCGs, we are not there. That had to change," recalled DSouza. View Full Image Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman, Tata Group. (AFP) In December 2019, Tata Global Beverages announced the appointment of DSouza as managing director and CEO of the company. He took over from Ajoy Misra who retired. A few months later, in February 2020, the company was renamed as Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL). Cut to 2024, TCPL is now primed to become a bigger player in the domestic packaged foods market, market watchers believe. In 2022-23, the company generated revenue of 13,783 crores, up 11% over the year ago. Profit jumped 30% to 1,320 crore, according to its annual filings. In December 2019, TCPLs shares were trading at about 318 apiece. It closed at 1,116.25 on 5 April this year. In other words, a gain of over 250%. While brands such as Tata Salt and Tata Tea have held a strong sway over Indian households for decades, TCPL has now entered new segments, everything from honey and cold-pressed oils to cereals and plant-based meat meals. Recently, it made two large acquisitionsCapital Foods (owner of the Chings Secret packaged noodles) and Organic India (organic teas and health foods). The company, in short, has moved away from just a beverages and commodity play to enter snacks and household staples. All this will increase competition in the FMCG market substantially, needling rivals such as Marico, Dabur, ITC, Nestle, Parle Agro and Kelloggs. Abneesh Roy, executive director and head of research committee at Nuvama Institutional Equities, a brokerage house, said companies want to capitalize on Indias growing middle class. In every consumption segment, India will have three-four very serious players," he said. The question is if TCPL can dominate the new segments it wants to compete in. What are its chances? To understand the companys strategy, Mint spent an hour with DSouza at TCPLs office in Mumbais Horniman Circle, a short walk from Bombay House, Tata Groups iconic headquarters. Startup @ Bombay House DSouza comes across as a man in a hurry. Those who know his working style said he is beyond just a strategic thinker. He can execute. He understands how strategy will translate into execution on the ground. Hes also got a very strong bias for action, a trait necessary within the Tata Group," said Pratik Pota, managing director and CEO of Eureka Forbes, a company that makes household appliances such as water purifiers and vacuum cleaners. Pota and DSouza were once colleagues at PepsiCo India. View Full Image A file photo of Bombay House, the headquarters of Tata Sons. Pota, who held various positions at PepsiCo, said that the recent mergers and acquisitions at TCPL require aggression along with the ability to take risks, which DSouza is capable of. DSouzas personality and his execution ability have been shaped by years of working in companies that operate complex supply-chains, and in companies that even competed with Tata brands. He joined Brooke Bond Lipton India, Hindustan Unilever (HUL)s tea company, after management school in 1993. The company competed with Tatas tea brands. DSouza next joined Coca-Cola India where he was a general manager of the companys Surat bottling plant. This periodthe mid 1990scoincided with what came to be called the cola wars. Both Coca-Cola and rival PepsiCo resorted to high-decibel media campaigns and aggressive distribution strategies. DSouza eventually joined PepsiCo where he worked for 15 years before moving to Whirlpool, his last assignment before he was appointed CEO of the Tata company. This is a startup with the backing of Bombay House," DSouza said, talking about TCPL, the need for speed and agility. In this role, he wants to press the accelerator on product launches and innovation. The Tata Group is never starved for resources and if they set their mind to doing something, they will get it done," he added. Complex to simple View Full Image Tata Starbucks now has 392 stores in India. (Mint) Like we mentioned earlier, one of DSouzas mandates was to simplify and synergize the business. The company has made progress here. In 2020, the company established a business integration team with a well-defined agendaconsolidate all businesses and optimize distribution channels. That year, TCPL acquired PepsiCos stake in NourishCo Beverages, a company formed in 2010 via a 50:50 joint venture between Tata Global Beverages and PepsiCo India. NourishCo focused on bringing low-priced beveragesfor example, glucose water and copper waterto the masses. It (the joint venture) was sitting on no-mans land," DSouza said. He convinced the chairman to either sell the stake or go for a buy out of PepsiCos share. Tata Group chose the second option. We have now removed the constraints for operating that business and provided fuel," DSouza said. The business ended 2022-23 with revenue of 621 crore, up threefold from 180 crore in 2019-20. Ideally, we should not have more than 10 entities. But thats still work in progress. Sunil DSouza Another move in synergising the business was to acquire 100% equity shares of SmartFoodz from Tata Industries in 2021, for 395 crore. DSouza said that the company has a great product portfolio (such as ready-to-eat pasta, noodles, biryani and combo meals) but lacked the distribution and marketing muscle. TCPL is now scaling the business with strategic partnerships in the US market and an association with the groups catering business, TajSats. The same year, the company decided to transfer its tea cafe format, the Tata Cha chain, to Qmin-Shops operated by a subsidiary of Indian Hotels Company to better focus on its core FMCG business. TCPL, however, continues to be the local partner for international coffee chain Starbucks. Tata Starbucks, with net sales of 1,087 crore in 2022-23, now has 392 stores in India and is targeting 1,000 by 2028. Then last year, TCPL announced the merger of all businesses of Tata Coffee with itself as part of a reorganization plan. Tata Coffee, is one of the largest integrated coffee cultivation and processing companies in the world and the largest corporate producer of Indian origin pepper. DSouza said the idea behind all this re-organization is to trim the number of subsidiaries and legal entities, which also reduces compliance. We are moving from 40 to about 25 legal entitiesthats the first step. Ideally, we should not have more than 10 entities," he said. But thats still work in progress." Dry fruits and noodles View Full Image Expenditure on FMCG products has surged nearly 45% since 2019. (Mint) Indian households spent 5.4 trillion in 2023 on FMCG products such as biscuits, soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, jams and floor cleaners. These expenditures have surged nearly 45% since 2019, according to an analysis by the Boston Consulting Group. Major companies such as Nestle, Mondelez, ITC, HUL, Dabur India and Marico have all stepped up investments in their packaged foods business. Clearly, TCPL, with a large beverages and salt business, did not wish to be left behind. In 2020, soon after DSouza took over, TCPL engaged consulting firm McKinsey & Company to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the packaged foods market. The idea was to shortlist high-potential categories for TCPL to enter. A few conditions were laid out. The company, for instance, wanted to avoid categories dominated by established players. Carbonated beverages, where Pepsi and Coca-Cola rule, or biscuits, where Britannia and Parle products dominate, were two of them. McKinsey narrowed TCPLs focus to five categories. These categories cover tea, coffee, salt; pantry (pulses, spices, staples, ready-to-cook, dry fruits); liquids (water, ready-to-drink); mini meals (breakfast cereals, ready-to-eat, snacks); protein platform (plant-based meat, plant protein powder). There is no national player in the dry fruits category today. The Tata brand can help TCPL gain the first-movers advantage here, DSouza said. It is also a high value and high growth category; there is money to be made in value added products such as roasted and flavoured nuts where the margin profile improves," he added. In fact, the same is true for some other products it has expanded tobreakfast mixes, fox nuts, vermicelli, dalia and blended spice mixes. Abneesh Roy of Nuvama said that Sampaan, TCPLs brand selling spices, dals, besan and poha, can be a big name to contend with given that pulses lack a pan-India brand. Tata Sampann has a first mover advantage," he added. The brand reported a 29% growth year-on-year in 2022-23. Under DSouzas leadership, the company has significantly accelerated its innovation pipeline. The number of new product launches has jumped from 14 per year in 2020-21 to 34 per year currently. The two takeovers will add 9% and 14% to TCPLs FY26 revenue and Ebitda, respectively. Abneesh Roy Organic launches aside, the company hasnt shied away from chasing aggressive acquisition targets. Earlier this year, the company announced the acquisition of Capital Foods and Organic India. TCPL agreed to pay an enterprise value of 5,100 crore for 100% stake in Capital Foods while for the 100% stake in Organic India, TCPL will pay 1,900 crore. These takeovers will add 9% and 14% to TCPLs 2025-26 revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (ebitda), respectively, Roy estimated. Meanwhile, the management has reiterated that it is open to more acquisitions. We are looking for growth and am making sure that we do not leave any opportunity unexplored," the CEO said. Left to be done View Full Image In 2000, the Tata Group acquired Tetley, a UK-based tea brand, making it Indias first major cross-border acquisition. (Bloomberg) For now, the company is focusing on integrating the two acquisitions, Capital Foods and Organic India. Both the deals open up new markets, even international markets. For instance, Organic India can help TCPL enter the market for supplements and nutrition while Capitals strengths are in the pantry market. TCPL already draws 26% of its revenue from overseas markets, mostly on the back of Tetley. In 2000, the Tata Group acquired Tetley, a UK-based tea brand, for $450 million, making it Indias first major cross-border acquisition. With new brands in its portfolio, TCPL also needs to step up distribution. FMCG, after all, is a distribution game. In the last few years, the company has overhauled distribution to equip sales beyond the more commodity-led salt and tea categories. It has started to recruit direct distributors in towns with over 50,000 people. But, TCPL is way behind rival HUL. HUL, which sells soaps, shampoos and detergents, reaches nine million outlets in India. TCPL ended 2022-23 with an overall reach of 3.8 million outlets. Its direct reach, however, has grown three fold from 0.5 million outlets in 2020 to 1.5 million in 2022-23. DSouza, meanwhile, routinely visits two markets a month to understand local nuancesalso, one of the ways he can spot the companys distribution gaps first hand. He wants to plug these gaps fast, at the pace of a startup. If we dont work like one (startups), we will not fulfil the ambitions the group has set for us," he said. Last July a tanker heading to Port Arthur, Texas, wasnt responding to navigation commands to slow down. The crew aboard the Singapore-owned tanker tried to restart the main engine but werent able to regain steering. They ultimately threw down an anchor, bringing the vessel to a stop half an hour later. Poor fuel quality caused the main engine to fail and auxiliary engines to wear down, according to an incident report viewed by The Wall Street Journal. Several ships over the past few years have experienced blackouts or engine failures at and near ports around the world. One culprit: contaminated fuel. Its a malaise for the industry," said Subhangshu Dutt, a former ship captain and founder of Om Maritime, which owns the tanker that had problems off the Texas coast last year. It isnt yet known whether contaminated fuel contributed to the Dali cargo ship accident in late March. After departing the Port of Baltimore, crew reported the ship lost power and its engine failed before its crashing into the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Analyzing the fuel is among several lines of inquiry as safety investigators piece together the ship blackouts cause, investigators have said. The National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the accident probe, is also interviewing crew, reviewing maintenance records and studying data from the ships recorder, a less sophisticated version of an airplanes black box. The NTSB will test the quality of marine diesel the ship used and search for potential contaminants, said agency Chair Jennifer Homendy. Engine failures can result from issues beyond fuel, such as the malfunction of key electrical systems. The maritime industry has long grappled with how to ensure fuels dont ground massive ships and global trade flows. Problems can stem from crews not properly switching onboard fuels. They could also be the result of suppliers tampering with products to pad profits. Cappuccino problem Filling up a giant ship with fuel is more complicated than taking a passenger vehicle to the gas station. The refueling process can take hours. Crews toggle between fuels based on a ships location, often switching to a cleaner-burning, diesel-like fuel in and around U.S. and European ports. While at sea, ships run on thick, tar-like residual fuel oilmade from the stuff left over in crude refining when more valuable products have boiled off. Residual fuel oil contains more impurities than gasoline and higher volumes of noxious substances like sulfur. Some contaminants that shipping firms worry about occur naturally in oil or get into fuel during the refining process. Many vessels have onboard purifiers, which like giant salad spinners rotate thousands of times a minute to remove impurities before fuel gets injected into the engine. Shipowners and brokers said they can rely on quality fuel coming from major ports such as Houston, Rotterdam or Singapore, but that they have to be more circumspect in smaller ports. One contamination method that emerged in the 1980s and has been hard to stamp out is called cappuccino." The practice involves pumping oil into a ships tank with compressed air, creating a layer of foam. When the fuel is measured for volume the foam stands a few inches higher than the liquid below. The practice enables suppliers to pump in less fuel. In more dangerous instances, suppliers who are eager to plump up profits sometimes blend shipping fuel with liquids such as used car lubricants, paraffin or industrial waste. Its a very cheap way to get rid of something thats difficult to get rid of," said Nigel Draffin, an industry consultant who previously managed refueling operations for oil giant Shells fleet of vessels. The fuel supplier benefits by unloading materials that are expensive to deal with and providing a smaller amount of fuel than what customers are paying for. Authorities in Singapore, a marine refueling hub, have prosecuted companies tampering with fuels. While so-called cappuccino in fueling is less prevalent today, shipowners said it still happens in ports. Oversight of ship refueling isnt as stringent as the heavily-regulated market for jet fuel in airplanes. You will end up from time to time buying stuff that doesnt have the quality you expected," said Hugo De Stoop, former chief executive of Euronav, owner of one of the worlds biggest tanker fleets. Fuel resupply problems dont occur consistently but can affect a large number of ships when they do. In early 2022, about 80 ships in Singapore reported issues with their fuel pumps and engines after receiving contaminated residual fuel oil. Investigators found that Glencore had sold some of the tainted fuel to another supplier, and the two had offered it to about 200 ships, the countrys port authority said at the time. It said the fuel was loaded on a tanker at a Middle East port. Chlorinated hydrocarbons, which cause problems in ship engines and other onboard machinery, contaminated the fuel, according to the agency. Even though the fuel passed certification standards, the checks didnt require testing for those compounds, it said. The agency suspended Glencores bunkering license for two months. Glencore declined to comment. Earlier this year, another testing firm, Viswa Lab, issued alerts that it found compounds that could damage ship machinery in fuels supplied in places including Hong Kong, Singapore and Houston. Dali investigation It could take several months before investigators confirm the cause of the Dali accident. A preliminary report from the NTSB could be released as soon as this month. Some shipping executives said that a diesel-driven blackout for the Dali is unlikely because the fuel is less likely to have contaminants than heavier oil used on the open sea. Since late December, the Dali dropped anchor at about a dozen ports and stopping-off points in the Middle East and Asia as well as at the Panama Canal, data from analytics firm MarineTraffic show. The ship visited New York and the Port of Virginia before departing the Baltimore port. The Dali was roughly an hour into a voyage to Sri Lanka when it crashed. Synergy Marine Group operated the Dali and A.P. Moller-Maersk chartered the vessel. Synergy Marine didnt respond to questions about the investigation. Maersk typically supplies fuel to vessels it charters, fuel oil traders said. It couldnt be determined whether that was the case with the Dali. We are closely following the investigations conducted by authorities and the vessel operator as well as conducting our own investigation," a Maersk spokesman said. Collin Eaton contributed to this article. Write to Costas Paris at costas.paris@wsj.com, Weilun Soon at weilun.soon@wsj.com and Joe Wallace at joe.wallace@wsj.com The Congress on Sunday released a fresh list with three candidates for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 in West Bengal. The grand old party has fielded Pradip Biswas from Bangaon Reserve seat (SC), Azahar Mollick from Uluberia and Dr Papiya Chakraborty from Ghatal Lok Sabha constituencies. The party on Saturday announced the names of former Union minister Ramakant Khalap and Viriato Fernandes as its candidates for the North and South Goa Lok Sabha seats. Also Read | PM Modi says Congress 'disrespected martyrs' after Kharge's Article 370 remark Meanwhile, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi Sunday urged people to share their feedback on the manifesto of the grand old party through social media. Taking to Instagram, the former Congress president posted a video on in which he appealed, " I made this video last night at 12:30 am, but my team thought it was too late to post. So I'm posting it now because the message is still relevant." The video was released around 10 am today. Also Read | Anand Mahindra offers job to girl who saved infant niece from monkey using Alexa, says Technology enabler of ingenuity "The Congress manifesto is the voice of every Indian, share your thoughts on social media," he said. In the video, Gandhi says he made the video after coming back from the rally in Telangana and many people told him that it is a "revolutionary" manifesto. The former Congress president thanked people for their suggestions which he said helped shape the manifesto. The grand old party on Friday released its Lok Sabha poll manifesto, focusing on five "pillars of justice" and 25 guarantees under those. As a large number of people attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow in Jabalpur which marked the beginning of BJP's Lok Sabha campaign in Madhya Pradesh, nearly four people were injured after a stage collapsed at the event on Sunday. The injured people, including a police personnel, were admitted to the city's Victoria Hospital. Later in the day, Madhya Pradesh minister, Rakesh Singh met with the injured people and said that all of them were fine and receiving proper treatment. After meeting the injured people, Rakesh Singh said that the roadshow was overcrowded, and as a result, a lot of people reached the stage which collapsed after some time. On PM Modi's direction I met with the people who were admitted to the hospital after getting injured in the stage collapse incident. All are fine and proper treatment is being given to the injured. I pray to God that all of them get well soon, Rakesh Singh told ANI. He also said that those people who received treatment have been sent to their homes. After PM Modi's rally passed, a stage built near a showroom collapsed due to overcrowding. In this one police personnel and three other people have got injured. All of them have been sent to the Victoria Hospital, Jabalpur, for treatment, Dilip Srivastava, a Police officer, in Jabalpur told ANI. The Jabalpur roadshow marked the beginning of BJP's Lok Sabha polls campaign in the state. Moreover, this was the first time when PM Modi visited the state after the implementation of the model code of conduct due to general elections. Madhya Pradesh will witness the Lok Sabha elections 2024 in four phases. The first phase of polling would be held on April 19, followed by April 26, May 7, and May 13. There are a total of 29 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. A royal commentator has said that Prince Williamheir to the British throneand his wife Princess of Wales Kate Middleton feel "intense anxiety" at becoming the next monarch and Queen consort of the United Kingdom amid King Charles III cancer journey, the Mirror reported Sunday. The report said the Duke of Cambridge i.e. Prince William, 41, will be the next monarch and he is supposed to receive support in his duties from his wife Kate, 42, in royal engagements in her new role. The prospect of these positions as the next monarch and Queen consort is said to be causing "intense anxiety" for the royal couple. "News of Charless cancer has put William and Catherine in frightening proximity to ascending the throne The prospect of it, I am told, is causing them intense anxiety," the Mirror quoted former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown as saying. Also Read | Adani Green Energy set to build world's largest power plant in Gujarat Earlier, the New York Times reported the members of the public who attended an Easter Sunday church service with King Charles III as praising His Majesty's health, saying he looked good. "I think it's really significant (Charles' attendance). It indicates that he's doing good and that he's definitely on the incline in relation to his health, so that's really nice to see. I also would like to thank him for attending the service today because I know that must've been a lot, but he shows himself to be committed to this nation and to people all around the world," said one royal well-wisher at St George's Chapel. Also Read | AUKUS nations mull expansion of security pact to deter China - Will India join? It is important to note that King Charles III attended the service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle with the Queen in what was his most significant public appearance since his cancer diagnosis. He shook hands and spoke with those who had gathered at the castle in a surprise walkabout following the service. Yet, he does continue to undergo treatment for his cancer, and concern remains. "Some believe, however, that if Charles and Kate were to be permanently side-lined, forced into greatly reduced roles for the longer term by ongoing health challenges, a Prince William regency would look desperately short-handed. Officials are as busy as ever. There is no question of decisions being taken by anyone other than the king," Tom Sykes, royal correspondent with Daily Beast, said. Hours after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) team--investigating the 2022 blast case was attacked at Bhupatinagar in East Medinipurof West Bengal, the district police filed an FIR against them under charges of molestation, news agency ANI reported. The report said the East Midnapore Police registered an FIR against the NIA team and CRPF officials on the complaint of a woman, who alleged that she and her husband were assaulted by said officers and also alleged that the officers personally outraged her female modesty. Case registered at Bhupatinagar PS under IPC sections 325, 34, 354, 354(b), 427, 448, 509. The East Midnapore police said they received a complaint that NIA officials molested women by breaking the doors of their houses late at night. The NIA has also filed a written complaint about the attack at the Bhupatinagar police station on Saturday. No one has been arrested in connection with the case yet. Rejecting the molestation charges, the NIA said, The attack was completely unprovoked and uncalled for, and an attempt to obstruct NIA from carrying out its lawful duties, the agency said. It pointed out that the searches were conducted at five locations in the presence of independent witnesses, and under the security cover provided by CRPF, which included lady constables. Also Read | SEBI directs finfluencer to pay over 12 crore for unlawful gains after false claims of 1000% returns The federal probe agency was attacked on Saturday after they picked up two TMC workers in connection with the blast on December 3, 2022, leaving three people dead. According to the anti-terror agency, one NIA team member suffered minor injuries and the agency's official vehicle was also damaged as some miscreants in the crowd assaulted them. Meanwhile, a war of words has erupted between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress ( TMC) after the incident at Bhupatinagar. Opposition leaders have pointed out similarities with the January 5 Sandeshkhali incident in North 24 Parganas when the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials were attacked by the supporters of now-arrested TMC leader Shahzahan Sheikh. Claiming to be a "state-sponsored attack" on the NIA officials in West Bengal, the saffron party accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of inciting the violence to create hurdles in the 2022 blast case probe to protect those involved in the incident. Also Read | Bank Holidays in April: Banks to remain closed for 5 days next week. See details BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, "The attack on the NIA officials is Sandeshkhalli 2.0 orchestrated by the state to put hurdles to the investigation into the bomb blast case". "It was not just a coincidence but a well thought out experiment. It was a state-sponsored attack on the NIA officials. The attack was organised by the ruling TMC," he charged, urging the Election Commission to take cognizance of the incident. "Two days ago, Mamata Banerjee, while addressing a rally in Cooch Behar, first gave inciting statements to provoke violence against the NIA officials. As soon as the NIA team was attacked today, Mamata swifty came in to justify the violence and gave the attackers a complete clean chit," he said. "Under Mamata Banerjee's rule in West Bengal, TMC means (stands for) Terror, Mafia, Corruption. Law and order is sliding down to a new low every day under the TMC rule. An atmosphere of fear has been created in the state. It's painful," he added. Also Read | Have 5 lakh to invest in FY25? You may consider these investments The State government is provoking. The NIA attacked, but the police didnt arrest anyone involved in that incident. Rather they have booked NIA officials. It is so unfortunate. What do you expect when the CM herself is sending a message that the central agency cannot act against them? asked CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty. Chakraborty was referring to Banerjees comments at an election rally in Balurghat. It was the NIA that attacked and not the women At midnight, NIA officials are barging into the homes of people. What do you expect? Wont women fight for their dignity? In 2022, there was a chocolate bomb blast at Bhupatinagar and now the NIA has been sent to create terror. The BJP wants to arrest all our booth presidents, said Banerjee. The TMC accused the BJP of launching a witch hunt against its leaders and workers. The incident took place in December 2022. Just because it is Bengal and a TMC-ruled government, after elections were announced all agencies were alerted. There is a witch hunt against TMC leaders. They (central agencies) are harassing people at midnight. The women have the right to file a complaint. Every person in Bengal understands the BJPs strategy, party leader Joy Prakash Majumdar said Attacking Centre on Sunday, the West Bengal Chief minister countered the BJP. "Where was the BJP when women were being paraded naked in Manipur?" The AUKUS (Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States) members are set to start talks on bringing new members onboard, said a report by the Financial Times on Saturday. The AUKUS defence ministers will announce discussions on Monday on Pillar Two of the security pact, which commits the members to jointly develop quantum computing, undersea, hypersonic, artificial intelligence and cyber technology, the newspaper report said, citing people familiar with the matter. US President Joe Biden has sought to build partnerships with American allies in Asia, including Japan and the Philippines, against China's historic military build-up and its growing territorial assertiveness. In an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, US ambassador in Tokyo Rahm Emanuel had written that Japan was about to become the first additional Pillar II partner. The AUKUS nations are not considering expanding the first pillar, which is designed to deliver nuclear-powered attack submarines to Australia, it added. The 3-nation group was formed in 2021 as part of efforts to push back against Chinas growing power in the Indo-Pacific region. Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will likely discuss expanding AUKUS to include Japan when the president hosts the prime minister in Washington on Wednesday, Reuters reported, citing a source with knowledge of the talks. ALSO READ: Britain signs 4 billion pound deal to build attack submarines However, Australia is wary of beginning new projects until more progress has been made on supplying Canberra with nuclear-powered submarines, the Reuters report also said. Earlier, the US had said that other countries in Europe and Asia are expected to join the second pillar of AUKUS. Will India become member of AUKUS? According to a report by Mint published in March 2023, India and the AUKUS bloc were in informal exploratory talks on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, electronic warfare and cyber technologies. Citing people aware of the matter, the report had said that the AUKUS nations were keen to cooperate with India on emerging technologies given New delhis strong scientific research and development capacity. While Indian authorities had indicated initial interest, but no formal dialogue had taken place. However, in an interview with WION in November 2023 Australias deputy prime minister & defence minister Richard Marles had said: So pillar two of Aukus which is looking at sharing greater technologies innovation technologies, we think, the three countries Australia, the US and the UK, open-minded to the idea of expanding that cooperation but to be to begin with, we've got to get that part of Aukus pillar 2 going in a more significant way. (Bloomberg) -- A Senate ally of President Joe Biden said the US should continue sending weapons to Israel, rejecting a call by House members to withhold arms transfers pending a full investigation into the Israeli missile strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza. Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, cited a heightened risk of an attack by Iran or its proxies after a strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria that Iran blamed on Israel. In the face of a possible attack from Iran, I dont agree that we should in any way constrain or stop the delivery of defensive material that is essential for Israels defense, Coons said on Fox News Sunday. Biden has come under renewed pressure to restrict US support for Israel after the aid workers, including a US-Canadian dual national, were killed last week. Israels army responded by dismissing two officers, calling the strike a case of mistaken identification, errors in decision making, and an attack contrary to standard operating procedures. Biden delivered a warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, urging him to take new steps to protect civilians and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza or face a consequential shift in US support. More than three dozen House Democrats, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, went further in an open letter on Friday, calling on the administration to withhold weapons transfers from Israel until an investigation into the airstrike is concluded and, if it is found this strike violated US or international law, those responsible are held accountable. Asked about the letter, Coons said he disagrees. Its important that we continue to show strong support for the defense of Israel, that we continue to support the Iron Dome and other ballistic missile defenses that weve jointly developed and that we make it clear we will defend Israel against any Iranian proxy attack or any direct attack by Iran, Coons said. Read more: Iran Tells US to Step Aside as It Readies Response to Israel In the six months since Hamas militants attacked Israel, parts of Gaza have been bombed to rubble. At least 33,000 Palestinians have died, according to the health ministry, which is run by Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union. The United Nations estimates that at least 75% of Gazas population has been displaced and more than half a million civilians are on the brink of famine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the World Central Kitchen attack last week, while saying that recent deliveries of US weapons to Israel reflect a pipeline of long-term commitments notified to Congress, often years ago. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, sought to cast Democrats as wavering in their support for Israel. Its time to stop lecturing Israel on how it should best defend itself and begin equipping our friend with the resources necessary to eliminate the threat of Hamas, once and for all, he said in a statement Sunday. (Updates with House speakers comments in final two paragraphs.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com US President Joe Biden recently dialled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and made it clear that he needs to ramp up humanitarian aid, open up the Erez crossing in northern Gaza, and take other steps to specifically, concretely and measurably implement the protection of civilians at all costs. Notably, this is for the first time since Hamas' attack on Israel, when Biden threatened Netanyahu with serious consequences if Israel continue its war in Gaza by eliminating all possibilities of humanitarian aid. In the list of things mentioned during the brief call, Biden made it clear that Netanyahu needs to open up the Erez crossing into northern Gaza and the port of Ashdod in southern Israel for humanitarian assistance. He also asked Netanyahu to ramp up the supplies getting in through Kerem Shalom. Till now, Biden has remained a consistent supporter of Israel's retaliation on Gaza of the Hamas attack. He had defended Israel's right to defend itself, despite growing criticism at home. According to CNN, US President Joe Biden made it clear that if the conditions of civilians did not rapidly improve for civilians in the strip, then he would rethink how the US was backing Israel in the conflict. What steps did Biden urge Netanyahu to take? According to CNN, US President Joe Biden urged the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyau to open the Erez border crossing to northern Gaza. To ensure faster humanitarian assistance to the victims of the Gaza war, he suggested the opening of a port in southern Israel, Ashdod. Joe Biden also asked Netanyahu to boost the flow of goods through the port of Kerem,. Kerem is another point to enter Gaza. US and China have put their bilateral relationship on a more stable footing over the past year, which has not meant ignoring differences or avoiding tough conversations, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday. Both countries have to responsibly manage the complex relationship, and to cooperate and show leadership in addressing urgent global challenges, Yellen told Li in Beijing following her visit to the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. We can only make progress if we directly and openly communicate with one another, Yellen said, according to a transcript of her remarks. Earlier, Yellen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng agreed to set in motion formal talks aimed at addressing what the US and other countries see as Chinas growing industrial overcapacity. Since her arrival in Guangzhou on Thursday evening, Yellen has offered mostly criticism of the way Chinese leaders have managed their economy. She repeatedly called out Beijing for mistreating American and other foreign companies operating in China and for distorting global markets by subsidizing overproduction in certain sectors. If you have neuro in your bio, you can say just about anything about the mind, as though you know what it is. If you are situated in the West, and identify as male, you will be taken even more seriously. Andrew Huberman is one of several beneficiaries. He is also from Stanford, so conditions were perfect for him to begin a podcast about that thing people hyphenate with confidence: mind-body. He used expressions like peer reviewed" and it appeared to many that he spoke scientific truths. He attracted millions of listeners. He is so popular that even though you may not have heard his podcast or read him at all, a lot of advice that has come down to you from reformative types emerged from him. If you know people who have suddenly become morning antennas to catch" sunlight or started buying products like ashwagandha, you indirectly know Huberman. His fame would suggest a world deeply interested in physical and mental fitness. You wouldnt be able to guess that by looking around. Huberman says a lot of commonsensical things and uses the sacred theology of science to persuade peoplesleep well (somehow); eat fruits, vegetables, proteins and healthy fats; remember to drink water; stress is bad; physical exercise is good; as much as possible, stay away from computer screens. Which sane person can disagree with any of this? But he also says a lot of abstract things, like, for instance, that practising gratitude activates neural circuits." He offers some kind of scientific" evidence, but some of us intuitively know, or neurally" know, that you cannot say anything definite yet about a whole lot of human behaviour just because somethings lit up on electroencephalogram. Generally, Huberman says that decent behaviour leads to physical and mental health. A reason why he is now the subject of a controversy. Not because some scientist found contradictory evidence on an EEG screen, but because, according to an article in New York magazine, Huberman cheated on some women. By modern standards of male disgrace, this is almost funny. But the magazines reasoning is that if Huberman is morally shady, he should not be taken so seriously as a wellness guru. What I find amusing is that what eventually diminished his aura somewhat was not the discovery that he was no more qualified than the rest of humanity to speak of the mind, but that some of his ex-girlfriends did not consider him an ideal human being (like their other ex-boyfriends perhaps). From what I have seen, people who are likely to have excessive faith in Huberman and other neuro-gurus are not famous for their cold logic. They are usually life-long seekers of advice on how to be, and how to be happy. Inside them was a reasonless sorrow, to which they attached reasons and villains, but the sorrow itself never went. Most of their lives, they were consumers of the wellness industry. Once it only meant reading J. Krishnamurthy. Then came the right way" to breathe and the rediscovery of some stretching exercises with names hinting of deep spiritual stuff. Every five years or so, there would a dramatic breakthrough in the global pursuit of wellness, which would arrive through a fascinating person who was, oddly, always a male. Like Huberman. And another famous neuro-something, Sam Harris, who speaks about the nature of consciousness. Not that he should not; just that I do not see how he could know more about the mind than anyone else. The science of consciousness is not even in its infancy. Yet, people give Harris et al the first right to define the nature of being and the meaning of meditation." Huberman says that we must be mindful," which is to live in the present (as we did during covidhow was it?). And we must introspect and learn a lot, and, of course, be grateful. And build muscles. What he seems to be saying is, Be like me, why cant you be like me. That is what many gurus often say. When a man sets out to say be like me, he usually knows what to say and how to say it. It is somehow useful for some wellness gurus to be narcissists. And, in my observation, there is frequently a bit of that in their ardent seekers too. They are so preoccupied with themselves, how they are feeling. A wellness" session can look like alpha narcissists talking to beta narcissists. Many people have defended Huberman saying that it is silly to humiliate him using the comments of anonymous ex-lovers. British actor Russell Brand said that Huberman is being targeted by some women because he is a very manly man who appears to enjoy being a manly man. But some scholars have used Hubermans disgrace to remind people that they always found his science, too, dubious. Andrea Love, a biologist, argued on Slate.com that Huberman used scientific lingo to impress gullible people: Huberman fills his podcast with confident displays of pseudoscience, topped with the appeal to authority he garners by regularly repeating his academic credentials to gain your trust." But then, when it comes to wellness," especially the part that involves the mind, there is not much of a difference between science and pseudoscience. Once, only monks were taken seriously when they spoke of abstract matters, and only those monks who wore special robes or signalled in some other way that they were different from other humans, even as they said stuff like I am you, you are me." Today, neuro is the new robe of the modern monk. TEL AVIVOn Oct. 6, Israel appeared on the cusp of a new era of recognition from the Muslim world, close to a peace deal with Saudi Arabia that would move it to the center of a realigned Middle East after years on its fringes. The historic conflict with the Palestinians that had defined its existence for most of its 75-year history appeared to have finally receded into the background. It all changed on Oct. 7. Today, after a bloody attack that might have brought it the worlds sympathy, Israel is closer to being a global pariah than ever before. Its Saudi peace deal is on hold. The Palestinian question is again roiling its Arab neighbors. It is in open argument with its main ally, the U.S. And its physical living space has been shrunk by dangers on its northern and southern borders. In six months, the world has turned upside down for this small nation. On Oct. 7or Black Sabbath, as Israelis now call itthe Jewish state experienced a fundamental shock that upended its sense of security and belief in the strength of its military. It responded with a heavy-handed invasion of Gaza that in much of the worlds eyes left it the aggressor and its attackers the victims. The resulting isolation could be more of a threat to its future than the attack by Hamas that killed 1,200 people on Oct. 7. Israels longevity is in question for the first time since its birth," said Benny Morris, an Israeli historian. The only time Israel faced a similar existential threat, he said, was in its war for independence in 1948, when it battled five Arab countries and local Palestinian militias. The outpouring of global sympathy on display after the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust has dwindled, having been replaced by images of starving and dead Palestinians in Gaza. Images projected across the world show swaths of the Gaza Strip turned into rubble. More than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Palestinian health authorities, whose numbers dont distinguish between combatants and civilians. This week, the killing of seven aid workers trying to feed desperate Gazans appears to have punctured the notion for much of the world that the Israeli military isnt running amok in Gaza and has caused a rethink by the U.S. about its support for Israel. Normalization with Saudi Arabia is on hold, while ties with Arab allies such as Egypt and Jordan have frayed. Pro-Palestinian protesters have thronged the streets of Western capitals, at times calling for Israels demise. A surge in antisemitism has shocked and alarmed not only Israelis but Jews across the globe. It is all strengthening a feeling inside Israel that the country can only rely on itself. Israel faces a dilemma where it wants to be loved by the West, but needs to be feared by its enemies in the Middle East to ensure its long-term existence, said Micah Goodman, an Israeli author and philosopher. Thats the Catch-22 were in," he said. Israel, about the size of New Jersey, has had its livable land space diminished. Hundreds of thousands of displaced Israelis from the Gaza periphery and the northern border near Lebanon have been evacuated from their homes. Many have moved back to communities in the south, but none have been able to return to communities in the north. Many are still living in hotels. As the war in Gaza drags on, Israelis still dont know if the worst has yet to come. The West Bank is on edge. A full-blown war with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which is far more powerful than Hamas and has been fighting Israel since Oct. 8, appears more likely with each passing day. Israel is also bracing for retaliation by Iran or one of its allied militias for a suspected Israeli airstrike Monday on an Iranian diplomatic building in Syria. Israel has only begun to feel the economic impact the war is having, as hundreds of thousands of reservists have been forced to leave their jobs to fight in the war. Amid all this, Israel has achieved neither of its war goals of returning all the hostages abducted on Oct. 7 and successfully routing Hamas from Gaza. For Israels political leadership, Oct. 7 challenged the notion that the conflict with the Palestinians could be contained with a mix of security measures and economic incentives, rather than through a peace accord. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus tenure was marked by the belief that he could continue to divide Palestinian leadership between the Palestinian Authority, which controls the West Bank, and Hamas in Gaza, thereby avoiding the need to negotiate a two-state solution. Israel believed it could thrive economically, politically and militarily despite a continuing occupation in the West Bank and hostile actors at its southern and northern borders. Normalcy was a promise that appeared to have been delivered but was then shattered. This approach collided with a brick wall and proved to be a complete failure on Oct. 7," said Yohanan Plesner, president of the Jerusalem-based Israel Democracy Institute. All this is taking place as Israelis remain divided over the countrys leadership and the governments handling of the war. Netanyahus right-wing, ultranationalist and religiously conservative coalition is once again under attack by antigovernment protesters calling for new elections. Divisions among members of Netanyahus own war cabinet over how to give priority to the competing war aims of rescuing hostages and destroying Hamas have spilled into public view, deepening the sense that the leadership is fighting itself while also fighting a war. All the while, Netanyahu has delayed a plan for who will rule postwar Gaza, saying a Palestinian state is off the table and refusing to work with the Palestinian Authority. It is adding up to a situation where, despite many tactical wins on the ground in Gaza, a strategic victory for Israel appears far off. In six months, the Israeli military has seen many tactical achievements. Around 40% of Hamass tunnel system has been destroyed, 18 out of 24 battalions dismantled, the majority of rockets destroyed and many senior Hamas commanders killed. Israel now has freedom of action in most of Gaza. Netanyahu says victory is near, but a majority of the country, polls show, isnt convinced. Hamas shows no signs of surrendering. Hamas operatives are able to infiltrate areas as soon as Israeli troops withdraw, a sign that an insurgency is building. Mounting tensions with the Biden administration are limiting Israels options over the final battle for Rafah, the Gazan city that borders Egypt and where Israel says Hamas has four remaining battalions. More than one million Palestinians are sheltering there. The U.S., however, has warned Israel that it would be crossing a red line if it operates in Rafah without a credible plan to keep the civilian population safe, which U.S. officials say Israel hasnt presented. Netanyahu has said that if necessary, Israel will operate in Rafah without American approval. If we take Rafah but lose America, weve lost the war," said Goodman. Write to Shayndi Raice at Shayndi.Raice@wsj.com and Dov Lieber at dov.lieber@wsj.com Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday that the manifesto released by the Congress for the Lok Sabha Election 2024 is "confusing". He said the Congress' manifesto "has no value". "After looking at the manifesto, people will get confused whether it's is a manifesto for the elections in India or that in Pakistan... It feels like this manifesto is more for Pakistan and less for India...," Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The grand old party promised the freedom of choice of dress, food, language and reforms in personal laws to the minorities of the country. It also made numerous promises including job reservations for the Economic Weaker Section (EWS), a law for the LGBTQIA+ community, the Mahalaxmi Scheme, nationwide caste census. BJP calls Congress manifesto bundle of lies The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called the Congress' manifesto a "bundle of lies". Addressing a rally in Rajasthan's Ajmer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the manifesto reflects that the thinking of the Congress resembles those of the Muslim League during the pre-Independence period. The war of words between the two polities parties came ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The voting will begin on April 19 and the counting of the votes for all 543 Lok Sabha seats across the country is scheduled for June 4. However, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi assured the public at Telangana rally on Saturday that the party's manifesto "can change India". He said, "This is not our [Congress] manifesto, but that of India's soul...We created this manifesto after listening to your heart and soul. Read this manifesto carefully..." Congress manifesto was more appropriate for Pakistan elections, not for India, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma targeted the Sonia Gandhi-led party over its recently-released Nyay Patra for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled to take place in seven phases beginning from April 19. The chief minister, on the sidelines of a Lok Sabha election rally in Jorhat constituency, condemned the Congress poll promise document, calling it a politics of appeasement. In India, no one wants the revival of triple talaq or support child marriage or polygamy. The Congress wants to divide the society and come to power, the BJP leader said as quoted by PTI. Sarma further exuded confidence in the victory of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam. The BJP and its allies will bag all 14 Lok Sabha seats in the state, he said adding that the BJP received a positive feedback from Dhubri constituency. Responding to Himanta Sarma's remarks, the Congress said the Assam CM would not understand the secular and inclusive ethos of the grand old party while asserting that the Nyay Patra aims to safeguard the interests of all sections of the society. Assam Congress spokesperson Bedabrata Bora asserted that the party's manifesto aims to safeguard the interests of all sections and rubbished the allegations made by Sarma. "Sarma had been in the Congress for several years but he could not understand the main ethos of the party. That is why he went to the BJP. Even after being in the BJP for some time now, he still tries to defame Congress to prove his loyalty to the saffron party," he told PTI. The Congress on Friday released its manifesto with 25 promises including a legal guarantee for MSP; 50% reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs; a nationwide caste census, and others. Taking a sharp dig at Asadduddin Owaisi, BJP's Madhavi Latha called the four-time Hyderabad MP a friend of people from ISIS and mocked him for his claim of receiving death threats. Who is giving him (Asaduddin Owaisi) death threats?...Look at the level of his friendships. He is friends with people from ISIS, the kings' group. He says that he has a stronghold here and then says that he is receiving death threats, the news agency quoted ANI as saying. The attack from the BJP's Hyderabad candidate has come after All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi alleged that he received threat calls after he visited late Mukhtar Ansari's family in UP. On Friday, Owaisi claimed on social media and even appealed to monitor the alleged threat calls he received after the meeting. Owaisi had visited gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari's family after he died due to cardiac arrest at a hospital in UP's Banda on March 28. While appealing to ECI monitoring of the threat, Owaisi said the atmosphere created in the country is giving people to say such things. The atmosphere created in the country is giving them strength to say such things. We will live as long as it is destined and no one is here to live forever. We appeal to ECI to monitor the situation, Owaisi was quoted by ANI as saying. Who is Madhavi Latha? Known as a strong Hindutva proponent, Madhavi Latha is a philanthropist, classical dancer and entrepreneur. She has also worked with several Muslim women groups and also created a fund for destitute Muslim women. She is also known for her activism among Muslim women against triple talaq. Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah on April 6 took a jibe at the Congress, saying the opposition party does not understand India due to its mostly Italian culture, as per an ANI report. The Italian culture jibe is likely a reference to Sonia Gandhi's roots and came following Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks on Article 370. In a post on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Shah called Kharge's remarks shameful and attached a clip of him speaking. Congress' statement hurts unity says Shah It is shameful to hear that the Congress party is asking, Kashmir se kya waasta hai? I would like to remind the Congress party that J&K is an integral part of India, and every state and citizen has the right over J&K, just as the people of J&K have the right over the rest of India, Shah wrote. The Congress doesnt know that many brave sons of Rajasthan have sacrificed their lives for peace and security in Kashmir. But it is not merely the fault of the Congress leaders. It is mostly the Italian culture of the Congress party that is to blame for not understanding the very idea of India. Such statements hurt every patriotic citizen who cares for the unity and integrity of the nation. People will certainly answer Congress, he added. He also clarified that the Modi government abrogated Article 370 and not Article 371, which is what Kharge erroneously mentioned. it is only expected of Congress to make such horrendous mistakes. Such blunders made by it have haunted our nation for decades now, he added. Kharge in Rajasthan In the video Shah shared, Kharge, who is speaking in Rajasthan, states: They (BJP) are coming here and saying that they removed 371. What does it have to do with the people here? It's okay if you go and speak about that in Jammu and Kashmir. The Lok Sabha polls in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir 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 taken up on June 4. Top Aam Aadmi Party leaders held a day-long fast at Jantar Mantar here on Sunday to protest against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and accused the BJP of resorting to dictatorship. Several party volunteers and supporters took part in the fast in the national capital, singing patriotic songs and waving posters showing an image of Kejriwal behind bars. Similar protests were held in other states as well as by Indians abroad, including at Harvard Square in Boston, the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, outside the Indian Embassy in Washington DC, in New York Times Square and Toronto, London and Melbourne among others, party leaders said. Senior AAP leaders, including Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, Deputy Speaker Rakhi Bila, ministers Gopal Rai, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Kailash Gahlot and Imran Hussain attended the day-long 'Samuhik Upwas' at Jantar Mantar from 11 am. Addressing the protesters at Jantar Mantar, the AAP's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, who was recently granted bail by the Supreme Court in the Delhi excise scam case, asserted "Kejriwal was, is and will remain honest." He questioned Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate, claiming the AAP national convener's name was mentioned by just four of 456 witnesses of the CBI and ED probing the case. "People know very well under what situation these witnesses named Kejriwal," Singh said. He called upon AAP volunteers to work harder to ensure the victory of party candidates and those of the INDIA bloc in the Lok Sabha polls to pave the way for the exit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah from power. Delhi Minister Atishi accused the BJP of resorting to dictatorship and claimed the fast by the AAP will give "sleepless nights" to the saffron party. There was anger among people over Kejriwal's arrest and it will prove to be the "final nail in the coffin" of the BJP, she claimed. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and several ministers in AAP-ruled Punjab joined a collective fast at freedom fighter Bhagat Singh's village Khatkar Kalan, party leaders said. The AAP's Delhi unit convener Gopal Rai had appealed to people to join the fast to protest against Kejriwal's arrest. He alleged that Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a case linked to the Delhi excise policy-linked scam case was part of the BJP's conspiracy to finish the AAP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor the BJP are invincible and the opposition had three distinct and realistic chances to stop the BJP but lost those because of laziness and misplaced strategies, eminent political strategist Prashant Kishor opined. "If you keep dropping catches, the batter will score a century, especially if he is a good batter," Kishor told news agency PTI. Pointing at the three different times when the opposition could have stopped the saffron party, he said the BJP had lost several assembly polls except in Assam in 2015 and 2016. But later, it made a stronger comeback. The party again had a poor run post-demonetisation after its win in the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls in 2017 when it almost lost power in Gujarat and was defeated in several states in 2018, but the Congress "blundered" in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Modi suffered from a dip in his approval ratings following the Covid outbreak in 2020 and the BJP lost badly in West Bengal. Kishor said, The BJP has been winning because parties like the Congress, Samajwadi Party, RJD, NCP and Trinamool Congress are unable to take it head-on in their own turfs, he said. They have no narrative, face or agenda. BJP to win BIG in East and South Further validating the BJP's claims that saffron party will add significantly to its seats and vote share in south and east India, Kishor said, "They (BJP) will either be first or second party in Telangana which is a big thing. They will be number one in Odisha for sure. You would be surprised as, in all likelihood, to my mind, the BJP is going to be the number one party in West Bengal." In Tamil he said, BJP's vote share may hit double-digit percentage. And to get there, Kishor noted, BJP has made a major and visible push to expand in these areas over the years, including top leaders like PM Modi and Amit Shah making frequent visits. On the other hand, the opposition has made little effort in these states. "Count the number of visits the prime minister had made to Tamil Nadu in the last five years versus Rahul Gandhi or Sonia Gandhi or any other opposition leader for that matter made in battleground states. Your fight is in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh but you are touring Manipur and Meghalaya. Then how you will get success," he said in an apparent swipe at Rahul Gandhi. Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Kerala together account for 204 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha but the BJP couldn't cross 50 seats in all these states put together either in 2014 or 2019 when it won 29 and 47 constituencies respectively. He, however, asserted that the BJP is unlikely to win 370 seats, its target set for the polls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Trinamool Congress (TMC) "wants their heavyweight and corrupt leaders to get a free license to spread terrorism". His statement came a day after a team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was attacked in Bhupatinagar village of West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district. "When central investigative agencies come here, the TMC attacks them...it's a party that crushes the law and the Constitution of the country...you saw what happened in Sandeshkhali. Everyone in the country knows it," PM Modi said at a rally in Jalpaiguri. NIA officials were allegedly heckled in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district on Saturday as they continued their investigation in the Bengal 2022 blast case. Amid the alleged attack by the crowd, the NIA team arrested two key conspirators in a 2022 blast case, an official told PTI on Saturday. During the incident, an NIA officer was injured and a vehicle of the NIA team was damaged, a spokesperson of the federal investigating agency said. Hours after the NIA team was attacked in Bhupatinagar, the district police filed an FIR against them under charges of molestation, news agency ANI reported. The attack on the NIA team evoked memories of January 5 when a team of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was attacked by a mob in North 24 Parganas district's Sandeshkhali during a search at the house of TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh in connection with alleged irregularities in the public distribution system. Sheikh and his associates were accused of sexual harassments and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali. Reacting to the incident, PM Modi mentioned that the situation in West Bengal is such that "the court has to intervene" in various matters. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged on Sunday the central investigating agencies were asking TMC leaders to either join the BJP or face action. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge over his comment on Article 370. Speaking at a rally in Bihar's Nawada on Sunday, the Prime Minister said, "The Congress' national president asked, I think in Rajasthan, what does Article 370 have to do after coming to Rajasthan. Why does Modi come here and talk about Article 370." "I felt ashamed after listening to this. Is Jammu and Kashmir ours or not? Congress samaj le, sunle [Congress, listen and understand]...to protect this Kashmir, many youths from my Bihar gave the biggest sacrifice for this motherland. Many jawans returned wrapped in the tricolour to save Kashmir," the Prime Minister said. PM Modi went on to say, "In Rajasthan's land too, there as many families [as in Bihar] whose son sacrificed their lives for the nation. And you [Congress] say what does that corner of the country have to do with it?" He likened the Congress to a tukde-tukde gang. "This reflects the mindset of tukde-tukde gang, that they have started speaking this language. Can these people, who speak this language, be forgiven? Can they be forgiven for disrespecting the martyrs," PM Modi said. "Tukde-tukde gang" is a term used by rightwing political parties to criticise Left-backed groups and their supporters. What Kharge said in Rajasthan rally? In a rally in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on Saturday, Congress chief Kharge called PM Modi "the head of liars". He refered to PM Modi's speech in Rajasthan and said, "Here, many farmers are troubled, they have several issues, thousands are dying by suicide." He said PM Modi sidelines those issue and said that he removed Article 370. "Aray bhai yahan ke logon ko isse kya vassta hai. Theek hai, aap jaa kar Kashmir me bolo, Jammu me bolo, lekin yahan jo bol rhe hai, kisaan ke liye aapne kya kiya, ye bataiye...[What people in Rajasthan have to do with Article 370. You go and talk about this in Kashmir and Jammu. Tell us what you did for the farmers]," Kharge said. In 2019, the Centre scrapped Article 370 which gave special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Solar Eclipse 2024: Cosmic lovers all over the world can gear up for a rare yet exciting astronomical event, Total Solar Eclipse that is set to occur on Monday, April 8. Let's find out what is Total Solar Eclipse. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk," NASA's official website stated. Also read: Solar Eclipse 2024: When was last Surya Grahan visible in India? When next will take place? Will Solar Eclipse 2024 be visible in India? Stargazers in India will not be able to have a view of Solar Eclipse 2024 which will be a Total Solar Eclipse this time. NASA, the US space agency informed that Surya Grahan will be visible in various countries including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other parts of North America. On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada," the space agency stated on its website. Also read: Total solar eclipse 2024: How to keep cameras, smartphones safe while taking best shots of Sun? NASA shares tips Total Solar Eclipse time Cosmic enthusiasts can have a live view of the eclipse spanning around few hours across the globe. This year Total Solar Eclipse will commence at 9:12 pm (IST) on April 8 and will conclude by 2:22 am on April 9. Also read: Solar Eclipse 2024: When was last Surya Grahan visible in India? When next will take place? How to watch this celestial marvel? As per the viewing advisory for the Solar Eclipse, stargazers are advised to avoid looking directly at the sun as it is unsafe to look at the Sun without any eye protection or safety gear. Specialised eye protection must be worn to catch a glimpse of this celestial marvel. Also read: Total Solar Eclipse 2024 Live Updates: When, where and how to watch Surya Grahan in India today Moreover, a special-purpose solar filter must be secured over the front optics of the telescope, camera lens, or binoculars before any part of the bright Sun is viewed to safeguard against severe eye injury. Also read: Solar Eclipse 2024: All Airbnbs in this part of the US are sold out! Skywatchers say Glad to watch in peace There are several ways to watch the path of totality from the comfort of home which will be live-streamed. Let's have a look at some of the ways to watch the total solar eclipse online: Growing up in Torrance and Compton, some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area, Shamar Chili Jackson spent hours at a time safely off the streets watching his grandmothers cook. In their kitchens, he absorbed the basics of Creole, Spanish, Filipino and Mexican cuisines that form the foundation of the menu at Chili Blues, a food truck that Jackson recently opened in Lewiston. All of those childhood memories, I put into flavor, Jackson said. Every day we cook everything fresh. The business is located in the parking lot of Lewistons Corner Villa, just off 21st Street at 2110 14th Ave. Its hours are 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., or until the food is gone, Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. One of its most popular items is Birria B Foldz ($10), which is two soft flour tacos filled with shredded, slow-roasted beef seasoned with Jacksons own blend of 20 herbs and his signature sour cream-based sauce. Some of his dishes, like Elote ($7), are elevated by common, pre-packaged grocery store items. Elote is described on the menu as buttery corn with parmesan cheese, mayo, Tajin & lime juice. Its topped with crumbled, spicy Cheetos. Chili Blues is a joint venture of Jackson and his fiancee, Reana Buoy, a Florida transplant. They moved separately to Lewiston. She followed her mother and stepfather, who took positions at Hells Canyon Harley-Davidson when it opened. He learned about Lewiston through his aunt and one of his grandmothers who moved to the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. They said, Its beautiful here, and weve never left, he said. Jackson and Buoy met five years ago when their children, who are friends, spotted each other shopping for school supplies at Walmart. Since then, Jackson and Buoy have been inseparable. He began pursuing his dream of turning his passion for cooking into a career by introducing Chili Blues as a catering business a couple years ago. He still caters through Chili Blues, has a mobile livestock slaughter business and does maintenance work for a property management company owned by his family. Buoy, who also works as a licensed practical nurse, and some of their children frequently work with him. Family is a big thing for us, he said. New Northwest Fourslide plant expected to debut in May Northwest Fourslide is scheduled to open its new plant in Lewiston in May as part of its relocation from Tualatin, Ore. (The company) is well underway to moving (its) equipment and machines, and basically conduct operations at their new facility located at the Port of Lewiston, according to a recent newsletter from Valley Vision, a not-for-profit economic development group. The metal parts manufacturer is moving into a 43,000-square-foot, $10.8 million plant, where, according to the companys most recent update in the fall, it plans to employ 40 people. About half of them were expected to be hired in the area and the others were anticipated to relocate from Oregon. The hundreds of parts the company makes go into products constructed by Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, the regions largest private employer; consoles for lights above airline passenger seats; and missile systems, among others. A Lewiston man has been charged with sexual abuse of a child for allegedly touching the breasts and buttock of an 11-year-old. Alan C. Evans, 60, made his initial appearance Friday before Magistrate Judge Sunil Ramalingam and was given a $15,000 bond. Tom Clark was hired as his attorney. Lewiston police received a report of a sex offense at 7:37 p.m. Wednesday from an 11-year-old victim. The victim spoke with police and alleged Evans rubbed her legs and thighs when he was asleep and rubbed her breast while the two were watching a movie, according to the probable cause affidavit. The victims father then confronted Evans while using video recording, which detectives watched in real time. Evans became defensive and said the one incident happened because he was asleep and he allegedly said he rubbed her back and belly but nothing more, according to the affidavit. COLFAX A spacious kitchen where aspiring chefs can refine their dishes is the focal point of a restaurant incubator expected to debut early this summer in downtown Colfax. The hope of downtown Colfax business owners is that the 3,521-square-foot incubator in a former bank on the northeast corner of Main and Spring streets will make the up-and-coming commercial district even more of a destination. A collection of stores carrying locally sourced goods, clothing, gifts and furniture has earned Colfax a reputation among University of Idaho and Washington State University students as a good place to take visiting parents. Its also drawing day-trippers from the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley and Spokane. Its distance between the two places is increasingly being seen as a strength. Often groups of friends congregating in Colfax, include people from both communities. But the towns appeal would be even greater if it had more restaurants, said Valoree Gregory, an owner of the Colfax Mercantile. Some of the few options are Serfes Foods, which is closed weekends; Westside Pizza, which has no inside seating;Los Amigos, a Mexican restaurant; and The Cellar, a wine bar open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with a limited menu. The restaurant incubator is expected to fill at least some of that gap, encouraging shoppers to extend their time in Colfaxs downtown. We dont have anywhere with an outdoor patio area thats centrally located in the heart of downtown, said Whitney Bond, executive director of the Colfax Downtown Association, the group launching the incubator, largely with a $2.26 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce. One way the incubator might work would be to have two restaurants with separate owners, according to information on the Colfax Downtown Association website. The deadline to apply for this venture was Friday. One incubator restaurant would specialize in breakfast and lunch and another would feature dinner, according to the associations website. But the Colfax Downtown Association is open to any concept that aligns with the spirit of the project, according to its website. (The incubator is) a collaborative space where culinary creativity knows no bounds, according to the website. Here both operators will have the opportunity to explore new ideas, experiment with flavors and bring their culinary visions to life. One possible division of the space would involve one tenant using the incubator until 2 p.m., when it would shift to the other tenant that would run it until close. Ideally between the two, it would be open from early morning until late evening. Tenants will be required to be open on the weekends at least on Saturdays with a goal of being open on Sundays within the first six months of operation, according to the website. The arrangement was developed to benefit the entrepreneurs selected to fill the space as well as shoppers and existing Colfax businesses, Bond said. One of the biggest perks the incubator offers is dramatically reducing the high start-up costs that normally go with introducing a new restaurant, such as renovating a space, buying kitchen equipment and purchasing tables and chairs for dining, she said. And the incubator will have highly sought-after amenities such as dedicated, on-site parking and an outdoor seating area. The first two months of rent would be waived in the first year. The daytime operator would pay $1,750 per month in the first year and $2,000 per month in the second year. The rate for the evening operator that would have use of the bar would be $2,000 in the first year and $2,250 in the second year. In addition to a break on rent, incubator tenants will have access to free advice from experts on tasks such as menu development, pricing and sourcing ingredients, Bond said. The goal is that incubator tenants would stay three to five years and then be successful enough to move to their own locations in Colfax. Getting to this stage has involved lots of work behind the scenes. This project has been super fun, but one of the hardest things Ive ever done in my professional career, Bond said. Its just been one situation after the other of turning chaos into creativity. Going out big Two underappreciated, age-related considerations for political candidates are the youngest and oldest. Self-preservation demands the young politician care past the next election cycle. An old person wise enough to consider the ideas of the young has the motivation for his impending end, a sense to go big before I go. Watching President Joe Biden getting things done in the face of the obstructionist party is inspiring. When Republicans campaign on stopping Biden, I want to know, from what? The U.S. has the greatest economy in the world, wages are up with the lowest unemployment, high gross domestic product, lower prescription drug costs, 46,000 infrastructure projects, manufacturing in America again, historic numbers of small business startups, extended veteran benefits, gun-violence reduction measures and I could go on. My favorite Biden go-out-big plan is taxing large corporations and the morbidly wealthy at the rate that teachers, police officers and construction workers pay. I like it. Tax evaders are parasitic and unpatriotic. Taxes pay for U.S. national security and well-being. When it comes to spending $545,300 to leverage $16.3 million in federal food aid to hungry kids, Idahos state Senate cant be bothered. But if the question is whether to allocate $533,700 on themselves, these same state senators have no such reticence. On March 28, the state Senate voted 25-10 against using federal cash to provide $120 per child across three months through the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program. Just the day before, the Senate voted 31-3 to add four positions to the legislative staff serving the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. This legislative panel operates on a lean budget and its staff traditionally has been stretched thin. If a few more employees can do a better job of reviewing contracts, take a critical eye to the effectiveness of agency consolidations, study how state employee pay increases are implemented and analyze Idahos technology infrastructure, all to the good. Those are complicated questions and citizen lawmakers need the best answers they can find. Whats a prudent investment when it comes to their own staff becomes an undue burden when it involves 136,000 youngsters who live in households making less than two-thirds the states median income and already rely on free and reduced lunch and breakfast during the school year. If the choice of where to spend a half-million dollars were up to you, what would you do? Muddle through with the committee staff you already have? Or deny help to a family whose summer food costs suddenly expand beyond its means. Perhaps parents will defer other bills like rent or utilities. Or they may get by with cheaper, less nutritious types of food. Others may simply do without. At minimum, you have a lot of children who will go through the summer hunger gap uncertain about where their next meal is coming from. Said Sen. Tammy Nichols, R-Middleton: Extending money to hungry kids only breeds more social welfare dependency. Theres no such thing as a free lunch, senators, she said. But this is something that I feel is creating a problem because it is creating the environment of putting kids on welfare so that they continue to want to be on it. To the contrary. The best remedy against future welfare dependence is a good education. And key to a good education is a child who is properly nourished. By the way, Nichols voted to expand the legislative staff. Said Sen. Cindy Carlson, R-Riggins: Get a job. Were sending the wrong message to parents and kids that were going to keep providing for everybody without needing something in return, Carlson said. And I believe that the message we need to be sending is we all need to work for what we get. Heres betting that Carlson knows the child labor laws in effect since the Great Depression keep most Idaho schoolchildren out of the labor pool. But is Carlson aware that there are proportionately more needy children in her backyard than elsewhere in the state? On average, 11% of Idahos households live below the federal poverty line. That compares to: 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. Tributes have flowed from the racing world and beyond for highly respected Kilbeggan Racecourse manager Paddy Dunican who died suddenly at the weekend. The 61-year-old had been general manager at Kilbeggan since taking over from Tom McCormack in 1988. He developed the track over those years, and it now hosts 10 race meetings per year. He was named National Hunt Racecourse Manager of the Year on three occasions and also won the Athlone Business Person of the Year in 2018. He was an auctioneer and property valuer. Paying tribute, Tullamore & District Rotary Club posted on social media: "It is with immense sadness we acknowledge the passing of our Club President Paddy Dunican. Paddy was a founding member of the club in 2015 and served as Vice President for a year before beginning his term as President in 2023. A tireless and dedicated volunteer, he especially made his mark with our annual road safety campaign, elevating it to national status". The post added that above all, "Paddy was a cherished friend to all in ourclub, many of whom spent countless hours in deep conversation with Paddy over a cup of tea over the years, discussing and debating the workings of the world. "Passionate, loyal and generous, his passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. We wish to express our condolences and pass our deepest sympathies to Paddys family," the club said. Condolences and tributes have been paid on RIP.ie to the extremely popular Westmeath man from across the country and abroad. Many noted his dedication to the his midlands town and referred to him as "Mr Kilbeggan". Kathryn Foley, Manager Sligo Races and UIR wrote: "I cannot find words to express how shocked and saddened I am by Paddy's passing. He was a great friend to me as manager of Sligo Races, always at the ready to help when needed. It is a sad day for me and for all at Sligo Races. Rest in Peace Paddy". Lorraine Higgins wrote: "As I sit here trying to find the right words to honour Paddys memory, my heart is heavy with grief, yet grateful for the privilege of knowing him. Second of two articles on changes in real estate brokerage commissions. 7-Apr-24 Gone are the days when a simple handshake and a winsome smile could solidify a working agreement between a buyer and a real estate agent. Due to recent legal developments, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is now making substantiative standards of practice changes, noted Gold Coast buyer broker Sara Benson (left), president of Chicago-based Benson Stanley Realty. These changes will likely include a requirement that real estate brokers use a written agreement when actively working with real estate buyers. These agreements are typically referred to as a Buyer Broker Agreement or an Exclusive Buyer Broker Representation Agreement. (In Florida, there are no less than five different types of buyer broker agreements.) Before would-be real estate buyers jump into a transaction, Benson, a CRB, ABR, and buyer brokerage veteran for more than three decades, advises they ask the broker how many buyers they have exclusively represented in their real estate purchases. They should also ask for at least three buyer broker references. Buyer Broker Agreements are win-win for buyers and real estate professionals According to Benson, Buyer Broker Agreements assist in building trust and a mutually beneficial relationship. They promote transparency through up-front conversations, and provide clarity regarding services buyers can expect to receive, as well as how their real estate professional will be compensated, Benson said. This transparency is crucial for consumer education during one of the biggest purchases many people make in their lifetime. The Buyer Broker Agreement should include the following key objectives: 1 Ensure the buyer has a true and loyal advocate representing them in their transaction. 2 Help the buyer understand their agents representation and the duties owed to them. 3 Allow buyers to ask questions about how their agent is compensated, including who is responsible for the payment of services. 4 Most importantly, reveal whether the agent will ask permission to be or practice as a Dual Agent. Here is how Josh McKnight, a Pennsylvania real estate agent, describes the role of the buyers agent: A buyers agent has a fiduciary responsibility to their client, the buyer, to make sure that they understand the language in the contract and make sure theyre buying a home that fits their needs. The buyers agent must make sure the buyer is choosing all the correct contingencies, and that theyre not being taken advantage of. The buyers agent also has a responsibility to make sure that the home is worth what the sellers are asking for and will work with the buyers to make an offer, said McKnight (right). Buyer Broker Agreements should include the following: Confidentiality. Are you famous? Or just the next-door neighbor? Identity protection should be included in a Buyer Broker Agreement, if desired or needed. Agreement term. Three months is recommended with a renewal option. One year is too long, but 30 days is often too short. Property description. This paragraph should clearly state what kind of property you are looking for and the general price range. Agent duties. Exclusive is best. Insist on the complete legal fiduciary duties of loyalty, obedience, accounting, confidentiality, reasonable skill, care, and full disclosure. Buyer duties. Exclusive is best. Direct all inquiries to your buyer broker. Compensation. This may be a percentage of the transaction amount or a flat fee. At the buyers direction, compensation may be paid by the seller (financed by the buyer) whenever possible. Notwithstanding local customs, compensation to the buyers broker should not be paid through the listing brokerage. Dual Agency status. Just say no. Cancellation. The agreement should be mutually cancellable by either party with a defined number of days written notice. Termination fees. Avoid them, unless the broker has specific out-of-pocket expenses associated with the anticipated purchase. Retainer fees. Reputable buyer brokers routinely request a modest retainer fee. Some buyer brokers with power-of-attorney to purchase on behalf of the buyer maintain separate escrow accounts to hold the buyers earnest monies. The funds will be credited toward the buyers down payment at closing. These brokers may routinely write contracts on the buyers behalf subject to the buyers permission and approval using the earnest money funds. Working with a professional who legally represents you and looks out for your best interests throughout the entire home purchase process is an exciting and extremely good thing, Benson said. Its certainly possible to buy a home without the representation of a buyers agent, Benson explains, but in a competitive market where things change rapidly, youll be glad to have a knowledgeable advocate on your side. If you trust and like your broker, and your intuition tells you its a good fit, it likely will be. Remember, its not a marriage proposal, but your buyer broker wants to go steady with you and does not want you to date anyone else. You should receive 100 percent loyalty from your broker, and in exchange, your broker will want 100 percent loyalty from you to the exclusion of all other brokers, said Benson. Buyer Broker Questions What is a buyers broker? A broker with whom a buyer contracts to represent him or her in a real estate purchase. What is a sellers broker? A broker with whom the seller contracts to represent him or her in the sale of his or her real estate. What is a dual agent? A broker who represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. However, a dual agent cannot fully represent either party. It is illegal not to disclose the dual-agency relationship. There is an inherent conflict of interest because the seller wants the highest price, and the buyer wants the lowest price. Dual agency benefits the real estate agent at a high cost to the consumer. What is a fiduciary relationship? A relationship of trust and fidelity. Real estate brokers owe a duty of undivided loyalty to their clients. The real estate broker must exercise the utmost good faith, care, confidentiality, and full and fair disclosure at all times. Dual agents cannot act as full fiduciaries. For more information on Buyer Brokerage Agreements, NAR has recently published a brochure about all the things big and small that a REALTOR may do to help clients when buying a home... 105 More Ways The Evils of Paper Money Have no End Many prominent American founders warned us about paper money. Thomas Paine may have summed it up best : The evils of paper money have no end. In an 1814 letter to Thomas Cooper, Thomas Jefferson was prophetic. Paine wrote extensively about the dangers of paper money The Real Money Alternative to the "Evils" of Paper Every thing predicted by the enemies of banks, in the beginning, is now coming to pass. We are to be ruined now by the deluge of bank paper as we were formerly by the old Continental paper."It almost sounds like Jefferson was warning about our situation today, but he was actually predicting the depression of 1815-1821 and the panic of 1819. The later years of that economic downturn featured widespread foreclosures, bank failures, unemployment, a collapse in real estate prices, and a slump in agriculture and manufacturing.It was a different time, but the root cause of that economic crisis was the same as what we face today. In a letter to John Adams, Jefferson warned things would never change until people understood the underlying problem.The evils of this deluge of paper money are not to be removed until our citizens are generally and radically instructed in their cause & consequences.In their correspondence, Jefferson and Adams also discussed the recently published Treatise on Political Economy by Destutt de Tracy. In a letter to Jefferson, Adams cited a passage calling fiat money printing more "ruinous and a greater theft than empires of old shaving off a little gold from their coins and passing them off as full-weight."A theft of greater magnitude & still more ruinous is the making of paper. It is greater because in this money there is absolutely no real value. It is more ruinous because by its gradual depreciation during all the time of its existence it produces the effect which would be produced by an infinity of successive deteriorations of the coin.Adams told Jefferson it was akin to thievery and Americans were as guilty as any other country - even more so.That is to say an infinity of successive felonious larcenies. If this is true as I believe it is we Americans are the most thievish people that ever existed, we have been stealing from each other for an hundred & fifty years.Unfortunately, Americans never learned these lessons. In the years since, the U.S. completely abandoned the gold standard, with President Richard Nixon severing the final tie in 1972.The consequences were predictable.When he announced the closing of the gold window, Nixon said, Let me lay to rest the bugaboo of what is called devaluation, and promised, Your dollar will be worth just as much as it is today.This was a lie.The purchasing power of a 1971 dollar is equal to less than 12 cents today.This demonstrates what Jefferson wrote long before the economic downturn he saw unfolding in the early 1800s.Paper is poverty it is only the ghost of money, and not money itself.Jefferson was echoing his friend Thomas Paine., going as far as to call it evil.Money is Money, and Paper is Paper. All the invention of man cannot make them otherwise. The alchemist may cease his labors, and the hunter after the philosopher's stone go to rest, if paper can be metamorphosed into gold and silver, or made to answer the same purpose in all cases."Paine went on to say paper money turned everybody into "stock jobbers," a derogatory term for people who made a living on stock market manipulation and frontrunning."One of the evils of paper money is that it turns the whole country into stock jobbers. The precariousness of its value and the uncertainty of its fate continually operate, night and day, to produce this destructive effect. Having no real value in itself it depends for support upon accident, caprice, and party; and as it is the interest of some to depreciate and of others to raise its value, there is a continual invention going on that destroys the morals of the country."Many other prominent founding-era figures denounced paper money.George Mason agreed with Paine's evaluation that paper money is "evil.""The laws making paper currency a legal tender have produced great and numerous evils.Richard Henry Lee wrote to James Madison, saying, Knaves assure, and fools believe, that calling paper money, and making it tender, is the way to be rich and happy.Patrick Henry warned that paper money would be the bane of this country. I detest it.And George Washington scolded Rhode Island Superior Court Judge and former Deputy Governor Jabez Bown in a 1787 letter.Paper money has had the effect in your State that it ever will have, to ruin commerce oppress the honest, and open a door to every species of fraud and injustice.Even Alexander Hamilton warned about the dangers of a deluge of paper.To emit an unfunded paper as the sign of value ought not to continue a formal part of the Constitution, nor ever hereafter to be employed; being, in its nature, pregnant with abuses, and liable to be made the engine of imposition and fraud; holding out temptations equally pernicious to the integrity of government and to the morals of the people. The founding generation believed in real money - gold and silver. They understood that gold and silver could not be easily manipulated and printed for government purposes like paper and that it would retain its value over time. In an 1813 letter to John Epps, Thomas Jefferson declared gold and silver the best form of money . Specie is the most perfect medium, because it will preserve its own level; because having intrinsic and universal value, it can never die in our hands. He went on to write: The trifling economy of paper, as a cheaper medium, or its convenience for transmission, weighs nothing in opposition to the advantages of the precious metals it is liable to be abused, has been, is, and forever will be abused, in every country in which it is permitted. Proving that there's nothing new under the sun, Paine anticipated one of the arguments against hard money. Many claimed we need paper money because there aren't sufficient amounts of gold and silver. Paine countered, "This, so far from being a reason for paper emissions, is a reason against them." And he went on to accurately predict what would happen if paper were allowed to compete with real money. "As gold and silver are not the productions of North America, they are, therefore, articles of importation; and if we set up a paper manufactory of money, it amounts, as far as it is able, to prevent the importation of hard money, or to send it out again as fast it comes in; and by following this practice we shall continually banish the specie, till we have none left, and be continuously complaining of the grievance instead of remedying the cause." This is why the Constitution made gold and silver the only acceptable forms of money. Among James Madisons papers were notes for a 1786 speech opposing paper money. Right of regulating coin given to Congs. for two reasons. 1. for sake of uniformity. 2. to prevent fraud in States towards each other or foreigners. Both these reasons hold equally as to paper money. We can't say we weren't warned. We ignored the wisdom of the founding generation and we got exactly what was predicted. We have a deteriorating currency that will eventually collapse into oblivion. By Mke Maharrey MoneyMetals.com Mike Maharrey is a journalist and market analyst for MoneyMetals.com with over a decade of experience in precious metals. He holds a BS in accounting from the University of Kentucky and a BA in journalism from the University of South Florida. 2024 Mike Maharrey - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. 2005-2022 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. People get to experience a solar eclipse a few times, or only once in their lives. And the city of Boston is looking to help residents truly remember the rare opportunity. On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will be visible from North America as it makes its path across 15 states, from Texas all the way northeast to Maine. This path of totality indicates when and where the 31.6 million people living along that path are expected to see the eclipse happening, weather pending, according to NBC News. Despite not being within the path of totality, Massachusetts should (weather permitting) have a view of the eclipse from the ground. The Bay State wont have a 100% view of the eclipse, instead seeing a partial eclipse with over 95% of the view, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said in a statement. So to ensure Bostonians get the best possible view of the spectacle, the following rooftops are hosting watch parties in the city: Deck 12 Deck 12, the rooftop bar at YOTEL in Seaport, is letting people catch the solar eclipse with a free event from 2-5 p.m. Monday. Guests can enjoy half-priced apps with the purchase of a drink, and watch as the eclipse peaks at 3:29 p.m. with complimentary eclipse glasses. While the event is sold out, people can still walk up to Deck 12 for any available space. The Rooftop At Revere Hotel The Revere Hotel, located at at 200 Stuart St., is hosting a solar eclipse watch party from 12-5 p.m. on Monday. Guests can catch a glimpse of the solar eclipse from the hotels rooftop while enjoying specially themed food and drinks like Blue Moon beer, the Eclipse Elixir cocktail and more. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased online. View Boston View the eclipse (and Boston) from the top of the Prudential Center in Back Bay. View View Boston is running a ticket discount from 1-5 p.m on Monday, with tickets being $10 during that time only. Solar glasses available while supplies last. Tickets can be purchased online. A lucky Massachusetts State Lottery player became a $1 million Powerball winner Saturday after purchasing a ticket at a convenience store near the New Hampshire border. The ticket was purchased for $2 at Route 110 Convenience Store on East Street in Methuen. Another Massachusetts lottery player won a $50,000 prize through Powerball on Saturday when they purchased a winning ticket at East Boston Corner Market on Bennington Street. In Powerball, players select five numbers between 1 and 69 and one Powerball number between 1 and 26. They then choose how many drawings they want to use those numbers for. Powerball drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. Players that match all five numbers and the Powerball number win the jackpot, which currently stands at $20 million. They have 1 in 292,201,338 odds of winning this prize. Players that match all five numbers but not the Powerball number win $1 million. They have 1 in 11,688,053.53 odds of winning this way. Players that match four numbers and the Powerball number win $50,000. They have 1 in 913,129.18 odds of winning this way. Overall, there were more than 327 prizes worth $600 or more won or claimed in Massachusetts on Saturday, including five in Springfield and 14 in Worcester. The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600. So far, the three largest lottery prizes won in Massachusetts in 2024 were all $4 million prizes. One was claimed on Tuesday, Jan. 16, another was claimed on Tuesday, Feb. 27 and the third was claimed on Tuesday, March 19. A 14-year-old boy was stabbed and seriously injured outside a high school in Brockton Friday evening, according to The Enterprise. Four teenagers who were all minors have been charged with armed robbery in connection with the incident, and three of them were also charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, the newspaper reported. The armed robbery on Court Street around 6 p.m. resulted in the teen being stabbed, police reportedly said. The 14-year-olds injuries were severe but not life-threatening, The Enterprise reported. He was taken to a hospital. Police found the victim and suspects outside Cardinal Spelman High School, but it had no connection to the school, police reportedly said. Neither the victims name nor the names of the four teenagers charged have been released, according to Boston.com. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this senseless violence that unfortunately found its way onto our campus, Dan Hoades, President of Cardinal Spellman, said in a statement to Boston 25 News. A Brockton man is facing a murder charge after killing another man by hitting him with an SUV and a brick multiple times, according to the Plymouth County District Attorneys Office. Vasco Semedo, 45, is accused of killing 50-year-old Stuart Smith in Brockton the morning of April 6, the district attorneys office said in a press release. Brockton police received several 911 calls about a car crash with a pedestrian near 65 North Main St. on Saturday around 8:50 a.m., the district attorneys office said. At the scene, they found the driver who was later identified as Semedo being detained by people at the scene. Officers found Smith lying unresponsive on the pavement in front of a Toyota RAV4 and took him to Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton, the district attorneys office said. He was later flown by medical helicopter to Massachusetts General Hospital where he died of his injuries about 13 and a half hours later. Police arrested Semedo at the scene and collected witness accounts and surveillance footage. These revealed that Semedo hit Smith with the SUV, backed up, hit him with the vehicle again, then got out of the SUV and hit Smith with a brick multiple times, the district attorneys office said. Semedo is set to be arraigned in Brockton District Court on Monday. Authorities are still investigating Smiths death, the district attorneys office said. No further information including a motive in the killing has been released. A Dorchester man is facing fraud charges in a brazen fake Boston room rental scam in which he advertised his own room for rent, collected and kept rental deposits and then didnt let the tenants move in, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office. Bruno Vieira Ferreira, 23, was arraigned in Boston Municipal Court (BMC) in West Roxbury on a larceny over $1,200 charge last month, the district attorneys office said in a Sunday press release. He now faces numerous additional charges including larceny, larceny by false pretense, forgery and uttering a false check out of BMC Dorchester and BMC Central. In January and February, at least six potential tenants responded to a Facebook Marketplace listing for a room for rent at 9 Taft St. in Dorchester that Ferreira had posted, the district attorneys office said. He collected rental deposit payments from them, but never let them move in and didnt refund them. When the victims asked about moving into the room, Ferreira would give various excuses as to why they couldnt move in, including saying that existing tenants hadnt moved out, or that family members of his had died and he couldnt move out, the district attorneys office said. He garnered a total of $10,350 from the scheme. Detectives began investigating Ferreira on Feb. 5 after Boston police responded to 9 Taft St. for a call about a landlord-tenant dispute, the district attorneys office said. At the scene, officers spoke to two men who said theyd signed and paid a $3,600 lease agreement for an apartment at the address but then found that a tenant was already living at the apartment. The tenant told police that several other people had come to the home claiming to have paid deposits for the same apartment, the district attorneys office said. He informed officers that he believed that one of his roommates who was later identified as Ferreira had been advertising the apartment and scamming potential tenants. On Feb. 7, Boston police were again called to the address for a similar dispute, the district attorneys office said. On that day, officers spoke to a man who said he had paid a person who was later identified as Ferreira $1,350 for a room and was supposed to move-in Feb. 1, but that Ferreira wouldnt let him move in. While officers were talking to the victim, one of the buildings residents came over to speak with the officers and told them he was aware of Ferreiras scheme, the district attorneys office said. Detectives later entered the home and found a sign in the lobby that read: Hello, if you are looking for a Bruno or have had money taken by him, we have no information either. There are multiple police reports on this case, and an eviction notice has been sent. Detectives soon obtained a warrant for Ferreiras arrest, the district attorney said. They then learned that he had moved into a new apartment on Exeter Street in Boston, and on Feb. 28, they arrested him there. Ferreira is due back in court on April 19. Consumers need to be hyper-vigilant when it comes to property rentals of any kind because scammers are very good at using sites like Facebook Marketplace to advertise seemingly legitimate housing situations, all with the goal of fleecing trusting respondents, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in the release. The district attorneys office recommends visiting the Federal Trade Commissions or City of Bostons website for tips on how to avoid rental scams. Stow police arrested and charged a 20-year-old resident with assault Friday evening after finding his 17-year-old girlfriend dead inside their home, according to the Middlesex County District Attorneys Office. Shane Curry is facing charges of assault and battery on a household or family member and assault and battery causing serious bodily injury in the death of Nevaeh Goddard, the district attorneys office said in a press release Saturday evening. He may face additional charges. The investigation into Goddards death began on April 5 after Stow police responded to a home on Great Road for a well-being check around 4:30 p.m., the district attorneys office said. When officers got to the home, Curry stopped them from coming inside for nearly two hours. When police finally entered the home, they found Goddard dead inside, the district attorneys office said. Officers arrested Curry at the scene and took him to a local hospital for evaluation. Authorities are investigating Goddards death as suspicious, the district attorneys office said. The Chief Medical Examiners Office is set to autopsy her body to determine her cause and manner of death. Curry is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday in Concord District Court, the district attorneys office said. The district attorneys office and Stowe police are still actively investigating Goddards death. Editors note: The name of the victim has been updated to reflect the correct spelling. It was misspelled in the original press release. Editors note: This article contains mentions of domestic violence, murder and suicide. A woman was shot and killed by her boyfriend in a Brockton home Tuesday morning, becoming the latest in a string of murder-suicides in Massachusetts that have received ample coverage over the past several years. In 2023 alone, at least five fathers and boyfriends in Andover, Dover, Raynham, Millis and Marlborough shot and killed their families or partners and then themselves. Already this year, Massachusetts has had at least three murder-suicides in addition to the Brockton case in Springfield, Boston and Haverhill. Additionally, a Cape Cod native was killed along with her friend in a murder-suicide in Florida last month. In addition to how frequently these cases seem to occur though experts say they are not increasing in frequency what is perhaps most striking about them is what they dont have in common. They happened in both the richest and poorest communities in the state and involved families of many different backgrounds and races. These dissimilarities underscore what experts say is a fundamental truth about murder-suicides: that they happen in every community and in every type of family. Because of this, experts are trying to get more resources available for would-be victims and abusers to prevent these violent acts from happening. On Monday, Gov. Maura Healey said her administration wants to fund a wide range of programs that would help the mentally ill. This would impact a range of related issues, she said, but its unclear if this funding would include initiatives that address domestic violence which experts say is the root of murder-suicides. People of all races, ethnicities, income levels, everybodys affected. So our administration wants to pump as much as we can into funding for mental health resources, she said. What its like for people impacted by murder-suicides When 19-year-old Springfield resident Isabel Alcaide was killed in a murder-suicide in January, she left behind countless devastated family and friends, her uncle, Luis Daniel Rodriguez told MassLive previously. I just couldnt believe ... I just was waiting for somebody to wake me up, he said. After 57-year-old Dover resident Rakesh Rick Kamal killed his family and himself in December, reporting by MassLive, The Boston Globe and other outlets uncovered that he had been long hiding financial troubles. The revelation shocked his family and friends. I would never in my wildest dreams question what Rick is doing, a family member told the Globe. We put him on a pedestal so high you cannot imagine. Conversely, after 28-year-old Marlborough resident Kethlen DaRocha was killed by a man she was dating in a November murder-suicide, her good friend, Dayane Stefane Borges Lemos said through a translator that there were warning signs. He was really jealous. He was showing signs that he could be violent, she said. But after Springfield resident Victor Nieves killed a grandmother, 10-year-old child and a dog last summer, the Croteau family was left wondering why their neighbor who had been so close to their family would do such a thing. Id ask him, Why? Why the dog? Why Kim? Why the kids? the childs uncle, Sean Weeman Adams said in a previous interview with MassLive. Adams even described Nieves as a good person who needed mental health treatment. Behind closed doors Domestic violence experts agree that the best predictor of a domestic homicide is previous abuse. Oftentimes prior violence was never reported, and it eventually escalated to murder, Lassell University criminal justice professor and former county prosecutor Linda Bucci said. This can happen in, what appears to be to all of us, very successful, happy relationships, she said. We often dont know whats going on behind closed doors. In fact, on average, 20 people in the U.S. are physically abused by an intimate partner every minute, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The perpetrator may have even kept the abuse from coming to light through coercive control, Framingham State University Criminology Professor Xavier Guadalupe-Diaz said. This is when abusers isolate their victims through harmful means, such as micromanagement and gaslighting effectively trapping them in the abusive situation. These abusers start to create this really insular dynamic where none of the problems leave the house, he said. This is also why the families and friends of domestic abuse victims often say they didnt hear from their loved one much while the abuse was going on or didnt hear about the abuse at all, Guadalupe-Diaz said. The domestic abuse cycle Domestic abuse typically occurs in a cycle, where the abuser lashes out against the victim in response to external stressors that may or may not involve the victim, experts agreed. These stressors often involve social or economic strain, Guadalupe-Diaz said. Folks feel a breakdown in the norms in their lives. Expectations about how they thought life would go, expectations of what they think they deserve, and then comparing that to what theyre getting out of life, he said. Following the abuse, the abuser will often apologize and show kindness to their victim, leading the victim to blame themselves until the abuse begins again, Bucci said. Within an existing cycle, some factors may cause an abuser to cross the line into homicidal violence. Alcohol and drug abuse can sometimes cause the perpetrator to go further than before, experts said. Access to any weapon especially a gun also increases the likelihood that a domestic violence incident turns deadly, as well as the likelihood that a suicide follows. Having access to a mode of lethal violence makes it just as easy for them to perpetrate that against others as to perpetrate that on themselves, Northeastern University criminology professor and psychologist Carlos Cuevas said. A victim simply trying to leave the relationship can also cause the abuser to lash out more violently, Bucci said. The perpetrator may feel they are losing control of that person and try to reestablish it. But while some domestic homicides are premeditated, experts agree that most arent. The abuser may not have even intended to kill the victim, but the violence in one instance ends up being severe enough to cause death, Cuevas said. Societal pressure on men Experts also agree that while most men arent domestic abusers, the vast majority of domestic abusers are men. Over 90% of domestic homicide perpetrators are men, Guadalupe-Diaz said. Additionally, physical harm done by male domestic abusers tends to be more severe even when physical strength is not a factor, such as when a gun is used, Cuevas said. Many experts believe this gender disparity is a result of societal pressure on men to fulfill the traditional role of a provider and head of a family. Through patriarchal socialization, men are taught to solve problems with aggression and control the women and children in their families, Guadalupe-Diaz said. This can lead to feelings possessiveness and jealousy, which often play a role in domestic abuse, he said. It can also cause the perpetrator to not only think they have the right to take the life of family members, but also that it might be the right course of action, Guadalupe-Diaz said. The perpetrator felt like they had failed the family and that theyre better off dead than living in the situation that was either going to happen or had been happening, he said. The family was devolving, and we see them wanting to eradicate the entire family. Suicide and gender Bucci believes feelings of failure and loss may be why abusers often turn their violence on themselves after a domestic homicide. In fact, an inability to see the bigger picture or envision a better future are known factors with all suicide cases, Cuevas said. Theyve feel theyve lost everything, and this is it, Bucci said. Cuevas added that there are some experts that believe the gender disparity among domestic abusers isnt nearly as great as researchers have come to believe it is. They argue, among other reasons, that verbal and emotional abuse is under-considered by analysts, and that abuse can be bi-directional, meaning both parties can abuse one another. Even so, domestic abuse committed by women is much more likely to be emotional and verbal, so even taking these factors into account, domestic homicide perpetrators would still mostly be men, Cuevas said. He also cautioned that most domestic abuse statistics are derived from data that largely considers relationships between heterosexual, cisgender people, so they may not hold true for domestic abuse situations in the LGBTQ+ community. Massachusetts law may make things worse Massachusetts has a somewhat-unique domestic violence privacy law that experts say protects victims, but also abusers. The law mandates that records documenting domestic abuse such as police reports and court cases be kept confidential unless the victim authorizes their release. This is not the case in most other states where the law requires only that victims names be redacted, according to WBUR. The intent of the law is to shield victims from consequences that can arise from reporting domestic abuse, such as blowback from family, friends and their abuser, Cuevas said. Working with survivors, for a lot of them, one of their concerns about coming forward and reporting their abuse is who else is going to know? Is it going to be retaliation? he said. Some victims, as well as those close to them, will decide they dont want to press charges or cooperate with investigators even in situations where they were the ones who got law enforcement involved, Bucci said. This could be due to a fear that the family breadwinner may be removed from the household, or simply because they still love their abuser and dont want them to go to jail. Victims may also fear unwanted press and public attention, as well as having to discuss personal problems with people outside the situation, Bucci said. They may feel embarrassed and have a what will the neighbors think mentality. In cases where victims do not want law enforcement involved and the public is not made aware of the danger posed by an abuser, Massachusetts domestic violence privacy law can allow abusers to escape all forms of accountability, Bucci said. Additionally, a 2022 WBUR investigation discovered that the law sometimes makes it difficult for victims to access their own case files, which can impede their ability to take further legal action. The radio news station also found that law enforcement agencies have, at times, taken advantage of the law and successfully hidden instances where they mishandled a case. But, in effect, the law still places power in the hands of domestic abuse victims by leaving it up to them to decide whether their case should be prosecuted or publicized, Bucci said. A bill that would change this law was introduced in the Massachusetts Legislature last year, but in February, a study order was created for the bill, which means it likely wont be voted on this legislative session. How we can prevent murder-suicides One major way state and federal officials can help prevent murder-suicides is by making resources for domestic abuse victims more available and accessible, Cuevas said. They could do this by devoting more money to existing programs or by creating new ones. Bucci recommends that people facing domestic violence have a safety plan, including a place they can go and potentially take their children if they need to. Additionally, family and friends should make themselves available as part of a support system if they become aware that their loved one is facing abuse, she said. If your loved ones partner seems possessive or controlling, your loved one often explains their situation from their partners perspective or your loved one stops engaging socially, they may be facing domestic abuse, Guadalupe-Diaz said. It could be time to reach out. But experts agreed that the most important thing we can do as a society to prevent murder-suicides is making sure that people facing domestic violence know what resources are available to them. Massachusetts has a toll-free, 24/7 domestic abuse hotline that can be reached at 877-785-2020. You can also find more victim resources on the states website. ANAHEIM, Calif. Rafael Devers made a costly error in the sixth inning and the Red Sox five-game winning streak ended. Boston lost 2-1 to Los Angeles here at Angel Stadium on Saturday. Bostons offense managed just three hits. Angels starter Reid Detmers struck out 12 in 6 dominant innings. The Angels took the lead in the sixth. Zach Neto grounded to shortstop Pablo Reyes who seemed to have trouble transferring the ball from his glove to his hand. Reyes flip to second base for the force-out was late as runner Mickey Moniak beat the throw. Moniak did an outstanding job getting a good secondary lead and hustling on that play, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. I didnt see a replay. Pablo took longer than what he wanted to. But I think the guy at first got a great jump and got to second base. And we didnt make a play after that. Moniak beating the flip to second loaded the bases with two outs for Anthony Rendon. Rendon hit a 91.7 mph grounder to third base that should have ended the inning. But the ball took an in between hop and deflected off Devers glove into left field. Two runs scored on Devers error. Thats a routine play, Cora said. He knows it. Devers left the clubhouse before reporters entered. In between hop, Cora said. And the ball just kicked up. And he just missed the play. Fanatics Sportsbook 10X$100 BONUS BET BET MATCH BONUS CLAIM OFFER Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, KY ,MD, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV); (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); (800) 327-5050 or gamblinghelpline.org (MA), mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1800gambler.net (WV) Whitlock cant make it through 5 innings Garrett Whitlock pitched 4 scoreless innings. But four walks drove up his pitch count. He threw 101 pitches before reliever Greg Weissert replaced him with one out and runners at first and second base. I had to battle for sure, Whitlock said. They fouled off a lot of really good pitches and everything. And I didnt have the command of my changeup I wanted. Other than that, just battled through it. Duran saves a run, drives in a run For a second straight night, manager Alex Cora brought in Weissert to face Mike Trout in the fifth inning. With runners at first and second base, Trout connected for a 278-foot, 82.2 mph liner to left field. Jarren Duran made a diving catch to his right. Weissert then retired Taylor Ward on a fly-out to right field to end the inning. Duran also drove in a run to give the Red Sox a 1-0 lead in the third inning. He dropped an opposite-field single into left to score Connor Wong from third base. Enmanuel Valdez saves run With runners at first and second base, Enmanuel Valdez dived to his left and fielded Mickey Moniaks 101.9 mph ground ball that looked like it was headed into right field. He fired to first base for the final out of the fourth inning. Triston Casas makes diving play Triston Casas dived to his right to catch Nolan Schanuels 95.2 mph line drive for the second out of the third inning. Series finale Sunday The Red Sox and Angels will play their three-game series finale Sunday. Righty Tanner Houck (0-0, 0.00) will start for Boston opposite Los Angeles righty Chase Silseth (0-0, 9.00). It has been six months since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking hostages. The resulting war between Israel and Hamas has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians in Gaza. While the conflict has caused an eruption of antisemitic incidents in the U.S. and globally, Israels response to Hamas attack in October has also divided many within the Jewish-American community. MAYO County Council has defended its record on housing despite one TD labelling the number of houses it built in 2023 as shameful and shocking. According to the latest figures, 104 people accessed emergency accommodation in Mayo in February, including 76 single adults. This comes as Mayo County Council built 61 social houses in 2023, some way short of the 151 houses it was to deliver under the governments Housing For All plan. However, the councils top official for housing has said that the council delivered more units than other local authorities when acquisitions, leasing, and RAS and HAP tenancies are taken into account. Tom Gilligan, Mayo County Councils Director of Services for Housing, told The Mayo News that the local authority delivered 322 houses last year. Of these, 55 were built by the council while a further six units were delivered under Part 5 a stipulation that social houses make up a percentage of houses in new estates. Of these, 50 were in Rehins Fort in Ballina, which was officially opened last November. Mr Gilligan said that several projects which were to be delivered in 2023 by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) were due to progress in 2024. Mayo County Council was given a target of 730 new builds to be delivered by 2026 under Housing For All but aims to deliver 1,004 in that timeframe. Acquisitions and leasing are not counted among those figures under the Housing For All criteria. The council had set itself a target of 225 new social houses 2023 - 164 short of the figure it delivered last year. With 55 local authority new builds, Mayo County Councils programme was actually in excess of several other local authorities for 2023, Mr Gilligan said. Mayo County Council works collaboratively and has a good relationship with AHBs but unfortunately a number of key projects that were to be delivered by the AHB sector in areas such as Castlebar, Newport and Knock were unable to get over the line last year and the plan is to progress these projects in 2024. In addition, Mayo County Council does not benefit from Part V new builds in comparison with other local authorities. Last year's figure of six Part V new builds for Mayo was 28th lowest out of 31 local authorities with only Cavan, Longford and Leitrim having fewer completions. This comes as Mayo Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway-Walsh has lashed out at the local authoritys delivery on social housing. Calling for a general election, Deputy Conway Walsh also blasted the rate of homelessness as a grim milestone. Mayo County Council built more houses in 2019 than they did this year despite all other talk from this government on housing, she said, referring to the 83 units it built in 2019. There are currently 1,235 people on the housing lists. Many others are excluded. But everyone suffers when the government fails to deliver social and affordable homes because it means less supply and higher prices and rents. These failures have deep and lasting effects on the people and communities in Mayo, she added. Elsewhere, new reports have revealed that Mayo remains one of the most affordable counties to purchase a house, despite ongoing price rises. The latest Daft.ie House Price Report for Quarter 1 of 2024, the average listed price of a house in Mayo has risen by over 4.2 percent in a year to 200,008. This represents a 2.3 percent rise on the previous quarter and an 86.9 percent rise from Daft.ies lowest recorded figure. Prices in Mayo range from 80,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to 274,000 for a five-bedroom detached house. According to Daft.ie, the average listed house price in Ireland stands at 326,469. New research from Switcher.ie also revealed that Mayo is the fifth-most affordable area in Ireland to buy a house. On average, joint first-time buyers need an average of 2.9 years to save for a deposit for a house. This calculation was made based on a joint income of 75,496 and a house valued at 210,500. This compared to Dun Laoghaire, the least affordable district in the country, where first-time buyers would need to save for an average of 27.9 years to save for a deposit. by Les Luchter , April 7, 2024 In a breakthrough for what Spellers Freedom Foundation interim executive director Dawnmarie Gaivin terms a big civil rights movement, four nonspeaking autistic individuals have teamed with Anheuser-Buschs Golden Road Brewing to develop Get on Board Hazy IPA, a limited-edition regional craft beer. Launching this month at select Southern California retailers, all proceeds will benefit the foundation, which awards scholarships to the nonspeaking autistic community. Until recently, no one thought they were intelligent because they didnt have a way to communicate what was inside their brains, Gaivin tells Marketing Daily about the estimated 31 million nonspeaking autistic people worldwide. That began to change a few years ago when Gaivin co-founded the Spellers Method, which combines letterboard communication with occupational therapy. advertisement advertisement Gaivin and Golden Road Brewing co-founder and president Meg Gill both have non-speaking autistic children, which helped lead to the collaboration behind Get on Board, a hazy IPA brewed with real citrus, and with flavors described by the brewery as juicy orange, eureka lemon and subtle peach. The recipe and product name came from nonspeakers, four of whom (all over 21) worked with Golden Road in-person to develop the ale, Gaivin says. Golden Roads team members were very open-minded but had never met anyone with nonspeaking autism, she recalls. But they collaborated with them from day one until the final product, took direction from the spellers and brought their dream to life. It shows what society can be. The brewer tells Marketing Daily that Gill wanted to find ways to bring awareness of the amazing work Spellers is doing. Also out to increase awareness of non-speaking autistic people, JB Handley and his nonspeaking autistic son Jamison co-wrote the 2021 book, Underestimated: An Autism Miracle, and also co-founded the Spellers Freedom Foundation. The book led to a 2023 documentary film Spellers, co-produced by the foundation -- with actors Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg and husband Donnie Walhberg as executive producers -- which has played the film festival circuit and will debut for free on YouTube in mid-April. The film in turn has led to a weekly documentary TV series titled Underestimated, the Heroic Rise of Nonspeaking Spellers, whose weekly five-episode first season will launch online May 25 for $24.99. All money raised will go to pay back investors and towardsproduction of new episodes for future seasons, Gaivin says. The third episode of the series, titled Crafty Collaboration, documents the development of Get on Board Hazy IPA, with other episodes focusing on such topics as education reform, self-advocacy in healthcare, and the use of spelling as a communication method for non-speakers with Downs syndrome. Golden Road, meanwhile, has committed to creating a new beer with Spellers Freedom Foundation every year, Gaivin reveals. She also hopes that Get on Board can create enough of a stir and sell out so that the beer gets brought back next fall and could even become a year-round product. Already, Get on Board Hazy IPA has the potential to be our biggest fundraiser to date, she says. Beyond Golden Road, she sees the possibility of multiple opportunities with other vendors and agencies. Asked if that could include other Anheuser-Busch regional craft brewers, she responds, We are open if Anheuser-Busch is interested." She adds, "This is a moment in history where people for the first time are realizing the capabilities of nonspeakers. For reasons not clear, the number of autistic people has grown more than 300% over the past 15 years, she notes, so theres just going to be more and more nonspeaking autistic people, and finding ways for us to all work together is a brilliant step in the right direction. Trusted Source Infertility Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? In vitro is a Latin phrase that means in glass. IVF is the most common type of assisted reproductive technology (ART). #IVF #fertility #women In vitro is a Latin phrase that means in glass. IVF is the most common type of assisted reproductive technology (ART). #IVF #fertility #women Intersection of Work and Fertility Treatments for Women Advertisement Advertisement Infertility - (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infertility) While in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment presents hope for women facing fertility challenges, the concurrent pursuit of a career can pose obstacles. However, employer-provided fertility benefits can significantly empower women by providing essential support ().When Ramya, a 40-year-old marketing professional, opted for IVF treatment, the regular medical appointments and hormone injections meant juggling between multiple appointments conflicting with work hours.This is added stress , which can drain a person mentally and emotionally, affecting the procedure altogether. But Ramya was lucky as her workplace supported her endeavor and offered flexibility in the work schedule.She is now a mother to a seven-year-old girl. "Prioritizing fertility healthcare in the workplace is crucial for fostering employee well-being and inclusivity," Amitha N, Consultant, Fertility Specialist, Motherhood Fertility & IVF, Electronic City, Bengaluru, told IANS."By implementing comprehensive reproductive healthcare policies, employers showcase their unwavering support for the overall well-being of their employees. Access to reproductive services not only lends support to individuals on their journey to parenthood but also enhances worker retention, productivity, and satisfaction," the doctor added.These benefits at the workplace can beIn a recent study published in The Lancet, Indias total fertility rate saw a significant decline from 6.18 in 1950 to 1.91 in 2021.The study predicted that it may further drop to 1.3 by 2050 and 1.04 by 2,100. "Navigating through fertility treatments and juggling work can be hard and can take a toll on the mental wellness of women," Diana Crasta, Head- Operations Training and Psychological Counseling, Nova IVF Fertility, Bangalore, told IANS.She called for better planning and seamless communication with organizations for a supportive work environment."One should have open communication with the organization, especially with the manager, and seek support from team members. Do not bring your work home, instead spend some quality time with your spouse," Crasta said.This also applies to those working from home, Crasta said, noting that it is important to set a boundary to wrap up work."Its crucial to keep your stress levels under check. Prioritizing self-care and seeking help from loved ones are needed to meet the needs of an IVF treatment and balancing work more methodically," she said.According to Muthineni Rajini, Senior Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynecology, Infertility Specialist, CARE Hospitals, Hyderabad, egg-freezing technology can be an option to empower working women. It can help provide women with reproductive autonomy, allowing them to align family planning with career goals."The technology offers flexibility, enabling women to postpone pregnancy , overcome biological clock pressures, and invest in professional development," Muthineni said."While challenges exist, including costs and societal attitudes, egg freezing contributes to reshaping expectations and creating a more supportive environment for diverse paths to family planning," the doctor said.Source-IANS Trusted Source Heat-Related Illnesses (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke) Go to source Trusted Source Keep cool, stay secure. Remember, taking small precautions can greatly prevent heat-related illnesses #summer #heatwaves Experts Emphasize Importance of Timely Awareness in Mitigating Heat Wave Impact Advertisement Heat-Related Illnesses (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke) - (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/heatrelated-illnesses-heat-cramps-heat-exhaustion-heat-stroke) With mercury poised to hit 40 degrees Celsius, doctors issued a stern caution against heat-related illnesses (). The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forewarned of temperatures soaring to 39 degrees Celsius in the national capital next week. Several regions across India, such as Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Kerala, are already grappling with intense heatwaves.Pankaj Chaudhary - Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Max Hospital, Vaishali, told IANS."Remember, heat can be deadly, especially for vulnerable populations. Lets prioritize our well-being and adapt to these changing climate conditions," he added. Early this week, the Health Ministry held a review meeting on public health preparedness for heat-related illnesses in the country."Timely, advance and wide awareness among people on preventive measures will hugely support in reducing the severe impact of such heat waves," said Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya, who chaired the meeting.Meanwhile, the doctors stressed to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, even if one is not thirsty, and to opt for water or non-alcoholic, decaffeinated beverages."As summer brings the threat of heatwaves, its vital to protect yourself. Hydration is paramount; carry a water bottle when outdoors to regulate body temperature and prevent heat-related illnesses," Mohan Kumar Singh, Senior Consultant - Internal Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS."Remember, dehydration poses serious risks, so drink water regularly to stay hydrated and maintain your well-being. By prioritizing hydration and taking precautions against excessive sun exposure, you can stay safe and comfortable during hot weather conditions," he added. The doctors also advised to wear sunscreen, wear hats, and stay in the shade to minimize sun exposure; avoid strenuous exercise during peak heat hours, and wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing to stay comfortable.Source-IANS GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- A family-owned organic apple orchard has received funding to purchase and install a washing and sorting line thatll enable it to expand into the baby/kid food market and work toward a partnership with a business run by actor Jennifer Garner. The project at Almar Orchards in Clayton Township will result in increased domestic sourcing, and the business will serve as an aggregator for other growers in the region. The increased capacity will also allow Almar to expand organic apple production onto 100 additional acres. The funding is coming after the U.S. Department of Agricultures Agricultural Marketing Service awarded approximately $40.5 million for 60 grant projects through the Organic Market Development Grant program. These projects will support the development of new and existing organic markets, support the infrastructure to improve processing capacity, explore emerging technologies to promote organic products, and purchase equipment to help meet the increasing demand for organic commodities. USDA anticipates the projects funded through this program will benefit more than 27,000 producers and over 31.8 million consumers by increasing organic market opportunities. Almar received a $99,582 grant to replace its washer line. Once Upon a Farm, a national baby food company co-founded by actor Jennifer Garner, approached Almar last year about using apples for its products. The company sells its products in more than 13,000 stores nationwide with a growing product portfolio of organic, farm-fresh snacks and meals for babies and big kids. They are into organics, and making sure its dairy free, sugar free and its free of heavy metals, said Monique Lapinski, Almars general manager and daughter of owner Jim Koan. Because this is what youre feeding your babies. Once Upon a Farm is looking for organic growers wholl meet their strict qualifications to purchase produce from those growers. The company has a processing plant in Milwaukee, Wis., and hauls truckloads of apples from across the country in Washington. With Almar located closer to them, itd be easier and cheaper to work with the Michigan farm. Once Upon a Farm has strict Standard Sanitation Operating Procedures that Almar has to meet. The partnership is incumbent on installation of the line. They test every truckload of apples, said Zach Koan, son of owner Jim Koan, who helps run Almars operations. While Almar has a washing line, it hasnt been replaced in 40 years. That is where the funding comes in, with the farm planning to use the money to purchase a new washing line that would meet the strict sanitation requirements Once Upon a Farm is looking for. The washing line is perfectly fine, but theres some other things they want as part of this sanitation procedure before they would even accept the fruits or vegetables into one of their processing plants, Lapinski said. The new washer line will have special sanitation pumps thatd regulate down to the parts per million, controlling the parasitic acid to very low levels, and it would have powerful brushes to clean the fruit along with a pallet stacker. Not only would the new washer line open up an opportunity with a national brand, Almar is hoping to attract other organic growers, like pumpkins or peppers, in Michigan to use their washer line and ship those products to Once Upon a Farm. The farm has 24 months to use the funds and install the washer line and, if things go as planned, it will be fully operational by fall of 2025, Lapinski said. Almar uses diatomaceous earth, which is powder-like exoskeletons that are sprayed onto the apples. When insects try to bite into the skin of an apple, the exoskeletons cut up the insects esophagus when they try to swallow and kills them. It doesnt sound very humane, but all youre doing is basically spraying this fine powder and its safe for people, Lapinski said. Almar is known for its 100 acres of organic apples, but it also grow pears, which Once Upon a Farm would also be interested in, and pumpkins and squash in the fall season. The farm also known for its hard cider business -- JKs Farmerhouse Ciders -- which has also earned an organic certification. No baby food company has come close to doing what theyre doing, said Jim Koan, owner of Almar Orchards. This is whats exciting. Our food industry is going to be changing really fast because theyre pioneering a new concept that is common sense. BATTLE CREEK, MI Three apartments were damaged in a Saturday night fire thats believed to have started from an electrical shortage, Battle Creek firefighters said. No injuries were reported in the blaze. However, the American Red Cross was contacted to help those who could not stay in their apartments. Officials did not say how many people were displaced. A structure fire was first reported around 10:22 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at 111 West St. Fire crews arrived to find a light haze of smoke inside the hallway of an apartment building. Crews discovered the fire was coming from a vent fan in an apartment on the first floor. Firefighters pulled drywall from the ceiling to gain access and extinguish the fire. Fire did breach to the second floor and a sprinkler was activated, officials said. Once the fire was exposed, crews quickly gained fire control. Three apartments were damaged, and water had to be shut off to the building until maintenance could fix a broken sprinkler issue. The fire remains under investigation. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. CASS COUNTY, MI A 67-year-old woman was injured in a crash when she failed to stop for oncoming traffic and caused a collision, Cass County sheriffs deputies said. The crash happened shortly before 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, in Milton Township. Police said a 67-year-old Virginia woman was driving southbound across Redfield Street when she failed to check for oncoming traffic. From there, the woman crashed into another vehicle driven by a 22-year-old woman that was traveling westbound. The 67-year-old woman was transported to an area hospital for treatment. However, police did not release the extent of her injuries. Police said both drivers were wearing seatbelts, and alcohol and drugs were not factors in the crash. The crash remains under investigation. 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 -- A Saturday evening crash closed all lanes of northbound U.S. 31 in Muskegon. All lanes of northbound U.S. 31 were closed near Russel Road, exit 121, in Dalton Township around 7:20 p.m., due to a crash, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. Michigan State Police could not immediately provide more detailed information about the crash when reached shortly before 8 p.m. It was not immediately clear when the freeway would reopen. MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI One Michigan college was by far the most popular destination for Muskegon-area high school graduates who enrolled in higher education in 2023. Around 43% of all college-bound students in Muskegon Countys Class of 2023 went to Muskegon Community College, making it the No. 1 college destination for local students last year, according to recent state data. Other top picks included Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. The state has released its annual college destination data for each Michigan public high school. You can browse that data on the Michigan Department of Educations transparency dashboard, mischooldata.org. RELATED: See the most popular college destination for each Michigan public high school In Muskegon County, there were 1,708 public high school graduates last year, and 896 enrolled in higher education within six months of graduation, data shows. GVSU enrolled roughly 13% of all college-bound high schoolers in Muskegon County last year, followed by Ferris State at 7%. Below is a pie chart with the top eight college destinations for last years high school grads. (Cant see the chart? Click here.) In total, students from Muskegons Class of 2023 attended 79 different colleges last year, data shows. The top out-of-state college was Cedarville University in Ohio, enrolling four students last year. Muskegon Community College was the top college destination in almost every school district in Muskegon County except for Muskegon Heights, where Ferris State was No. 1. Below is a map showing the top college choice for each district in Muskegon County, as well as how many students were college-bound of the total high school graduates in 2023. (Cant see the map? Click here.) Here are the top five districts in Muskegon County with the most college-bound students compared to how many total graduates they had in the Class of 2023. 1. North Muskegon: 76% of the Class of 2023 went to college after graduation. There were 64 college-bound students out of 84 total graduates. 2. Mona Shores Public Schools: 65% of the Class of 2023 went to college after graduation. There were 182 college-bound students out of 276 total graduates. 3. Montague Area Public Schools: 56% of the Class of 2023 went to college after graduation. There were 67 college-bound students out of 119 total graduates. 4. Whitehall District Schools: 56% of the Class of 2023 went to college after graduation. There were 93 college-bound students out of 166 total graduates. 5. Ravenna Public Schools: 55% of the Class of 2023 went to college after graduation. There were 43 college-bound students out of 78 total graduates. Want to know how many students from each high school enrolled at each college? Below is a searchable database by high school that lists all the colleges its students went to. You can also search in the inverse, by college, to see how many students from across the county enrolled there, and from where. (Click here if you cant see the database.) More on MLive: Gun Lake Tribe gets $4M to add electric vehicles, install solar arrays Pilot in hot air balloon crash that killed Michigan man had ketamine in their system 21 Muskegon-area girls soccer players to watch for the 2024 season DETROIT The urgency level was at a season-high Sunday for the Detroit Red Wings. They needed to win this game desperately, like they need to win the next one badly. 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. 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I Accept Cairo, Egypt (PANA) - With the largest hospital in Gaza largely destroyed and out of action, access to healthcare has now become totally inadequate following six months of brutal fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants, said the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Saturday New York, US (PANA) - As the world on Sunday marks the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the UN Secretary-General called for a pledge from all to stand as one against all forms of hatred and discrimination Claremont Colleges student demonstrators from Pomona Divest Apartheid greet police officers with middle fingers, taunts, and jeers during Fridays protest at Pomona College. Nineteen of the protesters were arrested after occupying President Gabrielle Starrs office. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. A young woman lost her life whilst six others sustained injuries when the balcony of a dilapidated building at the intersection of Chinhoyi Street and Bank Street in Harares central business district (CBD) collapsed yesterday. The incident occurred shortly after rains fell in the capital. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and said law-enforcement agents were investigating the case. I can confirm that one person died when a building in the CBD collapsed, he said. Six other people were injured. Two are in critical condition and have since been rushed to the hospital. We will release a full statement tomorrow (today) after informing their next of kin. The buildings apparent lack of maintenance are suspected to have compromised its structural integrity. Mr Prosper Murengami, who sustained minor injuries while trying to help the victims, believes the rain weakened the already deteriorating structure. It just happened as everyone was sheltering from the rain, he said. Another witness who refused to be named said he watched in horror as the woman died. When the building collapsed, it trapped the woman who was walking alongside her companion, he said. Despite the desperate efforts by bystanders to rescue her, the woman succumbed to her injuries. The man who was in the company of the deceased woman when the building collapsed was among the injured. Sunday Mail. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News RESIDENTS of Pumula South suburb in Bulawayo are living in fear of five vicious dogs belonging to a local family which have terrorized the area by biting people. The residents are now pushing for the seizure of the five dogs which have reportedly turned the suburb into a zone of fear attacking people on several occasions. Some, if not most, houses in the suburb are not gated, which makes the residents vulnerable to potential harm. Talking to the owners is not helping and the dogs have attacked us on several occasions. We now spend most of the day in the house, while getting home late at night is now risky. There is a real possibility of being mauled to death, complained one of the residents. Another resident Fanyana Mutamba, said his father was bitten while trying to rescue him from the dogs. On Monday, around 9pm, I encountered three dogs while walking home from accompanying a friend. They seemed aggressive and ready to attack. One of them, a German Shepherd, charged towards me. I panicked and climbed a nearby precast wall to escape. Hearing the commotion, my father rushed outside. The dogs attacked him before I could warn him. It was horrific and he was left with a horrific scar on his leg and he bled profusely, said Mutamba. He said his father is receiving treatment at Mpilo Central Hospital. We have been forced to change the way we live and be on constant alert over these violent dogs which are frequently left out to roam by themselves aimlessly and scavenging for food, fumed another resident. Stanley Ndlovu, chairman of section C in Pumula South, said they urgently need a solution to deal with the vicious dogs. We demand that these dogs should be taken away from our area because they pose a serious threat to our wives and children. In fear of dog attacks, the community is now monitoring their children and barring them from leaving the house. These dogs are curtailing our freedom of movement in the area. We urge the dog owners eviction. This family arrived in December and is already causing chaos, disrupting the tranquillity we once enjoyed as a community, complained Ndlovu. He added that this incident is not the first, underlining the need for immediate action to address this recurring problem. Last year, the dogs attacked their caretaker, mauling him and stripping him naked. This raises serious concerns. If they can attack someone familiar to them, what will they do to residents who are strangers, queried Ndlovu. Residents said they have reported the matter to the police and Bulawayo City Council (BCC) but have not received any assistance. When reached for comment, the owners of the dogs declined to speak and dismissively told the reporter to rely solely on the communitys claims. BMetro. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News Constitutional Democracy Prevails: President ED Mnangagwa denies plans for third term President Mnangagwa says he does not have intentions to run for a third term, emphasising that there is no iota of evidence where the ruling party, Zanu-PF, has pushed for something that violates the supreme law of the land. Zimbabwe, he also said, was a constitutional democracy that abides by the dictates of the law. In an exclusive question-and-answer interview with Brick by Brick magazine editors Munyaradzi Huni and Baffour Ankomah, President Mnangagwa indicated that speculation that the Constitution would be amended for him to run for another term was misplaced. Well, I am very happy that Zimbabweans are very imaginative, he said. They can imagine about anything, which shows there is democracy in the country, you see. But we in Zanu-PF are very democratic and we obey the Constitution. There is not an iota of evidence where Zanu-PF or I, as President, has ever expressed the violation of our Constitution. But we allow people to dream properly or widely. They will still wake up and find things are working and the Constitution hasnt changed. In terms of the Constitution, extending presidential term limits would require amending Section 91 of the supreme law, which disqualifies a person for election as President or appointment as Vice-President if he or she has already held office as President for two terms, whether continuous or not, and for the purpose of this subsection three or more years service is deemed to be a full term. The Bill containing the amendment must be passed by a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate. However, Section 328 (7) does not allow an incumbent to extend the period he may hold office. It reads: Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, an amendment to a term-limit provision the effect of which is to extend the length of time that a person may hold or occupy any public office, does not apply in relation to any person who held or occupied that office, or an equivalent office, at any time before the amendment. In effect, amending Section 91 to extend presidential term limits will apply only to future Heads of State. Section 328 (7) can only be amended through a referendum, as set out under Section 328 (9) of the Constitution. The latest interview is the second time President Mnangagwa has publicly pronounced that he will not seek re-election. In an interview with ZTN Prime on the eve of last years harmonised elections, he said: I am going for my second term . . . this is my last term. I believe that my party in particular, Zanu-PF, embraces our vision that, first and foremost, the stability of our country depends on us; the modernisation and industrialisation of our country depends on ourselves. People from outside can only come and support our programme. In the interview with Brick by Brick, the President, however, said in cases where governments intend to amend constitutions, due process has to be followed. A constitution is supposed to be made by the people of the country, he added. Once you have come up with your own constitution, before you change it, you must comply with what it says. Constitutions, added President Mnangagwa, are changed if you are not happy with what the constitution is saying. The constitution doesnt make the country, he continued. Its the country which makes the constitution. As long as your constitution is serving you well, keep it. If its not serving you well, you sit down and amend the provisions that no longer serve the interests of the country. We must be constitutional democracies, like ours. Turning to Zimbabwes assumption of the Sadc chairmanship, the President said he will prioritise regional food security and peace during his tenure The broader Sadc agenda, he said, does not change with the assumption of office by a new chairperson. When we assume the chairmanship, I believe that, in my view, the most important item we must deal with is food security. We would want to see the co-ordination and cooperation that ensures that Sadc countries are food-secure. Sadc countries, he added, must share their experiences, technologies and models of agricultural production to guarantee regional food security. Secondly, the question of security. Some members of Sadc are facing insecurity in their respective jurisdictions. So, all Sadc members, we have said an attack on one is an attack on all of us. During our chairmanship of Sadc, we will do our best to support those member states that are facing insecurity and see how we can help. President Mnangagwa also said Zimbabwes bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council enjoys the support of both Sadc and the African Union. We felt that it is time that one country in our region, Sadc, should take that seat. We in Sadc have agreed that Zimbabwe should put its foot forward. Whether we succeed or not, life continues. We have the full support in Sadc and we have full support in the AU, he said. He also described the recent piecemeal relaxation of illegal sanctions imposed on the country by the United States as a non-event. These sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe are illegal, he said. That is the position also of the United Nations Security Council. Now, the (Joe) Biden administration proposed to remove some of them and leave some of them. We are saying no. In the first place, they are totally illegal. They must go in totality. We cannot feel that he is being benevolent by removing part of the illegality and leaving part of the illegality on us. The illegality must go in total. The President also called for dialogue in ending Israels ongoing military offensive in Gaza. Sunday News. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News Lambert here: Thanks, Obama! By Julie Appleby, Senior Correspondent at KFF Health News, reports on the health laws implementation, health care treatments and costs, trends in health insurance, and policy affecting hospitals and other medical providers. Originally published at KFF Health News. Some consumers covered by Affordable Care Act insurance plans are being switched from one plan to another without their express permission, potentially leaving them unable to see their doctors or fill prescriptions. Some face large IRS bills for back taxes. Unauthorized enrollment or plan-switching is emerging as a serious challenge for the ACA, also known as Obamacare. Brokers say the ease with which rogue agents can get into policyholder accounts in the 32 states served by the federal marketplace plays a major role in the problem, according to an investigation by KFF Health News. Indeed, armed with only a persons name, date of birth, and state, a licensed agent can access a policyholders coverage through the federal exchange or its direct enrollment platforms. Its harder to do through state ACA markets, because they often require additional information. Its rampant. Its horrible, said Ronnell Nolan, president of Health Agents for America, a nonprofit trade association representing independent insurance brokers. The growing outcry from agents who have had their clients switched by rivals which can steer monthly commissions to the new agent casts a shadow on what otherwise has been a record year for ACA enrollment. More than 21 million people signed up for 2024 coverage. Federal regulators are aware of the increase in unauthorized switching and say they have taken steps to combat it. Its unclear, though, if these efforts will be enough. On Feb. 26, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services sent a plan switch update to industry representatives acknowledging a large number of 2024 cases and outlining some of its technical efforts to resolve problems when complaints are lodged. CMS is committed to protecting consumers in the marketplace, said Jeff Wu, deputy director for policy for CMS Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight, in a written statement to KFF Health News. His office refused to provide details on how many complaints it has seen or the number of agents it has sanctioned but his statement said when action is taken, CMS reports it to state insurance departments, whose authority includes revoking licenses. Wu did not answer specific questions about whether two-factor authentication or other safeguards would be added to the federal website, though he wrote that CMS is actively considering further regulatory and technological solutions to some of these problems. In June, new rules kicked in that require brokers to get policyholders written or recorded verbal consent before making changes, although brokers said they are rarely asked for those documents. Finding Out the Hard Way Some unwitting enrollees, like Michael Debriae, a restaurant server who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, not only end up in plans they didnt choose but also bear a tax burden. That happens when enrollees are signed up for coverage that includes premium tax credits paid by the government to insurers, even though the enrollee is ineligible, either because their income was misstated by the broker making the switch, or they had job-based insurance, like Debriae. Unbeknownst to him, an agent in Florida with whom he had never spoken enrolled him in an ACA plan in March 2023. It was two months after he canceled his Obamacare coverage because he was able to get health insurance through his job. In June, he discovered he had a new ACA policy when his longtime pharmacy said it could not fill a 90-day prescription, which it had done with no problem in the past. Thats when I realized something horribly wrong had happened, said Debriae. Debriae got contact information for the Florida broker, but when he called, the office said the agent no longer worked there. He filed a complaint with the federal marketplace and canceled the plan. But he still owed the IRS part of the $2,445 in premium tax credits paid to the insurer from March until July on his behalf. To be sure, some switches could be legitimate, when enrollees choose a different broker or plan. And agents do have a vested interest in raising the issue. They lose out on commissions when their clients are switched by other agents. But brokers whose clients have been switched through unauthorized transactions say the real losers are consumers. People literally losing their plans is fraud, absolute fraud, not a squabble between agents, said Leslie Shields, an insurance broker in Fort Worth, Texas. Patients new plans might not include their doctors or might come with higher deductibles than their former coverage. Because the agent on the policy is generally switched, too, enrollees dont know whom to call for help. You have surgeries that cant happen, providers that cant be seen, or have been changed, said Shields. Its happened in the past, but now its literally the worst Ive seen. Ease of access to policyholders accounts on the federal marketplace is a double-edged sword, agents say: It aids enrollment, but also makes it easier to switch plans without consent. Those bad eggs now have access to all this private information about an individual, including household income, Social Security numbers, and dependents, said Joshua Brooker, a broker who follows the issue closely as chair of a marketplace committee for the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals, a trade group. Complaints gained momentum during the most recent open enrollment period, agents say. One worker in a government office that helps oversee operations of the federal exchange told KFF Health News of personally handling more than 1,200 complaints about unauthorized switches or enrollments in the past three months, averaging about 20 a day. About 30 co-workers are working on similar complaints. It can take multiple days to resolve the most urgent cases, and two to four weeks for those deemed less urgent, the worker said. Florida, Georgia, and Texas appear to be plan-switching hotbeds, agents say. Florida and Texas officials referred questions to federal regulators. Bryce Rawson, press secretary for the Georgia Department of Insurance, says the state saw no switching complaints last year and has about 30 so far in 2024, a small number but one it is taking seriously: Its still an active and ongoing investigation. By contrast, states that run their own marketplaces there are 18 and the District of Columbia that do have been more successful in thwarting such efforts because they require more information before a policy can be accessed, Brooker said. In Colorado, for example, customers create accounts on the states online market and can choose which brokers have access. Pennsylvania has a similar setup. California sends a one-time password to the consumer, who then gives it to the agent before any changes can be made. Adding such safeguards to healthcare.gov could slow the enrollment process. Federal regulators are trying to thread a needle between making sure people can get access to coverage and also providing enough of a barrier to capture anyone who is coming in and acting nefariously, said Brooker. How Does It Happen? Many people have no idea how they were targeted, agents say. Jonathan Kanfer, a West Palm Beach, Florida, agent, suspects names and lists of potential clients are being circulated to agents willing to bend the rules. He said his agency has lost 700 clients to switching. The agents doing the switching dont care about the people, Kanfer said, only the money, which can amount to a monthly commission of roughly $20 to $25 per enrollee. Two weeks ago, someone telemarketed me, gave me a number to call to get leads for Obamacare, said Kanfer, who turned down the offer. The person told him: You dont even have to speak with the people. Online or social media advertising is a way some outfits troll for prospects, who then end up on lists sold to brokers or are contacted directly by agents. Such lists are not illegal. The problem is the ads are often vague, and consumers responding may not realize the ads are about health insurance or might result in their policies being changed. Such ads promise free subsidies worth up to $6,400, often implying the money can help with groceries, rent, or gas. Some do mention zero-dollar health insurance. Yet agents say the ads are misleading because the subsidies are actually the premium tax credits many people who enroll in ACA plans are eligible for, based on their income. Theyre portraying it like its money going into your pocket, said Lauren Jenkins, who runs an insurance brokerage in Coweta, Oklahoma, and has seen about 50 switching cases in recent months. But the money goes to insurers to offset the price of the new plan which the consumer may not have wanted. Ambetter Health a division of Centene that offers ACA plans in more than two dozen states sent email alerts to brokers in September and November. One noted a jump in complaints stemming from misleading advertisements. Another warned of termination actions against bad actors and directed agents not to collect consumer information or consent via online forms or social media ads. In response to the switching, Ambetter also instituted a lock on policies starting at midnight on Dec. 31, meaning the agent on the policy by that deadline would remain on it for all of 2024, according to an email the insurer sent to brokers. Results are mixed. Adam Bercowicz, a licensed independent broker in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, said he and his staff worked New Years Eve, monitoring their client lists and watching as some were switched before their eyes. If I saw one of my clients was stolen from me at, lets say, 11:57 p.m., I put myself back on, said Bercowicz, who estimates hes had 300 to 400 policies overtaken by other agents not connected to his staff in recent months. And by 11:58 a minute later they were already switched back. Blinken says Ukraine will become a member of NATO Secretary of State Antony Blinken has just announced that Ukraine will become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Blinken made this statement on Thursday, April 4, to reporters while representatives of the military organization were gathered in Brussels, Belgium to mark the 75th anniversary of the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty that established the transatlantic alliance. (Related: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov describes Russia-Ukraine chaos as one part of wider conflict with the West.) "Ukraine will become a member of NATO," said Blinken. "Our purpose at the summit is to help build a bridge to that membership and to create a clear pathway for Ukraine moving forward." "We've done a lot of work on that over the last couple of days here in Brussels," he continued. "A lot more work to be done between now and the summit, but we will see, I think, in the summit, very strong support for Ukraine going forward in this relationship with NATO." Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba added that Kyiv's focus first and foremost is to get NATO to provide more aid to deal with the immediate situation on the battlefield. He claimed that relentless Russian airstrikes were destroying Ukraine's energy infrastructure, disrupting the economy and killing civilians. All the while, Kyiv's diplomats are working hard to urge "allies to provide new additional air defense systems, the best of which is the [American-made] Patriot." "Ukraine deserves to be a member of NATO and this should happen sooner rather than later," he added. 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. Before this statement, NATO allies agreed in its 2023 summit in Vilnius, Lithuania that Ukraine could eventually join NATO if it met certain conditions, the biggest of which is the conclusion of the conflict with Russia. Other conditions include the passage of genuine reforms to improve governance, rule of law, and political freedom. "We believe that NATO is in Ukraine's future," said White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby at the time, but noted that President Joe Biden believes Ukraine isn't ready for NATO membership until it passes these reforms. "We understand it's hard to work on some of those reforms when you are at war," said Kirby. Ukraine joining NATO means U.S. is going to war with Russia All 32 current member states of NATO are bound by the North Atlantic Treaty. One of the key provisions of this treaty is Article Five, which states that an armed attack against one NATO member is considered an attack against all members. "Article Five provides that if a NATO ally is the victim of an armed attack, each and every other member of the alliance will consider this act of violence as an armed attack against all members and will take the actions it deems necessary to assist the ally attacked," reads NATO's explanation of Article Five on its website. "Every participating country agreed that this form of solidarity was at the heart of the [North Atlantic Treaty], effectively making Article Five on collective defense a key component of the alliance." Critics have warned that making Ukraine a member of NATO while it is fighting Russia and while Russia occupies territories that Ukraine and the international community considers part of Ukraine effectively means that the United States and all other NATO member states would be going to war against Russia. Watch this video from "Canadian Prepper" Nate Polson as he discusses the claims that NATO troops have already been in Ukraine for weeks now. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Russia claims France is readying deployment of 2,000 troops to Ukraine. Putin condemns NATO's 1999 illegal bombing of Yugoslavia on 25th anniversary of attacks. Macron's suggestion of NATO deploying troops to Ukraine receives little support. NATO tells Ukraine to bolster troop numbers through accelerated conscription. Conflict between Russia and NATO could push the world closer to WORLD WAR III, Putin warns. Sources include: InfoWars.com France24.com TheHill.com 1 KyivPost.com TheHill.com 2 NATO.int Brighteon.com Dr. Bossche: Here comes the massive, massive tsunami of DEATH and destruction from Operation Warp Speed Things are only just getting started as far as the death toll from Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "vaccination," warned Dr. Geert Vanden Bossche in a recent interview on thepodcast. The world-renowned Belgian virologist who for years has been sounding the alarm about the dangers of COVID injections says a "massive, massive tsunami" of illness and death is soon on the way now that the shots have had time to do their damage to recipients' immune systems. Most of the reporting about COVID injection illnesses and deaths centers around cases in which recipients got sick or died shortly after getting jabbed. Bossche is speaking out now about those whose immune systems have had time over the past several years to systematically degrade, which in time will manifest in a very noticeable and widespread way. "What I am predicting is a massive, massive tsunami" of illness and death, were Bossche's exact and harrowing words about what he expects to arrive any day now. You will see what will happen, for example, in the next coming weeks ... as more and more cases of more serious 'long COVID.' They will start to replace the surge of the (turbo) cancers ... now we have a more chronic phase." (Related: Dr. Bossche still thinks that when all is said and done, upwards of 40 percent of the population in the most-vaccinated countries will die from the chemical injections.) The grand finale of Operation Warp Speed The cancers Bossche speaks about are those hyper-speed cases in which people are being diagnosed and then dying at warp speed, just like the name of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "vaccine" program the Trump regime launched called Operation Warp Speed. 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. Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) and other modes of destruction have been slowly working inside the bodies of those who participated in Operation Warp Speed, including those who claim to be "just fine" following their shots. "It will end with a hyper-acute phase, a huge, huge wave," is how Bossche describes what the finale to all this will look like. "I've been studying this now for four years. I know what I'm talking about." Speaking as humbly as possible, Bossche told the host that he is about the only person out there who truly understands the immunological implications of what has been unleashed by COVID injections. He warns that it will not be pretty, and that remaining humanity will have the huge task of rebuilding from the rubble. "The thing I want your audience to understand, what we will be facing in the hyper-acute Covid crisis that is imminent, is that we will have to build a completely new world," Bossche explained. "It is very, very clear that when this starts, our hospitals will collapse. And that means the chaos in all kinds of layers of society financial, economic, social, you name it will be complete. And that is what I'm very clearly predicting." Bossche added that he feels "very strange" saying such things out loud because of how crazy it all sounds, "but I'm not hiding it because I'm 200 percent convinced that it will happen." A phoenix rising from the ashes Up until the COVID "pandemic," just about every event involving crimes against humanity in the modern era has been relatively small or isolated in terms of being localized. COVID changed all that by unleashing a global extinction-level event, or ELE, that is still in the process of manifesting. The destruction that will come of all this once it reaches its end stages will be unfathomable for most, and will for sure, in Bossche's opinion, lead to the end of civilization as we currently know it to be. "And those who have committed these crimes who have been lying to the people, who have not been taking care of the health and safety of the people, will be severely, severely punished," he says about what will become of those who played a part in the "pandemic." "If these people would now go out and say, 'Yeah, wait a minute, we have been making some mistakes, it wasnt all right, we have to correct them, we have to revise our opinion,' these people will be stoned in the streets ... They can only hope that something will happen that will distract from this issue, but it won't." What Bossche envisions is a total collapse of just about everything. From that, a phoenix, of sorts, will rise from the ashes to replace the old world with a new one." "The truth will surface: this has been a large-scale experiment of gain-of-function on the very human population," he explained. "This will be something that will be reported in history for many, many generations to come." "What I can advise ... to all these vaccinated people: they need to avoid reinfection. It is the reinfection of vaccinated people that is responsible for this situation." The life-destroying effects of Operation Warp Speed have only just begun. Find out more at ChemicalViolence.com. Sources for this article include: Kunstler.com NaturalNews.com ELECTION INTERFERENCE: Daughter of judge in Trump case boasts Kamala Harris, Adam Schiff as corporate clients Conservative activist Laura Loomer has blown the lid on Judge Merchan, the New York State Supreme Court justice who just issued a gag order against President Trump. Loomer uncovered that Judge Merchan's daughter Loren boasts Vice President Kamala Harris as a client at her company, which just so happens to center around campaigns and elections. Loren Merchan is both a partner and president of Authentic Campaigns, as the company is called, boasting not just Harris as a client but also Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). On Loren Merchan's X account (@LorenM426), her profile picture shows an image of Trump behind bars in a jail cell. We also know from Federal Election Commission (FEC) reports that Loren Merchan is a frequent Act Blue donor to Democrat candidates. To say that there is a serious conflict of interest here would be an understatement. In essence, the daughter of the guy prosecuting Trump right now is a left-wing activist who works with the current vice president and one of America's leading anti-Trump Democrat politicians. (Related: Did you know that some Republican congressmen want the United States to drop atomic bombs both on Russia and Gaza?) Judge Merchan: Recuse yourself The story gets even juicier as Loomer also revealed that corrupt, Trump-hating New York State Attorney General Letitia James (@TishJames on X) is contributing money to Loren Merchan's Authentic Campaigns company. All throughout the trial against Trump, in fact, James has continued to make payments to Authentic Campaigns, with Loren's mother Lara having once worked directly under James. 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. The cesspool of political incest run deep, and thanks to Loomer's investigative work, it has been revealed that a large payment was made from the Democrat Attorneys General Association (DAGA) to Authentic Campaigns in October 2023 when Trump's trial was first brought before James. "Major conflict of interest," Loomer notes about the arrangement. Now, Loomer is calling on Judge Merchan to recuse himself since Michael Cohen is James' star witness. Judge Merchan is also overseeing Cohen as Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's star witness in the Trump case. Loomer has all of the receipts to prove her claims, which she posted to X for the world to see. "These relationships are quite incestuous," noted Dr. Vincent Sativa. "I'm not even talking about just this situation; I'm talking about all the scam investigations and witch hunts over the last 6+ years. It's the same group of players over and over again." Another noted that there were at least four payments made from DAGA to Authentic Campaigns in a single quarter, which collectively totaled $20,000. "Does this mean that in any NY courtroom, AG James can simply pay the Merchan Crime Family with family jobs to coerce the judgment she wants at trial?" asked another person on X. "When you add the $13 million in cash from Schiff to the 'family,' it sounds like a mob family operation." Another noted that it is quite clear at this point that Democrats "went judge shopping when they orchestrated all of these indictment hoaxes." "Has Trump had a single judge who didn't vote for Biden?" this person further asked. "Judge Merchan needs to recuse himself, and this indictment hoax against Trump needs to be dismissed. Enough with the lawfare." Others asked Tucker Carlson if he would dedicate an entire episode to these revelations, which were made public thanks to Loomer's hard work. "Kamala was also scheming with Fani Willis, and Joe Biden sent his DOJ into Bragg's office (they know he's too dumb to handle this fraudulent case)," wrote another. "These are RICO violations to railroad Trump, the true election interference." The latest news about Trump's re-run for president this fall can be found at Trump.news. Sources for this article include: Twitter.com NaturalNews.com Twitter.com Sixth time not the charm for Blinken as Israel vows to invade Rafah alone In his sixth visit to Israel since the start of the Gaza genocide, US State Secretary Anthony Blinken on 22 March again failed to convince Israeli leaders to reconsider their actions in the besieged enclave, in particular the long-anticipated ground invasion of Rafah (Article republished from TheCradle.co) I told [Blinken] that I deeply appreciate the fact that for more than five months, we have stood together in the war against Hamas But I also told him that we dont have a way to defeat Hamas without going into Rafah, and eliminating the remaining battalions there. And I told him that I hope that we will do it with Americas support, but if we need, we will do it alone, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters right after a war cabinet meeting attended by the senior US official. According to sources familiar with Friday's meeting who spoke with Axios, Blinken warned Netanyahu and his war cabinet that without a clear plan for the day after the genocide of Palestinians ends, Israel will be left with a major insurgency. "You need a coherent plan, or either you're going to be stuck in Gaza," Blinken said, according to the source. In response, Netanyahu reportedly told him: "We will have our hands full for decades." Earlier this week, the White House reported that US President Joe Biden told Netanyahu that the invasion of Rafah would be a mistake." In response, the Israeli premier doubled down on his plan, telling lawmakers that Tel Aviv is determined to lay siege to the tiny strip of land where 1.5 million Palestinians are sheltering. US media reported last week that Washington had set conditions to support the ground invasion of Rafah. In private conversations, top administration officials have signaled to Israel that they could support a plan more akin to counterterrorism operations than all-out war," POLITICO reported. During his visit to Tel Aviv, the US state secretary also met with opposition leader Benny Gantz, whom the White House hosted earlier this month in a move that enraged Netanyahu. Read more at: TheCradle.co Engine of Israeli drone that killed 7 aid workers, including 3 Brits, may have been designed and manufactured in England Arms experts and activists are raising questions regarding the drone utilized by the Israeli military when it killed seven aid workers, including three veterans of the British Armed Forces, in Gaza. These experts are specifically probing whether the drone was powered by an engine manufactured in the United Kingdom The seven World Central Kitchen aid workers had just finished delivering over 100 metric tons (110 tons) of food aid to Deir al-Balah in Central Gaza when their three-truck convoy was targeted with multiple missiles by an Israeli Hermes 450 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). (Related: VIDEO: Israeli government spokesman refuses to apologize for killing of food aid workers.) This incident sparked global condemnation and intensified calls, particularly within the U.K. and the United States, for an end to all arms sales to Israel. Arms monitors and aviation experts have also begun scrutinizing the possibility that the drone involved may have been equipped with an engine made by UAV Engines Limited, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems U.K., which is itself a subsidiary of the military and defense contractor of the same name in Israel. Neither UAV Engines nor Elbit Systems U.K. have responded to inquiries regarding this matter. The British government's Department for Business and Trade has also refused to comment on the possibility. "We continue to monitor the situation in Gaza," said a government spokesperson. "We welcome Israel's commitment to a full, urgent and transparent inquiry into [the World Central Kitchen] attack and we want to see that happen very quickly." 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. British tech suspected of being used in Israeli drones for over a decade The issue of whether British tech is actively being used by the Israeli Defense Forces in its drones to attack Palestinians has long puzzled arms trade campaigners. Allegations first came out in 2009, and since then questions have arisen regarding UAV Engines's culpability. "We cannot categorically confirm that we have physically checked that the engines have been incorporated," said Jane Carpenter, a senior official with the export control section of the company's business and enterprise department, in a statement back in 2009. "We only licensed them to Israel for onward export." Elbit has long denied that the engines manufactured in the U.K. are being used by the Israeli military. Instead, the company claims the engines manufactured in Britain are given to the British Armed Forces for its own drone program and sold to other international customers. But despite these denials, Sam Perlo-Freeman of the British civil society group Campaigns Against Arms Trade pointed out that "the evidence seems to stack up that it is a U.K. engine." "And, if it's not, then Elbit needs to clarify that," he added. "Definitely, it seems to be based on a U.K. design at the very least." Among the evidence, Perlo-Freeman noted that there are specialist websites and reports indicating that the Hermes 450 runs on a British-made engine. Olly Sprague, military, security and police program director at Amnesty International U.K., noted that the only way anybody will be able to confirm with certainty is if a Hermes 450 "falls out of the sky." "I've been waiting patiently for one of these things to fall out of the sky and for someone to pull the engine out and say, 'That's made in Britain,'" said Sprague. "Is there a connection to the U.K.? Yes, clearly because the engine system on it is of U.K. origin and design. Whether they were physically manufactured and exported from the U.K. and put in the drones is the question." Watch this video discussing how the IDF launched three drone missiles against the food aid vehicles. This video is from the TruNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: World turning on Israel after IDF war criminals triple-bomb aid workers feeding Palestinian civilians. Israel "systematically targeted" Gaza food aid workers, new evidence shows it wasn't an "accident!" World outraged as Israeli airstrike KILLS 7 multinational aid workers in Gaza. Israeli drone strikes kill 4 unarmed Palestinian youths in Gaza. Israel takes out deputy head of Hamas in drone attack on Beirut suburb, well inside Hezbollah territory. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net DailyMail.co.uk Brighteon.com Deadly Israeli strike on aid convoy in Gaza was no accident and the IDF likely knew EXACTLY who they were targeting Israel insists its recent deadly attack on a World Central Kitchen aid convoy in Gaza was nothing more than a tragic accident, but more evidence is emerging that they are not as innocent as they claim. The April 1 attack killed seven humanitarian aid workers as their vehicles left a warehouse in Gaza. They were providing food aid through the charity, helping to feed starving Gazans as Israel continues to carry out attacks there and cut them off from basic necessities. Disturbing images showed the vehicles completely blown apart by drone missiles. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to play it off as an accident, calling it a tragic case of our forces unintentionally hitting innocent people, this characterization immediately came under attack by the World Central Kitchen. The food charity said that they had been coordinating movements with the IDF, which means they knew exactly where they were. Moreover, their three-vehicle convoy was clearly marked and had the charitys logo on full display from the roof to ensure it could be identified by air. Another thing that points to multiple targeted strikes is the fact that each of the three vehicles were hit in succession quickly while moving at a significant distance apart from one another. A former British Army Major, Chris Lincoln-Jones, shared a similar assessment after reviewing images of the damaged vehicles. He said that the strikes were highly targeted and that the missiles the IDF used were absolutely, perfectly accurate. Moreover, the drone involved is the Elbit Hermes 450, which is considered one of the IDFs top surveillance, intelligence, reconnaissance and target acquisition vehicles. Boasting infrared and electro-optical cameras, it is capable of capturing high-definition images at all hours of the day and night, so it should have been quite easy for IDF operators to see the World Central Kitchens logo on the cars. 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. In fact, Lincoln-Jones believes that the IDF would probably even know the names of the people on board because it had been moving along a pre-approved route. World Central Kitchen officials believe aid workers were deliberately targeted Spanish chef Jose Andres, who founded the World Central Kitchen, and the charitys CEO, Erin Gore, have both been vocal about accusing the IDF of systematically and deliberately targeting them. Andres said: 'This was not just a bad luck situation where 'oops' we dropped the bomb in the wrong place. This was over 1.5km, 1.8km, with a very defined humanitarian convoy that had signs in the top, in the roof, a very colourful logo... It's very clear who we are and what we do. Gore added that Israeli authorities were fully aware of the route, itinerary and humanitarian mission of the convoy. IDF is trying to claim incident was a case of mistaken identity The IDF has since fired a pair of senior officers and reprimanded one of its top commanders following an investigation into the incident. They stated that those who approved the strike were convinced that they were targeting armed Hamas operatives, and characterized the attack as a grave mistake stemming from a serious failure due to a mistaken identification. They maintain that the IDF officers involved in the incident misidentified an object that was slung over the shoulders of a passenger in the convoy as a weapon; they now believe the object was a bag. When the convoy left the warehouse, an IDF commander mistakenly assumed that the gunmen were located inside the accompanying vehicles and that these were Hamas terrorists, according to a report. They also claim their drones were unable to see the charitys logo on the vehicles in the darkness of night. Perhaps most chillingly, they admitted that some of the workers who had been traveling in the first car of the convoy survived the strike on it and fled to the second convoy, but then died when it was targeted as well. Sources for this article include: DailyMail.co.uk CNN.com Top virologist warns of impending tsunami of illness and death among vaccinated population Dr. Geert Vanden Bossche, a world-renowned Belgian virologist, has warned that a massive wave of illness and death among the highly vaccinated population with compromised immune systems is imminent. (Article republished from YourNews.com) Dr. Geert Vanden Bossche, a world-renowned Belgian virologist, has warned that a massive wave of illness and death among the highly vaccinated population with compromised immune systems is imminent. During an appearance on the KunstlerCast podcast on Friday, Bossche issued a grave warning, stating that what I am predicting is a massive, massive tsunami of illness and death among highly-vaccinated populations with compromised immune systems. Bossche warned that hospitals will collapse, and financial, economic, and social chaos will ensue. He explained that the wave of illness and death will start with more cases of serious long Covid and then replace the surge of cancers, leading to a hyper-acute phase with a huge wave of illness and death. What I am predicting is a massive, massive tsunami of illness and death among highly-vaccinated populations with compromised immune systems, Bossche said. You will see what will happen, for example, in the next coming weeksis more and more cases of more serious long Covid They will start to replace the surge of the cancersnow we have a more chronic phase. It will end with a hyper-acute phase, a huge, huge wave Ive been studying this now for four years. I know what Im talking about. Im probably the only person, in all modesty, who understands the immunology behind this. The thing I want your audience to understand, what we will be facing in the hyper-acute Covid crisis that is imminent, is that we will have to build a completely new world It is very very clear that when this starts, our hospitals will collapse. And that means the chaos in all kinds of layers of society financial, economic, social, you name it will be complete. And that is what Im very clearly predicting Its very strange for me to make such statements, but Im not hiding it because Im two hundred percent convinced that it will happen, Bossche asserted that he has been studying this for four years and is probably the only person who understands the immunology behind it. He warned that the world will have to build a completely new world to face the imminent hyper-acute Covid crisis. You commit errors or even crimes at the very small scale, you can hide them. I have seen this happen with the Ebola vaccination with Africa a number of years ago. . . . However, if you do this at the very large scale, like what has happened with this mass [Covid] vaccination campaign, the truth will surface. And those who have committed these crimes who have been lying to the people, who have not been taking care of the health and safety of the people, will be severely, severely punished If these people would now go out and say, Yeah, wait a minute, we have been making some mistakes, it wasnt all right, we have to correct them, we have to revise our opinion, these people will be stoned in the streets They can only hope that something will happen that will distract from this issue, but it wont. The truth will surface: this has been a large-scale experiment of gain-of-function on the very human population. This will be something that will be reported in history for many many generations to come. What I can adviseto all these vaccinated people: they need to avoid reinfection. It is the reinfection of vaccinated people that is responsible for this situation Well, the only thing they can do its very simple is take anti-virals, of course. The only difference is, you will not be able to wait to take anti-virals until you have symptoms. As soon as people see that in one of the other countries, or one of the other states in the United States when this starts with hospitalizations going up very rapidly, they need to take anti-virals prophylactically, not wait until they have any symptoms. Im in Belgium, he added. Bossche also noted that those pushing for global Covid mRNA vaccinations will soon be exposed, and the gigantic global scale of the accelerating illnesses and deaths will be impossible to cover up. He warned that those who have committed crimes by lying to the people and not taking care of their health and safety will be severely punished. Bossche advised vaccinated individuals to avoid reinfection and take anti-virals prophylactically as soon as they see hospitalizations going up rapidly in one of the highly-vaccinated countries. He added that if it starts in the US, Israel, or the UK, within a few days, the same scenario will be seen in many of the highly-vaccinated countries. Podcast host James Kunstler speculated that Bossches predictions, if they come to pass, could serve as the globalists so-called Disease X scapegoat and upend not just the U.S. presidential race but other elections around the world. Read more at: YourNews.com Report: Unethical trans-human experiments at Wuhan Institute of Virology go beyond gene therapies and gain-of-function research Unethical trans-humanist experiments, including the creation of chimeras and interspecies hybrids, have been conducted at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), with the purported goal of achieving biological super-intelligence for population control and global dominance. (Article republished from YourNews.com) During the planning stages of COVID-19, several unethical experiments took place at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), but some of these transhumanist experiments have not received the attention they deserve. The bat harvesting, coronavirus gain-of-function research, and development of DNA surveillance testing programs and experimental gene therapies were just the beginning, according to Dr. Mathew Maavak. Dr. Maavak recently asked, If the COVID-19 vaccines were experimental gene therapies, what other genetic experimentation continue unhindered out there? Over the past decade, the WIV also developed chimeras or inter-species hybrids, which are created by injecting human embryonic stem cells into embryos from another species. The goal is to induce the growth of targeted human organs. According to Dr. Maavaks research, the type of research emanating from the WIV involves an ominous quest for further advances into transhumanism, the development of inter-species hybrids or chimeras, and the acquisition of biological super-intelligence for population control and global dominance. A major genome sequencing firm, BGI Shenzhen (BGI), is in the process of procuring and sequencing the DNA of Americans. BGI intends to become a bio-Google that will collate the worlds biological information and make it universally accessible and useful. BGI has worked with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation since 2012. Stephen Hsu, a scientific adviser to BGI, spoke about harvesting statistical power from an exceptional person which they refer to as someone with an IQ score of at least 160. These corporations view people as commodities and sources of data all the way down to the biological processes taking place inside them to the very genetics that they express. These genome sequencing firms are trying to identify and isolate the smartest genetic samples to optimize and transplant genetic material into future generations of people all in hopes of designing a superior species of human. Eugenicists currently argue for procreative beneficence and claim that it is humanitys duty to augment the genetic codes of future generations. They believe that failing to do so is a form of genetic neglect that is akin to child abuse. Laws are being crafted in China to eradicate lesser traits from the population pool, with genetic testing allowing the experts to recommend that certain babies be aborted. Chinas Maternal and Infant Health Care Law (1994) pre-selects certain fetuses for termination if they can be screened for hereditary diseases or deformities in the womb. It wont be long before babies are selected for termination if they are pre-diagnosed with an inadequate IQ. Mapping out the complex and unpredictable interplay between 100 trillion synaptic connections in the human brain may not take long with the help of AI. In China and abroad, genetic screening of babies in utero has led to the selection of more intelligent babies with the most desirable traits. If an undesirable trait is identified, the baby is recommended for termination (abortion). Read more at: YourNews.com At least 30 million people in the US are under threat of severe weather this weekend, from Texas to North Dakota, according to the latest forecasts. People should stay alert for stormy conditions, with critical fire dangers and strong winds. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns of critical fire concerns in the Southern High Plains on the weekend. The advisory shows that critical conditions are expected in portions of southeast Colorado into southwest Kansas, including the Oklahoma Panhandle. The forecast reveals that a combination of very strong winds and low relative humidity is possible, fueling extremely critical fire weather. Residents should keep updated on the significant threat of rapid wildfires. Weather Forecast in the Central US: Where Will Severe Weather Unload? Due to possible wildfires, people should stay alert for deadly or rapid fires by avoiding tossing lit cigarettes on the ground. In addition, vehicle engines can help spark fires, and it is best to avoid driving in bush or dry grass areas. The latest weather forecast shows that a wind gust can reach from 40 to 60 mph this weekend, with 80 mph possible in the Central Rockies. Homeowners should check for potential high wind warnings, including in portions of Denver, Texas, and Nebraska. Fire weather concerns are likely in portions of Dodge City, Amarillo, Wichita Falls, Lubbock, and Midland. The low relative humidity and strong gusty winds are ideal for potential wildfire concerns in the region. Homeowners should avoid using materials that cause sparks in dry areas. Also Read: Critical Fire Risk Forecast: Strong Wind Gusts, Warm Conditions to Hit Central, Southern High Plains This Weekend Severe Thunderstorms in the Southern Plains On the other hand, severe thunderstorms are likely in the Southern Plains next week, with a chance of rain and localized flooding, causing heavy rain and isolated tornadoes. People with outdoor plans for the upcoming solar eclipse can experience low visibility in the region due to the threat of severe storms. In Chicago, the weather advisory shows that rain showers can likely spread on the weekend, with cool and breezy southeast winds reaching up to 35 mph. Milder weather and favorable clouds are expected on Monday, which can impact the total eclipse on Tuesday. On Sunday, potential warmer weather is forecast this week in the following areas: Charleston Washington Virginia Beach Pittsburgh Buffalo Burlington Columbus Challenging weather conditions are also forecast in the mid-Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, impacting portions from Arkansas to Indiana. From a warmer outlook, residents should watch out for stormy conditions in the following areas: Des Moines St. Louis Little Rock Jackson Houston New Orleans Corpus Christi Chicago Next week, severe thunderstorms can likely threaten, causing hail, isolated tornadoes, localized damaging winds, and hail conditions. The severe weather threat can unload in Little Rock, Memphis, Monroe, and Paducah. Severe weather conditions can occur in Lubbock, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Little Rock, Jackson, San Antonio, and Houston. Related Article: Powerful Nor'easter Snowstorm Continues to Unload Heavy Snow, Causes Widespread Power For more similar, don't forget to follow Nature World News After welcoming first child, Robert Pattinson wants big family with Suki Waterhouse E nglish actor Robert Pattinson, who recently became a father, plans on having more children with Suki Waterhouse. The 37-year-old actor and his musician/actress girlfriend Suki, 32, recently welcomed their first child together and Robert is so smitten he is eager to add to their family as soon as possible, reports Female First UK. A source told DailyMail.com: Rob has taken to fatherhood the same way he has taken his film roles, with complete seriousness and joy. He didn't know what it would be like but it's just blowing his mind. And to see how Suki has adapted and changed this soon since the birth has warmed his heart in a way that is unexplainable. Rob wants more children, and once Suki has the same idea, he is keen to try for another as soon as she is ready. They are having a really fun time being parents and it feels like second nature to them, the source added. As per Female First UK, Suki confirmed the tot's birth by sharing a picture on Instagram of her cradling the baby. She captioned the image: Welcome to the world angel. Although Robert and Suki - who are reportedly engaged - have kept their relationship largely out of the public eye, Suki previously opened up about their romance. After welcoming first child, Robert Pattinson wants big family with Suki Waterhouse Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Musk challenges Brazil's court order to block X accounts, says 'lifting all restrictions' C hallenging Brazil's court order to block certain popular X accounts, tech billionaire Elon Musk has said that he will lift all the restrictions even if they have to close their office in the country. This move comes after X Corp has been forced by court decisions to block certain popular accounts in Brazil. "We do not know the reasons these blocking orders have been issued. We do not know which posts are alleged to violate the law," X wrote in a post. "We are prohibited from saying which court or judge issued the order, or on what grounds. We are prohibited from saying which accounts are impacted," it added. Responding to such restrictions put by the Brazilian court, Musk said, "Why are you doing this @alexandre (Alexandre de Moraes, Justice of Brazil's Federal Supreme Court)? Later, in another post, the tech billionaire said, "We are lifting all restrictions. This judge has applied massive fines, threatened to arrest our employees and cut off access to X in Brazil". "As a result, we will probably lose all revenue in Brazil and have to shut down our office there. But principles matter more than profit," he added. Meanwhile, X has activated the Community Notes feature -- a user-based fact-checking programme -- in India, as the country prepares for general elections. Musk-owned social media platform also welcomed new contributors in India for its community notes feature. Musk challenges Brazil's court order to block X accounts, says 'lifting all restrictions' Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Mahesh Shetty shares his secret of staying fit without going to gym A ctor Mahesh Shetty, who recently played Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan's wingman in the aerial action film Fighter, has shared his fitness secret on staying fit without going to the gym. On the occasion of World Health Day on Sunday, Mahesh shared his philosophy towards fitness which emphasises on simplicity, consistency, and embracing the natural flow of the body. Talking about his approach to staying fit, the actor said: "While the whole world believes in rushing to the gym and gulping down protein shakes and supplements, Im quite different and very old school and natural in my approach towards fitness. I believe in going for a nice long morning run in the open or doing calisthenics using my body weight. The actor further mentioned that he is very fond of sweets and doesnt mind indulging in them once in a blue moon, but he makes sure to compensate for it. Mahesh added: I love my sweets but I try to compensate for it by eating a lot of healthy veggies too. This process aint no shortcut and takes a lot of consistency but I believe its much more natural and healthy for us in the long run. Meanwhile, on the work front, the actor is gearing up with his upcoming series 'Kan Khajura', which is an adaptation of the Israeli show Magpie. The show also features Mohit Raina and Roshan Mathew. The actor is also working on the upcoming Marathi movie, Kolhapur Dairies' directed by Joe Rajan. Mahesh Shetty shares his secret of staying fit without going to gym Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Never Say Never Again: Woody Allen is still unsure about when he'll retire L egendary filmmaker Woody Allen is unsure about making his next film. The 88-year-old filmmaker has helmed his 50th feature film in the form of the French erotic thriller 'Coup de Chance'. However, he is unsure whether it will be his last project as he still has lots of ideas but finds trying to obtain financial support for his work tiresome, reports Female First UK. Woody told Airmail: "I'm on the fence. I don't want to have to go out to raise money. I find that a pain in the neck. But if someone shows up and calls in and says we want to back the film, then I would seriously consider it. I would probably not have the willpower to say no because I have so many ideas. As per Female First UK, the veteran director, whose career has spanned over six decades and includes films such as 'Annie Hall' and 'Hannah and Her Sisters', explained that the delay to the release of 'Coup de Chance' has left him disillusioned with the movie industry. He said that it doesn't matter to him whether it gets distributed in the US or not. He said: Once I make it, I don't follow it anymore. Distribution is no longer what it was. Now, the distribution is two weeks in a cinema. The whole business has changed, and not in an appealing way. All the romance of filmmaking is gone. Allen, who has insisted there is "no merit" to sexual abuse allegations made by his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow, also had a defiant answer when asked about being "cancelled" by society. He explained: "Someone asked me about cancel culture and I said If youre going to be cancelled, this is the culture that you want to be cancelled from. Because who wants to be part of this culture? Never Say Never Again: Woody Allen is still unsure about when he'll retire Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Alice B. McGinty (alicebmcginty.com) is the award-winning author of almost 50 books for children and runs a summer writing camp for teens, Words on Fire. She just celebrated the release of two books, The Girl Who Named Pluto: The Story of Venetia Burney (Schwartz and Wade Books) and Pancakes to Parathas: Breakfast Around the World (Little Bee Books). An archive of pet columns from the UI College of Veterinary Medicine is at vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns. Requests for reprints of this article may be directed to Chris Beuoy at beuoy@illinois.edu. Blog Archive: Oct 2024 (65) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (156) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55) The common painkiller acetaminophen was found to alter proteins in the heart tissue when used regularly at moderate doses, according to a new study conducted in mice. Researchers will present their work this week at the American Physiology Summit, the flagship annual meeting of the American Physiological Society (APS), in Long Beach, California. We found that regular use of acetaminophen at concentrations that are considered safe-;equivalent to 500 mg/day-;causes numerous signaling pathways inside the heart to be altered. These results prompt me to consider using acetaminophen at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration possible." Gabriela Rivera, study's first author Gabriela Rivera is a doctoral student working in the laboratory of Aldrin Gomes, PhD, at the University of California, Davis Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol and many other pain medications, is generally thought to carry a low risk of harmful side effects when used as directed. It is often recommended over non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen for people with high blood pressure or heart disease. In the past, studies examining the possible effects of acetaminophen on the heart have resulted in mixed findings. However, Rivera says that previous research has consistently suggested that using acetaminophen regularly at high doses is more likely to cause heart problems than using it only occasionally and at lower doses. Looking at the levels of various proteins in tissues is a common way scientists assess how well the body is carrying out its normal functions. Using mice, Rivera and colleagues in the Gomes lab studied how acetaminophen affects the balance of proteins in the heart. They gave some mice plain water, while others were given water containing an amount of acetaminophen equivalent to 500 mg (the amount contained in one tablet of extra-strength Tylenol) per day in an adult human. After seven days, the mice given acetaminophen showed significant changes in the levels of proteins associated with biochemical pathways involved in a range of functions, such as energy production, antioxidant usage and the breakdown of damaged proteins. "We expected two to three pathways to be altered, but we found over 20 different signaling pathways being affected," Rivera said. The results suggest that long-term medium- to high-dose acetaminophen use could cause heart issues as a result of oxidative stress or the buildup of toxins that are produced as acetaminophen breaks down, Rivera said. While our bodies can usually clear such toxins before they cause damage, it may be harder for the body to keep up when medium- to high- doses are taken consistently over time. One caveat is that the research was done in mice and cannot necessarily be extrapolated to humans, Rivera noted. Researchers suggested aiming to limit acetaminophen use to a few days at a stretch and discussing any concerns regarding high-dose acetaminophen use with a person's health care provider. Microvascular function is lower is Black men following a recent diagnosis of prostate cancer, compared to white men, according to researchers at the Medical College of Georgia. Researchers will present their work this week at the American Physiology Summit, the flagship annual meeting of the American Physiological Society (APS), in Long Beach, California. It is widely documented that racial disparities exist in prostate cancer outcomes. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively assess vascular health in Black and white men who were within three months of prostate cancer diagnosis. In this case, researchers examined 28 men who were newly diagnosed with prostate cancer (10 white and 18 Black). They evaluated vascular health by measuring large blood vessel function (brachial artery dilation), small blood vessel function (microvascular blood flow) and arterial stiffness. The researchers determined the Black men had significantly lower microvascular function compared with their white counterparts. Impaired microvascular function often is an early sign of heart disease risk. The Black men in this study were four years younger than the white participants. The age difference suggests that microvascular dysfunction might also accelerate vascular aging and contribute to racial disparity in cardiovascular disease following a prostate cancer diagnosis. Researchers hope these findings lead to new treatments to help eliminate the racial disparity and improve prostate cancer outcomes between Black and white men. On Saturday, Wipro, a prominent Indian IT company, disclosed the departure of Thierry Delaporte from the role of CEO. Srinivas Pallia has been appointed as the new chief executive officer, with immediate effect. Wipro said the appointment of Pallia (a Wipro veteran) as the CEO and MD, is effective immediately and that he will be based in New Jersey and report to chairman Rishad Premji. The announcement precedes Wipros scheduled release of its Q4 and full-year earnings for 2023-24 on April 19, just days away. Wipro has been lagging behind its competitors in performance, marked by subdued reports and weak guidance. The company has also witnessed a series of senior-level departures, including CFO Jatin Dalal and chief growth officer Stephanie Trautman last year. He (Pallia) succeeds Thierry Delaporte, who, after spearheading a significant transformation at Wipro for the last four years, is stepping down to pursue passions outside the workplace, said the company which has 240,000 employees and business partners across 65 countries. Who Is Srinivas Pallia? Srinivas or Srini Pallia joined Wipro in 1992 and has held many leadership positions, including President of Wipros Consumer Business Unit and Global head of Business Application Services. Pallia is a member of the Wipro Executive Board. Pallia has been with Wipro for over three decades and most recently served as the CEO for Americas 1 region, which is Wipros biggest and fastest growing strategic market. In this role, he oversaw diverse industry sectors, established their vision, and implemented growth strategies, resulting in increased market shares within these sectors, according to the company. Pallia holds a bachelors degree in engineering, and a masters in management studies from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He graduated from Harvard Business Schools Leading Global Businesses executive program, and the Advanced Leadership Program at McGill Executive Institute. According to a Wipro release, Pallia brings to the CEO role extensive institutional and industry knowledge, as well as a strong track record of leadership through some of the most significant technological shifts the industry has seen. Srini is an ideal leader to lead Wipro at this pivotal moment for our company and industry. Over the past four years, Wipro has undergone a major transformation under the most challenging external conditions. Srini has been an integral part of this journey, Rishad Premji, chairman of Wipro said. Premji said Pallias client-centric approach, growth mindset, strong execution focus, and his commitment to Wipros values, make him the perfect fit as the company enters the next chapter of growth and profitability. Id like to express my gratitude to Thierry for his leadership at Wipro. The changes he implemented have better positioned us for the future. We have optimised our structure, enhanced our leadership, prioritised partnerships, and improved our overall efficiency. This provides a strong foundation for Srini to effectively build upon, Premji said. Commenting on his appointment, Pallia described Wipro as one of those rare companies that combine profit with purpose, and said he is truly honoured to have been chosen to lead this iconic institution. I am excited to build on the strong foundation established by Thierry and lead Wipro on its next growth trajectory. I have built my entire career at Wipro, and I have a deep appreciation of our 78-year history and our incredible team of more than 240,000 associates, Pallia said. He said Wipro has the right strategy, and tremendous people and capabilities throughout the organisation, and added he is excited about the opportunities for future growth. More details from filing In a BSE filing on Saturday, Wipro said its Board noted the resignation of Delaporte with effect from April 6, 2024, and went on to add that he will be relieved from the employment of the company with effect from the close of business hours on May 31, 2024. At their meeting held on April 6, 2024pursuant to the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Srinivas Pallia as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the company with effect from April 7, 2024, for a period of five years, subject to the approval of shareholders and the Central Government as may be applicable, Wipro informed in the filing. Before taking over the reins of Wipro as its CEO in July 2020, Delaporte worked with Capgemini. Delaportes annual salary of over Rs 80 crore at Wipro had made headlines last year. The USD 11.2 billion global information technology, consulting and business process services company competes in the global outsourcing market with Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, HCL Technologies, Cognizant and other international and domestic IT players. Wipro had posted a nearly 12 per cent decline in consolidated net profit at Rs 2,694.2 crore in the third quarter ended December 2023. Rival Infosys posted a 7.3 per cent decline in net profit, while Tata Consultancy Services and HCL reported an 8.2 per cent and 6.2 per cent increase in consolidated profit in the December 2023 quarter. (With Agency Inputs) Government jobs offer promising career paths. Here are some top positions from various organizations you can apply for this week to embark on a rewarding government career: AAI JE Recruitment For 490 Junior Executive Posts: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is accepting online applications for the positions of Junior Executive in several branches around India. Candidates applying for the positions should visit the Airports Authority of Indias official website at aai.aero. According to the official notice, the application process is now underway, with the deadline for applications being May 1, 2024. Under this recruitment campaign, the AAI hopes to fill a total of 490 Junior Executive positions in the department at various pay levels. Candidates who are selected can expect a pay scale ranging between Rs 40,000- 1,40,000read more Bank Of India Recruitment For 143 Vacancies: The Bank of India (BOI) has advertised 143 openings for various officer positions on its website. This recruitment drive seeks to fill vacant officer posts in various streams up to Scale IV. Candidates can register for the BOI Recruitment 2024 online exam by visiting the banks website at bankofindia.co.in. While the deadline for online applications has been set for April 10, no dates for the exam or interview have been announcedread more ALSO READ | UPSC GK Capsule: From Taiwan Earthquake to Lok Sabha Polls; Top Events Of The Week TN TRB Assistant Professor Recruitment For 4,000 Posts: The Tamil Nadu Teachers Recruitment Board (TN TRB) has opened the application window for individuals to register for the Tamil Nadu Collegiate Educational Services assistant professor recruitment. Candidates can apply for TN TRB recruitment 2024 by visiting the official website attrb.tn.gov.in. The registration process ends on April 29 at 5 pm. The TN TRB is conducting a recruitment campaign to fill 4,000 assistant professor positions in Government Arts and Science Colleges and Government Colleges of Education. The exam is likely to take place on August 4read more BPSC Recruitment For Over 46,000 Vacancies: The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has extended the registration date for more than 46,000 headmaster and head teacher positions. The deadline to apply was previously set for April 2, but it has now been extended until Thursday, April 11. Candidates who have yet to apply may do so through the commissions main website which is bpsc.bih.nic.in. Candidates will be chosen based on a written test carrying 150 marksread more Odisha SSC CGL Recruitment For 586 Vacancies The Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) recruitment process has commenced for various Group B and Group C posts. Interested and eligible candidates may apply at ossc.gov.in by May 2. The preliminary examinations are tentatively slated to take place between July and Septemberread more From UPSC Civil Services to SSC recruitment exams, from college admissions to group discussions, general knowledge questions mark a significant part of almost every exam. For candidates preparing to crack an exam or those who need to get their news in a compact form, News18 offers a weekly column GK Capsule. While we provide you a weekly news wrap, to get more information on a specific topic or an exam, reach out at @news18dotcom. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will hold the Civil Services Prelims test across the country on June 16, 2024. The UPSC CSE 2024 test will fill around 1,056 openings in various services. To pass the exam or any other competitive exam, candidates must have a fundamental idea of general knowledge and current events. Passing such significant exams will be challenging if you do not prepare adequately. Weve created a list of this weeks top news articles to help candidates prepare for forthcoming recruitment exams. Vistara Pilots Cite Exhaustion Issues Vistara pilots have expressed concern about weariness caused by operating at the edge of their maximum flying hours. Their remark came just hours after the airline stated that it aimed to resume normal flying operations this weekend. Vistara has experienced an upsurge in flight cancellations due to a pilot shortage. The airlines pilots have been calling in sick to protest the amended contracts that followed Vistaras merger with Tatas Air India. On April 3, the airline cancelled up to 26 flights due to staff unavailability. Taiwan Earthquake On April 3, a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake rocked eastern Taiwan and killed nine people. The earthquake, the largest to strike the self-ruled island in 25 years, injured over 1000 people and triggered tsunami warnings for the self-ruled island as well as sections of southern Japan and the Philippines. The earthquake struck before 8:00 am local time, with the epicentre 18 kilometres (11 miles) south of Taiwans Hualien City and a depth of 34.8 kilometres, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). EC Reviews Law and Order for Lok Sabha Polls The Election Commission (EC) recently urged the chief secretaries and directors general of police of all states, as well as the heads of national agencies, to ensure peaceful and inducement-free Lok Sabha elections and to take preventive measures to resolve communal tensions based on previous experiences. The recent violence and turbulence in Manipur, as well as the implications for the conduct of a peaceful election, were also discussed, with the EC recommending prompt action to assist internally displaced persons and secure their participation in the electoral process, according to the poll panel. Coal to Remain the Backbone of Indias Energy System According to a new energy transition assessment issued by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Ahmedabad, coal is expected to remain the backbone of Indias energy system for the next two decades. However, it noted that non-fossil energy, such as renewables and nuclear, must gradually replace fossil fuels. The report, which was approved by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) for the government in November 2021 as part of a study project, addresses key questions about Indias energy trajectory, such as how much energy India requires to achieve the high value of the Human Development Index (HDI), pathways to achieve it, and energy mix projections until 2070. Heatwaves In India The searing heat has begun to make an appearance, with the MeT expecting an unusually high number of extreme heatwaves across most of India during the coming three months. This means that the public is more vulnerable to excessive heat as a result of the increased outdoor activities during the Lok Sabha elections. All states and union territories have issued advisories, as the mercury has already risen above 38 in certain cities and is expected to reach 40 shortly. According to the IMD projection, the western states and sections of the southern peninsula will be affected the hardest this summer due to high heat and humidity. With no farmans or diktats in the absence of Mukhtar Ansari and Atiq Ahmed, Ghazipur and Prayagraj the two Bahubali-dominated Lok Sabha constituencies in eastern Uttar Pradesh are set for, what UP Police officials call the first uninfluenced" poll in 40 years. The state will vote across seven phases, starting April 19. Old-timers and political pundits from the two districts recall how mafia-turned-politicians Ansari, who died on March 28, 2024, and Ahmed, who was killed along with his brother in Prayagraj on April 15, 2023, used to play an active role in deciding the fate of the candidates in fray. GHAZIPUR: THE ANSARIS BASTION June 1, the day the Ghazipur Lok Sabha constituency goes to polls in the seventh phase, will be the beginning of a new era for the constituency, the home town of Ansari, after three decades. ALSO READ | How Mukhtar Ansari, Grandson of Freedom Fighters Linked to Cong, Jamia, Bose & Ansari Road, Turned to Crime Ansari wielded significant influence in Mau and Ghazipur districts for decades. Despite spending 18 years in jail, his sway over the Muslim community earned him electoral support from various political parties. The Mau Sadar assembly constituency remained a stronghold for Ansari and his family from 1996 to 2022. He won five consecutive terms (1996, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017) from the seat, while his son, Abbas, currently in jail in a money laundering case, continued the legacy by winning the seat in 2022, showing their grip on the region. Ansaris brother Afzal represented the Mohammadabad assembly seat for five terms, before winning the Lok Sabha elections from Ghazipur in 2004 and 2019, defeating Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Manoj Sinha, the current Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. His other brother Sibgatullah also secured two assembly terms from Mohammadabad. Sibgatullahs son, Suhaib Ansari, continued the family legacy, winning the Mohammadabad seat in 2022 under the Samajwadi Party (SP) banner. ANSARI & POLITICAL PARTIES Ansari, whose gang was active in Ghazipur, Mau, Azamgarh, Varanasi, Mirzapur and Jaunpur districts, joined the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in 1995. He contested the 1996 Lok Sabha election on a BSP ticket from Ghosi against veteran Congress leader Kalpnath Rai. Although he lost the Lok Sabha election, the BSP fielded him from Mau in the 1996 assembly election and he won from prison. Ansari contested the 2002 legislative assembly election as an independent candidate from Mau, securing victory and retaining the seat independently in 2007. In 2009, Ansari and Afzal rejoined the BSP before the Lok Sabha election, with Ansari contesting from Varanasi against BJPs Murli Manohar Joshi, emerging as the runner-up. In 2010, Mayawati expelled them from the BSP. Subsequently, Ansari formed the Quami Ekta Dal (QED), winning Mau and Mohammadabad seats in 2012. Despite a merger with the SP in 2016, annulled by Akhilesh Yadav, the QED aligned with the BSP in 2017. Mayawati fielded Ansari from Mau and Sibgatullah from Mohammadabad, with Ansari clinching victory from jail, highlighting the complex and enduring dynamics of Uttar Pradesh politics. In the 2024 Lok Sabha Polls, the SP has fielded Afzal, however, the BJP and BSP are yet to announce their candidates from the Ghazipur Lok Sabha constituency. PRAYAGRAJ, ATIQS WAR ROOM & POLITICAL RIVALRY Painted in yellow, a grand, partially demolished mansion stands along the main road in Chakiya, the locality Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Azeem alias Ashraf hailed from. Not very far are the office of the mafia brothers who were killed by three assailants in police custody in Prayagraj and the rubble of what used to the house of Ahmed. Until 2019, the two places used to be abuzz with activities during the political season. Long queues of SUVs of politicians outside Atiq bhaiyas karyalaya (office) used to be a common sight. Those who were a little close to him used to visit the house," said Pankaj Chaurasia, a pan seller in Chakiya. In 2018, his eldest son Umar was canvassing for his father, who was contesting the Phulpur Lok Sabha bypolls. The office was used as a war room by Atiq and his sons," Chaurasia recollected. Some locals said that other than the party candidates, political bigwigs, too, used to visit his office to gain patronage. Ahmed used to issue diktats during polls and influence voters in several constituencies. Some locals said that they used to cast votes only after the farmaan from sansad jis (as the locals called Ahmed) karyalaya. Brij Lal, a retired IPS officer and a former Director General of Police (DGP), UP, said Ahmed had great political aspirations. And he didnt want anyone to play spoilsport. If anyone came in his way, he would go to any extent to settle a score. There are many examples of his political rivalry," said Lal. The former DGP also cited several incidents of his political rivalry, which instilled fear not only in Prayagraj, but also the neighboring constituencies. Ahmed led a massive gang war against his mentor, Shauq Ilahi aka Chand Baba, on November 6, 1989, killing Baba. Ahmed then became the MLA for the first time. He won the seat twice, in 1991 and 1993, as an independent, before joining the SP. In 1996, Ahmed again won the seat on an SP ticket," the ex-cop said. In 2002, a fatal attack was planned against then BSP candidate Javed Iqbal, in which Ahmeds gunner was killed in Kareli. After the incident, Iqbal withdrew his nomination from the 2002 state assembly elections and later even withdrew the First Information Report (FIR) against Ahmed," he added. To retain the Allahabad West assembly seat, Ahmed fielded his younger brother, Khalid Azeem aka Ashraf, in the bypolls in November 2004. However, Ahmed suffered a setback, when his henchman and history-sheeter Raju Pal won the seat on a BSP ticket. Ahmed saw this as a challenge to his authority in the region. In January 2005, Ahmed and his men killed Pal in full public view in Prayagraj. The same year, Ashraf won the bypolls. BSP MLA Raju Pal was murdered while returning to his Dhumanganj home from the SRN Hospital. His convoy was attacked, as it reached Sulemsarai on GT Road. A dozen armed assailants rained bullets on Pal and his men. The prolonged firing created panic in the area. Pal died of multiple gunshot wounds," said Lal. ALSO READ | Once Upon A Time in UP: The Rise & Fall of Atiq Ahmed, Chand Baba & Gangster Raj Over 50 Years Ahmed and Ashraf were arrested for the conspiracy, but were released on bail when the SP came to power in the state. Ahmeds political career waned after 2007, when he was expelled from the SP for protecting those alleged to be involved in the rape of madrassa students. Later, he contested polls from many places, but did not win. He contested 11 elections, of which he won six. In 1989, Ahmed was first elected as the MLA from Allahabad West assembly seat as an independent. He won five consecutive terms between 1989 and 2004 from the seat. In 2004, he won the Phulpur Lok Sabha seat on an SP ticket and served as an MP till 2009. With Ahmed and Ashraf now dead, his wife on the run and their eldest sons in jail, the political future of his family is in doubt. However, locals from Allahabad West constituency believe that there are chances that some candidates may use his name to get sympathy votes. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaiks close aide and BJD leader V K Pandian on Sunday claimed that the party will win three-fourth of the seats in elections to the 147-member assembly in the state. Addressing the state-level convention of Biju Sramik Samukhya, an arm of the BJD, here, the bureaucrat-turned-politician said he was optimistic that the party would return to power for the sixth consecutive term by winning 75 per cent of the assembly segments. The BJD will win with a record margin in the assembly elections. We will win three-fourth of the assembly seats. The party under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will also improve its tally in the Lok Sabha elections. The Lok Sabha and the assembly elections in Odisha will be held simultaneously. The BJD, in the 2019 general elections, had won 12 of the 21 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha, while the opposition BJP secured eight and the Congress got one. The ruling party had won 113 of the 147 assembly seats five years ago. Pandian appealed to the people to vote for conch, the symbol of the BJD. The chief minister is the BJD representative in all the 147 assembly segments and the 21 Lok Sabha constituencies in Odisha, he said. Noting that labourers play a major role in building a strong and new Odisha, he said the chief minister has been according top priority to their welfare. He said Patnaiks father and legendary politician Biju Patnaik had raised the daily wage of labourers from Rs 11 to 25 at one go. The chief minister has also increased daily wage by a record Rs 100 from Rs 350 to Rs 450, despite opposition from several quarters, Pandian said. He also spoke on different development projects of the state government including steps taken for the economic uplift of workers. Odisha will go to polls in four phases between May 13 and June 1. Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari on Sunday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was pressuring some of the candidates in the Khajuraho Lok Sabha seat to withdraw from the poll fray. The BJP, however, termed the allegations as baseless and said such claims were a cover-up for the internal conspiracies of the opposition INDIA bloc. The Congress has given the Khajuraho Lok Sabha seat to the Samajwadi Party (SP) as part of the seat-sharing agreement among the INDIA alliance constituents. The nomination form of SP candidate Meera Yadav, however, was rejected by the Returning Officer on Friday as she had failed to sign at one place and also submitted an old voters list copy. After the scrutiny, 14 candidates are in the fray in this seat, including sitting MP and BJP state president VD Sharma. Talking to reporters on Sunday, Patwari claimed the All India Forward Bloc candidate RB Prajapati, a former government officer, met him and said he is being pressured through different tactics to withdraw his nomination. Prajapati has made a complaint in this regard to the Election Commission, Patwari said. The Congress leader said the BJP is using tactics, which are generally heard of in panchayat elections, in the biggest election of the country. The district collector (returning officer) is acting like a BJP worker and invalidated the form of SP candidate and the issue will be fought legallybut the remaining candidates are being pressured. I got the information that some of them were abducted, some were forced to go underground, nobody can come to the public domain, Patwari claimed. Does the (state) BJP president want to contest the election in Bihari style, I beg your pardon, like filmi style that (the candidates) are abducted, being purchase with money, threatened, tormented through the administration, or anyhow getting forms of all candidates cancelled and get elected (unopposed)? he said. Patwari also asked if Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted this type of country. The Congress leader demanded that the Election Commission of India provide security to the candidates. Asked about the allegations, state BJP secretary Rajneesh Agrawal said. Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modis schedule for the Lok Sabha elections on Sunday consists of three states Bihar, Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. Starting off with Bihar, the prime minister addressed public rally in Nawada, which is one of the four constituencies going to polls in the first phase. This was PM Modis second rally after his address to the huge crowd in Jamui district on Thursday. Once again, a massive wave of BJP-NDA is being seen in Bihar. Today at around 11 am, I will have the opportunity to meet my family members who are excited about voting in the public meeting in Nawada, PM Modi had said in an X post earlier in the day. - 11 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 7, 2024 Following the PMs rally, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar also held a roadshow in Nawada. PM MODI IN BIHAR Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the offset of his address at the Nawada rally, reinforced the message of Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkaar. He said that Nawada has always blessed the BJP and NDA (National Democratic Alliance). Modi is on a mission to eradicate poverty from the country. I have also come here after living through poverty just like you, the prime minister said. He emphasised that he will not rest until every brother and sister of the country is free of poverty. He pressed on the importance of working together to make India developed, saying that we cannot miss this opportunity. He said that our nation is praised on a global level, not because of Modi, but because of the vote you all have given. The prime minister hailed chief minister Nitish Kumar and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi for rectifying the jungle raj situation of Bihar. Taking a swipe at the opposition INDI Alliance, PM Modi said that a big leader from their bloc has been saying there should be a ban on Modis guaranteeit is illegal. He said that his guarantee of abrogating Article 370 was fulfilled and on this, INDIA bloc should reply on why it didnt allow the constitution to be applied in Jammu and Kashmir He responded to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges jibe of what relevance Article 370 holds in Rajasthan and said, I was ashamed upon hearing this, Kashmir is ours. Congress should understand that to protect this Kashmir, youth of Bihar and Rajasthan has given their supreme sacrifice for Kashmir PM MODI IN BENGAL Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public rally in West Bengals Jalpaiguri on Sunday/ This was his first visit after the region was hit by a heavy storm. PM Modi, before beginning his speech at the gathering prayed for the well-being of those who lost their houses or were injured due to the storm that hit North Bengal days back. While speaking at the meeting he said, Today entire Bengal wants only one thing, Phir Ekbar Modi Sarkaar. He further said that Jalpaiguri district has decided that they will make BJPs Jayanta Kumar Roy win by a record margin. He further said TMC wants that their workers should get full licence for terror , thats why when Central agencies come they attack them. TMCs syndicate Raj is going on here, he added. He also questioned the public, Dont you think Sandeshkhali culprit should get strong punishment? The Prime Minister also said, I tell them (Congress, TMC, Left) bhrashtachar hatao, they say bhrashtachar bachao! PM MODI IN MADHYA PRADESH Prime Minister Narendra Modi will kickstart Bharatiya Janata Partys election campaign in Madhya Pradesh. He will lead a roadshow in the Jabalpur constituency. The roadshow along the 1.2 km-route will begin from Shaheed Bhagat Singh crossing and conclude at Adi Shankaracharya crossing in Jabalpurs Gorakhpur, BJP city president Prabhat Sahu told news agency PTI. This will be PM Modis first visit to Madhya Pradesh after the imposition of model code of conduct (MCC) on March 16. Another party leader noted that tribal troupes will perform traditional dances during the roadshow. Additionally, special arrangements have been made to shower flowers upon the prime minister when his roadshow passes the Gorakhpur market area. EARLIER ON SATURDAY On Saturday, PM Modi held a roadshow in Uttar Pradeshs Ghaziabad while extending his support to BJP candidate Atul Garg. He was also joined by the chief minister Yogi Adityanath. He also addressed a public rally in Rajasthans Ajmer where he said that in his next term he will take more action against corruption. Taking a dig at the Congress party, PM Modi said, I say remove corruption they (Congress) say save the corrupt..they are not doing rallies for elections but doing rallies to save the corrupt. Earlier in the day as well, he had taken a swipe at the grand old party and said that its manifesto bears Muslim League imprint and that part of it is dominated by leftists. He further attacked Congress poll documents and called it a jhooth ka pulinda (bundle of lies). Polling for the Lok Sabha elections will be conducted in seven phases, the first of which is on April 19. Voting will also be held on April 26, May 7, 13, 20, 25, and June 1. The counting of votes for all 543 Lok Sabha seats will take place on June 4. (With PTI inputs) As the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections gathers momentum, Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray, the leaders of two prominent regional parties in Maharashtra, are fighting a battle for political survival. The polls are also an acid test for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy and NCP chief Ajit Pawar as they have cast their lots with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by splitting their respective parties. But the challenge is tougher for Thackeray and Sharad Pawar as they are out of power and have lost control of their parties Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), respectively along with the original name and electoral symbol. The Election Commission and the Maharashtra assembly speaker have recognised the Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Shinde-led Sena as the real NCP and the real Shiv Sena. Senior journalist and political analyst Prakash Akolkar told. A day after the Congress party released its Panch Nayay manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday alleged that the party created the manifesto for Pakistan and not India. Claiming that the Congress manifesto was focused on dividing the society based on communities, Sarma while speaking at an election rally in Jorhat constituency, said, This is politics of appeasement and we condemn it. The manifesto feels like it is not for elections in Bharat but for Pakistan. The BJP leader also said that despite Congresss attempt to create a divide between communities, no Hindu or Muslim wants triple talaq to be back. Sarma maintained that no person in the country, either Hindu or Muslim, wants the revival of triple talaq or supports child marriage or polygamy. The mentality of the Congress is to divide the society and come to power, the BJP leader claimed. alleged that the Congress poll manifesto was more appropriate for elections in neighbouring Pakistan than for India. The Congress, on the other hand, said a turncoat like Sarma would not be able to understand the secular and inclusive ethos of the grand old party, and asserted that its manifesto aims to safeguard the interests of all sections of the society. On Bharatiya Janata Partys motto for the coming election, Sarma asserted that the saffron party has taken the form of an Andolan and this movement is to make the country the Vishwa guru (world leader). The CM also asserted that the saffron party and its allies would bag all 14 Lok Sabha in the state. He said positive feedback has been received from the Dhubri constituency, regarding which Sarma had earlier been maintaining that the BJP-led alliances candidate will not be victorious. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took a dig at the Congress manifesto saying it carries the imprint of the Muslim League with every page reeking of breaking India. A Turncoat Like Him: Congress Reacts on Sarmas Remarks Defending the secular ethos of their party in reaction to CMs remarks, Assam Congress spokesperson Bedabrata Bora claimed that a turncoat like Sarma would not be able to understand the secular and inclusive ethos of the grand old party. Sarma had been in the Congress for several years but he could not understand the main ethos of the party. That is why he went to the BJP. Even after being in the BJP for some time now, he still tries to defame Congress to prove his loyalty to the saffron party, Bora told PTI. The Congress leader asserted that the partys manifesto aims to safeguard the interests of all sections and rubbished the allegations made by Sarma. Congresss Panch Nayay Poll Manifesto The Congress on Friday released its manifesto, focusing on five pillars of justice and 25 guarantees under those. Right to apprenticeship, a legal guarantee for MSP, passing a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 per cent cap on reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs, a nationwide caste census and scrapping of the Agnipath scheme are among the promises made by the Congress in its Lok Sabha polls manifesto. Alleging that the BJP has turned out to be a giant washing machine, the Congress also vowed that the allegations against those who had cases registered against them but were allowed to escape the law after they joined the BJP would be revived and investigated. The Congress said that if it comes to power, it will probe demonetisation, the Rafale deal, Pegasus spyware usage, and the electoral bonds scheme and bring those who made illegal gains through these measures to justice. (With PTI inputs) Days after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Gourav Vallabh on Sunday launched an unsparing attack on his former Congress colleagues Jairam Ramesh and P Chidambaram and said the grand old party is being run by personal assistants (PAs) and those who have not even contested for the election of class monitor. Vallabh, who was once a prominent Congress face on television debates, said the grand old party neither understands the issues of its grassroots workers nor the aspirations of voters. Jibe At Jairam Ramesh In a veiled dig at Rajya Sabha MP and Congress general secretory Ramesh, Vallabh said, The Congress is presently being run by those, who probably never fought elections to be a class monitor. A leader (Jairam Ramesh), who never put himself in the fray to even become a class monitor, has been representing the Congress in the Rajya Sabha for five terms now. He has nothing to do with the ideology of the Congress, he just wants to secure his Rajya Sabha seat. He has no ideological commitment to the party. Slams Chidambaram Picking on Chidambaram without naming him, the BJP leader said the partys tally in the Lok Sabha would not have dropped between 42 and 52 if his ideas and suggestions had any merit. The Congress manifesto has been drafted by the same person (Chidambaram) for the last 30 years. If his ideas had any merit or practical relevance, the Congresss tally in the Lok Sabha wouldnt have dropped to between 42 and 52 (seats). When I was in college, he used to defend the party on television as a spokesperson. Even today, he is the in-charge of Communications (in the Congress). He is a PA, he said. Congress Lacks Direction Gourav, who resigned from the Congress, citing the partys lack of direction, joined the BJP at its headquarters in the national capital. He claimed that some people who Congress is giving tickets for the Lok Sabha polls 2024 cant tell the difference between Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Trying asking them and see how they appear confused, he added. Vallabh further claimed that the Congress was presently being run by the personal assistants of former chief ministers and ministers. Asked To Stop Attacking Industrialists He also accused the grand old party of being in conflict with the countrys wealth creators, including industrialist and billionaire investor Gautam Adani. Vallabh said he urged the Congress high command to stop criticising Gautam Adani, the chairperson of the Adani Group, after the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), which had opened a probe against him in connection with certain claims made by US-based short-seller Hindenburg, gave him a clean chit. The Congress has made a habit of going at Adani and Ambani (Reliance Industries chairperson Mukesh Ambani) night and day. I did hold a press conference (while with the Congress) in which I made certain references against Adani. However, when SEBI gave Adani a clean chit (in the probe into the Hindenburg claims), I stopped airing any public statements about him. I even advised the Congress leaders to stop criticising him after the clean chit by SEBI. But they kept going at him and continue to do so, Vallabh said. Significantly, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, as well as senior party leaders including national president Mallikarjun Kharge, have been severely critical of Adani and Ambani, accusing them of receiving undue favours from the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Declined Ram Mandir Invite He disclosed further that he decided not to represent the Congress anymore on television debates or interactions with media persons after the heavyweights in the grand old party turned down an invitation to the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in Ayodhyas Ram Mandir on January 22, this year. From the time I resigned my membership of the Congress, I have been saying (in interviews with media outlets) that I repeatedly told senior leaders in my former party that we cannot remain silent to opposition to Sanatana Dharma. From the day the Congress turned down the invitation to Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, I decided against representing the Congress on television shows and debates anymore. I told all senior leaders that we need to stop criticising our wealth creators, who work hard to build their wealth while also contributing to nation-building, the BJP leader said. (With ANI Inputs) We will reduce prices of commodities, may be the standard refrain of every political party fighting an election. However, in Andhra Pradesh, the opposition TDP is wooing the avid booze lover with the promise of better quality spirit at reduced prices, if voted to power. Simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are scheduled in the southern state on May 13. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) the main opposition, is also accusing the YSRCP Government of setting excessively high prices that do not align with the quality of the liquor. TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu consistently emphasizes, among others, the issue during his campaign, alleging that the state has been supplying poor quality liquor while profiting immensely from inflated prices, running to thousands of crores of rupees. According to reports, the state government netted nearly Rs 24,000 crore through excise revenue in 2022-23 against over Rs 17,000 crore in 2019-20. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP was voted to power in 2019. Liquor is sold through government-owned outlets in the state. Naidu also lashed out at the Chief Minister saying he had gone back on his poll promise of banning liquor if voted to power in the 2019 assembly elections. Prices of all commodities have gone up exorbitantly including liquor rates which are flying. Our younger brothers cheer when I mention liquor. They want the prices of liquor to be reduced. It is Jagan Mohan Reddy who increased the price from Rs 60 (for a nip) to Rs 200 and pocketed Rs 100, he alleged, amid cheers from the crowd. Jagan is spoiling the health of our people by supplying cheap quality booze, he alleges in his poll-related engagements. I am telling you, after 40 days (of TDP forming the government), not only for quality liquor, we take the responsibility for reducing prices, he promised at a recent rally in Kuppam from where he is contesting the polls. Similarly, Pawan Kalyan founder of Janasena, an NDA constituent along with TDP asked if the state should implement total prohibition or not. When the public responded in the negative he said health problems would arise if people consume the liquor supplied by the YRCP government. Jagan has looted Rs 40,000 crore through liquor sales, the actor-politician alleged in a meeting at Pithapuram from where is testing his political career. The Janasena leader questioned why digital payments are not accepted in liquor shops for all transactions across the country. Where is the money going.about 74 per cent of the total liquor sold is being supplied by just 16 companies, he charged, adding some of them are owned by YSRCP leaders. He claimed that a national health survey said that people of the state have suffered the most due to liver diseases because of poor quality alcohol. Andhra Pradesh BJP chief D Purandeswari had earlier demanded an inquiry into the liquor business in the state. Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut recently made a statement that Subhash Chandra Bose, not Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, was the first prime minister of India. She was heavily criticised for not knowing the history of Indian politics. But why did she say what she said? Is there any weight in her statement? Interestingly, the historical records do point to the fact that Bose established a provincial government of Azad Hind (Free India) in Singapore on October 21, 1943. Let us go down the history lane to understand Ranauts comments. During the time of World War II, Bose saw an opportunity to win India from the British, and set up the Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind, which was supported by the Axis Power of Japan, Nazi Germany, Italy and their allies. He appointed himself as the prime minister and minister of war. AC Chatterjee was in charge of finance, SA Ayer became minister of publicity and propaganda, and Lakshmi Swaminathan was given the ministry of womens affairs. Some officers of the Azad Hind Fauj were also given cabinet posts. Boses provincial government, which served as an alternative to the British government, sought recognition from the international community, issued stamps, currency and passports, and established courts. In the name of God, in the name of bygone generations who have welded the Indian people into one nation, and in the name of the dead heroes who have bequeathed to us a tradition of heroism and self- sacrifice we call upon the Indian people to rally round our banner and strike for Indias freedom, Bose said in a fiery speech in the Cathay Theatre, as quoted in Sugata Boses His Majestys Opponent, 2011, mentioned in The Indian Express report. The Azad Hind Government proclaimed authority over Indian civilians and military personnel in the regions of Southeast Asia (Burma, Singapore and Malaya) then occupied by the British. It also claimed authority over the Indian territory that would be taken by Japanese forces. It [the Azad Hind government] obtained de jure control over a piece of Indian territory when the Japanese handed over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in late December 1943, though de facto military control was not relinquished by the Japanese admiralty, Sugata Bose wrote as quoted by The Indian Express. Boses government was diplomatically recognized by the Axis powers, and Japanese states in Croatia, China, Thailand, Burma, Manchuria and the Philippines. Another Provincial Govt Before Boses Azad Hind government, Raja Mahendra Pratap formed Indias first provincial government in Kabul in 1915, with fellow revolutionary Maulana Barkatuallah of Bhopal as the prime minister. These leaders formed the Indian Independent Committee (IIC) whose aim much like that of Azad Hind Fauj was to fight for the cause of Independence with the aid from Central Powers. With the help of Ottoman Caliph and the Germans, the IIC tried to cause a revolt mainly among the Muslims in Kashmir and British Indias northwestern frontier. Barkatullah was also one of the founders of the Ghadar movement, which began in California in 1913, to overthrow the British government. Lala Har Dayal, one of the movements leaders, had told all Ghadarites: use the freedom that is available in the US to fight the BritishBritish rule must be overthrown, not by petitions but by armed revoltcarry this message to the masses and to the soldiers in the Indian Armyenlist their support. (as quoted by Bipan Chandra and others in Indias Struggle for Independence, 1988). The Ghadar movement ended by the end of the world war, but left a huge impact on the history of Indias freedom struggle. The Supreme Court has ordered the surrender of Bitihotra Mohanty, son of former Odisha Home Guard DG Vidyabhushan Mohanty, within two months in connection with the rape of a German girl. Earlier, a bench comprising Justice Jake Maheswari and Justice Sanjay Carroll passed the order after hearing a criminal appeal filed by Bitihotra challenging the Rajasthan High Courts order. In this case, the fast track court sentenced Bitihotra to 7 years in prison. Later, the Rajasthan High Court upheld the sentence of the fast-track court and during the hearing, Bitihotras lawyer argued for bail. On the other hand, the counsel for the Rajasthan government opposed the bail. The apex court granted conditional bail to Bitihotra on March 31, 2017. In March 2006, Bitihotra was accused of raping a German girl, who was his classmate while taking a management course at a private educational institution in Delhi and was later arrested. Within 13 days of the filing of the charge sheet, the fast track court sentenced him to 7 years in jail and in November 2006, the Rajasthan High Court heard and upheld the judgment of the Fast Track Court. The accused was then sent to parole for 15 days to meet his ailing mother. He was sent back to Jaipur Central Jail after the completion of his parole. In March 2013, Bitihotra was arrested by the police in Keralas Kunar. He identified himself as Raghav Rajan and was working at the State Bank of Travancore branch. In 2016, he appealed to the Supreme Court for bail, challenging the original case of the Rajasthan High Court. The then Judge Justice SA Bobde and Justice L. Nageswar Raos jury granted him conditional bail and he was released from Jaipur Central Jail. The accused might surrender in Jaipur Central Jail after the Supreme Courts surrender order. The case on behalf of Bitihotra was being handled by Senior lawyer Narendra Huda and on behalf of the Rajasthan government by Additional Advocate General Shiv Marsal Sharma at the Supreme Court. A young Indian deck cadet, working with a Mumbai-based merchant shipping company, has been reported missing since Friday night. 22-year-old Pranav Karad went missing when he was deployed on a tanker travelling between Singapore and Indonesia, according to The Indian Express. Pranavs family, who are residents of Punes Warje area, are seeking help from the Indian government, the newspaper said. Employed by Mumbai-based Wilhelmsen Ship Management India for six months, Karads whereabouts remain unknown since the company notified his family. Pranavs father, Gopal Karad, a Pune-based driver said his son had completed a course in nautical sciences from MIT, Pune, and was working with Wilhelmsen Ship Management. He said that the family was trying to approach the police in Pune and Mumbai and other authorities to help them reach the Prime Ministers Office and external affairs and shipping ministries. He was deployed as a deck cadet on the Resolve II vessel. On Thursday, we got a call and later an email on Friday from the ship authorities saying Pranav was missing from the ship when it was between Singapore and Indonesia, Gopal Karad said. The company is telling us that the search is on but nothing more about how he went missing. We spoke to him on a WhatsApp call on Thursday. The company is not providing any contacts of others serving with him. A 28-year-old man was stabbed to death for allegedly teasing and passing lewd remarks against two women at a market in Maharashtras Nagpur city, police said on Sunday. The police arrested the two women and a man involved in the attack that took place in the Mahalaxmi Nagar area under the jurisdiction of Hudkeshwar police station on Saturday night, an official said. The victim, Ranjit Rathod, made lewd remarks against the accused, Jayashree Panjhade and Savita Sayre, who had come to the area to shop for clothes, and a heated exchange ensued, he said. Panjhade phoned her friend Akash Dinesh Raut, who arrived at the scene and confronted the victim and stabbed him multiple times before fleeing the spot, the official said. The police were alerted and Rathod was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead, he said. Based on the CCTV footage from the area, the police arrested the trio under section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated Indias stance to go across the border to kill terrorists if needed while targeting Congress for questioning the 2019 surgical strike against Pakistan. We will not spare anyone of them (terrorists)will kill them in India and outside if required, Singh said while addressing a public meeting in Rajasthans Jhunjhunu on Sunday. In an exclusive interview with News18 on Friday, the Defence Minister had asserted that the government will give a befitting reply to any terrorist who tries to disturb peace in India. If he [terrorist] flees to Pakistan, we will follow him and take him down on Pakistani soil. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken the truth India has the capability and Pakistan has also started understanding that, Singh had said when asked about a report in UK newspaper The Guardian that claimed the Indian government ordered assassinations in Pakistan as part of a wider strategy to eliminate terrorists on foreign soil. India wants to maintain cordial relations with its neighbour. Look at our history. We have never attacked any country or even occupied an inch of the territory of any other country. This is Indias character, Singh had further stated in the interview, adding that however, if someone tries intimidating India by fomenting terror on our soil, they will not be spared. While addressing a public gathering in Jhunjhunu earlier in the day, the Defence Minister said he feels hurt when the Congress raises questions over surgical strikes and air strikes. I feel pained when the Congress tries to raise questions over power, the valour of defence forces. What our forces did at that time should be appreciated and should not cast doubt on it, Rajnath Singh was quoted by Hindustan Times as saying. The Congress cannot digest things be it surgical or air strikes, they are questioning them. Are they doubting the bravery of the country? The world has accepted, but the Congress is questioning, he added. The new India knows how to protect its borders and safeguard its people, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday and asked if it was wrong to kill terrorists. The firebrand BJP leader, who addressed election rallies in Rajasthans Bharatpur, Dausa and Sikar, referred to a report by the UK daily The Guardian that claimed Indian intelligence agencies were involved in targeted killings of terrorists in Pakistan as part of an emboldened approach to national security after 2019. On one hand is the report which says terrorists are being killed in Pakistan, the world considers terrorism a big burden, but on the other was the Congress government that used to feed biryani to terrorists, Adityanath said. Should terrorists be killed or not? They are a burden on society and a threat to everyones safety. Congress would starve the poor and feed biryani to terrorists, he said addressing the rally in Bharatpur. Adityanath said those who gave shelter to those terrorists till yesterday are now not daring to say anything against India due to the fear of air strike. Three days ago, a reputed newspaper of the UK said that 20 deadly terrorists had been killed inside Pakistan and it was possible that India might have killed them We do not know what is the basis and the source of the report but this is the new India, which knows how to provide security to its people and protect its borders, he added. The UP chief ministers remarks came on a day Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav attacked the BJP saying that the Indian government is accused of getting people killed in another country. Will the definition of viksit Bharat (developed India) be that we will go to another country and commit murder? Yadav said after meeting the family of mafia-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari at his home in Ghazipur. Ansari, a five-time MLA from Mau who was in jail, died after suffering cardiac arrest, on March 28, according to officials. However, his family members allege that he was given poison inside jail. In his address, Adityanath said the world respects India under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. When an Indian citizen goes abroad, he gets respect. The borders are safe; naxalism, extremism and terrorism have ended, he said. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister hailed the abrogation of Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, by the Modi government, saying, Now no one will be able to foment terrorism within the borders of India. He said that over the past decade, the country has successfully quelled terrorism and stone-pelting in Kashmir. Consequently, Kashmir is now progressing in tandem with developmental initiatives and democratic principles. The region witnesses a substantial influx of tourists, with people safely participating in events such as the Amarnath Yatra and the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi, he stated. Adityanath claimed that the Congress lacked leaders and intentions to take decisive steps. Would Congress have been able to build Ram temple in Ayodhya? They say that Ram did not exist, he said at the election rally in support of the party candidate from the Bharatpur seat Ramswaroop Koli. Addressing another rally in Dausa, he said that the Congress party is the biggest problem of the country and imposing curfew is part of its DNA. The BJPs star campaigner emphasised that worldwide, there is a belief that Indias actions are in the interest of humanity. Presently, no nation dares to endorse terrorism as they understand that such support would result in facing repercussions like airstrikes, he said without naming Pakistan. He said that there was a time when people of the Congress party denied rights to the poor. However, in the Modi government, 80 crore poor people are benefiting from free ration, 60 crore poor people are getting coverage of health insurance of Rs 5 lakh while housing has been provided for four crore poor people and the Kisan Samman Nidhi for 12 crore farmers, he said. Continuing his attack on the Congress, the chief minister said that the party did not want a solution to the Ram temple issue. Congress is the problem of the country, which keeps giving problems to the country while Modi provides solutions, he asserted. He also appealed to the people of Dausa to vote for the party candidate Kanhaiya Lal Meena. The BJP leader addressed a third rally in the Sikar constituency in support of the party candidate Swami Sumedhan. Noida police recently filed a 1,200-page chargesheet in an Uttar Pradesh court, alleging that YouTuber and Bigg Boss OTT 2 winner Elvish Yadav made use of a virtual phone number to arrange the supply of snake venom for rave parties and communicate instructions to snake charmers. According to NDTV, the chargesheet reveals alarming details regarding Yadavs alleged involvement in orchestrating the procurement of venom for these events. According to the chargesheet, Elvish employed a virtual phone number for this purpose, providing better privacy and independence from a specific location or device. The chargesheet outlines the process: When organising a party that needed venom, Elvish Yadav would call his friend Vinay using the virtual number. Vinay would then convey the instructions to Ishwar, who would inform the snake charmers. As a result, the snake charmers would come to the party location with their snakes. Police have found records of Elvishs virtual number in Vinays call history. Noida police reported that venom extraction from snakes took place at a banquet hall owned by Ishwar. The chargesheet alleges that Elvish Yadav remained in contact with snake charmers, who are currently imprisoned. Police officer Vidya Sagar Mishra told NDTV that the venom confiscated from the snake charmers is from krait snakes, a type of cobra. We have filed a chargesheet against all named accused. We have also included statements by an adequate number of witnesses. This includes an expert from Mumbais Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology., he said. Elvish Yadav, previously held in Noida Jail, is out on bail. The case was lodged under provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and for criminal conspiracy under section 120B of the Indian Penal Code, they said. In early November, it was reported that raids were conducted in Noida Sector 49, and five cobra snakes were recovered from the raid. It was revealed that nine other snakes were also rescued in the raid, while snake venom was also found at the spot. In the investigations that followed, the people who were arrested took the name of Elvish. Kriti Sanon is currently basking in the success of her latest film, Crew. Amid the films success, Kriti opened up about feeling frustrated when star kids who havent proved their mettle yet would get more opportunities than her. Kriti said that she knew she had more potential than the opportunities she was getting and how things changed for her after Mimi. Kriti told Pinkvilla, There was a phase where I was just very restless because I knew that I had way more potential than what I could portray in the opportunities that I had in front of me. I wanted something deeper. I wanted something where I could just show my potential as an actor way more. I always say this that as an actor Aapko jitna ghada milega, utna hi aap bhar sakte ho. Agar aapko chota vessel diya jayega toh usme aap utna hi paani bhar sakte ho. Agar aapko bada diya jayega toh aap aur bhar sakte ho. So I was looking for that bada vessel for a very long time. She added, I was getting frustrated because I was like, I know I can do it; I know I can kill it, but I dont have it in front of me. At that point, I was also seeing some new faces, some of them belonging to the film background, coming in having not done anything and getting opportunities that I was like, how So I did have that phase where I was like, I need something more. Then Mimi happened. Somewhere, I believe that everything happens for a reason and at the right time. For me, I think maybe Mimi happened when I was actually ready to take up that role and do justice to that character. Maybe it didnt happen before for the same reason, she said. Meanwhile, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tabu and Kriti Sanon starrer Crew opened to a warm response from the masses upon its release last week. Crew revolves around three air hostesses played by Tabu, Kareena and Kriti. The narrative of the film witnesses the three leads stumbling upon a dead passenger smuggling gold biscuits. What unfolds after they decide to steal the gold amidst the backdrop of their airline Kohinoor facing bankruptcy, forms the basic plot of the film. Nayanthara is one of the most sought-after actresses in the Tamil film industry. Fans call her Lady Thalaivi because of her successful career. In a recent interview with Hello magazine, she talked about her experience working with Shah Rukh Khan in Atlees Jawan that served as her Bollywood debut. In the interview, Nayanthara said she was thrilled to work with her close friend, filmmaker Atlee. When asked about starring opposite Shah Rukh in the action-thriller, she questioned, Who doesnt love him? In the action-packed film, Nayanthara played Narmada Rai, the leader of Force One, Mumbais counter-terrorism unit. Shah Rukh took on a double role as both father and son in Jawan. Deepika Padukone had a cameo, while Vijay Sethupathi portrayed the antagonist. Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Riddhi Dogra, Sunil Grover, Girija Oak and Omkar Das Manikpuri had pivotal roles and Sanjay Dutt made a special appearance. Opening up on Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara said, Who is not his fan? We have all grown up watching his films and we all love them. Apart from being the huge star that he is, I really admire the fact that he respects women a lot I was pretty sure that Jawan would create a huge impact. After working so many years in the industry you know when a film is going to work and vice versa. In the same interview, Nayanthara and husband Vignesh Shivan revealed that it was Dhanush who played Cupid for them and brought them together. Vignesh shared, Dhanush sir made me narrate the story (of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan) to Nayan (Nayanthara). She liked it. Once she came on board, I was able to cast actor Vijay Sethupathi, who was initially not keen to do this film. He was not convinced about the script. But he agreed after Nayan said yes. The movie paved the way for me to spend a lot of time around her. We got involved within a year. Ranjeet, known for his villainous roles, shared a memorable encounter with veteran actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor during a recent interview. Recalling his first meeting with Kapoor at the studio, Ranjeet mentioned being captivated by the life-size cut-outs of actresses from Kapoors films. Describing Kapoors charm, Ranjeet mentioned his fair complexion, red cheeks, and light eyes, highlighting how the actors on-screen persona closely mirrored his real-life demeanor. During their conversation, Kapoor shared an interesting insight about the film Mera Naam Joker, showing Ranjeet an album from that era. Kapoors casual interaction with his heroines on set, where he referred to them affectionately as putar (daughter) while explaining scenes, left a lasting impression on Ranjeet. The actor recalled during an interview with ANI, Mera Naam Joker picture thi na uski heroine. He told us, Mera Naam Joker ki heroine ko god mein bithakar scene samjhaaya hai (I made them sit on my lap and narrated the scenes). He wasnt being flirtatious while doing so. He would call the actress putar (daughter) when he asked her to sit on his lap. Mera Naam Joker, a film directed by Raj Kapoor himself, featured a stellar cast including Simi Garewal, Rishi Kapoor, Kseniya Ryabinkina, Padmini, Manoj Kumar, and Dharmendra in pivotal roles. In the same interview, Ranjeet recalled what it was like in Bollywood at that time and how everyone would gather at his house in Mumbai to party. Ranjeet said, My parents lived in Delhi and I lived in Juhu, so everyone would gather there in the evening. There were no inhibitions or formalities or whatever. Reena Roy would make paranthas, Parveen Babi would make drinks, Moushumi Chatterjee would make fish, Neetu Kapoor would make bhindi, it used to be that kind of atmosphere, he said. Ranjeet added, Name any hero and he was there. Ranjeet said that the likes of Sunil Dutt, Raaj Kumar, Sanjay Khan, Feroz Khan, Dharmendra, and Shatrughan Sinha, would all attend these parties at his home. People like Rajesh Khanna would drink one-two bottles in a night, he said. Sobhita Dhulipalas venture into Hollywood with Monkey Man marks a significant milestone following her successful stints in Indian cinema, including notable projects like Ponniyin Selvan I and II (2022) and Made in Heaven seasons 1 and 2. Transitioning to Hollywood appeared as a natural progression for the talented actress. In an interview with The New York Times, Sobhita discussed her role in the movie and shared her experiences of collaborating with Dev Patel, the versatile talent behind this action-packed thriller. Portraying the character of Sita, a call girl catering to powerful yet reprehensible individuals in Monkey Man, Sobhita reflected on the complexity of such roles, stating, Those are really beautifully complex humans. To be considered someone who can be trusted with characters like that is really an honour If something inspires me or theres some value I can bring to the story, I want to belong with it. She recounted how, even before her debut in Indian cinema with Anurag Kashyaps Raman Raghav 2.0 in 2016, she auditioned for the role of Sita in Monkey Man. After several years, Dev Patel personally reached out to her in 2019, affirming that she was the perfect fit for the character based on her audition. When questioned about the risk of working with Dev on his maiden directorial project as her first Hollywood endeavor, Sobhita emphasized the unique bond they shared, characterized by trust, fear, and vulnerability, Its a different kind of relationship altogether. Theres trust, fear, vulnerability, and you move as one pack, one team. Theres a certain purity and passion there working with a first-time filmmaker. So I came on board, I jumped on board. Monkey Man unfolds the story of a man seeking retribution for his mothers murder, drawing inspiration from the mythological figure Hanuman. Produced by Jordan Peele, the film marks Dev Patels directorial debut. The movie was initially planned to go on an OTT release? The increased interest of actor Jordan Peele altered plans, and Monkey Man became slated to release in theatres. In his recent conversation with The Deadline, Dev Patel stated that it was Jordan Peele who helped the film get a new direction and owes a share in its success. Dev Patel told the portal, He (Jordan Peele) took us from this thing that was brushed under the carpet to putting us on top of the mantelpiece. He saw the film; Jordan saw me as a filmmaker, someone broken out, like what he did with his amazing comedy show and became this filmmaker. He understood the strength of using genre to talk about more interesting motif things, societal issues, using it as a trojan horse. According to the Deadline report, originally the film was to stream on Netflix. The platform purchased the film, but they had doubts about releasing it in the Indian market. Later, as reported, Monkey Mans co-financier, Bron Studios, declared bankruptcy, proving to be a challenge for the film. In the end, it was Jordan Peele who supported the film. The movie premiered globally on April 5, with its India release still pending certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Initially slated for an April 19 release in India, Monkey Man awaits approval for theatrical screening in the country. Defence minister Rajnath Singh, during an interview with News18, has confirmed that India reserves the right to target the enemy in his house (ghar mein ghus ke marenge). The statement gains significance amid a report by The Guardian claiming that India has killed 20 terrorists in Pakistan since 2020. The statement showcases the resolve of the central government to combat foreign-aided proxy wars in it border states. Singhs utterance is in concert with Prime Minister Narendra Modis statement during canvassing for the elections that commence in two weeks. In 2014, in New York, immediately after the BJP coming to power, during a senior management training activity for all 16 Force Commanders of the ongoing United Nations peacekeeping missions of the world, we were invited to the Pakistani embassy or the Permanent Mission of Pakistan (PMP) to the UN as it is called. The deputy ambassador, an ex-armoured corps officer of Pakistan Army, asked me to explain the strong statements of the newly elected prime minister about terrorism emanating from Pakistan. I told him that having worked closely with Prime Minister Modi, when he was the chief minister of Gujarat (I was the general officer commanding in Ahmedabad), I would advise him to take those threats seriously. The surgical strikes after the Uri attacks and the Balakot air raid after the Pulwama killings proved the point. Its not unusual for a strong nation to take on inimical element working abroad. Israel, UK, Russia (as also erstwhile USSR) and US have carried out several out-of-the-country operations in far-flung areas like Falkland Islands, Iraq and Afghanistan to safeguard their national interests and security. The Chinese continue to operate aggressively in South China Sea, undermining the sovereignty and integrity of the littoral states like the Philippines and Indonesia. The India story is different, though. One has seen several cases where anti-India elements working abroad have died recently. Pro-Khalistani leader and chief of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) Avtar Singh Khanda, based in the UK, allegedly died of poisoning. Hardeep Singh Nijjer was killed in a shootout outside a gurdwara in Canadas Vancouver. And then, of course, there was an alleged foiled plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York. One thing common among all three was that they worked openly against India and its interests. But India has officially maintained it has no hand in the killing or attempted killing of these people. For, India, it was more the case of those who lived by the sword of ten died by the sword! In a radio interview in Vancouver during a visit to Canada in 2018, I had made an appeal to the separatists not to try and fuel insurgency in Punjab because their offsprings were safe and prosperous in Canada; whereas the price of their undoing would be paid by the poor people in Punjab. I went to add that if they wanted a Khalistan, they should ask the Canadian government to allot them land in Canada because the community in India, for sure, did not want it. Any immigrant community, I feel, should be inclusive and must merge with the society in the country of its residence. The French government has rightly come down heavily on the Muslim community, which was insisting on and wanted to have a different identity. The Sikh separatists are a minuscule percentage and mainly living in Canada, US, Australia and UK, but the entire community gets a bad rap and is treated with suspicion. One may be tempted to believe that Indias intelligence agencies may be working on a new proactive strategy to combat terrorism launched from foreign soil. It may look feasible to imagine India opting for a low cost high yield option, by hiring disgruntled lumpen proletariat originating from Pakistan to affect the assassinations. But to connect this issue with The Guardian report is wrong. Rajnath Singhs statement is a statement of intent against those who are waging war against India from foreign soil. It exhibits the Indian government as a no nonsense strong government, which knows how to protect its borders and its citizens within the country as well as in the rest of the world. A few days back, the Israelis attacked the Iranian embassy in Syrias Damascus. Even when I was serving on Golan Heights as the Head of the Mission and Force Commander of the peacekeeping mission from 2012 to 2015, the Israelis reserved the right to attack all assets and convoys that carried war-waging material, including SS 400 missiles, meant for Hezbollah in Lebanon and coming from Iran, through Iraq and Syria. They also conveyed through me to the Syrian government that they were not interfering with the internal affairs of Syria and would not initiate any action against the government of President Assad, but would repeatedly attack the assets being smuggled into Lebanon for use by Hezbollah. The narrative says it all. When you travel in Israel, all the tour guides are given the same narrative and while narrating the history of Israel, besides the Holocaust; they stress upon the Munich Olympics killing of 11 Israeli athletes by eight Palestinian terrorists and how Mossad had deftly dug out each and everyone involved in the killings from all the corners of the globe and eliminated them. New India today is showing a similar intent. It is not averse to threatening inimical elements operating from foreign soil. As the Uri and Balakot operations show, India is capable of carrying out operations on foreign soil. However, any attempt to connect Rajnath Singhs comment with The Guardian report would be mischievous, to say the least. (The author was Head of the Mission and Force Commander of UN Peacekeeping Mission (UNDOF) between Israel and Syria at Golan Heights from 2012 to 2014. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views) The Congress took a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday and said that national president Mallikarjun Kharges alleged slip of tongue led to him inadvertently exposing the Modi-Shah game plan of wanting to change Article 371 of the Constitution. Congress general secretary Jairam Rameshs clarification came hours after Union Home Minister Amit Shah slammed Kharge for the horrendous mistake of saying Article 371 instead of Article 370. In a post on X, Ramesh said, Today by a slip of the tongue in his speech in Jaipur, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge ji mistakenly said that Modi claims credit for abolishing Article 371. Kharge ji clearly meant Article 370. The Congress leader then went on to say that Kharges mistake however, exposed the Modi governments plans to make changes to Article 371 and its various provisions. Today by a slip of the tongue in his speech in Jaipur, @INCIndia President Mallikarjun Kharge ji mistakenly said that Modi claims credit for abolishing Article 371. Kharge ji clearly meant Article 370. Amit Shah immediately pounced on the Congress President. But the truth is Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 6, 2024 Amit Shah immediately pounced on the Congress President. But the truth is that Modi does indeed want to change Article 371-A relating to Nagaland, Article 371-B relating to Assam, Article 371-C relating to Manipur, Article 371-F relating to Sikkim, Article 371-G relating to Mizoram, and Article 371-H relating to Arunachal Pradesh, Ramesh added. Incidentally, Kharge ji was the man singularly responsible for Article 371-J relating to the erstwhile Hyderabad-Karnataka region which he got accomplished only after Dr Manmohan Singh became PM, Ramesh said. What Did Mallikarjun Kharge Say About Article 371? Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, while addressing a public gathering in Rajasthan on Saturday, criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modis mention of Article 370 in an election rally in Churu. Yesterday PM Modi addressed a rally in Rajasthans Churu. There are a lot of issues related to the farmers. The farmers are suffering and thousands of them have died by suicide. Instead of speaking about their issues, PM said he removed 371. What do the people here have to do with it? Kharge said. The BJP was soon to catch the slip of tongue by Kharge and launched an all-out attack on the Congress party for his remarks. However, Congress claimed that Kharge inadvertently exposed the Modi-Shah game plan. BJP Criticises Mallikarjun Kharge Over Article 371 Remark Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Congress over its president Mallikarjun Kharges misspoken Article 371 mention. In an X post, he called out Kharge, who said Article 371 instead of Article 370, saying it was only expected of Congress to make such horrendous mistakes. It is shameful to hear that the Congress party is asking, "Kashmir se kya waasta hai?"I would like to remind the Congress party that J&K is an integral part of India, and every state and citizen has the right over J&K, just as the people of J&K have the right over the rest of pic.twitter.com/cFeO80XBxl Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) April 6, 2024 Such blunders made by it have haunted our nation for decades now, Shah wrote. The Home Minister also noted how it was shameful to hear that Indias oldest party was asking what connection the people of Rajasthan have with Kashmir. It is shameful to hear that the Congress party is asking, Kashmir se kya waasta hai? I would like to remind the Congress party that J&K is an integral part of India, and every state and citizen has the right over J&K, just as the people of J&K have the right over the rest of India, Shah wrote in an X post. He further said the Congress doesnt know that many brave sons of Rajasthan have sacrificed their lives for peace and security in Kashmir. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is observing Upvas Diwas a daylong collective fast today (April 7) to mark their protest against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate in an excise policy-linked money laundering case. The party leaders and workers will gather at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and Punjabs Khatkar Kalan, the ancestral village of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and undertake a mass fast, according to Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai. Speaking on the partys campaign, AAP leader Sandeep Pathak said, Fasting purifies the mind and soul. We will pray to god today to grant (Delhi CM) Arvind Kejriwal the strength and blessings to let him move forward on the path of struggle. #WATCH | Delhi: AAP leaders to sit on a day-long fast at Jantar Mantar against the arrest of party national convenor and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, in connection with Delhi excise policy case. pic.twitter.com/gTgBthI5KL ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2024 Delhi minister and party leader Atishi said the people of Delhi love Arvind Kejriwal and they dont think of him as a CM but as their son, or brother. All want the bail for Arvind Kejriwal. BJPs ED and CBI havent been able to show a single penny of liquor scam from the leaders of AAP. If there is any money trail in this issue, its from liquor trader Sharat Reddy to the BJP. Why BJPs has not been raided, or accused, why has the BJPs National President not been summoned or arrested? she asked. Upvas Diwas Addressing a press conference earlier this week, Rai, said the party would be observing the nationwide collective fast to garner maximum support from the public for Kejriwals fight. Those who are against the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, who want to save the countrys democracy, and stop injustice and dictatorship, are urged to observe collective fasts in their homes, villages, neighbourhoods, block headquarters, tehsils, districts, and state capitals, he said. Rai also urged people to either collectively pray or listen to the devotional song Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram on YouTube. You can sing it collectively. Together, we will pray for Kejriwal to receive strength and fight against tyranny while he is in jail. We can fight to bring the truth to light, he added. Rai, who is also a minister in the Delhi cabinet, asked people to send pictures to the website kejriwalkoaashirvaad.com. This fight is not Kejriwals personal battle. His fight is to save the country and its democracy from dictatorship, oppression, and excesses, he added. Kejriwal was arrested last month by the ED in an excise policy-linked money laundering case. He has been sent to judicial custody till April 15. India goes into Lok Sabha 2024 elections phase from April 19 to June 1 2024 and the government has been warned about major hacking attempts using AI tools by bad actors from China. The warning has been sounded out by tech giant Microsoft in its blog post, where the main focus has been attributed to the use of AI tools and content to influence voting behaviour of people in the United States where the US Presidential elections will happen this year. Microsoft Warns About Chinas AI-Laden Influence On Elections With major elections taking place around the world this year, particularly in India, South Korea and the United States, we assess that China will, at a minimum, create and amplify AI-generated content to benefit its interests, Microsoft pointed out in its post here. The company mentions that AI has become a major weapon of choice for hackers, who can easily morph videos and change voices of famous personalities and share them publicly at large which helps it go viral and reach millions. China has been at loggerheads with the US and Indian government for a while, including a trade ban that has ensued between China and US since 2020. Microsofts Threat Analysis Center shares its findings regularly and the latest developments will surely get the ruling government and its law enforcement agencies on high alert. Using AI Tools To Disrupt Governments China is using fake social media accounts to poll voters on what divides them most to sow division and possibly influence the outcome of the U.S. presidential election in its favor, the post highlights the concerns from its findings. Some of the instances cited by Microsoft showing Chinas attempts to disrupt the elections include the August 2023 Maui wildfires which they claimed was part of US govt testing a military-grade weather weapon which deliberately caused the wildfire in the region. There is also the use of AI content to destabilise the Taiwanese Presidential elections in January 2024. Microsofts security agency noticed the nation-backed bad actors using AI tools for the first time to influence foreign elections, which is not good news at all. Chinas increasing experimentation in augmenting memes, videos, and audio will likely continue and may prove more effective down the line, Microsoft adds and also gives a forewarning to the US, India and other countries going into major elections this year. AI has already shown its potential to cause harm so it is vital that tools are developed to counter its threat and safeguard people from falling for misinformation on the internet. Attention food enthusiasts! A new culinary experiment is here to leave you baffled. This time the subject of this experiment is everyones beloved South Indian delicacy, the dosa. A recent viral sensation shows the dosa getting a bizarre makeover with a touch of bananas and chocolate. The viral clip begins with a street vendor pouring a dosa batter on a sizzling tawa. Once spread evenly, he adds dollops of coconut chutney and stirs it with a spatula. Now, the unexpected begins to shape up as he sprinkles some chocolate chunks and cheese over the batter. The next part of the video shows the vendor peeling a couple of bananas and then arranging them atop the chocolate-coated batter. He then uses the spatula and slices the fruit into small pieces. After thoroughly mixing, he rolls the dosa and cuts it into smaller parts. Plating up, he drizzles chocolate syrup and tops it with some cherries. This bizarre creation is ready to be enjoyed. Sharing the video on Instagram, popular food vlogger Sukrit Jain in the caption, wrote, Dosa ka ye experiment aap try karoge ?! (Would you try this experiment with dosa?). Watch the viral video here: This experimental video quickly went viral on the internet, accumulating over 2.3 million views. Many users expressed their reactions to the video in the comment section. A user cautioned, Urfi Javed ke kapde jese khane ke items par experiment mat karo bhaiya (Dont experiment with food items like Urfi Javeds clothes brother), while another commented, Death is laughing at corner. In a sarcastic tone, a person wrote, Justice for dosa. While this sweet dosa didnt sit well with many users, some had a different perspective. All who are commenting disgusting, this is actually a dish in Europe known as crepe. Those people will eat the same dish in Europe if they will travel there someday, read one comment. An individual defended the dish, stating, Ppl who are commenting what shit is this should try crepes. Its the staple breakfast for french ppl. Sharing his positive experience, a commentor wrote, Tried this combination in Banaras. Taste is quite decent to my surprise. A few weeks ago, another video surfaced showcasing dosa mixed with ice cream, sparking a stir and garnering a variety of reactions from the online community. One user remarked, This guy will be the reason if MasterChef exits India. Australia is a land that is known for having a variety of animals, insects, reptiles, and more. Apart from having a plethora of wild animals, many small insects and reptiles, like snakes, spiders, mice, and lizards, are often spotted in enclosed and cooler areas. There have been many cases where people have found these small animals entering the tiniest of places and making their lives difficult for the house owners. A similar situation happened when a woman was in shock to find out what was waiting for her when she went to open her underwear drawer. Reportedly, small, unknown creatures were lying inside the drawer. According to reports, an Australian woman named Vicki revealed that she knew something was in her bedroom in her Brisbane home since the family dogs were going berserk the night before. Yet she didnt check it, but the next morning, when she went to open her underwear drawer, she found a family of babies lying inside in between her clothes. Initially, she couldnt figure out what they were but later assumed them to be mice or rats. She added that there were eight tiny animal babies inside the drawer, all huddled around one another. She further said that they were all without furs and had not opened their eyes, making it difficult to identify them. Vicki revealed that they were born just a few hours before she found them. Vickis family couldnt understand how the mother of those rats could have gotten inside the drawer. Vickis daughter also spoke to the media regarding the incident. She revealed that there was no better person than her mom to find the babies. She added that her mother is a big nature lover and would even take mosquitoes to a hospital. As per reports, Vicki then put all the babies in a shoebox and took them to a vet clinic. The staff was also unsure what type of animals they were, as they were newborns. She has now handed over the babies to the clinic, which is taking proper care of them. Earlier, another Australian woman found a highly venomous snake lying inside her daughters drawer. The recent death of Satya Sai Gadde in Cleveland, Ohio has once again placed the spotlight on the issue of safety and security of Indian students in the US. On Friday, the Indian Consulate in New York announced Gaddes death. It said that a police investigation is underway and the Indian mission continues to remain in touch with the family. All possible assistance is being extended, including to transport Mr. Uma Gaddes mortal remains to India at the earliest, the Indian mission said. This comes in the wake of similar cases, involving Indian nationals or students of Indian origin, that have surfaced in the first three months of 2024. Read More: Deeply Saddened: Another Student Dies In US, Indian Mission Says Probe Underway Concerns about Indian students are being raised as a record number of Indian students travelled to the United States to pursue higher education. Underlining the alarming rise of such incidents, the US-based Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) has moved a petition seeking an independent FBI investigation into the deaths. There is a whopping sevenfold increase in reports of anti-Asian harassment, discrimination, and violence. It is crucial to note that hate crimes and bias incidents have been found to be vastly under-reported so these numbers only reflect reported incidents, the advocacy group said. Read More: American Dream or Horror? Deaths of Indian Students in US in 2024 Point to Safety Concerns, Vulnerability Here is the list of Indian/Indian-origin students who died in 2024 alone: 1 Amarnath Ghosh Amarnath Ghosh, a professional Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer from Kolkata, was shot dead in the state of Mississippi. Ghosh was pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in dance at Washington University in Saint Louis. On March 1, Ghoshs actor-friend Devoleena Bhattacharjee first alerted the authorities on social media about his death. Hope we get the update of this heinous crime as early as possible. If I am not wrong this is 5th or 6th murder of Indian Students in 2 months. We all are worried here & griefing, Bhattacharjee said in a post on X. The loss of Amarnath has left us all devastated, and his absence is deeply felt within our Kuchipudi group, the GoFundMe page set up for him said. 2 Sameer Kamath An Indian-origin student named Sameer Kamath was found dead at a nature reserve in the US this week, marking the fifth such incident this year. However, the cause of Kamaths death remains unclear at the moment. He was found at Crows Grove Nature Preserve at 3300 North Warren County Road 50 West, in Williamsport. Kamath, a doctoral candidate at Purdue University in Indiana, held US citizenship and had completed his masters degree in Mechanical Engineering in August last year. 3 Shreyas Reddy Another Indian student Shreyas Reddy Benigeri was found dead in the state of Ohios Cincinnati in February. Earlier reports said the cause of Benigeris death remains unknown. In an earlier post, the Consulate General of India in New York said the probe into Benigeris death is underway and at this stage, no foul play is suspected. According to a LinkedIn account, which is believed to be of Benigeri, he was pursuing a graduate degree in Business Statistics from Lindner School of Business, University of Cincinnati. 4 Vivek Saini Vivek Saini, a 25-year-old Indian student, was bludgeoned to death in January by a homeless man, who was arrested at the scene. The homeless drug addict smashed Sainis face and head with a hammer after Saini refused to give him any more shelter and food after providing him amenities for several days. The incident happened at a convenience store in the US state of Georgias Lithonia where Saini used to work part-time. He had recently completed his MBA in the US. 5 Neel Acharya Neel Acharya, another Indian student, who was pursuing computer science at Purdue University, was found dead on the university campus one day after he was missing. What led to his death remains unclear and police officials in West Lafayette in the US state of Indiana have launched a probe. He was a double major in computer science and data science at the John Martinson Honors College. His roommate and friend Aryan Khanolkar, said he was a loving, charismatic soul, and will be cherished by all of us. 6 Akul Dhawan Akul Dhawan, an 18-year-old Indian-American student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the US, passed away in January after going missing for several hours. He reportedly died of hypothermia following acute alcohol intoxication and prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, which significantly contributed to his death, according to a statement released by the Champaign County Coroners Office in Illinois. 7 and 8 G Dinesh, Nikesh Two Indian students were found dead at their residence in the US state of Connecticut, media reports said in January. The two roommates found dead in the city of Hartford were identified as Gattu Dinesh from Wanaparthy, Telangana, and Nikesh from Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. The students, both in their 20s, were found unresponsive by local friends visiting their residence. They were pursuing masters degrees in computer science at the University of Sacred Heart. The suspected cause of death is a gas leak. The gruesome murder of a 26-year-old Holly Bramley at the hands of her husband shocked the United Kingdom. The accused had stabbed her to death and chopped her body in over 200 pieces and stored them in his kitchen larder, before dumping her mortal remains with a friends help. The accused, 28-year-old Nicholas Metson, confessed to killing his wife on Friday. He had been denying the allegations of the murder which took place in March for several weeks. However, officials told the Lincoln Crown Court that Metson never disclosed the reason behind the murder or how he committed it, BBC reported. Metson had paid his friend, Joshua Hancock, fifty pounds to get rid of Bramleys mortal remains, the court was told. WHAT POLICE FOUND AT THE COUPLES FLAT After receiving distress reports expressing concern for Bramleys welfare, Lincolnshire Police paid a visit to the couples home on March 24, 2023. Policemen found the flat to be strongly smelling of ammonia and bleach. They also found blood-soaked sheets in the bathtub and dark spots on the floor, which later turned out to be Bramleys blood. The home looked like it had been freshly refurbished and cleaned. Talking to the cops, Metson claimed to have been a domestic abuse victim at the hands of his wife. He even showed them a bitemark on his arm. Reportedly, the prosecutor told the court that the bite mark suggested that Bramley was being restrained in a headlock. He reportedly told the policemen that Bramley had left with a womens support group on March 19. However, police found lies in Metsons statements and eventually returned to search the flat again. At this, Metson even jokingly told them that his wife might be hiding under the bed. COPS FINDS OVER 200 PIECES OF BRAMLEYS BODY A day after the search at Bramley-Metsons flat, the discovery that was made in Bassinghams River Witham left a terrifying effect. A walker, passing by the river, noticed floating plastic bags in the river and one of them had a human hand. Soon after he informed the police, divers jumped into the river, only to find 224 pieces of Bramleys body, BBC cited the court hearing. However, some of her body parts remain undiscovered. THE EVIL MURDER The court was told that Metson likely stabbed his wife multiple times in the bathroom, after which he dismemebered her body in the bathroom. He collected the body pieces in plastic bags and stored them in his kitchen larder a cold storage for food before getting Hancocks help in disposing it off. After killing his wife, Metson even went to google to search What benefits do I get if my wife died and Can someone haunt me after they die, BBC further reported. HOLLY BRAMLEYS MOTHER IN COURT Annette Bramley, the victims mother, directly addressed Metson in the court and said he had given her family a lifetime of grief. The heinous way in which she was murder and dismembered has left us in such unimaginable pain, she was quoted as saying in court. The statements from Holly Bramleys family members suggested that the 28-year-old evil monster had subjected his wife to coercive control and manipulative behaviour. The couple, who got married in 2021, were on the brink of separation when Holly Bramley was murdered. Bramleys last appearance was caught on the CCTV footage on March 17, when she was returning to her home. Reportedly, the accused had previous crime record of offences against his former partners. Though Metson denied killing Bramley, he admitted to the crime at the Lincoln Crown Court last month. His sentencing is due to be pronounced on Monday. Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said that the country was one step away from victory in the Gaza war. He vowed there would be no truce until Hamas releases all hostages. We are one step away from victory, Netanyahu declared during a cabinet meeting commemorating six months since the conflict began on October 7, following an attack by Hamas militants on Israel, the AFP reported. But the price we paid is painful and heartbreaking, Israeli Prime Minister noted. As truce talks were anticipated to resume in Cairo with international mediators, Netanyahu affirmed, There will be no ceasefire without the return of hostages. It just wont happen. He emphasised, Israel is ready for a deal, Israel is not ready to surrender. Additionally, Netanyahu emphasised that rather than directing international pressure at Israel, which only serves to harden Hamass positions, the international community should focus its pressure on Hamas. This will advance the release of the hostages, he added. Iran behind several attacks against Israel: Netanyahu During the meeting, Netanyahu also accused Iran of orchestrating multiple attacks against Israel through its proxies. Anyone who hurts us or plans to hurt us we will hurt him. We put this principle into practice, all the time and in recent days, Netanyahu added. . pic.twitter.com/RLx19ueOOx Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) April 4, 2024 Concerns regarding the potential escalation of the conflict in Gaza have heightened following Irans declaration to retaliate for the deaths of seven of its Revolutionary Guards in an airstrike on Monday targetting the consular annex of its embassy in Syrias Damascus. Iranian authorities have affirmed their commitment to respond, while Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, has labelled the consulate strike as a turning point. Earlier today, a top Iranian military adviser issued a warning to Israel, cautioning that none of its embassies were secure in the wake of a strike in Damascus. The attack, attributed to Israel, resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals, including two high-ranking Iranian generals. None of the embassies of the (Israeli) regime are safe anymore, General Rahim Safavi, a military adviser to Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated, as quoted by the semi-official Tasnim agency. Safavi delivered his statement during a memorial ceremony in Tehran commemorating the Iranian Revolutionary Guard generals who were killed in the strike. (With inputs from agencies) Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday embarked on his maiden foreign visit to Saudi Arabia to meet the Saudi leadership and discuss issues of mutual interest. The prime minister departed for Saudi Arabia in a commercial airline for a visit from April 6 to 8, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said. Sharif, who assumed office as Pakistans prime minister for a second time last month, is accompanied by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and other ministers and senior officials. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also accompanied the prime minister, the report said. Sharif will also perform Umrah (in Makkah) and offer prayers at the Masjid Nabwi Al-Sharif (in Medina) during the visit from April 6 to 8 during the last days of Ramzan. The Prime Minister is expected to meet the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman and discuss issues of mutual interest. The leaders will also exchange views on regional and global developments. During his stay, multiple development projects would be finalised, whereas bilateral cooperation in several sectors including agriculture continues between the two countries, Dawn.com said, quoting sources. They said Saudi Arabia was expected to invest USD 1 billion in the Reko Diq project as well. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long-standing fraternal relations rooted in religious and cultural affinity. The leadership of both countries is committed to advancing their fraternal ties and mutually rewarding economic and investment relations, according to the Foreign Office here. A murder investigation is underway in the UK after a human torso was found in the Salford nature reserve in the Greater Manchester area. Police responded to a wooded area in Kersal Wetlands after a passerby found the remains wrapped in plastic around 5:50 pm on Thursday. British authorities are now searching the area for additional body parts while awaiting results from a postmortem examination to identify the victim, the Daily Mail reported. However, due to the absence of the full body, determining the cause of death remains uncertain. #NEWS | Human remains discovered in Salford confirmed as that of a man as murder investigation continuesWe urge anyone with information to get in touch with us 0161 8563625 quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024. More https://t.co/AZpcTOdXrE pic.twitter.com/8apmevk4lR Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) April 6, 2024 Tragic case Forensic examinations on Friday determined that the victim is a man likely to be aged older than 40 and who has only been deceased for a matter of days. Further enquiries including DNA tests are ongoing to help try to identify him, the Greater Manchester Police said in a statement, as reports revealed that no identifying marks were found on the remains. Police estimate the body had been in the reserve for 24 to 36 hours before its discovery. UK media reports said that the Woodland area remains cordoned off as forensic officers conduct their investigation. Chief Superintendent Tony Creely, district commander for Salford, said: This is a tragic case which is moving at pace and, thanks to forensic tests, we are able to confirm that the victim is a man who could not have survived. At the heart of our investigation is this man and his family. We are using all forensic techniques available to identify him as soon as we can so we are able to support his loved ones during this devastating time. I would like to thank the public for their cooperation in the last few days. The presence of our officers and specialist teams will have caused disruption in the local area and may continue to for some time yet but we value any information they have been able to pass to us, he added. The polices forensic teams and detectives are expected to remain on-site for an extended period. UK authorities are appealing to locals, dog walkers, and passersby for any information that could aid in the investigation. Chief Superintendent Creely stressed the need for a breakthrough and urged individuals with even the smallest piece of information to contact the police promptly. A young American woman from the US state of Florida, who posed as a 14-year-old to lure teenage boys, has been hit with additional charges, linked to a molestation case she is facing. Alyssa Ann Zinger, 23, who is a resident of the city of Tampa, was arrested again on Thursday after four more victims came forward, the New York Post reported. She was first arrested in November following tips about her inappropriate relationship with a male victim between the ages of 12 and 15, Tampa Police said. She was arrested for engaging in sexual acts with a student and sending explicit videos to many but was later released after she paid a $7,500 bond on each second-degree felony charge. NEW: 23-year-old Alyssa Ann Zinger hit with s*x charges for posing as a teenager to have s*x with 12-15 year old boys.Zinger was arrested last November for allegedly engaging in at least 30 s*xual acts with a middle school student. The woman would pretend to be a homeschooled, pic.twitter.com/KsNtnFmtrs Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 6, 2024 Disturbing and unsettling According to a police probe, Zinger contacted the victim by posing as a home-schooled student online on Snapchat. She communicated with the victim primarily through an online social media platform. Earlier, she was charged with two Felony Counts of Lewd or Lascivious Battery and five Felony Counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation Defendant Over 18 Victim 12-15. It is disturbing and unsettling to see an adult take advantage of a child and prey on them, said Chief Lee Bercaw. Anyone who may have been a victim of Zingers, we encourage you to come forward. The Tampa Police Department will support you and ensure a predator like Zinger doesnt cause you or others additional harm. On Thursday, Florida authorities added two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation, two counts of lewd or lascivious battery, possession of child pornography, in-state transmission of child pornography by electronic device, and sexual cyber harassment. The victims in this case are all between the ages of 12 to 15, and they are in middle school, State Attorney Suzy Lopez told a local outlet. Zinger now faces 11 felony charges. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Monday. A UK man, 28-year-old Nicholas Metson, has confessed to murdering his wife after initially denying it for nearly a year. According to police, Metson initially denied involvement when his wifes body was discovered in 2023. However, during a court hearing in February, he admitted to the crime. After killing his wife, Holly Bramley, 26, Metson withdrew money from her bank account and searched online for questions such as What benefits do I get if my wife has died and Can someone haunt me after they die, the BBC reported. He also searched for How to get rid of a dead body and Does God forgive murder, among other things. According to the publication, Metson and Bramley were on the verge of separating before the murder occurred, and Metson never gave a reason for his actions. During the February hearing, another man, 28-year-old Joshua Hancock, who was allegedly a friend of Metsons, admitted to helping dispose of the body. Metson admitted to keeping his wifes remains in their flat for about a week before paying Hancock to get rid of them. Bramleys body was initially found in a river in March 2023 when a passerby noticed plastic bags floating in the water, one of which contained a human hand, according to the BBC. Authorities subsequently retrieved 224 remains of the body, but some parts were never located. Before Bramleys body was found, there were concerns about her well-being, as her family hadnt seen her for over a year. This was reportedly due to Metsons controlling behavior. Metson from Lincoln, England, had a history of animal cruelty and had previous offenses against his former partners. Before murdering his wife, he reportedly subjected Bramleys pets to brutal treatment as a form of punishment. According to the British tabloid Daily Mail, he once placed her new puppy in a washing machine while it was spinning. He also killed her hamsters by placing them in a food blender and microwave. The UK daily Express & Star reported that Metsons defence lawyer argued that he has autism spectrum disorder, which impacts his self-control and ability to empathise with others. Additionally, the lawyer stated that prison would pose certain added difficulties for him. With his autism and other disorders, he has a highly restricted capacity for remorse, he has profound difficulties to empathise with others and read the feelings of others, the defence lawyer added. Prince Harry is reportedly experiencing sleepless nights before his upcoming visit to the UK next month. The Duke of Sussex is scheduled to attend a service at St. Pauls Cathedral in London to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games on May 8. Royal expert and author Tom Quinn told UK publication The Mirror that the visit isnt easy for Prince Harry as he prepares to meet his estranged family during his visit. The Duke is usually accompanied by his wife Meghan Markle at Invictus events. Though she has been listed as a guest at the event, it remains uncertain if she will join him in the UK. Harry and Megan are having sleepless nights about what they should do when Harry visits the UK later this year he will have to do something to acknowledge the huge difficulties his family is going through, but he wont want to do or say anything that seems to imply anything less than wholehearted support for his permanently aggrieved wife, royal expert and author Tom Quinn told. ALSO READ: Prince Harry Returns To The UK For Invictus Games, Short Meeting Possible With William, Kate The last time Prince Harry visited the country was to meet with his father King Charles after his cancer diagnosis, but Meghan stayed in California with their two children. The publication stated that the visit lasted only 12 minutes, and Prince Harry did not visit his brother Prince William and his wife Princess Kate. Now, after Kates cancer diagnosis, the Duke finds himself in a dilemma. Meghan and Harry have not returned to England together since the funeral of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022. Harry would love to patch things up with his sister-in-law and with his brother and father, Quinn said. He sees things far more calmly now he has had his say in Spare and in various interviews, but he just cannot think how to do it and keep Meghan on board. The royal expert stated that Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, definitely doesnt want an apology to resolve the feud, but Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, definitely does. According to Quinn, the Duchess of Sussexs perspective on the fallout is quite different. The relationship between the two women has been intensely scrutinised following revelations in Prince Harrys memoir, Spare. In the book, the Duke of Sussex recounted finding Meghan crying on the floor after an argument with Kate about bridesmaid dresses. William just thinks the whole thing is a storm in a teacup and cant understand why his brother cant get over the sort of spat that many brothers have to go through. Meghan and Harry feel hurt by the way they were treated when they were working members of the royal family and William and Kate feel they were treated poorly once Harry and Meghan left and Harry published Spare, Quinn stated. What is the Invictus Games? The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans. Prince Harry launched the sporting event in 2014 after being inspired by his visit to the Warrior Games in USA in 2013. The first Invictus Games took place in London in 2014 and were followed by subsequent games in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2023. The word Invictus is Latin for unconquered. It represents the fighting spirit of wounded, injured, and sick service personnel, and illustrates what these resilient men and women can achieve after injury. Land-sea corridor facilitates fruit trade between China, ASEAN Xinhua) 09:04, April 07, 2024 Officers of Qinzhou Port Customs check imported mangosteens at the Qinzhou Port in Qinzhou City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2024. (Photo by Li Fuyang/Xinhua) NANNING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- After an eight-day voyage, a cargo ship loaded with 68 tonnes of mangosteens docked at the port of Qinzhou in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Having cleared customs swiftly, the fruits imported from Indonesia were transported to nearby provinces, as well as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta. As a pivotal hub along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, the port of Qinzhou witnesses a daily hustle and bustle of rail-sea intermodal trains delivering cargo from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries to China's inland regions. Launched in 2017, the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor is a trade and logistics passage jointly built by provincial-level regions in western China and ASEAN members. Today, thanks to the corridor, more and more fruits from Southeast Asia can reach the Chinese market and meet the growing and diversified needs of Chinese consumers. "In the past, our imported fruits were disembarked at Nansha District of Guangzhou," said Huang Liangsong, a staff member of Guangxi Zhengfan International Logistics Co., Ltd., adding that nowadays the import logistics of the port of Qinzhou are faster and more cost-effective thanks to the continuous expansion of foreign trade routes. "With the arrival of the fruit season, an assortment of ASEAN fruits will be shipped to the port this year," he said. To further spur the flow of agricultural products from ASEAN countries to the Chinese market, the port of Qinzhou has established several tropical fruit express lines as well as optimized cold chain, cold storage, and other supporting infrastructure. "We launched an express line from Laem Chabang of Thailand to Qinzhou which runs four times a week, and the fruits can reach China within three days," said Zuo Kongtian, an official with the Qinzhou Port area of the Guangxi Free Trade Zone. According to customs statistics, from January to February this year, fruit imports through Qinzhou Port -- mostly longan, coconut, mango and mangosteen -- totaled more than 3,300 tonnes, with a total value of 25.43 million yuan (about 3.51 million U.S. dollars), up 178.4 percent and 292.5 percent year on year, respectively. In addition, the establishment of a fruit trade center in collaboration with ASEAN countries in Qinzhou has also contributed to the efficiency customs clearance. "We have set up an inbound fruit 'green channel' to largely reduce the waiting time and to ensure streamlined customs clearance processes," said Cao Teng, an officer at Qinzhou Port Customs. Youyi Pass, over 200 kilometers from Qinzhou Port, is nestled on the China-Vietnam border in Guangxi. It saw 23.88 billion yuan worth of fruits imported in 2023, reflecting a 262.3 percent year-on-year increase, according to local customs statistics. Early April marks the first peak of the massive influx of tropical fruits via Youyi Pass, China's major land route to Vietnam and Southeast Asia, where trucks loaded with ripe durians and jackfruit form queues for customs clearance at this time of year. According to Wang Zhengbo, president of a Guangxi-based supply chain management company, business collaboration opportunities between China and ASEAN have continued to grow in recent years, boosting the demand for and the quantity and variety of goods in cross-border trade, as well as seeing continuous increases in freight volume. The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor is also an economic corridor featuring in-depth integration of transportation, logistics, commerce and industry, thereby creating significant opportunities for industrial cooperation among countries. "With the effective implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the acceleration of the construction of the land-sea trade corridor, economic and trade cooperation between China and the ASEAN will bring about new opportunities," said Zuo. Vendors transport packaged durians at Haijixing Market, a large wholesale fruit market, in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhao Huan) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) By SA Commercial Prop News Massmart, which owns brands such as Dion-Wired, Makro and Game Stores, is forecasting another big loss of over R1.2 billion Massmart, which owns brands such as Dion-Wired, Makro and Game Stores, is forecasting another big loss of over R1.2 billion as it battled tough trading conditions in the second half. Last week, the group published a trading update for the period ending 29 December 2019, warning of the staggering full-year loss due to tough trading conditions in South Africa. The company expects to report headline loss of between R1.13 billion and R1.22 billion for the year, down from headline earnings of R901.2 million in 2018 (as much as 236% lower). Headline losses per share are expected between 522 cents and 563 cents, down from HEPS of 416.5 cents before. Trading profit for the full year, before the impact of IFRS 16, is expected to be 73.0% to 83.0% lower than the prior-year trading profit of R2,068.9 million. Including the impact of IFRS 16, trading profit is expected to be 40% to 50% lower. The net loss, it said, is projected at between R1.2 billion and R1.4 billion. Massmart said that the second half of 2019 was characterised by tough trading conditions, which included load shedding and consumers under pressure due to the creeping economy. Economic growth contracted in Q3 2019, whilst Q4 2019 offered little relief, it said. In addition to the material impact of trading disruptions and customer inconvenience caused by aggressive load-shedding in early December, consumers continued to prioritise spending on non-durables over spending on durable goods, it said. During the course of H2 2019, food sales increased by 3.3%, liquor sales increased by 0.4% while general merchandise sales the groups biggest and largest margin category decreased by 2.6%. Home improvement sales increased by 1.9%. The group said it delivered a very strong Black Friday sales performance unfortunately, this did not carry-over into the festive period, as sales growth in Q4 2019 was 0.5% as compared to the same period in 2018. Massdiscounters which includes Dion Wired and Game saw total sales for the 52 weeks of R19.8 billion, up only 0.3% up on last year. This was most notably impacted by lower consumer spending on durable goods, the group said, with comparable stores sales contracting by 2.1%. Durable goods include appliances, tools, electronics and similar products. Overall sales growth for H2 2019 was 0.9% (down from 5.5% in H1 2019) with comparable stores sales contracting by 0.3%. Dion Wired and reorganisation At the start of January, Massmart said that it was in talks with unions about store closures and jobs cuts. This includes a plan is to shutter the 23-store Dion-Wired chain and 11 Masscash wholesale outlets impacting around 1,440 employees. While the group describes these as potential closures, it has said that the intention is to close the brand in the country. The closures are dependent on the outcome of the retrenchment process and consultations with unions. DionWired sales have come under pressure as low consumer confidence has affected sales of high price-ticket electronic items. Declining customer traffic into major shopping malls where some larger Dion Wired stores are based, has also impacted sales. Following a review of its retail and wholesale routes to market, and the associated rationalisation of the group, Massmart said it is now also overhauling its current operating model. As of 1 February 2020, the group said that it will be consolidating its four divisions Masscash, Masswarehouse, Massbuild, and Massdiscounters into just two units. PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has emphasised Zanu-PFs neutrality in the oppositions internal conflicts and acknowledged the potential advantage it presents for his party, saying the struggles are an opportunity to solidify Zanu-PFs dominance in Zimbabwes democratic landscape. In an exclusive interview with Brick by Brick magazine, the President admitted to relishing the oppositions internal strife. For him, these battles serve a purpose they weaken the adversary, rendering it incapable of challenging Zanu-PF. When asked about the factional wars that have left the Western-born opposition in disarray, the Presidents response was succinct: I laugh and enjoy. Look, I am the head of a political party. If my opponents are fighting, I laugh and enjoy. Why would I bother to say I want a very strong opposition that can challenge me? Its good to have an opposition. Our laws allow opposition that is why opposition parties are here. They have their internal conflicts and internal difficulties. Its legitimate to them. They must resolve their problems. They cannot expect Zanu-PF to go and intervene and say, Look, you are becoming weaker and weaker, and this is not good for us. NO! We will not do that, said the President. After losing last years harmonised elections to Zanu-PF, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) finds itself ensnared in factional wars marked by recalls from both Parliament and local authorities. These internal conflicts have not only triggered costly by-elections but have also led to CCC splintering into four distinct factions. These factions now vie for access to funds disbursed under the Political Parties (Finance) Act. In response to wild and baseless assertions by opposition officials and their supporters regarding infiltration, the Presidents solution is straightforward remove the infiltrators. They should remove those who have infiltrated them (laughs). That is the only solution. Just remove them, he said. Furthermore, President Mnangagwa said that the governing party, which played a pivotal role in establishing democracy and political pluralism following a protracted liberation struggle, cannot enact laws that suppress individuals from expressing diverse opinions or viewpoints. If people dont understand each other and cant work together, they will say so. You cant put a law that says dont differ (laughs). On the international stage, the President vehemently criticised the American government for overlooking the genocidal massacre of Palestinians in Gaza by Israel. Paradoxically, the same America then proceeded to lecture Zimbabwe about democracy and human rights, employing a double-edged approach. This is why we have said America applies double standards. This is a clear example of double standards. There is nothing about human rights you can speak of here in Zimbabwe, totally. We are a free, democratic country. We allow the opposition and we allow elections. If America wants to know where democracy is practised, they should come to Harare. They should come to Zimbabwe and see democracy in practice, he said. Zimbabwe, in its bold attempt to rectify colonial land inequities, faced the imposition of illegal economic sanctions by the Western world. The punitive embargoes were explicitly wielded as a tool for regime change. Recently, the US made partial adjustments to these illegal sanctions, but President Mnangagwa remains steadfast such piecemeal changes are unacceptable. The sanctions must be entirely lifted. Well, these sanctions have been placed on us since 2001. Its now about 23 years on. These sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe are illegal. That is the position also of the United Nations Security Council. Now, the Biden administration proposed to remove some of them and leave some of them on. We are saying no. In the first place, they are totally illegal. They must go in totality. We cannot feel that he is being benevolent by removing part of the illegality and leaving part of the illegality on us. The illegality must go in total, he said. These sanctions have been on us for more than 23 years. I dont think there is anybody in Zimbabwe who is losing sleep over the sanctions. We only get reminded of the sanctions when people talk about them. We dont feel that we are on sanctions, said the President. President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zimbabwes commitment to its engagement and re-engagement efforts on the international stage. Simultaneously, the country remains focused on implementing policies that drive accelerated industrialisation and modernisation, aligning with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030. *Chronicle will tomorrow publish another story from the interview, the President addressing the Gukurahundi issue and exploring avenues for a lasting solution. Herald Oguzhan Sert is serving a life sentence in Canada as a convicted terrorist, but as Lana Hall writes in Maclean's, he appears to be the first person in the world convicted of his particular brand of terrorism. As a 17-year-old, Sert walked into a massage parlor in Toronto in 2020 and savagely stabbed 24-year-old Ashley Noelle Arzaga to death. The two had never met. As he told investigators, Sert did so in the name of the incelor involuntary celibatemovement, which began as an online subculture of lonely people carping about not being able to find romantic partners but has since morphed in a murderous way. A small subset of menusing a 2014 attack in California as its inspirationhas embraced an ideology that blames women as a whole for their plight and sees violence against them as justified. Sex workers in particular are vilified. Likening himself to a Nobel Peace Prize winner who helped end apartheid in South Africa, Donald Trump taunted the judge presiding over his hush money trial who has prohibited the defendant from making statements attacking most people involved in the case and their families. "I will gladly become a Modern Day Nelson MandelaIt will be my GREAT HONOR," Trump posted Saturday on Truth Social, CNBC reports. New York state Judge Juan Merchan, whom Trump labeled a "partisan hack" in his post, had expanded his order on Monday to put more people off-limits from Trump's attacks. The Washington Post has counted more than 130 direct attacks by Trump on judges or their familiesby namesince he began his presidential campaign in late 2022. Merchan's order does not prohibit attacks on himself or the district attorney. President Biden's campaign did not let Trump's reference to Mandela slide, per the Post; he had previously said someone texted him likening his trials to those of Jesus Christ. "Imagine being so self-centered that you compare yourself to Jesus Christ and Nelson Mandela all within the span of little more than a week: that's Donald Trump for you," the campaign's Jasmine Harris said in a statement. (More Trump hush-money trial stories.) A top Iranian military adviser on Sunday warned Israel that its embassies are not safe following last week's strike in Damascus blamed on Israel that killed two top Iranian generals. Regional tensions threaten to draw the Middle East into a wider conflict as the Israel-Hamas war marks six months. The remarks by Gen. Rahim Safavi, a military adviser to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, signaled that the attack on a diplomatic mission could be met with a similar response. Israel has not directly acknowledged its involvement. "None of the embassies of the (Israeli) regime are safe anymore," Safavi was quoted as saying by the semi-official Tasnim agency. He spoke at a ceremony in Tehran for the generals killed in the strike, the AP reports. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was prepared for any response. "Whoever harms us or plans to harm us, we will harm them," he told a Cabinet meeting. The tensions came at the six-month mark of the war, which began when Hamas-led militants crossed from Gaza into Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking about 250 captive. Israel retaliated with a fierce bombardment and ground offensive that has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities. Also Sunday, Israel's military announced it was drawing back forces from the 98th paratroopers division operating in the area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, bringing troop levels in Gaza to some of the lowest levels of the war. The forces withdrew to recuperate and prepare for future operations, said Israeli military officials. Israel has vowed a ground offensive on the Gaza city of Rafah, considered Hamas' last stronghold. But the area shelters some 1.4 million people, and the prospect of an offensive has raised global alarmincluding from the US, which has demanded to see a plan to protect civilians. Frustration is growing in Israel, where protests have swelled and anger is mounting over what some see as government inaction to help free the remaining 130 or so hostages, per the AP. (More Israel-Hamas war stories.) Lucknow administration asks banks to inform about transactions above permitted limit The Lucknow district election officer has directed all banks to monitor withdrawals and deposits above Rs 10 lakh. District Magistrate Surya Pal Gangwar has directed banks to send reports about all such deposits and withdrawals to the district election department. He further directed that banks will also need to provide details about continuous withdrawals or deposits of more than Rs 1 lakh in the accounts of the dependents of all candidates. The bankers have been further asked to open separate accounts for the election-related transactions of the candidates from different political parties. All election expenses by the candidates will be borne from this account. All banks will provide separate banking facilities to the candidates and their workers, said Gangwar, who also holds the charge of district election officer. If there is continuous withdrawal or deposit of more than Rs 1 lakh in the accounts of candidates dependents, then this information will also be made available, he added. Regarding carrying cash through ATM vans and others, the District Election Officer directed that banks will ensure that the vehicles carrying cash received from agencies/companies do not under any circumstances carry cash of any party other than the banks cash. Cash-carrying personnel accompanying the vehicles will carry with them identity cards issued by the concerned agencies. Also, if the vehicles carrying cash are stopped for inspection, then the company/agency should be in a position to prove by direct inspection of the documents and currency that they have used the cash to replenish the cash at the banks ATMs or to deposit in the banks, he instructed. The Government is set to promote Aotearoa as a space tech destination on the world stage. Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins is heading to Colorado Springs this week to speak at the 39th Space Symposium. The 10,000-people-strong symposium will be attended by space experts and leaders from across the globe. Speaking with AM on Monday, Collins said New Zealand is already a key player in the space sector and she's looking to keep pushing that momentum. "Last year we had the fourth most prolific launches after the US, China and Russia. It's a long drop from three to four I must say, but still we are there," Collins said. The military spokesperson did not give details on reasons for withdrawing soldiers or numbers involved. But Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said the troops will be preparing for future operations in Gaza. Both Israel and Hamas, the Islamist movement that controls Gaza, confirmed they were sending delegations to Egypt. Hamas wants any deal to bring about an end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli forces. Israel has said that, after any truce, it would topple Hamas, which is sworn to its destruction. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would be no deal without a hostage release and that he would not cave to international pressure. Hamas says an agreement must include freedom of movement of residents across the Gaza Strip. More than 250 hostages were seized and some 1,200 people killed during Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, according to Israeli tallies. More than 33,100 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, according to the health ministry in Gaza. Around 130 hostages are still being held in Gaza. Asked about troop withdrawals from the enclave, Israel's Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi told reporters that the military was adapting its methods to what has been and will be a long war. Gallant said Israel will press on with the war until Hamas no longer controls Gaza or threatens Israel as a military group. "The forces are exiting and preparing for their next missions," Gallant said at a meeting with military officials, according to a statement from his office, and "also their coming mission in the Rafah area". PALESTINIAN HOPES Israel says an incursion into the Rafah area, near the border with Egypt, is needed to eliminate Hamas but anxious foreign powers have said it could exact an unacceptable toll on civilians, with more than a million people sheltering there. Israel says it will evacuate civilians before launching an incursion. Palestinian residents of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, which has come under Israeli bombardment in recent months, said they had seen Israeli forces leaving the centre of the city and retreating to eastern districts. Medics said they found at least 12 Palestinian bodies in the area. Some residents from Khan Younis, who have been sheltering in Rafah, began returning to their neighbourhoods after the Israeli troops left. "It seems at the end it may be a happy Eid," said Imad Joudat, 55, who lives with his eight-member family in a tent in Rafah, referring to the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday that starts mid-week. "The occupation withdrew forces from Khan Younis, the Americans are pressuring after some foreigners were killed and Egypt is holding a big round with the Americans, the Israelis, Hamas and Qatar. This time we are hopeful," Joudat told Reuters via a chat app. Israel is under increased pressure from the United States, with President Joe Biden demanding that it improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza and work towards a ceasefire, and saying that U.S. support could depend on that. It was the first time Biden, a staunch supporter of Israel, has sought to leverage U.S. backing to influence Israeli military behaviour. The U.S. is a major supplier of arms to Israel. Biden has also urged the leaders of Egypt and Qatar to pressure Hamas to agree to a ceasefire and hostage deal ahead of a fresh round of talks in Cairo. Israel is also on alert for a possible retaliatory attack from Iran in reaction to the killing of Iranian generals on April 1. Reuters We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. AFP | Quito The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Mexico yesterday demanded guarantees to allow its diplomatic staff to leave Ecuador safely after authorities stormed its embassy in Quito to arrest former vice president Jorge Glas, who had been granted political asylum there. The incident prompted Mexico to sever diplomatic ties with the South American nation, citing the violation of international law. Images taken by AFP showed police special forces massed outside the embassy and at least one of them scaling its walls, which were already surrounded by police and military. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said authorities forcibly entered the building to arrest Glas, accused of corruption. This is a flagrant violation of international law and the sovereignty of Mexico, he said on social media platform X. Foreign minister Alicia Barcena said the arrest was a flagrant violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and Mexican personnel in the embassy had been injured during the incident. Mexico announces the immediate breaking of diplomatic relations with Ecuador, she said on X. She added that Mexican diplomatic personnel will immediately leave the South American country and asked Quito to offer the necessary guarantees for their movement. Mexico had complained earlier in the day of harassment due to an increased police presence outside its Quito embassy. According to an AFP photographer at the scene, Glas, 54, was moved yesterday from the holding facility he had spent the night in. The government said he was transferred to a maximum security prison in the port city of Guayaquil. The former Ecuadoran vice president -- who served under leftist President Rafael Correa -- sought refuge in the Mexican embassy last December after authorities issued a warrant for his arrest for alleged corruption. His asylum request was formally granted on Friday, angering Quito and deepening the diplomatic dispute between the two Latin American nations. Ecuadoran President Daniel Noboas government called the move an illicit act, while Mexico insisted it had granted political asylum to Glas after a thorough analysis of the situation. Former president Correa, who has been exiled in Belgium since 2017 and was sentenced in absentia to eight years in prison for corruption, wrote on X that not even in the worst dictatorships has a countrys embassy been violated. Local media showed Roberto Canseco, head of the Mexican diplomatic mission, running behind vehicles believed to be transporting Glas from the site, shouting: Its an outrage! Agents prevented Canseco from approaching one of the cars and in the ensuing struggle he is seen falling to the ground. Barcena later confirmed that Canseco and the rest of the mission were well. AFP | Lima, Peru The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Peruvian President Dina Boluarte said Friday the Rolex watches that put her in the crosshairs of corruption investigators had been lent to her by a friend and denied owning other luxury items, as the scandal shakes her fragile government. Boluarte's remarks, broadcast on state television, came after she spent five-and-a-half hours giving a statement to public prosecutors in the affair dubbed "Rolexgate." "I must admit that it was a mistake to accept as a loan those watches from my friend Wilfredo Oscorima," Boluarte said, referring to the governor of the Ayacucho region and a political ally. "I have already returned" the Rolex watches, the 61-year-old president added. The media investigation which prompted the probe against her revealed she had worn various Rolex watches to official events as vice president and minister of development, before taking over in 2022 from predecessor Pedro Castillo. Police raided Boluarte's home and presidential office on March 30 in search of the alleged collection, which was said to include at least three high-value Rolex watches, according to photographs published by local media. Prosecutors had earlier said she would be required to present the undeclared luxury timepieces and explain their origin as part of the probe into illegal enrichment. The public prosector's office was also seeking an explanation for Boluarte's possession of a "$56,000 Cartier bracelet" and other jewelry valued at more than $500,000. Bank deposits of about $250,000 from her time as a cabinet minister in 2021 and 2022 were also being investigated. "Everything that has been said is false," Boluarte declared, denying owning the luxury jewelry. At one point during her news conference, Boluarte held up her arm to display the watch on her wrist, pointing out it was a Jacques du Manoir timepiece that she had bought in Switzerland, and not an alleged "fourth Rolex." The government hoped Boluarte's statement to investigators would put an end to a scandal that provoked two motions to impeach her, both defeated by the right-wing majority in Congress on Thursday. - 'Jail awaits' - Small groups of protesters gathered outside the prosecutor's office as Boluarte gave her statement, including a group of mainly women who expressed their support for the president. A separate group shouted: "Dina, jail awaits you!" Boluarte is the sixth president in the last quarter century to face corruption charges in Peru. She is also the sixth president the country has had in just eight years. "I entered the presidential palace with clean hands and I will leave with clean hands, as I promised the Peruvian people," Boluarte said last week. The president is already facing approval ratings of around 10 percent, and has had a torrid time in office since taking over from Castillo, who tried to dissolve Congress and rule by decree, leading to his arrest and impeachment. In 2023, prosecutors opened an investigation in which she stands accused of "genocide, homicide and serious injuries," for the death of more than 50 protesters during a crackdown on demonstrations demanding she resign and call fresh elections. Recruiting and retaining Black teachers has taken on new urgency in recent years as California lawmakers try to ease the states teacher shortage and close gaps in student performance. Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock Recruiting and retaining Black teachers has taken on new urgency in recent years as California lawmakers try to ease the states teacher shortage. The state and individual school districts have launched initiatives to recruit teachers of color, but educators and advocates say more needs to be done. Hiring a diverse group of teachers helps all students, but the impact is particularly significant for students of color, who then score higher on tests and are more likely to graduate from college, according to the Learning Policy Institute. A recently released report also found that Black boys are less likely to be identified for special education when they have a Black teacher. In the past five years, state lawmakers have made earning a credential easier and more affordable, and have offered incentives for school staff to become teachers all moves meant to ease the teacher shortage and help to diversify the educator workforce. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Despite efforts by the state and school districts, the number of Black teachers doesnt seem to be increasing. Black teachers say that to keep them in the classroom, teacher preparation must be more affordable, pay and benefits increased, and more done to ensure they are treated with respect, supported and given opportunities to lead. Black educators specifically said that they felt like they were being pushed out of the state of California, said Jalisa Evans, chief executive director of the Black Educator Advocates Network, of a recent survey of Black teachers. When we look at the future of Black educators for the state, it can go either way, because what Black educators are feeling right now is that theyre not welcome. Task forces advice State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond called diversifying the teacher workforce a priority and established the California Department of Education Educator Diversity Advisory Group in 2021. The advisory group has made several recommendations, including beginning a public relations campaign and offering sustained funding to recruit and retain teachers of color, and providing guidance and accountability to school districts on the matter. The group also wants universities, community groups and school districts to enter into partnerships to build pathways for teachers of color. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Since then, California has created a set of public service announcements and a video to help recruit teachers and has invested $10 million to help people of color to become school administrators, said Travis Bristol, chairman of the advisory group and an associate professor of education at UC Berkeley. Staff from county offices of education also have been meeting to share ideas on how they can support districts efforts to recruit and retain teachers of color, he said. The state also has invested more than $350 million over the past six years to fund teacher residency programs, and recently passed legislation to ensure residents are paid a minimum salary. Residents work alongside an experienced teacher-mentor for a year of clinical training while completing coursework in a university preparation program a time commitment that often precludes them from taking a job. Legislators have also proposed a bill that would require that student teachers be paid. Completing the 600 hours of unpaid student teaching required by the state, while paying for tuition, books, supplies and living expenses, is a challenge for many Black teacher candidates. Black teacher candidates typically take on much more student debt than their white counterparts, in part, because of the large racial wealth gap in the United States. A 2019 study by the Economic Policy Institute showed that the median white family had $184,000 in family wealth (property and cash), while the median Latino family had $38,000 and the median Black family had $23,000. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lack of data Its difficult to know if state efforts are working. California hasnt released any data on teacher demographics since the 2018-19 school year, although the data is submitted annually by school districts. The California Department of Education did not provide updated data or interviews requested by EdSource for this story. The most recent data from the Education Department shows the number of Black teachers in California declined from 4.2% in 2009 to 3.9% during the 2018-19 school year. The National Center for Education Statistics data from the 2020-21 shows that Black teachers made up 3.8% of the state educator workforce. Having current data is a critical first step to understanding the problem and addressing it, said Mayra Lara, director of Southern California partnerships and engagement at The Education Trust-West, an education research and advocacy organization. Lets be clear: The California Department of Education needs to annually publish educator demographic and experience data, Lara said. It has failed to do so for the past four years. Without this data, families, communities and decision-makers really are in the dark when it comes to the diversity of the educator workforce. Advertisement Article continues below this ad L.A. Unifieds efforts While most state programs focus on recruiting and retaining all teachers of color, some California school districts have initiatives focused solely on recruiting Black teachers. The states largest school district, Los Angeles Unified, passed the Black Student Excellence through Educator Diversity, Preparation and Retention resolution two years ago. It required district staff to develop a strategic plan to ensure schools have Black teachers, administrators and mental health workers, and to advocate for programs that offer pathways for Black people to become teachers. When the resolution was passed in February 2022, Los Angeles Unified had 1,889 Black teachers 9% of its teacher workforce. The following school year, that number declined to 1,823 or 7.9% of district teachers. The number of Black teachers in the district has gone down each year since 2016. The district did not provide data for the current school year. Robert Whitman, director of the Educational Transformation Office at L.A. Unified, attributed the decrease, in part, to the difficulty attracting teachers to the district, primarily because of the areas high cost of living. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Those who are coming out of colleges now, in some cases, we find that they can make more money doing other things, Whitman said. And so, they may not necessarily see education as the most viable option. The underrepresentation of people of color prompted the district to create its own in-house credentialing program, approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Whitman said. The program allows classified staff, such as substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, administrative assistants and bus drivers, to become credentialed teachers while earning a salary and benefits at their original jobs. Grow-your-own programs such as this, and the states Classified School Employee Credentialing program, and a soon-to-be launched apprenticeship program, are meant to diversify the educator workforce because school staff recruited from the community more closely match the demographics of the student body than traditionally trained and recruited teachers, according to research. Los Angeles Unified has other initiatives to increase the number of Black educators in the district, Whitman said, including working with universities and colleges to bring Black teachers, counselors and psychiatric social workers to their campuses. The district also has programs that help school workers earn a credential for free, and channels employees completing a bachelors degree toward the districts teacher preparation program where they can begin teaching while earning their credential. All new teachers at Los Angeles Unified are supported by mentors and affinity groups, which have been well received by Black teachers, who credit them with inspiring and helping them to see themselves as leaders in the district, Whitman said. Oaklands numbers Recruiting and retaining Black teachers is an important part of the Oakland Unified three-year strategic plan, said Sarah Glasband, director of recruitment and retention for the district. To achieve its goals, the district has launched several partnerships that make an apprenticeship program, and a residency program that includes a housing subsidy, possible. A partnership with the Black Teacher Project, a nonprofit advocacy organization, offers affinity groups, workshops and seminars to support the districts Black teachers. The district also has a Classified School Employee Program funded by the state and a new high school program to train future teachers. District pathway programs have an average attrition rate of less than 10%, Glasband said. This year, 21.3% of the districts K-12 teachers are Black, compared with 20.3% of their student population, according to district data. Oakland Unified had a retention rate of about 85% for Black teachers between 2019 and 2023. The game plan Black teachers interviewed by EdSource and researchers say that to keep them in the classroom, more needs to be done to make teacher preparation affordable, improve pay and benefits, and ensure they are treated with respect, supported and given opportunities to lead. The Black Educator Advocates Network came up with five recommendations after surveying 128 former and current Black teachers in California about what it would take to keep them in the classroom: Hire more Black educators and staff Build an anti-racist, culturally responsive and inclusive school environment Create safe spaces for Black educators and students to come together Provide and require culturally responsive training for all staff Recognize, provide leadership opportunities and include Black educators in decision making Teachers interviewed by EdSource said paying teachers more also would make it easier for them to stay. I dont want to say that its the pay thats going to get more Black teachers, Brooke Sims, a Stockton teacher, told EdSource. But you get better pay, you get better health care. The average teacher salary in the state is $88,508, with the average starting pay at $51,600, according to the 2023 National Education Association report, State of Educator Pay in America. Californias minimum living wage was $54,070 last year, according to the report. State efforts, such as an initiative that pays teachers $5,000 annually for five years after they earn National Board Certification, will help with pay parity across school districts, Bristol said. Teachers prove through assessments and a portfolio that they meet the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. To be eligible for the grant, teachers must work at least half of their time in a high-needs school. Teachers who qualify are also given $2,500 to cover the cost of certification. This incentive will help teachers continue their education and improve their practice, said Los Angeles teacher Petrina Miller. Its awesome, she said. Recruiting efforts Many Black college students have not considered a teaching career because they have never had a Black teacher, said Preston Jackson, who teaches physical education at California Middle School in Sacramento. Those who consider a teaching career are often deterred by the cost of teacher preparation, taking required tests and unpaid student teaching. In order to increase the number of Black teachers in schools, it has to become deliberate, Jackson said. You have to actively recruit and actively seek them out to bring them into the profession. Since starting in 2005, Jackson has been one of only a handful of Black teachers at his school. And for almost every single one of my kids, Im the first Black teacher theyve ever had, said Jackson. And for some of them, Im the first one theyve ever seen. Mentors needed Mentor teachers are the key ingredient to helping new Black educators transition successfully into teaching, according to teachers interviewed by EdSource. Alicia Simba said she could have taken a job for $25,000 more annually in a Bay Area district with few Black teachers or students, but opted to take a lower salary to work in Oakland Unified. But like many young teachers, Simba knew she wanted mentors to help her navigate her first years in the classroom. She works alongside Black teachers in Oakland Unified who have more than 20 years of teaching experience. One of her mentor teachers shared her experience of teaching on the day that Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. Other teachers told her about teaching in the 1980s during the crack cocaine epidemic. It really helps dispel some of the sort of narratives that I hear, which is that being a teacher is completely unsustainable, Simba said. Like, theres no way that anyone could ever be a teacher long term, which are things that, you know, Ive heard my friends say, and Ive thought it myself. The most obvious way to retain Black teachers would be to make sure they are treated the same as non-Black teachers, said Brenda Walker, a Black teacher and president of the Associated Chino Teachers. If you are a district administrator, site administrator, site or colleague, parent or student, my bachelors degree, masters degree, and my special education credential are just as valuable and carry as much weight, and are as respected as any other educator, she said. AFP | Manila, Philippines The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The United States, Australia, Japan and the Philippines will hold joint naval and air drills in the disputed South China Sea on Sunday, their defence chiefs said in a statement, as they deepen ties to counter China's growing assertiveness in the region. The exercise will take place in the disputed waterway -- which Beijing claims almost entirely -- days before US President Joe Biden is due to hold the first trilateral summit with the leaders of the Philippines and Japan. "Our combined defense/armed forces will conduct a Maritime Cooperative Activity within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone on April 7, 2024," they said in a joint statement Saturday. They said it would demonstrate the allies' "collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific." The drills named the "Maritime Cooperative Activity" will include naval and air force units from all four countries, the joint statement said. The four defence chiefs said they would "strengthen the interoperability of our... doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures." There were no details on what the drills would precisely include. The Japanese embassy in Manila said in a statement that "anti-submarine warfare training" would be included in the drills. Earlier this week Australian warship HMAS Warramunga arrived at the Philippine island of Palawan, which faces the hotly contested waters. The exercise and summit follow repeated confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels near disputed reefs off the Southeast Asian country in recent months. China has blamed the Philippines for raising tensions in the hotly contested waterway, where Beijing and Manila have a long history of maritime territorial disputes. - 'Peace and stability' - Top US officials have repeatedly declared the United States' "ironclad" commitment to defending the Philippines against an armed attack in the South China Sea. "These activities with our allies Australia, Japan, and the Philippines underscore our shared commitment to ensuring that all countries are free to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows," US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in the joint statement. "Our operations together support peace and stability at the heart of our shared vision for a free and open region." Marcos issued a strongly worded statement on March 28, vowing the Philippines would not be "cowed into silence, submission, or subservience" by China. Talks between the Philippines and Japan for a defence pact that would allow the countries to deploy troops on each other's territory were "still ongoing", a spokesman for the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said. Manila already has a similar agreement with Australia and the United States. In an interview with the Nikkei business daily on Thursday, Kishida said Japan needs to show a bigger presence and "take greater responsibility" for providing options for the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries. He also said Tokyo, Washington and Manila "will work together to proceed with trilateral cooperative projects", including in semiconductors, digital technology and next-generation nuclear energy. Because of San Franciscos rent control law, renters moving into apartments recently may be paying thousands of dollars a month more than tenants who moved in to similar units years ago. Nick Otto/Special to the Chronicle There are some perks to renting the same San Francisco apartment for 46 years such as paying around $1,000 for a home in Pacific Heights. Thats the case for one renter on the 1700 block of Broadway, according to San Franciscos database of rent-controlled homes. Most of the other renters in the same 41-unit building pay $2,750 to $3,500 for a one-bedroom apartment of a similar size between 750 and 1,000 square feet. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Because of San Franciscos 1979 rent stabilization law passed a year before the Broadway renter moved into their building many residents who stay in their apartments for decades now pay far less than their neighbors, the housing inventory data shows. And since 2022, San Francisco has required property owners of homes affected by its renter protection laws to submit information about their units each year. That information includes data on the size of the unit, how long the tenants have lived there and how much they pay in rent. Owners of a home covered by San Franciscos rent control and eviction protection rules are allowed to implement an annual rent increase only if they report their information to the Rent Board, according to executive director Christina Varner. Landlords can still raise rent for other reasons, including certain renovations, if they havent submitted data. But many landlords havent sent in their information, Varner acknowledged, leading some tenants to report their rent increases as unlawful. The Rent Board is reaching out to landlords to make sure they get their records in, she added. The allowable rent increase in San Francisco, which is calculated annually based on 60% of the Consumer Price Index, is 1.7% a year, according to the city, though landlords can bank increases for later years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As of Friday, the citys housing inventory included information for about 35,000 rent-controlled units for the 2024 submission year. Landlords are supposed to submit their information by March 1 every year, but some owners provide their records late, Varner said. Most rented homes in San Francisco about 250,000 units fall under the citys rent ordinance, according to the Rent Board. Even among the units listed in the housing inventory, the information isnt always consistent. Some homes are missing occupancy data, and some landlords include utility costs as part of rent while others dont. Despite those limitations, the housing inventory is one of the most detailed sources of information about the citys rental stock. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Below is a searchable table of the homes that have data on their tenants monthly rent and length of occupancy, based on records from the citys 2024 reporting year, which started in October. Residents of a rent-controlled home can check whether their landlord has received a license to increase their rent through the Rent Boards online portal. Landlords need that license to raise rent, but can notify tenants about their intention to raise rents even if they dont have a license yet. Varner said tenants who believe their landlord illegally raised their rent should call or visit the Rent Board for assistance. Jameek Lowery, a 27-year-old Black man, was evidently fatally beaten and choked by police in the back of an ambulance while they were taking him to the hospital for a mental breakdown, an independent autopsy found. The details of that examination shortly after his 2019 death have never been publicly released until now. They were first reported by the Associated Press last week: Dr. Michael Baden, a former New York City chief medical examiner who also did the independent autopsy on George Floyd, found that Lowery died of cardiac arrest and kidney failure from being restrained and beaten by the cops. It was homicide, he concluded. That directly contradicts the official account presented by Passaic Prosecutor Camelia Valdes, who said his death was the result of a medical event, a heart attack brought on by the use of drugs, and that police force wasnt a factor. She also said publicly that Lowery had no broken bones. Yet Baden wrote that X-rays taken before the state autopsy revealed multiple fresh traumatic fractures of fingers on Lowerys left hand, the AP reports. He also found traumatic blunt force injuries to Lowerys face, jaw, arm and chest, and evidence of compressive choking. And he said that Lowery had only recreational levels of drugs in his blood, enough to cause bizarre behavior but not to stop his heart. Given the deep distrust of how this investigation was handled from the very beginning, and these starkly contradictory reports, how can the public have any confidence in the official story? The U.S. Department of Justice should take a fresh look, as advocates have demanded especially after Attorney General Matt Platkin took over this profoundly troubled police force, saying he did so in part because Black residents have long complained about police discrimination. The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey last week also called for an outside review of the Lowery probe. The public cannot have confidence in the initial investigation, which is so deeply belied by the independent autopsy, said Alexander Shalom of the ACLU. And so, it deserves renewed scrutiny. Add this to the long list of reasons why the public has zero trust in the office of Camelia Valdes, who weve already called on to resign. Previously, she refused to reopen an old murder case even after new DNA evidence made it perfectly clear that two men had been unjustly imprisoned for nearly 25 years. It was the Innocence Project that finally secured their release, with no apology from her. Paterson police officers also had to appeal to the FBI because Valdes wouldnt investigate their dirty colleagues, who were so brazen they called themselves the robbery squad; she repeatedly scrapped probes of the officers, claiming there wasnt enough evidence, until the feds won multiple convictions and again proved her dead wrong. Her failure to hold local law enforcement accountable calls into question the integrity and the thoroughness of the investigations of police by the prosecutors office, as Paterson Black Lives Matter leader Zellie Thomas has said. Given all this, Valdes has no place managing a criminal justice system, especially in Paterson, with its sordid history. The latest revelations on the Lowery case amplify concerns about Valdes, and others who have defended the police in Paterson. The official accounts have differed from the very beginning: Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh initially suggested that Lowery had died from the infectious disease meningitis, which never made it into Valdes report. Was that an error by the medical examiner, or what? He declined to discuss it with us last week, citing the pending civil case brought by Lowerys family. Valdes later said in her report that Lowery struck, kicked and spit on police officers who were trying to get him into the ambulance, and that in response, they hit him several times with their fists to gain control but that this was not a factor in his death. The community was never buying any of those things, said Thomas of Black Lives Matter, who was arrested after speaking at a Justice for Jameek rally. The city has had this conflicting information from Badens autopsy report for years now, even though the details just came to public light. So why is no one taking another official look? We reached out to Valdes office but got no response, and the AGs office also declined comment. While the DOJ doesnt comment on whether its investigating a specific matter, a spokesman told us, The office is committed to obtaining and reviewing all relevant evidence regarding potential federal civil rights crimes. After Baden gave a second opinion in the infamous killings of the Sheridans, a prominent New Jersey couple saying the culprit was likely an intruder the medical examiner changed the official cause of death from murder-suicide to undetermined and Platkins office reopened that investigation. Dont Lowerys family and the people of Paterson deserve the same concern for justice? With these incredibly disturbing findings, we shouldnt be told to just take the official word. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Since 1972, Pax Christi USA has tried to faithfully bring the message of the gospel to bear on what was happening in the world by reading the signs of the times, according to their own history. While its origin is Catholic, anyone can affiliate. They have lobbied for racial justice, farmworkers rights and anti-nuclear buildup among many other issues of social justice. Reducing military spending has also been a priority but usually by lobbying elected members of Congress under its Bread Not Stones campaign. Is former President Donald Trump adding to his legal woes? According to a new report from ProPublica, Trumps legal team may not have told a New York court that he could have been able to secure a whopping $464 million bond before it was recently dropped to $175 million. The bond was posted in his civil fraud case meant to guarantee payment if the judgment is upheld. Trumps lawyers had told the court it would have been practical impossibility to get the $464 million figure. But before the judges ruled, the impossible became possible: A billionaire lender approached Trump about providing a bond for the full amount, per the ProPublica report. The lawyers never filed paperwork alerting the appeals court. That failure may have violated ethics rules, legal experts say. More from ProPublica: In an interview with ProPublica, billionaire California financier Don Hankey said he reached out to Trumps camp several days before the bond was lowered, expressing willingness to offer the full amount and to use real estate as collateral. I saw that they were rejected by everyone and I said, Gee, that doesnt seem like a difficult bond to post, Hankey said. As negotiations between Hankey and Trumps representatives were underway, the appellate court ruled in Trumps favor, lowering the bond to $175 million. The court did not give an explanation for its ruling. Hankey ended up giving Trump a bond for the lowered amount. Heres an update from The Daily Beast: The little-known insurance company that rescued Donald Trump by providing a last-minute $175 million bank fraud bond isnt just unlicensed in New York; it hasnt even been vetted by a voluntary state entity that would verify it meets minimum eligibility standards to prove financial stability. Perhaps even more troubling, the legal document from Knight Specialty Insurance Company doesnt actually promise it will pay the money if the former president loses his $464 million bank fraud case on appeal. Instead, it says Trump will pay, negating the whole point of an insurance company guarantee, according to three legal and bond experts who reviewed the contract for The Daily Beast. 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. Joe Belnome has long been a regular at former President Donald Trumps rallies. By his own count, the Belleville resident has been to more than 20. He was also among the thousands of Trump supporters who marched to the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 in protest of President Joe Bidens victory over Trump, though he insists he wasnt one of those who breached the building in a violent attack and he hasnt been charged with a crime. Now, Belnome wants to work in that building. The 48-year-old is vying for the Republican nomination to represent parts of North Jersey in the U.S. House of Representatives, one of more than a half-dozen people involved in the events of that infamous day who are seeking public office across the nation this year. Photos show Belnome, dressed in a forest green Trump 2020 jacket, in the middle of the large crowd that formed around the Capitol after Trump spoke at a rally that day pushing the unfounded claim that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him, despite multiple court rulings rejecting the premise. Some in the mob, seeking to challenge Bidens victory as Congress prepared to certify it, ultimately clashed with police, stormed the building, and broke inside in a riot that has led to more than 1,000 people being charged. Belnome, now running in the GOP primary with the support of party leaders in a bid to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill in the states 11th congressional district, says he peacefully marched to the Capitol after seeing Trump speak. He also admits to deleting his social media in the wake of the riot but says his actions that day were not violent. I was there, he told NJ Advance Media during a recent phone interview. I did not enter the Capitol building. I cant tell you how long I was there or what time I went back to my hotel, Belnome added. At the time, I didnt know anyone entered the building. Belnome, a property maintenance inspector for Belleville Township, said the FBI visited his home to question him about that day, but he said he has been exonerated by the agency. He has not been charged in the events of Jan. 6, according to a search of police and court records. Im a law-abiding citizen, Belnome said. I was cleared of any wrongdoing. Daniel Ball, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia, said the office currently has no public information to share. Additionally, we are unable to comment on the existence or non-existence of investigations, Ball said. The FBI did not return a message seeking comment. Belnome said his attendance on Jan. 6 is not breaking news because opponents brought it up when he ran for state Senate last year, though it did not gain widespread attention. Joe Belnome is running in the Republican primary for New Jersey's 11th congressional district.Courtesy of Joe Belnome Belnome has received the coveted endorsements of all three county Republican parties Essex, Morris, and Passaic in his district as seeks a seat in Congress this year. That gives him an edge in the race for the partys nod to face Sherrill, a potential candidate for governor next year. Winning the seat will be an uphill battle for any Republican. The 11th District once leaned Republican, but Sherrill flipped it in the blue wave of 2018, when she and other Democrats were swept into office in Trumps midterms. The district was made more Democratic-friendly by the states independent redistricting commission in 2021, and Sherrill easily won a third term the following year. Several people who were at the Capitol on Jan. 6 have or are currently running for local or national office. A number were charged for their roles. Most notably, Jacob Chansley, who wore a horned hat while entering the Capitol and was known as the QAnon Shaman, is a Libertarian candidate for an Arizona congressional seat after pleading guilty to a felony charge of obstructing an official proceeding. A few, like Belnome, said they were at Trumps rally and marched to the Capitol but did not enter the building. They include Michele Morrow, the Republican nominee for North Carolina superintendent of public education, and Anthony Kern, a member of the Arizona Senate who is now running for the same seat Congress that Chansley is seeking. In 2022, NJ Advance Media reported that Ian Smith, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination in New Jerseys 2nd congressional district, spoke at a Stop the Steal rally on Jan. 6 and was also at the Capitol but said he didnt breach the building. A former union bricklayer, Belnome who goes by the nickname Jersey Joe has attended so many Trump rallies that the New York Post profiled him during the 2020 election. He remains an ardent Trump supporter. Belnome said he is running for Congress in part to curb undocumented immigration and protect children from age-inappropriate content. He said he is tired of seeing our country invaded and the justice system weaponized against opponents of Biden. We need Trump back in, Belnome said. I want to be someone he can rely on in the House. Several officials in his district said its common knowledge among politicians in the area that Belnome was at the Capitol on Jan. 6. Michael Sheldon, a former Belleville school board member, said he looked into how Belnome was involved and managed to find screenshots of some social media posts Belnome deleted. In one tweet, from Dec. 26, 2020, Belnome wrote about plans for people to gather at the Capitol on Jan. 6, the day Congress met to certify Bidens win. Hundreds of thousands of us will be outside that building, Belnome wrote in the tweet. If they accept the fraud they are part of the fraud. Therefore enemies of the people. Vice reported that the right-wing news site TruNews conducted an interview with Belnome at an airport the day before the riot in which he reportedly said he wouldnt rule out storming the Capitol if Trump ordered it. Only a screenshot of the video remains. Asked by NJ Advance Media if he deleted social media posts related to that date, Belnome said: I kind of didnt have any social media after Jan. 6 for a while. Sheldon said he also worked with Sedition Hunters, a group that seeks out participants in the riot, to find photos of Belnome at the Capitol grounds that day. Sedition Hunters has posted some pictures of Belnome outside the building to its public website. The group declined to comment, saying it takes confidentiality very seriously and cannot disclose any communications we may have had. Belnome is shown in the photos standing in the crowd outside the Capitol. In one, smoke is hovering above them. In others, he is shown standing on one of the buildings porticos, or porches. Sheldon said he sent the photos last year to then-state Assemblywoman Brittnee Timberlake, the Essex County Democrat whom Belnome ran against for an open state Senate seat in North Jerseys 34th legislative district. He said he also sent them to Sherrills office last year. Sheldon said he has not found any pictures of Belnome inside the Capitol that day. I detest anyone who participated in Jan. 6, Sheldon said when asked why he took up the search. They should never be allowed to hold office in our country. Belnome is a case in point. Timberlake, who defeated Belnome by 50 percentage points in last years state Senate race, was critical of him for being at the Capitol that day. The people in attendance call themselves patriots but are not, the senator said in a statement to NJ Advance Media. Joseph Belnome should be ashamed of himself for being a part of such an embarrassing display of violence, destruction, and division, she added. Anyone who is a part of any group who believes it was okay to storm the Capitol on January 6th is a threat to our country, freedom, democracy, constitution, and way of life. Sean Higgins, a spokesman for Sherrill, said the congresswoman, a former Navy helicopter commander, has devoted her life to defending American democracy. Meanwhile, election-denier Joe Belnome spreads his MAGA extremism across the internet and even attended the violent January 6 mob at the U.S. Capitol, Higgins added. Belnome has his own criticisms of Sherrill, saying she came across as a moderate when she came into office but has since voted with the radical left. State Sen. Joe Pennachio, R-Morris, the New Jersey co-chair of Trumps 2020 campaign, said Belnomes attendance on Jan. 6 is not disqualifying. The ones that have broken the law are being prosecuted, Pennachio said. Lets talk about the issues instead of a contrived issue. Jan. 6, 2021 is over three years ago. He was one of thousands. The vast majority there were peacefully protesting. More than 1,230 people have been charged with crimes related to the attack, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The House voted to impeach Trump for incitement of insurrection over the events, though the U.S. Senate acquitted him. Trump last year said he would most likely pardon a large portion of those involved if he were elected again to the White House. I cant say for every single one, because a couple of them, probably they got out of control, he said during a CNN town hall. Julian Zelizer, a political science professor and historian at Princeton University, said the number of people involved in Jan. 6 running for office is due in part to Trump and the Republican Party having normalized what happened that day. Its almost as if being part of Jan. 6 is a badge of honor, Zelizer said. Some of it is Trump propping it up. Some is the party has made it clear this is not a problem. This 2020 election has also become a topic in New Jerseys Republican primary for U.S. Senate this year. Mendham Borough Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner, one of the top contenders, said this week she would not have voted to certify Bidens victory because there were too many questions and a lot of stuff going on. Her husband, Republican operative Michael Glassner, helped manage Trumps 2016 campaign and was chief operating officer of Trumps 2020 re-election bid. On Friday, state Sen. Jon Bramnick a Republican candidate for governor who is openly critical of Trump wrote on social media to be a Republican you DO NOT have to deny legitimate election results, ignore the riot on January 6th or pledge your allegiance to only one man. Running against Belnome in the 11th District GOP primary is Raafat Barsoom, a physician who has also been a board member for the North Jersey Developmental Center, and John Sauers, an accountant. Mark DeLotto, a real estate consultant, is challenging Sherrill in the Democratic primary. Belnome was recently endorsed by Roger Stone, the Trump ally and longtime political operative, who wrote on social media that Belnome can be counted on to fight to make America great again. The election is bigger than me and Mikie Sherrill, Belnome said, noting this years races will also determine whether Republicans maintain control of the House and Democrats the Senate. The Essex, Morris, and Passaic Republican parties that endorsed Belnome did not return messages seeking comment. Belnome told NJ Advance Media he believes some people charged in Jan. 6 have not been treated fairly. I think a lot people that have done the same type of crimes are not seeing the same type of time, he said. I dont really want that to be part of my story, Belnome said of his involvement. Its out there. Ive made my statement on the matter. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X at @johnsb01. 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. Louisiana Inspired New book draws from Torahs wisdom to help recovering alcoholics The book gives daily reflection exercises, drawing on AA's famous 12-step method and portions of Jewish Scripture. The suns corona is visible as the moon obscures the sun during a total solar eclipse at Madras High School in Madras, Ore., on Aug. 21, 2017. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle With excitement over Mondays total solar eclipse reaching fever pitch this weekend, some in the Bay Area may be experiencing a severe fear of missing out. More than 30 million people in the U.S. live in the eclipse path of totality the 115-mile-wide swath through 13 states from Texas to Maine that will experience the full effects of the cosmic event, according to NASA. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They are expected to be joined by hordes of eclipse enthusiasts, some of whom have been planning for months or longer to travel to places such as Texas Hill Country; Little Rock, Ark.; Indianapolis; Cleveland; and Buffalo, N.Y., where they can get a prime viewing experience. Many of them reportedly may be scrambling to make alternative arrangements, with forecasters warning of possible severe weather in the South. But for everyone else far outside the path of totality, astronomers offer some comfort: The entire contiguous U.S., including the Bay Area, will experience at least a partial eclipse. Heres what to know about the event Monday, including what makes it so special and how to make the best of the experience in the Bay Area, including how to view it safely. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What is a total solar eclipse, and how does it differ from other kinds of eclipses? A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth and the dark center of the moons shadow, called the umbra, completely blocks the sun, darkening the sky for up to a few minutes, according to NASA. Those outside the area of the umbra called the path of totality but within the moons fainter, outer shadow called the penumbra experience a partial solar eclipse. The sun, moon and Earth are not perfectly aligned, and the portion of the sun not covered by the moon appears to observers as a crescent shape. In areas that experience a total eclipse, partial eclipses with the crescent phenomenon happen before and after the period of totality, said Paul Lynam, astronomer at Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton in San Jose. A third type, called an annular eclipse, occurs when the moon is farther away from Earth than usual, so that even in the path of maximum obscurity, a ring of sunlight the annulus appears around the edge of the moon. According to NASA, sometimes eclipses can change between annular and total as the moons shadow travels across Earths curved surface a phenomenon known as a hybrid eclipse. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The path of totality for the solar eclipse on Monday. NASA Scientific Visualization Studio Where and when does the total solar eclipse occur? Totality will begin Monday over the South Pacific and first make landfall about 11:07 a.m. PDT on Mexicos Pacific coast, according to NASA. It will enter the U.S. in Texas, then travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. It will also travel through parts of Canada, exiting continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland at 5:16 p.m. NDT (12:16 p.m. PDT). The duration of totality will be about four minutes in many U.S. spots along the path, with the entire eclipse cycle taking around two and a half hours, though those times will vary depending on the location. How rare is a total solar eclipse? Total solar eclipses occur somewhere on the planet about once every 18 months, but frequently over oceans and other remote areas so an event like Mondays, over densely populated areas, is pretty rare. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Another thing that makes this total eclipse so special is that it follows one in 2017 that swept across the U.S. coast to coast, with the path of totality beginning in Oregon and ending in South Carolina. Before that, the most recent total solar eclipse in the contiguous U.S. was in 1979. Didnt we have solar eclipses in the Bay Area in recent years? Yes, two in the past seven years though neither was a total eclipse. On Oct. 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse traveled across North America, with the path of annularity or maximum obscuration of the sun starting in Oregon and ending in Texas. A small portion of northwestern California got the maximum effect, but in the Bay Area, about 78% of the suns disk was covered by the moon. On Aug. 21, 2017, the path of totality of a full solar eclipse path cut a swath through Oregon before arcing southeast. The Bay Area experienced a partial eclipse that day, with about 76% of the sun obscured by the moon. Advertisement Article continues below this ad How does experiencing a total solar eclipse differ from a partial eclipse? Experts say a total solar eclipse is a unique experience, differing greatly from even a 99.9% partial eclipse which is why some eclipse enthusiasts plan so meticulously to see them. Only during a total solar eclipse is the suns outer atmosphere, the corona, visible. Normally obscured by the brilliance of the sun, it appears as a bright, feathery halo during the moments when the moon completely blocks the sun. And during that brief period, viewers can momentarily remove their eclipse glasses to see it the only type of solar eclipse where it is safe to do so. Other phenomena also occur, according to experts. The sky darkens dramatically, mimicking dawn or dusk. Planets and stars become visible. The temperature may drop, and winds may grow calm. Animals, birds and plants may exhibit nocturnal behaviors and patterns. A couple watches the eclipse in totality during a total solar eclipse at Madras High School in Madras, Ore., on Aug. 21, 2017. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle What will the partial eclipse be like in the Bay Area, and how can I view it? Eclipse areas outside the path of totality, including the Bay Area, will not experience such dramatic effects Monday, experts said. If people dont make a proactive effort to look out for the effects of the eclipse, this event could easily pass by unnoticed, said Lynam, of Lick Observatory. He added that he does not expect the Bay Area to see any noticeable decrease in winds, temperature or daylight intensity, or unusual animal behaviors. In the Bay Area, the partial eclipse will probably begin around 10:11 a.m., reach maximum about 11:14 a.m., and end around 12:15 p.m., local astronomers said. In San Francisco, the moon will cross 34% of the suns diameter at maximum, according to the California Academy of Sciences. The percentage may be slightly larger for people living in the southeastern part of the region, Lynam said. The academy recommends consulting the interactive online map at timeanddate.com to determine the start and end times and duration of totality for your exact location. Organized events are taking place across the region, and experts said they can make the eclipse more interesting, meaningful and memorable. To get the most out of the experience, I would encourage observers to attend one of several formal eclipse viewing events being hosted by museums and other venues around the Bay Area, Gerald McKeegan, astronomer at Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland, said in an email. What if its cloudy or raining? No matter where you are whether in the path of totality or in a partial eclipse area clouds or overcast skies can mute the effects of an eclipse. Unlike many in the path of totality, Bay Area residents are likely to see sunny skies Monday, according to National Weather Service forecasters. But if clouds do threaten the view in your area, livestreams will be available, coordinated by the Exploratorium and NASA. How can I safely view the partial eclipse? You should never look directly at the partially eclipsed sun without solar-filtered sunglasses because it can cause serious eye damage, astronomers said. If youre looking to buy glasses, McKeegan recommended searching for eyewear conforming to the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Viewers can also use No. 14 welders glass, he said. Projection techniques include using a pinhole camera or a colander or pasta ladle, allowing the sun to shine through the holes onto a white surface, McKeegan said. Lynam said you can also try standing in the shade of a leafy tree and observing the images of the suns partially eclipsed disk in the dappled light on the ground. If youre looking for free glasses, try contacting your city library as some may be handing them out, including in San Jose and San Mateo County. All Warby Parker stores are giving away a pair of limited edition, ISO-certified solar glasses while supplies last, according to the eyewear companys website. Stores will provide up to two pairs per family. For more information and to find a store near you, visit Warby Parkers eclipse webpage. Will I get another chance to see a total eclipse? The next chances to see total eclipses in contiguous North America wont happen for two decades, when two will occur in consecutive years: 2044 and 2045. The path of totality for the second one will be very close to the Bay Area. On Aug. 23, 2044, the path of totality will begin in Greenland, arc south through Canada and end by touching only three U.S. states, according to timeanddate.com Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. The Bay Area will again experience a partial eclipse. New head of Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, new hire at Historic New Orleans Collection You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Maggie Angst covers homelessness, addiction and mental health for the San Francisco Chronicle's city hall team. Before joining the Chronicle in late 2023, she reported on California state politics for the Sacramento Bee. Maggie previously wrote for the Mercury News and East Bay Times, where she covered San Jose City Hall, reported from the front lines of California wildfires and exposed systemic deficiencies within an East Bay child welfare agency. She was awarded first place in local government reporting from the California News Publishers Association in 2021. Maggie was born and raised outside of Chicago and earned a bachelors degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. City College of San Francisco Chancellor David Martin plans to step down in June. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle 2023 In 2012, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, which determines whether institutions are meeting the standards necessary to stay in business, found City College of San Francisco to be so poorly run and to have such problematic fiscal management that it deserved to be shut down unless the community college could prove otherwise. After five years, multiple chancellors, millions of taxpayer dollars in legal fees and a multimillion-dollar state bailout, City College managed to right the ship and its accreditation was renewed for another seven years. One would think that this scare which resulted in a temporary state takeover and accelerated a massive enrollment decline from which the college still hasnt recovered would have driven home the importance of good management and pragmatic financial stewardship. If City College loses its accreditation, it would no longer be eligible for federal funding and students course credits would no longer be recognized by employers or four-year colleges. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In other words, it would cease to be a school as we understand it. Unfortunately, City College is once again tempting fate due to poor decision-making by its seven-member elected Board of Trustees. Unsurprisingly, the accrediting commission in January sent a warning letter to City College and declined to immediately renew its accreditation, charging the board with neglecting the schools long-term fiscal health, interfering with the chancellors authority and failing to follow its own policies and bylaws. The board has until March 2025 to put together a corrective plan, which it must implement by January 2027 to avoid steeper sanctions that could eventually culminate in loss of accreditation. The news is especially disappointing given that, until recently, City College appeared to be heading in the right direction after years of turmoil and instability. In 2021, the board of trustees hired David Martin, City Colleges former chief financial officer, to bring the school back from the brink of insolvency and stave off another state takeover. Martin, the schools ninth chancellor in eight years, brought much-needed stability: He balanced the $314 million budget and helped the school avoid negative audit findings for the first time in more than two decades. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Doing so demanded excruciatingly difficult but necessary choices, including laying off staff and eliminating classes. This willingness to be the adult in the room is a key reason why we endorsed the three incumbent trustees all of whom supported Martin when they faced reelection in 2022. San Franciscans instead elected challengers Anita Martinez, Susan Solomon and Vick Chung, who ran together on a union-backed slate. With Board of Trustees President Alan Wong, theyve formed a new majority one that often clashes with the chancellor. The accreditation commission, for example, found that the board interfered with Martins duties in key instances, including when Wong developed and administered Martins annual evaluation unilaterally instead of through the required collective process. This less-than-ideal work environment undoubtedly played a role in Martins unexplained decision last year to step down as chancellor this June. In a secretive late-night January vote thats since raised legal questions, the boards four-member majority voted to not renew Martins contract. Trustee Murrell Green was the lone dissenter. Trustees Shanell Williams and Aliya Chisti said they left the meeting because the agenda didnt specify that Martins contract was up for a vote. Both told us they want Martin to stay. Martin did not respond to our requests for comment. The board majoritys treatment of Martin has created a real risk that administrators who are at the college now will head for the hills and other people will be disinclined to come to the college, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, a former president of the City College Board of Trustees, told the editorial board. And that is a death spiral. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Williams, the boards longest-serving trustee who led the effort to recruit Martin, told us she doubts the board will be able to hire another chancellor even an interim one by the time Martin leaves. I dont understand where were going to go from here, said Williams, who isnt seeking reelection when her term ends this year. The board majority, however, doesnt seem to be in any particular hurry to address mounting concerns. Nor does it seem willing to accept responsibility for its actions, despite being censured by City Colleges Academic Senate for failing to meet accreditation standards. In fact, Martinez, the boards vice president, sent the accreditation commission a letter pushing back on its findings, which Mandelman described in his own letter to trustees as highly unusual and likely to raise concern. As of Friday, the board still had not responded to a list of questions from Mandelman, even though answers were due in February. Nor has it yet accepted offers of help from the California Community College Chancellors Office, including a comprehensive fiscal review, technical assistance and professional development. Based on our conversation with Susan Solomon, a retired teacher and the only trustee on the board majority who spoke with us Board President Alan Wong agreed to an interview and then canceled without explanation the majority faction is in denial about just how dire City Colleges financial situation is. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Falling off the fiscal cliff is a term that I have heard for over 20 years, with (San Francisco Unified School District) as well. Often its been exaggerated. So we really have to look carefully at the budget, Solomon said. City College has seen a recent slight uptick in enrollment, but unless those figures dramatically increase which its own multi-year budget and enrollment plan notes is unlikely the school stands to lose money starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, when special state stabilization funding is set to expire. Its time for trustees to make politically tough decisions, state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, told the editorial board. We agree. Advertisement Article continues below this ad About Opinion The editorial positions of The Chronicle, including election recommendations, represent the consensus of the editorial board, consisting of the publisher, the editorial page editor and staff members of the opinion pages. Its judgments are made independent of the news operation, which covers the news without consideration of our editorial positions. To ignore this reality is, as Williams put it, gambling with students futures. David Payne is introducing audiences to the many sides of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in his recent show "Churchill." The show continues to April 7 at Broadway in Chicago's Broadway Playhouse. Payne last performed at Broadway Playhouse with his production "Christmas with C.S. Lewis" last year. "I enjoy that theater very much," Payne said, during a recent interview. Payne's "Churchill,"which is a one-man play, is a show he began working on three years ago. After the lock-downs of COVID, Payne said he didn't start touring with the show until January of 2023. About Winston Churchill, Payne said that most people probably only know him as a politician/Prime Minister but don't know much beyond that. "But there was 65 years of lifetime experience leading up to that," Payne said. "In the show we talk about his schooling, his early days as a politician and different people he met," Payne said. Payne explained that many people don't know or realize that Churchill's mother was American and was an important part of American society. "There's also a lot of humor in the show. Churchill had a great sense of humor," Payne said. "Politics is only a part of who he was," Payne said, adding that the show also puts the spotlight on Churchill's relationships with his wife and Queen Elizabeth. Both women were extremely important in his life. Payne, who has performed more than 1,000 shows about C.S. Lewis, said he enjoys portraying these historical figures. "I enjoy researching and finding out about these people that most people don't know," he said. Payne said, in a sense. he likes knowing "what makes the man." Payne said audience members have had very favorable comments after seeing "Churchill." He said many have said they didn't expect to gain a "history lesson" at the show and that it made them "want to go and learn more about Churchill." Payne, who didn't didn't start acting until he was 55 years old, is now in his early 80s. He said he currently has a few other projects he's working on but can't unveil them right now. After a recent "Churchill" show in Chicago, Payne addressed the audience and talked a bit about the show and when he entered the acting craft. He said his sons also work with him with his acting company Bird and Baby Productions. Payne said his youngest son is also now preparing to act as "Churchill" in some future productions. FYI: "Churchill" continues to April 7 at The Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. Tickets are $75. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com. INDIANAPOLIS Of the six Republicans seeking the gubernatorial nomination on May 7, U.S. Sen. Mike Braun is the one with the proverbial target on his back. He entered this weeks two-debate sequence still as the widely-perceived front-runner (an Emerson College poll earlier this month had him leading by more than 20% with 34%, probably enough to win the race if it were held in March). According to AdImpact, Braun had been outspent on the TV ad race $11 million to $2 million this past month. As of March 13, the Brad Chambers campaign had spent $5.7 million, the Eric Doden campaign $4.1 million and the campaign of Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch $1.15 million. Most of the Doden and Chambers buys were devoted to attack ads and contrast ads against Braun, who had $1.8 million in the ad pipeline, compared to just over $100,000 for his three primary challengers. On the night of March 22, a shallow backwater of the World Wide Web lit up: U.S. Sen. Braun had missed a $1.2 trillion budget vote. The Doden campaigns spin was this: Brauns campaign sent a desperate fundraising solicitation to supporters just hours after skipping the vote. In it the campaign said: We may have to scale back our get-out-the-vote efforts if we dont hit our goal. And with less than two months until Election Day, that would be devastating for our campaign. The Importantville substack site followed with this post on X: Brauns explanation for missing the vote was literally no, I didnt miss it because of a fundraiser that ended at 7 p.m on Friday night but because actually I wanted to go home and sleep in my own bed. When four of the six candidates gathered for the Fox59/CBS4 debate Tuesday night, the missed vote storm had passed. It never came up. During the debate, Chambers was asked to identify opponents feeding the public what he had called stale soundbites and lousy results. He responded, Sen. Braun has been down for three or four photo ops at the border and nothings changed. There was a bipartisan bill a month ago. He was quoted in the paper saying, We dont want to vote on that because we dont want to help (President) Biden. That is not serving Hoosiers. (Braun is) now on his third position on qualified immunity. No one in Indiana can unsee the Tucker Carlson interview and in his own words talking about Black Lives Matter being a great institution. Braun responded, Everybody clearly knows when I made that reference that was to somebody exercising their First Amendment rights. That was never, ever to support an umbrella group, BLM. Hoosiers know that. Thats been out there for four years. You can try that kind of retread, but when youre doing that its because youre in single digits in the polls. Chambers also cited Sen. Brauns vote against U.S. Sen. Todd Youngs CHIPS Act, which is creating thousands of jobs in Indiana. Braun then took aim at Chambers over the LEAP Lebanon Innovation District: This guy over here has been with his fat-cat buddies, Braun said of Chambers, pointing to a contribution from former Eli Lilly CEO John Lechleiter (who gave Chambers $25,000 Feb. 26 and $10,000 to Crouch). Competition, transparency, spread the wealth on economic development. Thats not been occurring under his regime, Braun said. That exchange had whiffs of a 2004 exchange between Gov. Joe Kernan and Republican challenger Mitch Daniels. When Kernan attacked Daniels on the prescription drug issue, Daniels turned the tables and said, I never thought Id hear an Indiana governor bash Eli Lilly. Chambers, Doden and Braun continued to spar over the LEAP District, of which Eli Lilly and Company would be a key investor and tenant. Chambers defended his two years heading the IEDC for $1 a year, saying it had record results, higher wages, investments all over the state. So I am flattered the business community supports my campaign. Braun also attacked Dodens tenure at the IEDC: When he was involved in economic development, he had issues where he wasnt actually doing things to help small towns. He was maybe trying to help his own friends and business. He got an ethics watch about it and ignored it four times. At the WISH-TV debate on Wednesday, Braun received incoming from Chambers, Doden and former attorney general Curtis Hill, who wasnt invited to the Tuesday event. Lt. Gov. Crouch, however, mostly abstained from criticizing Braun directly during the debate. She is hoping that Chambers and Doden rough up the frontrunner, giving her a lane to emerge as the winner on May 7 with the $5 million she has. Hill lambasted Braun for the latters claim of being a political outsider, saying the senator has been in the system long enough. Chambers arguing that a candidate who has been on the ballot as often as Braun couldnt hold the title. Braun, a state lawmaker from 2014 to 2017 and a U.S. senator since 2019, said he still considered himself a political outsider, choosing to define the term by what you have done for most of your life. Braun added that the ultimate outsider former President Donald Trump had endorsed him. When East Palestine, Ohio, resident Lonnie Miller stood to give her testimony to a Pennsylvania state senate committee last week, the audience rose to stand with her. That show of unity stood in stark contrast to the failures of myriad government agencies and Norfolk Southern, whose train derailed on Feb. 3, 2023, in the eastern Ohio village on the Pennsylvania border. Did you know that our residents have been told by scientists and doctors that they cannot treat the chemicals in their bodies, but they can treat the cancers the toxins will cause? Miller said. Each one of us can only speak to our own story and truths, but one thing we all have in common (is) this disaster has destroyed friendships, family relationships, and devastated a once close-knit community. Millers comments came during testimony to the Pennsylvania state Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee. The committee held a field hearing at the Darlington Volunteer Fire Department in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, which borders the state line. Committee Chair Doug Mastriano said that on Tuesday, he visited Leslie Run, a waterway in East Palestine where dead fish were found floating days after the derailment. The water was churning, and because it was churning, I could smell that sweet, metallic smell a year later, he said. This whole thing is gross negligence driven by greed and gross coverup for the missteps and failure to declare an emergency. Despite residents and lawmakers such as U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, pushing for more than a year, President Biden has refused to declare a state of emergency for East Palestine, which would have provided greater access to resources. Questions were also raised at the hearing about why the Pennsylvania National Guard was not deployed to Beaver, Lawrence and other nearby counties to provide clean water, set up emergency shelters for affected residents, and create fenced-in areas for livestock and other animals. Sheila Stiegler is a farmer in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, growing much of her familys needs, including free-range poultry. She also provides childcare, and she said she remains apprehensive about the safety of the environment. The only thing that separates us (from East Palestine) is mileage, she said. We all breathe the same air. Vinyl chloride was detected hundreds of miles away in the Ohio River. There are many issues at hand, and having to live in the environment here, I would suggest that lawmakers (who) side with the railroad come here and be a resident of our fine communities. We welcome the opportunity to share the illnesses and concerns as a result of this horrific event. According to its website, Norfolk Southern has committed more than $100 million in aid to East Palestine and continues to operate an office in the village where residents can apply for more assistance. However, those who have received funds described a process that can feel demeaning and leave them wondering whether a request will be approved. The rail company recently discontinued housing assistance, which had been paying hotel bills for some residents. Several people who testified before the committee said they considered their homes lost. Some have taken out second mortgages or drained their retirement savings, while others have moved into campers and other temporary residences. Shirley Lambright and her husband operated a 32-acre farm in Darlington, Pennsylvania, which has been in the family for more than 100 years and is less than one mile from the site of the derailment in Ohio. They had no mortgage, and her husband was retired. She said no authorities knocked on their door to tell them about the planned vent and burn of vinyl chloride. They heard a broadcast over the emergency alert system, telling them to evacuate within seven minutes. I cant find my shoes in seven minutes. How am I going to get everything into a vehicle and get far enough away that its not going to hurt us? Despite the anxiety over financial matters, it is the health impacts that drive deep-seated fears. Lori OConnell and her family tested positive for vinyl chloride and benzene. Her husband has developed a rare form of male breast cancer. Her daughter was recently tested at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital for the presence of cancer. They live 3.4 miles from the derailment site. We didnt have any trouble with our well-being until after this, she said. Now, Im just going to use some common sense here. If everything for 25 years has been status quo and you have a major chemical spill and a derailment and toxic plume come over your house and then everything changes, common sense tells me that thats the problem. She also said that mice from the fields around their 100-year-old farmhouse had been frequent visitors since they lived there, but since the vent-and-burn operation, they have not seen any critters. Toxicologists have no idea what to do, what to say, how to help us, she said. Nobody does because this has never happened. So, weve all become test dummies. Were lab rats, and Im pretty sure they killed all the mice. OConnell also described Bidens February visit as a debacle. She said that residents who have attended meetings and spoke up about the problems theyre having were invited to speak with Biden. Isnt that why he came here? To hear from the residents? she said. I am angry. I am angry at my local government, my county government, my state, and my federal because the help we have received in this township is nothing. Nothing. And its (in)excusable that as taxpaying citizens in the state of Pennsylvania, that we should have to go through this. Under the cloak of a total solar eclipse Monday afternoon, the stars will align for Kathy Yurechko. You cannot imagine how excited I am, she said. I will be experiencing this eclipse with my tribe. Her son, Christopher Pavicich, and his wife, Trudy Barnes, are flying from their Los Angeles home to meet Yurechko in Indianapolis, one of many U.S. cities in the path of totality. When Yurechko asked her son what prompted him to fly halfway across the country for this rare celestial moment, his answer was simple: Mom, when would we get another experience like this? His response reflects the true beauty of the Great North American Eclipse. Beyond the sun-kissed spectacle of this rare celestial phenomenon, its all about sharing the experience with others, regardless if its family, friends or imperfect strangers. The memory of this communal experience will eventually eclipse what happens in the sky Monday across 15 states, six Canadian provinces and six Mexican states. If the eclipse takes place in an empty forest and no one is around to see it, does it make a difference in our lives? No. Sharing this event gives it meaning that will last much longer than the four minutes or so of total darkness for areas in its path, including much of Indiana. We are excited to see the solar eclipse in Indianapolis, Pavicich said. We are astronomy and sciences junkies, so the opportunity to view a totality during a time with significant solar activity should make for some amazing views and images. It also presents as awesome opportunity to bring together friends from across the U.S., he said. And by happy accident, many of our friends will be in town for the viewing. Its nice to share special events with special friends. Thousands of Region residents will be driving or flying south to align themselves in a constellation of like-minded people for what may be the most watched total solar eclipse in our continents history. (More than 400 million people in Asia witnessed a total solar eclipse on July 22, 2009, making it possibly the most populated path of totality in human history.) My sister is coming in from Florida and we have arrangements to camp at Brown County, Keri Tharp said. Taking my camper to a campground in Terre Haute, Mandy Pritchard Moore said. We will be heading down to Greencastle, Kerry Mavrovic said. Were taking a vacation day to drive to the Noblesville area, Pamela Weimer said. Heading for Indy for a couple days with hotel reservations made a couple months ago, Dave Milcarek said. Were heading to Lebanon area for the eclipse and festivals, Jenna Martin said. We saw the totality in Wyoming and I dont want to miss this one. It really is amazing. The phrase once in a lifetime is too often used in the American lexicon, but this total eclipse may be just that for many people. It's the last time an eclipse's path of totality will cross through the Midwest until 2099, as my colleague Joseph Pete wrote. (Read more story coverage at NWI.com.) Im hoping to get as far south as I can on Monday, a Times reader from Hobart told me. My wife and son are heading down Sunday to a campground reserved months ago, Micah Bell said. Ill be in Indy for a water board seminar and were planning on going on the roof of the hotel to photograph it with special filters, Bernie Zemen said. Millions of disposable photos taken that day will make permanent memories for generations to come. Sheila Sizemore, a former Northwest Indiana resident who now lives in Everton, in southeast Indiana, said her front yard will be in the eclipses path of totality. I might not get excited if it were only for a few seconds, but we will have it totally dark for three minutes, 44 seconds, she said. The locals won't travel more than a mile or two for unobstructed viewing. Her small town is prepared with open camping where it never was before, as well as restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores stocking up on items that visitors might need, everything from familiar snacks to special sunglasses. The best thing about living in the path of the eclipse is we won't be spending much money or time to view it, she said. Some estimates predict up to $6 billion generated in economic activity by this eclipse as businesses along its path cash in through any way possible, including shady psychics, price-gouging hotels and greedy campgrounds. Im going to Indy with a big group, Eve Wierzbicki said. We rented an air B&B with our own eclipse music playlist, cocktails and themed foods. Ruth Lavery will be traveling to downstate Richmond to join her girlfriends of more than 30 years. They already have their music playlist prepared including songs such as Total Eclipse of the Heart, Moon Shadow, Aint No Sunshine and Black Hole Sun. Other eclipse viewers have shared similarly themed songs with me: Blister in the Sun, Cheap Sunglasses and Who Loves The Sun" by The Velvet Underground. Its lyrics: Who loves the sun? Who cares that it is shining? Who cares what it does, since you broke my heart? Quite the opposite will be true for Yurechko, who will be bringing home-baked cookies with her to Indianapolis for her family. Traffic will be a nightmare but Im a mom on a mission, she said. Life is an adventure. Go out and find your aha moments. When would we get another experience like this? Close Purdue President Mung Chiang speaks Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Honorees Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., Diane Kavadias Schneider and Jeff Strack pose for pictures Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Honoree Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. speaks Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. hugs his former professor Pat Obi following his introduction Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Honorees Diane Kavadias Schneider and Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. chat Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. While holding his trophy, Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. pretends to take a bite of his Hall of Fame cookie Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Honoree Diane Kavadias Schneider speaks Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Honoree Jeff Strack speaks Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. As Purdue Northwest Chancellor Chris Holford looks on, right, Purdue President Mung Chiang speaks Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Purdue President Mung Chiang speaks Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Holding his trophy, Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. chats with former Purdue Northwest Chancellor Thomas Keon Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. PHOTOS: PNWs 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Purdue President Mung Chiang speaks Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Honorees Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., Diane Kavadias Schneider and Jeff Strack pose for pictures Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Honoree Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. speaks Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. hugs his former professor Pat Obi following his introduction Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Honorees Diane Kavadias Schneider and Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. chat Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. While holding his trophy, Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. pretends to take a bite of his Hall of Fame cookie Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Honoree Diane Kavadias Schneider speaks Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Honoree Jeff Strack speaks Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. As Purdue Northwest Chancellor Chris Holford looks on, right, Purdue President Mung Chiang speaks Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Purdue President Mung Chiang speaks Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Holding his trophy, Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. chats with former Purdue Northwest Chancellor Thomas Keon Thursday at Purdue Northwest's 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Elad Katzir, the Israeli hostage whose body was recovered and returned to Israel on Saturday, had long felt unprotected living along Israels border with Gaza. In an interview with The New York Times in 2009, after Palestinian rocket attacks led to a deadly three-week Israeli offensive against Hamas in Gaza, Mr. Katzir told a reporter that he had a nagging feeling. I do not feel any victory, Mr. Katzir said at the time, when the fighting had ended with a shaky cease-fire. I still do not feel safe. Mr. Katzir, 47, had deep roots in Nir Oz, the kibbutz in southern Israel where he was born and from which he was abducted during the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7. The wheat and potato fields there run right up to the Gaza border fence, within sight of the apartment buildings, water towers and minarets of the Palestinian village of Abasan just beyond it. Campaign donations from special interests determine which measures get on the ballot and they have grown increasingly long and complex, defying voters attempts to understand them. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Californians vote on many ballot measures, but we rarely participate in significant public discussions about their content and impact. This isnt simply a result of apathy or poor civic education. Rather, its an example of rational ignorance, a term coined by economist Anthony Downs in his 1957 book, An Economic Theory of Democracy, that defines this democratic reality: Since you have just one vote out of millions, your vote doesnt much matter. So, its rational to not devote precious time to reaching well-considered decisions about how you vote. And when too many of us remain rationally ignorant, our election results dont match the public interest. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This year, however, Stanford University political scientists want to counter our rational ignorance with an advanced tool: a digital Deliberative Poll. The poll would allow hundreds of Californians to deliberate over certain ballot measures. One set of likely candidates for deliberation is three competing constitutional amendments involving the voting requirements for taxes. Heres how digital deliberative polls work. Stanfords Deliberative Democracy Lab assembles a representative sample of the California electorate. Participants are paid for their time and reimbursed for child- or elder-care obligations. Their internet speeds are increased if necessary. First, the platform, developed in collaboration with Stanfords Crowdsourced Democracy Team, polls participants on the measures to establish a baseline. Then, some members of the group deliberate. (The rest are in a control group that doesnt participate in the deliberation). Advertisement Article continues below this ad Next, the artificial intelligence-assisted platform theres no human operator and it speaks in English in the voice of lab Associate Director Alice Siu randomly divides the sample into small groups of 10 that engage in video-based dialogue over the pros and cons of the ballot measures and decide on key questions to ask panels of experts representing different points of view. The participants then ask questions in plenary sessions by video with all the groups present. The small group deliberations and plenary sessions alternate throughout the process. The AI tries to facilitate an equal discussion. The tool nudges reluctant participants to speak up. The platform can intervene if people become uncivil. At the deliberations end, participants (and the control group) are polled again on the measures. The before-and-after difference between the survey results are shared with the public, to demonstrate the impact of deliberation on participants views. It is a social science experiment and a form of public education, said Stanfords James Fishkin, who leads the polls and the Deliberative Democracy Lab. It overcomes rational ignorance because each person, instead of one voice in millions, has one voice in a small group of 10 engaging in meaningful dialogue. Fishkin originated the concept of the Deliberative Poll as an in-person event in 1988 and has deployed it on issues ranging from Korean reunification to civil service reform in Brazil. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Recently, Fishkin and his team conducted a series of Deliberative Polls known as America in One Room that got Americans of different views to deliberate on issues from energy to immigration. Those Deliberative Polls showed that such conversations can still produce common ground, even amidst nationwide polarization. Fishkin and Siu say Californias ballot propositions system badly needs deliberation. Some measures get little public notice. Campaign donations from special interests determine which measures get on the ballot and get our attention. Measures have grown increasingly long and complex, defying voters attempts to understand them. The momentum to use Deliberative Polling in California dates back to the 2021 attempted recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom, which increased public concern about flaws in Californias direct democracy. In response, Secretary of State Shirley Weber asked the bipartisan team of former Gov. Jerry Brown and former Chief Justice Ronald George to recommend reforms for the initiative, referendum and recall process. With assistance from Nathan Gardels of the nonpartisan Think Long Committee for California and the Berggruen Institute, their report lamented the absence of a public, institutional platform for informed deliberation on ballot measures. A 2022 Public Policy Institute of California survey found 77% support among likely voters for an independent citizens commission to study ballot initiatives. Today, Think Long and the Stanford team are circulating a proposal to funders to apply Deliberative Polling to the measures this November. (Full disclosure: Im a fellow in Berggruens Renovating Democracy program this year.) Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fishkin and Siu say Deliberate Polling can be especially effective when multiple measures address similar issues as with the competing taxation amendments. They recently held a well-received Deliberative Poll around four different proposals to Finlands parliament (which showed that the automated platform produced similar results to deliberations with human moderators). 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 Fishkin said that campaigns and stakeholder groups on opposing sides of measures participate in the deliberations because they want to have their best case heard. Participants in processes like Deliberative Polls also become more engaged and better-informed citizens. John B. McLemore, a profanely outspoken, brilliant and troubled restorer of antique clocks, emerged a national figure in 2017 with the podcast S-Town. As a horologist a repairer of devices that measure time he restored intricate and rare pieces in a workshop at his family homestead in rural western Alabama. But that was just part of the story. In short order, S-Town hit 40 million downloads, and has since surpassed 100 million, making it among the most downloaded podcasts. For those who missed this unusual tale, there will be no major spoilers here. Its enough to say that McLemore, and many in his orbit, were vaulted from obscurity to sometimes painful visibility. (Tyler Goodson, a prominent character in the podcast, was killed in a police shootout in December. Jeff Dodson, the mayor of Woodstock, the hamlet where S-Town takes place, said he hasnt received an update on the police investigation of the shooting.) State governments use our tax dollars to build roads, fund schools and provide health care. In 38 states, they also ship money off to a high-gloss private industry: Hollywood. And its a lot of money. My colleague Christopher Kuo and I found that those states had given out more than $25 billion over the past two decades to subsidize the making of movies and television. The idea is to lure businesses to spend money, employ locals and stimulate the economy. The problem is, the programs are actually huge money losers for states. Studies show that these efforts typically return a quarter or even a dime on every dollar given to studios. Yet lawmakers are not slowing their spending. Quite the opposite. Hollywood is playing states off one another, and the competition has them sweetening their deals to lure productions, economists say. Under mounting pressure from New Jersey, New York recently expanded its film incentive program by 67 percent, to $700 million. Oklahoma went from $4 million to $30 million in just three years, in part to stay competitive with Texas. Then, Texas decided to spend nearly seven times that amount. A Southwest Airlines flight safely returned to Denver International Airport on Sunday after the engine cover of a Boeing 737-800 fell off during takeoff and struck the wing flap, the Federal Aviation Administration said. Flight 3695 was headed to Houston but returned to the Denver airport around 8:15 a.m. after the crew reported the engine cowling, or cover, fell off. The plane, which had 135 passengers and five crew members, was towed back to the gate. The F.A.A. said it would investigate. In a statement, Southwest Airlines said its maintenance teams were reviewing the aircraft. Southwest said the passengers boarded another plane and arrived at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston approximately three hours behind schedule. I will be prepared for both, he said. We will deal with both. Dimon presides over the largest and most profitable bank in the United States and has done so for nearly 20 years. Maybe more than any single individual, he stands in for the Wall Street establishment and, by extension, corporate America. With his comments at Davos, he seemed to be sending a message of good will to Trump on their behalf. But he also appeared to be trying to put his fellow globalists at ease, reassuring them that America, long a haven for investors fleeing risk in less-stable democracies, would remain a safe destination for their money in a second Trump administration. Even before they declared their independence, it was clear to the American colonies that in their struggle against Great Britain they would need a wealthy benefactor. The colonies were desperately short of men, money and materiel. There was little by way of an American Navy, and barely an engineer on the continent. In 1776, the most gifted orator in Congress called for a declaration not by choice but by necessity, as the only means by which foreign alliance can be obtained. In that light, our founding document nearly qualifies as an SOS. It was no secret to Congress that France secretly favored the American experiment. With General George Washingtons army down to a handful of rounds of powder per man, all eyes turned to Benjamin Franklin. No one had more experience with the world beyond American shores. Already Franklin had crossed the ocean six times. He was dimly understood to speak French. He sat on the secret committee that had dispatched an earlier envoy to Paris. The unanimous choice on one side of the ocean, he was the ideal choice on the other. Celebrated across Europe as the tamer of lightning, Franklin met in Paris streets with cheering crowds and in theaters with thunderous ovations. His celebrity assisted little with his clandestine mission, however. The French government could not openly receive him without provoking their powerful rival, Great Britain. Eager though he was to shrink the British sphere of influence, the French foreign minister, the Comte de Vergennes, was unimpressed by the Americans. He doubted their resolve for the task at hand, a fear on which the British ambassador in Paris played, advertising the colonists as a cowardly band of thieves and muggers. Vergennes was less impressed still by General Washington. He seemed to proceed from defeat to defeat. Jack DIsidoro and Anna Diamond and Sophia Lanman and Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify Chris Kerr was 12 when he first observed a deathbed vision. His memory of that summer in 1974 is blurred, but not the sense of mystery he felt at the bedside of his dying father. Throughout Kerrs childhood in Toronto, his father, a surgeon, was too busy to spend much time with his son, except for an annual fishing trip they took, just the two of them, to the Canadian wilderness. Gaunt and weakened by cancer at 42, his father reached for the buttons on Kerrs shirt, fiddled with them and said something about getting ready to catch the plane to their cabin in the woods. I knew intuitively, I knew wherever he was, must be a good place because we were going fishing, Kerr told me. Kerr now calls what he witnessed an end-of-life vision. His father wasnt delusional, he believes. His mind was taking him to a time and place where he and his son could be together, in the wilds of northern Canada. Kerr followed his father into medicine, and in the last 10 years he has hired a permanent research team that expanded studies on deathbed visions to include interviews with patients receiving hospice care at home and with their families, deepening researchers understanding of the variety and profundity of these visions. Millions of people will tilt their heads skyward on Monday, marveling at a total solar eclipse. The moon will cross the sun and block its light for a few fleeting moments, creating a communal celestial experience that will not again be so accessible to people in the United States, Canada or Mexico for decades. The total solar eclipses path the expanse where the moon fully obscures the sun stretches from Mexicos Pacific Coast to the fringes of Atlantic Canada, passing through dozens of major cities where authorities are preparing for an influx of visitors eager to experience what may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In New York, signs along the Thruway urged travelers to Arrive Early, Stay Late to avoid the inevitable jams that will clog routes to and from prime viewing areas along the eclipses path. The authorities in Vermont arrested a man they said used an accelerant and a lighter to start a fire on Friday outside of Senator Bernie Sanderss office in Burlington. The man, Shant Soghomonian (also known as Michael Soghomonian), 35, previously of Northridge, Calif., was arrested on Sunday on a charge of using fire to damage the building at One Church Street in Burlington, Vt., the U.S. Attorneys office for the district of Vermont said in a statement on Sunday. Prosecutors and the police did not identify a possible motive for the fire. The office said that a lawyer for Mr. Soghomonian had not yet been identified. Officials did not provide a current address for Mr. Soghomonian. On Friday morning, according to prosecutors and the Burlington Police Department, Mr. Soghomonian walked into the vestibule of the senators office, where a security camera captured him as he sprayed an apparent accelerant near the outer door of the office. Insurance companies have long blamed private-equity-owned hospitals and physician groups for exorbitant billing that drives up health care costs. But a tool backed by private equity is helping insurers make billions of dollars and shift costs to patients. The tool, Data iSight, is the premier offering of a cost-containment firm called MultiPlan that has attracted round after round of private equity investment since positioning itself as a central player in the lucrative medical payments field. Today Hellman & Friedman, the California-based private equity giant, and the Saudi Arabian governments sovereign wealth fund are among the firms largest investors. The evolution of Data iSight, which recommends how much of each medical bill should be paid, is an untold chapter in the story of private equitys influence on American health care. In Detroit, a congressmans holiday party devolved into chaos and a broken nose after demonstrators protesting the war in Gaza appeared with bullhorns. In Fort Collins, Colo., the mayor abruptly ended a meeting during which protesters demanding a cease-fire in Gaza glued their hands to a wall. And in places as disparate as a historic church in South Carolina and Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, President Biden has been heckled and drowned out by demonstrators objecting to his support for Israel. Protests over the Biden administrations handling of the war are disrupting the activities of Democratic officials from city halls to Congress to the White House, complicating their ability to campaign and, at times, govern during a pivotal election year. She attended the elite Holton-Arms School for girls in the suburbs outside Washington. On weekends she strolled with friends on shopping trips through the Tysons Corner Center mall in Northern Virginia. Three American secretaries of state Colin L. Powell, James A. Baker and Madeleine Albright were regular guests in her parents home. These days, Princess Reema Bandar al-Saud, 48, the daughter of Prince Bandar bin Sultan, one of the most powerful diplomats in Washington when he was Saudi Arabias ambassador to the United States for more than two decades, occupies her fathers old job. It has not been easy. She landed in Washington as the first woman in the post in July 2019, less than a year after Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, was murdered and dismembered by Saudi agents. She faced the formidable task of trying to rehabilitate Saudis de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who was assessed by U.S. intelligence agencies to have approved the grisly killing of Mr. Khashoggi. By early 2021 she was navigating the switch from the warm embrace of the Trump White House to the hostility of President Biden, who as a candidate in 2019 called the kingdom a pariah. In the five tumultuous years since her arrival, Saudi Arabias fortunes in Washington, and Princess Reemas, have turned. Russias invasion of Ukraine and the need for Saudi support in the oil markets led Mr. Biden to a diplomatic fist-bump with the crown prince in Jeddah in the summer of 2022. Princess Reema, with the assistance of her kingdoms multimillion-dollar lobbying and publicity machine, has been a high-profile part of the grudging detente. The moment she saw the sun, something inside Julie McKelvey changed. She was hanging from a rope on the side of Mt. Everest, four hours from the summit. The night was frozen, the slope some 60 degrees steep, the oxygen thin as she ascended to the highest point on earth. In the dark, she felt the fear and power of the mountain. She focused on exactly where to put her foot, her hand, alongside her fellow climbers. Then, peripherally to her right, she saw an orange flash. I see this sunrise that I will never forget as long as I live, she reflected. The colors it is just red, and then it is orange, and then it is yellow, and then the blue is coming. It was so incredibly spiritual for me, and beautiful. Ms. McKelvey, a mother and executive from central Pennsylvania, searched for words to capture the emotion of that moment. She felt so connected with something so much bigger than herself, something that she believed loved her. The whole thing is very awe-ful. A-w-e, she said, meaning full of awe. When the marauding militiamen arrived at her door on that morning in April 1994, Florence Mukantaganda knew there was nowhere to run. It was only three days into the devastating 100-day genocide in Rwanda, when militiamen rampaged through the streets and peoples homes in a bloodshed that forever upended life in the Central African nation. As the men entered her home, Ms. Mukantaganda said her husband, a preacher, prayed for her and their two small children and furtively told her where he had hidden some money in case she survived. He then said his final words to her before he was hacked to death with a hoe. He told me, When they come for you, you have to be strong, you have to die strong, Ms. Mukantaganda, 53, recalled on a recent morning at her home in Kabuga, a small town about 10 miles east of Kigali, the Rwandan capital. There was nothing we could do but wait for our time to die. The agony of those harrowing days loomed large for many on Sunday as Rwanda marked the 30th anniversary of the genocide in which extremists from the countrys ethnic Hutu majority killed some 800,000 people most of them ethnic Tutsis using machetes, clubs and guns. When President Biden welcomes Japans prime minister, Fumio Kishida, to Washington this week for a visit highlighted by the pomp of a state dinner, there will be an inescapable subtext to all the ceremony: Both leaders are in a fight to keep their jobs. With Mr. Biden facing a tight re-election contest with his predecessor and Mr. Kishidas approval ratings falling to record lows amid a political scandal, the leaders are expected to discuss ways to entrench their countries alliance so it remains strong even if they are no longer around to nurture it. The goal is to create a situation where no one can unbind their ties, said Narushige Michishita, a professor of international relations at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo. The risk of drastic change appears to be much higher on the American side. Japanese officials, lawmakers and media outlets have taken to referring to moshi Tora if Trump or even hobo Tora, which roughly translates to probably Trump, using an abbreviation of the name of the former president and current Republican candidate. For years, hundreds of thousands of Afghans fleeing the turmoil of war crossed the border into Pakistan, hoping to start over again. Many of them succeeded in doing so. Now, Pakistan is cracking down. Over the past half-year, more than half a million undocumented Afghans, ordered by the Pakistani government to leave, have returned home even if home is the country they once escaped, and one that has little more to offer them now. That was only the first round of expulsions. According to reports in the Pakistani news media, a second one is about to begin. When I got to the Torkham border crossing to take photos as the first refugees were crossing over in October, it was already beginning to look like an exodus. Aid workers were only just starting to set up. Many of the Afghans had hired trucks with high back walls that afforded only a glimpse of lives in turmoil. Old furniture poked above the edges, sometimes with children perched atop, but while it was obvious that other people were inside, they remained concealed from view. When I was eventually given permission to climb a flimsy ladder to look inside, I understood that modesty helped explain the concealment. In the bed of the truck were women, and safe from public view, they had been traveling without burqas. They put them on before I began photographing. It was a scene of desperation. Some of the children were clearly very sick. Two lay with their heads on their mothers lap. A woman was hooked up to an IV. And there was no food or water in sight. The families had already spent many hours in the trucks, and their journey was far from over. If they were unwelcome in Pakistan, they were hardly embraced upon their return. Before they could move on, they were told, they had to register. That could take days. Israel withdraws some troops The Israeli military said it withdrew a division of ground troops from southern Gaza yesterday. The move raised questions about its plans as the war reached the six-month mark Israeli media reported that the withdrawal meant there were no Israeli troops actively maneuvering in southern Gaza. It was unclear what the latest drawdown of forces meant for the prospect of an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah, Gazas southernmost city. Israel has significantly reduced the number of troops it has on the ground over the past several months. Only a fraction of the soldiers that it had deployed in the territory earlier in the war remain. Israel has routed Hamas in much of Gaza, and fighting seems to have slowed. But the conflict is being drawn out by Israels reluctance to either hold ground it has captured or transfer its control to an alternative Palestinian leadership. The withdrawal came as international mediators were set to meet in Cairo to pick up stalled negotiations on a temporary cease-fire and the release of hostages held in the enclave. At the same time, concerns have mounted that Iran will retaliate for an Israeli strike in Syria that killed senior commanders of Irans elite Quds Force. The elections are ostensibly about the 300 seats in Parliament, but when South Koreans go to the polls on Wednesday, they will also be signaling support for one of two leaders who are locked in what is known here as gladiator politics. The do-or-die rivalry between President Yoon Suk Yeol and the opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, whose party holds the majority in the National Assembly, has made the elections as fraught with fear and resentment as any in South Korean history. Neither leader commands broad popularity, instead relying on hard-line supporters who either want to see Mr. Yoon, a conservative, impeached for abuse of power, or Mr. Lee, a progressive, imprisoned for corruption. This election is about who you want to punish, Yoon Suk Yeol or Lee Jae-myung, said Eom Kyeong-young, an election analyst at the Zeitgeist Institute in Seoul. On the global stage, South Korea is the dynamic exporter of cars, phones, K-pop and K-dramas. But at home, voter discontent runs deep. The countrys economy is slowing. Its birthrate is the worlds lowest. Its Gen Z youth frustrated with widening economic inequity and priced out of the housing market fear that they will be the first generation in the countrys history economically worse off than their parents. As the Israeli military campaign to destroy Hamas pummeled his neighborhood in northern Gaza, reducing buildings to rubble and forcing residents to flee, the Palestinian laborer realized that he was running out of food. The shops had closed, the markets had emptied and fighting prevented supplies from reaching them. So he and his remaining neighbors gathered a plant known as khobeza that grew near their homes and cooked it to sustain themselves, he said. It supported us more than everyone else in the world, the laborer, Amin Abed, 35, said recently by phone from Gaza. People survived the darkest chapters of the war on khobeza alone. For many generations, the people of the Holy Land have foraged for khobeza, a hearty green with a taste and texture somewhere between spinach and kale that sprouts in knee-high thickets along roadsides and empty patches of dirt after the first winter rains. Cooks saute it in olive oil, season it with onions or boil it into soup to make tasty, low-cost meals. According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast, Ireland is in for more rain throughout the week with a weather warning for rain issued for parts of the country on Monday. Met Eireann has issued a Status Yellow Rain Warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow and Waterford for all of Monday which warns of heavy rain at times. According to the latest Met Eireann Weather Forecast for Ireland, rain will extend to most areas during Monday morning but parts of the very far northwest of the country may hold dry. The rain will persist for much of the day and will be heaviest in the southeast with the likelihood of localised flooding. Winds will be light and variable at first but will become north to northwesterly and increase moderate to fresh, but winds will be strong along south and southwest coasts. Cooler than the weekend, with afternoon temperatures of only 5 to 10 degrees. The rain will slowly clear from the east on Monday night and will be followed by clear spells and scattered showers. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees with a moderate northwesterly wind. According to Met Eireann there will be a few showers around on Tuesday, but generally a dry day with sunny spells early on. Breezy with a moderate to fresh northwesterly wind. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees. Rain and drizzle will develop in the southwest early on Tuesday night and will extend to most areas overnight. Light west to southwest winds at first, becoming southerly and increasing moderate to fresh. Lowest temperatures of 2 to 6 degrees will occur early in the night. According to the latest Met Eireann Weather Forecast for Ireland, Wednesday will be dull, misty and wet with outbreaks of rain or drizzle continuing for much of the day. Highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees in a moderate to fresh southwesterly breeze. The rain and drizzle will clear to scattered showers on Wednesday night and some clear spells will develop. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 11 degrees with southwesterly winds gradually easing light to moderate. According to the latest Met Eireann Weather Forecast for Ireland, there is some uncertainty for Thursday but it is likely to be quite cloudy with some outbreaks of rain. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees in a moderate southwesterly wind. 3 Oaks Gaming enhances its European journey with a new Romania license, setting the stage for exciting game offerings in Romania. On April, 2024, 3 Oaks Gaming, a premier iGaming content distributor, announced its acquisition of the Class 2 Romania license from the National Gaming Office (ONJN), marking a pivotal expansion into the Romanian market. A Strategic Expansion into Romania In a significant move to widen its European influence, 3 Oaks Gaming secured a Class 2 license in Romania. This approval from the National Gaming Office (ONJN) empowers the supplier, operating under One Rock Limited, to collaborate with licensed operators in Romania. This development facilitates access to a new market and enhances the company's global stance, demonstrating its robust regulatory compliance and strategic market penetration efforts. Preparing for a Romanian Debut With the license, 3 Oaks Gaming is gearing up to introduce a curated selection of its premier games to the Romanian audience. Anticipation builds as the company plans to roll out popular titles like 3 Hot Chillies, Coin Volcano, and the recently debuted Sky Pearls. This initiative signifies 3 Oaks Gaming's commitment to delivering diverse and engaging gaming experiences to the Romanian market, further solidifying its reputation as a high-quality, innovative iGaming content provider. Building on a Foundation of Regulatory Success The acquisition of the Romania license follows closely on the heels of 3 Oaks Gaming's recent regulatory approvals in the UK and Portugal. These milestones testify to the company's steadfast dedication to strict regulatory standards and its ambition to broaden its footprint across the global iGaming landscape. Such strategic regulatory victories underscore 3 Oaks Gaming's position as a forward-thinking and compliance-oriented organization within the iGaming industry. A Milestone Aligned with Business Goals Sebastian Damian, Managing Director of 3 Oaks Gaming, expressed enthusiasm over the license acquisition, noting it as a significant achievement that propels the company towards fulfilling its strategic business objectives. This expansion into Romania is seen as a natural progression of the company's growth strategy, aimed at enhancing its service offerings and cementing its presence in the European market. About 3 Oaks Gaming 3 Oaks Gaming stands out as a dynamic force in the iGaming sector, known for its unique blend of innovative game mechanics and captivating graphical designs. The company offers an extensive portfolio of slot games tailored for regulated markets worldwide, facilitated through seamless API integration and comprehensive back-office support. This game development and distribution approach ensures that every 3 Oaks Gaming product delivers an unparalleled gaming experience, leaving a lasting impression on players and operators alike. As 3 Oaks Gaming continues to expand its geographical reach, the Romanian market license marks another chapter in its journey toward becoming a global iGaming powerhouse. Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "Putting real power into the hands of voters and consumers, has made bottom-up approaches massively disruptive for politics and brands. It's the present and future of politics and business. Rob Kall's book Bottom-Up pulls together the wisdom and experience of some of the leading thinkers who have brought the bottom-up revolution to full bloom." Joe Trippi, pioneering Internet campaign manager of Howard Dean, digital campaign consultant MALKERNS Eswatini MTN has pledged E5 million in sponsorship for this years MTN Bushfire Festival, which will be hosted from May 31 to June 2, 2024 at House On Fire lawns. The sponsorship was announced during the official launch of the 17th edition of the MTN Bushfire Festival which was held on Friday evening at House On Fire Amphitheater. Worth mentioning is the fact that this years sponsorship amount has increased with E2 million being the additional amount as last year MTN pumped in E3 million. This years MTN Bushfire Festival is themed Fireworks. The E5 million sponsorship was announced by MTN Eswatini Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Wandile Mtshali. During his remarks, he shared that their relationship with the festival has been exciting. It has been an exciting 17 years since the birth of this partnership. The MTN Bushfire Festival in 2023 has been, thus far, the most successful, hosting more than 20 000 guests from across 50 different countries. We look forward to hosting 30 000 more people in this years festival and into the country to enjoy the festival with us. To amplify the experience for our guests, I am honoured to announce that MTN and MTN FinTech will be sponsoring the MTN Bushfire Festival to the tune of E5 million for the next three years. A sponsorship that not only impacts our local customers but also gives our visitors a taste of Eswatini, Mtshali said. He further cited the main reason for the continued sponsorship of the festival, saying that it was because of the continued support they were getting from customers. We continue to partner with such initiatives because of the continued support from our customers who use MTN products and services, our stakeholders, and all our partners who have been with us for the past 25 years. Thank you for being a part of the MTN journey, he said. Prime Minister Russell Dlamini lauded MTN Eswatini for sponsoring the festival and said that no organisation matched MTN when it came to sponsorships. It is important to note that there is no other organisation that matches MTN when it comes to sponsorship. We would like to commend such determination and also encourage other organisations to sponsor local events, the premier said. The MTN Bushfire Festival does not only give opportunity to local businesses, but also to local musicians to showcase their talent on eight different stages. The prime minister also applauded the festival for exposing local artists and for promoting information sharing during the festival. Credit is due to the MTN Bushfire Festival, our local artists enjoy the opportunity to access international music markets and appeal to global audiences for the promoting of Eswatinis competitiveness in the arts and creative space. Festivals have been recognised for lucrative environment for knowledge sharing, networking and advocacy around pressing social and environmental issues. A philosophy, which is embodied by MTN Bushfire through its call to action for social and environmental change, he said. remarks The launch was also attended by Jane Simelane who is the Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs. During her remarks, she echoed the prime ministers point on the festival being able to do collective sensitisation on environmental issues. We applaud MTN Bushfire for revolutionising the concept of festivals by asserting this festival as an invaluable opportunity for collective sensitisation and action on pertinent environmental issues as successfully executed through the festivals Green Your Fire call to action. The festivals waste management and recycling systems underwent a major upgrade in 2023, resulting in a recycling rate of 76 per cent of festival waste, far surpassing the previous standard of 50 per cent, Simelane said. This years MTN Bushfire Festival will feature musicians such as Makhadzi, Musa Keys, Nneka, Thandiswa Mazwai, Jeremy Loops, Oddisee, Maleh, Bholoja as well as Umuti, to name a few. More artists are yet to be revealed before the end of this month according to the MTN Bushfire website. The oft-told tale of horror has become both the stuff of legend and the stuff of caution about poverty and destitution. That's the tale of woe of Shanghai China in the 1920s. Every morning dozens of bodies were swept up off that city's streets. They were the poorest of the poor who were desperately sick, impoverished, scorned, and of course, homeless. The plight of the homeless deceased in Shanghai then was often cited as a prime example of a poor, semi-colonial, grossly exploited, politically and economically impotent, war and strife torn nation that held its poor in callous contempt. Fast forward a century later, and that horror scene of the homeless dead being carted away each morning from Shanghai's streets could easily be compared to the increasingly dire plight of the homeless on Los Angeles streets. The shocking plight of L.A.'s homeless dead collected on its streets was driven home by Los Angeles Controller Kenneth Mejia. He reported that nearly one thousand persons died on L.A. streets in 2023. The good news was that the number of homeless dead had dropped from that of 2022. However, the near one thousand death total was almost certainly an undercount. Worse, it underscored the continued devastating impact and human tragedy of homelessness in L.A. But it's the mounting number of homeless dead on the streets that has been the public tragic face of the homeless crisis problem. And it's a problem that L.A. city and county officials have wrung their hands over without really any firm answer as to why so many are dying and what can be done about it. The search for answers has been intense. The search for solutions is even more so. But first the causes. The overwhelming majority of the deaths on the streets were categorized as "accidental." This is a catch all designation that could relate to many causes other than homicide. But homicides did figure prominently as a major cause of death. They accounted for more than ten percent of the deaths. The tragedy of homeless deaths due to murder was underscored by the fact that the unhoused accounted for barely one percent of the city's population. There was little surprise that African Americans made up a disproportionate number of the homeless deaths even though they make up less than ten percent of the city's population. The checklist of causes of the deaths in addition to murder ranges all over the map. Drug overdoses, pedestrian and vehicle accidents, the full range of untreated diseases, heat and cold exposure, lack of vital medicines, and just plain old-fashioned neglect were the causes. Studies of homeless deaths in other cities show a similar pattern and a similar sharp uptick in the number of homeless deaths on the streets. "People who die while experiencing homelessness are some of the most neglected in society," said Matt Fowle, University of Washington researcher and co-creator of the organization Homeless Deaths Count. "These are folks who most need our help and are least likely to receive it." To date, there has been no systematic effort made by the federal government to track or count the number of homeless that die on the nation's streets. That grim task has been left to local coroners and medical examiners. In some places they don't even keep the figures that's left to local nonprofits who deal with the issue and the problems of the homeless. A look at one of the major causes of homeless deaths also provides a window of understanding as well as an opportunity for public officials to deal with the root cause of the deaths. That's drug addiction and mental health treatment. The often paucity of drug and mental health treatment facilities has been a chronic problem. The tales of individuals turned away from the few centers that have been set up to treat these illnesses are legion. This virtually ensures that unhoused individuals who suffer these problems are prime candidates to wind up in a body bag on some lonely street corner or alley. One study confirmed this. It found that homeless people in L.A. were a staggering thirty-five times more likely to die of drug or alcohol overdose than the general population. In almost all cases few of them had adequate access to vital treatment services and programs. The surface answer and need are to radically increase the availability of and access to the array of programs from drug, alcohol, mental health, accident prevention, and safety programs to aid those unhoused most at risk from death. However, as all experts on the homeless crisis agree, the real answer is to solve the homeless crisis. That can only happen when there is a massive, concerted effort by local, state, and federal officials to ensure adequate affordable housing, jobs, education, and health services to all those who face life on the streets. Anything less simply ensures that the streets of L.A. will be the modern-day version of Shanghai when it comes to the homeless and impoverished dead who are swept up yearly on the city's streets. Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. The new YouTube documentary American Journalist chronicles his decades long writing and activism. Click Here Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Your home is your sanctuary, but its also one of your biggest budget items. And after you retire, it may feel like more house than you need. But in this housing market, when a smaller home with upgraded features may be about as expensive as the one youre selling, is it still smart to downsize? In some cases, downsizing is appropriate, but not necessarily money-saving. You may be able to sell your house and buy something cheaper, but it might also make sense to downsize to move closer to family or have less house to clean. Its important to be clear on what you want. Goals are so crucial, says Juan HernandezAriano, a certified financial planner in Houston. There are multiple pathways people can take. Here are some situations that may match up with a For Sale sign. Youre in a cash flow bind In retirement, you might find that rising prices combined with a fixed income make you feel a little squeezed. HernandezAriano notes that his clients in southeast Texas are bothered by high home insurance premiums due to severe weather events, plus high property taxes. A lot of insurance companies are dropping coverage on the southeast side of Texas, he says. If downsizing is a question of money, consider all your housing costs. Weigh the mortgage, property taxes and insurance, plus basic bills like electricity and water services for your current and future homes. One client in Houston did the math and moved 90 minutes away, where they got a cheaper home and dropped their homeowners insurance by 60%. Property taxes also went down since they werent in a highly competitive school district, HernandezAriano says. They still spent more on gas and water and had to pay for relocation expenses, but overall, they saved monthly. Youre in a pricey area If you live in an expensive city, you have a better chance of selling your home and finding something cheaper. When youre in a lower-cost area, its going to be difficult to find something even [more] lower cost, says David Demming, a CFP in Aurora, Ohio. Just do some looking before you leap. Inventory is low in many places, and competition is steep for a smaller home with upgrades. To save money overall, the value of the home youre purchasing should be at least 20% less than the house that youre selling, says Diane Pearson, a CFP in Wexford, Pennsylvania. You cant live there safely anymore Your health may require you to find a new home with fewer stairs, a first-floor primary bedroom or an accessible bathroom. Michael Maye, a CFP in Gillette, New Jersey, notes that his clients whove seen parents go through long-term care or health issues are more likely to consider future mobility when planning their retirement. Recently, I proactively worked with a couple and they knew that they didnt want to age in place, because they have a bigger house, he says. They wanted to buy into a continuing care retirement community, where they could take advantage of graduated levels of care as they needed it. They could stay in their house, but they dont plan to, Maye says. You want to be closer to family While being closer to children or aging parents is a good reason to downsize, dont count on this being the cheaper option, especially if youre moving into a hotter market. Consider one of Demmings clients, who moved from one part of Ohio to another part of the state. It cost her $150,000 more to move there, to get a house that was acceptable to her, Demming said. Even with the higher cost, Demming says, it was worth it to be closer to her children and grandchildren and her new city is booming. There is no looking back, Demming says. Her new home has appreciated quite a bit since moving. Youre prepared to create a new support network If downsizing means a new city, keep in mind that you may have to rebuild your community. Even if youre moving to be near family, you shouldnt count on them to be your activities hub. Are you a social person whos going to be able to get out and about and make your own way? Maye says. Youll need to make new friends, find new medical professionals, find a new gym. Those are the trade-offs, Maye says. None of them are deal breakers, but I think people should really think about all these other things. This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press. --By Kate Ashford, who writes for NerdWallet. Email: kashford@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @kateashford. A Nevada man who invented a fictitious company and fraudulently obtained $163,100 in federal coronavirus relief funds while on parole in Oregon has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison. Justin David Goulet of Las Vegas spent most of the COVID relief money on travel, living expenses, cars and illegal drugs. In addition to serving 27 months in prison and three years supervised release, he was also ordered to pay back all the money he stole to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Seven aid workers with World Central Kitchen were killed last week by Israel Defense Forces in Gaza despite having permission to be there. The aid convoy was targeted by an airstrike after a series of errors, Israel said. Two officers were dismissed and three others reassigned for mistaken identification and for violating the rules of engagement. Editorial cartoonist Nick Anderson highlights the intense bombing campaign Israel has waged in Gaza since Oct. 7, when the terrorist group Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 civilians and kidnapping hundreds. He draws Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pointing to one bomb crater in a field of them, saying, Oops. This one was unintentional. Cartoonists largely focused on the presidential campaign. Dana Summers highlights President Joe Bidens balancing act between supporting Israel and condemning the civilian toll in Gaza. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s anti-vaccine beliefs, potential to be a spoiler and family legacy are the subject of cartoons by Steve Breen, Bill Bramhall and Jack Ohman. Former President Donald Trumps Bible sales and a gag order imposed by a New York judge also provide fodder for cartoonists. Meanwhile, the No Labels party has no candidate. Other news topics in the gallery include the border crisis; climate change; and the coming total eclipse of the sun. Cartoons were drawn by Jack Ohman, Nick Anderson, Bill Bramhall, Dana Summers, Drew Sheneman, Walt Handelsman, David Horsey, Phil Hands, Joel Pett and Joey Weatherford of Tribune Content Agency; and Mike Luckovich, Steve Breen and Michael Ramirez of Creators Syndicate. View more editorial cartoon galleries. Recently, as I commuted by bike with my 2-year-old, I saw a dead body near the waterfront, (Suspect arrested in deadly downtown Portland assault had history of violence, March 23). I couldnt decide which was more depressing: that it was the fourth recent murder in the area; or that it doesnt have to be like this. As a lawyer, I spent two years of my career representing Western State Hospital in Washington. Under Washington law, Abel Nistor, the alleged perpetrator of the most recent murder, displayed previous behavior that likely would have made him eligible for civil commitment at the hospital. The death of Jesse Woods could have been avoided, (Did Jesse Woods have to die? Portland man was shot, killed by a former friend after increasingly threatening behavior, March 29). If the Legislature and governors of the past dozen years had acted to expand the capacity of the Oregons mental health system, and passed a reasonable civil commitment law, then Woods would have gotten the care he needed. His daughter would have a father. And the man who felt he had to kill Woods to protect his family would be free of that burden. MBABANE The effects of the delay in the conversion of the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) into a pension fund may be too costly. This is due to the fact most members are potentially in danger of depleting their savings before reaching the standard retirement age, thus posing a threat to the stability of the fund, if it were to be converted into a fully-fledged pension scheme. It is currently being administered as a provident fund. The ENPF Annual Report for the financial year 2023 reflects that from about E313.4 million paid out as benefits to members, a bigger chunk of it accommodated those who fell under the age benefit category. The report reflects that a high percentage, 60 per cent to be precise, of the money paid out was for the age benefit, while only 18 per cent related to early retirement. It is stated that the age benefit is paid out when the member has reached 50 years of age, whereas the early retirement one is for members who are aged between 45 and 49 years and have retired from regular employment. This disparity, the ENPF, said, in the report, suggests a concerning pattern where many members may deplete their savings before reaching the standard retirement age. We are optimistic that the proposed legislative transformation of the fund into a pension scheme will address this issue, offering a more sustainable financial future for our members and the nation as a whole. It remains our deepest aspiration that we work towards the conversion as it will bring numerous benefits for members and be all-inclusive of economically active workers, while playing an impactful role in the national developments, the ENPF said. It mentioned that the workers inclusivity will encompass those in informal and domestic work sectors. Also mentioned was that the delay in concluding the important national project was not doing the members of the fund any good. Members who would have qualified for membership of the pension fund in terms of the minimum number of contribution years have fallen out of the qualifying bracket. These members invariably become candidates for poverty in old age. The only time that this situation will be arrested is the day the conversion will receive the long-awaited approval, it was highlighted. The management of the fund said they were hopeful that the due processes that have begun would eventually see the vision of the conversion become a reality for the benefit of thousands of emaSwati. It has been over 10 years since the plan to convert the fund into a pension scheme became public. Specifically, the process began in the early 2000s, whereby stakeholders including employers, workers and government engaged and there was a consensus on the conversion from a provident fund to a pension fund. Experts from countries including Zambia and Singapore were invited to discuss and share their experiences on the conversion process. ILO backs initiative The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has also been supporting the initiative, sending its own experts to engage with the local stakeholders. However, despite all these efforts, legislation that will allow for the conversion is yet to see the light of day. The delay pained members of the 11th Parliament, as they had anticipated to have the conversion completed by the time their term of office came to an end. During their last sitting to debate the budget of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the former MPs took turns relaying the frustration caused by the delay. It is worth mentioning that even the 10th Parliament eventually left office without having passed the legislation that would ensure the conversion. Instead, a bill that they debated and were ready to pass was eventually withdrawn and they left office. Stakeholders in support of the ENPF have argued that it was key for the Kingdom of Eswatini to have a national pension scheme, as was the case in other countries including Singapore. Once the legislation has been enacted, members of the fund who are 45 years and below, will transfer to the national pension fund. Members who would qualify to receive pension are those who will have contributed at least 15 years of service before retirement at the time of conversion. The Singapore pension scheme is one of the oldest and developed national schemes in Asia according to the Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index. Even though the scheme has received backlash in the past, government made amends and reviewed some of its metrics. The Kingdom of Eswatini is said to have modelled the one that exists in Tanzania, where the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) covers all other employers in that country and participation for both employers and employees is compulsory. Meanwhile, there are many positives reflected in the annual report regarding membership. Among them is the fact that as of June 30, 2023, the total members funds stood at E4.81 billion, reflecting an increase from the previous years E4.46 billion. Contributions received in the year under review totalled E452.9 million, a 7.3 per cent increase from the previous years E419.4 million, attributed to both the annual rise in contributions and the positive economic rebound post-COVID-19 lockdowns. growth in membership In her statement, which forms part of the report, acting Chief Executive Officer Futhi Tembe highlighted that the funds activities in the year under review had been intricately aligned with its 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, focusing on four critical areas being; finance and investments, human capital, systems and business processes and member focus. The tactical execution of this plan has yielded substantial improvements in our financial and operational performance, a testament to our strategic direction, as detailed in this report, Tembe said. She mentioned that the fund was beyond the midpoint of its existing strategic plan and that in anticipation of the one that will run from 2026 to 2030, they will evaluate progress and accomplishments in the new financial year. This appraisal will provide critical insights into our successes and areas of enhancement, equipping us with the knowledge necessary to forge ahead with a precise and robust strategy, she said. Meanwhile, the membership of the ENPF grew to 156 732 as of June 30, 2023. This reflects a significant rise from 142 023 registered in 2022. The funds annual report reflects that the number of active registered employers also saw growth, with 6 659 on record compared to 6 077 in the preceding year. It was highlighted in the report that with the introduction of the online claiming app, the fund continued to exceed processing efficiency benchmarks with the average claim processing and payout duration sitting at an impressive 1.14 days, an improvement to last years 1.8 days and well below the established three-day benchmark. Another positive cited in the report is that the fund witnessed an uptick in compliance rates, achieving an average of 87.98 per cent, which edged closer to a target of 92 per cent. Financially, the ENPF remains robust, with contributions consistently exceeding benefits payouts, a testament to the funds health and its ability to expand investment opportunities and grow members funds, reads part of the report. Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The UN World Health Organisation (WHO) is on Sunday launching a new campaign to champion the right to health of everyone, everywhere as the world marks World Health Day A Walmart overcharging lawsuit is giving its customers cash settlements to be claimed. As part of a class-action lawsuit settlement, Walmart customers may qualify for compensation of up to $500. This settlement pertains to allegations of overcharging for specific products. If you made purchases of weighted goods or bagged citrus items between October 2018 and January 2024, you might be eligible to receive a settlement check. The legal action, initially filed in late 2022 and later amended in 2023, accused Walmart of inflating prices on sold-by-weight products, including those associated with the retailer's discounts, or "rollbacks." Walmart Overcharging Lawsuit The legal filing claimed that customers were misled during checkout, leading them to believe they were paying reduced prices for items like meats, poultry, and seafood. Additionally, it was alleged that Walmart incorrectly labeled the weight of bagged produce such as oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines, inaccurately stating the weight as higher than the actual weight of these items. Last year, Walmart agreed to a settlement amounting to $45 million to be distributed to customers. Despite this settlement, Walmart maintained its stance of denying any wrongdoing. In a statement, Walmart expressed its commitment to offering customers everyday low prices to help them save on desired products. Walmart continued to deny the allegations but believed that reaching a settlement was advantageous for both parties involved. As per the terms outlined in the settlement, any Walmart shopper who purchased weighted goods or bagged citrus items at a Walmart store, supercenter, or neighborhood market in the United States or Puerto Rico between October 19, 2018, and January 19, 2024, may qualify for a cash payment. The settlement fund amounts to $45 million, with certain customers potentially receiving up to $500 in compensation. Cash Settlement for the Deceptive Pricing Eligible individuals can complete and submit a claim form either online or via mail. The submission deadline for these forms is June 5, 2024, and they must be postmarked by this date or submitted online by the specified deadline. Upon approval, customers will receive their payments electronically through platforms such as Venmo, Zelle, ACH, or a virtual pre-paid MasterCard. Alternatively, those who prefer a traditional method can opt for a paper check if they are unable to receive electronic payments. The payment amounts vary depending on the purchases made during the Settlement Class Period. The settlement website outlines that the cash payments are subject to potential pro rata adjustments based on the number of valid claim forms submitted and a supplemental distribution. Here are the potential cash payment amounts based on different scenarios: $10: If the customer does not have proof of purchase but attests to purchasing up to 50 weighted goods and/or bagged citrus items in-person during the Settlement Class Period. $15: If the customer does not have proof of purchase but attests to purchasing 51-75 weighted goods and/or bagged citrus items in-person during the Settlement Class Period. $20: If the customer does not have proof of purchase but attests to purchasing 76-100 weighted goods and/or bagged citrus items in-person during the Settlement Class Period. $25: If the customer does not have proof of purchase but attests to purchasing 101 or more weighted goods and/or bagged citrus items in-person during the Settlement Class Period. Up to $500: If the customer can provide proof of purchase for each weighted good and/or bagged citrus item bought in-person during the Settlement Class Period and has the purchase amount for each item, they will receive 2% of the total cost of these substantiated purchases, up to a maximum of $500. Customers who do not have their receipts readily available may be able to retrieve them from Walmart's website for submission. A South Carolina resort is now facing a lawsuit after a 4-year-old died from drowning. The 2021 vacation at Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, turned into a nightmare for Destiny Morgan when her youngest child, 4-year-old Demi Williams, tragically drowned in one of the resort's pools. The area lacked lifeguards and had poor lighting, as stated in a recent lawsuit. According to officials, Demi succumbed to asphyxiation caused by drowning. South Carolina Resort Faces Lawsuit Morgan had allowed Demi to enjoy the lazy river ride at the resort. However, her concern escalated when Demi's sister exited the ride, and Demi was nowhere to be seen. Frantically searching, Morgan witnessed another guest pulling Demi out of the pool, unresponsive. After Demi was pulled from the water, a nurse attempted to assist her and detected a faint pulse. Resort guests scrambled to locate a defibrillator to revive Demi, but none were available, highlighting potential risks in emergency response protocols. Multiple guests, including a nurse, immediately began performing chest compressions on Demi, detecting a faint pulse. Morgan and the nurse urgently called for an AED (automated external defibrillator) to revive Demi, but none were accessible, and neither resort staff nor lifeguards were available to assist. Despite the potential risk of electrocution associated with using AEDs on drowning victims, state law does not mandate their presence in swimming areas, leaving rescuers without this critical lifesaving device. In response to the incident, Morgan is advocating for improved safety measures at the resort. The lawsuit, citing "unsafe, dangerous, or defective" conditions, blames Crown Reef for negligence due to the absence of lifeguards and insufficient staff to ensure guest safety. Describing Demi as a joyful child who loved to spread happiness, Morgan expressed determination to prevent similar tragedies, stating, "Something has to be done...to make sure that this never happens again." Safety Concerns Raised After 4-Year-Old Drowns The tragic incident involving Demi marks at least the third drowning at Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark between 2018 and 2021, including a 5-year-old boy who succumbed shortly after Demi, according to reports. The ensuing lawsuit, seeking financial compensation, alleges that the resort's failure to have lifeguards on duty and inadequate staffing contributed to "unsafe, dangerous, or defective" conditions. It squarely places responsibility for Demi's death on Crown Reef's "negligent, reckless, willful" conduct. The circumstances surrounding Demi's transition from the lazy river to the pool remain unclear to Morgan and her other children. Speculating that Demi may have slipped and fallen, Morgan expressed frustration, stating, "There wasn't anything that would indicate that they gave a damn about a human life." Demi was swiftly transported to the hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. State regulations do not compel lifeguards at all pools or the lazy river at the resort, as per the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Only waterslides necessitate lifeguards, while other water areas must display signs indicating the absence of lifeguards. Recent inspections confirm that the resort complied with signage requirements regarding lifeguard presence, including during previous inspections in 2021 and 2018, the latter involving the tragic drowning of 7-year-old Malazya Fayall in one of the pools. Financial aid delays are causing chaos for incoming freshmen's college admissions. The upheaval in this year's college admissions journey stemmed from a flawed bureaucratic upgrade, plunging the process into disarray. Delays and FAFSA glitches in federal financial aid distribution have left numerous high school seniors and current college attendees awaiting crucial aid packages from their respective institutions. College Admission Chaos Due To Financial Aid Delays Behind the facade of college tuition lies a lesser-known truth - the majority won't pay the full price. However, the prevailing delays have obscured the actual offers, leaving students unable to solidify their plans without knowing the true costs involved. Ironically, the meltdown arose from the government's attempt to simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. This mandatory step for every college student, regardless of whether they are new or returning, is essential for eligibility for federal grants and loans. Moreover, colleges often rely on FAFSA data to determine their financial aid offerings, although some may require additional forms for a comprehensive assessment. The absence of clear aid amounts and timelines casts a shadow over the prospects of college attendance, especially for those heavily dependent on robust financial assistance. The Department of Education's recent revamp of the FAFSA for the 2024-25 academic year, mandated by Congress, was envisioned to streamline the financial aid application process for students and families. However, the rollout has been marred by a series of setbacks, hindering a smooth transition. Since its introduction, the revamped FAFSA process has encountered numerous problems and glitches, impeding several students and families from completing the form seamlessly. How Families Are Struggling for Aid and Loans In response to the FAFSA complications, Kelly Gainor made the decision to reduce her 401(k) contributions by nearly half this year to allocate funds for tuition expenses. Her daughter, Kennedy, is eagerly awaiting her federal aid details, having already committed to her desired institution, James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, to secure on-campus accommodation. However, the absence of FAFSA information has left any prospective merit scholarships uncertain, prompting their household to grapple with uncertainties regarding the extent of loans they may require. With a $25,000 college fund earmarked for Kennedy, their sole child, concerns arise about its adequacy, leading them to explore more aggressive investment options. Additionally, plans for a new car purchase have been deferred. "It's incredibly challenging to face the prospect of accumulating $100,000 in debt without a clear understanding of the situation," Gainor remarked, highlighting the daunting predicament many families find themselves in amidst the intricacies of college financing. Looking Ahead As the Biden administration navigates the intricate terrain of college affordability and access, stakeholders advocate for expediency tempered with precision. Streamlined processes, transparent communication, and robust support mechanisms are essential pillars in fortifying the bridge to higher education. The Biden administration, while striving to address longstanding challenges in student debt, faces a dual challenge. On one front, executive efforts to alleviate existing student loans encounter the stark reality of students struggling to access essential financial aid. These delays not only jeopardize scholarship opportunities but also increase the financial burden on students and their families, forcing some to contemplate additional student debt merely to initiate their educational journeys. The immense number of construction projects worth a whopping $613 billion, fuelled by the rapid development of infrastructure and residential sectors in Saudi Arabia's Western Province, is generating an unprecedented demand for essential products across the entire spectrum of design, construction, fit-out, and related services, said a report ahead of the Jeddah Construct expo this year. A key event powered by Big 5 Construct Saudi, the expo will run from September 29 to October 1 at Jeddah International Exhibition & Conference Centre offering companies an opportunity to capitalise on and expand their business in the new growth, said the organisers dmg events. During the expo, the participants will get an opportunity to build their network as well as engage with key decision-makers involved in the 100+ mega and giga projects in the Western Province of KSA, they stated. According to dmg events, leading companies from across the globe will be showcasing their offerings to more than 8,000 high-profile visitors, including contractors, consultants, architects, project developers, distributors and 150+ key government stakeholders. The confirmed regional industry leaders at the expo include Madar, Zamil Industrial, AL Yamamah Steel, Al Watania, Unicoil, Qatar National Plastic Factory, Naz Industries, National Plastic Factory-Oman, Baz Steel, GBS, Scaffco and Hira Industries. "Jeddah is a very important region for our sector. The developments and projects that have come up during the past 5 years allow us to sponsor Jeddah Construct," stated Hosam Harbi Nassar, the Corporate Communications Manager at Zamil Industrial. On the upcoming event, Naz Industries CEO Adel Mir said: "We will be in Jeddah Construct this year in September. At the expo, we will have an open-outdoor area to showcase our products. We are back in Saudi Arabia recently to establish our office and we invite you to come to Jeddah Construct and see you there." Henry Haddad, Regional Manager EMEA Region - Framecad, said: "We used to exhibit at your construction show back in Jeddah thus we know the region very well. We are looking forward to meeting with new project developers, consultants, entrepreneurs who dont have access online." "We would like to invite you to our next milestone which is happening in September in Jeddah. We see that there is a strong preparation for this event, and we are so excited to be part of Jeddah Construct," noted Hashem Al Jamal, Founder Cypex Group. "Jeddah is one of the biggest cities in KSA and close to the seaport. By participating in Jeddah Construct, we will have opportunity to find the strength of the projects in the Western part of the Kingdom," remarked Hasan Al Hazza, the Director Corporate Marketing at Al Watania for Industries. "We recommend everybody to participate with us to meet a lot of sector professionals," he added.-TradeArabia News Service What must it be like to embrace people who think youre a fool, just because they hate the same people you hate? No, Im not talking about Evangelical Trump voters. Im talking about legendary New Atheist Richard Dawkins, whos calling himself a cultural Christian. Heres a quote from a recent interview: I love hymns and Christmas carols and I sort of feel at home in the Christian ethos, and I feel that we [Britain] are a Christian country in that sense I call myself a cultural Christian and I think it would be truly dreadful if we substituted any alternative religion. Whats behind this sudden love for Christianity? If I had to choose between Christianity and Islam, Id choose Christianity every single time. It seems to me to be a fundamentally decent religion, in a way that I think Islam is not. Dawkins is also anti-trans. In 2021 the American Humanist Association withdrew their Humanist of the Year award for making statements that use the guise of scientific discourse to demean marginalized groups His latest statement implies that the identities of transgender individuals are fraudulent, while also simultaneously attacking Black identity as one that can be assumed when convenient. Ive read two of Dawkins books. His 2009 The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution is excellent. His 2006 The God Delusion is not. Dawkins defines God and religion very narrowly, using definitions taken straight from conservative monotheists. I dont like fundamentalism either, but religion whether Christian or Pagan or anything else is a lot more than which set of supernatural propositions you affirm and which ones you reject. But Richard Dawkins seems to have finally found a use for Christianity: attacking Muslims and trans people. Richard Dawkins is a very intelligent person. But intelligence doesnt always lead to wisdom. Conservative Christians arent buying it The kind of Christians who support Dawkins preferred culture arent exactly welcoming him. Carmel Richardson, writing for The American Conservative, says Richard Dawkinss Cultural Christianity Is Thin Gruel. She says having actively persecuted the church, Dawkins finds he is sad to see it go. We cannot pretend this is anyones fault but his own, and that of his compatriots who have crusaded against religion as the root of all social ills. Russell Moore is the editor of Christianity Today and was run out of the Southern Baptist Convention for opposing Donald Trump. He wrote New Atheism Finally Learns How to Destroy Christianity, saying the urge to make religion the way to prove ones cultural identity against outsiders will always find an eager audience and if the gospel isnt real, the gospel doesnt work. Genuine paganism will win out over pretend Christianity every time. A quick Google search turns up many such criticisms. I cant find a single Christian site welcoming Dawkins, or even reacting positively. Culture is part of religion The concept that religion is all about what you believe is a modern, Western, Protestant idea. For most people in most places throughout most of history, religion was and is about what you do, who you are, and whose you are. Religion is about identity and relationships. I grew up in a white Southern fundamentalist church. I know why they support Trump even though hes about as un-Christian as you can get. Hes an authoritarian leader and they think the world should be run by strong men and he promised to hurt the people they dont like. The elements of shared culture are more important to them than their very different theology and worship. Richard Dawkins doesnt like seeing public celebrations of Ramadan. The mere existence of trans people offends his short-sighted ideas about biological determinism. He has some nostalgic memories of his Anglican childhood. Hes never going to change his mind about the existence of the Christian God, but hes willing to identify as a Christian to try to turn the clock back to the 1950s. Its not going to work. Religion is driven by those who believe And by believe I dont mean those who affirm a religions supernatural propositions. I mean those who believe in the religion in the sense that they believe its sacred stories and traditions are important enough to work to maintain. These are the people who tell the stories and lead the rituals. Those who practice the traditions day in and day out. Those who tend the shrines, maintain the altars, and clean the meetinghouses. Those who do what they do not for fear of hell or hope of heaven, but because its part of who they are and they cant not do it. Culture is a big part of their religion, but they arent cultural Christians (or Pagans or Buddhists or anything else). Religion isnt something they think about when they see it on public display or when they get angry because a competing religion is on public display. Its something they think and live and breathe all the time. Some of them are theistic and even mystical. Some are too busy here and now to worry about things nobody can prove or disprove. Either way, when they say theyll light a candle for you, its not just thoughts and prayers. These people are a small part of any religion, Christian or otherwise. But theyre the ones who keep the church going throughout the year so the cultural Christians have a place to go on Christmas and Easter or just a place to have their wedding and their funeral. Some believe harmful things Not everyone who keeps their religion moving means well. Dawkins is not wrong to fear the kind of Islam we see in Iran and Afghanistan, though he fails to recognize that most Muslims dont want to live like that either. In this country, we have Christian Nationalists trying to undo the social progress of the past century. These people are zealous about their religion and about using the power of government to force everyone to live by their rules. Theyre determined and theyre persistent. They worked for 50 years to overturn Roe v. Wade, and now that they succeeded theyre not stopping there. They want a nationwide abortion ban, and then theyre coming after same sex marriage and birth control. Some would be content to force LGBTQ people back in the closet, while others want to undo Lawrence v. Texas and criminalize same sex relations. They cant be bargained with. They can only be defeated at the ballot box, election after election after election, until the mainstream culture changes for good. What this means for Pagans So what does all this mean for us as Pagans besides shaking our heads at the irony of Richard Dawkins calling himself a Christian? I see four things. Dont try to ally yourself with people who think youre evil. You can work with anybody who isnt trying to harm you and yours if you need to, but dont invest yourself in those who dont accept you for who and what you are. The pull of nostalgia is strong. Its OK to appreciate good things about your past, but make sure your life keeps moving forward, not backward. Dont fear change. Its coming whether you like it or not. The Pagan movement needs more believers. Again, thats not people who affirm supernatural propositions, its people who believe in Pagan concepts and traditions and practices deeply enough to make them an essential part of their lives. Richard Dawkins book The Greatest Show on Earth is my go-to recommendation for anyone who has serious doubts about the reality of evolution. But his writings on religion are shallow and weak, and his identification as a cultural Christian flows out of that weakness. If hes happy with that, Im happy for him Paganism is not a proselytizing religion. But the rest of us can do better. A Communicator of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asante Mampong in the Ashanti Region, has reportedly been stabbed to death by his wife on Thursday night. According to reports, the deceased, 45-year-old Osei Yaw Akoto popularly known as Borga was stabbed while fighting with his wife. Reports said the first son of the deceased, George rushed to his house for help when his father was stabbed. When he rushed to the scene, George said he found him lying in a pool of blood with wounds on his chest. So I rushed to his house because we are neighbours; I call him Borga, and so when I got there he was lying in a pool of blood but still breathing. He was stabbed in his chest and so it was deep. I dont have a car, so I rushed to get a car, and we sent him to the hospital, he narrated. He said when they rushed him to Asante Mampong Government Hospital, the doctor tried to stabilise him but died in just 15 minutes. George said the deceased and his wife, both trained teachers, often engaged in quarrelling, but could not fathom why it turned fatal this time. The Police have since taken over the matter as the wife has been arrested to assist in investigations. 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 The Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, has as part of his working visit to the Bono East region visited the Asueyi Chief Palace in the Techiman North constituency where he assured the Chief, Nana Oti Panin, and his people of governments commitment to upgrading their road network. Prior to the visit of the Minister, there had been concerns of agitation by section of youth of the community who had threatened to boycott this years elections if the road wasnt fixed. In his address, the chief highlighted the dire state of the Asueyi and Buoyem road project that has been left incomplete. He underscored the impact of the inadequate road infrastructure on the community's daily life and the urgent need for action. Furthermore, Nana Oti Panin drew attention to the lack of access to portable water, compounding the challenges faced by residents. He lamented the political repercussions of neglected roads, citing the loss of the Techiman North seat by the NPP party in the previous elections as a consequence. In his response, the Road Minister, Mr. Asenso-Boakye reiterated the government's commitment to development, particularly in the newly created regions like Bono East. He emphasized the purpose of establishing the new regions to bring development closer to the people, assuring Nana Oti Panin that the NPP government has the region's best interests at heart. "Nana, it is only the one who gave birth to a child who can properly take care of him or her," the Minister remarked. "The NPP government birthed this region and therefore has the responsibility to ensure its complete development." Despite the challenges, Nana Oti Panin commended the Nana Addo administration for its achievements in health and education, including the establishment of chip compounds and classrooms. However, he urged the Road Minister to prioritize the repair of their roads to prevent further electoral losses and improve the quality of life for residents. 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 By Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News (TNS) NEW YORK Carlton McPherson is accused of fatally shoving a man into the path of an oncoming 4 train. Xavier Israel allegedly hit Boardwalk Empire star Michael Stuhlbarg in the head with a rock. The outcomes of these two assaults were profoundly different, but the narrative was familiar: The alleged assailants each had a history of psychiatric problems and encounters with an inadequate mental health care system where too many people fall through the cracks. They had no connection to their alleged victims. I feel like New Yorkers are already aware of their surroundings, but now, it feels like its really serious, and we have to be more aware now, said Kaylie Fernandez, 19, from Queens. The attacks, along with other episodes, have set the city on edge. While Mayor Eric Adams points to dropping crime rates since he took office in 2022, a rash of random assaults including women being punched on the streets shows the effect of unpredictability. The randomness of the attacks, and the fury behind them, have shaken the city. If Im just walking down the street minding my own business, or if Im just walking down the street looking at my phone, I shouldnt have any fear of getting punched in the face or getting a rock thrown at me, but thats not the case, said Christopher Herrmann, an associate professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. The case is, a lot of people are afraid, and rightfully so. A key factor often cited in the conversation about random attacks is mental illness, though the full picture is far more complex and varied. McPherson and Israel had run into a system often criticized for putting New Yorkers at risk and failing those desperately in need of care. McPherson, who was homeless, had been arrested several times before the subway shoving incident and had been labeled as an emotionally disturbed person by cops. Late last month, he walked into Manhattan Criminal Court for his arraignment on murder charges visibly incoherent, making high-pitched squealing sounds and spitting on the floor. Hes being held without bail. Before that appearance, he had bounced between different shelters, never getting the help he needed, even at shelters designed for those with mental illness and despite his familys efforts to help him, according to reporting from the Times. Mayor Adams has referenced McPhersons attack as an example of the often tandem issues of mental illness and recidivism. For his part, before the most recent attack with a rock in Central Park, Israel was arrested in January 2022 for attacking a man who literally gave him the coat off his back when he saw Israel sleeping on the sidewalk near Bryant Park. He was also charged with two more assaults, but a mental health exam by the court found him mentally unfit to stand trial for the charge, and he was sent to the Office of Mental Health to receive treatment. Hes currently being held on $50,000 bail after being charged with assault. I think most people dont have much faith in the mental health system that we have. And the safety net is not really there, Herrmann said. These attacks come amid a bout of random street punchings, with young women taking to TikTok to share their experiences and injuries. Cops have investigated 12 random punching incidents over the past two weeks and have made six arrests, the New York Police Department chief of detectives said Wednesday. The chances of you getting victimized are very, very, very, very, very, very slim, but, again, it happens, Herrmann said. And we see it happening, we hear about it happening and it is random. So, its not like we shouldnt be aware or concerned about it. The effect of the statistics, headlines and viral TikToks is apparent on the streets and subway platforms of the city. New Yorkers now cautiously eye the edge of the train platform, tuck their phones in their pockets or turn down the music in their earbuds. Fernandez, of Queens, has felt on edge since the viral punching videos. She walks to work with her taser easily accessible in her pocket. She works as a barista near Washington Square Park, the general area of the punchings. The randomness of it makes it feel like she could always be next. What am I supposed to do if a 200-pound man attacks me? she wondered. Definitely, you just have to be aware, said Jesus Hernandez, 20, from the Lower East Side. Because New York, lets be real, New York is already pretty unsafe, its just something new every day. Its crazy. I mean, who wouldnt feel, like negative about all that? Hernandez, who works as a doorman, said. Barry, a retiree from the East Village who declined to share his last name, said hes struggling to make sense of the different narratives floated by politicians and news media. The main thing is, if people feel theres more crime, there will be more crime, because therell be fewer people around, and having people around is what makes the city safe, Barry, 72, said. 2024 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. By Jonathan M. Pitts, The Baltimore Sun (TNS) BALTIMORE Had you crossed the Francis Scott Key Bridge just a few weeks ago, as millions of motorists did before a wayward container ship struck it in the early hours of March 26, youd have passed below a familiar steel superstructure of triangulated sections about half a mile long, a sight that was part of Baltimores skyline for decades. A similar drive sometime in the future, engineers say, will offer a different view. A replacement for the fallen Baltimore landmark could be anchored by a pair of massive concrete towers, cables descending from their upper reaches in fan-like configurations. Cable-stayed bridges, as theyre known, are the kind most commonly used today in places where car and truck traffic must pass across wide, heavily navigated waterways like the 1.6-mile gap between Dundalk and Hawkins Point where the Key Bridge once stood. There are 36 bridges of this design in the United States and hundreds more across the globe. The nearest to Baltimore are the Senator William V. Roth Jr. Bridge that carries Delaware Route 1 over the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal near St. Georges (which cost $57.9 million to build and opened in 1995) and the Indian River Inlet Bridge between Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach in the same state ($150 million, 2012). The worlds longest, at 5.1 miles, the Sutong Yangtze River Bridge, opened 50 miles north of Shanghai in 2003 with a price tag of $1.7 billion. Among its other advantages, this comparatively new bridge style makes a longer central span possible. Thats the main portion of a bridge most maritime traffic passes below. A longer span creates more generous horizontal clearance for vessels at a time when ships like the Dali, the one that destroyed the Key Bridge, are longer, heavier and harder to maneuver than ever. Im sure designers will submit many proposals for replacing the Baltimore bridge, and they will want to make it something very special, as well as very safe, said Andrzej S. Nowak, a professor of structural engineering at Auburn University in Alabama. I will be very surprised if a cable-stayed design is not chosen. For those who have not followed the conversation among engineers since last months disaster, the Key Bridge, built in 1977, was of the continuous truss variety. That type was widely used and considered effective in many settings between the 1870s and the mid-20th century. Characterized by load-bearing superstructures made of trusses structural units consisting of beams typically connected to each other in triangular form they allowed for spans, or clearance through their main portals, long enough to suit the needs of their time. But the longest spans topped out at a little more than 1,000 feet. In the case of the Key Bridge, designers also took the cost-effective option of making it continuous, meaning the trusses were so rigidly attached to each other that if one collapsed, the others followed. Such a design, engineers say, was a safe, sturdy and economical choice for the time. But the challenges faced by bridges across busy waterways as recently as 50 years ago were minuscule compared to what they encounter today. When Key Bridge was built, the biggest container ship in the world in storage terms, the German-made Hamburg Express, could carry 2,950 20-foot units of containers. Such TEUs are standard measurement for the industry, though most containers are 40 feet. The Dali, built in 2015, could hold nearly 10,000 TEUs. The biggest in the world today, the Chinese-built MSC Marina, carries 24,346. At the time the Key Bridge was designed, such vessels didnt exist, said Ian Firth, a British structural engineer and bridge designer, in a telephone interview with The Baltimore Sun. Nobody had the foggiest idea that such a vessel could possibly ever exist. No way the designer could have imagined this, and indeed, not just the designer, but those who commissioned the bridge and the project and decided on the size of the span. In horizontal clearance terms, the Baltimore span did not meet a standard set in 2000, when American structural engineers Mike Knott and Zoltan Prucz wrote in their reference work, the Bridge Engineering Handbook, that analysis of past collision accidents has shown that bridges with a main span less than two to three times the design vessel length are particularly vulnerable to vessel collision. By that measure, the Dali, which is 984 feet long, would have needed a span of between 1,968 and 2,952 feet to maneuver safely. Firth agreed that the authors standards were reasonable. These huge ships are notoriously difficult to maneuver, he said. The fundamental principle should be to give them as much room to maneuver as they can have. As the U.S. grew in the 19th century, so did the need to build bridges across wider spaces. Structural engineers invented the suspension bridge to answer the challenge. At spans like the Brooklyn Bridge (which opened in 1883) and the Golden Gate Bridge (1937), heavy cables were run across the tops of a row of massive support towers. Lesser cables were draped over those and ran down to the bridge deck to hold it up. Before long, European designers were working on a variety that was lighter, cheaper to build, and supportive of even longer spans. Those are cable-stayed bridges. They might seem similar in appearance to their suspension predecessors, but they feature a basic difference: their cables are attached directly to the tops of their support towers and descend directly to the bridge decks they hold up. The towers themselves bear the load of the decks. According to Nowak, because steel is so expensive and they use less of it, cable-stayed bridges are less costly than their counterparts. Also, given the sheer number of cables, if one or two fail, others accept their load. Theyre also lighter and use less of their power to support their own weight, more to support vehicle traffic. Such cable-stayed creations as the Sunshine Skyway, which spans Lower Tampa Bay in Florida, the bridges in Delaware, and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in South Carolina, showcase the designs most striking visual feature: cables that fan downward in a striking geometric pattern. One of the more famous bridge engineers said that however economical and good it is, an ugly bridge is a bad bridge, Nowak said. These just look more beautiful. You see the cables descending from above, like the strings of a harp. Invented in the 1950s in Sweden and developed in Europe, cable-stayed bridges were still in their early stages and largely unknown in the United States until 1980, when a freighter called the MV Summit Venture slammed into the original Sunshine Skyway bridge in a heavy fog. The impact sent a 1,200-foot section crashing into the bay below, killing 35 people. Floridas governor at the time, Democrat Bob Graham, eschewed U.S. tradition by proposing a cable-stayed version as a replacement. The idea was approved, the new bridge opened in 1988, and the new Sunshine Skyway has served as a model in the industry ever since. Cable-stayed bridges now also span the Ohio River northeast of downtown Louisville, Kentucky (the Lewis and Clark Bridge), the Hudson River between Tarrytown and Nyack, New York (the new Tappan Zee Bridge, which opened in 2017), the Charles River in Boston (the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge), and the Sacramento River in Redding, California (the Sundial Bridge), among other sites. Twenty-eight states and one U.S. territory are home to cable-stayed bridges today and more than 1,000 exist around the world. Maryland does not have any. Its too early to predict the cost of replacing the Key Bridge, but experts forecast a price tag in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Linda Romero, a spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard at the Key Bridge Response Joint Information Center, said Friday its too soon to comment on what kind of bridge will be erected or who will decide. The Maryland Transportation Authority did not respond Friday afternoon to a call seeking comment, but Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld, who oversees the MDTA and other agencies, told its board at a meeting Thursday that the goal is to rebuild with a bridge that meets current standards. A collapsed section of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is seen in the fog on the southwest side of the Patapsco River in Baltimore on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. A week ago the container ship Dali hit a structural pier causing a subsequent collapse. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun/TNS)TNS That work is moving just as aggressively as other things that youre seeing, just behind the scenes, Wiedefeld said. MDTA officials told the board that the authority is working with the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration on bridge planning. Even if the new bridge is cable-stayed, it wont come risk-free. Though its support towers would be far stronger than the originals, Firth says a vessel like the Dali would collapse any bridge in the world if it struck an anchor pier directly, as the 112,000-metric ton ship did to the Key last week. So, strong barriers around any main supports will be essential. Still, he estimated that a new bridge will need a span of 1,500 feet to bring an acceptable level of safety to the Port of Baltimore, and that points to the design he said best fits the bill. If one were to do a study, to determine the optimum span of structure and that would mean the optimal type of structure it would almost certainly be a cable-stay bridge, he said. (Baltimore Sun reporter Darcy Costello contributed to this article.) 2024 The Baltimore Sun. Visit at baltimoresun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Story by Lilly Riddle for the News Lab at Penn State and Spotlight PA State College This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for our north-central Pa. newsletter, Talk of the Town, at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/talkofthetown. HOLLIDAYSBURG As part of its 2022 plea deal with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, natural gas company Energy Transfer agreed to fund the testing and remediation of residential water supplies polluted by the construction of its Mariner East II pipeline. But in the nearly two years since that agreement was announced, little information has been released to the public by the state or company about how many households have had their water tested, how many had their water treated if it was contaminated, and the overall status of the testing process, which is run by the state attorney generals office. At the time, the deal was touted by the agency, then led by Josh Shapiro, as a way to hold Energy Transfer and Sunoco accountable for leaking thousands of gallons of drilling fluid into groundwater, lakes, and streams from 2017 to 2021, and address residents concerns about whether their water was safe. Today were upholding our oath to our constitution and holding Energy Transfer accountable for their crimes against our natural resources, Shapiro said in a news release at the time. The conviction, in which Energy Transfer pleaded no contest to 14 environmental crimes, found that the companys subsidiary Sunoco polluted waterways and failed to report the losses of fluid to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) numerous times, in spite of the legal requirement to do so, according to a news release. Energy Transfer did not respond to a request for comment. As part of the deal, affected residents were offered free water testing funded by the company. In June, ahead of the August 2022 announcement, the Office of Attorney General sent out letters detailing the testing program to people living within 450 feet of the right of way of the pipeline. Residents who received a letter were told about the criminal case and asked to indicate whether they wanted their water to be independently evaluated, free of charge, by a professional and independent geologist. The Office of Attorney General did not establish a way to publicly track who was contacted and how many people signed up. The office has said this information cannot be disclosed because it relates to a criminal investigation, which makes the records exempt under Pennsylvanias Right-to-Know Law. Some residents who asked for testing say the process to receive it has been long and arduous, and have expressed confusion over the terminology used by the attorney generals office, which in documents reviewed by Spotlight PA called the testing requests complaints. This process is a mammoth undertaking involving multiple agencies and coordination with homeowners, so it will naturally take time, Brett Hambright, a spokesperson for the attorney generals office, wrote in an email to Spotlight PA. The Office of Attorney General has received one complaint from a homeowner frustrated with the process. Additionally, we have received a few timing inquiries and we provided those homeowners with a status update on their individual investigation. Most were happy to have that information. Testing information not public The number of tests done so far, the results of those tests, and how many residents have been provided water supplies by Sunoco have not been publicly disclosed by either the attorney generals office or the Department of Environmental Protection. Spotlight PA submitted open records requests to both agencies, but was told that either the information was exempted as part of the Office of Attorney Generals criminal investigation or the records didnt exist. A spokesperson for the attorney generals office said it received just under 800 requests for tests by Aug. 19, 2022, the deadline set by the agency. However, there isnt a way for the public to track how many of those requests were granted or how many resulted in an independent geologist evaluation. Hambright told Spotlight PA that professional geologists hired by the state are tracking this data. We hired professionals to handle this task and the data is with them, not with the Office of Attorney General, he said. Because of the investigation exemption, its also unclear how many households received a letter about the free water evaluations. Joint permit applications documents in which companies explain the scope and possible impacts of a project to state regulators offer a partial picture. Applications that Sunoco submitted to the DEP prior to construction show that at least 2,800 addresses in 17 counties the pipeline passes through either had properties that adjoined the pipeline or were listed in the Mariner East II project area. In October, student journalists from the News Lab at Penn State spoke to residents in 30 households in Blair County whose properties adjoin or are near the pipeline. Members of eight of those households recalled receiving the initial letter about water testing from the attorney generals office. A spokesperson for the agency said a public advisory campaign was conducted to inform people in proximity of the pipeline (residents outside of the 450-feet boundary), who could also request a free water evaluation during a two-week period in August 2022. Blair County resident Chris Messner, who says his well is within 100 feet of the pipeline, told Spotlight PA he received a letter and that he asked for a water test. But he didnt hear from one of the geologists until April 2023. By that time, he didnt see the point in pursuing his complaint further. I have a very busy life, Messner said. I dont have time for this, or the energy. Messner told Spotlight PA that Sunoco had tested his water throughout the construction process, beginning in 2017, which he said increased turbulence. In other words, the pipeline created more sediment in his well. He had been concerned about how drilling was going to impact his well water, so he talked to his township and the Blair County Conservation District. Nobody from the local government wanted anything to do with me. They were just [like], Thats not our department. We have nothing to do with that. Then to get a letter from the state, however many years later its like a big joke. A complicated process The Office of Attorney General said testing would be widely available, but the process was cumbersome. First, residents were supposed to have responded to the Notification Letter, sent in the summer of 2022, with a request to have their water tested. Then, a geologist hired by the state would conduct an initial review to determine whether testing was necessary. If a test was needed, the geologists would proceed, and then homeowners and Sunoco would both be able to appeal the results. When Ralph Duquette, who lives in Lebanon County, requested a test, he said he started to receive mail asking why he filed a complaint. Duquette was surprised to learn that his response to the initial letter and request for testing was considered a complaint. He said he got the impression that the notification letter was only asking if he wanted his wells tested. So I responded, Sure, why not? It was going to be free, Duquette said. Spotlight PA spoke to an Office of Attorney General official familiar with the agreement. They said the tests were included in the plea deal as an alternative to the DEPs way of handling water complaints, which, if appealed, can go to the agencys Environmental Hearing Board. But residents whose initial reviews determined they didnt need a test would need to file a complaint to the DEP anyway, the official said. Our program is in addition to what is typically available to someone in Pa. who has concerns about their water after the installation of a pipeline, Hambright told Spotlight PA. This program gave homeowners a separate avenue for analysis. Duquette said that since his initial response, he has received additional letters saying his complaint was not substantiated and that a test wasnt necessary. I think if they offer, just my personal opinion, if they offer to test your well that if you answer in the affirmative, they just test your water. Other hurdles Another obstacle in the process was that private wells are not tracked by the government in Pennsylvania. The government used data that Sunoco itself collected prior to beginning construction on the pipeline in 2017. There were some cases, according to the official familiar with the agreement, in which Sunoco had failed to contact households with wells within 450 feet of the pipeline, so the geologists hired by the agency had to establish which houses actually met that threshold. Sunoco was able to construct the pipeline without necessarily getting permission from homeowners due to what environmental lawyer Rich Raiders called a gap in the pipeline regulatory system. He was referring to a Commonwealth Court ruling that found that because the pipeline was intrastate even though it passes through Ohio and West Virginia first the pipeline fell under the purview of Pennsylvanias Public Utility Commission. As a result, the pipeline counted as a public service under state law because it had service points within Pennsylvania, and Sunoco didnt need residents OK to build on their properties. Another issue posed by the design of the testing program, Raiders said, is that even if a residents water appears normal at the time of the test, geology is not static. In other words, Sunocos equipment moved substantial amounts of earth and rock beneath peoples wells and consequences of the activity are ongoing, so future issues could arise. Ultimately, the process has left some residents disillusioned and discouraged. You know how you pay taxes every year? Its such a pain in the ass, but you got to do it. This is what this whole process felt like, as far as the state and getting water tested. Its just a big freaking hassle that I dont have time for, Messner said. He added: If it was a little more straightforward and a little easier to set up I would have really been more motivated to follow through with it. News Lab at Penn State student journalists Abby Chachoute, Julia Mertes, Nick Stonesifer, Milan Varia, and McKenna Wall contributed reporting from Blair County. Lilly Riddle is a journalist for the News Lab at Penn State and an intern with Spotlight PAs State College regional bureau. SUPPORT THIS JOURNALISM and help us reinvigorate local news in north-central Pennsylvania at spotlightpa.org/donate/statecollege. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability and public-service journalism that gets results. SUNBURY - A Northumberland County man convicted in 2007 of first-degree murder in the beating death of his 4-year-old stepdaughter has been granted a new trial. It was the second time Senior Judge Harold F. Woelfel Jr. has ruled in favor of Brentt M. Sherwood, 44, who was found guilty of killing Marlee Rose Reed. In 2021 the judge vacated his death sentence and replaced it with life in prison without the possibility of parole with a consecutive 3 to 7 years on an endangering the welfare of children charge. A huge showdown between traditional English Premier League powers highlights the Sunday schedule, with Liverpool traveling to Old Trafford for a matchup against Manchester United. The match is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. ET with TV coverage on NBC. Live streams of the Liverpool-Manchester United contest are available with introductory offers from FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling (low intro rate). The match will also live stream on Peacock, which is available for $5.99 or less monthly. Liverpool vs. Manchester United English Premier League match at a glance When: Sunday, April 7 at 10:30 a.m. ET Where: Old Trafford, Manchester, England TV channel: NBC Live streams: FuboTV (free trial) | DirecTV Stream (free trial) | Sling (low intro rate) | Peacock Liverpool is a point below Arsenal in the race for first place in the Premier League standings, but the club also has an advantage in having played one fewer match than Arsenal and Manchester City. The Reds enter Sunday with a 21-7-2 record and two straight wins in the Premier League, but they do have a recent 4-3 loss to Manchester United that they would surely like to avoid in this nationally televised rematch. Last time out, Liverpool took down last-place Sheffield United, 3-1, on the strength of late goals by Alexis Mac Allister in the 70th minute and Cody Gakpo in the 90th. The sting of disappointment has been present throughout Manchester Uniteds season with its 15-3-12 record and sixth place standing in the Premier League table. Uneven play and a lack of finishing power in tight matches have plagued the Red Devils as they slip further away from a top-4 finish. In their most recent match, they dropped a 4-3 outcome to Chelsea despite leading late into the second half. Chelseas Cole Palmer finished a hat trick with scores in the 10th and 11th minutes of extra time. Liverpool and Manchester United are scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. ET on NBC. Live streams are available with offers from FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and SlingTV (low intro rate). The match will also stream live on Peacock. Qatar's Hamad International Airport has welcomed the launch of daily flights from Indonesian capital Jakarta to Doha by the country's flag-carrier Garuda Indonesia, further enhancing the connectivity between Southeast Asia and the Middle East region. Starting from this week, Garuda will operate daily flights from SoekarnoHatta International Airport (CGK) to Hamad International Airport on a 393-seater Boeing B777-300 aircraft. This strategic partnership with Garuda Indonesia complements the Qatar airports existing extensive network in Southeast Asia through its national carrier Qatar Airways, which operates three daily flights to Jakarta, three daily flights to Bali, and three weekly flights to Medan. The operation also reflects the significant increase in flight frequency between Qatar and Indonesia, it stated. Sujata Suri, Senior Vice President of Finance & Procurement at Hamad International Airport, said: "The collaboration with Garuda Indonesia marks a pivotal moment in our strategic expansion into Southeast Asia. Welcoming Garuda to Doha not only strengthens our position as a global aviation hub but also deepens ties with the Southeast Asian travel industry." "This partnership highlights the airports commitment to fostering mutually beneficial alliances that drive economic growth, enhance connectivity, and position it as the preferred gateway between Southeast Asia and the Middle East," stated Suri. A competitive Sunday of English Premier League action rolls to a close with a Tottenham Hotspur playing host to Nottingham Forest in a 1 p.m. ET matchup at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The contest Is set to air on USA Network. Live streams of the Tottenham-Nottingham match are available with introductory offers from FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling (low intro rate). Tottenham Hotspur vs. Nottingham Forest English Premier League match at a glance When: Sunday, April 7 at 1 p.m. ET Where: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England TV channel: USA Network Live streams: FuboTV (free trial) | DirecTV Stream (free trial) | Sling (low intro rate) With homefield advantage on its side, Tottenham Hotspur is a sound favorite (-260) in the money line to claim its 17th victory of the Premier League season. The Spurs sit in fifth place in the standings with their 17-6-7 mark, but they do look to get back to top form against 17th place Nottingham. Tottenham played to an untimely 1-1 draw with West Ham United last time out, beat Luton Town, 2-1, before that and lost a 3-0 match to Fulham. The Spurs remain three points back of a spot in the leagues top four. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest is continuing its push to avoid relegation for the 2024-25 Premier League season. The club sits four points back of Brentford for the final safe spot and has an advantage in having played one less match. But the challenge is a big one Sunday to push for their fourth straight positive outcome -- they are 1-2-0 in their past three matches -- and improve its standing with just over five weeks remaining in the current campaign. Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest are set for a 1 p.m. ET start on USA Network. Live streams are available with offers from FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling (low intro rate). MSNBCs Jen Psaki debunked Trumps lies about crime and showed that the ex-president isnt law and order, but pro-criminal. Psaki said: Trump often calls out rampant crime in New York City; specifically, in reality, major crime has plummeted there by more than 75% over the past 30 years. And its even down this year over the last year. Trump also claims, I mean, he claims this a lot that he would be tougher on crime than President Joe Biden. In reality, Trumps last budget from when he was president, when he was doing budgets actually proposed funding cuts for local law enforcement. You could say thats literally trying to defund the police. You could say that. President Biden has consistently in all of his budgets proposed far more in funding and Trump of course, claims all the time that he will restore law and order. You just heard over and over and over again in that clip, which is pretty rich considering Trump is also telling us that one of his highest priorities on day one is actually releasing criminals from prison. Namely these people, the people who stormed the US Capitol who infiltrated the hallways and chambers of Congress who made lawmakers fear for their lives and who tried to stop the peaceful transfer of power by force. He wants to release the people who violently assaulted police officers with bats, clubs, pepper spray, flagpoles and fire extinguishers leading to concussions, cracked ribs and other severe injuries. Mr. Law and Order as he calls himself, who has centered his re-election campaign on fear mongering about violent crime wants amnesty for violent criminals. Thats one of his first day. Day one priorities for the country. He says it all the time and that fact should not be lost on the American public as they weigh their options this November. Video: Jen Psaki rips apart Trumps lies on crime, Mr. Law and Order, as he calls himself, who has centered his re-election campaign on fear-mongering about violent crime, wants amnesty for violent criminals. pic.twitter.com/cCRXq9vLDm Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) April 7, 2024 It is unbelievable on its surface that man who is charged with 91 felonies is running as the law and order candidate for president. It would have been unfathomable even 20 years ago that the party that used to consider itself the law and order party would nominate a candidate that was charged with 91 felony counts as their presidential candidate. More than lies, what Donald Trump is doing is creating a fictional story about a candidate and a country that dont exist. Donald Trump as a law and order candidate is almost as fictional, as the idea that America is a crime riddled nation. One of the biggest singular crime problems in America is an ex-president who allegedly cant stop committing crimes. A Special Message From PoliticusUSA If you are in a position to donate purely to help us keep the doors open on PoliticusUSA during what is a critical election year, please do so here. We have been honored to be able to put your interests first for 14 years as we only answer to our readers and we will not compromise on that fundamental, core PoliticusUSA value. [wpedon id=344887 align=center] As Native American Heritage Month approaches, South Carolina is experiencing a resurgence of Native American films that highlight Indigenous stories and perspectives. This cultural revival pays tribute to the late Dr. Will Goins, a key figure in the states Native American community, and hon Read moreFilms celebrate heritage, legacy during Native American Heritage Month CONWAY When Robyn Doyle moved to the Wild Wing community with her husband in 2020, she knew there was an asphalt plant nearby. But the operation didnt seem to be a problem. Before she bought her house, Doyle checked the plants zoning. It was limited industrial, an area meant for industries not considered objectionable in terms of smoke, noise, etc., according to Horry County records. We did our due diligence, Doyle said. We researched the area. But when the plant was sold last year, Doyle and other neighbors noticed a change. They complained to city and state officials about a strong sulfur smell, excessive noise and seeing increased amounts of discolored smoke. The debate escalated when the plants new owner, King Asphalt, requested to be annexed into the city of Conway. The neighboring Wild Wing homes lie in the city limits; the asphalt plant is in the county. Since the city provides utility service to that area, a land sale requires a new county property owner to request annexation. When that happened, neighbors took the same concerns about pollutants to planning commission and council meetings. We are not against the growth in the city of Conway, said Renee Ruff, another Wild Wing resident. You just cannot do it at the expense of human and animal health and safety. City officials ultimately rejected the annexation in October, though they told neighbors the decision wouldnt impact their situation. Regardless of whether the plant operates in the city or the county, they said, it has been there several decades longer than the neighborhood and attempting to shut it down would put local government in a legal bind. Staff is empathetic to the issues that they are living with on a daily basis, Conway Planning Director Jessica Hucks said. While the asphalt batch plant is not in the citys jurisdiction, the effects of the plant are being felt by many residents who are city residents. However, there is existing case law that protects uses that can be considered a nuisance when the use existed before anyone locates within an area where the nuisance already exists. If Donald Trump loses the election, to hear him and his campaign tell it, the fate of the Republican Party should be the least of our concerns: His defeat would spell the end of the nation itself and all that we hold dear. Read moreGoldberg: What would the GOP look like if Trump loses again? PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-07 19:01:16 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 966 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 RADNOR, PA / ACCESSWIRE / April 7, 2024 / The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP( www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee against HireRight Holdings Corporation ("HireRight") (NYSE:HRT). The action charges HireRight with violations of the federal securities laws, including omissions and fraudulent misrepresentations relating to the company's business, operations, and prospects. As a result of HireRight's materially misleading statements and omissions to the public, HireRight's investors have suffered significant losses.CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR HIRERIGHT LOSSES. YOU CAN ALSO CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK OR COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR BROWSER: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/hireright-holdings-corporation?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=hrt&mktm=r LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE: JUNE 3, 2024CLASS PERIOD: pursuant and/or traceable to HireRight's October 2021 iPOCONTACT AN ATTORNEY TO DISCUSS YOUR RIGHTS:Jonathan Naji, Esq. at (484) 270-1453 or via email at info@ ktmc.com Kessler Topaz is one of the world's foremost advocates in protecting the public against corporate fraud and other wrongdoing. Our securities fraud litigators are regularly recognized as leaders in the field as well as the firm itself which is continuously awarded for the successful results we've achieved. We are proud to have recovered billions of dollars for our clients and the classes of shareholders we represent.In addition to representing investors in cases where the fraud has been revealed, Kessler Topaz also represents whistleblowers - persons who expose wrongdoing to those in positions of authority or to the public- in cases brought under federal and state qui tam statutes, and through financial fraud whistleblower programs, such as those run by the SEC, CFTC and IRS. If you have information about fraud against government programs (such as Medicare), or violations of federal securities, commodities, tax or anti-foreign bribery laws, contact Kessler Topaz at (866) 369-7779 or at wbinfo@ ktmc.com or go to https://www.ktmc-whistleblower.com DEFENDANTS' ALLEGED MISCONDUCTOn October 6, 2021, HireRight filed a registration statement with the SEC in connection with the IPO. On November 1, 2021, HireRight filed a prospectus with the SEC in connection with the IPO, which incorporated and formed part of the registration statement (the "prospectus" and, collectively with the registration statement, the "Offering Documents"). That same day, pursuant to the Offering Documents, HireRight's common stock began publicly trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol HRT.Pursuant to the Offering Documents, HireRight issued approximately 22 million shares of its common stock to the public at the Offering price of $19.00 per share for proceeds to the company of approximately $399 million after applicable underwriting discounts and commissions, and before expenses.The complaint alleges that the Offering Documents were negligently prepared and, as a result, contained untrue statements of material fact or omitted to state other facts necessary to make the statements made not misleading and was not prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations governing its preparation. Specifically, the complaint alleges the Offering Documents made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) HireRight was exposed to customers with significant employment and hiring risk and the company derived greater revenue growth from existing client hiring than from new client hiring; (2) as a result, HireRight's revenue growth was unsustainable to the extent that it relied on the stability of its current customers' hiring and/or the profitability of securing new customers; (3) accordingly, HireRight had overstated its post-IPO business and/or prospects; and (4) as a result, Defendants' statements about the company's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.At the time of the filing of the complaint, HireRight's common stock continued to trade below the $19.00 per share IPO price.WHAT CAN I DO?HireRight investors may, no later than June 3, 2024, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLPor other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLPencourages HireRight investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. The class action complaint against HireRight,Deutsch v. HireRight Holdings Corporation, et al., Case No. 24-cv-00371, is filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASEWHO CAN BE A LEAD PLAINTIFF?A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLPKessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com CONTACT:Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP(484) 270-1453280 King of Prussia RoadRadnor, PA 19087info@ ktmc.com SOURCE: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-07 16:05:28 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 386 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 EALING, ENGLAND / ACCESSWIRE / April 7, 2024 / Solpad is a cutting-edge launchpad on the Solana network, offering a secure and user-friendly platform for projects to introduce their tokens. With an array of features and a tiered token system, Solpad aims to streamline engagement between projects and investors in the blockchain space.Solana has risen as one of the premier networks, breaking DEX daily volume records and outpacing Ethereum. Among the intriguing developments within the Solana ecosystem is the ascendancy of presales, a trend seemingly dominating SOL's landscape.Solpad, a novel launchpad constructed on the Solana network, has garnered over $4 million in presales. These presales have afforded investors the opportunity to engage with projects at their inception. Positioned as the go-to platform for emerging projects, Solpad provides a secure environment for token introductions. Prioritizing investor safety, Solpad offers KYC, contract deployment, auditing, marketing, and consultation services.Noteworthy is the impending implementation of a revenue share model in the next financial quarter. Under this model, 30% of all Solpad profits will contribute to the revenue sharing pool, accessible to those who stake their native token.Key Features of Solpad:Automated Solana Token Creation: Simplifying the token creation process, Solpad enables projects to effortlessly generate Solana-based tokens.Private Sale and Presale Options: Solpad facilitates private sales and presales, ensuring equitable token distribution among early supporters.Liquidity and Token Locking: Emphasizing security, Solpad allows projects to lock liquidity and tokens, providing investors with confidence.Whale, Shark, and Shrimp Tiers: Solpad offers different tiers for acquiring $SPAD tokens, catering to diverse investor profiles.Revenue Sharing: Solpad allocates 30% of project profits to farming pools, fostering a sustainable ecosystem for projects and participants.The founder of Solpad expressed enthusiasm for the platform's potential, stating, "Solpad transcends traditional launchpads; it fosters innovation and collaboration within a community-driven ecosystem. Our dedication to empowering both projects and investors is reflected in our unique features and tiered token system." For the latest updates on Solpad and to participate in upcoming launches, please visit https://solpad.io/ . Join the Solpad community on social media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/SolPadGlobal Telegram: https://t.me/SolPadPortalFor media inquiries, please contact:Steve Accelerator team@ solpad.io +447028926232Media Contact Organization: SolpadContact Person: Steve AcceleratorWebsite: https://solpad.io/ Email: team@ solpad.io Contact Number: +17539280735Address: St Mary's Road,City: EalingCountry: United KingdomSOURCE: Solpad French multidisciplinary artist Prune Nourry, in collaboration with Obafemi Awolowo University, has produced a movie in memory of Chibok girls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram in Borno State in 2014. The movie, which is titled Statues Also Breathe, was screened at the Nordic Hotel, Victoria Island on Thursday. Amina Ali, one of the Chibok School Girls who was kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014 but later escaped, attended the movie screening alongside other members of the Chibok Community. This films release coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Chibok Girls abduction in Borno State. The movie screening began with a question and answer session by journalist Kadaria Ahmed and two of the Chibok Girls and conversations with other members of the Chibok Community. Some of the Chibok schoolgirls who were kidnapped in 2014 by the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram have been freed or rescued, but many remain missing. But this isnt Nourrys first effort to honour these victims. 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 November 2022, she collaborated with OAUs Fine & Applied Arts Department for an exhibition showcasing 108 sculptures symbolising the abducted girls plight. The artist specialises in sculpture and explores many media, notably through installations that include photography, film and performance. Statues Also Breath Hosted by the SAB Art Foundation and the Chibok Parents Association, the film documents the creation of terracotta sculptures representing each of the 108 missing girls. The 17-minute film opens with an aerial view of 108 sculptures a the number of girls still missing when the art project began. The filmmaker tried to recreate what the girls look like today using pictures provided by their families, from their facial expressions to hairstyles and visible patterns. The film delves into the artistic journey behind these sculptures, initially showcased in November 2022. Inspired by ancient Nigerian Ife terracotta heads, these human-sized sculptures are a powerful homage to the abducted girls. In the film, emotions ran high as heartbroken mothers reflected on life before their daughters abduction. One mother nostalgically recalled how her daughter adorned her hair with henna and other adornments during Ramadana a tradition that has been lost for a decade since her daughters disappearance. In a particularly moving scene, a mother hesitated to see her daughters sculpted face, fearing the flood of painful memories it may bring. Background On the fateful night of April 14a15, 2014, tragedy struck as more than 276 young female students, aged between 16 and 18, were forcefully taken from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, Nigeria. Despite the terror they faced, 57 of these brave girls escaped by leaping from the trucks during their transportation. Since then, there have been instances where the Nigerian Armed Forces successfully rescued some of the abducted girls. Amina Ali, one of the missing girls, was found in May 2016. She reported that the remaining girls were still in Boko Haram captivity, but some had died. Courage against all odds Speaking at the movie screening, Amina, one of the abducted girls who escaped in 2016, and Jummai Mutah, whose release was secured by the federal government, recalled their experience in captivity. Speaking about Statues Also Breathe, Jummai said: If some people saw this video or the documentary, it will make them help some people that are having some issues in other states. Even for us, the Chibok girls, we are so happy, and it helped us because of our education and our family who are still in Chibok; this thing (the film) helped them a lot. Jummai also recalled how she remained strong and undeterred despite the punishment meted upon her for not getting married in Boko Harams custody. I have courage because I have my Bible with me. I am reading it always, she said. After they said we should get married. They will give us some punishment. I was thinking, how can I get married to these people who kidnapped me from my parents and keep me in this bush? Who will collect my bride price in this bush? I am so discouraged and worried. Even I looked at them. How they were living and killing some people without fearing God, I think I cannot do this. It is better to be punished. But I kept in mind that one day I will have my way. On her part, Amina, 27, said she wandered in the forest for about a month with her child when she escaped from her abductors. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Movie Title: Casa De Novia Running Time: 1 hour 49 minutes Date of release: 29 March 2024 Director: Uyoyou Adia Cast: Rex Okunruzwa, Anee Icha, Efe Irele, Tope Tedela, Taye Arimoro, Imagine moving into a new place only to discover its not just being haunted; its teeming with spirits! Thats the hair-raising premise of Casa De Novia, a spine-tingling yet surprisingly comedic offering from Nollywood, brought to life by Anthill Studios and director Uyoyou Adia. 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 recent times, Nollywood filmmakers have been boldly exploring new territory, venturing into genres that were previously uncharted in the Nigerian flicks. While haunted house stories are a staple in Hollywood, its commendable that Nigerian filmmakers are adapting and localising these relatively uncommon themes to resonate with contemporary Nigerian society. Movies like Japa!, which delves into the concept of a time loop, demonstrate the rapid evolution in storytelling techniques within Nigerian cinema. Casa De Novia proudly joins this innovative lineup. Casa De Novia skillfully blends horror elements with a sprinkling of humour, weaving a tale centred around a journalist compelled to relocate for the sake of her career. Entranced by a seemingly perfect home, she dives headfirst into her new abode, unaware of its sinister secrets. Casa De Novia unfolds as a paranormal comedy, offering a glimpse into a world beyond the veil of life. As the protagonist grapples with unwelcome guests invading her home, she finds herself entangled in a struggle to preserve her sanity, career, and newfound residence. Plot The movie starts with a heart-stopping proposal scene, where Efosa Igbinovia plans to ask his beloved amidst a breathtaking backdrop of red roses. But what begins as a romantic gesture takes a chilling turn as Efosa collapses to the ground, white substances spewing from his mouth, hinting at foul play and leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. The subsequent scenes introduce us to Yoyo, a spirited young woman embarking on a new job as a journalist in the bustling city of Lagos. However, her excitement is dampened by a string of misfortunes, including a frantic search for housing near her office in Ikoyi. Despite a rough start at work, Yoyos determination to find a suitable home only intensifies. Her luck seems to change when she stumbles upon a grand mansion in Ikoyi, boasting five bedrooms and four parlours at an unbelievably low price. Initially apprehensive, Yoyos faith kicks in, viewing the discovery as an answer to her prayers. Little does she know, her newfound house harbours a sinister secret. As Yoyo settles into her dream home, eerie occurrences reveal its haunted past. Shockingly, the ghost haunting the mansion is none other than Efosa, declared missing three years prior. Determined to uncover the truth behind his untimely demise, Yoyo is entangled in a web of mystery and intrigue. Despite her best efforts to exorcise the ghost through prayer, Yoyos attempts are futile. Now faced with an otherworldly dilemma, she must navigate the complexities of the afterlife while also unravelling the mysteries of her own heart. With Efosas spirit trapped in the mortal realm, Yoyo embarks on a mission to fulfil his unfinished business. Yet, as the journey unfolds, the surface revelations leave everyone, including Efosas ghost, Yoyo, and the audience, utterly stunned. Character analysis The cast, predominantly new faces, shines bright. Their performances are stellar, each actor fully embodying their character and adding depth to the tale. The movie featured Nosa Rex Okunruzwa, Anee Icha, Efe Irele, Tope Tedela, Taye Arimoro, and many others. Ichas portrayal of Yoyo is remarkable, as her character embodies the crux of the movie, and she delivered it aptly, with blends of elements of comedy, romance, and the supernatural, featuring protagonists who can communicate with spirits and embark on adventurous journeys. Movie analysis Casa De Novia is a spine-chilling yet surprisingly comedic addition to the Nollywood scene, which lures audiences into its haunted abode with an irresistible pull. This film ventures into uncharted territory, blending horror with humour in a manner rarely seen before. At first glance, the premise appears conventional: a journalist relocating to a new apartment. Yet, as the story unfolds, the unsuspecting protagonist is entangled in a web of supernatural occurrences within her seemingly ordinary dwelling. In this movie, scepticism mingles with intrigue, a Nigerian horror flick with comedic undertones. Could such a fusion work? What truly distinguishes Casa De Novia is its narrative prowess. The plot is not merely a vehicle for scares; its a meticulously crafted journey, teeming with suspenseful twists and turns, expertly dosing out revelations at precisely the proper intervals. But its not all goosebumps and shivers. Putting comedy into the eerie atmosphere adds a delightful dimension to the viewing experience. Watching the characters grapple with otherworldly terrors while navigating comedic conflicts is a refreshing departure from the norm. First off, the story hooks you from the get-go. The pacing is spot-on, with suspense building at just the right moments. Anthill Studios deserves applause for crafting a narrative that keeps you on edge. And lets talk about that infusion of comedy. Its like a breath of fresh air amidst the eerie atmosphere. Kudos to the scriptwriter for crafting dialogue that effortlessly mixes thrills and laughs. Visually, the movie is a visual delight. Despite extensive green screens, CGI, and VFX, the effects remain organic and never pull focus from the narrative. Its a testament to the filmmakers ability to blend the supernatural with the everyday. Now, while Casa De Novia is a commendable piece of work, its not without its flaws. Some scenes could have benefited from tighter editing, and there are moments where the scenes feel a tad predictable. Also, there was a minor glitch in communicating the narrative; the ghost of Efosa was always naked, but there was little or no logical explanation for that when the truth about his death was found. In some cases, some scenes were blank and did not make sense to the audience; for instance, when the ghost haunted Joey, we saw a big chair hit him, but when he ran out of the house, he seemed untouched. While the movie strives in suspense, the end seems unjustified and rushed. Several happenings were eventually rushed into the last scene, leaving the audience wondering if that was the end or if they should expect a sequel. Ultimately, Casa De Novia earns its place as a creative masterpiece. With its stunning cinematography and engaging storyline, its a must-watch for horror and comedy fans alike. Verdict: 7/10 CASA DE NOVIA OFFICIAL TRAILER (youtube.com) Casa De Novia is currently streaming on Prime Video. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations of ethnic bias in the trial of soldiers recently arraigned before a Court Martial in 82 Division, Enugu. This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, by Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations. Mr Nwachukwu, a major general, said that the Nigerian army was a composite national institution and not an ethnic militia. He was reacting to a media report that there was a deliberate effort to convict soldiers of Southern extraction, while those from Northern Nigeria were allowed to go free. He said the report alleged that some allegedly aggrieved soldiers who were arraigned before the court martial expressed the concern. He noted that the misleading report was being circulated to cause disharmony within the army and by extension the Armed Forces of Nigeria. According to him, the report is entirely bereft of any strand of truth and ultimately aimed at disparaging the current leadership of the army in particular and the armed forces in general, using the instrumentality of ethnic and religious bigotry. Mr Nwachukwu explained that the composition of the said court-martial was not based on regional representation but was diverse, with personnel drawn from various regions of the country. 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 said the President of the Court was of Northern extraction, while the Judge Advocate was from the South. He added that 60 per cent of the court martial members were of Southern extraction. According to him, this demonstrates a fair and balanced representation, even though religion and ethnicity are not major focal criteria in the decision-making process of the army. The decision of a court-martial is collective and based on evidence presented during the trial. The said court-martial tried the personnel, irrespective of their ethnic and religious affiliations and the outcome was determined strictly based on the evidence presented. ALSO READ: Nigerian army contradicts self on recovery of weapons from murdered 17 soldiers In espousing the position of the Nigerian Army in the cases mentioned in the report, taking that of Pte. Usman Shonva for instance, wherein evidence revealed that there were other soldiers at the scene of the incident, who also fired their weapons. Hence, the court, based on this finding among others, reached the conclusion that the shot that killed the dead soldier could have been fired by any of the soldiers at the scene, thus, leading to his discharge and acquittal. It must be emphasised that the Nigerian Army does not task its personnel (including for court martial membership) on a regional basis in order to achieve national spread. The Nigerian Army is a composite national institution and not an ethnic militia. It will therefore not bite the odious bait being dangled to induce splintering along sectional, ethnic and religious fissures. The army spokesman said the court martial proceedings were conducted in a fair and unbiased manner. He urged the publisher of the report to refrain from peddling misinformation capable of engendering disaffection and disharmony among army personnel, other services and security personnel. We urge the public to note the true picture and discountenance the false report published by the online media platform. Continued spread of the misinformation will only serve the ulterior motive of the author, which is to cause disharmony in the Nigerian army. The army is committed to upholding justice, equity and discipline within its ranks, and will continue to ensure that all personnel are treated fairly and in accordance with the law, he added. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print New Delhi, Apr 6 (UNI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday hit out at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over his remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, saying "It is mostly the Italian culture of the Congress party that is to blame for not understanding the very idea of India." Shah's remakes came after Kharge slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for mentioning abrogation of Article 370 in Rajasthan's Churu. "Such statements hurt every patriotic citizen who cares for the unity and integrity of the nation. People will certainly answer Congress," Shah wrote on social media X (formerly Twitter). "It is shameful to hear that the Congress party is asking, "Kashmir se kya waasta hai?" he said. "I would like to remind the Congress party that J&K is an integral part of India, and every state and citizen has the right over J&K, just as the people of J&K have the right over the rest of India. The Congress does not know that many brave sons of Rajasthan have sacrificed their lives for peace and security in Kashmi," Shah said. The Home Minister continued, "it is not merely the fault of the Congress leaders. It is mostly the Italian culture of the Congress party that is to blame for not understanding the very idea of India. Such statements hurt every patriotic citizen, who cares for the unity and integrity of the nation. People will certainly answer Congress." Over Article 370, he said, "for the kind information of the Congress, it was not Article 371, but Article 370, that was abrogated by the Modi government." "However, it is only expected of Congress to make such horrendous mistakes. Such blunders made by it have haunted our nation for decades now," he added. UNI JA SS The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says its operations against trailers loaded with passengers and goods will continue across the country until the situation is under control. The Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali-Biu, made this known during a Sallah mega rally at Zuba Central Motor Park on Saturday in Abuja. We have made significant arrests since the beginning of the Joint Inter-Agency Task Force (JTF) operations. We will not relent until road traffic crashes is reduced to the barest minimum, he said. The FRSC boss, represented by Deputy Corps Marshal in charge of Operations, Shehu Zaki, appealed to transport union leaders to support the FRSC in bringing sanity to highways. He said that the corps was working with the Nigeria Bar Association and state judiciaries to prosecute offenders on the spot. Earlier, the FCT Sector Commander, Mutaa Chorrie, urged passengers to avoid boarding overloaded vehicles and report any act of indiscipline by drivers. Mr Chorrie said that the mega rally was to educate drivers and passengers on the dangers of overloading, speeding, lane indiscipline, use of phones while driving and drunk driving, among others. 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 Umar Abubakar, FCT deputy chairman of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, said they had suspended not less than 10 members for overloading and other traffic offences in the last three months. He pledged the associations support in making roads safer for economic activities in the country. The representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence and other security agencies promised to assist the FRSC during the Special Sallah operation. ALSO READ: FRSC says road accident claims two lives in Osun The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that so far, the JTF established by the corps marshal had apprehended 35 trailers carrying 982 passengers between March 23 and March 30. Out of the number, 19 of the trailers conveying 810 passengers with goods were apprehended on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, and 16 trailers conveying 172 passengers on the Bauchi-Maiduguri highway. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, says the party is the best alternative for Nigerians over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr Kwankwaso, a former minister of defence, said this at the partys national convention on Saturday in Abuja. In many parts of this country, especially in the North particularly in my own part of the North, so many people have been chased out of their homes and many have been killed. Some are in the bushes now in the forest under the forces of bandits and other criminals. And it looks like many people dont care. I believe it is only in this country that this sort of nonsense is happening. It is the responsibility of every government, responsible government to ensure peace of its people, he said. Mr Kwankwaso said as a former minister and governor, he believed that Nigeria had enough resources and manpower to ensure security for citizens, as well as build a stronger and united country. He congratulated the party for its achievements within the short time of its formation and lauded stakeholders for the speedy amendment of its constitution, slogan and logo at the National Convention. 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 said the development would pave the way for its victory in future elections. Even my humble self, I found it very difficult to identify our logo during the last general election. That was why we thought it was very important for us to have a brand-new logo for our party. In our party today we have this logo. You can see new Nigeria Peoples Party written very clearly and NNPP very boldly. I believe that in the next elections, nobody will be confused about our logo. That is why we now have in our logo a book and academic chapter. And of course by the side of the book it is written education for all, meaning we will do whatever it takes like we did in Kano and elsewhere to ensure that every child in Nigeria goes to school, he said. Mr Kwankwaso added: We have taken note of the challenges of the day because in many states, especially in northern Nigeria, our children are not going to schools now because of insecurity, because of poverty and so on and so forth. So by implication, we are saying we will do whatever it takes to ensure security, and poverty are eradicated. We have all what it takes to do that so that our education can flourish so that every child will go to school, from primary to tertiary institution. He commended the party for electing him as its national leader, pledging to ensure unity and fairness for all party members. All our members will continue to have an internal democracy within the party so that everybody is given an opportunity to attain his or her potential, he said. On his part, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State urged NNPP members to remain united at all times in the pursuit of the partys victory in all future elections. Mr Yusuf also urged the party members to rededicate themselves to the promotion of NNPP ideals and core values. Let us continue to reach out and mobilise more members to join our party. Our membership mobilisation drive must even be even more vigorous. Finally, let me remind us of the old adage that says a people united can never be defeated, he said. Mr Yusuf commended Mr Kwankwaso for offering quality leadership and guidance to NNPP, making it the third fastest-growing political party in Nigeria. The governor said that despite the over eight months of litigation over his election, his administration had made some appreciable achievements in fulfilling its campaign promises to the people. In his remarks, the NNPP Acting National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, said that the party was not the party of the future, but a party of the present for the future, not owned by any individual or group of people. Mr Ahmed said that the NNPP had the key to the future of Nigerian youths and urged them to embrace the party and register as members. Join the NNPP mass movement and help yourself to fulfil your current and future dreams, he said. Highlights of the convention, observed by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were the approval of the partys amended constitution, logo and slogan. .(NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Agro Rangers of the NSCDC have repelled an attack by suspected bandits on the federal governments grain silo in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State. Buhari Hamisu, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), said in a statement in Katsina on Sunday that the attack occurred on 6 April at about 1 a.m. According to him, the bandits wanted to destroy the silo and abduct its Manager, Lawal Shitu-Yaradua. The agro rangers responded swiftly, engaging the bandits in a fierce gun duel for over two hours, Hamisu said. The valiant operatives overpowered the criminals, who scaled the rear fence of the reserve and escaped with serious injuries. The silo was not damaged, nor did the criminals succeed in their nefarious act, the NSCDC spokesman added. Mr Hamisu said the NSCDC had detailed more personnel to the location and increased the firepower of the operatives to prevent a recurrence of such attack. According to him, the silo is used to store grains being distributed to people of Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states. 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 Command remains dedicated to promoting safety and security for the good people of the state and Nigeria as a whole, as well as providing adequate protection of critical national assets and infrastructure. (NAN) AABS/MZA Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two men at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos for illicit drug trafficking. According to a statement issued on Sunday, 7 April, both traffickers who were en route to Asia, were found with tons of hard drugs when arrested. One of the traffickers, Freeman Ogbonna, was set to be heading for Delhi in India last Sunday, 31 March, when he was arrested by operatives of the agency. Mr Freeman was said to have planned to fly with a fake Liberian passport bearing the name Carr Bismark. The agency found that Freeman had ingested 80 wraps of cocaine operatives of the agency arrested himbody scan during routine screening, from which he tested positive for ingestion of illicit drugs. The agency said: Freeman was placed under observation where he started to manifest signs of discomfort, obviously choked by the volume of illicit drugs in his stomach and another substance taken to hold back excretion. The suspect soon began to retch before starting to vomit and excrete wraps of cocaine, and eventually passed out a total of 80 wraps of cocaine weighing 889 grams through his mouth and anus over a period of four days. The great risk that almost took his life, notwithstanding. 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 Another culprit Also, the agency said Imran Olalekan was caught with drugs stashed in his backpack on Wednesday, 3 April. The man, according to NDLEA, was bound for Oman, a country in West Asia, and was attempting to check in when a false bottom concealment of drugs was discovered in his language. The agency said it also arrested Ishola Olalekan, who was as said to have recruited the alleged trafficker for the role. Imran Taofeek Olalekan said he returned from Dubai some years ago but still has a valid residence permit on his old passport. He claimed he was promised N1,500,000 if he successfully delivered the consignment in Oman, while his recruiter, Ishola, was to be paid N200,000. Curiously, when the two bags were completely unpacked at the NDLEA office, a charm was found in one of the bags while another one was found on the drug mule who confessed that he traveled to Ibadan, Oyo state to meet with an Alfa that prepared the charm for him to ensure he was not caught during the trip, NDLEA said in its statement. NDLEA said these are two of the many cases of trafficking attempts recorded in the last week. More arrests On the same day Mr Imran was arrested, the agency said the smuggling of 2,144 parcels of Colorado, alongside a synthetic strain of cannabis weighing 1,072kg, into the country was intercepted at the Tincan Seaport in Lagos. The agency disclosed that the seizure was made during a joint examination with Customs Service and other stakeholders of a container marked GAOU 6699215 coming from Montreal, but originated from Toronto, Canada. The drugs packed were said to have been concealed in used cars, engines, automobile doors, tyres, and used household goods. NDLEA also revealed that an arrest was also made in Ogun on Thursday, 4 April, when a certain Wasiu Jimoh was caught in possession of 84 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 62 kg during a raid. Also in Kano, North-west Nigeria, the agency said a 48-year-old suspect, Gidado Sani, who reportedly jumped the bail granted him by a Federal High Court on drug offence charges, was re-arrested with 85 blocks of cannabis weighing 50.1 kilograms during the week. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The federal government has declared Tuesday and Wednesday, 9th and 10th of April, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitri festival. Muslims worldwide celebrate the Eid-el-Fitri to mark the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month during which Muslims fast from dusk to dawn for 29 or 30 days. Ramadan is expected to end on Monday or Tuesday night. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the public holidays, in a statement by his ministry on Sunday. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Does blood not flow through the veins of Arabs and Muslims in the same way that it flows through the veins of Westerners and Christians?.. Is the blood of Westerners redder than the blood of Arabs? Do Palestinian lives not matter? Are American, British, Australian and French lives more precious than the lives of Palestinian men, women and children? 35,000 innocent and defenceless Palestinians, including 15,000 children, have been targeted and killed in Gaza by Israel over the last six months, yet it was only after seven Western aid workers of the World Central Kitchen were tragically and callously targeted and murdered in cold blood by the Israeli Defence Force last week that Western governments and the Western media began to recognise the fact that the Jewish state has turned into a monstrous and uncontrollable beast. This begs the following questions: Does blood not flow through the veins of Arabs and Muslims in the same way that it flows through the veins of Westerners and Christians? Is the blood of Westerners redder than the blood of Arabs? Do Palestinian lives not matter? Are American, British, Australian and French lives more precious than the lives of Palestinian men, women and children? How can one explain or wish away this glaring display of emotional selectivity, hypocrisy and double standards? 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 Is it not racism in its most glaring and ugly form? Is this not a case of psychological apartheid in motion, and have the leaders of the West not developed a classic sociopathic and psychopathic disposition when it comes to the suffering of Palestinians? Even after 75 years of barbarous servitude and occupation, followed by the mass murder and genocide that we are witnessing in Gaza today, few notable Western leaders give a damn, and most of them have not only turned a blind eye to it but are also willing partners and complicit in the most graphic and barbaric expression of mans inhumanity to man and sheer wickedness, since the Nazi holocaust of World War II. Given this all-embracing endorsement and unconditional support that they enjoy, is it any wonder that the Zionists believe that they have the divine right to give life and take it at will and at their pleasure? Is it any wonder that the Jewish state believes that it can get away with mass murder and ethnic cleansing? Is it any wonder that the Zionists believe that they are divine beings with a divine purpose; the master race, Gods chosen people? Is it any wonder that they believe that they are totally and completely above the law and untouchable, given the unconditional support and tacit approval they enjoy from NATO and the powers that be in the West? Over the last six months, Western leaders have applauded Israel for slaughtering the Palestinians and destroying all their infrastructures, yet they only started questioning their devilish collusion with what can only be described as unadulterated evil when seven of their own citizens, who were doing charity work and helping to feed the starved and beleaguered children of Gaza, were also butchered in a hail of precision rockets that brutally cut them down, one after the other. These same people did not shed a tear or say a word when Israeli jets mowed down hundreds of Palestinian civilians as they tried to grab food from aid trucks that came in from Egypt. To them that did not matter and neither did they view it as an atrocity or describe it as a war crime or a crime against humanity, because those that were murdered were mainly Muslims and only Arabs. Is this fair? Can it be justified or defended? Is it not a perfidious display of double speak, double standards and devilry? Is it not a gratuitous insult to our collective humanity and a monumental shame? Are Arabs, Africans, Asians and the people of the global South not human beings too? Again, in the last few months Western leaders stuck to their oars and stubbornly refused to acknowledge the fact that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a wild and rabid dog that cannot be controlled and that no longer listens to its master. Will the Zionists ever accept the fact that killing women, children, refugees, journalists, clerics, doctors, nurses, hospital workers, United Nations staff, the elderly, the disabled, the mentally challenged, the weak and other innocent and defenceless civilians in the name of world Jewry and the Israeli state is not only unacceptable but also an abomination and affront to our collective humanity. They refused to accept the fact that he had become the proverbial falcon that was no longer prepared to listen to the falconer. They refused to recognise the fact that the genocide in Gaza was not about religion but rather about the implementation of an insidious, sinister, religious and racist agenda and an unconscionable attempt by a horrendous and deluded horde of callous, bitter and vengeful Zionist barbarians to decimate, displace and exterminate the Palestinian people and steal their land. So drunk are Netanyahu and those around him on the blood of Palestinian children that not even American President Joe Biden, their biggest and greatest friend and ally, can control them. Will the Zionists ever accept the fact that killing women, children, refugees, journalists, clerics, doctors, nurses, hospital workers, United Nations staff, the elderly, the disabled, the mentally challenged, the weak and other innocent and defenceless civilians in the name of world Jewry and the Israeli state is not only unacceptable but also an abomination and affront to our collective humanity. They say when a dog loses its mind and not only refuses to listen to its master but also turns on him and attempts to bite him, one is constrained to put a bullet in its head and put it out of its misery. Perhaps the same solution should be applied to the Zionist state. Perhaps it is time for it to be put down like a sick, dangerous and rabid old dog and removed from the face of the earth. I have said it before and I will say it again: In light of the events of the last six months, Israel has lost its right to exist. And if calling out Israel for the atrocities they are committing in Gaza and insisting on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. As a matter of fact, it is a badge and label that I would wear proudly. I do not believe that it is acceptable for the Jewish state to consistently break international humanitarian law and commit war crimes. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. I do not believe that aid workers and journalists should be targeted and killed. If that makes me anti-Semitic, then so be it. I do not believe that it is right for Bibi Netanyahu to smirk and grin on national television as he tells the world how the seven Western aid workers were targeted and murdered in Gaza by his army. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. I do not believe that it is right and proper for the Iranian Embassy in Damascus to be targeted and bombed by the Israeli Defence Force or that senior Iranian military commanders who were staying there should be murdered in cold blood. If that makes me anti-Semitic, then so be it. I do not think it is acceptable for Israel to bomb the city of Aleppo in Syria and kill 42 people, including defenceless civilians. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. I do not believe that the Jews have a licence from God to kill innocent and defenceless civilians. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. I do not believe that it is right for the Western nations to continue to supply arms to Israel and hence be complicit in and an enabler of genocide. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. I do not believe that the Jews are the master race that have been specially chosen above others by God. If that makes me anti-semitic then so be it. I do not believe that Christians and Muslims will burn in hell or that the Prophet of Islam and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ were fake. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. I do not believe that saying Christ is King is a crime. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. To be an Arab, a Muslim or a Christian in Israel is hell and to be any of the above living in either Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq or anywhere else in the Middle East, means that you could well be subjected to genocide, ethnic cleansing or mass murder by the Jewish state, whenever they deem it fit. I do not believe that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was a liar and charlatan who is now boiling in human excrement in hell. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. I do not believe that demolishing the Al Aqsa Mosque, sacrificing three red heifers where it presently stands and building the third Jewish Temple on exactly the same spot is just, right and proper. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. I do not believe that the Jews and the State of Israel should exert so much influence over the affairs of the United States of America, the Western democracies, international politics, world banking and finance, and the Western media. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. I do not believe that an attack on Israel, no matter how horrific, gives the Jewish state the right to wipe out, exterminate or drive into the desert or the sea the entire Palestinian race or kill every single man, woman and child in Gaza. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. I do not believe that Zionism is of God and I consider the Zionists to be far worse and more insidious, cruel and unrelenting than Hitlers Nazis. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. I do not believe that Candace Owens should have been fired from the Daily Wire for criticising Israel and I do not believe that Ben Shapiro and Rabi Shmuly are human beings. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. I do not believe that Bibi Netanyahu is sane and I do not believe that he is acting in the best interest of the Jews or the State of Israel. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. I do not believe that South Africa and Ireland have done anything wrong by taking Israel to the International Court of Justice for crimes against humanity, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and genocide. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. I do not believe that it is right for Israel to prevent food supplies from going into Gaza and for starving the people to death. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. I do not believe that ALL MUSLIM countries should unite against Israel but rather I believe that ALL countries, whether Muslim, Christian, Hindu or anything else should unite against Israel. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. I do not believe in ethnic cleansing and the elimination and extermination of an entire race of people as a formula for the resolution of international disputes and I wholeheartedly condemn the holocaust that is being inflicted on the people of Gaza. If that makes me anti-semitic, so be it. Finally, I no longer believe that Israel has the right to exist and I believe that they forfeited that right when they chose to bathe in the blood of Palestinian women, drink the blood of Palestinian children and butcher the Palestinian people. If that makes me anti-semitic, then so be it. 75 years ago, God in His infinite mercy and wisdom gave the Jews a new beginning, a new country and restored them to their former glory. This was a great blessing but they squandered it by orchestrating the Nakba, by refusing to share the land and live in peace with the Palestinians that they met there and by refusing to desist from treating them like animals, occupying their land and slaughtering them with impunity. Sadly, with their own hands, they destroyed the great opportunity that God gave them and instead chose to visit the same unadulterated evil that the German Nazis once visited on them on the Palestinians. If the truth be told, contrary to popular opinion, Israel is not a democracy but rather a vicious, heartless, bloodthirsty, parasitic, vampiric and blood-lusting apartheid state that applies one set of laws to the European Jewish colonial settlers that own and run it and another to everyone else. To be an Arab, a Muslim or a Christian in Israel is hell and to be any of the above living in either Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq or anywhere else in the Middle East, means that you could well be subjected to genocide, ethnic cleansing or mass murder by the Jewish state, whenever they deem it fit. It is for this reason that the entire civilised world is enraged with Israel and that every right-thinking person expresses the following words from the inner recesses of their souls and with every fibre of their being. They proudly proclaim, FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA, PALESTINE WILL BE FREE! And despite the double standards of the leaders of the Western democracies, so it shall be to the glory of the Living God! Femi Fani-Kayode, the Sadaukin Shinkafi and the Wakilin Doka Potiskum, is a lawyer, and former minister of Culture and Tourism, and Aviation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Easter is a pagan festival surreptitiously merged with Christianity. Easter is not one of Gods holy days. The word Easter is not even scriptural; it does not exist in true translations of the Bible. Easter was smuggled into the King James Bible in Acts 12:4, where it was substituted for the original word: Passover. When (Herod) had apprehended (Peter), he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. As a matter of fact, the word Easter only appears in the King James Version of English Bible translations. It does not exist in any other English translation. Even the King James Version was forced to remove it from its revised version, known as the New King James Version. Queen of Heaven Most Christians are unaware that Easter is a pagan festival surreptitiously merged with Christianity. Noahs grandson, Cush, married a woman called Ashtoreth. (She is also called Semiramis). In some cultures, Ashtoreth is called Ishtar, which is transliterated in English as Easter. Ashtoreth made herself the Queen of Heaven, the goddess of fertility, and became an object of worship. This idol worship of Ashtoreth, later camouflaged in Christendom as Easter, is specifically forbidden in the scriptures. 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 God says: The women knead dough, to make cakes for the queen of heaven; and they pour out drink offerings to other gods, that they may provoke me to anger. Do they provoke Me to anger? Do they not provoke themselves, to the shame of their own faces? Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, My anger and My fury will be poured out on this place. (Jeremiah 7:17-20). God punished Israel for succumbing to the worship of Ashtoreth (Ishtar): They forsook the LORD and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel. So, He delivered them into the hands of plunderers who despoiled them. (Judges 2:13-14). Accordingly, Samuel counselled Israel to forsake Ashtoreth (Ishtar) worship: Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, If you return to the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths from among you, and prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve him only; and he will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines. (1 Samuel 7:3). Sun Worship Cush and Ashtoreth gave birth to a son called Nimrod. After Cushs death, Nimrod married Ashtoreth, his own mother, and became a powerful king of ancient Babylon. When Nimrod was also killed, Ashtoreth deified him as the sun-god or life-giver. Indeed, Easter means movement towards the rising sun. It pertains to the religious rites of people who worship the sun and the signs of the heavens. Sun worship is expressly forbidden in the scriptures. Ezekiel says: I was then led into the temples inner courtyard, where I saw about twenty-five men standing near the entrance, between the porch and the altar. Their backs were to the LORDs temple, and they were bowing down to the rising sun. God said, Ezekiel, its bad enough that the people of Judah are doing these disgusting things. (Ezekiel 8:16-17). Nevertheless, following this pagan tradition, Sunrise Services are conducted on Easter Sunday mornings in many Christian denominations. Hot Crossed Buns In Western Europe, it is traditional to eat hot-crossed buns on Easter Sunday morning. This is where we get the limerick: Hot crossed buns; hot crossed buns. One a-penny, two a-penny, hot crossed buns. These small, sweet buns are usually decorated with solar crosses made of white icing. They were consecrated in ancient Greece to the goddess of the sunrise. In ancient Babylon, the buns were offered to the Queen of Heaven, the goddess of Easter. Pagan Lent After the death of Nimrod, Ashtoreth (Ishtar) gave birth to Tammuz, a son she claimed was Nimrod reborn. When Tammuz was killed by a wild boar, Ashtoreth instituted an annual ritual of 40 days of mourning for Baal worshippers, when no meat was allowed to be eaten. This pagan tradition of weeping for Tammuz is specifically proscribed in the scriptures. God said to Ezekiel: Turn again, and you will see greater abominations that they are doing. So, He brought me to the door of the north gate of the LORDS house; and to my dismay, women were sitting there weeping for Tammuz. (Ezekiel 8:13-14). Nevertheless, weeping for Tammuz has been absorbed into Christianity by the institution of Lent; a 40-day period of fasting and prayer observed in some Christian denominations as a prelude to Easter. Just like Easter, Lent is not scriptural. Neither the word nor the custom exists in the Bible. Lent begins, according to Christian tradition, on Ash Wednesday, which is also pagan. The ashes were said to be the seed of the Indian fire god, Agni, deemed to have the power to forgive sins. Easter Egg Because of their prolific nature in reproduction, rabbits were associated with Ishtar, the goddess of fertility. This is where Christians borrowed the tradition of the Easter bunny. Ancient Babylonians believed an egg fell into the Euphrates River from the moon. Queen Ishtar was apparently hatched from this egg. This moon egg was called Ishtars egg, which became in Christendom Easter egg. Shifting Date Have you noticed that your birthday falls on different days from year to year? So how come the celebration of Easter always falls on Friday and on Sunday? Moreover, unlike your birthday, the date for Easter changes from year to year. Sometimes it is in March, sometimes in April. Easter moves from year to year because the date has nothing to do with the death and resurrection of Jesus but with the changing cycles of the moon. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first Vernal Equinox full moon, which is consecrated by pagans as Ishtars Sunday. This signifies the astronomical arrival of spring. The pagan belief is that the sun dies in winter (Christmas) and is reborn in spring (Easter). Good Saturday Good Friday is also a misnomer. Jesus was not crucified on a Friday. The week in which he was crucified contained two Sabbaths and He was crucified on a Wednesday. The following Thursday was a high Sabbath day; the first day of unleavened bread. Jesus did not resurrect on a Sunday. He resurrected on a Saturday, which was a regular weekly Sabbath day different from the high Sabbath of the preceding Thursday. Mary Magdalene discovered the empty tomb on Sunday morning, while it was still dark. Christians should realise that from Friday evening to Sunday morning does not constitute three days and three nights in the grave, but one day and two nights. The decision to change the day of the resurrection to Sunday was simply a continuation of the Babylonian tradition. Nimrod was ostensibly resurrected on a Sunday; a day devoted to worshipping the sun. By AD 321, Constantine established Sunday as part of the official state religion, and the Sabbath was statutorily changed from Saturday to Sunday. Christians should desist from celebrating Easter: Thus says the LORD: Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity. (Jeremiah 10:2-3). Faribisala@yahoo.com; www.femiaribisala.com Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print An army officer and a private soldier have lost their lives after they were ambushed by terrorists in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, PREMIUM TIMES has gathered. The officer, identified as A.S Maidawa, a lieutenant, and an unnamed private, were attached to the forward operational base in Buratai, under the Nigerian Army 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Gari, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State. The 27 Task Force is one of the units fighting Boko Haram terrorists in Northeast Nigeria. Mr Maidawa was leading troops to Damaturu, Yobe State capital, on Friday, to buy fuel when their convoy was ambushed around Kamuya and Azare villages in Biu LGA, our source said, asking not to be named for fear of victimisation by the army. The terrorists exploited the forest area and the bad road network to launch the ambush, but the soldiers repelled the attack and reportedly killed some of the terrorists. 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 Four other soldiers who sustained injuries in the attack are responding to treatment at a facility in Yobe, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. The ambush by terrorists in Borno came less than a month after some suspected residents of the Okuama in Delta State, on 14 March, ambushed and murdered the Commanding Officer of 181 Army Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain and 13 soldiers. The troops were responding to a distress call arising from a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in the South-southern state. The armys spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, could not be immediately reached on Sunday to comment on the latest attack in Borno. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Hundreds of residents of Agojeju-Odo community in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State, who were displaced when gunmen attacked their community, have pleaded with the federal and state governments to assist them in returning home. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the gunmen, locally called bandits, attacked the community on Thursday, killing 25 people. Many others were also injured while survivors fled to neighbouring communities to seek shelter. The slain people were buried on Saturday in Kogi Some displaced residents spoke to journalists who visited them at a neighbouring community, Bagaji-Odo, on Saturday. Patience Akauwu, a 67-year-old woman, said that life had become hard for them, having lost their farm produce to the attackers. We have been displaced and suffering here in Bagaji-Odo due to lack of food and a conducive place to stay. All we are asking for is the federal and state governments to assist in providing adequate security for us to return home, she pleaded. Also, Joshua Salifu, a farmer, said that his wife and children were still missing and pleaded with the government to help find them. 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 said that when the gunmen attacked the community between 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, everyone in the village ran for their lives. At that time, we were running for our dear lives. Im here in Bagaji-Odo not knowing where my wife and children are. I took part in the burial of the 25 persons killed, but my wife or any of my children was not among them, he said. Mr Salifu said that he was afraid to go back to the village to search for his loved ones and was helpless. Another displaced resident, Paul Achabo, a farmer, begged the government to help set up a military presence in the Agojeju-Odo community, a border village between Benue and Kogi. Mr Achabo said that unless there was adequate security in the community, they could not go back for fear that the bandits might return. According to him, all their foodstuffs such as yam, cassava, maize, cashew and beans were carted away by the bandits. The District Head of Bagaji-Odo, David Akpa, also pleaded with the government to come to assist the IDPs and the affected communities This is because we dont have the kind of sophisticated weapons the bandits have to face them. God knows we have no problem with the herdsmen around us but why they did this to our people we dont understand, the traditional ruler said. None of the attackers have been apprehended and the police have yet to disclose their identities. However, some residents said they suspected the gunmen to be armed herders who were avenging the alleged killing of six herders in the area. The attack has been condemned by federal and state officials. On Saturday, the Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, suggested that the attack might be a fallout of a communal dispute. Mr Ododo, who spoke in Lokoja, said he regretted the ugly dimension that communal clashes between people in the area have assumed over time. He promised immediate intervention by his administration to forestall a reoccurrence of the unfortunate situation. I am assuring the citizens that the perpetrators of the dastardly act will be brought to justice soon, he said. Already, security agencies are on the trail of the assailants whose acts of mindless cowardice resulted in the destruction of lives and property in the area. The governor said he has sent a delegation led by the states Deputy Governor, Joel Oyibo-Salifu, on a condolence visit to the area. According to him, the measures deployed by the state government have led to relative stability in the Omala Local Government Area until the recent escalation of the conflict. He further promised to deploy a detachment of the recently established Metropolitan Quick Response to the area to complement the existing security architecture in Omala LGA. He commiserated with relatives of those killed in the crisis and promised that the government would provide support for those injured and others whose houses were destroyed in the attack. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print ( Read 4564 Times) Today, a press conference was held in Mumbai at the Country Club Veera Desai Road, Andheri West, regarding the Bollywood film "The Diary of West Bengal," with the entire team present. In recent days, there have been discussions surrounding the Bollywood film "The Diary of West Bengal." Although the film has been through the censor board, the board has not issued a certificate for its release. The producers-directors have faced exhaustion dealing with the censor board, but the chairman of the censor board, Prasoon Joshi, or his team, are refraining from making any comments on the film. Consequently, the producers are suffering significant financial losses due to the delay in the film's release. Concerning this issue, a press conference was organized in Mumbai today with the entire team of the film "The Diary of West Bengal" present. Speaking about the film, the producer Vasim Rizvi, also known as Jitendra Narayan Singh, stated that they had made a film based on true events, and for that, a terrorist organization, Jamia Darul Uloom, situated in Karachi, Pakistan, has issued a fatwa and threatened not to release the film. It begs the question: Will we now have to seek permission from terrorist organizations in Pakistan to produce and release films in India? Should we interpret that the people of West Bengal are being dictated by terrorist organizations from Pakistan, as the government of Mamata Banerjee is hindering the film's release? If everything is going well in West Bengal, then why is the Mamata government not allowing our film to be released? Why is Mamata Banerjee's government interfering with our team? Have we committed any crime by making this film? Why is the Mamata government not providing a clear reason? If the West Bengal government is not helping Rohingyas and Bangladeshi infiltrators, why doesn't it openly admit it? Why is it hell-bent on portraying our film as propaganda without releasing it? Speaking about the subject matter of the film "The Diary of West Bengal," the director Sanoj Mishra appeared quite enthusiastic. He said that we have made a film based on a very real event, where we have indicated the growing organized crime and targeted violence in West Bengal. Now, this might upset those who are their patrons, so what should we do? When films like Mission Kashmir, Haider, Udta Punjab, Kashmir Files, and The Kerala Story can be released, then what harm is there in releasing our film? We have also raised an issue; did we show anything beyond humanity in the film? Did those other films receive special treatment? We should also be allowed to release our film. My film is fully ready and will be released on April 27 across India. All preparations have been made. The actor Yajur Marwah of the film "The Diary of West Bengal" said that he is particularly excited about this film, as he got the opportunity to play a lead role in a film based on a true event for the first time. Since then, he has become very sensitive to such incidents. The film should have been released by now. The actress Arshin Mehta said that such films are not made often. We have done justice to our characters to a great extent. The Diary of West Bengal will shed light on the truth there. We were planning to release the film in February so that people across the country could see it and share their opinions, but now everything is not in our hands anymore! We have acted in our part; now we hope the film will be released soon. Vasim Rizvi Films presents the film "The Diary of West Bengal," produced by Vasim Rizvi, alias Jitendra Narayan Singh. Co producer chhatrapal Suryavanshi, The writer and director of the film is Sanoj Mishra. The cast of the film includes Arshin Mehta, Yajur Marwah, Deepak Kamboj, Alfiya Shaikh, Garima Kapoor, Reena Bhattacharya, Gauri Shankar, Dev Faujdar, Anil Anjuna, Sanju Solanki, Dr. Ramendra Chakravarti, Deepak Sutha, Jitendra Narayan Singh, Janardan Singh Mayur, Anuj Dixit, and Neet Mahal. The co-producers of the film are Kshatrapal Suryavanshi, Sanjay Kumar, and Arjun Singh. The cinematographer is Satyapal Singh, the editor is Ranjeet Prasad, and the music composers are A.R. Datta and P.R.O. Sanjay Bhushan Patiyala. https://www.facebook.com/DirectorSanoj https://www.instagram.com/sanojmishra/ https://youtu.be/Ftjvi3Qcsc0?si=ZQsGIWWGS77VOlOF Source : Pakistani security forces kill 8 terrorists Islamabad, Apr 6 (UNI) Eight terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said on Saturday. Security forces conducted the operation in Dera Ismail Khan district of the province on reported presence of terrorists, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, said in a statement. "During the conduct of the operation, after an intense fire exchange, eight terrorists were killed," the ISPR said, adding that the killed terrorists were actively involved in terrorist activities as well as killing of innocent civilians. New data from largest head-to-head randomized control TAVR trial demonstrates non-inferior clinical outcomes and superior valve performance for Evolut TAVR compared to Sapien at one year DUBLIN and ATLANTA, April 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced new data from the largest head-to-head comparative trial of transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), were presented as a late breaking clinical trial at the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session and simultaneously published in The New England Journal of Medicine. The one-year results of the SMall Annuli Randomized To Evolut or SAPIEN (SMART) Trial in individuals with aortic stenosis (AS) with small aortic annuli (SAA) demonstrated noninferior clinical outcomes and superior valve performance as measured by bioprosthetic valve dysfunction performance for the Evolut TAVR platform compared to the SAPIEN platform. "SMART was launched to better understand how the two most commonly used TAVR systems perform in patients with small aortic annuli, and particularly in women who tend to have smaller heart valves," said Nina Goodheart, senior vice president and president, Structural Heart & Aortic, which is part of the Cardiovascular Portfolio at Medtronic. "We continue to develop evidence to better understand the benefits of our Evolut TAVR technology in all patients, including patient populations that are underrepresented, under-diagnosed and under-treated. The results from the SMART trial demonstrate these benefits in a large patient population and reinforce our commitment to driving health equity and engineering the best technology to solve unmet patient needs." In addition to being the largest comparative trial of TAVR, SMART is also the largest TAVR trial to date to enroll primarily women (87%). Symptomatic severe aortic stenosis can be fatal if left untreated and the average patient survival is two years without treatment.1 Despite women's longer life expectancy, once impacted by severe aortic stenosis they suffer from higher mortality than men, even after matching for age.2 Both TAVR and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) are options for women to treat AS. Due to their smaller aortic annuli, women can often receive a valve replacement that does not properly fit their anatomy highlighting the need for clinical evidence to inform the best treatment approaches.3 Additionally, despite prevalence of chronic conditions associated with AS in women over 65, a new survey of over 1,000 women announced today found that the majority have never been referred to a cardiologist. "As clinicians, we know that tailored approaches are needed to address the unique presentation of AS in the small annulus patient population, which is primarily women. Little comparative data exists to help us with valve selection," said Howard C. Herrmann, M.D., Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Penn., and lead investigator of the SMART Trial. "While we know women have a greater benefit than men when treated with TAVR vs SAVR, now for the first time there is definitive data demonstrating that women have the best valve performance when treated with the Evolut TAVR system." The SMART Trial is an international, prospective, multi-center, randomized (1:1) post-market trial comparing the safety and performance of self-expanding versus balloon-expandable TAVR in patients with symptomatic severe AS and SAA. The trial randomized and treated 716 patients, 87% of which were women, across more than 80 sites worldwide. Eligible patients had a computed tomography aortic valve annulus area of 430 mm2 and suitable anatomy for transfemoral TAVR with both an Evolut PRO/PRO+/FX or a SAPIEN 3/3 Ultra valve. "For patients with heart valve replacements, early bioprosthetic valve dysfunction can lead to increased risk of serious long term outcomes including mortality and rehospitalization," added Dr. Herrmann. "As clinicians, these data further reinforces that not all valves are the same, and we strongly need to consider valve performance when determining device selection." Results demonstrated that the Evolut TAVR platform met both co-primary endpoints of clinical non-inferiority and hemodynamic superiority at one year. Evolut TAVR met non-inferiority for the clinical outcome primary endpoint, a composite of all-cause mortality, disabling stroke, or heart failure rehospitalization at one year (9.4% Evolut vs. 10.6% SAPIEN, p<0.001 for non-inferiority). Evolut TAVR demonstrated superiority for the valve function primary endpoint, bioprosthetic valve dysfunction through one year (9.4% Evolut vs. 41.6% SAPIEN, p<0.001 for superiority). "Medtronic is committed to providing clinicians and patients with aortic stenosis long-term data to help to inform their treatment decisions," said Jeffrey Popma, M.D., vice president and Chief Medical Officer for the Coronary & Renal Denervation business and the Structural Heart & Aortic business at Medtronic. "Our prior studies have shown an important link between valve performance, mortality, and re-hospitalization at five years. All SMART patients will be followed for five years to assess the relationship between better valve performance and improved clinical outcomes in patients with small annuli." Analyst and Investor Briefing Medtronic will host an analyst and investor briefing to discuss the results from the SMART Trial on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 10:45 AM EDT. The briefing will feature remarks from Medtronic management, immediately followed by answering questions from institutional investors and equity analysts. A live, listen-only webcast will be available and can be accessed by clicking on the Events link at investorrelations.medtronic.com on April 7. An archived replay will be available on the same webpage later in the day. This event is not part of the official ACC Scientific Sessions. About Medtronic Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com, and follow Medtronic on LinkedIn. Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. SAPIEN, SAPIEN 3, and SAPIEN 3 Ultra are trademarks of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation. 1Carabello BA, Paulus WJ. Aortic stenosis. Lancet. March 14, 2009;373(9667):956-966. 2Am Heart Assoc. 2021;10:e018816. DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.120.018816. 3Lester SJ, Heilbron B, Gin K, Dodek A, Jue J. The natural history and rate of progression of aortic stenosis. Chest. April 1998;113(4):1109-1114 Contact: Ryan Weispfenning Investor Relations +1-763-505-4626 Kimberly Powell Public Relations +1-202-498-2601 SOURCE Medtronic plc 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 Lucknow, April 7 : Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh will play host to an election rally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9. This will be PM Modi's first election rally in Pilibhit as the Prime Minister and the BJP are pulling out all the stops to make the event in the high-profile constituency successful. Uttar Pradesh Minister Jitin Prasada, who joined the BJP from the Congress in 2021, is now the party's candidate after Varun Gandhi, the sitting MP from Pilibhit, was denied the ticket. In 2019 Varun Gandhi won the election as a BJP candidate with 59.34 per cent votes. "We are preparing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's election rally in Pilibhit on April 9. This will be his first rally here after assuming the office of the PM in 2014," said Pilibhit BJP president Sanjiv Pratap Singh. Varun Gandhi has maintained a studied silence on his next move after he was denied a ticket. He has kept himself away from the campaign -- neither did he accompany the BJP candidate during the filing of his nomination papers, nor has he attended any programme, including the one addressed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Pilibhit on April 2. In a letter to the people of his constituency, Varun Gandhi, however, said, "Though my tenure as an MP is coming to an endmy relationship with Pilibhit cannot end till my last breath." Vijay Pathak, the party's state vice president, said, "The BJP has changed its candidates on many seats. It is the 'lotus' (party symbol) that is contesting on all seats. The people have been with the BJP earlier. They are with the BJP even now." It may be recalled that Varun Gandhi and his mother Maneka Gandhi have represented the constituency consistently since 1996. Varun Gandhi won the seat in 2009. Maneka, meanwhile, who is the now BJP's candidate from Sultanpur for the 2024 polls, became a parliamentarian for the first time in 1989 from Pilibhit on a Janata Dal (JD) ticket Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party (SP), which is contesting the 2024 elections in alliance with the Congress, has fielded Bhagwat Sharan Gangwar from the seat. The BSP, on the other hand, announced Anis Ahmed Khan a.k.a. Phool Babu as its candidate from Pilibhit, which goes to polls in the first phase on April 19. 100% attendance rule for teachers, students in KGBV schools in UP. Image Source: IANS News Lucknow, April 7 : To check teacher absenteeism and the use of proxies in Uttar Pradesh, the photographs of all teaching staff will now be displayed on the walls of public schools. The Uttar Pradesh government has issued directives to all district basic education officers in this regard. These directives mandate the display of photographs for all teachers, including instructors ('anudeshak') and para teachers ('shiksha Mitra), within classrooms. The displays should also include each teacher's educational qualifications, date of joining the school, mobile number, assigned class and subject, and any achievements like state or national teacher awards. "Displaying photographs of teachers in schools will allow students and the administration to easily distinguish between real teachers and substitutes," said an official. "Implementation shouldn't be difficult for schools, even with 10-15 teachers, because the photos will not require significant space," he added. Funding for this initiative comes from the Samagra Shiksha outlay for the 2024-25 academic session. The government has allocated Rs 7.9 crore for Teaching Learning Materials in primary schools and Rs 3.3 crore for upper primary schools under the Learning Enhancement Programme Remedial Teaching scheme. The photographs will also serve to inform parents about the identities of their children's teachers. This increased awareness will empower them to raise concerns if a teacher is absent without a valid reason. The state government, it may be recalled, had issued a similar order earlier but the same was not complied with in letter and spirit hence a repeat order has been issued. Lucknow, April 7 : The Lucknow district election officer has directed all banks to monitor withdrawals and deposits above Rs 10 lakh. District Magistrate Surya Pal Gangwar has directed banks to send reports about all such deposits and withdrawals to the district election department. He further directed that banks will also need to provide details about continuous withdrawals or deposits of more than Rs 1 lakh in the accounts of the dependents of all candidates. The bankers have been further asked to open separate accounts for the election-related transactions of the candidates from different political parties. "All election expenses by the candidates will be borne from this account. All banks will provide separate banking facilities to the candidates and their workers," said Gangwar, who also holds the charge of district election officer. "If there is continuous withdrawal or deposit of more than Rs 1 lakh in the accounts of candidates' dependents, then this information will also be made available," he added. Regarding carrying cash through ATM vans and others, the District Election Officer directed that banks will ensure that the vehicles carrying cash received from agencies/companies do not under any circumstances carry cash of any party other than the bank's cash. "Cash-carrying personnel accompanying the vehicles will carry with them identity cards issued by the concerned agencies. Also, if the vehicles carrying cash are stopped for inspection, then the company/agency should be in a position to prove by direct inspection of the documents and currency that they have used the cash to replenish the cash at the banks' ATMs or to deposit in the banks," he instructed. UN's Guterres alarmed by Ecuadorian police attack on Mexican embassy in Quito New York, April 7 (UNI) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is alarmed by the Ecuadorian police attack on the Mexican Embassy in Quito, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, adding that the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel should be respected. On Saturday, the Ecuadorian police stormed the Mexican embassy in Quito using armed vehicles to arrest former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had been sheltering in the diplomatic mission, media reported. Mexico City suspended diplomatic relations with Quito, saying that Mexican diplomats had sustained injuries as a result of the storming. "The Secretary-General is alarmed at the forced entry of Ecuadorean security forces into the premises of the Mexican Embassy in Quito. He reaffirms the cardinal principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel, emphasising that this principle must be respected in all cases, in accordance with international law," Dujarric said in a statement published on Saturday. New Delhi, April 7 : The world is in the midst of major developments - political, ideological and combative, attributable to the projection of religion in international politics. The rise of Islamic radical forces symbolised by Taliban, Al Qaeda, ISIS, Boko Haram and Palestinian Islamic Jehad, the fall out of the Israel-Hamas confrontation and the coming together of Iran, China and Russia in political opposition to the US, are setting the global trend of a constant shift towards geopolitics driven by faith-based conflicts. To the extent this was linked to certain historical legacies, the trend could aggravate matters for the future by strengthening forces of arevivalisma. The need of the hour is to consolidate the democratic world order that shuns identity politics, practices the inherently secular mandate of aone man one votea and encourages human rights, universal values and economic advancement of all. The hostility of Islamic radicals towards the US-led West, the intensification of Shia-Sunni conflict with the rise of fundamentalism in both these segments of the faith and the impact of internal divides in the Islamic world, on the emerging Cold War between the US on one side and the China-Russia axis on the other, are the major points of study and strategic analysis for making a long term assessment of Indiaas national security as also this countryas potential for contributing to global peace and world economy in the current scenario. India has already been exposed for a long to cross-border terrorism in which Pakistan had used Islamic militant outfits under its control such as Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e- Toiba and Jaishe Mohammad, in Kashmir in particular but in other parts of India as well. There is no gainsaying the fact that the US-led awar on terrora launched in the wake of 9/11 - first in Afghanistan and then in Iraq, proved to be a protracted combat in a proxy mode during which Islamic radical forces managed to survive and spread their hold in the Muslim world. They have also derived an advantage from the alignments they were able to forge in the face of political and ideological divides that were cropping up between the US and its opponents at the global level. While the Taliban-Al Qaeda combined ruling Afghanistan concentrated on the Afghan-Pakistan region, a powerful off-shoot of the former emerged as Islamic State in the Iraq-Syria belt (ISIS) - on a note of competitive militancy. The latter - with its known animosity towards Shiism - is now becoming instrumental in pushing Iran ruled by Ayatollahs, towards the Russia-China axis that supported the regime of Syrian President, Bashar Al Assad-an Alawite. In the awar on terrora, the US focused on eliminating the leaders of Islamic radicals like Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and ISISas first leader Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi in 2011 and 2006 respectively but could not disrupt the process of induction of new militants through aradicalisationa that exploited the social media in full measure. By 2015, ISIS under the leadership of Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi, had captured large parts of Iraq and Syria and declared a Caliphate. A powerful regional wing of ISIS called ISIS-K has since been operating covering Afghanistan, Iran and Turkmenistan- the area historically known as Khorasan. ISIS is in violent opposition to Shia Muslims - more strongly than Al Qaeda would be - and the two Sunni streams of Islamic radicals carry the historical legacy of the anti-West Wahhabi arevolta witnessed in the middle of the 19th century in Algeria, Arabia and India under the leadership of prominent Ulema like Al Tijani, Abdul Wahab and Shah Waliullah whose contention was that the political decline of Islam - after a thousand years of constant rise - was attributable to the deflection of the rulers from the path of pure Islam as it existed in the times of the aPious Caliphsa. The arevivalista call of going back to that golden period also put focus on the episode of Kharijites rejecting Ali on the ground that the Fourth Caliph and his partisans - the Shias - had started propagating that the Caliph -now called Imam - had inherited elements of adivinitya and could even create new Hadis. Kharijites were the precursor of Sunnis who looked upon Shias as the practitioners of the worst form of aShirka. The puritanical stream of Salafis in Islam derives its name from Salaf or the Companions of the Prophet. Wahhabis however, are Salafis with a difference in as much as they consider the US-led West as their prime enemy and are represented by Islamic radicals of Taliban, Al Qaeda and ISIS. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia practices Salafism but is a close strategic ally of the US. ISIS rooted in the Iraq-Syria region is far more ruthless in opposing the Shias in comparison to Al Qaeda. Osama bin Laden considered the Shiites as heretics but seldom targeted them for killing whereas beheading of Shiite religious persons became the hallmark of Al Zarqawias leadership of ISIS. ISIS' violent disposition towards Shiite Muslims is further aggravated by the fact that political rulers of Syria and Iraq were not only Baathists believing in secularism and socialism but they were also Alwaites - representing a sect of Shiism. They were thus doubly vulnerable as the targets of Islamic radicals. ISIS-K received a fillip from the stand of ISIS that Al Qaeda had become too engrossed in the struggle against the NATO forces in Afghanistan to give due attention to the Jehad movements in the Central Asian region. ISIS-K was therefore meant also to counterbalance the threat of anti-Islamic influences wielded by Russia in the former Soviet states in Central Asia. Incidentally in May 2019, ISIS declared that Balochistan and Kashmir were being included as new branches in the regional set-up of ISIS-K. ISIS has carried out multiple attacks on Shias in Afghanistan and Pakistan and after the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021 stepped up violence against Hazaras and other religious minorities there. It may be mentioned that in 2016, the leader of ISIS-K - Wali Hafiz Sayeed Khan - reportedly described how Wilayat Khorasan was important in terms of its history of having conquered Secularists, Rafida (Shias), Murtads (Apostates), cow-worshipping Hindus and the atheist Chinese. The current Israel-Hamas conflict unravels the linkages of the US, Iran and the Russia-China axis in the Middle East and the play of faith-based politics there. The most objective stand on this development can be credited to India which maintained that the October 7 attack of Hamas on Israel last year was an act of terrorism, called for a ceasefire and talks and upheld the right of Palestinians to have a homeland under the 2-state solution. Hamas is a product of the 1987 Palestinian uprising whose roots were in the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. It is a Sunni Muslim organisation which significantly stated in 2017 that its struggle was against Zionists not Jews and that its chief acausea for conflict with Israel was the latteras atrocities in Gaza and the attack on the Al Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem - the third holiest centre for Sunnis after Mecca and Medina. It may be recalled that the Muslim Brotherhood established in Egypt and Syria in 1928 was against the secular, nationalist and pro-socialist regimes there and was appreciated by the US then. Hamas as its offspring in Palestine however became radicalised with the passage of time with the result that the US got it declared a terrorist outfit in 1997. In the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Saudi Arabia - a friend of the US - does not approve of Hamas but has taken a stand much on the line of Indiaas response that both sides should abstain from killing civilians. Saudi Arabia is not opposed to the Abrahamic accord reached by UAE and Bahrain with Israel on the mediation of the US. What is even more important, the Israel-Hamas confrontation has seen Iran and Syria coming in support of Hamas in spite of the fact that Hamas is now like a Sunni radical organisation. The political alignment of these two countries against the US-Israel combine apparently outweighs other considerations. The deadly attack by ISIS terrorists on March 22 night on a largely attended concert on the Moscow outskirts - barely 20 kilometres from the Kremlin - has exposed the world to the tentacles of faith-based terror and revealed the contours of political divides coinciding with religious conflicts to produce a new era of proxy wars. A group of five gunmen in army fatigues entered the venue with automatic rifles and used incendiary bombs and grenades apart from resorting to indiscriminate firing, to leave 143 dead and more than 250 injured. Newly re-elected President Vladimir Putin underplayed the intelligence failure of Russia and tried to be dismissive of the reports released by the US that it had shared advance Intelligence of the attack with Moscow. The US would have certainly put in its best efforts to infiltrate Al Qaeda and ISIS - its worst enemies. Since 2022, ISIS-K is known to have attacked diplomats of China, Russia and Pakistan in Afghanistan- notwithstanding the fact that these countries had developed good relations with the Taliban. ISIS has presently become the front-line leader of radicalised Islamic forces. It disapproves of Pakistan trying to become an ally of the US and resents the policy of China and Russia to support the Assad regime in Syria. A major reason for ISIS to direct its hostility on Russia is that Moscow helped Bashir Al-Assad regain the territory he had earlier lost to ISIS. Russiaas slaughter of Chechen Muslims in its war in Chechnya in 2000 has not been forgotten too. For ISIS, the US and Israel are the prime political adversaries while Iran is an enemy because of the historical Shia-Sunni religious animosity. The Moscow attack by ISIS puts Russia and India together in opposing and combating terrorism in all its forms and also denouncing cross-border terrorism instigated by Pakistan against India in Kashmir and elsewhere. In a nutshell, geopolitical conflicts today are driven substantially by motivations of religion and this is a warning signal for the democratic world to do something to avoid its own future being put at risk on that count. (The writer is former Director of the Intelligence Bureau. Views are personal) Bhopal, April 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- the star campaigner of the ruling BJP, will kick-start BJP's campaign for Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh, by addressing his first public rally in Jabalpur, subsequent to a roadshow in the city later on Sunday evening. Bhopal, April 7 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- the star campaigner of the ruling BJP, will kick-start BJPas campaign for Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh, by addressing his first public rally in Jabalpur, subsequent to a roadshow in the city later on Sunday evening. More than 3000 policemen under the supervision of over a dozen IPS officers have been deployed at the roadshow venue PM Modi will participate to seek support from voters for BJPas debutant Lok Sabha candidate from Jabalpur, Ashish Dube. Security has been strengthened hours before the PMas visit as a 15 km surrounding area from the roadshow venue has been declared no-fly zone till 8 p.m. on Sunday. One km long stretch earmarked for the roadshow has been decorated with lights and flowers. Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, who is also in charge of the Mahakaushal Lok Sabha cluster in Madhya Pradesh, along with his cabinet colleague and four-time MP from Jabalpur, Rakesh Singh, distributed aakshata (grain of rice mixed with turmeric and flowers) to the locals and invited them to welcome PM Modi at their doorstep. Three of the six Lok Sabha constituencies of Madhya Pradesh to be polled on April 19 are from the Mahakaushal cluster -- Chhindwara, Jabalpur, Balaghat, Shahdol, Sidhi and Mandla. PWD minister Rakesh Singh, who took over Jabalpur Lok Sabha constituency from BJPas stalwart and former MP Jayashree Banerjee in 2004, won four consecutive elections maintaining the partyas victory trail in Jabalpur since 1996. Banerjee, an old alumni of Allahabad University and Jana Sangh-era politician, is the mother-in-law of BJP President JP Nadda. Rakesh Singh defeated senior lawyer and Congressa Rajya Sabha MP, Vivek Tankha twice in 2014 and 2019. He also headed the MP BJP unit during the state assembly elections in 2018. This time the BJP has made Ashish Dube its candidate against Congressa Dinesh Yadav. Shimla, April 7 : Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday said she met all leaders of the Congress party in Himachal Pradesh and was "proud" of their unity and determination to fight the elections strongly. "On one side, there is the BJP's empire of fear, greed and lies. There is politics that destroys democracy for power through money power and agencies. On the other, the Congress has the resolve to work tirelessly for the people with truth, courage and patience," she wrote on X in Hindi. Saying she has full faith that the people will support the Congress, she added, "The truth will win. Hail Himachal. Hail India." The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has given tickets to all six Congress rebels, who had supported it in the Rajya Sabha elections, for the June 1 Assembly bypoll simultaneous with four Lok Sabha seats. The candidates are Sudhir Sharma from Dharamsala, Rajinder Rana from Sujanpur, Ravi Thakur from Lahaul-Spiti, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal from Barsar, Chaitanya Sharma from Gagret and Devender Bhutto from Kutlehar. These seats fell vacant due to the disqualification of the legislators for defying the party whip while passing the state budget. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu has said he was not afraid of "conspiracies" being hatched against him. He accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise the elected government. Patna, April 7 : A qualified commercial pilot is ready to take off for Raisina Hill in this Lok Sabha election. Former Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy is contesting this election on a BJP ticket for the fourth consecutive time in Bihar's Saran. Rudy, the only parliamentarian who flies AirBus 320, in an exclusive interaction with IANS, spoke about his poll preparation. He believes that RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav is his actual opponent in this election. IANS: What are your challenges in 2024? How is this election different from 2019? Rajiv Pratap Rudy: Lalu Prasad Yadav has always contested against me and he is contesting again here in Saran. So, the challenge here is constant for me. Rohini Acharya is a candidate for media but for me, Lalu Prasad Yadav is the candidate of RJD, and he is contesting this seat. IANS: Is it a sympathy factor for Rohini Acharya in Saran, especially after she donated a kidneys to her father? Rajiv Pratap Rudy: It is up to the media to decide whether sympathy remains with her or not. I firmly believe that sympathy is no ground. I donat know if sympathy transfers into politics. If you want to hide your face behind another person, and as your face is prominently draconian, the face of another person cannot survive. The people of Chapra (Saran) and Bihar know it. So, I donat think putting out another face (Rohini Acharya) would work for them on ground. Everyone knows who is behind the screen. Lalu Prasad Yadav is the candidate. IANS: What are your priorities if you win? Rajiv Pratap Rudy: Everything is smooth here in my constituency. Several ongoing projects are in progress. We have to pursue them in mission mode. We have a goal to complete existing projects and to bring new projects to the constituency. People know that the policies and projects announced by the Central government were first implemented in the constituency of Rajiv Pratap Rudy in Bihar. It is not a new process for me. I have been doing it for years. IANS: Do you believe the 'Paltimar' image of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may hurt BJP in Bihar? Rajiv Pratap Rudy: There is no such discussion or reference I have heard of about CM Nitish Kumar. He is treated as a good human being in Bihar. There are no corruption charges levelled against him. IANS: INDIA bloc is getting stronger in Bihar after the addition of Mukesh Sahani. Rajiv Pratap Rudy: It is a battle between PM Narendra Modi and INDIA in this election. The campaign of Lok Sabha election 2024 is pivoted around PM Narendra Modi. Other things do not matter here. Saran Lok Sabha constituency came into existence in 2008 after delimitation. The first Lok Sabha election in Saran took place in 2009 when RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav defeated Rajiv Pratap Rudy by 51815 votes. In 2014, Rudy defeated former Chief Minister Rabri Devi by 40,948 votes. In 2019, he contested against Chandrika Rai and won by 1,38,438 votes. Chandrika Rai was the father-in-law of Tej Pratap Yadav. Bhopal, April 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- the star campaigner of the ruling BJP, will kick-start the party's campaign for Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh, by addressing his first public rally in Jabalpur, subsequent to a roadshow in the city later on Sunday evening. More than 3000 policemen under the supervision of over a dozen IPS officers have been deployed at the roadshow venue PM Modi will participate to seek support from voters for BJPas debutant Lok Sabha candidate from Jabalpur, Ashish Dube. Security has been strengthened hours before the PMas visit as a 15 km surrounding area from the roadshow venue has been declared no-fly zone till 8 p.m. on Sunday. One km long stretch earmarked for the roadshow has been decorated with lights and flowers. Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, who is also in charge of the Mahakaushal Lok Sabha cluster in Madhya Pradesh, along with his cabinet colleague and four-time MP from Jabalpur, Rakesh Singh, distributed aakshata (grain of rice mixed with turmeric and flowers) to the locals and invited them to welcome PM Modi at their doorstep. Three of the six Lok Sabha constituencies of Madhya Pradesh to be polled on April 19 are from the Mahakaushal cluster -- Chhindwara, Jabalpur, Balaghat, Shahdol, Sidhi and Mandla. PWD minister Rakesh Singh, who took over Jabalpur Lok Sabha constituency from BJPas stalwart and former MP Jayashree Banerjee in 2004, won four consecutive elections maintaining the partyas victory trail in Jabalpur since 1996. Banerjee, an old alumni of Allahabad University and Jana Sangh-era politician, is the mother-in-law of BJP President JP Nadda. Rakesh Singh defeated senior lawyer and Congressa Rajya Sabha MP, Vivek Tankha twice in 2014 and 2019. He also headed the MP BJP unit during the state assembly elections in 2018. This time the BJP has made Ashish Dube its candidate against Congressa Dinesh Yadav. Los Angeles, April 7 : Chrissy Teigen has shared more glimpses from her family's trip to Thailand, giving her followers a chance to experience Thailand vicariously through her posts. The wife of the Grammy-winning musician John Legend, who is also an author and model, showed off her and her kids' traditional Thai looks on her Instagram stories, as they prepared to spend some more time visiting her extended family, reports aPeoplea magazine. In one video, Teigen, who is half Thai, took a selfie wearing an embellished pink and purple dress with lots of gold bling on top. As per aPeoplea, she tagged her makeup artist, Punpawee Somporn, who oversaw her elegant, glowing glam look. Teigen also wore a golden headpiece over her slicked-back hairstyle, adorned in jewels of all different colours, as well as a gold arm band. Meanwhile, Teigen's five-year-old son, Miles, sported a boys' traditional formal outfit featuring a white collared shirt, shiny purple pants, a pink sash around his waist and a gold chain across one of his shoulders. The family's eldest daughter Luna, 7, also dressed up for the occasion, wearing a sparkly pale pink top and sash, which was embroidered with beads and jewels, as well as a long blue silk skirt. Luna finished her look with a top knot bun, a small golden hairpiece and matching pink pearl earrings and bracelets. Teigen, her four kids and her husband, John Legend, have been spending time in Thailand visiting her mom, Vilailuck "Pepper" Teigen, who moved back to her childhood hometown of Korat in January. New Delhi, April 7 : Challenging Brazil's court order to block certain popular X accounts, tech billionaire Elon Musk has said that he will lift all the restrictions even if they have to close their office in the country. This move comes after X Corp has been forced by court decisions to block certain popular accounts in Brazil. "We do not know the reasons these blocking orders have been issued. We do not know which posts are alleged to violate the law," X wrote in a post. "We are prohibited from saying which court or judge issued the order, or on what grounds. We are prohibited from saying which accounts are impacted," it added. Responding to such restrictions put by the Brazilian court, Musk said, "Why are you doing this @alexandre (Alexandre de Moraes, Justice of Brazil's Federal Supreme Court)? Later, in another post, the tech billionaire said, "We are lifting all restrictions. This judge has applied massive fines, threatened to arrest our employees and cut off access to X in Brazil". "As a result, we will probably lose all revenue in Brazil and have to shut down our office there. But principles matter more than profit," he added. Meanwhile, X has activated the Community Notes feature -- a user-based fact-checking programme -- in India, as the country prepares for general elections. Musk-owned social media platform also welcomed new contributors in India for its community notes feature. Hyderabad, April 7 : A police constable was killed after a suspected gun misfire in the old city of Hyderabad on Sunday. Baleshwar (52) was found dead while on duty near Kabutar Khana under the limits of Hussaini Alam Police Station. Two rounds were fired from the constable's gun. The police were investigating if it was a case of misfire or he died by suicide. Police shifted the body to Osmania General Hospital for autopsy. Belonging to the 1995 batch, the police employee hailed from Atchampet in Nagarkurnool district of Telangana. A case has been registered and an investigation is on. New Delhi, April 7 : More than 50 per cent of people remained Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)-free for up to nine years who received the oral spray-based vaccine 'MV140', a new study has said. According to the study published in the journal European Association of Urology, the MV140 vaccine is a potential alternative to antibiotic treatments. About 54 per cent of study participants remained UTI-free for nine years after the vaccine, with no notable side effects reported. "UTIs are the most common bacterial infection. They are experienced by half of all women and one in five men and can be painful and uncomfortable. Recurrent infections, needing short-term antibiotic treatment, develop in between 20 to 30 per cent of cases," the study mentioned. This study, conducted by specialists at the UK's Royal Berkshire Hospital, examined the safety and efficacy of the MV140 vaccine in 89 patients. "Nine years after first receiving this new UTI vaccine, around half of participants remained infection-free. Overall, this vaccine is safe in the long term and our participants reported having fewer UTIs that were less severe," said Dr Bob Yang, Consultant Urologist at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, who co-led the study. MV140 vaccine was administered with two sprays of a pineapple-flavoured suspension under the tongue every day for three months in patients. Developed by the Spain-based pharmaceutical company Immunotek, MV140 contains four bacterial species in a suspension with water. It is available off-license in 26 countries. In the research, 48 participants remained entirely infection-free during the nine-year follow-up. The average infection-free period across the cohort was 54.7 months (four and a half years) -- 56.7 months for women and 44.3 months, one year less, for men. 40 per cent of participants reported having repeat doses of the vaccine after one or two years, the study noted. "This follow-up study reveals encouraging data about the long-term safety and effectiveness of the MV140 vaccine," said Gernot Bonkat, Professor at the Alta Uro Medical Centre for Urology in Switzerland. Mumbai, April 7 : Filmmaking as well as other aspects of the business have come a long way over the years. From nitrate-based film prints, which could easily catch fire, to 'safety film positives', to now using no film at all -- it is, after all, the digital era. Films are shot on digital cameras, transferred on discs and that is how they reach for projection in cinemas. Digital cameras did away with a lot of peripheral needs and expenses. For starters, they did away with editing rooms where a rush print of a film was edited on a table (literally), frame by frame. It can now be done on the spot when you are shooting. The advantage is that you have a small screen that is attached to the camera and this enables you to see what you are shooting and how it will be seen on a cinema screen. The biggest money-saving benefit, however, is that you save lakhs on the negatives that used to be needed for shoots and the 'positive film' required for release prints. These films were all imported, controlled by the authorities and often in short supply. The bigger the film, the bigger the order for release prints, and then, the film processing labs took time. The release of a film involved transporting these print reels filled in a tin trunk from Mumbai to various film distribution capitals of the country. Mumbai is where all filmmaking activities took place. It was also the home of about half-a-dozen film processing labs, such as Filmcentre, Bombay Lab, Ramnord Lab, Adlabs, and so on. All of them are now out of business and have monetised their prime real estate. If filmmaking has moved to the digital medium, ancillary activities are bound to follow in the same direction. Film promotions especially have gone digital. Before we get into this aspect of the film business, it is important to know how a film used to be advertised in the past decades. They were advertised and not promoted as it happens now. There were no lies and deceptions, which seems to be a normal way of doing things today. For any advertising that would take place, the original material was used. A trailer, in other words, was made from the original footage shot for the film. The films were advertised through paper posters pasted all over a city and in railway stations. And of course, there used to be photosets and show cards to be displayed on cinema windows, both facing the road outside and inside the premises. This publicity material worked wonders. People stopped and gaped at street posters and at cinema windows. That is how they decided if a film was worth watching or not. Of course, the trailers of yet-to-release films scored the most maximum points. For that, though, one had to watch the film preceding the next attraction. It was all a set routine and very simple. You could arouse enough curiosity even with street publicity. There was this 1962 film whose makers pasted posters all over with its title in abbreviation, namely, M.S.K.C. So, one waited eagerly for the makers to reveal the title. It was 'Main Shaadi Karne Chala'. Then there was the stalwart filmmaker Gulshan Rai, a film distributor, who was launching his own film production company. Wall and kiosk posters came up asking for a suitable name for the company. Depicting the pictures of three gods -- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh -- the posters appealed to the people to suggest an appropriate name for the production company! The company was eventually named Trimurti Films in keeping with the gods depicted on the posters and it went on to make iconic films such as 'Johny Mera Naam', 'Joshila', 'Deewaar', 'Trishul', 'Vidhaata', and so on. The way films were advertised was all about catching eyeballs and rousing public interest in those days when promotional avenues were limited to publicity on the streets and cinema windows. As the big corporate players got into filmmaking, the business went all-India instead of being organised circuit-wise. The makers needed to use media that served the purpose of promoting a film across India at the same time. Film promotions therefore moved to television and print. Responding to the shift, TV channels introduced dedicated slots for film promos and the print media came up with what began to be called 'Advertorial Supplements'. There was also a time when a film's promotion was conducted through popular television shows when the star cast of a film invaded the sets of a serial pretending to be part of the show and appealing to the viewers to watch their film. Both carried a price tag and were vastly used for a time. But to little effect. Then the films went digital. The first film to be shot in the digital format was Alt Balaji's LSD (Love Sex Dhokha) in 2010. In keeping with time the promotion activities also moved to the digital media. It started with the creation of groups on chat sites, which were in vogue in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The unfavourable reviews were subjected to foul-mouthed dissing. By 2005 or so, YouTube made its entry and Disney used the medium for the first time to promote a film. That started the trend. It is now being used extensively to promote songs and film trailers to good effect. If the promotions had to be moved to wider platforms, they had to go to social media. Facebook, Twitter (now X) and Instagram became the favourite media. There, too, the same policy was adopted as in the 'Advertorial Supplements' of the past. You paid certain guys who had film trade credentials and they said only nice things, starting from your film trailer to the film itself and the box- office figures. Instead of paying the television and print media, you were now paying this breed called influencers to say good things about your film. Street poster publicity is out, so are cinema window displays and so is the practice of buying newspaper reviews. Some sensible minds started thinking social media needed to be used better, and more creatively. You cannot have the same paid trade experts selling their souls and be trusted by netizens anymore. Lately, filmmakers have decided to get more innovative. The influencers have lost credibility and their paid positive posts are subjected to abuse! Now, the trend is to create memes related to the film that are then passed on to the handles of influencers such as RVCJ, Ghanta Media, Viral Bhayani, Voompla, and so on, who have followers in millions. That is where the buzz about a film gathers momentum and spreads on social media. The idea, for you can't expect regular social media user to take to regular memes, is to create curiosity and make a film a subject of discussion. Recently, when the promo of 'LSD2' was launched on social media, it carried a 100-second video where the film's director, Dibakar Banerjee, issued a 'warning' that the film carries some scenes that may hurt the sensitivities of certain people, for the film has been made on the same lines as its previous version, 'LSD'. The director also warns those under the age of 18 to avoid watching the promo! Now, Dharma Productions has come up with a similar warning for the teaser of their forthcoming film, 'Kill'. A poster has been put up on social media that reads: "The film contains violent content that may be intense and disturbing for some viewers." It adds: "Viewer Discretion is advised." No, the filmmakers have no intention to opt for self-censorship. This is just another ploy to get a film to be talked about. New Delhi, April 7 : The National Centre for the Performing Arts, Mumbai present the first-ever professional production of Love and Information, in collaboration with an award-winning director Mohit Takalkar. Written in 2012 by celebrated British playwright Caryl Churchill, Love & Information is a creative and experimental presentation that delves into the contemporary lives of the present society through an unconventional yet immersive theatrical experience. New Delhi, April 7 (IANSlife) The National Centre for the Performing Arts, Mumbai present the first-ever professional production of Love and Information, in collaboration with an award-winning director Mohit Takalkar. Written in 2012 by celebrated British playwright Caryl Churchill, Love & Information is a creative and experimental presentation that delves into the contemporary lives of the present society through an unconventional yet immersive theatrical experience. The play is set to invite the audience to the Experimental Theatre from April 25 - 29. Written as a series of over 50 disparate scenes divided into seven sections, the play is an exercise in reimagining the medium. The disruptive format of the script provides no stage directions, no character attributions and no notes for performance. Additionally, the play follows a non-linear narrative and is devoid of central characters, emphasizing the cumulative impact of diverse, brief scenes ranging from seconds to minutes. The scenes are of varying lengths and the structure allows for the viewer to narrow in on a world oversaturated with information. The vignettes mirror the rapid pace of channel-hopping or scrolling through social media, highlighting potential implications for relationships in an era dominated by instant gratification and short attention spans. The play doesn't limit itself to its technical uniqueness but also promises to challenge the audience by addressing a wide range of subjects covered from mental illness to privacy erosion to memory atrophy that cloud modern-day lifestyles. Speaking about the first-ever professional production of Love and Information, Bruce Guthrie, Head, of Theatre and Films, NCPA, expressed, "The NCPA is delighted to welcome Mohit Takalkar to direct Love & Information by Carol Churchill. She is a true trailblazing playwright in every sense of the word and is known as something of a disruptor of English theatre. She rarely, if ever, talks about her work, where the inspiration comes from and why she does what she does. She constantly reinvents her style as a playwright and explores what more theatre can be. It is a matter of pride and joy to pull off this combination of two extraordinary artistes writer and director to realise this quite extraordinary play. We hope that the audience will come with a curious mind and an open heart as we continue to create theatre that challenges and inspires." The ensemble cast comprises Ashish Mehta, Dusha Madhav, Kashish Saluja, Lovleen Misra, Mahesh Saini, Mallika Singh Hanspal, Mrinmayee Godbole, Prajesh Kashyap, Rachel D'souza, Rytasha Rathore, Siddhesh Dhuri, who will be performing around 50 scenes in rotation. Love and Information most definitely promises to be a must-attend theatrical show this summer. IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in Kolkata, April 7 : After the attack on the NIA sleuths at Bhupatinagar in West Bengal's East Midnapore district, a counter FIR has been filed by the family of one of the two arrested men, alleging molestation by officials, said police on Sunday. The two are local Trinamool Congress leaders who were arrested in connection with a blast that took place on December 22 last year in which three persons were killed. When contacted by IANS, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Contai, Dibakar Das, under whose jurisdiction Bhupatinagar comes, confirmed the development. He said that on Saturday night a counter FIR was registered by the family members of one of the two arrested Trinamool Congress leaders at the local police station against the NIA sleuths accusing the latter of molestation of women. "The FIR was registered by the family members of Monobrata Jana, one of the two arrested by NIA on Saturday. The FIR was registered under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code," Das confirmed. Section 354 (punishment for outrage of modesty of women) of the IPC is a non-bailable offence. Now the cops of Bhupatinagar police station have started two parallel investigations -- the first being based on the complaint filed by NIA on the event of the attack on their sleuths and the second is against the central agency sleuths based on the complaint of alleged molestation. Interestingly, almost 24 hours have passed since NIA registered its FIR at the local police station on the attack on their sleuths; the local cops have not been able to arrest a single person. The development becomes significant on two counts. First, the counter FIR against NIA was filed after the allegations were made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself on Saturday afternoon. She accused the NIA sleuths of harassing the local women at Bhupatinagar. "Women did not attack anyone in Bhupatinagar. The NIA attacked first. If they go to a residence at odd hours and harass the women, what will they do? Will they sit at home and cover their faces?" the Chief Minister asked while addressing an election rally at Balurghat in South Dinajpur district on Saturday. The second point of significance is that the counter FIR against the NIA sleuths is exactly a repeat show of the ruling party's stance after the January 5 attack on ED and CAPF personnel at Sandeshkhali. In that case, also a counter FIR was registered at the local police by an employee of Sheikh Shahjahan where ED sleuths were accused of making an unauthorised entry attempt at the residence of the now-suspended ruling party leader Sheikh Shahjahan. New Delhi: Heavy police deployment outside the Holy Family Hospital where protesters were admitted after they sustained injuries during clashes with police during a demonstration over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019 near Jamia Millia Islamia. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, April 7 : For Lok Sabha polling, when precisely 1.47 crore eligible voters will exercise their franchise, there will be an extra deployment of two Head Constables and half a section of Central para-military forces at each of the critical premises in addition to the normal deployment, Delhi Police sources said on Sunday. For the poll process to pass smoothly, the cops have also begun preparations and are taking preventive action against liquor, drugs and arms mafias in every district. Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Delhi Police sources told IANS that they have forwarded a list of various polling stations to the Election Commission. "The city is expected to accommodate around 13,500 polling booths, likely distributed across 2,700 locations throughout Delhi," said the source. After gathering data from different police districts, IANS discovered that the New Delhi district has the fewest critical polling booths, numbering less than five. In contrast, the southeast district has identified 53 critical polling stations. Both Shahdara and northwest districts have submitted lists of 146 critical booths each. Additionally, around 38 critical booths are anticipated in the outernorth district. In the northeast district, which experienced violent communal clashes shortly after the last general elections, there are approximately 255 polling stations, with 55 falling under the critical category. In Dwarka district, where about 1,200 polling booths are expected to be set up across 250 premises, over 50 have been marked as critical. It's important to note that these figures are provisional and have been forwarded to the Returning Officer of each respective district for final decision-making. Agra, April 7 : Authorities in Agra are on high alert as the supply of water from Ganga through the crucial 140 km pipeline from a canal in Palda, in Bulandshahr district, faces an abrupt disruption. This disruption has raised alarm about an impending water crisis in the city this summer. Fortunately, authorities have decided to postpone the total shutdown of the supply for technical reasons until after the festivals of Eid and Ramnavmi. Despite the reprieve, fundamental issues persist ahead of Lok Sabha polls, particularly regarding the state of the Yamuna. As temperatures soar, Agra's two million residents are gearing up for the struggle for water, as it happens each summer. The demand rises and the supply fails to meet the increasing requirement, primarily due to the neglect of Yamuna. The pipeline from Palda, which supplies approximately 140 cusecs of water, falls short of meeting the demand, putting immense pressure on the city's waterworks during summer. President of Agra Civil Society, Anil Sharma said: "Apart from the sorry state of river Yamuna, one reason responsible for the current crisis is the disappearance of water bodies. A quarter century ago, there were more than 500 community ponds in the district, but now only around a hundred are left. The rest have been gobbled up by land sharks, but the state government has not shown any concern." As the mercury soars, long queues at hand pumps and residents waiting for municipal water tankers become common. Frustration mounts among locals, who criticise elected representatives for their failure to address the persistent water shortages. It is not even mid-April and the temperature is currently hovering around 40 degrees Celsius. Parents of school-going children have urged the district administration to change school timings and opt for an early summer vacation. Activists of River Connect Campaign allege that despite promises made by political leaders from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the barrage on Yamuna, downstream of Taj Mahal, remains a dream. "They could have spent time and money to clean up the river through dredging and desilting to increase the water-holding capacity of the Yamuna during the monsoon months," said Devashish Bhattacharya, a river activist. Despite improved water quality and quantity till March, rising temperatures have once again left the river dry and polluted. There is hardly any water left for Agra because all of it is being used by the cities upstream. The river's minimum flow has also been impacted. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh has been petitioned by activists to use MGNREGA funds to actively clean up community ponds and waterways. Meanwhile, a new initiative of the state government will help store millions of cubic metres of Monsoon rainwater, which is currently getting wasted every year. The state Irrigation Department has taken the initiative to build a dam on river Utangan. Utangan flows from the Aravalli range in neighbouring Rajasthan's Karauli district. It meanders its way, connecting several tehsils of Agra district before joining Yamuna in the Bah tehsil. Utangan is basically a monsoon-fed seasonal stream, but the backflow from Yamuna during the rainy season floods the low-lying areas. "This is a huge quantity, some 600 crore cubic litres is enough to take care of the needs of Agra's vast hinterland if a dam was built in Rihavali village," according to river activist Rajiv Saxena, who has been spearheading a campaign to save water bodies in the region. Anil Sharma added: "For the past two years, we have been meeting officials, politicians, and everyone who could understand the gravity of water shortage in the area and its solution. Finally, our District Panchayat Chairperson Manju Bhadoria took the initiative and interacted with UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on December 25. The process is set in motion. The survey by the Irrigation Department would be completed within a week, then a DPR would be prepared. We are hopeful the work will begin soon, perhaps before Monsoon." With the Yamuna in dire straits due to pollution and water shortage, there is a need for rejuvenating half a dozen seasonal tributaries of the river in Agra. If the smaller rivers are cleaned, dredged, and desilted, they could hold back a huge quantity of rainwater, along with the backflow from Yamuna during the monsoon season. Agartala, April 7 : Union minister Pratima Bhoumik on Sunday asserted that BJP is fighting the Lok Sabha elections focussing 'Modi Guarantee' alone and said that her party has just shown a trailer of development and would provide the quantum leap in the coming days. Bhoumik (Tripura West LS seat) who along with teacher-turned-politician Rebati Tripura (Tripura East LS seat) was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 2019, said that 'Modi Ji' is our only candidate in all parliamentary constituencies across the country and all the BJP candidates are contesting the elections only projecting the Prime Minister and his developmental mission, vision and success. Both Bhoumik and Rebati Tripura have been dropped this time, as the party has fielded Kriti Singh Debbarma and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb from Tripura East and Tripura West seats, respectively. The 55-year-old social worker-turned-politician Bhoumik also successfully contested from the Dhanpur constituency in the 2023 assembly polls but resigned later on the advice of the party and remained a Lok Sabha member. While talking to the media on Sunday, Bhoumik said that the Modi government is working on ushering in next-generation technologies and capability enhancement in connectivity, communication, production along with encouraging entrepreneurship under startup initiatives, growing international relations and positioning India as a strong global power. Claiming that Narendra Modi would remain Prime Minister for the next decades, she said that around 40 flagship schemes and projects are making the country a new India since the BJP-led NDA government came to power at the Centre in 2014. Some of the schemes and projects she mentioned include, Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Awas Yojana, PM Gati Shakti and projects related to road, railway, air, waterway connectivities, high-speed internet and digitisation of services, pro-people policies, focus on setting up IITs, AIIMS and other elite institutions. Coming down heavily on the opposition CPI-M and Congress parties, the Union minister said that the two parties had been supporting each other before the Independence of India but actually did nothing for the growth of the nation and the welfare of Indians. She said that Congress is diminishing due to communists and added that they (communists) destroyed our traditional culture. "If the country ran with the ideologies of the communists, we would have been riding bullock carts. Modiji changed everything and took the country forward in all sectors." Recounting her experience as a Lok Sabha member for five years, she said that our leaders asked us to freely mix with the opposition MPs and to exchange thoughts and experiences. She also said many opposition leaders and elected members are keen to join BJP but the party (BJP) is not accepting them at once. Noting that India is fast progressing towards solving its unemployment issues, the Union minister said that an innovative plan has been undertaken to start manufacturing semiconductors, which is a necessity in all modern technological devices, in Gujarat and Assam. Rubbishing opposition allegations on rising unemployment, she said that 1.25 lakh startups are now active in the country and added that even if a hundred people are employed at each of these startup ventures, it would mean huge employment opportunities. In terms of educational institutions, India had 387 medical colleges till 2014 but the country now has over 700 such institutions, Bhoumik said, adding that Tripura got one of the highest benefits of the Centre's 'Act East Policy' among northeastern states. Many campuses of national-level higher education institutions have been set up in Tripura and these include the National Law University campus, Sanskrit University, National Forensic Science University, IIIT, PM Shri School, and Vidyajyoti schools. She also said that a host of India-Bangladesh connectivity projects like the Agartala-Akhaura (Bangladesh) railway projects and 'Maitri Setu', which connects India's southern Tripura with Bangladesh, would be a huge game changer for the northeastern region. Lucknow, April 7 : The familiar sound of 'Jitega bhai jitega bhai' over the loudspeakers is missing in the state of Uttar Pradesh, which sends the highest number of MPs to the parliament, this time. There is no colour visible on the ground and even posters and hoardings are nowhere to be seen. Even the messages on the mobile phones are hard to come by. It is only the television that keeps up the momentum with speeches and debates. Electioneering in Uttar Pradesh this time around is unusually quiet and subdued. In fact, it does not seem like election time at all. Campaign in the largest state of the country, in the true sense of the term, is yet to begin. While the BJP is focussing on the national campaign and is going ahead full steam, opposition parties are keeping a low profile with most of their candidates not yet declared. Slogans, once the mainstay of campaigning, are also conspicuous by their absence. "The BJP has one slogan 'Abki baar 400 paar' and every candidate is banking on it. No candidate has coined a slogan for himself because he wants to ride high on the Modi wave. The slogan is catchy and has already caught on," said a BJP candidate from central UP. The Congress slogan 'Ab Hoga Nyay' has failed to catch the fancy of the people. "It does not convey exactly what the Congress wants to say. The slogan should be short and catchy one that can say everything in a few words," said Ravish Mathur, a young psephologist. The SP and BSP have not yet found slogans of their choice for this season. The change in the style of campaigning has also done away with flags and posters. "People no longer get impressed or are swayed by posters and flags. The majority of them have already made up their mind. It is useless to waste one's money on such things. Earlier, people used to choose candidates but now people choose parties and candidates are just incidental," said a candidate. Most candidates are also using social media for campaigning in a very cautious way. For instance, much before the elections were announced, the SP candidate from Lucknow, Ravidas Mehrotra, put out his audio message via phone to the voters. However, he soon gave it up and no other candidate has followed this. A BSP candidate explained: "Social media is a double-edged sword and can be used against you. It is safer and better to establish a direct connection with the voters and convey your message," he said. Interestingly, almost all candidates are also shying away from giving interviews and taking media persons along on their campaigns. They claim that they have been asked by their party leaders to keep the media at a safe distance. S N Dixit, a retired political scientist from Allahabad explained the phenomenon saying that silence prevails when the candidates and the people know the outcome of the elections. "Almost everyone knows who the winner is. So no one is making a noise. The prospective winners are keeping quiet because they are confident of the outcome. The opposition too does not want an unnecessary effort because they also know the result," he said. Chennai, April 7 : MDMK founder and INDIA bloc leader Vaiko has said that the party is for the retrieval of Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka. The senior leader told media persons on Sunday at Tiruchi that he wants the island to be given back to Tamil Nadu. He said that his party's manifesto, aSloganeering for 24 Rightsa has pitched for the retrieval of the island. Katchatheevu issue came to the fore again after Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently accused then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of handing over the island to Sri Lanka in 1974. He slammed the DMK and the Congress over the island row, saying the ruling alliance parties of Tamil Nadu have done nothing to safeguard the stateas interests. MDMK, an alliance partner of Congress in the INDIA bloc, has often said that Congress had time and again 'betrayed' Tamil Nadu. In his manifesto released on Saturday, Vaiko said that his party was for shutting down the nuclear power plant at Koodankulam, and added that the MDMK wants the New Education Policy to be scrapped. He said that if his alliance assumed power at the Centre, his party would push for constitutional amendments to provide more powers to the state, and also said that he was for the abrogation of Article 361 which gives more powers to Governors. The senior leader also said that he would push for the repeal of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) if his alliance came to power at the Centre. He also said that his party was for removing all toll plazas and wanted to introduce Thirukkural across the country. Kolkata, April 7 : BJP's Barrackpore constituency candidate Arjun Singh, who is candid about his switching parties, is aiming to repeat victory in the Lok Sabha polls. Arjun Singh, who was Trinamool Congress legislator from Bhatpara Assembly constituency, one of the seven constituencies under Barrackpore Lok Sabha, joined the BJP before the 2019 polls and also successfully contested from Barrackpore. However, in 2022, when he re-joined the Trinamool Congress, his comeback period was not smooth as he faced tremendous opposition from a couple of local party legislators from his party. Probably keeping that infighting in mind, Trinamool Congress did not re-nominate Arjun Singh this time and instead fielded state Irrigation Minister Partha Bhowmik, who is also the legislator from Naihati, one of the seven assembly constituencies under Barrackpore Lok Sabha. Irked by the denial of re-nomination, Arjun Singh again went back to the BJP and also managed re-nomination. Arjun Singh is quite candid about the reasons that prompted him to go back to the BJP. "When I re-joined Trinamool Congress in 2022, I was promised re-nomination from Barrackpore. Then before the nomination, the ruling party leadership wanted me to field me from elsewhere. I denied it since Barrackpore is in my roots. Still I was hopeful. But ultimately when the party chose not to re-nominate me, I had no other option but to go back to BJP," Arjun Singh said. Partha Bhowmik is using this statement of Arjun Singh against him in his campaigns. "So frequent shift to political camps results in loss of credibility for any politician and the people of Barrackpore will make Arjun Singh realise that this time," he said. Arjun Singh's counter-argument is that such observations are not acceptable from a party like Trinamool Congress whose leadership is habitual in taking back turncoats. "There are so many examples of Trinamool Congress leaders joining the BJP before the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections and subsequently going back to the ruling party fold after the polls. Some of them going back to the ruling party even got elected as BJP legislators in the 2021 polls," Arjun Singh argued. Although Arjun Singh got elected in 2019 from Barrackpore, his winning margin was not that high which can be reverted considering the strong organisational base of Trinamool Congress at Barrackpore. In 2019, Arjun Singh defeated Trinamool Congress' Dinesh Trivedi by a margin of 14,857 votes, which political observers feel is not that big a margin that cannot be recovered especially in a highly volatile constituency like that of Barrackpore. Actor-turned-politician and CPI(M) candidate Debdut Ghosh is also in the poll fray. Debdut was the CPI(M) candidate from the Tollygunge Assembly constituency in Kolkata in the 2021 polls but was defeated. According to Ghosh, he is banking on absolutely free and fair polls under strict monitoring and the consolidation of the dedicated left vote bank in this erstwhile red bastion for a miracle. Barrackpore, once a thriving industrial belt in North 24 Pargans district because of the predominance of jute and engineering factories there, is currently considered the hub of closed and sick industries in the state. The constituency has a predominantly Hindi-speaking population. Barrackpore, with a voter strength of around 15 lakh, was traditionally a red bastion between 1989 and 2009, with the voters there electing CPI(M)'s Tarit Baran Topdar for six consecutive terms. The equation changed in 2009 with Trinamool Congress; Dinesh Trivedi getting elected defeating Topdar. Trivedi got re-elected in 2014 as well. However, the equation changed again in 2019, with Arjun Singh emerging victorious as a BJP candidate. Barackpore, an industrial hub in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, is expected to witness a three-cornered contest in the upcoming elections. Kolkata, April 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the attacks on the Central investigating agencies in West Bengal have become a regular affair. "Trinamool Congress is organising attacks on the central agency officials with an aim to protect the extortionists against whom the probe is being conducted," the Prime Minister said while addressing an election rally at Jalpaiguri. He said that the law & order situation in West Bengal has reached such a stage where often the courts have to take suo motu cognisance. "The entire country knows what has happened at Sandeshkhali recently. The situation in West Bengal has become such that often the court has to intervene in such matters," the Prime Minister said. Claiming that Trinamool Congress wants to grab money which is for the poor people, the Prime Minister said that under no circumstance he will allow such a thing to happen. "How can I allow this to happen? There will be more action against corruption in the state after the elections are over. To free the state from the clutches of corruption, what is required is to ensure that the deposits of the Trinamool Congress candidate are forfeited everywhere," he said. On Saturday, the NIA team was attacked by a group of local people in Bhupatinagar when they were returning after detaining two Trinamool Congress leaders Balai Charan Maity and Monobrata Jana. This was the second attack on the central investigating agency in three months in West Bengal. On January 5, ED and CAPF personnel were attacked by the locals in Sandeshkhali in which Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested Soon after Saturday's attack, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blamed NIA for the incident, saying that NIA had harassed the women in Bhupatinagar. Lucknow, April 7 : The Lucknow Police have sought power from the state government to remove encroachment and also confiscate goods of illegal street vendors in a bid to improve traffic flow. Joint Commissioner of Police (JCP), law and order, Upendra Kumar Agarwal, has written a letter to the police commissioner, SB Shirodkar, in this regard. The letter will be sent to the government through the DGP. At present, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) is authorised to remove such encroachments. The need for it arose after police cleared the encroachment outside the KGMU in Chowk but all the vendors returned. Agarwal said that police cannot remove street vendors, nor can they confiscate their goods, as per rules. "Under the Street Vendors Act-2014 and UP Street Vendors Rules 2017, the LMC has been given the right to issue licences and create vending zones. In case of violation, the rules clearly state that the corporation can evict any street vendor. It is clear from sections 20 and 21 that the police cannot remove the street vendors, nor can they confiscate their goods. In such a situation, it would be wrong to expect that the police will not allow such encroachments," he said. The JCP asked for details about this from the LMC, and it came to light that there are only 121 vending zones in the city and only 10,370 vendors have been given licences. "However, there are more than 1.5 lakh street vendors in Lucknow," said Agarwal. Agarwal has written in the letter that if street vendors are not controlled and regulated, then the traffic problem will be very serious in the future. Along with this, there will be a threat to the security system of Lucknow as well because their registration is not being done anywhere. Agarwal said that by amending the Act of the corporation, the police should also be given the right to remove encroachment and take action. by Ashutosh Jogalekar During a wartime visit to England in early 1943, John von Neumann wrote a letter to his fellow mathematician Oswald Veblen at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, saying: I think I have learned a great deal of experimental physics here, particularly of the gas dynamical variety, and that I shall return a better and impurer man. I have also developed an obscene interest in computational techniques This seemingly mundane communication was to foreshadow a decisive effect on the development of two overwhelmingly important aspects of 20th and 21st century technology the development of computing and the development of nuclear weapons. Johnny von Neumann was the multifaceted intellectual diamond of the 20th century. He contributed so many seminal ideas to so many fields so quickly that it would be impossible for any one person to summarize, let alone understand them. He may have been the last universalist in mathematics, having almost complete command of both pure and applied mathematics. But he didnt stop there. After making fundamental contributions to operator algebra, set theory and the foundations of mathematics, he revolutionized at least two different and disparate fields economics and computer science and made contributions to a dozen others, each of which would have been important enough to enshrine his name in scientific history. But at the end of his relatively short life which was cut down cruelly by cancer, von Neumann had acquired another identity that of an American patriot who had done more than almost anyone else to make sure that his country was well-defended and ahead of the Soviet Union in the rapidly heating Cold War. Like most other contributions of this sort, this one had a distinctly Faustian gleam to it, bringing both glory and woe to humanitys experiments in self-elevation and self-destruction. The origins of Johnnys far-reaching accomplishments lay in the Manhattan Project. But this fact alone is curious: Von Neumann was never part of the regular cast of characters at Los Alamos which included Robert Oppenheimer, Hans Bethe, Edward Teller, Richard Feynman, Enrico Fermi and other world-renowned scientists; he features as a relatively minor player in most standard histories of the project. He visited as a consultant a few times a year. And yet in some sense, his contribution equalled or even exceeded in the long-term the contributions made by his fellow scientists. This discrepancy between his role in the Manhattan Project and the importance of his work speaks to both his awesome intellect and, more interestingly, to a core element in the history and philosophy of science in which ideas and technologies unexpectedly intersect and piggyback on each other. To understand this more fully, its important to understand von Neumanns origins. From Budapest to Los Alamos via Princeton Von Neumann was the quintessential product of turn-of-the-century Jewish affluence and intellectual achievement in the Austro-Hungarian empire. Born in 1903 to a wealthy banker and his wife in Budapest, Johnny was one of historys great child prodigies, speaking half a dozen languages and learning calculus by the time he was barely past the first decade of his life. He had an amazing photographic memory and an intense interest in history that stayed with him all his life and dazzled his friends and colleagues; as the story goes, by the time he was eight he had read and annotated all forty-three volumes of a comprehensive world history written by the German historian Wilhelm Oncken, and he used to stun his parents friends by reciting entire pages from the phone directory as a child. As he grew up he collected around himself some of the great Hungarian minds of the 20th century Eugene Wigner, Leo Szilard, Edward Teller. Later all of them became emigres to the United States, and their superior intelligence led others to joke that they were Martians who had learnt to perfectly mimic human beings. Toward the end of his life, Eugene Wigner who won a Nobel Prize for his work on nuclear structure was asked why a tiny country like Hungary produced so many scientific geniuses. Wigner said that Hungary had produced only one genius Johnny von Neumann. After getting two degrees in Zurich and Budapest, one in mathematics and one in chemical engineering the latter to to please his father who, like many Jewish fathers, worried that his son might not be able to get a job in spite of his great intellect but due to his Jewish background von Neumann became an assistant to David Hilbert, one of the 20th centurys greatest mathematicians. While his early forays were in set theory and operator algebra, in a short time he left a blazing trail of contributions whose depth and breadth would be unequalled in the annals of 20th century mathematics and science. By his 30th birthday, he had solved Hilberts fifth problem for compact groups, proved the mean ergodic theorem, provided a mathematical foundation for quantum mechanics, proved the minimax theorem, started laying the foundation for game theory in economics and done important work in the foundations of mathematics. He had already become acutely prescient about the deteriorating political situation in Europe. After Hitler became chancellor of Germany in 1933, Johnny started making trips to the United States where he had been invited to lecture at the Institute for Advanced Study. The institute had been set up as a kind of pure thinkers heaven by the renowned educator Abraham Flexner, and there were few fields more suited to pure thought than mathematics, philosophy and theoretical physics. Flexner went to great lengths to snag the greatest fish of them all Albert Einstein. By 1933 Einstein had already been the target of virulent anti-Semitic attacks and was looking for a new home. After visiting a few universities in the United States and England, Flexner lured him to Princeton with the promise of a very generous salary and complete freedom to explore his interests without any administrative or teaching responsibilities. But even by 1933, when Einstein was fifty-four, the twenty-nine-year-old von Neumann was considered important enough to be made one of the first professors at the institute, along with Einstein, Hermann Weyl and Oswald Veblen, a mathematician who was as adept at hacking away at the brush in the Princeton woods as he was at problems in geometry and topology. Veblen was to become an important mentor to Johnny. When the institutes plans to hire Weyl fell through, Johnny was hired as a permanent faculty member. Ever since he moved to the United States, Johnny showed a great love for his adopted country. His home was the scene of weekly raucous parties, and he loved fast cars, expensive suits and hobnobbing with the rich and famous. His friend Eugene Wigner who had shipped from Hungary as a joint appointment with von Neumann recalled how Johnny was refreshed by the new world and by the youthful enthusiasm he saw there which rejected the reactionary and orthodox ideas of old world Europe, a motivation not uncommon among American emigres. As Europe crumbled in the face of fascism in the next few years, Johnny was joined by European scientists like Bethe, Fermi and Weisskopf who became household names, started great schools of science and catapulted America into the front ranks of science and technology, a position that it continues to hold in no small part due to such immigrants. Because of his intense interest and background in history, Johnny could already see in 1935 that there would be some kind of war between Germany and other countries. By 1937 he had started expressing interest in the more applied parts of mathematics. His work on the minimax theorem and the foundations of quantum mechanics was already dazzling, especially for a pure mathematician, and in Princeton he had struck up a friendship with another Austrian emigre, the economist Oskar Morgenstern. During the next few years he would embark on the writing The Theory of Games and Economic Behavior with Morgenstern which is now considered the foundation of game theory. What accounted for Johnnys forays into applied mathematics and away from pure mathematics? One reason was certainly his capacious mind that roamed over diverse domains out of sheer burning intellectual curiosity, but I also personally feel that it was partly a disillusionment with the foundations of mathematics, a disillusionment that was made acutely clear by the work of his friend and institute colleague Kurt Godel who in 1932 had struck a blow at the foundations of mathematics through his famous incompleteness theorems. Johnny had extended Godels first theorem in short order, only to find that Godel had already gotten there. Later he did what he could to ensure Godels appointment at the institute; the two friends now lie only a few feet from each other. Godels work might have convinced Johnny that making deep contributions to pure mathematics was perhaps not his forte. Fortunately for him, the escalating situation in Europe brought a new opportunity that would make full use of his intellectual powers. Shaped charges and the Aberdeen Proving Ground In 1888, an American chemist working for the navy named Charles Munroe discovered something quite wonderful and intriguing. Monroe found that when he detonated a block of explosive with the companys name engraved on it with raised letters near a metal plate, the raised letters somehow got transferred into the metal plate. What was happening was that the explosive blast from the block took the shape of the letters and stayed that way for some time. Later Munroe demonstrated this effect even more convincingly with a metal safe. As he described it in a 1900 Popular Science article, Among the experiments made was one upon a safe twenty-nine inches cube, with walls four inches and three quarters thick, made up of plates of iron and steel When a hollow charge of dynamite nine pounds and a half in weight and untamped was detonated on it, a hole three inches in diameter was blown clear through the wall The hollow cartridge was made by tying the sticks of dynamite around a tin can, the open mouth of the latter being placed downward. Thus was born the principle of the Munroe Effect and the shaped charge, a phenomenon which still has a little bit of a whiff of magic to it. The shaped charge essentially enables a precisely geometrically-shaped explosive to ephemerally create a small pocket of air that is packed with deadly force hell in a puff of air. When this puff hits a target, even a metal safe cannot help but be cast in its shadow. Shaped charges soon started seeing use in many peaceful applications of explosives to create controlled, precisely shaped, powerful cavities in materials like rocks and metals. By the time the 1930s came along, scientists in many countries had gotten interested in them. A particularly important contribution was made by R. W. Wood, a Johns Hopkins physicist whose initial interest stemmed from morbid accidental deaths by shaped charges. An illuminating history of shaped charges tells the story of how the technology gradually percolated from America to Britain and back to America. But there was an ominous detour in Germany. An Austrian physicist named Rudolf Thomanek had become interested in the British and American work and was trying to develop an anti-tank gun. By 1932, he had become convinced that the Austrian authorities were halfwits who were uninterested why not try to sell the concept to the much more enthusiastic German authorities? In fact, why not go straight to the top? By the end of 1935, Thomanek had pulled enough strings to find himself presenting the idea to an audience consisting of Hitler, Himmler, Goering and the General Staff of the Third Reichs armed forces. Contrary to his later, well-deserved image as a strategist who routinely came up with unworkable and outlandish schemes, Hitler was extremely detail-oriented and well-versed when it came to weaponry. Thomanek had put a dented plate on Hitlers desk. I am in a hurry and will express my opinion immediately, Hitler said. This proposal could be the solution I have always wanted to give the individual soldier a weapon to defeat tanks. Maybe the same principle could be used in bombs and torpedoes. The Fuhrer had grasped the significance of the new idea immediately. So did scientists, engineers and politicians in Britain, the Soviet Union and the United States. In the United States the shaped charge saw incarnation as the fabled anti-tank weapon the Bazooka, a weapon whose detailed workings were kept secret until 1945 when the core principle was revealed by a reprint of Munroes 1900 Popular Science article. The point of this slight digression is to indicate that by 1937, shaped charges were a well-studied form of anti-tank weaponry. They were also ideally suited to von Neumanns particular skill set, and it was at the Aberdeen Proving Ground that they found fertile landfall. The Aberdeen Proving ground in Maryland had been set up during World War 1 for ballistics research. Ballistics research was a clear priority for any army utilizing artillery. The main area of research for ballistics specialists was firing tables that indicated the velocity and the angle at which to fire a projectile to hit both stationary and moving targets. In 1918, Oswald Veblen had been hired to oversee scientific work at the site, and among others had recruited von Neumanns fellow mathematical prodigy Norbert Wiener to work with him. By the late 1930s, Aberdeen was in a good position to contribute to the war effort and Veblen invited von Neumann to join him. The newly naturalized Johnny was eager enough that he applied to take an exam as a lieutenant in the army reserve in 1939. Amusingly, even though he passed the exam, he was turned down because of an age cutoff. Senator William Smathers from New Jersey expressed his perplexed reaction to FDRs Secretary of War, Harry Woodring: Mr. von Neumann is internationally known as a mathematician, and I cannot understand how a man with so much potential value to the American armed forces should be turned down for a technicality. The reason Smathers and Veblen considered Johnny so valuable to a potential war effort was simple. Although von Neumann had no training in war-related work, his singular skill as a universalist mathematician would be invaluable in analyzing the nonlinear phenomena involved in shaped charge detonation. Crudely speaking, nonlinear phenomena deal with cases in which a given stimulus produces a disproportionate response. Most complex phenomena in the real world of interest to scientists are nonlinear, and in that sense the name nonlinear is a misnomer: As von Neumanns best friend Stanislaw Ulam who had escaped Poland before the Nazis invaded it once said, Using a term like nonlinear science is like referring to the bulk of zoology as the study of non-elephant animals. Nonlinear phenomena required mathematical manipulation at the highest level because of the complexity of the equations which usually involved partial differential equations in multiple dimensions. Both the versatility and speed of von Neumanns mind made him an ideal candidate for analyzing these. As we will see later, Johnnys interest in nonlinear equations was to have an unexpected and revolutionary impact on modern technology. As the United States entered World War 2 after Pearl Harbor, most European emigre scientists wanted to do their part to help the war effort. Johnnys point of departure into what became his most important contribution arose from Hans Bethe and Edward Tellers work on shock waves. In 1941, Teller and Bethe had analyzed how the change in conditions around a shock wave, both in its front and back, can be analyzed in terms of characteristics like the mediums temperature, pressure etc. To a simplifying approximation, Teller and Bethe found that the conditions at the front of the developing wave can be represented accurately by knowing the conditions at the back of the wave. Johnny was aware of this work, and in May 1941 wrote a letter to Bethe in which he asked the physicist if he and Teller could extend their work to air at 25,000 degrees centigrade. The scientists were finding out, interestingly, that the so-called equations of state for materials that relate pressure, temperature and density to each other were actually simplified at higher temperatures compared to lower ones because of a kind of equalizing behavior of different materials at those temperatures. Johnnys main contribution had been to figure out that the behavior of the detonation of a shaped charge could be interpreted as the propagation of a shock wave followed by chemical reaction of the materials in the medium. We thus know that even before Pearl Harbor, Johnny was already making himself an expert in the behavior of shock waves at high temperatures. From shaped charges to implosion Curiously, von Neumann wasnt involved in the early developments leading to the Manhattan Project, perhaps he already had much on his plate at that point. Not only was he consulting for multiple departments of the army and navy, but he was also making trips to England as a consultant. The early steps leading to the bomb project were all taken by physicists like Leo Szilard, Edward Teller, Robert Oppenheimer and Enrico Fermi. After the news of fission came to the United States in 1939, Szilard convinced his friend Einstein to write a famous letter to FDR impressing on him the urgency of starting research into uranium fission. By the summer of 1942, Oppenheimer had been picked by Leslie Groves, the head of the project, to oversee a preliminary theoretical effort into a fission bomb. At Berkeley that summer, Oppenheimer, Bethe, Teller and others convinced themselves that theoretically, a simple fission bomb would be possible. By the end of 1942, Enrico Fermi and his team had done a proof-of-concept experiment and built the worlds first nuclear reactor at the University of Chicago. With Fermis experiments the Manhattan Project kicked into high gear, and by March 1943 an isolated site set among the majestic mesas of Los Alamos in New Mexico had been selected for the top-secret project. As has been well documented, the basic principle of building a fission bomb was clear by 1943. You had to fire two subcritical pieces of uranium into one another, and once the critical mass had been exceeded there would be an explosion. It was also understood that this process needed to be exceptionally fast to prevent pre-detonation or a fizzle which would give suboptimal yield. The main challenge was always considered the separation of uranium isotopes and the production of plutonium, a novel material which would be even more fissile. By the time the scientists settled in at Los Alamos, Oppenheimers close collaborator and confidant Robert Serber had given a set of lectures summarizing the state of knowledge. It was then that a physicist named Seth Neddermeyer came up with an entirely novel approach to detonating a bomb an approach called implosion. Instead of crashing two pieces of fissile material together, implosion called for bringing together those pieces inward, preferably in three dimensions to maximize efficiency. It says something about how novel and speculative this approach was that Neddermeyers idea met with fierce opposition from the likes of scientists like Bethe, Fermi and Feynman, men who werent known for a deficiency of new ideas. Deke Parsons, a naval physicist who was called in to help with ordnance, derisively called it the beer can experiment: the challenge was to symmetrically implode or squeeze a beer can from all sides without having the beer squirt out. But Oppenheimer was more prescient and he asked Neddermeyer to conduct preliminary experiments. Stymied by complex three dimensions, Neddermeyer started working with cylinders in two dimensions. By September 1943, the work was trudging along and Neddermeyer was not a particularly harmonious individual to work with, sticking to his ideas and seldom entertaining others. More importantly, what had been already suspected by Oppenheimers team in 1942 now became clear that when it came to building a bomb, understanding the hydrodynamics or flow of shock waves was as important as understanding the nuclear physics and flow of radiation and particles like neutrons. Enter Johnny von Neumann. Oppenheimer had written a letter to von Neumann in July 1943, and the contents of that letter make clear both the high regard in which he held Johnny and the difficulties he was facing: We are in what can only be described as a desperate need of your help. We have a good many theoretical people working here, but I think that if your usual shrewdness is a guide to you about the probable nature of our problems you will see why even this staff is in some respects critically inadequateI would like you to come as a permanent, and let me assure you, honored member of our staff. A visit will give you a better idea of this somewhat Buck Rogers project than any amount of correspondence. At this point its worth noting von Neumanns salient qualities that were considered to be helpful in such a project. I have noted these qualities in detail before in an essay about his major contributions to computing. In a nutshell, while Johnnys mind was as original as anyone elses, his main strength was being able to jump ten steps ahead of everyone with his lightning fast mind, look at the big picture and connect disparate ideas together. This enabled him, in his friend Edward Tellers words, to identify solutions where most people didnt even notice the problems. All this not only made von Neumann a supremely reliable mind to seek advice from but lent his words enormous prestige. Johnny agreed to visit Los Alamos, not as a permanent member but as a consultant in September 1943. When not at Los Alamos, he would work out of the office of the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. What Johnny essentially did in his critical visit was anoint implosion with his blessings. He confirmed that the best way to achieve implosion would be to spherically place shaped charges around a uranium or plutonium core; the Munroe Effect operating in three dimensions would then squeeze the core to the unearthly densities required to bring about the fission reaction. He also made the critical suggestion that implosion could be made much faster by increasing the ratio of the explosive in the shaped charges to the nuclear material. The faster assembly would not only prevent pre-detonation or a fizzle by making sure that the material has already reached critical mass before the nuclear fission reaction has been initiated, but the higher explosive to fissile material ratio would mean that you would need to use less of exceedingly precious enriched uranium or plutonium. In fact, as Johnny discovered because of his friend Teller who was very knowledgeable about the behavior of materials at high pressure, at the pressures that would exist in the core, materials would get squeezed so hard that they would become not just critical but supercritical, greatly accelerating the efficiency of the resulting explosion. Because of his prestige and confidence in his calculations, von Neumann breathed fresh air into what was until then a creaky, uncertain program that Neddermeyer had been stubbornly sticking to. Fermi, Bethe and other senior scientists who had until then been skeptical of Neddermeyers scheme not only trusted von Neumann but regarded his dazzling mind with an awe that would be extraordinary for men who themselves were some of the leading scientific minds of the 20th century. Perhaps the ultimate tribute to von Neumanns intelligence was paid by Bethe when he remarked after the war that Von Neumanns mind seemed to indicate that he belonged to a new species, an evolution beyond man., and Fermi once told his student Richard Garwin that von Neumann left him feeling he knew no mathematics at all. After von Neumanns trip Charles Critchfield, a theoretical physicist on Oppenheimers team, said, Johnny woke everyone up. He was a very resourceful person, at least twenty years ahead of his time. Once von Neumann made his suggestions, it was quite clear that the implosion program had to be given top priority. There were two main challenges associated with implementing it. One was to work out the complicated nonlinear hydrodynamical equations associated with the shock wave. The other was to find explosive materials which would sustain an imploding wave and have it impinge on the center of the fission target uniformly. To aid with the latter task, Oppenheimer invited George Kistiakowsky from Harvard who was a world-class expert in explosives; in his spare time Kistiakowsky would use his explosives knowledge to raze trees and create ski slopes on the mesa for recreation for the scientists. He also set aside separate groups that would develop the diagnostics and assembly techniques for implosion, including the development of novel detonators that would assure an instantaneous detonation on multiple points of a sphere. None of these innovations or work was trivial, but von Neumann left everyone with the feeling that it was possible. The biggest challenge in putting implosion into practice was to design an assembly of explosives that would ensure a symmetric shock wave an asymmetry as little as 5% would lead to a beer can experiment. The problem with a standard explosion is that it sets off a diverging shock wave. To ensure that this wave impinged on the uranium or plutonium at the center, it had to somehow be turned from diverging to converging. How to achieve this? At this point another valuable character showed up, from England. James Tuck was part of the British contingent to Los Alamos, a small cadre of highly accomplished physicists who were to help with the bomb. The proof-of-concept for fission and critical mass had actually been worked out in England before the United States, so it was natural for British scientists to be involved. Tuck had experience working with explosive materials of differing densities. College physics says that when a light wave passes through materials of varying densities, it bends or refracts differently. Similarly a shock wave would refract or bend differently with different densities. And just like a material that refracts and transmits light is a lens, so an explosive that bends and transmits shock waves is an explosive lens. Tuck suggested an ingenious arrangement in which a diverging shock wave could be turned into a converging one by layering explosives burning at different rates together. By starting the detonation in fast-burning explosive and then maneuvering the resulting wave inside using shaped charges of slow-burning explosives, thirty-two different waves from thirty-two different points of detonation could be made to converge to a pinpoint at the center, squeezing the material to unearthly densities and triggering the fission reaction. It was again von Neumann who worked out the mathematics of explosive lenses and played a major role in their design. The real role played by von Neumann, Tuck, Kistiakowsky and others became apparent when a critical observation made it clear that implosion would be the only possible way to assemble the plutonium weapon. In the fall of 1944, Emilio Segre, a protege of Fermis, discovered that the plutonium-239 being used in the bomb contained an isotope, plutonium-240, that was an inevitable byproduct of the reactor-bred plutonium in the reactors at Hanford, Washington state. Pu-240 underwent spontaneous fission without any initiation, and it turned out that the gun method that was being used for the uranium bomb would be too slow to prevent pre-detonation or a fizzle. Implosion would be the only possible way to go for plutonium. Without implosion the plutonium bomb would likely have been abandoned at this stage. Implosion was still considered such a novel concept that the design was tested in New Mexicos Alamogordo desert on July 16, 1945. Von Neumann wasnt done with his ideas though. A crucial albeit rather dark contribution that he made was to simplify the calculations used to estimate the pressures from a bomb. Von Neumann knew that for large explosions, the effects of the detonation are not dictated by the length of the pulse but only by the excess pressure that results; this made the relationship between bomb yield and effects a much simpler one. More importantly, using his knowledge of shock wave reflections, Johnny helped to estimate the optimal height at which a nuclear bomb should be exploded to cause maximum damage. On August 6, 1945, the Little Boy uranium bomb exploded at a height of about 1900 feet on top of Hiroshima. About 80,000 to 100,000 people were instantly killed, providing a real-life demonstration of von Neumanns calculations. Johnny enjoyed being at Los Alamos. He reconnected with his old friend Edward Teller and invited a new friend, Stan Ulam, to help with the hydrodynamics calculations. Ulam was almost as versatile a mathematician as Johnny and the two were best friends significant parts of Ulams wonderful memoir, Adventures of a Mathematician, are dedicated to describing conversations and travels with Johnny. They tried to recreate the famous cafe atmosphere in Eastern Europe that had fueled late night mathematical bull sessions in the early 20th century before it all came crashing down. In keeping with his predilection for wearing expensive, tailored three-piece suits, Johnny once wore one even when riding a mule in the Jemez mountains near the lab. He also went for walks with Richard Feynman, and in his own memoir Surely Youre Joking Mr. Feynman, Feynman points out that it was von Neumann who planted the idea in his mind that knowing how uncertain the consequences of our actions are, you should not have them weigh too heavily on your conscience. Knowing the rather grim endeavor that the physicists were involved with, this was psychologically soothing advice for Feynman. I am thinking about something much more important than bombs; I am thinking about computers. For all his critical ideas, the most important and far-reaching thing to come out of von Neumanns work at Los Alamos had little to do with bombs. Once Johnny suggested using spherical implosion, it quickly became clear that the calculations involved would be too complex for individuals to perform. In England and before, Johnny had already been introduced to early computing machines, and he had been impressed with Alan Turings seminal paper on Turing machines and even tried to recruit Turing as his assistant when Turing visited Princeton to finish his PhD before the war. Now when it became clear that computing machines might be needed to handle the complex physics of implosion, Johnny was again in the right place at the right time. Stan Ulam who came to Los Alamos on Johnnys invitation captured the problem well: The hydrodynamical problem was simply stated but very difficult to calculate, not just in its details but even in order of magnitude. He remembered a discussion in which von Neumann and others had suggested all kinds of ingenious shortcuts and theoretical simplifications, and he wondered whether more simpleminded brute force, that is, more realistic, numerical work might not be better. To do this kind of work, the first IBM computing machines arrived in April, 1944 to help with the calculations. The implosion problem involved the integration of a hyperbolic partial differential equation in one space and one time coordinate. The integration was carried out using punched cards; Richard Feynman was in charge of this effort. Johnny himself spent two weeks programming the machines and getting a feel for the calculations. He found rewiring the tabulators especially cumbersome, and this frustration had an impact on his later crucial thinking about general-purpose computers. Johnny also knew that Howard Aiken at Harvard had had IBM build one of the first programmable computers, and he arranged for a numerical integration of a second-order partial differential equation to be run simultaneously on the Los Alamos computer and the Harvard computer as a contest; the Los Alamos computer finished first, but the Harvard computer calculated to more decimal places. His experience at Los Alamos immediately suggested to the thinking-ten-steps-ahead Johnny that computers were going to become an invaluable asset in doing complex math and science. Quite fortuitously, around the same time he also came in contact with the pioneering engineers Presper Eckert and John Mauchly who were building one of the first pioneering general-purpose computers, the ENIAC, at the University of Pennsylvania. I have described Johnnys accidental introduction to computers and his subsequent work as one of the fathers of modern computing in a separate essay, but it is clear that it was his work at Los Alamos that crystallized in his mind the value of computers as an enabling tool for science and technology. It was characteristically far-sighted of him that even before the war ended he was writing to a colleague, I am thinking about something much more important than bombs; I am thinking about computers. Johnnys legacy Johnny von Neumanns work at Los Alamos had a direct impact on the weapons of mass destruction that leveled Hiroshima and Nagasaki and that still decorate the worlds nuclear arsenals. Implosion is still the predominant technique used in fission bombs, and even in thermonuclear weapons its used as the primary fission device that ignites the fusion secondary. After the war Johnny kept on advising the United States government as a high-level consultant; at one point he advised every agency except the Coast Guard. He made valuable contributions not just to fission weapons but to the thermonuclear weapons that are today capable of killing hundreds of millions in a matter of minutes. Just before his death, he became one of the prime movers behind the recommendation to accelerate the United Statess nuclear ICBM program, a development that immediately made the entire world vulnerable to the threat of nuclear armageddon. He was convinced that the Soviet Union posed an existential danger to the security of the United States and advocated not just a preemptive but a preventive strike on that country; thankfully that part of his advice was not taken. He remained a steadfast patriot, often politically at odds with his more liberal colleagues but always friends with everyone, and was held in such esteem that during the last year of his life when cancer unexpectedly struck him, he received the Medal of Freedom from President Eisenhower and spent his last days in a special, guarded suite at Walter Reed Hospital that Eisenhower had specially requisitioned for him. On his deathbed lay a manuscript of a set of lectures comparing the computer with the brain. In it lay ideas whose seeds germinated at Los Alamos and whose branches now extend into artificial intelligence, robotics and neuroscience. Perhaps his most enduring idea in this regard, and one which is very much still waiting to play out, was the idea of self-reproducing automata which could be sent out into space and would populate the cosmos with a diversity of exploding life. As the eminent historian of science George Dyson put it in his superb book Turings Cathedral, Bombs made computers, and computers made bombs. If designing the implosion lens for nuclear weapons were to be Johnnys biggest legacy from Los Alamos, it would be a morally dubious one. But his unexpected recognition of the value of computers takes his contributions to a completely new level. While initially he did encourage using computers to simulate the workings of first fission and then fusion weapons, he made seminal contributions to charting out the stored-program concept, random access memory and what is today called the von Neumann architecture. With a talented team of engineers he designed a pioneering computer at the Institute for Advanced Study. Using this computer, his team made forays into a remarkable number of important and fascinating topics: weather simulation, artificial life, fundamental mathematical research, geophysics. The branches that these explorations sent out continue to thrive. Johnny von Neumanns Los Alamos story shows us that often, the most important impact of a new technology is another new technology. Often this new technology is wholly unanticipated. When Johnny came to Los Alamos, he and his colleagues thought they would be designing bombs, but what they didnt know was that they would need computers to design those bombs. And that the computers would be far more important than the bombs even in the short term. Ultimately a hundred or a thousand years from now, if humanity still survives and the worlds nuclear arsenals are a dim memory in a history textbook, we will still be using computers, and computers will still be using us. Recommended further reading: Chennai, April 7 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has said that its Suvidha portal has received a total of 73,739 permission requests, of which Tamil Nadu tops the list. Since the announcement of elections and the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) coming into force, 23,239 permission requests were received from Tamil Nadu, followed by West Bengal ( 11,976) and Madhya Pradesh (10,636). Of the total requests received, 44,626 had been approved. Around 11,200 requests had been rejected while 10,819 cancelled due to either the invalid nature of the request or duplication, the poll body said. The Suvidha portal is a technological solution developed by ECI for acting upon requests for permissions and facilities from political parties and candidates during the election period. The portal caters to requests from political parties for organising rallies, opening temporary offices, door-to-door canvassing, video vans, helicopters, obtaining vehicle permits, and distributing pamphlets. The Suvidha portal, as per the ECI, ensures transparency by providing real-time tracking of applications, status updates, and communication through SMS. Jammu, April 7 : Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday cautioned people about a fraudster impersonating DGP R.R. Swain and seeking money from various people, including police officers. A police spokesman said that cognisance has been taken and legal action initiated, while the identity of the fraudster is being ascertained. "This is to convey to fellow police officers, colleagues from other government services, departments and members of the general public that a fraudster (who is being identified) is using mobile phone number 8891979985 and is falsely posing as R.R. Swain, DGP J&K. The fraudster is asking money from different people including colleague police officers. People from all walks of life are advised to be vigilant about this person as well as such impersonators in future," the spokesman said. New Delhi, April 7 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in no uncertain terms, stated the country's position on those engaging in terror activities on Sunday. He said that the 'new Bharat' will not take terror incidents lying down and will hunt down its enemies within and outside the country's frontier. Rajnath Singh said that India has become a world superpower today. He said that during earlier regimes, many states including Jammu and Kashmir grappled with terrorism insurgency but that is no longer the case in 'New India'. "We will kill the nation's enemies on this side of the border, and if required, we will go and kill them on the other side of the border. This is the strength of new India," Rajnath said in a roaring voice. The Defence Minister said this while addressing an election rally in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu on Sunday. He participated in a public rally and sought public support for Shubhkaran Chaudhary, the BJP nominee from Pilani. The Union Minister also targeted Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over his remarks on Article 370 and also questioned the Congress party over its questioning of the Indian Army's valour. "He (Kharge) questioned how Article 370 would affect Rajasthan. We had said the day we get a full majority in both houses of Parliament, no one will be able to stop us from abolishing Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. We did it and today Jammu and Kashmir has the same status as any other state in the country. Congress President asks how Article 370 will affect Rajasthan, how will these people run the country?" Rajnath thundered at the poll rally. "They (Congress) ask whether Surgical and Balakot strikes were done by the Army. I want to ask them whether they doubt the bravery and valour of the army. Congress leaders are still doubtful over India's potential while the entire world is accepting this," said Rajnath in a stinging jibe at the grand old party. He further said: "Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee used to say that friends can be changed but not the neighbours. So we want to maintain good relations with the neighbouring countries. But one should not take advantage of it." New Delhi, April 7 : While the 1984-anti Sikh riots and massacre will continue to remain a blot for the country, it is also a grim reminder of the highly anguished moment and painful times that the Sikh community went through, post former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination on October 31, 1984. Even after 40 years of massacre, many riot victims vividly recall the horror tales of the massacre, allegedly sponsored by the then Congress regime. However, many of them are thankful to the Modi government for bringing 'justice' to their endless fight and also healing their decades-old wounds. The first sense of closure for them came in 2022 when the SIT team, formed in 2019, arrested 44 accused after three years of investigations. The deadly riots broke after former Congress PM Indira Gandhi was brutally killed by her two Sikh bodyguards. Thousands of Sikhs were killed in the riots and Delhi was worst hit, followed by Kanpur. A couple of Kanpur residents on Sunday narrated the 1984 horror and also explained how the Modi government nursed their wounds in recent years. Harjit Singh, a resident of Ashok Nagar, Kanpur Harjit Singh, a victim of the 1984 anti- sikh riots, says that he lost his father and uncle in the bloodshed and also accused Congress of trying to save its leaders despite their direct involvement in the 1984 riots. Harjit Singh, a resident of Ashok Nagar, Kanpur, who was just 14 years old during the riots, says, "My uncle's (father's younger brother) marriage was about to be fixed. My father was coming back from his shop when a peace protest march was being carried out by Sikhs of Kanpur against the riots. The mob attacked with stone pelting on the Sikh protest march at Bhadoyia Chauraha. My father was hurt during the stone pelting and when my uncle tried to help my father, someone from the mob fired bullets at him and then finally both my father & uncle were burnt alive along with the tractor". While putting the entire blame on Congress, Harjit Singh said, "At night, the mob came to burn our house but a Hindu family who were our tenants saved us". He further said, "My grandfather took care of the family and I had to leave my education and join our family business as the economic condition of the family was not good. I lost my mother due to a brain haemorrhage in 1989 as she couldn't bear the loss of my father in riots. Congress never tried to give us any justice, rather they only saved their leaders who were involved in the riots". Thanking Modi government, he said, "We had lost all hope for getting justice but when PM Modi came in 2014, things moved quite fast. Many cases of Kanpur riots have been solved as the culprits have been put behind bars and the victims have received Rs 5 lakh compensation." Manjit Singh Chawla, another victim of anti-sikh riots in Kanpur Manjit Singh Chawla, another victim of anti-sikh riots in Kanpur, says that highly irresponsible statements by top leaders of Congress triggered riots, resulting in the killing of innocent Sikhs. Manjit Singh Chawla, recalling the horror, says, "When the word of Indira Gandhi's death spread, the next morning itself our neighbours accompanied by hordes of mob started ransacking shops, assaulting people and looting houses. Hundreds of Sikhs were killed by the rioting mob. The mob went on a killing spree due to the protection of police officers, administration and leaders of the Congress government; though miscreant elements from all different sections of society were involved in the massacre." "The entire bloodshed took place under the political protection by leaders of Congress government and local administration to the goons. There were clear instructions not to leave anyone behind and kill all sardars. The people living in our neighbourhood changed all of a sudden and started attacking us. This was the utter failure of the Congress government at the time as no help was provided to rehabilitate the victims of anti-Sikh riots; we all have to struggle a lot to stand on our feet again and make a living for ourselves again. The government of the time clearly had a hand in the massacre and irresponsible statements by top leaders of the Congress government triggered riots when a mob went on a rampage. These wounds have been etched on our souls for this lifetime and cannot be healed ever again," Chawla said. 1984 riots were plotted by the Congress govt, says Gurinder Singh Vasu Gurinder Singh Vasu Prince, the General Secretary of Shri Guru Singh Sabha Kanpur and a social worker says that he was in Class X at the time of the anti-Sikh riots of 1984. Pinning the blame on the then Congress government, he said, "On the day of the incident, I was alone at home with my five sisters and mother when a mob of thousands of people attacked our house. Our entire family was inside the house, still, it was burnt by the rioters. All the wedding stuff kept in the house for my sister's wedding was looted. There was violence in the locality for three days. The neighbouring Jain family protected us. These riots were pre-planned. The then government helped the rioters because they had lists of names and houses of Sikhs. We had to go to the camp to save our lives. My father was a senior Sikh leader and Ward Congress Committee President for 18 years but after the incident he quit the Congress. Culprits like Jagdish Tytler, Sajjan Kumar, Lalit Maken, and Kamal Nath should be punished. We are happy that the culprits are now being punished during the PM Modi government." He further said, "Sikh community will never forgive Congress who are the perpetrators of genocide of our mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters". Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, "Modi ji has knowledge of Sikh religion. He has done many things for the Sikhs like opening the Kartarpur Corridor, and celebrating the martyrdom of Chhote Sahabzads at national and international levels." Chandigarh, April 7 : Punjab unit BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Sunday lashed out at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann "for insulting Bhagat Singh's birthplace and legacy to propagate corruption of tainted and jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal". As Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders observed a day-long hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and elsewhere against the arrest of party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, party leaders in Punjab led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann held a state-level protest at Bhagat Singh's birthplace, Khatkar Kalan in Nawanshahr. Reacting to the developments, Jakhar in a statement said: "The farce perpetrated by Mann at Khatkar Kalan on Sunday was the most despicable and I condemn it in the strongest words," adding "Punjabis will never tolerate this transgression". "Punjabis will never forgive this assault on shared honour and pride in the sacrifices of our greatest of freedom fighters," Jakhar said, cautioning the Chief Minister not to play with the sentiments of people for his political motives. "Their (AAP) leadership has already been exposed in its involvement in liquor scams both in Delhi and Punjab and the people of India have seen through their hollow promises and fake ideology. These cheap tactics of diverting public attention won't save those who have swindled public money by giving liquor contracts to their chosen ones through collusion and corruption." Terming the act as the "height of stooping low" for petty political motives, Jakhar said that CM Mann, in fact, should have led his MLAs to keep fast at Tarn Taran where a woman was paraded without clothes with this government remaining a mute spectator for 15 days. "The incident of shame in Tarn Taran and typical response of this government is embodiment of the non-existent law and order situation on the ground which is a deep cause of worry," Jakhar added. Chennai, April 7 : AIADMK General Secretary and Tamil Nadu's Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) on Sunday called on the government employees and teachers of the state to teach the ruling DMK a lesson in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections over the electoral promises that had not been implemented. He called upon the government employees and teachers to think about the "hollow promises" made by the DMK government before they cast their votes. Palaniswami's challenge came in response to Chief Minister M.K. Stalinas statement to government employees and teachers that the financial scenario in Tamil Nadu would improve if the INDIA bloc won the Lok Sabha polls. The former Chief Minister also accused the DMK government of not fulfilling any of the assurances in its election manifesto made to government employees, teachers, doctors, health, and transport workers, and claimed that it had transferred and arrested representatives of associations of doctors, nurses, and teachers who had protested against the DMK government. The DMK government had failed to resume the Old Pension Scheme and even delayed the revision of Dearness Allowance by about six months, he added. Jaipur, April 7 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that the Congress has always raised questions over the country's history and heritage. "Congress has straight away denied the existence of Ram and Krishna and always questioned the country's history and heritage," the Chief Minister said while addressing an election rally in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. He said that Congress in the Supreme Court said that Ram and Krishna were imaginary figures. "In Rajasthan, Mirabai dedicated her entire life to the devotion of Krishna. Ram Mandir has been built in Ayodhya. If someone had gone to Ayodhya 10 years ago and if he goes now, he will see the transformation. Earlier, there used to be bombings in UP, now there are only chants of 'bam bam'," the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said. He said that there have been no riots in Uttar Pradesh last seven years of BJP rule. "Kavad Yatra is taken out with much fanfare. BJP has ensured that the rule of law is maintained," he said. BJP has given the ticket to Kanhaiya Lal from the Dausa Lok Sabha seat. The UP CM appealed to all to campaign for Kanhaiyalal. He asked everyone to take time out from their busy schedule and consider themselves as a representative of Kanhaiyal Lal and PM Modi. The Chief Minister further attacked the INDIA alliance candidate Amra Ram without taking his name. He said that Sikar is the land of education, the Holy place of Salasar Balaji and Khatushyam. "What is the role of communists in this land? They have 'vanished' from Bengal too as Bengalis threw them into the Bay of Bengal. What is their need in a state like Rajasthan?" he asked. He said that PM Modi dedicated his entire life to the country and society. "The public is his family. Vote for Sumedhanand Saraswati, so that the message goes out that Sikar has buried Communists in the desert," he said. He added that the Ram Mandir was built in Ayodhya. "Could Congress or Communists have done this work?" he questioned. Hyderabad, April 7 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao on Sunday hit out at the "hypocrisy" of the Congress after another BRS MLA joined the ruling party in Telangana. "This hypocrisy of a party called Congress. Yesterday Rahul Gandhi waxed eloquent about party defections and amendments to the 10th schedule for automatic disqualification. Today, his party shamelessly poached one BRS MLA," Rama Rao posted on X "When you donat mean it, Why this Nautanki & Drama Rahul Ji?" he asked. KTR, as the BRS leader is known, noted that the Congress, in its election manifesto for Lok Sabha polls, promised that if voted to power, it would amend the Constitution's 10th Schedule to ensure automatic disqualification of MLAs/MPs if they defect, adding that the party says one thing before coming to power and does its opposite after coming to power. He said the Congress was offering MP tickets to lure BRS MLAs and that there is no difference between it and the BJP. His outburst came in the wake of the defection of another of his party MLAs, Tellam Venkat Rao, to the Congress. The MLA from Bhadrachalam joined the ruling party in the presence of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy. Venkat Rao is the third BRS MLA to switch loyalties in the last three weeks. On Saturday, KTR had asked the Congress to practice what it preaches by making two BRS MLAs, who defected to it, resign or face disqualification by the Speaker. New Delhi, April 7 : Over 20 dreaded terrorists, all on India's most wanted list, were mysteriously killed in Pakistan and Canada over the last two years. All those killed were linked to terror outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Hizbul Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the banned Khalistan Tiger Force. While Pakistan continued to be in a denial mode on terrorists enjoying safe haven on its soil, the killing of these individuals, many of whom were involved in terror attacks in India, nailed Islamabad's lies. As these terrorists continued to fall prey to assassins' bullets, questions were raised in various circles as to who killed India's enemies on Pakistani and Canadian soil. Are the Indian secret agents behind the neutralisation of India's most wanted terrorists as has been claimed recently by The Guardian, the world's leading daily from the UK, in a report quoting unnamed Indian and Pakistani intelligence operatives? The London-based newspaper reported that the Indian government ordered killings in Pakistan "as part of a wider strategy to eliminate terrorists on foreign soil." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has denied the claims by the UK newspaper reiterating an earlier statement that they were "false and malicious anti-India propaganda." But the report has bolstered the image of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government that the present dispensation in India has a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism emanating from Pakistan or any other safe haven abroad. The Guardian's "disclosure" report assumes significance as it came close on the heels of PM Modi, at a rally in Bihar said, "Aaj Ka Bharat Ghar Mein Ghus Ke Marta Hai", with many foreign affairs experts terming the international media report as a great boost for the image of PM Modi in this context. "Enemies of India have nowhere to hide," they remark. As The Guardian's report spotlights India's no-nonsense approach towards terrorism, internal and external security experts are recounting how terrorists on India's most wanted list were killed one by one in Pakistan and Canada over the last two years. They went down like ninepins on the territory under the control of Pakistan and Canada. Within the first fortnight of November last year, three LeT and JeM terrorists had been shot dead in Pakistan. Security officials see the same pattern in each case of killing: "Unknown armed men riding motorcycles perpetrated the targeted killings of militants accused of terrorism in India." Khwaja Shahid alias Mian Mujahid was kidnapped and later discovered beheaded near the Line of Control in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir on November 5, 2023. He was the LeT terrorist and one of the masterminds of the 2018 terror attack on an Indian Army Camp in Sunjuwan that had claimed seven lives. Lashkar terrorist Akram Khan, alias Akram Ghazi, was shot dead in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bajaur tribal district on November 9, 2023. Similarly, JeM terrorist Raheem Ullah Tariq, a close associate of Maulana Masood Azhar, was shot dead in Karachi by unknown men on November 13, 2023. Zahoor Mistry, the terrorist involved in the hijack of the Indian plane IC-814 in Afghanistan's Kandahar in 1999, was killed in Pakistan on March 1, 2022. He was killed by two bike-borne assailants in Karachi's Akhtar colony. Security experts say that top leaders of the terror organisation JeM led by Masood Azhar had attended Mistry's funeral. Azhar was among the three terrorists released by the Indian government when IC814 was hijacked in 1999. Mistry was said to have been living under a false identity as Zahid Akhund for several years before being shot dead. Pakistan had pinned blame on Indian intelligence operatives for this killing, alleging that New Delhi hired assassins for the act. Similarly, Shahid Latif, another India's most wanted terrorists, was shot dead in October 2023 by unknown gunmen in Pakistan's Sialkot. Latif was a key conspirator in the 2016 Pathankot terror attack in which seven security personnel were killed. Latif was killed inside a mosque. The gunmen fled the scene on a motorcycle after killing him. Latif's killing was then another significant addition to the list of the terrorists who were eliminated in Pakistan. One of them was Mufti Qaiser Farooq who was gunned down by unknown men in Karachi. He was shot in a 'targeted attack' near a religious institution in Karachi's Samanabad area in October 2023. Farooq was a member of LeT and an aide of its chief and 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. In September 2023, Ziaur Rahman, who was also a LeT operative, was killed in Karachi as two motorcycle-borne unidentified gunmen pumped multiple bullets into their target. Rahman was on a daily evening stroll when he was gunned down. The killing of this Lashkar operative was exactly like the murder of Paramjit Singh Panjwar, Chief of Khalistan Commando Force. Panjwar was also wanted by India for terrorism. Panjwar was gunned down when he was out for a morning walk near his residence in Lahore in May 2023. Hizbul commander Bashir Ahmad Peer alias Imtiyaz Alam, one of India's most wanted designated terrorists was killed by unknown gunmen outside a shop in Rawalpindi on February 20, 2023. Two weeks after Peer's killing, NIA had attached his property in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. Peer was designated as a terrorist by the government in October last year for his role in sending terrorists and providing logistic support for infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir. He was the launching Chief of the Hizbul in Pakistan. Saleem Rehmani was another terrorist to have been shot dead in January 2022 by unidentified gunmen. He was also wanted by India as a terrorist. In another significant development, unidentified gunmen shot dead a top terrorist commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Riyaz Ahmad alias Abu Qasim, inside Al-Qudus mosque in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir's Rawalakot September 2023. He had come from Kotli to offer prayers when he was shot in the head at point-blank range. He was one of the main conspirators behind the Dhangri terror attack on January 1, 2023. Around seven people had died when terrorists struck Dhangri village in Rajouri district and fired indiscriminately. This was the fourth such killing of a top terrorist commander operative from across the border in 2023. Mullah Sardar Hussain Arain, Jamat-ud-Dawah, was shot dead in Nawab Shah district of Sindh in August 2023. Amidst all the killings in Pakistan, the focus also shifted to Ottawa as Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed on Canadian soil, which triggered a massive diplomatic face-off between India and Canada following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of India's role in the killing of a Khalistani terrorist. New Delhi, April 7 : Over 20 dreaded terrorists, all on India's most wanted list, were mysteriously killed in Pakistan and Canada over the last two years. All those killed were linked to terror outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Hizbul Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the banned Khalistan Tiger Force. While Pakistan continued to be in a denial mode on terrorists enjoying safe haven on its soil, the killing of these individuals, many of whom were involved in terror attacks in India, nailed Islamabad's lies. As these terrorists continued to fall prey to assassins' bullets, questions were raised in various circles as to who killed India's enemies on Pakistani and Canadian soil. Are the Indian secret agents behind the neutralisation of India's most wanted terrorists as has been claimed recently by The Guardian, the world's leading daily from the UK, in a report quoting unnamed Indian and Pakistani intelligence operatives? The London-based newspaper reported that the Indian government ordered killings in Pakistan "as part of a wider strategy to eliminate terrorists on foreign soil." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has denied the claims by the UK newspaper reiterating an earlier statement that they were "false and malicious anti-India propaganda." But the report has bolstered the image of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government that the present dispensation in India has a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism emanating from Pakistan or any other safe haven abroad. The Guardian's "disclosure" report assumes significance as it came close on the heels of PM Modi, at a rally in Bihar said, "Aaj Ka Bharat Ghar Mein Ghus Ke Marta Hai", with many foreign affairs experts terming the international media report as a great boost for the image of PM Modi in this context. "Enemies of India have nowhere to hide," they remarked. As The Guardian's report spotlights India's no-nonsense approach towards terrorism, internal and external security experts are recounting how terrorists on India's most wanted list were killed one by one in Pakistan and Canada over the last two years. They went down like ninepins on the territory under the control of Pakistan and Canada. Within the first fortnight of November last year, three LeT and JeM terrorists had been shot dead in Pakistan. Security officials see the same pattern in each case of killing: "Unknown armed men riding motorcycles perpetrated the targeted killings of militants accused of terrorism in India." Khwaja Shahid alias Mian Mujahid was kidnapped and later discovered beheaded near the Line of Control in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir on November 5, 2023. He was the LeT terrorist and one of the masterminds of the 2018 terror attack on an Indian Army Camp in Sunjuwan that had claimed seven lives. Lashkar terrorist Akram Khan, alias Akram Ghazi, was shot dead in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bajaur tribal district on November 9, 2023. Similarly, JeM terrorist Raheem Ullah Tariq, a close associate of Maulana Masood Azhar, was shot dead in Karachi by unknown men on November 13, 2023. Zahoor Mistry, the terrorist involved in the hijack of the Indian plane IC-814 in Afghanistan's Kandahar in 1999, was killed in Pakistan on March 1, 2022. He was killed by two bike-borne assailants in Karachi's Akhtar colony. Security experts say that top leaders of the terror organisation JeM led by Masood Azhar had attended Mistry's funeral. Azhar was among the three terrorists released by the Indian government when IC814 was hijacked in 1999. Mistry was said to have been living under a false identity as Zahid Akhund for several years before being shot dead. Pakistan had pinned blame on Indian intelligence operatives for this killing, alleging that New Delhi hired assassins for the act. Similarly, Shahid Latif, another India's most wanted terrorists, was shot dead in October 2023 by unknown gunmen in Pakistan's Sialkot. Latif was a key conspirator in the 2016 Pathankot terror attack in which seven security personnel were killed. Latif was killed inside a mosque. The gunmen fled the scene on a motorcycle after killing him. Latif's killing was then another significant addition to the list of the terrorists who were eliminated in Pakistan. One of them was Mufti Qaiser Farooq who was gunned down by unknown men in Karachi. He was shot in a 'targeted attack' near a religious institution in Karachi's Samanabad area in October 2023. Farooq was a member of LeT and an aide of its chief and 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. In September 2023, Ziaur Rahman, who was also a LeT operative, was killed in Karachi as two motorcycle-borne unidentified gunmen pumped multiple bullets into their target. Rahman was on a daily evening stroll when he was gunned down. The killing of this Lashkar operative was exactly like the murder of Paramjit Singh Panjwar, Chief of Khalistan Commando Force. Panjwar was also wanted by India for terrorism. Panjwar was gunned down when he was out for a morning walk near his residence in Lahore in May 2023. Hizbul commander Bashir Ahmad Peer alias Imtiyaz Alam, one of India's most wanted designated terrorists was killed by unknown gunmen outside a shop in Rawalpindi on February 20, 2023. Two weeks after Peer's killing, NIA had attached his property in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. Peer was designated as a terrorist by the government in October last year for his role in sending terrorists and providing logistic support for infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir. He was the launching Chief of the Hizbul in Pakistan. Saleem Rehmani was another terrorist to have been shot dead in January 2022 by unidentified gunmen. He was also wanted by India as a terrorist. In another significant development, unidentified gunmen shot dead a top terrorist commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Riyaz Ahmad alias Abu Qasim, inside Al-Qudus mosque in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir's Rawalakot September 2023. He had come from Kotli to offer prayers when he was shot in the head at point-blank range. He was one of the main conspirators behind the Dhangri terror attack on January 1, 2023. Around seven people had died when terrorists struck Dhangri village in Rajouri district and fired indiscriminately. This was the fourth such killing of a top terrorist commander operative from across the border in 2023. Mullah Sardar Hussain Arain, Jamat-ud-Dawah, was shot dead in Nawab Shah district of Sindh in August 2023. Amidst all the killings in Pakistan, the focus also shifted to Ottawa as Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed on Canadian soil, which triggered a massive diplomatic face-off between India and Canada following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of India's role in the killing of a Khalistani terrorist. Sue Prideaux in The Guardian: Friedrich Nietzsche, Karl Marx and Charles Darwin are the great triumvirate of 19th-century thinkers whose ideas still have huge impact today. Nietzsche was philosophys supreme iconoclast; his sayings include God is dead and There are no facts, only interpretations. Highly relevant, yet his association with concepts such as the Ubermensch, master morality, slave morality and, possibly most dangerous, the will to power, have also contributed to him being widely misinterpreted. There are three myths in particular that need dynamiting: that his politics were on the far right, he was a misogynist and he lacked a sense of humour. Misappropriation has been rife. Richard Spencer, a leader of Americas alt-right, claims to have been red-pilled by Nietzsche, while Jordan Peterson quotes extensively from him. But lets start with the Nazis. Growing up in Bismarcks reich, there were three things Nietzsche hated: the big state, nationalism and antisemitism. Deutschland, Deutschland uber alles, that is the end of German philosophy, he wrote, and I will have all antisemites shot. His sister Elisabeth held contrasting views. She married a notorious antisemite agitator (Nietzsche refused to go to the wedding), and the couple went off to Paraguay to found a New Germany of pure-blooded Aryan colonists. By the time the colony failed in 1889, Nietzsche had lost his reason. Elisabeth returned to Germany, where she took charge of her brother, gathered up all his papers and founded the Nietzsche Archive. More here. New Delhi, April 7 : A Toyota Fortuner SUV belonging to BJP President J.P. Nadda's wife Mallika Nadda, which was reportedly stolen from a service centre in Delhi's Govindpuri area, has been recovered from Varanasi, police said on Sunday. A police official said that they arrested three men, identified as Shivansh Tripathi, 23, Saleem, 34, and Mohd Raees aka Pappu, 33, all residents of Uttar Pradesh and beside the Fortuner, also recovered another stolen SUV. Joginder Singh, the driver of Fortuner, on March 19, lodged a complaint with Govindpuri Police Station reporting the vehicle's theft from Giri Nagar in the area. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Southeast, Rajesh Deo said that during the probe, the police team assigned to crack the case analysed several CCTV cameras and reached Badkhal in Haryana's Faridabad, where specific clues about the involvement of habitual auto thieves Shahid and Tripathi were found. On March 22, the police team achieved a breakthrough when acting on specific inputs, Tripathi was apprehended from the vicinity of Patiala House Court. During interrogation, he revealed that he, along with his associates Shahid, a resident of Badkhal, and his son-in-law Farooq, along with Shahkul, committed the theft of the SUV from Giri Nagar. At the instance of the accused, a vehicle used in the commission of the crime was recovered. Tripathi further told the police that after stealing the Toyota Fortuner, it was moved to the farmhouse of Shahid's son-in-law Farooq in Faridabad. Upon further interrogation, the accused disclosed that he, along with Shahid, sold the stolen car to a habitual receiver of stolen cars named Saleem in Lakhimpur Khiri, who further sells stolen luxury cars to receivers in Moradabad, Sitapur, Hathras, Mainpuri (all UP), and the northeastern states. "Subsequently, the police obtained custody remand of Tripathi and conducted raids in Lakhimpur Khiri. At the instance of accused Tripathi, co-accused Saleem was apprehended," the DCP said. During interrogation, Saleem disclosed that he had sold the stolen car to another habitual receiver named Raees. Based on this information, Raees was arrested from Sitapur (UP) and revealed that he, in turn, sold it on to Furkan. "At the instance of accused Mohd Raees, the stolen Toyota Fortuner car of the present case was recovered from Beniya Bagh parking in Varanasi," said the DCP, adding that efforts are on to nab other accused. New Delhi, April 7 : The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on Sunday issued a warning to some of the publishers over copyright infringement of its school books. NCERT said that a few unscrupulous publishers are printing NCERT school textbooks which are available on the NCERT website, under their own name without obtaining permission from NCERT. The NCERT is an advisory body to the government in the field of school education. The advisory body said that NCERT, responsible for developing and disseminating textbooks for all stages of school Education, has long been regarded as an authorised repository of educational teaching and learning resources. The NCERT said that any individual or entity who publishes for commercial sale, NCERT textbooks in whole or in part or uses the NCERT textbook content in such publication, without obtaining the copyright permission from NCERT, shall be proceeded against in accordance with the Copyright Act 1957. "The general public is requested to kindly stay away from such textbooks or workbooks as their content may be factually incorrect as well as against the basic philosophy of NCF 2023. Any individual who comes across such pirated textbooks or workbooks should immediately inform NCERT through email at pd.ncert@nic.in," the official added. The advisory body further said that any publisher desirous of using the name of NCERT in its publication should send a proposal to the Publication Division NCERT, Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi-16 or on email at secy.ncert@nic.in Deputy Secretary of NCERT Rajesh Kumar said that the advisory on copyright infringement in the use of the educational materials designed and developed by NCERT is herewith released as a public notice. Stakeholders are requested to honour the Copyrights Advisory issued by NCERT in letter and spirit. Don't indulge in Copyright Infringement in Educational Materials developed by NCERT. New Delhi, April 7 : The Delhi unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday intensified its assault on the incarcerated Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Convener and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal demanding that he must step down from his position following his recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The BJP's offensive targeted Kejriwal on two fronts: the "Sharab" case concerning the excise policy and the "Sheeshmahal" case regarding the renovation of the Chief Minister's residence. The BJP launched the "Sharab se Sheeshmahal" campaign right from the heart of the national capital, Connaught Place. Senior leaders of the Delhi BJP, led by state President Virendra Sachdeva, alongside the party's Lok Sabha election candidates, MLAs, and councillors, mobilised in a protest aimed directly at Kejriwal. The atmosphere reverberated with slogans denouncing Kejriwal's alleged involvement in corruption and scams during his tenure leading the AAP-led Delhi government. A substantial scaled-down replica of the Chief Minister's official residence was installed outside the main entrance of Palika Market in Connaught Place. This model featured miniature alcohol bottles adorned with images of Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh. Throughout the day, BJP workers handed out leaflets denouncing corruption to commuters exiting metro stations. "Today, there is a government in Delhi which is embroiled in internal conflict. The alcohol scandal happened, the whole party knows it, but no one is accepting it; instead, they are sweeping their mistakes under the carpet and blaming each other now," said the Delhi BJP Chief, adding that it would have been better if the Kejriwal party collectively atoned for corruption today instead of resorting to a group fast. Shazia Ilmi said that the fasting done by the Aam Aadmi Party today is only to save corrupt people. "Today, I feel ashamed that we stood by such people when their foundation was being laid. We rightly left them but today I'm shocked that Kejriwal is completely inundated with corruption. He spent Rs 52 crore on his palace in the name of the common man but did nothing for the people of Delhi. Whenever we think about the COVID-19 pandemic, it sends shivers down our spine. How could Kejriwal sleep peacefully in his palace at that time?" said Ilmi. BJP Lok Sabha candidate from West Delhi, Kamaljeet Sehrawat said that the water didn't reach every household in Delhi, but the alcohol shops were opened in every street. "Everyone is astonished to see Arvind Kejriwal's palace, and it's beyond the understanding of the common people how someone who couldn't provide medicines and beds during Covid became the owner of a crores worth sheeshmahal palace," she said. Thiruvananthapuram, April 7 : Weeks before the single-phase polling to Kerala's 20 Lok Sabha seats, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) continues to take centre stage in the election campaign of the state's two traditional political rivals - who are part of the INDIA bloc at the national level but fierce competitors in the state. A reason why the CAA is now one of the most discussed and debated poll issues between the ruling CPI-M-led Left Democratic Front and the Congress-led United Democratic Front is the state has nearly 24 per cent Muslims in its over 3.30 crore population. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took up the issue right after the CAA was passed by the Parliament in 2019, asserting that it would not be implemented in Kerala. On the last day of 2019, his government, with the support of the Congress-led opposition, got a resolution demanding the scrapping of the provision passed nearly unanimously by the Assembly, with the lone BJP legislator O. Rajagopal being the only one opposing it. Since then, the issue was lying dormant but regained focus with the announcement of the Lok Sabha polls, and Vijayan again used it to attack the Congress. The Chief Minister has been consistently slamming the Congress' national leadership in general and Rahul Gandhi, who is an MP from the state, in particular over their "silence" on the CAA. But when he claimed that the issue was also missing in Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the state leadership of the Congress, including the Leader of Opposition V.D.Satheesan and veteran legislator Ramesh Chennithala, hit back at him, alleging that he was shedding crocodile tears and pleasing the BJP leadership by attacking Rahul Gandhi. However, Vijayan is refusing to abandon the issue, noting in the election campaign that right from 2019 when this issue first surfaced, the Left, inside and outside the Parliament, had strongly come out against it but the Congress "played hide and seek", showing some inclination for a joint protest, but backing out later. His tirades intensified when the Congress manifesto came out and he pointed out that while his CPI-Mas manifesto is clear that the CAA will be repealed, the Congress is still "silent" on it. "Just look at the Congress manifesto, there is total silence on what they will do if they come to power with regards to the CAA. Is it not clear that they are hand in glove with the BJP with regards to the CAA," he claimed. But the Congress is hitting back at Vijayan, with acting state Congress President M.M. Hassan accusing the Chief Minister of attacking Rahul Gandhi and the Congress to keep Prime Minister Narendra Modi "happy" as he has grave cases against him and his family. Hassan also said that Vijayan is "engaged in spreading lies" against Rahul Gandhi, but the truth is that the Congress leader has 18 cases in various states because he protested and spoke against the CAA. The BJP, starting from PM Modi to the grassroots party workers, is also seeking to capitalise on the issue, accusing the two fronts of hypocrisy by being part of the INDIA bloc but fighting in Kerala. State BJP President K. Surendran contended that times have changed and the people of Kerala have now understood that the CPI-M and Congress are two sides of the same coin and both these parties have just one agenda of garnering the Muslim votes and will go to any extent for this. "They hug in Delhi and they fight in Kerala. This tactic will not work anymore," he said. Chennai, April 7 : Former Tamil Nadu chief minister O. Panneerselvam will be facing a stiff challenge in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls as he is locked in a triangular contest in the state's Ramanathapuram Parliamentary constituency. Panneerselvam is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Ramanathapuram as an Independent candidate. He is being supported by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). His election symbol is 'Jackfruit', and in every public meeting he has been participating, he displays the symbol, and at times the jackfruit, to ensure it is etched in the minds of the voters. Sitting MP of Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha seat, Kani K. Navas of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is seeking re-election from the constituency. The AIADMK, which was an alliance partner of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, has snapped ties with the BJP. The AIADMK has fielded P. Jeyaperumal as its candidate for the Lok Sabha polls. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Kani K. Navas won the seat by a margin of 1,27,122 votes defeating the BJP candidate, Nainar Nagendran. However, Panneerselvam contesting as an Independent candidate has boosted the overall pre-poll mood in the NDA camp. OPS belongs to the influential Thevar community which has a sizeable presence in south Tamil Nadu including Ramanathapuram constituency. AIADMK leader P. Jeyaperumal is also a popular candidate in the constituency, which makes the contest a three-cornered one. Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency has six assembly constituencies in Aranthangi, Tiruchuli, Paramakudi, Tiruvadanai, Ramanathapuram, and Mudukulathur. While Aranthangi constituency is represented by the Congress, Tiruchuli seat is with the DMK. Paramkudi seat is with the DMK while Tiruvadanai seat is represented by the Congress. Mudukualathur and Ramanathapuram seats are with the DMK. However, the BJP leadership said that elections to the Lok Sabha are entirely different from that of Assembly polls. Senior BJP leader and former MLA H. Raja, while speaking to IANS, said: "The elections to the Lok Sabha is to decide on who rules the country and the people of Ramanathapuram knows that the NDA is supporting a top leader who is a former chief minister of Tamil Nadu." He also said that the DMK government of Tamil Nadu was facing anti-incumbency and that this would also reflect in the voting at Ramanathapuram. The senior BJP leader claimed that for the development of Ramanathapuram constituency, people would vote for O. Panneerselvam. According to political analysts, Panneerselvam's candidature would lead to a major shift in the AIADMK vote bank as he had been the coordinator of the party before he was expelled and several local leaders of the AIADMK had an emotional connection with him. A senior AIADMK leader on the condition of anonymity told IANS: "Panneerselvam had helped several ordinary party workers while he was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, in the capacity of an AIADMK leader. Whatever the party says, the workers will not forget him." K. Selvanathan, political analyst and psephologist who has been following the southern Tamil Nadu politics for a long time told IANS: "Panneerselvam is making all the difference. His candidature will lead to several AIADMK votes shifting to him. While arithmetically, the INDIA bloc candidate Kani K. Navas has the advantage. But elections always have big surprises in store and Panneerselvam would be giving a tough battle to the sitting MP as well as the AIADMK candidate." New Delhi, April 7 : To galvanise youngsters to participate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has embarked on an innovative journey to engage them through unique campaigns like "Turning 18" and "You are the One" on social media platforms. "Turning 18" specifically targets young and first-time voters to address the issues of urban and youth apathy noticed in previous elections. By emphasising the significance of voting immediately upon turning 18, the campaign seeks to inspire a sense of civic responsibility among young voters. With widespread amplification facilitated by state Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) and the national public broadcasters, DD News and Akashvani, the campaign's message, disseminated across diverse segments of society, generated significant momentum for the forthcoming poll days. Along similar lines, the poll panel launched another campaign titled "You Are The One" to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of various stakeholders involved in the electoral process, including Booth Level Officers (BLOs), ground staff, polling parties, administrative personnel, media professionals, central forces, and security personnel. Through engaging storytelling and captivating visuals, the campaign highlights the dedication and commitment of these individuals in their roles and responsibilities within the democratic framework. It involves highlighting the key stakeholders, interesting anecdotes, and stories from the elections of the past, and videos that unravel the efforts of polling teams working behind the scenes, navigating challenging terrains to ensure every voter is reached. The "Chunaavi Kisse" campaign shares interesting election stories from previous elections. Then "A-Z of Indian Elections" series informs users about election-related terms and processes. "Word play with ECI" is another series where users are engaged to hunt for election-related terms. "Sawal Jawab" series aims to answer the most relevant questions related to the electoral process. Through the "Polls and Pixels" series, ECI shares a visual journey of Indian Elections since their inception. Currently, the ECI has a presence on major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube with recent additions of Public App, WhatsApp Channel, and LinkedIn. Aizawl, April 7 : A total of 16 people, including six from Myanmar, were apprehended in Mizoram, an official said on Sunday, adding a huge amount of Indian and Myanmarese currencies were recovered from them. An Assam Rifles official said that acting on an input, the troopers intercepted five vehicles at Zawngling in Siaha district on Saturday night. Sixteen people were found to be travelling in those vehicles. During a search, Assam Rifles personnel recovered Myanmarese Kyat 7,74,74,500 in cash (equivalent to Rs 30,68,044), and Indian currencies counted to Rs 1,01,015. The apprehended individuals and the seized currencies were handed over to Tuipang police station in Siaha district for further legal action. Police have been questioning the arrested individuals to know the intent behind carrying Indian and Myanmarese currencies. Jaipur, April 8 : Several Congress leaders, including former MLA Gangajal Meel and state Vice President Sushil Sharma, joined the BJP on Sunday. Meel accused Rajasthan Congress President Govind Dotasra and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot of acting arbitrarily in the distribution of tickets. "When we complained about this to state in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, he also did not listen to us. There is complete leg-pulling going on in the Congress," he said. Sharma said that the Congress "opposed the Ram Mandir and Sanatan which has hurt the sentiments of every person". "By making an ordinary worker like Bhajan Lal Sharma the Chief Minister, the BJP proved that workers are valued in the party. In just a few months, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma constituted an SIT against paper leaks and took action against paper mafias. He did historic works like ERCP and the Yamuna Water Agreement. Today, there is a BJP wave across the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he added. BJP Joining Committee convenor Arun Chaturvedi said, "Each section of the society is satisfied with the good governance and Antyodaya policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hence people are excited to join BJP today. We started the process of party membership in 2013 when BJP had 9 crore members, and today it has surpassed the figure of 18 crore members. BJP never compromised on its ideas, policies and programme." In total, over 400 Congress members joined the BJP on Sunday. Jammu, April 8 : SOS International, an organization for Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) Displaced Persons, on Sunday, asked the political parties and candidates contesting from the newly carved Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat in Jammu and Kashmir to clear their stand on nine major demands of refugees. PoJK displaced persons have demanded the implementation of the PoJK Refugees package; reservation of eight seats in the J&K Assembly for the displaced people; providing equal facilities to all the refugees displaced from PoJK on the lines of the displaced people of Kashmir Valley; and inclusion of 5,300 PoJK displaced families settled outside the J&K within the ambit of the Refugees package, SOS International said in a statement. Their demands also include granting Scheduled Tribe status to the entire PoJK refugee community belonging to Pahari clan, tribe and ethnicity; allowing PoJK displaced people to visit their religious places located in PoJK; to get back the cash deposited by PoJK refugees in Jammu and Kashmir Bank Mirpur before displacement; formation of Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Poonch and Gilgit scouts to guard the Line of Control to prevent infiltration; and restoration of land rights under sections 578 and 254C. Addressing a gathering of PoJK displaced persons in Rajouri, SOS International Chairman Rajiv Chuni said it is high time for all political parties and candidates to publicly announce their full support to all major demands of refugees if they are serious about getting nearly 1.5 lakh votes of PoJK displaced persons in Rajouri and Poonch districts, the statement added. Hitachi Rail continues to push the boundaries of creating greener, more sustainable trains to run on railway networks across the world. At an event in Reggio Calabria, Trenitalia, Italys major train company, launched its new Tri-mode trains which can run on Battery, Electric or Diesel power, offering the trains three different types of motive power. The train is the first of seven to be built this year, which is part of a 1.23bn agreement with Trenitalia for hybrid trains. Initially, these new trains will run between Calabria, Basilicata and Puglia. This will make Italy the latest country in the world to run Tri-Mode trains. Tri-Mode units will run on longer services across the country in a broad range of areas, which include parts of the network where overhead power isnt available. They also offer back up power should the battery run out of charge or there are electrical supply problems. Calculations show that these trains are 83% more energy efficient than the current diesel-only trains that run on Italys non-electrified lines. They can also recover power from the brakes on the train, which can store power so that it can be used to drive the train further on its journey. This is Hitachis latest evolution of Intercity trains, building on from their Masaccio fleet which were launched in December 2022 on Italys nationwide commuter and suburban lines. Each of the seven trains will be unique to the rest of Trenitalias train fleet. In order to promote them to the Italian public, Trenitalia will brand them in a different livery. Passengers will enable to benefit from the very latest in comfort and technology on board to enhance their long distance travel experience. The new trains also include amenities such as air conditioning, bike stations, and large luggage spaces. The trains have a top speed of 160km/h and from a standing start and can accelerate rapidly at 1.10 metres per second, enabling them to reach line speeds quicker and shorten overall journey times. Will Glovinsky at Public Books: It was 1968, and the battle to feed all of humanity had already been lost. In the coming 1970s, soaring populations and finite global resources would lead hundreds of millions of people to starve to death. Or so prophesized Paul and Anne Ehrlich in their book The Population Bomb. Paul Ehrlich, a Stanford entomologist, gained unlikely fame as an outrider of the apocalypse. He went on Johnny Carson and declared that the end was near. But, notoriously, the Ehrlichs were wrong. They had predicted that vast swathes of humanity would die, yet by 1990, the human population had added some 1.5 billion people. Moreover, famines became much rarer, malnutrition decreased, and living standards rose across the industrializing world. To top it off, the Ehrlichs prognostications of scarcity came with generous servings of first-world environmentalist racism (he suggested food aid to India was pointless). They even inspired, from Mexico to Bangladesh, horrific campaigns of coerced sterilizations. As such, Ehrlich has become a byword for one of environmentalisms most shortsightedand morally bankruptimpulses. Yet one might also say, in hindsight, that the Ehrlichs were only wrong about which species would starve. In the second half of the 20th century, global human famine was averted by the Green Revolutions formula of high-yield, semi-dwarf cereal varieties, synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, monocrop agriculture, and intensified irrigation. These advances helped save perhaps two billion lives, yet the planet is strewn with the costs of this miracle. What The Population Bomb failed to predict was that we would largely survive by starving and poisoning countless species and ecosystems to the point of collapse. 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Small and midcap schemes may impose restrictions on redemptions, cap employee withdrawals, and increase the exit load, while ensuring a proportionate liquidation of the portfolio during market crises to safeguard the interests of all investors. These measures have been outlined in the investor protection policies recently put out by mutual fund (MF) trustees. The policies for small and midcap schemes were prepared by MF trustees following directives from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) earlier this month. Amid concerns of excessive froth, the regulator called for additional measures to protect investors in small and midcap schemes. The policies released by the trustees focus on two aspects: Managing inflows by placing caps on investments and ensuring that all investors are protected during market crashes. Some policies, such as those of Nippon India MF, DSP MF, and Quant MF, state that the fund house may impose restrictions on withdrawals according to Sebi norms, after approval from their board and trustees. Other fund houses have implied the same, stating that they may take measures to manage outflows as per applicable norms. While these measures have always been available to fund houses, this is the first time they have been codified for select schemes. MF regulations allow restrictions on redemptions during circumstances leading to a systemic crisis or event that severely constricts market liquidity or the efficient functioning of markets. In such a scenario, MFs can restrict redemptions for up to 10 working days. However, they must allow withdrawals of up to Rs 2 lakh per day. Other common measures among some policies include the introduction of higher exit loads and the capping of withdrawals by employee. In case of extraordinary circumstances, the Unitholder's Protection Committee, if deemed necessary, would subject withdrawals from Quant Small Cap & Quant Mid Cap schemes by employees, trustees, directors, management of AMC (asset management company) & group companies of AMC to compliance approval so that persons within the AMC are not able to take undue advantage at the cost of continuing investors, states the policy released by Quant MF. Trustees have stated that the focus will be on ensuring that no investor gains an advantage over others during phases of market turmoil. In case of 5 per cent or more net outflow on any particular day, the fund management team should adopt prudent liquidation of stock positions in the portfolio and ensure that the characteristic of the portfolio with respect to liquidity and quality should not be skewed or majorly affected post-redemption, states DSP MF s policy. Other measures listed by trustees include broadening the investor base to manage investor concentration, improving liquidity management, and focusing on investor awareness. According to DSP MF's policy, the fund house will explore placing caps on single investor holdings and distributor concentration in the smallcap and midcap funds. On the inflow side, some of the fund houses have already stopped accepting lump-sum money, while capping SIP investments. The investor protection policy is in addition to additional disclosure by smallcap and midcap funds around portfolio liquidity. The first set of disclosures showed that larger schemes may face difficulty if investors place requests for redemptions amounting to over 25 per cent of total assets under management. Turbulent times Six students from Afghanistan and one from East Africa have been asked to vacate the Gujarat University's hostel rooms for overstaying, an official said on Sunday, in a move coming weeks after some foreign students were attacked for offering namaz on the premises. IMAGE: Ahmedabad Commissioner of Police GS Malik along with police personnel at the Gujarat University Boys Hostel following after some foreign students were attacked for offering namaz on the premises on March 16, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo An Afghan and a Gambian delegation had visited the university days after the March 16 attack and held a meeting with the vice-chancellor over safety measures. Talking to PTI, the university's vice-chancellor Neerja Gupta said, "Six students from Afghanistan and one from East Africa were asked to vacate their hostel rooms after they were found overstaying. These persons had completed their studies and were staying in the hostel as ex-students due to some pending administrative work, she said. The university has ensured that they are no longer required to stay in the hostel and arranged for them to return to their respective countries, Gupta said. "We have completed the required paperwork and they can now safely return to their native countries. We don't want to keep any former students in our hostel. We have informed the consulates of the respective countries, and they have also directed these students to vacate the hostel, the vice-chancellor said. More than 300 international students are enrolled in Gujarat University, she said. Around two dozen people barged into the government-run university's hostel on the night of March 16 and assaulted students from foreign countries for offering namaz at one of the blocks during the ongoing month of Ramzan, police said. Two students from Sri Lanka and Tajikistan were hospitalised following the incident. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday strongly refuted the allegation of mala fide intention while carrying out raids and arrests in a two-year-old blast case during which its team was attacked by an unruly crowd in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district. IMAGE: Protesters allegedly tried to stop the NIA team from taking the accused persons along with them while carrying out an investigation in connection with the Bhupatinagar, East Medinipur blast case, in Bhupatinagar on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo One NIA officer was injured and a vehicle was damaged on Saturday when the NIA team was going to arrest two persons in the Bhupatinagar blast case, in which three persons were killed in December 2022. "The NIA categorically refuted allegations of mala fide in its Bhupatinagar blast case," an agency spokesperson said. The NIA spokesperson termed the entire controversy "unfortunate" and made it clear that the attack on its team was "completely unprovoked". The NIA statement came hours after Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee alleged an "unholy alliance" between the NIA and the Bharatiya Janata Party and said the Election Commission remains "conspicuously silent" on the issue. "Experience the unfolding alliance between the @NIA_India and @BJP4Bengal, orchestrating conspiracies against Trinamool leaders and the Model Code of Conduct. "While this collusion persists, the ECI stands by, conspicuously silent, neglecting its duty to ensure fair play," Banerjee posted on 'X'. On Saturday, after the NIA team was attacked, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee, while addressing an election rally in Dakshin Dinajpur district, had accused the NIA team of attacking villagers. "The attack was not perpetrated by the women of Bhupatinagar, but rather by the NIA team," she alleged. On Sunday, the NIA made it clear that its actions were bona fide, lawful and legally mandated, as part of its ongoing investigation into the heinous crime related to fabrication of crude bombs, leading to an explosion that killed three persons. The NIA reiterated that its team had come under violent attack by an unruly mob when they had gone to conduct searches in Naruabila village on Saturday in connection with it's probe into the case. "The attack was completely unprovoked and uncalled for and an attempt to obstruct the NIA from carrying out its lawful duties," the agency said. It pointed out that the searches were conducted at five locations in the presence of independent witnesses and under the security cover provided by the CRPF, which included women constables. The arrests were made after following all lawful procedures, the NIA spokesperson said. "The NIA has re-stated that an aggressive crowd had assaulted the NIA personnel who were taking arrested accused Manobrata Jana to the local police station for completing legal formalities. "One NIA official sustained injuries and an official vehicle of the NIA was also damaged in the attack," the spokesperson said. The NIA has already filed a complaint at the area police station seeking legal action against the assailants. The NIA had on Saturday arrested Manobrata Jana and Bailicharan Maity for their involvement in the case. The NIA also said that that the duo had failed to appear before the agency despite repeated summons to join the investigation. The agency had, accordingly, filed an application before a special NIA court in Kolkata, which, after perusing the case records, had issued an order on April 3, 2024, stating that it found the allegations to be of very serious nature. The special court had also observed that the agency was "at liberty to proceed with the investigation as expeditiously as possible, and to take all necessary action with regard to arrest, search and seizure of the houses of the suspects and accused persons, in accordance with the relevant provisions of Criminal Code of Procedure, NIA Act and UA(P)A so far applicable for a proper and thorough investigation. Following the special court's order, the NIA had conducted the searches, which culminated in the arrest of the two accused, who were found to be involved in the case. The blast had taken place in December 2022 and the NIA had taken over the investigation in the case on June 6, 2023 on the directions of the Calcutta High Court. The attack on the NIA team evoked memories of January 5 when a team of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was attacked by a mob in North 24 Parganas district's Sandeshkhali during a search at the house of TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh in connection with alleged irregularities in the public distribution system. On Sunday, senior Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh also alleged that a senior state BJP leader from Paschim Bardhaman district, who was earlier with TMC, had met an NIA SP at his apartment in New Town area of Kolkata on March 26 and handed over a list of TMC leaders to be arrested by the agency from different parts of the state ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Invoices of a refrigerator and smart TV are among the evidence the Enforcement Directorate used to support its claim that Jharkhand's ex-chief minister Hemant Soren acquired 8.86 acres of land worth more than Rs 31 crore illegally. IMAGE: Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren greets his supporters while being brought to a civil court in Ranchi. Photograph: ANI Photo The federal probe agency obtained these receipts from two Ranchi-based dealers and attached those to its charge sheet filed against the 48-year-old Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader and four others last month. The special PMLA court of Judge Rajiv Ranjan in Ranchi took cognisance of the prosecution complaint on April 4. Soren was arrested by the ED on January 31 in a money laundering case related to the alleged land grab, shortly after he resigned as chief minister. He is currently in judicial custody in Birsa Munda jail at Hotwar in Ranchi. According to the ED, the two gadgets were purchased in the name of the family members of one Santosh Munda who told the agency that he has been "residing as a caretaker of the property of Hemant Soren on the said land (8.86 acres) for 14 to 15 years". The agency used Munda's statement to counter Soren's claim that he had no link with the said land. The ED also rejected the claim of a person named Rajkumar Pahan on the piece of land, alleging that he was a "front" for Soren to keep the asset under his control. The ED claimed that soon after Soren was issued the first summons in this case in August last year, Pahan wrote to the deputy commissioner of Ranchi stating he and some others have the land in possession and the earlier mutation in the name of other owners be cancelled and they may be saved from being evicted from their property. The state government "restored" the land to Pahan on January 29, two days before Soren's arrest, so that the JMM leader's control and possession remained "unimpeded," the ED alleged. According to the federal probe agency, the land was originally a 'Bhuinhari' property that cannot be transferred or sold to anyone under general situations and 'Mundas' and 'Pahans' were the owners of such land assets. The immovable asset was later sold to some persons by the original allottees but Soren got them "evicted" and gained control of the land in 2010-11, the ED claimed. Santosh Munda also told the ED that Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana visited the land "two to three times" and that he worked as a labourer when a boundary wall was being erected at the plot. The ED claims Munda was entrusted the charge of the property's caretaker at the behest of Soren, apart from another accused in the case Hilariyas Kachhap who got an electricity meter installed there. A refrigerator was purchased in February 2017 in the name of Munda's son while a smart TV was purchased in November 2022 in the name of his daughter at the address where the land is located in Ranchi, the agency said. Thus, the ED said, it is "established" that Santosh Munda and his family were residing at this property and it was not in possession of the accused person Rajkumar Pahan. "Rajkumar Pahan is acting as a frontman of Hemant Soren so that the property can somehow be shown to be in possession of Pahan and his family members and the evidence against Soren can be frustrated and the proceeds of crime can be kept concealed," the agency claimed. The ED has listed these two bills as evidence and attached them with the charge sheet under the 'relied upon documents' category as it sought prosecution of Soren and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Soren, Rajkumar Pahan, Hilariyas Kachhap, Bhanu Pratap Prasad and Binod Singh have been named as accused in the 191-page charge sheet. The piece of land -- 12 adjacent plots guarded by a cemented wall -- has also been attached by the ED on March 30 and it is valued at over Rs 31.07 crore. The agency stumbled upon this case of alleged land grab while probing another money laundering case of 2022 where a 4.55-acre land of the defence ministry at Morabadi in Ranchi was "acquired fraudulently". According to the ED, the probe found that "a group of some private persons in connivance with government officials including the ex-DC Ranchi, Chhavi Ranjan, and Bhanu Pratap Prasad (sub-inspector of Jharkhand government revenue department) were part of a land-grabbing syndicate." "They were involved in corrupt practices which included acquiring properties based on false deeds, falsification of government records, tampering with original revenue documents etc, to facilitate private persons to acquire landed properties fraudulently," it said. Former Aam Aadmi Party MLA Sandeep Kumar has approached the Delhi high court seeking the removal of arrested party leader Arvind Kejriwal from the post of chief minister of the national capital. IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo The petition is listed for hearing before Justice Subramonium Prasad on Monday. In his petition, Kumar has said after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy for Delhi, Kejriwal has incurred an "incapacity" to carry out the chief minister's functions under the Constitution. The plea says the AAP leader's 'unavailability' complicates the constitutional mechanism and he can never function as the chief minister from prison according to the mandate of the Constitution. 'Article 239AA(4) of the Constitution provides for the Council of Ministers with the chief minister at the head to aid and advise the lieutenant governor in the exercise of his functions in relation to matters with respect to which the legislative Assembly has power to make laws. The aid and advice to the lieutenant governor are practically not possible without the chief minister being a free person available to render his aid and advice under the Constitution,' the petition says. 'Issue a writ of quo warranto against Respondent No.1 i.e. Mr Arvind Kejriwal, the incumbent chief minister of Delhi, by calling upon him to show by what authority, qualification and title he holds the office of the chief minister of Delhi under Article 239AA of the Constitution and after an inquiry, dislodge him from the office of the chief minister of Delhi with or without the retrospective effect,' the petition prays. Kejriwal, who was arrested by the ED on March 21, is currently lodged in Tihar Jail. The high court had earlier rejected two public interest litigation pleas seeking Kejriwal's removal from the chief minister's post. On April 4, a bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet P S Arora refused to entertain a PIL on the issue, saying it was Kejriwal's personal choice to continue as the chief minister. Earlier, the bench had dismissed a similar PIL, observing that the petitioner had failed to show any legal bar that prohibited the arrested chief minister from holding office. It had observed that there was no scope for judicial interference in the matter and that it was for the other organs of the State to look into the issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a blistering attack on the opposition Congress, charging that its poll manifesto bore the imprint of Muslim League and utterances of its leaders betrayed hostility towards national integrity and Sanatan Dharma. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting ahead of Lok Sabha polls 2024, in Nawada on April 7, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Addressing a rally in Nawada district, his second in Bihar in 72 hours, Modi also recounted the 'jungle raj' that prevailed when the state was ruled by the Congress-Rashtriya Janata Dal combine, showering praises on his ally Nitish Kumar and ailing BJP colleague Sushil Kumar Modi for turning things around as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively. "The manifesto that the Congress has released bears the imprint of the Muslim League. It has not released a poll manifesto but a declaration of appeasement (tushtikaran patra)," alleged Modi. The Prime Minister also came down heavily on All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, without mentioning him by name, who recently objected to raising the issue of abrogation of Article 370, by BJP leaders, during poll campaigns in states like Rajasthan. "The post of the national president of the Congress is not a small thing. And the leader thinks Article 370 has nothing to do with Rajasthan. Is Jammu and Kashmir not an integral part of the country? His thinking betrays the mindset of tukde-tukde gang," alleged Modi. He pointed out that security personnel from all over the country, including Rajasthan and Bihar, have laid down their lives fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, and "their bodies have reached their native places wrapped in tricolour". "The INDIA bloc talks a lot about the Constitution. Their leaders should tell the people why they could not implement the Samvidhan of Baba Saheb Ambedkar fully in Jammu and Kashmir. Why did it take a Modi to do so?" asked the PM. In an apparent reference to controversial remarks of Karnataka MP D K Suresh, the PM said, "You can understand the Congress' mindset from the statement of one of its very senior leaders who openly called for making south India a separate nation." Modi, who was in the Bihar district to campaign for BJP candidate Vivek Thakur, said, "I wonder what hostility the Congress has towards popular sentiments. Its leaders did not turn up at pran pratishtha even though the temple at Ayodhya was constructed with donations made by the common people, not with government funds." "When some of the Congress leaders came out in favour of the Ram temple at Ayodhya, they were slapped with expulsions," said the PM, in a veiled reference to Acharya Pramod Krishnam, who was sacked by the party after he criticised it for skipping the event. The PM also said that while his government boldly acted against "anti-women" practices like 'triple talaq', the Congress and its allies were busy denigrating Sanatan Dharma. "The festival of Ram Navami is approaching. Do not forget the sins of these people," said Modi, who also claimed there was "sir futavval (infighting)" within the INDIA bloc in which "one senior leader has refused to take part in campaign unless he is projected as the Prime Ministerial candidate". Modi also lauded Nitish Kumar, the Janata Dal-United president, and Sushil Kumar Modi, who is battling with cancer and has excused himself from poll-related activities, for their efforts in pulling Bihar out of the 'jungle raj', a term often used to denote the lawlessness that prevailed when Bihar was ruled by the RJD-Congress combine. "In those days, our mothers and sisters were fearful of venturing out of homes," alleged Modi, taking forward the declamation of Kumar who spoke before him, that "people did not go out of their homes after dusk" in Bihar until the change of guard in 2005. Kumar, who returned to the NDA in January, and has sought to maintain a "secular" image, also claimed "clashes between Hindus and Muslims were more common before we took over. In the new atmosphere of peace, Muslims too supported us in a big way. We got more than 50 per cent of their votes in 2010 assembly polls". The PM was also visibly pleased when the Bihar CM predicted a 400-plus tally for the NDA. The PM said, "All surveys show that we are heading for a massive victory. Some may wonder why I am still working so hard. I am not one who would rest on his laurels. I was born into a poor family and will not rest until I wipe out poverty from the country. The first 10 years of my government have been a trailer. Our growth engine is on the runway. It must now take off." In an apparent reference to the Congress' complaint to EC that the use of the "Modi ki guarantee" phrase was a violation of the Model Code of Conduct, the PM said he was able to deliver on promises because he had "pure intent and firm resolve". "The glory of India is being sung (bharat ka danka baj raha hai) far and wide, be it New Zealand or Africa. This has not been achieved by Modi, but by the power of your vote which installed a strong government," said the PM. 'We will reduce prices of commodities,' may be the standard refrain of every political party fighting an election. IMAGE: TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu consistently emphasises the issue during his campaign, alleging that the state has been supplying poor quality liquor while profiting immensely from 'inflated' prices. Photograph: ANI Photo However, in Andhra Pradesh, opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is wooing the avid booze lover with the promise of better quality spirit at reduced prices, if voted to power. Simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are scheduled in the southern state on May 13. The main opposition TDP is also accusing the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party government of setting excessively high prices that do not align with the quality of the liquor. TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu consistently emphasises, among others, the issue during his campaign, alleging that the state has been supplying poor quality liquor while profiting immensely from 'inflated' prices, running to thousands of crores of rupees. According to reports, the state government netted nearly Rs 24,000 crore through excise revenue in 2022-23 against over Rs 17,000 crore in 2019-20. Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP was voted to power in 2019. Liquor is sold through government-owned outlets in the state. Naidu also lashes out at the chief minister saying he had gone back on his poll promise of banning liquor if voted to power in 2019 assembly elections. "Prices of all commodities have gone up exorbitantly including liquor rates which are flying. Our younger brothers cheer when I mention liquor. They want the prices of liquor to be reduced. It is Jagan Mohan Reddy who increased the price from Rs 60 (for a nip) to Rs 200 and pocketed Rs 100," he alleged, amid cheers from the crowd. Jagan is spoiling the health of our people by supplying 'cheap quality' booze, he alleges in his poll-related engagements. "I am telling you, after 40 days (of TDP forming the government), not only for quality liquor, we take the responsibility for reducing prices," he promised at a recent rally in Kuppam from where he is contesting the polls. Similarly, Pawan Kalyan founder of Janasena, a National Democratic Alliance constituent along with TDP asked if the state should implement total prohibition or not. When the public responded in the negative he said health problems would arise if people consume the liquor supplied by the YRCP government. Jagan has 'looted' Rs 40,000 crore through liquor sales, the actor-politician alleged in a meeting at Pithapuram from where is testing his political career. The Janasena leader questioned why digital payments are not accepted in liquor shops for all transactions across the country. "Where is the money going....about 74 per cent of the total liquor sold is being supplied by just 16 companies," he charged, adding some of them are owned by YSRCP leaders. He claimed that a national health survey said that people of the state have suffered the most due to liver diseases because of "poor quality alcohol." Andhra Pradesh BJP chief D Purandeswari had earlier demanded an inquiry into the liquor business in the state. As the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections gathers momentum, Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray, the leaders of two prominent regional parties in Maharashtra, are fighting a battle for political survival. IMAGE: A combination of pictures shows NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray. Photograph: ANI Photo The polls are also an acid test for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy and NCP chief Ajit Pawar as they have cast their lots with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by splitting their respective parties. But the challenge is tougher for Thackeray and Sharad Pawar as they are out of power and have lost control of their parties -- Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), respectively -- along with the original name and electoral symbol. The Election Commission and the Maharashtra assembly speaker have recognised the Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Shinde-led Sena as the real NCP and the real Shiv Sena. Senior journalist and political analyst Prakash Akolkar told PTI that both the leaders need to put up an impressive performance in the polls, or else they risk political extinction. "Uddhav Thackeray needs to get at least six to seven MPs elected to keep his flock together till the assembly polls which are due later this year," Akolkar said. Thackeray had to contest as many Lok Sabha seats as his party contested when he was a BJP ally in 2019, and he is doing just that, declaring 21 candidates so far notwithstanding the Congress staking claim to some of these seats, the senior journalist noted. The NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar is contesting 10 seats as per the seat-sharing formula worked out with his Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies Sena-UBT and Congress. But Akolkar said the key seat for Pawar senior is his home turf Baramati, where his daughter and three-time MP Supriya Sule is facing a challenge from Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar. "If Sharad Pawar loses Baramati, everything is lost for him. This is a battle between him and his nephew Ajit who has managed and controlled Baramati constituency for the family all these years," Akolkar said. While Pawar, 83, has never lost an election in his political career spanning more than five decades, Uddhav Thackeray has never contested a direct election. When he became chief minister, Thackeray was elected to the legislative council. The Shinde faction often taunts him for not stepping out of house when he held the top post in the state. But in the run-up to the elections, Thackeray has been travelling to different parts of the state, and his rallies are getting good response. Pawar, too, is on the move while also reaching out to his old rivals in Pune district (where Baramati constituency is located) like the Thopates of Congress to ensure his daughter has a smooth sailing. With the MVA's seat-sharing talks with Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar's Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) falling through, the direct contest between the MVA and Mahayuti alliance has become a triangular fight, and in Akolkar's opinion it would benefit the ruling alliance. Abhay Deshpande, another senior journalist, pointed out that the elections will also test the claim of Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray that the traditional voters and cadres of their respective parties are loyal to them. There is also unrest in BJP cadres, and it will have to be seen if they work wholeheartedly for candidates of Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Shinde-led Shiv Sena, Deshpande added. "Splits in political parties is not a new phenomenon. But for the first time, rebels have hijacked the original parties after the split and got recognition," he noted. "The slogan of 400-plus seats is meant to motivate BJP workers. But to realise that goal, the BJP will have to retain the 2019 tally of 41 seats (which it won in alliance with undivided Sena) in Maharashtra. Due to the alignment and realignment of political equations, this is going to be a challenge," Deshpande said. Harshal Pradhan, a former journalist and now a close associate of Uddhav Thackeray, claimed these elections are really about the survival of the BJP and its leadership. The BJP used central probe agencies to weaken and intimidate opposition parties, and its modus operandi is to accuse opposition leaders of corruption and then induct them into the party fold, he alleged. When Uddhav Thackeray was in power as CM for two-and-a-half years, he worked to mitigate the damage caused by cyclones in Konkan and save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pradhan said. Thackeray's growing political stature during this period made the BJP insecure, he claimed. Clyde Crasto, spokesperson of the NCP (SP), echoed the same view. "This election is a battle for survival for the BJP, because they are afraid they will lose, and therefore resorting to cheap tactics like breaking up parties and families," he alleged. Ratnakar Mahajan, senior Congress leader and political commentator, said, "Both Shinde and Ajit Pawar are past 60. To start a new innings at this age is not easy. But they did this (split their parties) not for power but to avoid possible action by the ED, Income Tax and CBI which the Union government is using to harass opposition leaders." Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray will be looking for vindication of their political stands in these elections, Mahajan opined. "After the 2019 assembly elections, an unusual alliance emerged through the initiative of these leaders. There was dissension within the Shiv Sena about joining hands with Pawar. But the two leaders went ahead and Thackeray became the chief minister. Now they are fighting to retain their hold over voters in the state," he said. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 42F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch.. Tonight Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 42F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch. 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 Tens of thousands joined an anti-government rally organized by Peter Magyar, a former insider of Hungary's ruling Fidesz party, in Budapest on April 6. The lawyer and businessman wants to run in European Parliament elections with a result that will be "the first nail in the coffin" of the Fidesz party's dominance in Hungary, he told the protesters. Magyar has been rallying criticism of the government since February, when a controversial pardon led to the resignations of President Katalin Novak and Magyar's ex-wife, Justice Minister Judit Varga. Israel stepped up its massive air strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs in its drive to wipe out Hezbollah's capabilities and leadership, even as the world awaits with trepidation the October 7 anniversary of the bloody attack on Israel by Hamas -- which, like Hezbollah, is a U.S.-designated terror group with ties to Iran. Meanwhile, Tehran said it had lifted all flight restrictions after earlier announcing it was closing Iranian airports as of 9 p.m. on October 6 until 6 a.m. on October 7, citing "operational restrictions," at a time when Israel is weighing options for its response to Iran's recent massive missile strike on its territory. State media said the restrictions were lifted after ensuring favorable and safe conditions. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on October 6 threatened Iran that it might eventually find itself looking like Beirut or Gaza -- which has also been battered over the past year -- if Tehran attempts to further harm Israel. "The Iranians did not touch the air force's capabilities. No aircraft were damaged, no squadron was taken out of order," Gallant said in reference to the Iranian missile strike, which caused few injuries and slight damage to two air force bases. "Whoever thinks that a mere attempt to harm us will deter us from taking action should take a look at [Israels operations] in Gaza and Beirut, where Israel is battling fighters of Hamas, which has been deemed a terrorist organization by the United States and EU. Israel earlier said conducted a series of targeted strikes on weapons storage facilities and infrastructure sites that belong to Iran-backed Hezbollah. Hezbollah has been designated by the United States as a terror group, while the European Union has blacklisted its armed wing but not its political unit, which holds seats in the Lebanese parliament. Lebanon's official National News Agency said Hezbollah's stronghold in the area was hit by more than 30 strikes. A petrol station and a medical supplies warehouse were hit by the air raids. Video footage showed huge flames and plumes of smoke billowing into the night sky, as residents fled their homes in panic with explosions echoing in the background. Many observers said the attacks were the strongest yet of Israel's recent air strikes. "Last night was the most violence of all the previous nights," Hanan Abdullah, a resident of the Burj al-Barajneh area in Beirut's southern suburbs, told Reuters. "Buildings were shaking around us and at first I thought it was an earthquake. There were dozens of strikes -- we couldn't count them all -- and the sounds were deafening," Israel has bombed Beirut suburbs for days, killing Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and possibly his potential successor, Hashem Safieddine. Security sources have said Safieddine had been out of contact since October 4, after an Israeli air strike near Beiruts international airport that was reported to have targeted him. Hezbollah has not commented on Safieddine. Israel says Nasrallah was killed in a strike on the group's central command headquarters in Beirut on September 27. Two senior Iranian security officials told Reuters on October 6 that Ismail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force -- the overseas arm of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) -- also had not been heard from in recent days since traveling to Lebanon. Senior Hezbollah member Mahmoud Qmati, when asked about Qaani's whereabouts, told Reuters: "I have no information. We are also searching for the truth of this matter. Statements on October 6 out of the United States -- Tel Aviv's most important ally -- indicated some frustrations with the scope of Israel's military action. "Military pressure can at times enable diplomacy. Of course, military pressure can also lead to miscalculation. It can lead to unintended consequences," a U.S. State Department spokesperson said in statement. The spokesperson said Washington supported Israeli actions in going after extremist elements but added that U.S. leaders but did not approve of the targeting of civilian infrastructure. "Every civilian casualty is one too many," the spokesperson said. Israel said on October 5 that its forces had killed 440 Hezbollah fighters in ground operations in southern Lebanon and destroyed 2,000 Hezbollah targets. Nine Israeli soldiers had been killed in southern Lebanon so far, the authorities said. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, nearly 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in the latest conflict, most of them since September 23. Israel says the attacks on Hezbollah are aimed at enabling the safe return of tens of thousands of citizens to homes in northern Israel, bombarded by the group since last October. The Israeli forces were on high alert ahead of the first anniversary of an attack on October 7 last year, which sparked the war and was carried out by Hamas. According to Israel tallies, some 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage in the unprecedented Hamas attack on southern Israel. Israeli police on October 6 said several people had been injured in a suspected shooting attack in Beersheba, a city in southern Israel. One attacker was killed, the ambulance service said. Separately, health officials in Hamas-run Gaza reported on October 6 that at least 41,870 Palestinians have been killed in the territory in the yearlong war between Israel and Palestinian militants. Palestinian officials said that an Israeli strike on a mosque in Gaza early on October 6 killed at least 19 people who were sheltering after being displaced from their homes near the town of Deir al-Bala. The Israeli military said the strike was targeting militants. The reports could not immediately be confirmed, but the Associated Press said one of its journalists counted the bodies at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital morgue. AP also reported that hospital records showed that the fatalities from the mosque strike were all men. Israel said its forces on October 6 surrounded the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza in response to indications that Hamas was rebuilding its operational capabilities in the area. Israel is also considering a retaliatory strike on Iran, which fired at least 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on October 1. Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad visited Kharg island on October 6, amid concerns that Israel could target Iran's largest oil terminal there. "The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC] Navy plays an important role in the security of oil and gas facilities," Paknejad was quoted as saying at the facility, from which around 90 percent of Iranian oil exports are shipped. In Syria, state media and local rights monitors said an Israeli air strike targeted three cars in the city of Homs, although details remained sketchy. Israeli forces have for years been striking Iran-linked targets in Syria and have intensified such actions since the October 7 attacks. With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP BUCHAREST -- Soured co-founders of a conspiracy-minded fringe organization called Group for Romania (GPR) are distancing themselves from the group and its anti-Western message after it appealed for Chinese help and Russian intervention to restore lost Romanian "sovereignty." In recent weeks the group -- which has included university lecturers, a former judge, economists, as well as prominent actors -- appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping for salvation from a "Judeo-Euro-Atlantic political regime." Some GPR defectors have criticized that message as "shameful" and "unforgivable," and a well-known Romanian political scientist has described it as a risky result of "hallucination." In a March 26 online petition titled Communique No. 9 On Relations With The Russian Federation, addressed to Putin and other Russian leaders, GPR listed perceived racial, ethno-nationalist, and historical grievances and said that "Romania has fallen from the status of a colony to the status of a territory under foreign military occupation. We hope, Mr. President Putin, that you will help Romania in future historical moments to become a sovereign country again." By April 5, the petition had attracted 17 signatures. Days later, Communique No. 10 was directed at China and urged Xi and Beijing to help Romania "escape the underdevelopment to which it was condemned by the Judeo-Westerners who seized the country in the decades after the assassination of former President Nicolae Ceausescu," the hated communist dictator who was summarily executed along with his wife in December 1989. Romanian public opinion and government actions have been broadly united in their opposition to Russia's full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine in February 2022, including with support for providing Kyiv with military aid alongside other NATO members. Contacted by RFE/RL's Romanian Service, a number of GPR's founders and other prominent figures denied they had anything to do with the appeals to Moscow and Beijing. Actor Florin Zamfirescu, who has been a member of the group for a decade and was the group's spokesman as recently as January, said he opposed the overture to Moscow and had quit the organization after seeing the text of an earlier communique. "Yes, we have a difficult situation in the EU, but addressing the opponent as proposed by the person who wrote the communique is unforgivable!" Zamfirescu said in a written statement. "We are in the European camp, and the only way to correct something we don't agree with is between us, not apart!" Zamfirescu likened the communique to Putin to the Romanian communists' capitulation in 1944, "when they handed over the country to the Soviets." One of the supposed signatories, actor and director Dan Puric, told RFE/RL he withdrew from GPR long ago, although he didn't specify when. He was listed as a member of the organization in a January strategy document. "Whether it's the United States of America or the Russian Federation, our position must be balanced, dignified, and free from such servile attitudes," Puric said. "I consider this petition shameful." Adrian Toni Neacsu, a prominent lawyer and civil servant who was among the members in January, also distanced himself from the communiques. "I didn't sign any petition, and I didn't discuss it," he said. "I don't do politics, and my opinions are exclusively about legal and constitutional issues." The Group for Romania announced its arrival as a civic initiative in 2015 with a so-called Citizens' Constitution prescribing radical populist solutions to retake political and economic power and restore moral and spiritual values. It alleged that a "transnational financial mafia stole our state" and set its goal as winning parliamentary, presidential, local, and European Parliament elections in order to retake Romania by "cleaning the state leadership of traitors and replacing them with patriots." But it never gained a serious political footing and has rebranded itself multiple times since, including following the death in March 2019 of its original ideological architect, economist and outspoken sovereigntist Constantin Cojocaru. In January, the group declared in a statement that its leadership was establishing a "civic entity for debate on the fundamental problems facing our society." It said its stated objective was to "ensure the restoration of Romanians' property rights over their country [and] to defend the identity values of Romanian civilization." Since the announcement, official GPR social-media accounts have been more active, spreading messages that are primarily Christian and nationalist but also attack liberal-leaning political groups in Romania or the West and warn against corruption and the misrepresentations of history. Among other conspiratorial themes, they have described the Ukraine war as a conflict "between Russian nationalists and Jewish power worldwide" and have cited "highly informed sources" to reinterpret the Russian Revolution as a Jewish conspiracy. The new strategy appears to have led directly to the appeals to Xi and Putin that came as a shock to some of its longtime members or supporters. "It's clear that the [communiques'] text was written on a level of hallucination by someone who believes that he can intervene with the world's major governments to save Romania from an alleged political-economic disaster," said Andrei Taranu, vice dean of the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration in Bucharest (SNSPA), who has no affiliation with the GPR. It was illogical, he said, to invite foreign leaders to ensure Romania's survival, and he wondered aloud whether such an apparent request for outside intervention in the context of the current war in Ukraine risked investigation for treason. "Are you calling on the armies of the Russian Federation to come and occupy Romania to take care of..Romania?" Taranu said. "It is an absolutely terrible approach, from my point of view." Not all of January's strategic signatories have renounced the communiques. Cezar Dinu-Avramuta, an activist and educator dubbed the "Dacia flag-bearer" after images went viral of him waving the ancient military standard of a serpent with a wolf's head during last year's teachers' strike, says the communiques are useful and necessary in Romania's "deep" interests. He told RFE/RL's Romanian Service it required "deep knowledge of history, international relations, and international security," and added that Putin and Kremlin politicians would understand it. Writer and casting director Miron Manega says he signed it, too. "There are now, in the world, two pillars of sovereignty: [U.S. ex-President and presumptive Republican presidential nominee] Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin," he said. "The existence of these global landmarks of sovereignty enables the sovereigntism of smaller states like Romania. However, Donald Trump is far away and is not yet president. Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, is president, he is close to us, and he is powerful." Written by Andy Heil based on reporting by Oana Despa of RFE/RL's Romanian Service 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. Get new posts by email: Subscribe James Cox Munster Technological University (MTU) has launched a cybersecurity scholarship programme, with applications now open. Successful applicants will be invited to join the 10-month programme where they will receive a tax-free scholarship of 38,000. They will be "provided with the necessary skills to evaluate, select and validate ideas for new cybersecurity products and services which will contribute to the creation of new start-ups and innovations". Participants do not need to have a cybersecurity or IT background to apply. The purpose of the programme is to form teams with combined abilities to produce the best cybersecurity innovations/startups. Those from IT, humanities and business are welcome to apply. Dr Donna O'Shea, chair of cybersecurity at MTU, said: "To our potential participants: This is not just another training or startup programme, it's a journey towards becoming pioneers in cybersecurity innovation and for you to make your mark on the world. We have the people, the mentors and some of the most advanced cyber security research infrastructure in Ireland for you to realise your success. Dr O'Shea added: "Our graduates will be catalysts, educators, and leadersarchitecting innovative cyber security solutions that bolster our national security and propel Ireland to the forefront of global cyber entrepreneurship. By David Young, PA Incoming taoiseach Simon Harris has pledged to lead his party with a new energy as he vowed to hit the ground running as leader. Ahead of his expected election as taoiseach in the Dail next week, recently appointed Fine Gael leader Mr Harris addressed delegates at his partys annual conference in Galway on Saturday evening. His uncontested elevation to leader of Fine Gael came after Taoiseach Leo Varadkars shock resignation last month. Mr Harris is to formally replace Mr Varadkar as the head of the Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Green Party Coalition in the Dail on Tuesday. Simon Harris with Leo Varadkar (Brian Lawless/PA) In a wide-ranging speech at the close of the ard fheis at the University of Galway, Mr Harris identified housing, law and order, support for small business, and pragmatic action on climate change as key priorities. He also addressed recent tensions in Ireland over increased immigration rates, as he pledged to oversee a fair but firm system to manage migration into the country. Launching a broadside against Sinn Fein, he said the electorate in forthcoming local and European elections faced a stark choice between opportunity and outright opportunism. Mr Harris, who paid warm tribute to his predecessor Mr Varadkar, said he was deeply honoured to take on the greatest challenge of his life. He described himself as a proud Wicklow man as he referred to his upbringing as the oldest of three children and the values instilled by his mother, a special needs assistant, and his taxi driver father. The 37-year-old also spoke with pride about his wife Caoimhe, a nurse, and young children Saoirse and Cillian. Everything I do will be the grounded in the values my parents raised me with hard work, compassion, and a desire to help those who need it the most, he said. And everything I do will be with the ambition to create a better Ireland not just for Saoirse and Cillian for all of our children. He told delegates his political story began when his younger brother Adam was diagnosed with autism, and he began campaigning for better information and services. He characterised Fine Gaels fundamental values as hope, enterprise, equality of opportunity, integrity and security. That is the Fine Gael I intend to lead, with a new energy, he said. On his expected election as taoiseach, he added: If given this great honour, I will take office when time is short but there is much to do. Tonight, I promise you, were going to hit the ground running. I will stand by our values as a party and our vision as a nation. A tolerant, inclusive and outward-looking society, which is fair, caring and secure. I am going to match that vision with action. Mr Harris vowed to tackle Irelands housing crisis, pledging to build 250,000 new homes in five years. I am of a generation where homeownership can feel out of the reach of many, he said. To young people, I want you to know your future is here in Ireland. And I want your parents to know we will move mountains to get the children out of the box room and into a home of their own. We have to fix housing once and for all. Mr Harris pledged a package to support small business owners as he acknowledged they were hurting under the pressure of increasing costs. The new party leader also highlighted the need to take action on climate change, saying Ireland had unique potential to secure energy independence but warning of the consequences of division over the issue. He promised not to lecture, instead pledging pragmatic and meaningful climate action. Mr Harris said Fine Gael was also the party of farmers, fishermen and women and rural Ireland. I want to say to farmers and to rural Ireland, Fine Gael will never talk down to you on climate action, he said. We will sit down and work with you and for you. Simon Harris speaking at the University of Galway (Brian Lawless/PA) Mr Harris also vowed to help families struggling in the cost-of-living crisis. He restated his ambition to raise the threshold for the higher rate of income tax to 50,000 and promised to further reduce the universal social charge burden on low and middle-income earners. Mr Harris also pledged to break down barriers to education and improve access to childcare facilities. The Wicklow TD also promised to take action to help people with disabilities. On the wider health service, he said the focus would be on improving access and opening more beds and theatres and ensuring the training and recruitment of more GPs, consultants, nurses and therapists. He said Fine Gael would always stand for law and order under his leadership. We stand for more gardai, with more powers and more resources to make our streets safe, he said. We stand for tougher sentences for those who commit horrific crimes. He said he would fast-track legislation to give judges powers to make sure heinous criminals serve long sentences before they are considered for release. On the fall-out from Novembers far-right influenced riots in Dublin, Mr Harris said he would immediately convene a Dublin city centre taskforce bringing together the council, retailers, business, community groups and gardai to chart a path towards a safer and vibrant city. It is time to have pride again in our capital city, he added. Mr Harris said Ireland needed a fair and firm system to better manage migration. Outlining his support for the new EU migration pact, Mr Harris added: We need to move away from the emergency use of hotels for housing asylum seekers. I believe we now have that plan. But the implementation will be key and engagement with communities is essential and leadership across government. We need to listen to people. The Irish people want to play their part. Irish people want to help. They already are. Speaking about the tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees who have fled to Ireland, Mr Harris acknowledged the influx had posed challenges. Taking in families fleeing the war has brought significant pressures. But it is the right thing to do, he said. Ireland, as a proud and committed member of the European Union, will always stand with the people of Ukraine. Addressing the conflict in the Middle East, Mr Harris issued a blunt message to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying Ireland was repulsed by his actions. The comments drew a standing ovation from the Fine Gael membership. In Gaza we see a humanitarian catastrophe worsen before our eyes, he said. We unreservedly condemn the massacre carried out by Hamas in October and again call for the unconditional release of all hostages. But we cannot and will not stay silent on the actions of Israel either. Reason has been replaced by revenge and by the bombing, maiming and death of children. Famine. A spectre no Irish person can bear. Anyone who can countenance deliberate starvation has lost their humanity. Prime minister Netanyahu, the Irish people could not be clearer. We are repulsed by your actions. Cease fire now and let the aid flow safely. We need a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side, in peace and security. I reiterate, Ireland stands ready to recognise the state of Palestine. On Northern Ireland, Mr Harris spoke of the need to maintain positive cooperation. I am determined to work together on a north-south, east-west basis to improve the lives of everyone across these islands, he said. Mr Harris said the choice facing the electorate at local and European elections in June was the starkest it has faced in generations. A choice between opportunity and outright opportunism, he said. Sinn Fein promises change. What they mean is they will change their mind at every chance. A party which promises utopia, but specialises in U-turns. He accused Sinn Fein of exploiting every challenge for its own gain. In conclusion, the Fine Gael leader said he would work day and night to make peoples lives better. We will have your back. We will repay your trust, he said. Together, I promise we will deliver. With a new energy. Now lets get to work. James Cox Sinn Fein's social media ad spend in 2024 was 44,450, more than Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, Labour and the Social Democrats combined. Research from Mulley Communications, seen by BreakingNews.ie, analysed the social media ad spending of Sinn Fein (44,450), Fine Gael (8,450), Fianna Fail (7,070), Labour (2,450), Social Democrats (600), and People Before Profit (0). Sinn Fein's spend was on a total of 88 ads, comparable to the 83 ads Fine Gael pushed on social media platforms. Fianna Fail's approach was far more targeted, with ads often aimed at specific towns or counties, and sometimes just running for a few hours. Labour's money was spent on eight ads, while the Social Democrats spent their money on 16 ads. Sinn Fein's spending was far higher than the other parties combined (18,570). Report author Damien Mulley, who recently published research on political parties' social media presence and engagement, said: "The 2024 political ad campaigns in Ireland reveal a strong focus on addressing immediate economic and social concerns, notably the housing and healthcare crises." Common themes across parties included: Economic and social issues, notably housing and healthcare. Advocacy for "Yes" votes in the family and care referendums. Educational advancements and healthcare improvements. Calls for systemic political changes and general election. Critique of current government policies on housing, healthcare, and foreign policy. Highlighting Government achievements. Sinn Fein Sinn Fein's 88 ads focused on a number of issues including fuel prices, the cost-of-living crisis, and housing. The main opposition party promoted its housing plan as an alternative to the high level of emigration among young people. Sinn Fein also pushed its community values, "ads emphasising fairness, community, and respect, calling for a government that prioritises these values and has the backing of its citizens". Unsurprisingly, a lot of the party's ads included calls for a general election, which ramped up after the resignation announcement from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. The party repeated its claim that Fine Gael should not have the right to choose the new taoiseach, with Simon Harris set to be announced as Mr Varadkar's successor this week. Sinn Fein also called on Independent TDs to withdraw support for the Coalition, and join them in calling for a general election. Fine Gael Of the 8,450 Fine Gael spent on ads, 4,950 went on ads calling for a yes-yes vote in the recent family and care referendums, which were resoundingly defeated. "The Fine Gael ads for 2024 seem to revolve around several core themes, focusing on fiscal policies, referendums, and public engagement," Mr Mulley explained. Fine Gael also highlighted income tax and USC cuts, and the 750 relief for renters announced in 2024. Fianna Fail Fianna Fail's 7,070 spend was spread across far more ads than the other parties. They purchased 334 ads, many of which were micro-targeted for short periods of time. The various themes covered included investment in education, childcare fee reductions, healthcare, housing, local election candidates, and praise for healthcare workers. Like Fine Gael, they made a significant contribution to ads advocating a yes-yes vote in the recent referendums, 2,000 of the 7,070 budget. Fianna Fail also invested in ads criticising the housing policies of Sinn Fein, and aiming to contrast Fianna Fail's policies with those of their political rivals. Labour Labour spent 2,450. Like the Government parties, they spent money on advocating a yes-yes vote in the referendums, albeit less (350). Themes that Labour's ads were focused on included campaigns calling for societal change and different social events, including one calling for the creation of safe spaces for women. They also published ads criticising the Government's approach to the housing crisis. Labour called for a target of over 50,000 homes per year. Social Democrats The Social Democrats spent 600 on 16 ads in 2024. "The Social Democrats' advertisements for 2024 showcase a diverse array of themes, focusing on systemic changes, critiques of government policies, and calls for action in both domestic and international spheres," Mr Mulley noted. The themes the Social Democrats ads addressed included housing and government accountability, social and disability rights, climate change and environmental policy, foreign policy and human rights. People Before Profit While Mr Mulley's previous research showed People Before Profit has a strong social media presence, unsurprisingly they did not spend any money on ads. New launches, along with Tesla production for India and Hyundai Ioniq 5 getting DL grabbed headlines in first week of April 2024 In addition to entirely new products, 2024 facelifts and price hikes were also announced by select OEMs. Spy shots also revealed new details about upcoming products. Heres a quick roundup of all the exciting news stories and updates from April 01 to April 06, 2024. Ather Rizta launched Ather has launched its new Rizta electric scooter at Rs 1.10 lakh. Rizta is a family-oriented scooter and will rival the likes of Ola S1 X+, TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak. Battery pack options include a 2.9 kWh and a 3.7 kWh unit. True range is 105 km and 125 km, respectively. Tesla starts production for Indian market in Germany Following the governments announcement of the new EV import policy, Tesla has commenced production of RHD vehicles at its plant in Germany. However, it is not known exactly which model is being produced for the Indian market. Tesla could launch its first product in India later this year. Toyota Taisor launched A rebadged version of Maruti Fronx, Toyota Taisor is available at a starting price of Rs 7.74 lakh. A total of 5 trims are on offer. Taisor marks Toyotas re-entry into the highly competitive sub-4-meter UV segment. 2024 Renault Captur facelift unveiled Renault Captur 2024 facelift will be available for sale in Europe later this year. The updated model gets a complete exterior refresh, along with new features and powertrain options. Captur was available in India earlier, but was discontinued due to low sales and stricter emission norms. Citroen celebrates 3rd anniversary with attractive offers French carmaker Citroen is celebrating its 3rd anniversary in India. Offers for customers include special pricing for C3 hatch and C3 Aircross SUV. Special Blu limited editions of C3 and eC3 have also been introduced. Existing customers are eligible for referral earnings and a free car spa as well. Lexus NX350h Overtail confirmed for India In India, Lexus NX350h Overtail is expected to be launched soon. It will take on rivals such as BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and Jaguar F-Pace. Lexus NX350h Overtail will come with a price tag of Rs 71.17 lakh. It utilizes a hybrid powertrain. Creta facelift prices hiked Hyundai had launched the Creta facelift earlier this year. Prices have been hiked with immediate effect. While price of base variant remains unchanged at Rs 10.99 lakh, all other variants have become costlier in the range of Rs 3,500 to Rs 10,800. Mahindra XUV300 is now XUV3X0 One of the popular sub-4-meter compact SUVs, Mahindra XUV300 will be getting its facelift version soon. Mahindra has also announced a new XUV 3X0 name for the SUV. This new naming convention is likely to be used for other models as well such as XUV 7X0, XUV 5X0, XUV 1X0, etc. Honda Elevate prices hiked Since its launch, Elevate prices have been increased twice. The first price hike was in January 2024, followed by the recent price hike in April. Elevate variants have become costlier in the range of Rs 23,000 to Rs 40,000. Maruti production crosses 30 million units It has been a fascinating journey for Maruti, having commenced operations way back in December 1983. Now, after around 40 years, Maruti has achieved the cumulative production milestone of 30 million units. The company continues to dominate, with market share of over 40%. Skoda Superb makes India re-entry Probably based on market feedback, Skoda has reintroduced the Superb executive sedan in India. It will be imported via the CBU route. India gets the 3rd-gen model, whereas Skoda has revealed the 4th-gen model for international markets. Superb goes on sale in India at Rs 54 lakh. Kia 2024 models launched Kia has introduced the 2024 versions of Sonet, Seltos and Carens. There are new variants and prices have also been revised. Force Gurkha pickup spotted In an interesting development, a 2S Force Gurkha Pickup single cab was spotted on road tests. It is not certain if and when this pickup will be launched. With its off-roading equipment, Force Gurkha Pickup single cab seems to have potential across specific environments and applications. Hyundai Ioniq 5 gets drivers license In a development that highlights the growing power of AI, machine learning and robotics, a Hyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxi has cleared the drivers license test in the USA. Hyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxi is a Level 4 autonomous vehicle with several advanced features. Armed Forces carried out five military operations targeting British, Israeli ships & American frigates resource : SABA Facebook Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram Telegram Email Email Print Print [Sun, 07 Apr 2024 16:13:50 +0300]SANA'A April 07. 2024 (Saba) - In triumph to the oppressed Palestinian people and in retaliation to the American-British aggression against our country.The Yemeni Armed Forces carried out five military operations during the past 72 hours, as follows:The naval forces carried out a targeting operation against the British ship (Hope Island) in the Red Sea with a number of suitable naval missiles, and the hit was direct.They also carried out a targeting operation against two Israeli ships that were heading to the ports of occupied Palestine, the first (MSC GRACE F) in the Indian Ocean and the other (MSC GINA) in the Arabian Sea.The operation was carried out with a number of ballistic and winged missiles, achieving its objectives successfully.Yemeni Armed Air forces carried out two military operations targeting a number of American military frigates in the Red Sea, using a number of drones, and the operations have successfully achieved their objectives.The Yemeni Armed Forces persist with their military operations, enforcing a blockade on Israeli navigation in the Red and Arabian Seas and the Indian Ocean until a ceasefire is achieved and the siege is lifted in Gaza.Sana'aRamadan28, 1445 AHApril 7, 2024 ADIssued by the Yemeni Armed ForcesJ.A STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Hey, this could have been worse. In Weekend Update segment that featured a pair of Saturday Night Live comedians dressed as Fridays earthquake and Mondays upcoming solar eclipse, Staten Islands Colin Jost opened the spoof news segment with his own joke about the 4.8 magnitude quake that surprised folks across the East Coast. Well, yesterday, everyone in New York pretended they felt an earthquake, said Jost. Just admit it. You thought it was wind. This earthquake was actually the best possible disaster. It was kind of like the time I saw my dad in the shower. It was a little scary, there was no permanent damage, but Im going to remember it for the rest of my life. Jost, the longtime SNL writer and Update host, then pivoted to yup, you guessed it saying a podium had a higher approval rating than President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Update later included Kenan Thompson dressed as the solar eclipse in a back-and-forth with Marcello Hernandez, who was representing the earthquake that shook New York City. Kristen Wiig hosted Saturdays episode, the 16th of season 49. During the opening monologue, Ryan Gosling, Matt Damon and Paul Rudd played roles in helping Wiig obtain her Five-Timers Club jacket. Raye was the musical guest. It was raining buckets before dawn when investigators descended Wednesday on the ramshackle compound of trailers and kennels in South Jersey, where authorities say pit bulls were bred to fight to their deaths. They found more than a hundred dogs, many wounded and shivering in the cold who nonetheless greeted police and veterinarians with wagging tails, state Attorney General Matthew Platkin told reporters at a Friday news conference. What other hell these dogs endured, I honestly dont even dare to imagine, Platkin said, adding they had been tortured and abused. Now, alleged ringleader Bruce Hollywood Low, Jr., and seven others face accusations of racketeering, organized crime, animal cruelty and other charges following a years-long probe launched in December 2021 when state authorities first received complaints of dogfighting at the compound in rural Cumberland County. The inquiry turned into the largest seizure and takedown of a dogfighting ring in the history of the state of New Jersey, according to Col. Patrick Callahan, the head of the State Police. Low, age 44, did not return phone calls and emails seeking comment on the accusations. The other defendants could not be reached. In court records and other documents made public this week, state authorities described a sophisticated network of dog breeders, trainers and spectators who ran a brutal gambling operation rooted in animal cruelty. Pit bulls were allegedly dragged on leashes by vehicles, forced to fight each other for sport and dumped in a pit on the property when they succumbed to injuries. For Low, authorities claim, such abuse was a profitable family business. The pedigree of his fighting dogs is well-known and highly sought after in the dogfighting world, Dominick Quartuccio, a State Police detective, wrote in a sworn statement, adding that Low, Jr. generated a significant amount of income from the dogfighting. Authorities charged Lows mother and business partner Terri A. Low, 67; his son, Bryce J. Low, 20; and his son-in-law, Roosevelt Hart IV, 29, on a range of offenses including dogfighting, racketeering and money laundering. Also charged were: Coy Glenn Dickenson, 58, originally of Texas, a world-renowned game dog trainer. Travis J. Garron, 38, of Port Elizabeth, a trainer/handler Mark A. Runkle, 42, of Maurice River, a handler William McClinton, 68, of Maurice River, a breeder Authorities say Low and his co-conspirators discussed dogfighting on Facebook and traded videos of fights in private messaging groups later captured by police through a data warrant. They allege on multiple occasions, Dickenson was seen tethering dogs to an ATV and forcing them to run around the compound for long periods of time as part of their conditioning. Aerial footage captured by 6abc.com showed investigators digging pits at the compound, and authorities later said they found the remains of at least two dogs. The rest of the dogs are safe now, under the care of the national Humane Society, an animal welfare group, and are receiving treatment at an undisclosed location, officials said. The exact number of rescued animals was unclear court records say 103 dogs were seized, while the Humane Society estimated it was more than 120. The group said the dogs were undergoing x-rays and medical care and will eventually be placed in new homes. Despite the fact that it was pouring down rain, and many of the dogs were visibly shivering in the weather, they still came out of their shelters to come and greet us when we were coming up to remove them from the kennels, Adam Parascandola, one of the leaders of the rescue team, said Friday. That just speaks so strongly to the bond between dogs and people and, you know, we need to honor that bond. The compound, located on State Route 49 in Maurice River Township, is home to two businesses: Royal Bull Kennels, or RBK, and the Kisdir Group, a roofing contractor that conducts legitimate business but also is used to launder criminal proceeds for the dogfighting operation, charging documents alleged. Fighting dogs, big business RBK specializes in breeding and training American Pit Bull Terriers, the official name of the breed commonly known as pit bulls. Pit bulls were once considered among the most dangerous dog breeds, often associated with junkyards, drug houses and dog fights. Over the decades, theyve earned a softer image as the descendants of guard dogs began turning up in shelters and became common household pets. But their reputation persists among enthusiasts of dogfighting, which is illegal in all 50 states but flourishes in underground gambling operations often linked to organized crime. On its website, RBK takes pains to say everything about its operations is above board. We do not break any laws! reads a disclaimer. Court documents allege a South Jersey dogfighting ring advertised itself as a legitimate breeder while abusing the animals. Pictured inset is a promotion for the "Stud of the Week" from the group's website, along with charging documents against the owner.Canva for NJ.com All of our dogs are used in legal activities including but not limited to conformation, weight pull, obedience, treadmill racing, and other non-illegal activities, it later says. We do not own any dog that was knowingly used in any illegal activities before or after they were in our possession. We do not condone the use of any dogs in any illegal activities whatsoever. Charging documents paint a contrasting image. A search warrant turned up a large amount of dogfighting paraphernalia on the compound, court documents say, and investigators found suspected blood on a mural in an office and knock-down wooden walls used to construct the box/pit used for dog fights. On its website, RBK says they provide the very best care and living conditions money can buy. None of our dogs are on chains, the site says. They all live indoors in a climate-controlled atmosphere away from the nasty elements of Mother Nature. But Quartuccio, the State Police detective, wrote in a sworn statement that one of the trainers, Dickenson, kept dogs chained in the yard, living in barrels, and dogs in kennels around his trailer on the compound. During the investigation, surveillance observed Coy running dogs attached to an (all-terrain vehicle) on trails on the compound to condition them for fights, the cop wrote. The company claims to have worked with a Chinese biotechnology lab and cloned several of their dogs. It also offers puppies and dogs for sale, charging as much as $4,000 for pure pups. That business started tumbling down in February when Low began corresponding with a potential customer who turned out to be an undercover detective pretending to be interested in buying a dog. Low told the undercover he held 61 concerts a euphemism for dogfights, authorities claim last year alone, describing one such event in detail. A police affidavit describes him as one of the top 5 dogfighters/breeders in the country. Low previously served a federal sentence after pleading guilty to drug and weapons charges nearly two decades ago, in 2006, court records show. Authorities said at the time that he ran an extensive drug operation out of an underground bunker on the compound, bringing Low and both his parents, who owned the property, up on drug charges. They seized guns and more than 15,000 rounds of ammunition, along with 38 pit bulls, an alligator, and a parakeet, according to media accounts at the time. Authorities returned there this week, where over two days, swarms of investigators and animal welfare experts catalogued the contents of the compound and carted off dogs to receive care. Drones and helicopters, drawn by the flurry of law enforcement activity, captured rescuers cradling the animals in their arms. Platkin, the attorney general, declined to discuss specifics of the inquiry, saying this very much remains an ongoing investigation. If anybody has any leads, we encourage you to please come forward, he said. Officials at the press conference spoke in sometimes emotional terms about the alleged cruelty at the compound, comparing their own canine companions to the dogs rescued in Maurice River this week. Platkin invoked his dog, a goldendoodle named Toby, the first family member I see every morning who always brings a smile to my face. It is our responsibility in law enforcement to protect the most vulnerable of our society, not merely for their sake but for ours, as well, he said. Callahan, the State Police colonel, said the treatment of the animals was difficult to bear. Thats not an easy search warrant to execute, he said. And to see those dogs, coming from a pouring rain status into a warm place, does my heart well. Editors note: A previous version of this story misidentified Lows attorney based on erroneous information provided by law enforcement. Staff writers Matt Gray and Anthony G. Attrino contributed to this report. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Scammers have stolen tens of millions of dollars in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card users across the country with card skimming and phishing among the most popular scams. SNAP provides residents who meet certain income and work requirements with varying amounts of monthly electronic benefits, which can be used to purchase select food items from thousands of grocery stores and other retailers. The benefits can be used in-store and on various grocery delivery platforms, like Instacart and DoorDash. When using an EBT card to make an in-store purchase, be on the look out for card skimming devices, or skimmers, that can be placed on top of stores card reading machines. These skimmers directly copy card and personal identification number (PIN) information, with scammers using the stolen data to access EBT accounts and spend the SNAP benefits. EBT card users should inspect all card reading machines before using them and look for the following signs that they may have been fitted with a skimming device. Some block LED indicator lights or illuminated backlit keypad numbers, or partially cover stylus/pen trays. The faceplate may be loose, appear ill-fitting, or be easily dislodged from the body of the machine. The faceplate may be miscolored, texturally mismatched, or otherwise appear different than the body of the card reading machine. The easiest way to check for a skimmer is to gently pull up on the terminal. They are flimsy and will come right off, according to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). Card holders should also be wary of phishing scams, which include fake emails, text messages or phone calls that attempt to appear official and legitimate to get you to disclose information about your EBT card and account. Residents should never share their personal identification number (PIN) with anyone, as legitimate government officials and EBT staff will never ask you to share your PIN. LOCKING YOUR CARD In an effort to protect residents valuable benefits, several states, including New York, have rolled out a new tool in the ConnectEBT app that allows users to easily lock their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards when not in use. With the new ConnectEBT feature, residents can quickly lock their card after making a purchase, which blocks all purchases, balance inquiries and transactions on the card until the user unlocks it again to make another purchase. Low-income New Yorkers shopping for food and other essential items for their families should never have to find out at the checkout that their benefits have been stolen by scammers, said Gov. Kathy Hochul. We will continue to take action to protect New Yorkers from scam-related theft and ensure that EBT cardholders have effective tools to protect their benefits. REPLACING STOLEN BENEFITS IN NEW YORK New Yorkers who fall victim to electronic benefit theft can now apply to have their stolen benefits reimbursed through the states benefit recovery system, which was approved by the federal government last April and implemented last August. Since the program began, New York has approved nearly 12,000 stolen benefits claims, reimbursing more than $6.1 million to victims, according to the SNAP Replacement of Stolen Benefits Dashboard. In order to apply for reimbursement of stolen benefits, recipients must first report their EBT cards as stolen by calling 1-888-328-6399, visiting ConnectEBT or through the ConnectEBT mobile app. No replacement benefits will be issued until the compromised EBT card is reported as stolen. Replacement Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will only be issued if the date of theft is on or after Oct. 1, 2022. Benefits eligible for replacement include: regular, ongoing SNAP benefits restored, replacement or retroactive issuances Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) benefits Supplemental Emergency Allotments (EA) Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) food benefits are not considered SNAP benefits, and therefore, are not eligible to be replaced. SNAP benefits can only be replaced up to two times per federal fiscal year, which spans from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, and replacement benefits are limited to the lesser of the amount stolen or two times the SNAP benefits received in the last full month before benefits were stolen. The process for submitting a claim varies slightly based on whether the resident received their benefits in New York City or another part of the state. Regardless of whether the claim will be submitted in New York City or another county, the first step is to gather all necessary information, including your Client Identification Number (CIN), case number, current mailing address and detailed information about each fraudulent transaction. Residents can review their EBT transaction history for fraudulent charges by visiting ConnectEBT, using the ConnectEBT mobile app or calling 1-888-328-6399. In New York City, residents must submit their claims to the citys Department of Social Services Human Resources Administration. City residents are strongly encouraged to submit their claims online for the quickest, most convenient experience. However, claim forms can also be printed and dropped off in person at any Benefits Access Center or SNAP Center, or mailed to the following address: Department of Social Services, P.O. Box 02-9121, Brooklyn GPO, NY 11202. New Yorkers who receive their benefits in any county outside of New York City must submit their claims to their local department of social services either in-person, via mail, or through the NYDocSubmit mobile app, if its available in their county. Residents must submit a claim within 30 days of discovering that their benefits were stolen. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. On Monday, April 8, a rare total solar eclipse will pass over the United States and will be visible to millions of people from coast to coast but youll need special gear to safely view it. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. During this time, the sky will darken, as if it were dawn or dusk. Those who are planning to view the eclipse are being advised to protect their eyes, as viewing the sun during an eclipse can cause severe damage. Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse when the moon completely blocks the suns bright face its not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing, NASA says. Viewing any part of the bright sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics is also unsafe. Eclipse glasses are not regular sunglasses because no matter how dark regular sunglasses are, they are not safe for viewing the sun. Safe solar viewers are thousands of times darker and ought to comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard. NASA does not approve any particular brand of solar viewers. Additionally, glasses from the 2017 eclipse should not be reused. The Staten Island Museum in Livingston is distributing free eclipse glasses this weekend. The glasses are also available on a first-come, first-served basis at New York Public Library branches across Staten Island. But if you cant get special eclipse glasses ahead of the event on Monday, there are other options. You can use an indirect viewing method, which does not involve looking directly at the sun. One way is to use a pinhole projector, which has a small opening (for example, a hole punched in an index card) and projects an image of the sun onto a nearby surface. With the sun at your back, you can then safely view the projected image. You should not look at the sun through the pinhole. With a few supplies, this do-it-yourself project allows you to see the celestial event safely and easily from anywhere while not looking directly at the sun. A NASA video outlines how to make such a device, using a cereal box, to safely view the eclipse. WHEN TO SEE ECLIPSE IN NEW YORK On April 8, a total solar eclipse will encompass the western and northern parts of New York state. In less than 15 minutes within a 3:15 to 3:30 p.m. window the moon will pass between the Earth and sun. The roughly 100-mile wide path of totality will enter in the southwestern part of the state just after 3:15 p.m. and will depart northern New York just before 3:30 p.m. Cities and towns within this path include Jamestown, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown, Old Forge, Lake Placid and Plattsburgh. The entire event will last for up to two-and-a-half hours, which marks the time the sun is first obstructed to its last moments when the moons shadow is cast. Heres a more specific breakdown: Totality first reaches New York at 3:16 p.m. at the state line, skating up the coast -- engulfing Lake Erie along its entire length before hitting Niagara Falls and Buffalo nearly at the same time, according to eclipse2024.org Niagara Falls will see three minutes and 30 seconds of totality at 3:18 p.m., while the lakefront of Buffalo will view totality for three minutes and 45 seconds. As it moves east, the total solar eclipse will hit Rochester for three minutes and 41 seconds at 3:20 p.m., and Syracuse at 3:23 p.m. for about one minute and 45 seconds. Rome is barely on the edge of totality, which means only people in the northern half will see a total solar eclipse. Utica is not in the path of totality, but Fort Drum will see more than three and a half minutes of totality at about 3:22 p.m., while Lake Placid will view it at 3:25 for three minutes and 22 seconds, the website stated. The last big town in New York state to see totality is Plattsburgh, for three minutes and 34 seconds just after 3:25 p.m. The shadow leaves the state at 3:29 p.m. Totality lasts less than 13 minutes in New York. For more details, NASA has an interactive map that traces the path of the eclipse, allowing users to see the timeline on April 8, depending on where they live. Staten Island has always been Donald Trump country. Back in 2016, the future president took a whopping 82 percent of the borough vote in the GOP presidential primary. It was one of the best showings that Trump had in any county in the United States. He won 57 percent of the vote here against Democrat Hillary Clinton in the presidential election that year. Trump also triumphed here four years ago, beating Democrat Joe Biden, again with about 57 percent of the vote. And even though Trumps nomination for president looks to be a foregone conclusion and every other candidate has dropped out of the race, some Staten Island Republicans still turned out to vote for him in last weeks New York primary. Trump got 5,942 votes on the Island during the primary, according to the state Board of Elections website. None of the other three candidates who remained on the ballot got more than Nikki Haleys 307 votes. For some people, its a mystery why Republicans, both here and across the country, continue to support Trump. Maybe those people arent paying close enough attention. Because Trumps appeal for many remains the same as it was in 2016. Trump ran as an anti-Washington outsider that year. He talked about the deep state and the Washington, D.C., uniparty, where where theres no difference between the Clintons, the Bushes, the Pelosis, the McConnells, the Cheneys, the Kerrys and the Romneys, all of whom are feeding from the same trough. Trump pledged the drain the swamp. Voters responded to that. Not just Republicans, but Democrats and independents too. Trump shocked the world, literally, by beating Democrat Hillary Clinton for the presidency. And many still remember that the media and the political prognosticators didnt take Trump seriously in 2016. They thought he was in it to raise his profile, to make money, to launch another reality show. He didnt really want to be president. Which meant that those talking heads didnt take Trump voters and their concerns seriously either. Which remains true to this day. And what did voters see during Trumps four years in office? Two impeachment proceedings, the second flimsier than the first, as well as willfully false attempts to link Trump to the Kremlin. They saw social media firms ghost stories about Hunter Bidens laptop and shady business dealings during the 2020 election and the possible connections to President Biden. They saw the January 6 riot raised to the level of an insurrection. They saw challenging the outcome of an election criminalized. Theyve seen unconstitutional attempts to bar Trump from state ballots. All courtesy of the entrenched powers that be who dont want Trump anywhere near the Oval Office ever again, not even on a tour. Now Trump is in court on various charges in multiple jurisdictions, the first president to ever be indicted either in office or out. Richard Nixon, who by all available evidence was at the center of an obstruction-of-justice conspiracy at the very highest level of government during Watergate, never saw in the inside of a congressional hearing room, never mind a courtroom. Trump is fighting New York Attorney General Leticia James, who wants to strip Trumps assets from him. James is even looking into the law firm that secured the bond that staved off the seizure of Trumps assets. Join up with Trump and the feds will come gunning for you as well. Thats the message. For many, it all proves that Trump was right in 2016 and hes right today: go up against the deep state and the deep state will bring you down. Not everybody who voted for Trump in 2016 or 2020 is still on board. For many, theres just too much heat around the ex-president. But plenty of people are still with Trump. Because they see how the permanent government has moved against him and they fear it could happen to them. Or they think its just plain wrong. Its no mystery. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Rossville AME Zion Church is partnering with New Legacy Books to open the first community book bin on Staten Island. New Legacy works exclusively with non-profit organizations to install book donation bins. The organization will collect the books and resell or recycle them, with profits going back into the host organizations. New Legacy Books is a for-profit organization founded by two students attending Monmouth University in 2013. They met doing philanthropy work together. New Legacy Books first reached out to Rossville AME Zion Church in February to inquire about installing the donation bin. Matt Laiacona of New Legacy Books partnered with Lucille Herring and the Rev. Charles Washington of Rossville AME Zion Church to open the first community book bin on Staten Island.Courtesy of Rossville AME Zion Church The church is actually our first location outside of New Jersey, said Matt Laiacona, owner of New Legacy Books. So were pretty excited about it. Up until this point, New Legacy Books has worked and only installed donation bins in New Jersey. Rossville AME Zion Church is their first step into expansion within their service area. The partnership not only helps to fund the local community, and possibly open doors to further expansion on Staten Island, but part of Rossville AME Zion Churchs goal is to engage the local community especially after the COVID pandemic. Being a historically Black church on Staten Island is something that is rare, said Warren Harding, a member of the Board of Trustees. But also it is a platform that we have in not only serving parishioners, but also community as well. The donation bin is located at the church, 584 Bloomingdale Rd., ready for book donations from the community. When donating, make sure books are unpacked from any boxes or containers and place them in the designated slot for the bin. Only books with an ISBN barcode will be accepted. No encyclopedias, library references, magazines, or water damaged books will be accepted. To shop and find out more information, visit New Legacy Books website. Dont miss Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight an investigative CNN documentary set to air Sunday, April 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The in depth feature will focus on details never before revealed, as well as on exclusive interviews and intricate broadcast footage that examines the 2003 Space Shuttle disaster that will run throughout four episodes. The four-part series is co-produced by BBC and Mindhouse Productions, and will premiere with two episodes on Sunday. The final two episodes will air the following Sunday, April 14 at 9 p.m ET/PT. According to a CNN press release, Columbia was the first Space Shuttle to launch and redefine space travel. And though it took off like a rocket, it landed with the smoothness of a plane, and was even reusable making it the dream of routine space flight and an actual reality. In describing the upcoming documentary, CNN went on to explain that in the program Columbias final mission will be told in dramatic detail, beginning months before the troubled launch, unfolding across the 16 days in orbit, and concluding with the investigation into the tragic loss of the seven astronauts lives. Footage shot by astronauts themselves will be seen, as will testimonies from family members of the Shuttles crew. And for the first time officials at NASA will come forward in addition to journalists who covered the story. It will also reveal in forensic detail the events of that horrific day and expose exactly what went wrong on the flight that ultimately led to disaster. This chapter in the Space Shuttle Program captured the nations attention and is equally as captivating in the retelling, with storytelling fueled by those who lived it firsthand and newly revealed footage from the NASA archive, said Amy Entelis, executive vice president of Talent, CNN Originals, and Creative Development for CNN Worldwide. Our viewers have long been fascinated by stories of space exploration and this series is a strong example of the CNN Original Series teams distinctive talent for providing a fresh perspective on historical moments. HOW TO STREAM SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA: THE FINAL FLIGHT ONLINE FOR FREE If youre a cord-cutter or dont have cable, you can watch Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight online on any one of the following streaming platforms, and get it for free via a trial offer: WHAT CHANNEL IS CNN ON? If you are watching on cable, catch Space Shuttle Columbis: The Final Flight on CNN. You can find which channel CNN is on by using the channel finders here: Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV and Dish. BEHIND THE SCENES Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight is executive produced by Emma Tutty and Emma Whitehead for Mindhouse, and Amy Entelis and Lyle Gamm for CNN Original Series. REMEMBERING THE SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA However, there are no straightforward explanations to be found in A Shining, the slim new novella from recent Nobel laureate Jon Fosse. Rather, Norways literary polymath dares the reader to make of it what they will unaided by authorial guidance. The narrative unfurls in spitfire bursts, an expanding and contracting incantation, its sentences folding into each other, or themselves, with the awe-inspiring beauty of a murmuration. Opting for the latter, he sets off on foot into the forest only to lose his way. His thoughts start to circle back on themselves; short, sharp, contradictory. He is hungry. He is cold. He is tired. And then he sees it. A shimmering humanoid shape emanating from the distance, heading towards him. Its a surreal shift that both defies and demands interpretation, a tantalising invitation to curiosity and doubt. An unnamed man drives through a secluded Norwegian forest, making random turns until he reaches a dead end. His car becomes bogged. He thinks about the road, recalling the abandoned farmhouse and cabin he passed along the way. It begins to snow, and he tosses up between staying in the car with the heating on or getting out and searching for someone to help tow him out. Its a far cry from the 750-page sentence that makes up the seven volumes of Fosses magnum opus, Septology. Rather, this is language at its most spare and unadorned, bare branches off which the reader must hang meaning. Everything you experience is real, in a way, the narrator tells us. And you probably understand it, too, in a way. But it doesnt matter either way. Credit: Like much of Fosses more recent work, A Shining is replete with religious symbolism, and it is tempting to read it as a Christian death allegory informed not only by the authors beliefs he converted to Catholicism in 2012 but his own experience. When Fosse was a child, he fell over on the family farm and severed an artery in his wrist. He remembers seeing a shimmering light as his parents rushed him to the hospital. This transitional cliche does not escape the narrator of A Shining. Unable to make sense of the stunning whiteness, he wonders if perhaps its an angel of God, but soon dismisses the idea. If hes dying, he isnt ready to admit it. Or, like the narrator in Max Frischs existential classic, Man in the Holocene, is simply unaware. Here the forest becomes a liminal space, an ethereal netherworld where life and death dance to the thrum of Fosses swirling staccato. Whatever comfort the narrator has found in the warmth of the glowing shape and its promise to walk alongside him is soon lost when, just as quickly as it appeared, it vanishes into the darkness. But he is not alone. Two people appear, his parents who have been looking for him. Like the glowing presence, they offer little guidance out of his predicament. They bicker. The father is mostly silent. A glimpse, perhaps, into the narrators fractured relationship with his family. One more figure appears from the shadows, a man dressed in a formal jacket and tie, without shoes. He might be death, or an undertaker, here to make the necessary arrangements. Two Nigerians accused of a social media sextortion that led an Australian boy to commit suicide purported to be a scantily-clad woman, police say. The alleged scammers, found in a Nigerian slum, were charged with sextortion offences in March after a joint investigation between Australian, South African and Nigerian authorities. The Australian victim, whose parents do not want to be identified, took his life in 2023 after he shared personal photos with the scammers, who pretended to be a European-looking woman, police allege. Its alleged the cyber criminals threatened to share the boys photos with his family and friends if he did not pay $500. Loading Detective Superintendent Matthew Craft said the boy interacted with the scammers for six or seven hours after they used a scattergun approach to source targets. It was certainly two males who were engaging our victim purporting to be a scantily-clad female. In my view looking at her shed be European of some description, Craft said on Monday. Its always the case that theres some scantily-clad female in various states of undress thats provided and that should be a trigger. If youre engaging with someone and all of a sudden the conversation becomes sexualised its an opportunity for you to perhaps disengage. He warned young Australians to be on the lookout for sex-based e-scammers after a 400 per cent spike in sextortion cases in the past 18 months. AAP RXR has convictions for rape, sexual assault, committing an indecent act with a child under 16, making and possessing child abuse material and stalking. He has also been diagnosed with a personality disorder, complex posttraumatic stress disorder, paedophilic disorder and compulsive sexual behaviour disorder. The court was told the NDIS would cover the cost of around-the-clock supervision by two staff. A judge is yet to finalise the terms of his order and release into the community pending final construction and a security review of the property in the next few months. In 2023, the Supreme Court of NSW heard the case of 63-year-old registered sex offender who was eligible for $100,000 in NDIS funding after being diagnosed with below-average intelligence, as well as major depressive disorder, severe psychopathic personality disorder and sexual sadism disorder. JS was convicted of committing incest involving sexual assault in 2002 and 2004, breaching parole and failure to comply with obligations of being a registered sex offender. It appears that his depressive symptoms and related impairments are the basis of him being approved for NDIS funding, the judge said. He was not placed on a supervision order. There have also been cases, detailed in court records, around the country where sex offenders have been denied supervised release or financial assistance after protracted negotiations with the NDIA or amid concerns the support provided is inadequate to meet safety concerns. In response to a cost blowout and a review last year, the government in March introduced proposed reforms aimed at returning the scheme to its original purpose of providing for Australians with permanent disabilities. About 646,000 Australians participate in the NDIS. The average payment for a person with an intellectual disability is $98,100 and it is $350,000 for adults requiring regular in-home care, according to NDIS figures. Scheme figures show only about 1000 participants across the country qualify for packages of $1 million or more, and fewer than seven people received packages of $2 million, according to a report in The Australian in February. The NDIA declined to confirm if any participant on the NDIS with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities qualified for packages above $1 million that included the level of support provided to those designated as serious offenders under state court orders. It is misleading and simplistic to attempt to compare one persons support needs to another, regardless of any shared disability types, an NDIA spokesperson said. NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said the governments proposed reforms were aimed at ensuring the scheme was sustainable and that it supported those for whom it was originally designed. That would ensure every dollar gets through to those it was intended [for], Shorten said. He recently told The Australian that people receiving more than $1 million typically required intensive, around-the-clock care in order to stay alive. These are Australians with the most complicated disabilities and challenging behaviours, including complex cerebral palsy, the severest spinal cord injuries or mental health conditions that require at least two carers at a time for safety and to meet their physical needs, Shorten said. Insiders with direct knowledge of how the NDIS interacts with violent offenders, speaking anonymously to discuss confidential information, say federal and state authorities are often in conflict over the appropriateness of the disability scheme assuming the cost of ensuring compliance with the intensive and expensive supervision orders being issued by the courts. Experts say it can be difficult to determine exactly how an offenders disability interacts with or exacerbates their propensity for violent sexual offending. Dr Rajan Darjee, director of Forensic Behavioural Assessment and Consultation Services, said it was often impossible to split an individual in half in these kinds of cases. When youve got someone whos got a history of serious offending, theres quite often a tension between what is this persons disability needs and giving them the support to deal with a disability and, on the other hand, what might be thought of as their risk or forensic needs to stop them hurting people. This is where it becomes very difficult to carve out those two bits because what aspect is security and what aspect of that is disability support work? When youve got someone with a disability who poses a risk of harming other people, the disability plays some role in that, it might not be a direct role, but the disability is always relevant to their behaviour and how youre going to try to help them, Darjee said. In 2011, the High Court set a definition for mild intellectual disability that found an offender generally functions at a level lower than 99 per cent of the population. [The applicants] receptive and expressive language is equivalent to that of a child aged 5. The assessment that the appellant suffers from a mild intellectual disability should not obscure the fact that he is mentally retarded, the High Court found. Darjee said that in many states there were no residential facilities that could provide full-range support to high-risk sexual offenders with intellectual disabilities, pushing people onto the NDIS. A spokesperson for the Victorian Department of Justice and Community Safety said the NDIA wasresponsible for determining eligibility for the NDIS, including the level of funding and provision of disability supported accommodation. We have no involvement in this. The NDIA said criminal matters were the purview of state judicial systems. The legal system remains responsible for imposing conditions on individuals who may be considered a risk while in the community, an NDIA spokesperson said. The NDIS is not responsible for the management of offenders to ensure compliance with supervised orders or conditions, or offence-specific interventions which aim to reduce specific criminal behaviours, and which are not clearly a direct consequence of the persons disability. Yet court documents show the NDIS provides funding specifically to meet court-ordered requirements for security and supervision. Loading In RXRs case, Victorias Post Sentence Authority is the agency responsible for managing high-risk offenders on supervision orders, and not the NDIS, which conducted a safety assessment of his proposed NDIS-funded accommodation. This was completed by [Corrections Victoria], which determined that the [accommodation] was unsuitable, pending further information, and that it would need to be reassessed once built and restrictive practices confirmed, the Supreme Court was told. Dr Sophie Yates, a research fellow at ANUs Crawford School of Public Policy, said the NDIS should support all people with significant and permanent disability. It doesnt really matter whether theyre sex offenders or not. That just might mean that they have different support needs, but those needs should be met and met outside of institutions, she said. Police are continuing their search for a woman in her 20s who fell from a waterfall in the NSW Southern Highlands on Sunday. Police and NSW State and Emergency Service crews were called to Belmore Falls and Barrengarry Creek on Sunday afternoon after receiving reports the woman had fallen into the water about 1pm, a NSW Police spokesman said. Search and rescue workers at Belmore Falls after a woman in her 20s fell. Credit: Nine News The waterfall, which plunges about 77 to 130 metres across three drops, is a popular attraction for tourists. But the search was called off on Sunday evening due to fading light, and recommenced on Monday at 8am. Crows Nest was one of the most difficult of six new underground stations to be built for Sydneys $21.6 billion metro rail line under the heart of the city. July 25, 2024 by Matt O'Sullivan Workers at hundreds of NSW community preschools are demanding pay rises of more than 25 per cent to bring their wages to the level of public school teachers. The union representing the preschool teachers will launch a campaign on Monday seeking to use newly introduced provisions in the Fair Work Act that allow employees in one industry to reach a single enterprise agreement with different employers. Phillipa Maher, Melinda Gambley and IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary Carol Matthews. Credit: Rhett Wyman There is currently a pay gap of about $35,000 between the most experienced public school teachers and their counterparts in 700 community preschools around the state, which are run by not-for-profit providers. Union representative Carol Matthews said a move towards pay parity with classroom teachers would bring NSW into line with preschool worker salaries in Victoria and Queensland. South-east Queensland is bracing itself for heavy rain while several communities in Sydney have experienced flooding after record-breaking downpours. Heavy rain is expected to drench parts of Queensland on Sunday, with up to 200 millimetres tipped to fall in the south-east. A major flood warning is in place for Warrego River in the states south-west. Flood warnings are also in place for Eyre Creek, Weir River, Balonne River, Moonie River and Norman River. Most days, at dawn, Dean Walton rises and heads to the beaches of Victorias surfing capital, Torquay. But he doesnt go out to catch waves, or even to swim. Waltons passion, for which he is unpaid, is picking up rubbish from the towns foreshore, streets and parks. Its meditative: Dean Walton flanked by fellow Torquay Rubbish Rangers members Sue Gook and Chris Smith. Credit: Chris Hopkins As others dig sandcastles and chat at cafes, Walton can be out for up to six hours, walking and cycling and chucking trash into a bag as he goes, using thick gloves and one of those pincers on a stick. He does this even in winter. He doesnt mind the cold. Emma Adams, an artist manager who also books performers for both The Bird and Mojos, agrees venues are still filling up, but crowds are not drinking enough to cover expenses. Loading It costs money to keep a venue like The Bird running, she says. Sound technicians need to be paid. Money has to go into marketing, a booking agent, a door person, maintenance of equipment. The downturn means that the venues are having to pass more of the cost on to artists. Artists have always had to pay to use the venue, but this is increasing because the venues are not making enough money on alcohol sales. The Bird plays an important role in fostering young artists and contributing to the liveliness and diversity of the music scene. There is a huge demand for The Bird and Mojos, so to lose them would be terrible for the local music scene. Mark Neal and Emma Adams. Credit: Mark Naglazas Three major live music venues in Perth city closed last year Badlands Bar, The Convenience Store and The Sewing Room. Mark Neal, who booked bands for The Sewing Room until it closed, believes the cost of living is driving the downturn in drinking and endangering the live music scene. Neal also says the core audience is now more cautious about getting drunk in public and potentially having their condition immortalised on social media. Alcohol plays such an important role in the financial health of live music venues that it is impacting on their choice of performers. If you book a legacy act or a pub rock band you know theyre going to bring in a drinking crowd. If you book a gentle folky type, you know the audience will not drink as much, which is not good for the venue, Neal says. The post-COVID return of mega acts such as Coldplay, Taylor Swift and Pink and headline-grabbing pop-up gigs such as Fred Again is also presenting a major challenge to the local live music scene, as well as festivals such as the recently cancelled Splendour in the Grass. Getting drunk is not high on the agenda of young people who would rather save for a major music event, which means they are going out once a month rather than once a week, Neal says. The impact on the music scene of the decline in drinking in the younger demographic is not restricted to Perth. More than 1000 live music venues have closed in London in the past three years, with commentators now fearing that the more restrained lifestyle of Gen Z is destroying nightlife in the UK. This new sobriety is beginning early and sticking around, according to Associate Professor Dr Michael Livingston of the National Drug Research Institute at Curtin University. Its not great messaging. On the one hand, we are sharing a beautiful art form, on the other we are telling people they must drink if it is to survive. Kabir Ramasary Underage drinking has more than halved in the past two decades, Livingston says. In the past, 70 per cent of 15-year-olds consumed alcohol in significant amounts. And that disinclination to drink is staying until their 20s. Drinking amongst teenagers is now a very minor activity. And it is not just in Australia, argues Livingston. Drinking among the young is declining in high-income countries across the globe in most of Northern Europe, in the Nordic countries, in the UK, US, New Zealand and Canada. Livingston says researchers have been working hard to understand why Gen Z are turning their backs on booze and tentatively conclude the best explanation is more enlightened parenting. Parents are more concerned about the impact of drinking and less inclined to supply their children with alcohol or condone it and more likely to have conversations about the dangers of binge drinking, he says. Livingston has found the major reason young people are drinking less is that they are more risk averse. It is not limited to alcohol consumption, he says. Loading Young people are less likely to engage in all kinds of risky behaviour. They are much more cautious, have more anxiety and are more concerned about their futures than their parents and grandparents generations. Classically the teens and early 20s are the years for experimentation and pushing the boundaries, for taking the gap year before uni and taking on a crappy job or going on the dole and finding yourself. We are finding when we talk to young people that they are more concerned with getting things lined up and keeping things on track than figuring themselves out. It appears, however, this new-found sobriety is coming at the same time as a rise in mental illness. Loading We are not sure yet, but it seems that the decline in drinking and other forms of risky behaviour and increase in anxiety and depression all stem from uncertainty, from worries about such issues as climate change and the housing crisis, Livingston says. Ramasary worries about the viability of his and other live music venues, but is equally concerned the industry is so dependent on booze. Are we doing the right thing encouraging people to drink to keep live music alive? he asks. Hormone therapies for women experiencing menopause are too expensive and inaccessible, and doctors arent confident managing the condition, say a range of submissions to a Senate inquiry looking at how menopause shapes womens health and careers. Several healthcare organisations have emphasised that most menopause treatments developed in the past 15 years are not subsidised in Australia forcing women to rely on private scripts that can cost $50 a month and are calling for more options to be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Menopause symptoms peak between the ages of 50 and 58, when about one in four women experience hot flushes and one in five have night sweats, according to the Australian Longitudinal Study on Womens Health. Credit: Getty Images More than half of Australians may at some point experience the debilitating symptoms of menopause and perimenopause [which comes beforehand], says a submission from the Society of Hospital Pharmacists. For a condition that affects such a large population cohort, its management is poorly understood by both women and healthcare practitioners. Furthermore, despite readily available, safe hormonal and non-hormonal therapies, over 85 per cent of women with bothersome symptoms are not receiving evidenced-based care. Police have found a man who went missing in the far northern reaches of the remote Kimberley region after being part of a group that arrived in Australia via an unknown vessel. The man was found on a track near the Mungalalu Truscott Airbase on Sunday afternoon and received medical treatment from a doctor at the base. Mungalalu Truscott Airbase, Northern Territory. Credit: Nine It is unknown how or why the man became separated from his group, but he has been found to be in relatively good condition, WA Police said in a statement. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he would continue to send the message that unauthorised arrivals would not be settled in Australia. Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic has blamed systematic failures within the Israeli government for the deaths of seven aid workers, including Australian Zomi Frankcom, and accused it of not obeying international law. He also said Israel had not been held fully accountable for the events that led up to the deaths of the seven World Central Kitchen charity workers. Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic has criticised Israel for the deaths of seven aid workers including Australian Zomi Frankcom. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen But opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham defended Israel for demonstrating some action and some accountability by investigating the aid workers deaths and refusing to say whether international law was breached. Husics comments come after Israel announced late on Friday that two Israeli officers were being stood down from their positions and disciplinary action was being taken against two commanding officers, following an investigation. China to conduct drills Sunday in South China Sea Beijing, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2024 China will conduct military "combat patrols" Sunday in the disputed South China Sea, a statement from the army said, the same day as joint drills by the Philippines, the United States, Japan and Australia. "On April 7, the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army organises joint naval and air combat patrols in the South China Sea," said the statement. "All military activities that mess up the situation in the South China Sea and create hotspots are under control," it added, in an apparent swipe at the other drills being held in the waters. The announcement comes one day after defence chiefs from four countries including the Philippines -- which has been engaged in several contentious maritime disputes with Beijing recently -- said they would conduct joint drills Sunday in the area. Further details about Chinese military activities in the waterway Sunday were not announced. The exercises take place days before US President Joe Biden is due to hold the first trilateral summit with the leaders of the Philippines and Japan. Top US officials have repeatedly declared the United States' "ironclad" commitment to defending the Philippines against an armed attack in the South China Sea -- to the consternation of Beijing. China claims territorial sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea and has been increasingly assertive in the region in recent years. Israel says it hit Hezbollah sites in eastern Lebanon Beirut, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2024 Israel's military said Sunday its warplanes had struck Hezbollah sites in eastern Lebanon, where the Iran-backed group has a strong presence, in retaliation for one of its drones being downed. A source close to Hezbollah told an AFP correspondent in eastern Lebanon's Baalbek region that the strikes targeted Janta and Sifri in the Bekaa Valley. The Israeli military said on Telegram that "fighter jets struck a military complex and three other terrorist infrastructure sites belonging to Hezbollah's air defense network" in the region. It said the strikes were "in retaliation for the attack" in which an army "drone was shot down" by a surface-to-air missile on Saturday. Sifri is in the Bekaa Valley plain, while nearby Janta is an arid mountainous region closer to the border with Syria. A source from Lebanon's civil defence said there were no casualties. Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged near-daily cross-border fire since Palestinian militant group Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, triggering war in Gaza. Hamas ally Hezbollah generally targets Israeli positions close to the border, while Israel has carried out deeper raids into Lebanese territory, also targeting commanders from the Shiite Muslim militant group. Hezbollah announced it had shot down an Israeli Hermes 900 drone over Lebanese territory on Saturday evening, after initially identifying it as a Hermes 450. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) said the target of the Israeli strikes in Sifri was a "hangar". Israel launched similar strikes against Hezbollah targets in the Bekaa Valley in February after the group said it had shot down another Israeli drone. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in a televised speech on Friday that his movement had not yet used its "main" weapons, and reiterated that Hezbollah would cease its attacks only when the war in Gaza ends. The cross-border hostilities have killed at least 359 people in Lebanon, mostly Hezbollah fighters, but also at least 70 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. On Saturday the Risala Scout association, which is affiliated with the Hezbollah-allied Amal movement and operates emergency teams in south Lebanon, said a rescuer had died. An official from the group told AFP he had been wounded days earlier in south Lebanon. Separately, the NNA reported that a woman wounded previously in an "enemy drone" strike in the border village of Yarin had also died of her wounds. The hostilities have raised fears of all-out conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which last went to war in 2006. Australia to appoint special adviser on probe over Gaza aid workers deaths Sydney, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2024 Australia has said it will appoint a special adviser to work with Israel as it demands transparency in an investigation into an air strike on Gaza that killed seven aid workers, including an Australian. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wants detailed answers as to how aid workers from the US-based World Central Kitchen were killed by Israeli forces last Monday. The group included 43-year-old Australian national Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom, as well as British, Palestinian, Polish and US-Canadian employees. The Australian government wants any probe by Israel to be monitored by its own advisor, who Albanese expects will be named "within the next twenty-four hours". "The events which led to Zomi Frankcom losing her life are unacceptable," Albanese told reporters Sunday. Australia will continue to seek clear information and transparency about the killings, he added, "which is why we will be appointing an appropriate person to examine the details of what has occurred". His foreign minister Penny Wong has said information about the strike provided so far by Israel was insufficient and that the special adviser would monitor "the appropriateness of the (investigation) process". Israel's military said it fired two officers over the killing of the aid workers in Gaza, where humanitarian groups say famine is imminent. But the rare admission of wrongdoing by Israel did not quell calls for an independent probe. The deaths of the aid workers led to a tense call between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The war in Gaza began on October 7 with an unprecedented attack from the territory by Hamas militants resulting in the deaths of 1,170 people in southern Israel, mostly civilians, Israeli figures show. Palestinian militants also took around 250 Israeli and foreign hostages, about 130 of whom remain in Gaza, including more than 30 the army says are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive against Hamas has killed at least 33,137 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. Israel says it hit Hezbollah sites in eastern Lebanon Beirut, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2024 Israel's military said Sunday its warplanes had struck Hezbollah sites in eastern Lebanon, where the Iran-backed group has a strong presence, in retaliation for one of its drones being downed. A source close to Hezbollah told an AFP correspondent in eastern Lebanon's Baalbek region that the strikes targeted Janta and Sifri in the Bekaa Valley, around 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the closest Israeli frontier. The Israeli military said on Telegram that "fighter jets struck a military complex and three other terrorist infrastructure sites belonging to Hezbollah's air defense network" in the region. It said the strikes were "in retaliation for the attack" in which an army "drone was shot down" by a surface-to-air missile on Saturday. A source from Lebanon's civil defence said there were no casualties. Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged near-daily cross-border fire since Palestinian militant group Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, triggering war in Gaza. Hamas ally Hezbollah generally targets Israeli positions close to the border, while Israel has carried out deeper raids into Lebanese territory, also targeting commanders from the Shiite Muslim militant group. Hezbollah announced it had shot down an Israeli Hermes 900 drone over Lebanese territory on Saturday evening, after initially identifying it as a Hermes 450. On Sunday, the group said it fired "dozens of Katyusha rockets" at two Israeli bases "in response to the enemy's attacks on the Bekaa area". - 'Hangar' targeted - Sifri is located in the Bekaa Valley plain, while nearby Janta is an arid mountainous region closer to the border with Syria. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) said the target of the Israeli strikes in Sifri was a "hangar". Israel launched similar strikes against Hezbollah targets in the Bekaa Valley in February after the group said it had shot down another Israeli drone. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in a televised speech on Friday that his movement had not yet used its "main" weapons, and reiterated that Hezbollah would cease its attacks only when the war in Gaza ends. The cross-border hostilities have killed at least 359 people in Lebanon, mostly Hezbollah fighters, but also at least 70 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. On Saturday the Risala Scout association, which is affiliated with the Hezbollah-allied Amal movement and operates emergency teams in south Lebanon, said a rescuer had died. An official from the group told AFP he had been wounded days earlier in south Lebanon. Separately, the NNA reported that a woman wounded previously in an "enemy drone" strike in the border village of Yarin had also died of her wounds. The hostilities have raised fears of all-out conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which last went to war in 2006. burs-at/lg/srm Israel pulls troops out of Khan Yunis, southern Gaza: army, media Jerusalem, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2024 Israel on Sunday pulled all its troops out of southern Gaza, including from the city of Khan Yunis, the military and Israeli media said, after months of fierce fighting with Hamas militants left the area devastated. But the military, known as the IDF, said a "significant force" will continue to operate in the rest of the besieged Gaza Strip. "The 98th commando division has concluded its mission in Khan Yunis," the army said in a statement to AFP. "The division left the Gaza Strip in order to recuperate and prepare for future operations. "A significant force led by the 162nd division and the Nahal brigade continues to operate in the Gaza Strip and will preserve the IDF's freedom of action and its ability to conduct precise intelligence based operations," the statement said. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz said the withdrawal was tactical. An army official told the left-leaning daily that "there's no need for us to remain in the sector without an [operational] need". "The 98th division dismantled Hamas's Khan Yunis brigades and killed thousands of its members. We did everything we could there." Displaced Palestinians from Khan Yunis may now be able to return to their homes after sheltering in the far southern city of Rafah, Haaretz reported the official as saying. However, the army "will continue to operate there according to the operational needs," the official told Haaretz. Once densely populated, Khan Yunis has been the scene of fierce fighting for months, with relentless bombardment reducing swathes of the city to rubble. Despite an international outcry, the Israeli government has vowed to carry out a ground offensive in and around neighbouring Rafah city where more than 1.5 million Gazans have sought refuge. The war in Gaza was sparked by the Hamas attack on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of 1,170 Israelis and foreigners, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. At least 33,175 people have been killed in the Palestinian territory in Israel's campaign of retaliation, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. crb-jd/fg/fz Israel pulls troops out of Khan Yunis, southern Gaza: army, media Jerusalem, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2024 Israel on Sunday pulled all its troops out of southern Gaza, including from the city of Khan Yunis, the military and Israeli media said, after months of fierce fighting with Hamas militants left the area devastated. But the military said a "significant force" will continue to operate in the rest of the besieged Gaza Strip. "The 98th commando division has concluded its mission in Khan Yunis," the army said in a statement to AFP. "The division left the Gaza Strip in order to recuperate and prepare for future operations. "A significant force led by the 162nd division and the Nahal brigade continues to operate in the Gaza Strip and will preserve the IDF's freedom of action and its ability to conduct precise intelligence based operations," the statement said. Israeli security expert Omer Dostri said the withdrawal is purely tactical and did not mean the war was anywhere near over. Under heavy pressure from its US allies, pulling out ground troops from southern Gaza would also help Israel in truce and hostage release talks with Hamas, Dostri said. But he predicted that the commandoes will return to fight surviving Hamas militants after displaced people are evacuated from neighbouring Rafah, the far southern city on the Egyptian border. "I predict that, after the evacuation of the residents, within two months there will be a (ground) move in Rafah to destroy the remaining Hamas brigades," the expert from the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security told AFP. He estimated that one Hamas brigade remains in Rafah and a battalion and a half of its fighters in the centre of the Gaza Strip, "mainly in Nuseirat". Dostri also predicted that, once those Gaza battles have ended, Israeli ground troops will step up operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon. - First Hamas, then Hezbollah - Dostri said "Israel's military logic dictates the elimination of Hamas's military power before launching a campaign in the north". An army official told the left-leaning daily Haaretz that "there's no need for us to remain in" Khan Yunis. "The 98th division dismantled Hamas's Khan Yunis brigades and killed thousands of its members. We did everything we could there." Displaced Palestinians from Khan Yunis may now be able to return to their homes after sheltering Rafah, Haaretz quoted the official as saying. However, the army "will continue to operate there according to the operational needs," the official told Haaretz. Despite the withdrawal from the south, the Times of Israel said the army's Nahal brigade will continue to hold the central "Netzarim Corridor", which effectively cuts the Gaza Strip in two. Once densely populated, Khan Yunis has been the scene of fierce fighting for months, with relentless bombardment reducing swathes of the city to rubble. Despite an international outcry, the Israeli government has vowed to carry out a ground offensive in and around Rafah city where more than 1.5 million Gazans have sought refuge. The war in Gaza was sparked by the Hamas attack on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of 1,170 Israelis and foreigners, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. At least 33,175 people have been killed in the Palestinian territory in Israel's retaliatory campaign, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. 80 years on, Macron leads tribute to victims of Nazi raid on Jewish orphanage Lyon, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2024 French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday marks 80 years since Nazi forces raided a Jewish orphanage in the southeast of France and sent almost all its occupants to extermination camps. The event is among the first of a sequence of ceremonies Macron will lead this year to mark eight decades since the penultimate year of World War II that in the summer of 1944 saw D-Day followed by the liberation of Paris from Nazi occupation. A handful of former residents of the orphanage in the village of Izieu are due to attend the ceremony headed by Macron late Sunday afternoon. Earlier in the day, he also visited a remote Alpine plateau to pay tribute to heroes of the resistance who, in early spring 1944, were killed or captured by Nazi forces with the help of French collaborators. On April 6, 1944, the 44 Jewish children aged four to 12 then hosted in the orphanage were rounded up by the Gestapo with their seven instructors, also Jewish. The raid was carried out on the orders of Klaus Barbie, the notorious Nazi known as the "Butcher of Lyon". Barbie fled to South America after the war but was extradited from Bolivia to France in 1983 and in 1987 was sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of crimes against humanity. He died in prison in 1991. All the Izieu victims were deported to the death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland or to German-occupied Estonia. Only one instructor survived. Until then it was "a magnificent place", where the children could be "among friends", take classes or take a walk as in peacetime, remembered Roger Wolman, 85, who left the orphanage in 1943. Between May 1943 and April 1944, the Izieu colony, founded by Sabine Zlatin, a Jewish resistance fighter of Polish origin, took in around 100 children whose parents had been deported. Until the raid, it had been left relatively untouched. "We went to school, we had a quiet life" even if the adults knew that "it was becoming more and more dangerous", said Bernard Waysenson, who arrived at the end of the summer of 1943 with his sister and brother. They left at the end of November of the same year to join their family. - 'Survival' - Like him, seven former residents will participate in the commemorations organised by the museum inaugurated 30 years ago. "The memory I have of the war is above all our survival," Waysenson told AFP. The event will see the celebration of "the commitment of those who stood up against Nazism by welcoming the victims of persecution, and of those who opposed the abomination of republican values, by bringing the executioner Klaus Barbie to justice," the French presidency said. Macron earlier paid tribute to 106 resistance fighters buried in mountain plateau of Glieres, also in the Alps, which was an important hub for the French resistance against Nazi rule. From January to March 1944, 465 resistance fighters gathered at Glieres to receive airdrops of weapons in the run-up to the Allied landings in the south of France in August 1944. But the German army -- with the assistance of a French collaborationist militia -- decided to attack in late March of that year. Two thirds of the resistance fighters were taken prisoner and 124 killed during the fighting or shot. Nine disappeared and 16 died in deportation. "At an altitude of 1,400 meters, France rose up. It lived as it should never have ceased to live, as it should never cease to exist," Macron said. Macron emphasised that the battle could not simply be seen as French on one side, fighting Germans on another. "French people imprisoned French people, French people murdered French people," he said, referring to the collaborators and describing this as a "French tragedy". This year's commemorations will reach a peak with ceremonies for the 80 years since the Normandy landings of D-Day in June. A host of world leaders are expected to attend, including US President Joe Biden. In August, the 1944 liberation of Paris from Nazi occupation will be marked. * 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. On whether the UK should continue to supply arms, the Cabinet minister told Sky News: The manner in which some people are seizing on this issue and trying to hold Israel to incredibly high standards of course it is right that we hold Israel to high standards, but I just think there is a bit of relish from some people about the way in which they are pushing this case against Israel. The Rev. Thomas Bowen has been named as a senior adviser in the White House Office of Public Engagement. An ordained Baptist minister, Bowen is the Earl L. Harrison Minister of Social Justice at the Districts Shiloh Baptist Church, where he has served since 2002. He previously served as the director of African American Strategic Engagement under Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, where he held dual roles as the director of the Mayors Office of Religious Affairs and the Mayors Office on African American Affairs. gap between Black faith and White House He will help to close the communications gap between the Black faith community and the White House. Often seen offering a prayer, words of wisdom and encouragement at events, residents and city officials alike coined Bowen D.C.s Pastor. I am deeply honored to serve in the Biden-Harris administration and grateful for the trust vested in me, said Bowen, who will be leading the faith engagement effort in the White House. In our shared commitment to safeguard democracy and uphold our nations moral foundation, I am dedicated to amplifying the voices of faith leaders and believers. Charles Smith, a member of the Deacon Leadership Team at Shiloh Baptist Church, said Bowen will add value to that offices mission. I know that because he has served in a myriad of capacities at Shiloh Baptist Church. Smith noted Bowen isnt the only person associated with the historic Northwest, D.C. church, who has worked at The White House. He follows other Shiloh members who have served in the White House, including Lorraine Miller, Jocelyn Frye, and Willa Hall Smith. We expect great things from him, said Smith. Bowen is a graduate of Morehouse College, where he was a Ford Foundation Scholar and president of the NAACP. He studied for the ministry at the University of Chicago Divinity School. A native of Lorain County, Ohio, Bowen embraced Washington, D.C., as his home more than two decades ago. He currently lives in Northeast, D.C.s historic Trinidad neighborhood. Bowens extensive experience in ministry, justice advocacy and leadership includes working in a number of roles, such as senior religious advocate for the Childrens Defense Fund and senior field organizer for the organizations Black Community Crusade for Children. Thomas Bowen is one of the most gifted community leaders, who has a wealth of experience with a diverse group of people that include Christians, Muslims, agnostics, and atheists, said the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III. No other person can engage such a diversity. We need people who are morally rooted who can speak the language of the activist, the civic bureaucrat, the educator, and the union leader. Dr. Barabara Williams-Skinner, CEO and co-founder of the Skinner Leadership Institute, said Bowens background makes him the perfect addition to the White House Office of Public Engagement, and emphasized his skills will be put to effective use. The Rev. Thomas Bowen has a long history of faith in action in the teachings and practice of Jesus, said Williams-Skinner. We are blessed to have him on the White House faith outreach team to help the administration frame public policy into the moral context. He will help to close the communications gap between the Black faith community and the White House. Rev. Barber blasts Trump Bible racket As Donald Trump sells Bibles through a God Bless the USA website, the Rev. William J. Barber II has a warning for him. The prophet Ezekiel named it in his day: Greedy politicians make an unholy alliance with false religion that says God is on their side when God has said no such thing! Barber told The Nation. We need to read the Bible Trump is using as a prop. Barber, the longtime pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Goldsboro, N.C., a professor in the Practice of Public Theology and Public Policy, and founding director of the Center for Public Theology & Public Policy at Yale Divinity School, said the Bible calls out pharisees and hypocrites who pervert religion for personal and political gain. The Bible exposes grifters who try to exploit it, he said. The article Rev. Thomas Bowen named a White House senior adviser orginally appeared here. THE HAGUE, Netherlands Nicaragua called on the United Nations top court on Monday to halt German military aid to Israel, arguing that Berlins support enables acts of genocide and breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza. The case at the International Court of Justice is against Germany, which is the second-largest supplier of arms to Israel after the U.S., but it also indirectly takes aim at Israels 6-month-old military campaign, which has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and devastated Gaza. Nicaraguas allegations represent the latest legal attempt by a country with historic ties to the Palestinian people to stop Israels offensive, after South Africa accused Israel of genocide at the court late last year. They also come amid growing calls for Israels allies to stop supplying the country with weapons and as some supporters, including Germany, have grown more critical of the war. Nicaraguas Ambassador to the Netherlands, Carlos Jose Arguello Gomez, told the 16-judge panel that Germany is failing to honor its own obligation to prevent genocide or to ensure respect of international humanitarian law. Germany will present its arguments Tuesday. The head of its legal team, Tania von Uslar-Gleichen, called Nicaraguas case grossly biased and denied that Berlin is breaching international law. Israel strongly denies that its assault amounts to genocidal acts, saying it is acting in self defense after Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people. Israeli legal adviser Tal Becker told judges at the court earlier this year in the case brought by South Africa that Israel is fighting a war it did not start and did not want. Since then, more than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to the territorys Health Ministry. Its toll doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants, but it has said women and children make up the majority of the dead. The court will likely take weeks to deliver its preliminary decision, and Nicaraguas case will probably drag on for years. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Germany is second only to the U.S. in supplying arms to Israel but it would be harder, if not impossible, for the U.S. to be brought before the court because Washington does not recognize the ICJs power to compel countries to appear before it. The U.S. also has not signed a protocol to the Genocide Convention that allows countries to bring disputes to the court. Nicaragua, nevertheless, sought to include U.S. arms supplies in its case, saying that Berlin and Washington collaborate on some military programs. Arguello Gomez urged the court to include U.S. supplies in its preliminary orders, known as provisional measures. Nicaragua has asked the court to order Germany to immediately suspend its aid to Israel, in particular its military assistance including military equipment in so far as this aid may be used in the violation of the Genocide Convention and international law. It also wants the court to order Germany to resume funding to the United Nations aid agency in Gaza in addition to the aid Berlin is already providing. It is indeed a pathetic excuse to the Palestinian children, women and men in Gaza to provide humanitarian aid, including through airdrops, on the one hand, and to furnish the weapons and military equipment that are used to kill and annihilate them" and humanitarian workers, Nicaragua lawyer Daniel Muller told judges. Dozens of flag-waving pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside the court. Sliman Abu Amara, a Dutch citizen of Palestinian descent, said he was grateful to Nicaragua for taking Germany to court, noting the irony is that Germany is actually behind the whole international convention on preventing the genocide. On Friday, the U.N.s top human rights body called on countries to stop selling or shipping weapons to Israel. The United States and Germany opposed the resolution. Meanwhile, hundreds of British jurists, including three retired Supreme Court judges, have called on their government to suspend arms sales to Israel after seven aid workers from the charity World Central Kitchen, including three U.K. citizens, were killed in Israeli strikes. Israel said the attack was a mistake and dismissed two officers, while reprimanding others. Germany has for decades been a staunch supporter of Israel. Days after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, Chancellor Olaf Scholz explained: Our own history, our responsibility arising from the Holocaust, makes it a perpetual task for us to stand up for the security of the state of Israel, he told lawmakers. Berlin, however, has gradually shifted its tone as civilian casualties in Gaza have soared, becoming increasingly critical of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and speaking out against a ground offensive in Rafah. Nicaraguas government, which has historical links with Palestinian organizations dating back to their support for the 1979 Sandinista revolution, was itself accused earlier this year by U.N.-backed human rights experts of systematic human rights abuses tantamount to crimes against humanity. The government of President Daniel Ortega fiercely rejected the allegations. In response to the case brought by South Africa, the ICJ ordered Israel in January to do all it can to prevent death, destruction and acts of genocide in Gaza. In March, the court ordered Israel to take measures to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where experts say a famine is imminent. Associated Press writer Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report. Updated at 7:32 a.m. Russia has been unable to intercept Ukrainian UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) attacks on oil refineries and oil storage sites in the area between the Ukrainian border and Moscow. It is 755 kilometers from Ukraine to Moscow and there are numerous Russian refineries and oil storage sites to attack along the way. Ukraine has been attacking those oil facilities and the Russian Rosgvardia, or National Guard, is supposed to have air defense units in that area to prevent Ukrainian attacks. Despite this, 80 percent of the Ukrainian attacks got through and the damage to oil facilities and other targets has been so great that Russia has had to ration how much fuel civilian and military users can get. It is estimated that the Ukrainian attacks destroyed twelve percent of Russias oil refining capability. The Russian government ordered an investigation into why Rosgvardia's defensive efforts have failed. Additional defensive measures have been developed after it was discovered that Russian air defense commanders were unable to determine why the Ukrainians were so successful, much less how to stop it. According to Ukrainian leaders, the attacks will continue. We apologize. A page no longer exists or an error has occured on our server. Return to Our Home Page The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform during The Great Texas Airshow, April 6, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. (Ismael Ortega/U.S. Air Force) An estimated 80,000 spectators were on hand for The Great Texas Airshow on Saturday at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The crowds came despite some dreary weather and drizzle that delayed the start. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform during The Great Texas Airshow, Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. (Ismael Ortega/U.S. Air Force) The F-35A Lightning II performs aerial acrobatics at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, for The Great Texas Airshow, Saturday, April 6, 2024. (Tristin English/U.S. Air Force) The F-35A Lightning II performs aerial acrobatics at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, for The Great Texas Airshow, Saturday, April 6, 2024. (Tristin English/U.S. Air Force) A Mig-17F performs aerial acrobatics at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, for The Great Texas Airshow, Saturday, April 6, 2024. (Jonathan R. Mallard/U.S. Air Force) The A-10C Thunderbolt II performs close air support maneuvers during The Great Texas Airshow at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Saturday, April 6, 2024. The A-10C Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close-air support of ground forces. (Jonathan R. Mallard/U.S. Air Force) The headline act, the Air Force Thunderbirds, were part of a show that featured the ultra-modern and the World War II classic. Among the highlights was a performance by the Commemorative Air Force of Tora! Tora! Tora! a reenactment of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Aircraft from demonstration team Tora! Tora! Tora! perform aerial stunts during The Great Texas Airshow, Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Tora, Tora, Tora is the Commemorative Air Forces recreation of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. (Tristin English/U.S. Air Force) Aircraft from demonstration team Tora! Tora! Tora! perform aerial stunts during The Great Texas Airshow, Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. (Tristin English/U.S. Air Force) Aircraft from demonstration team Tora! Tora! Tora! perform aerial stunts during The Great Texas Airshow, Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. (Tristin English/U.S. Air Force) Aircraft from demonstration team Tora! Tora! Tora! perform aerial stunts during The Great Texas Airshow, Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. (Tristin English/U.S. Air Force) Aircraft from demonstration team Tora! Tora! Tora! perform aerial stunts during The Great Texas Airshow, Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. (Tristin English/U.S. Air Force) Aircraft from demonstration team Tora! Tora! Tora! perform aerial stunts during The Great Texas Airshow, Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. (Tristin English/U.S. Air Force) The first performance of the show was in 1972, when six replica Japanese aircraft used in the movie of the same name were donated to the CAF. It is the longest continuously performing non-military air show act in the U.S., according to the CAF. Also featured were static displays, including a C-5M Super Galaxy, a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter, F-16 Fighting Falcons and an Abrams M1A2 tank. The static displays give community members the opportunity to see inside some of the militarys most important assets and talk to the troops who use and maintain them. The Great Texas Airshow concludes Sunday. Visitors at The Great Texas Airshow tour a static C-5M Super Galaxy, Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. (Jonathan R. Mallard/U.S. Air Force) Pictured is a static display featured during The Great Texas Airshow, Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. (Tristin English/U.S. Air Force) August Vaughns and DeAntonio Vaughns watch Tora! Tora! Tora! perform during The Great Texas Airshow at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Saturday, April 6, 2024. (Gabriel Jones/U.S. Air Force ) Alex Anderson uses an Explosive Ordnance Disposal robot during a demonstration with 902nd Civil Engineering Squadron as part of a STEM Expo at The Great Texas Airshow, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Saturday, April 6, 2024. Air shows provide visitors the opportunity to get up close to state-of-the-art equipment and to learn more about Air Force missions and innovation. (Jonathan R. Mallard/U.S. Air Force) Pictured is an F-16 Fighting Falcon static display featured during The Great Texas Airshow, Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. (Tristin English/U.S. Air Force) The Great Texas Airshow visitors tour a static C-5 Galaxy, Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The C-5 is a strategic transport aircraft and is the largest aircraft in the Air Force inventory. Its primary mission is to transport cargo and personnel for the Department of Defense. (Jonathan R. Mallard/U.S. Air Force) The Coronado family of San Antonio pose for a photo in front of a static C-5 Galaxy, Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. (Jonathan R. Mallard/U.S. Air Force) Pictured is a P-51D Mustang static display Fragile but Agile featured during The Great Texas Airshow, Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. (Tristin English/U.S. Air Force) Spectators view and exit a KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueler at The Great Texas Airshow, Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The KC-46A aerial refueler and transporter plays a key role in the mobilization of U.S. military assets, taking part in overseas operations far from home. (Thomas Coney/U.S. Air Force) An Abrams M1A2 tank is on display at The Great Texas Airshow, Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. (Thomas Coney/U.S. Air Force) Raul and Lindsay Mercado watch the Tora! Tora! Tora! performance during The Great Texas Airshow at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Saturday, April 6, 2024. (Gabriel Jones/U.S. Air Force) Capt. Abigail Yablonsky Marter, the commanding officer of Naval Medical Research Unit South, has been relieved due to a loss of confidence in her ability to command. (Sean Brennan/U.S. Navy) Capt. Abigail Yablonsky Marter, the commanding officer of Naval Medical Research Unit South, has been relieved due to a loss of confidence in her ability to command. Marter is the sixth commanding officer to be relieved by the Navy this year. Capt. Franca Jones, the commander Naval Medical Research Command, made the announcement Friday, according to a Navy news release. Cmdr. Michael Prouty will assume duties as acting commanding officer pending the assignment of a permanent commander. U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) South is based in Lima, Peru. Marter will be temporarily reassigned to Naval Medical Research Command. The news release did not include any specific information about why Marter was fired. Navy commanding officers are held to the highest standards of personal and professional conduct, the Navy said in the news release. They are expected to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, reliability, and leadership, and the Navy holds them accountable when they fall short of meeting these standards. Under federal privacy law, military officials are not required to disclose the reasons for removing or reassigning personnel. Military officials often cite a loss of confidence when commanders are removed from their posts without providing any specifics that led to the decision. Marter assumed command of the unit in July 2023. Before that, she was Naval Medical Research Commands deputy commander, according to her service biography. Her personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2). Prouty was commissioned into the Navy in 2008, according to his service bio. His first duty station was the Naval Medical Research Center in Silver Spring, Md. He has been stationed in Lima since 2019 and has been executive officer of U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit South since 2022. U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) South researches and monitors various infectious diseases with military and public health implications in Central and South America, according to the Navy. Its research areas encompass malaria, dengue fever, diarrheal diseases and sexually transmitted infections, and it also monitors antimicrobial resistance. The Ticonderoga-class guided missile-cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) passes the USS Arizona memorial as it arrives at its new homeport at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Friday, April 5, 2024. (Gavin Arnoldhendershot/U.S. Navy) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam has arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, its new homeport, about 10 weeks after departing from Yokosuka, Japan. The Antietam, which arrived in Hawaii on Friday, is now assigned to Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific and U.S. 3rd Fleet. It is part of a planned rotation of forces in the Pacific. During Antietams transit to Hawaii, the ship made port calls in major naval ports including Suva, Fiji, and Apra Harbor, Guam. Im proud of the Antietam crew for their execution of the Oceanic Maritime Security Initiative during our homeport shift from Yokosuka, Japan, to Hawaii, said Capt. Victor Garza, commanding officer of Antietam. I thank the families for the support they give their sailors. It is their strength that enables us to go to sea. The U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides realistic training necessary to execute the U.S. Navys role across the full spectrum of military operations from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the Navy said. The Antietam arrived in Yokosuka in February 2013 and swapped crews with its sister ship the USS Cowpens. In the years that followed, the Antietam regularly deployed with the USS George Washington and USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier strike groups; it also participated in freedom-of-navigation operations and transits of the Taiwan Strait. Taking Antietams place in Yokosuka is the guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell, previously homeported in Everett, Wash. The Ticonderoga-class guided missile-cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) as it arrives at its new homeport at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Friday, April 5, 2024. (Gavin Arnoldhendershot/U.S. Navy) A sailor assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided missile-cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) reunites with family after arriving at new homeport Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Friday, April 5, 2024. (Gavin Arnoldhendershot/U.S. Navy) A sailor assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided missile-cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) reunites with family after arriving at new homeport Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Friday, April 5, 2024. (Gavin Arnoldhendershot/U.S. Navy) A sailor assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided missile-cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) reunites with family after arriving at new homeport Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Friday, April 5, 2024. (Gavin Arnoldhendershot/U.S. Navy) Stars and Stripes reporter Alex Wilson contributed to this report. Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., on Wreaths Across America Day, Dec. 16, 2023. On April 11, 2024, U.S. Army Air Forces Sgt. Irving R. Newman, who was killed in action in 1943, will be interred at Arlington. (Elizabeth Fraser/Arlington National Cemetery) The remains of U.S. Army Air Forces Sgt. Irving R. Newman, killed in action in 1943, will be interred Thursday at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. He will receive full military honors. Newman, a native of Los Angeles, was assigned to the 343d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 9th Air Force. On May 6, 1943, Newman and nine other crew members of a B-24D Liberator were flying a bombing mission at Reggio di Calabria harbor in Sicily. While heading to the target, the plane experienced engine failure, forcing the pilots to make a course correction away from the main bomber group and directly into enemy anti-aircraft fire. During an emergency landing, the plane caught fire and crashed into the water near Benghajsa Point, Malta. Nine airmen survived. Newman could not be rescued, and he was declared unrecoverable after the war. Recently, the University of Malta and a private company located the wreckage of a B-24D near Benghajsa Point at a depth of 180 feet. Beginning in 2018, a partner organization supported by DPAA archaeology recovered material evidence, life support equipment and suspected human remains from the crash site. To identify Newmans remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA and dental analysis. Newman was accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency on June 20, 2023. Newmans name is recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery an American Battle Monuments Commission site in Impruneta, Italy. (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) Newmans name is recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, an American Battle Monuments Commission site in Impruneta, Italy, along with others still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. As of May 2023, more than 81,000 Americans remain missing from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and the Gulf Wars/other conflicts. Out of the total, approximately 75% of the losses are located in the Indo-Pacific region, and over 41,000 of the missing are presumed lost at sea (such as ship losses and known aircraft water losses). Military recruits train in Donbas, Ukraine, on Feb. 5, 2024. (Wojciech Grzedzinski for The Washington Post) Former president Donald Trump has privately said he could end Russias war in Ukraine by pressuring Ukraine to give up some territory, according to people familiar with the plan. Some foreign policy experts said Trumps idea would reward Russian President Vladimir Putin and condone the violation of internationally recognized borders by force. Trumps proposal consists of pushing Ukraine to cede Crimea and the Donbas border region to Russia, according to people who discussed it with Trump or his advisers and spoke on the condition of anonymity because those conversations were confidential. That approach, which has not been previously reported, would dramatically reverse President Bidens policy, which has emphasized curtailing Russian aggression and providing military aid to Ukraine. As he seeks a return to power, the presumptive Republican nominee has frequently boasted that he could negotiate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours if elected, even before taking office. But he has repeatedly declined to specify publicly how he would quickly settle a war that has raged for more than two years and killed tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians. Trump-aligned foreign-policy thinkers have emphasized addressing threats to U.S. interests from China and seeking ways to reverse Russias increasing dependence on China for military, industrial and economic assistance. They have also embraced limiting NATO expansion. Privately, Trump has said that he thinks both Russia and Ukraine want to save face, they want a way out, and that people in parts of Ukraine would be OK with being part of Russia, according to a person who has discussed the matter directly with Trump. Accepting Russian control over parts of Ukraine would expand the reach of Putins dictatorship after what has been the biggest land war in Europe since World War II. Some of Trumps supporters have been trying to persuade him against such an outcome. Ive been spending 100 percent of my time talking to Trump about Ukraine, said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a onetime Trump critic turned ally. He has to pay a price. He cant win at the end of this, Graham added, speaking of Putin. Russia has previously declared it was annexing Ukrainian land beyond the Donbas region and Crimea and Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has said he would not accept surrendering any territory. Exchanging territory for a cease-fire would put Ukraine in a worse position without assurances that Russia would not rearm and resume hostilities, as it has in the past, said Emma Ashford, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, a nonpartisan think tank. That is a terrible deal, she said of Trumps proposal. Former president Donald Trump on March 5, 2024, at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) The Trump campaign declined to directly address questions for this article. Any speculation about President Trumps plan is coming from unnamed and uninformed sources who have no idea what is going on or what will happen, campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. President Trump is the only one talking about stopping the killing. Biden said in his State of the Union address that Putin is on the march, invading Ukraine and sowing chaos throughout Europe and beyond, and that Ukraine is trying to defend itself. The president has outlined a long-term plan of support for Ukraine that would build up its military capabilities this year so that it is in a better place to go on the offensive next year. But U.S. aid is already in jeopardy as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) faces a revolt from Republican hard-liners who are digging in against any more funding and clamoring to oust him. Out of office, Trump has pressured congressional Republicans to resist additional American support for Ukraines war effort and a return to the White House would significantly expand his influence over the debate. Seeing the political dynamics in the U.S., European allies have jump-started military industry to a point where they hope to supplant a significant portion of the current U.S. assistance to Kyiv. But analysts said that realistically, Ukraines capacity to keep fighting would be weakened if Trump succeeds in blocking further U.S. aid. In many ways, Trumps plan is in line with his approach as president. His preference for splashy summits over policy details, confidence in his own negotiating skills and impatience with conventional diplomatic protocols were all hallmarks of how he approached foreign affairs in his first term. In his eight years as the GOPs standard-bearer, Trump has led a stark shift in the partys prevailing orientation to become more skeptical of foreign intervention such as military aid to Ukraine. Trump has consistently complimented Putin, expressed admiration for his dictatorial rule and gone out of his way to avoid criticizing him, most recently for the death in jail of political opponent Alexei Navalny. He has not called for the release of Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter held in Russia for a year without charges or a trial. Trump has refused to acknowledge Russias interference in the 2016 election and falsely blamed Ukraine for trying to help Democratic rival Hillary Clinton a smear spread by Russian spy services. His attempt in 2019 to withhold aid to Ukraine unless Zelenskyy announced an investigation into Biden led to Trumps first impeachment. In a phone call with Zelenskyy that year that Trump said was perfect, the U.S. president pressured Zelenskyy to investigate Biden and the discredited theory that Ukraine and not Russia sought to interfere with the 2016 election. The GOP-controlled Senate later acquitted Trump. Former president Trumps inexplicable and admiring relationship with Putin, along with his unprecedented hostility to NATO, cannot give Europe or Ukraine any confidence in his dealings with Russia, said Tom Donilon, President Barack Obamas national security adviser. Trumps comments encouraging Russia to do whatever it wants with our European allies are among the most unsettling and dangerous statements made by a major party candidate for president. His position represents a clear and present danger to U.S. and European security. Graham said he has warned against giving Russia desired land and wants Trump to embrace a pathway forward to Ukraine to join NATO. The way you end this war to me is you make sure Ukraine gets into NATO and the E.U., he said. He doesnt say much about that. I dont know if hes thought too much about it. In his public promises to end the war, Trump has pointedly withheld the specifics on how he would negotiate with Putin and Zelenskyy. I will say certain things to each one of them that I wouldnt say to the rest of the world, and thats why I cant tell you much more than that, Trump said in a March interview with former aide Sebastian Gorka. His public silence on his negotiating tack has left room for others to fill in the blanks. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has antagonized European allies with his autocratic and pro-Russian tendencies, met with Trump last month and afterward claimed Trump told him he will force the war to end because he will not give a penny to help Ukraine. Orbans statement was false, but the former president didnt want to publicly contradict him after entertaining him all night at his Mar-a-Lago Club and admiring his toughness and anti-immigration positions, according to a person close to Trump, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe a private conversation. During the meeting, Orban spoke at length about Soviet history, Russias desire for Ukrainian territory and the military challenges facing Ukraine, the person said. Trump listened but was noncommittal, the person said. An Orban spokesman did not respond to a request for comment. Word of Trumps plan for Ukraine circulated in Washington last November at a meeting at the Heritage Foundation between right-of-center foreign policy figures and a visiting delegation from the European Council on Foreign Relations. Former Trump White House aide Michael Anton described the expected contours of Trumps peace plan as Ukraine ceding territory in Crimea and Donbas, limiting NATO expansion and enticing Putin to loosen his growing reliance on China, according to multiple people present for the meeting, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe a private discussion. Reached by phone in March, Anton said he hadnt spoken with Trump in 18 to 24 months and denied knowing anything about Trumps plan for Ukraine. He did not respond to further questions. James Carafano, a Heritage Foundation fellow who convened the meeting, declined to comment on the private discussion but criticized the idea of splitting Russia from China. That is stupid idea 101, he said. Anything you could give Russia that they would really value would compromise all your other interests. The way to deal with the Russia-China relationship is to make Russia a weaker partner. Peeling Russia away from China would presumably involve sanctions relief, since the Kremlin has turned toward Beijing to try to offset broad-based Western sanctions on its energy, defense and financial sectors, said Jeremy Shapiro, head of the Washington office of the European Council on Foreign Relations, who brought the groups delegation to the meeting in November. Shapiro declined to comment on the specifics of the conversation, citing ground rules of the November event that prohibited attributing anything that was said, but he said that Trumps Ukraine peace plan did not appear to be detailed. Trump people feel as if one of the great sins of the Ukrainian war and the Russia policy, generally speaking, is to push Russia toward China and to make it all the more dependent on China, he said. Trumps fundamental approach with all things is to get men in a room together to discuss, without necessarily having detailed plans in advance, Shapiro said. Russia experts doubted Trumps peace efforts could succeed. Fiona Hill, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who was Trumps top Russia adviser and has since emerged as a prominent critic, said it reminded her of 2017 when unvetted foreigners and business executives approached Trump with various peace plans, and he thought he could sit down with Russia and Ukraine and mediate on the strength of his personal charisma. Trumps team is thinking about this very much in silos, that this is just a Ukraine-Russia thing, Hill said. They think of it as a territorial dispute, rather than one about the whole future of European security and the world order by extension. Even drawing an armistice line might not be so straightforward. The Kremlin in September 2022 declared that it was annexing four southern and eastern Ukrainian provinces, including the Donbas region but extending well beyond it. Since Kyiv still controls much of the territory, any attempt to resolve the war with territorial concessions is likely to involve extensive haggling unless both sides simply agree to freeze the front lines that are in place at the moment of a deal. Ukraine and European allies would probably resist Trumps efforts to strike a deal with Moscow, Hill said. She said the Europeans have jump-started their military industry to a point where they hope to supplant a significant portion of the current U.S. assistance to Kyiv. She added that the U.S. has limited leverage for a unilateral deal because meaningful sanctions relief would rely on European cooperation. No amount of leverage the United States has is likely to compel Ukrainian leadership to engage in policies that would constitute domestic political suicide, said Michael Kofman, an analyst of the Russia-Ukraine war at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a nonpartisan research center. And no amount of leverage the United States has can compel Ukraine to cede territory or engage in these types of concessions. This is a situation where if youre willing to give a hand, the other side will very quickly want the rest of the arm. Two terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire between security forces and militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas North Waziristan district, the militarys media affairs wing said on Sunday. A press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that a fire exchange took place between terrorists and security forces last night. Own troops effectively engaged the terrorists location as a result of which two terrorists were sent to hell. Weapons and explosives were also recovered from them, it said. Weapons and explosives were also recovered from them, it said. Sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country, it said. A day earlier, security forces killed 10 terrorists in two operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Meanwhile, two terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation in Balochistans Panjgur district. Trusted support worker used debit cards of residents with Down Syndrome to steal cash Nursing home worker Jill Bergin this week and (below) the message she posted on Facebook A carer who stole almost 5,000 from residents with Down Syndrome in a nursing home previously campaigned against asylum seekers arriving in her village because she wanted to keep her community safe. Jill Bergin whose 31 thefts from her three victims was described as shameful by their families posted a message on Facebook in mid-February saying: We pride ourselves on our village and want to keep it a safe place for the future of our children and grandchildren to live in. Ferns says no to unvetted males coming into our village. When we attempted to quiz Bergin on Wednesday as to whether she considered thieving from residents with special needs was in line with her mission of keeping the community safe, she turned and shut the door on our reporter. Message posted by Jill Bergin Thirty-nine-year-old Bergin pleaded guilty before Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court 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 said the three victims in the case were all vulnerable males with intellectual disabilities, including two with Down Syndrome. Detective 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. 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. Nursing home worker Jill Bergin this week and (below) the message she posted on Facebook 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 never materialised. 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 Bergin 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. Nursing home worker Jill Bergin this week 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 ordered an updated probation report after being informed she posed a moderate risk of reoffending. The judge said it would break ones heart to read the victim impact statements in the case. Thirty-one-year-old Michael Downey, of Jutland Hall, Steamboat Quay, Limerick appeared at a sitting of Mullingar District Court A very naive former law student who allowed his Revolut account to dupe an unsuspecting victim out of over 3,000 has been told return to court in September with a 2,500 charitable donation. Thirty-one-year-old Michael Downey, of Jutland Hall, Steamboat Quay, Limerick appeared at a sitting of Mullingar District Court charged with money laundering arising out of an incident at Oakwood Cottage, Coolnagun, Lismacaffrey, Co Westmeath on November 21, 2021. Downey admitted his culpability in a scam that saw 3,250 being deposited into his own Revolut account in four separate transactions of 880 each. The court heard Downey met gardai in March of last year at Limerick Garda Station during which he made full admissions in allowing his account to be used as part of the fraud. Sgt Orla Keenan said Downey told investigating officers he had been contacted by a friend who told him he was selling his car and wanted money to be electronically transferred into an account that he didnt possess internet banking capabilities. Downey, under questioning, stated he gave his Revolut card to this man and only became aware something was amiss when noticing the four separate transactions going into his account. The court was told Downey transferred the 3,520 and deposited it into a crypto account within the Revolut. Judge Bernadette Owens was also informed how Downey claimed four men called to his parents home the next day demanding the return of the money. Downey later withdrew 1,200 and handed it to his friend with the remainder being transferred electronically through his Revolut account. It was revealed Downey made no financial gain from fraud an hasnt seen or heard from his friend since. Michael Downey outside Mullingar Courthouse. Sgt Keenan, in finalising the States case, said investigating gardai had described Downey, who cooperated fully with the investigation as being a very small player and very naive. The court was also told Downey had nine previous convictions and had been on a one month suspended prison sentence for damaging property picked up in June 2021. In defence, solicitor Louis Kiernan said the episode occurred at a time when his clients life had gone off the rails owing to heavy drinking and associating with bad company. Mr Kiernan said Downey was presently signed up to a quantity surveying course having previously studied law at the University of Limerick. He does regret his involvement and he did try to make it better as soon as it was detected and he tried to back out of it once he realised that this sequence of lodgements wasnt what he expected, said Mr Kiernan. He knew there was something wrong but it was too late to get out of it at that stage. Judge Owens directed a probation report to be carried out on the accused and ordered him to amass 2,500 for three locally based charities. In adjourning the case until September 12, Judge Owens said 1,000 of that sum, upon submission to the court, will be directed to Westmeath Support Services, a further 1,000 towards a new MRI unit at Mullingars Midland Regional Hospital with the remaining 500 going towards St Vincent de Paul. The victim, who is in his late teens, was set upon close to Edgeworthstown Train Station at around 3pm Gardai are investigating an alleged assault on a teenager at a train station in county Longford yesterday that left the victim in hospital with serious injuries. A teenager is in a serious condition in hospital after being attacked by a gang of youths at a train station in county Longford yesterday afternoon. The victim, who is in his late teens, was set upon close to Edgeworthstown Train Station at around 3pm. Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene and tended to the teenager before he was transferred to Mullingars Midland Regional Hospital. The Sunday World understands due to the gravity of his injuries, medics have since transferred him to Dublins Beaumont Hospital. A Garda spokesperson said while no arrests had been made, an investigation was now underway in a bid to track down the young mans assailants. Gardai are investigating an incident of assault which occurred in Edgworthstown, Co. Longford, yesterday afternoon, Saturday 6th April 2024. A male, aged in his late teens, was taken to Mullingar Hospital to be treated for serious injuries. No arrests have been made at this time and investigations are ongoing. The girl, believed to be aged around seven, was swept out to sea from the east pier of Dun Laoghaire harbour at around 8.20pm yesterday evening A young girl who was pulled from the sea at Dun Laoghaire during Storm Kathleen survived by floating on her back with her arms outstretched just like in the Float To Live advice promoted by the RNLI. The rescuer who jumped from the lifeboat into the sea to save the girl said the fact her puffer jacket had trapped some air and she was floating on her back helped save her life. The drama occurred when the girl, believed to be aged around seven, was swept out to sea from the east pier of Dun Laoghaire harbour at around 8.20pm yesterday evening. The coast guard, RNLI, gardai, ambulance and Dublin fire brigade service were all involved in the rescue operation. The coast guard's Rescue 116 helicopter was also deployed. Emergency services have been praised for rescuing a girl from the sea off Dun Laoghaire in Co Dublin (Pix: Damien Storan) Dun Laoghaire RNLI volunteer crew member Andrew Sykes told of the dramatic rescue operation in what he described as very rough conditions. We got the call that there was a child in the water and we assembled a crew quickly. In those conditions and when there is a child involved you have to get there as fast as you can, he said. The coast guard personnel on the pier were pointing out the location of the child. We were able to locate her quickly and, arriving on the scene, we could see that she was floating on her back with her arms out wide just like in the Float To Live safety campaigns we promote. The jacket she was wearing helped her too because it trapped air in it, which may have put her in a face-up position. She was alert and calling for help, and was in a bit of shock. We were trying to get close to her but when we got near the first time she was pushed away from us by the waves, and then a second time, so then I entered the water and reached her, and we got her into the boat quickly and back to shore where a Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance crew was waiting, added Mr Sykes. Footage of the rescue, captured by onlookers, has been shared on social media and shows Mr Sykes jumping into the sea swell to support the young girl while the boat came alongside so she could be pulled into it. RNLI Dun Laoghaire lifeboat operations manager, Ed Totterdell, said that the Float To Live campaign really does help save lives, and whether the young girl was floating on her back deliberately or because her clothing placed her in that position, it helped with her survival. When you fall into cold water, the temperature shock makes you gasp for air, and it is difficult to control your breathing. And, while you are gasping you are very vulnerable if your face is in the water. "The Float To Live advice is to lie on your back with your face out of the water at least until the initial shock passes and you can better control your breathing. Then, you are in a better position to get out of the water or stay afloat until help arrives, he explained. The prompt response of witnesses on the pier also really helped. The people who noticed what happened called us really quickly, and we always say we would rather be called quickly in error than get called late. The boat involved in the rescue is our smaller d-class inshore boat, and despite its small size, it is known as the workhorse of rescue boats because it is so quick and manoeuverable. The d-class boat is involved in about 60pc of all rescues. For this little girl yesterday, it was a very fortunate outcome. There were a lot of things on her side, and we wish her and her family well after what must have been a very frightening experience, he added. Dun Laoghaire Fine Gael TD Jennifer Carroll MacNeill praised the "extraordinary efforts" of the rescuers, and Fianna Fail TD Cormac Devlin described the rescuers as "heroic". "Thank you and I hope that the young girl is recovering well," Deputy Devlin posted on X/Twitter. In a statement, gardai said: "Gardai assisted emergency services in the rescue of a female child who had gone into the water at Dun Laoghaire harbour yesterday evening, Saturday 6th April 2024. "The child was rescued from the water by emergency services and taken to hospital in south Dublin to be treated for non-life threatening injuries." Around 34,000 customers lost electricity supply on Saturday as Storm Kathleen swept across the island, with orange wind warnings in effect in southern and western parts. A few thousand customers remained without power overnight but by Sunday afternoon almost all had had their supply restored. A yellow wind warning covering Donegal, Mayo and west Galway remained in effect until 4pm today. Three people have been killed on the roads in separate crashes Three people died in separate tragedies in Dublin, Wicklow and Cork in the space of just 12 hours over the weekend bringing the death toll so far this year to 61. Two of the victims have been named locally. A male pedestrian who died in Co Cork after a collision with a car, near Midleton, in the early hours of this morning, has been named locally as John Barry (45). A man in his 20s who died following a motorcycle crash in Carnew, Co Wicklow, yesterday evening has also been identified as Niall Keane. A tribute to Mr Keane, from Munny, Gorey, Co Wexford, on rip.ie read: Very sadly missed by his loving mother and father Peter and Bridget, sister Brenda, grandparents, brother-in-law Jimmy and loving nephew Joel, nieces Harper, Taylor and Isabelle, his partner Shannon, extended family, relatives and friends. Rest in Peace. The notice stated that funeral arrangements are to follow. One of Mr Keanes friends posted online: RIP Niall, a true gentle soul, fly high. Mr Keane died after his motorcycle crashed shortly after 6.30pm on Saturday at Tombreane in Carnew. He was taken to Beaumont Hospital, where he died from his injuries. There were no other vehicles involved. Gardai have appealed for any witnesses to come forward to help their inquiries. The force asked anyone with camera footage and who was in the area at the time to make it available to them. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Baltinglass Garda Station on 059 6482610, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Gardai attended the scene of a fatal single vehicle road traffic collision involving a van that occurred at approximately 6:15am this morning (Pix: Damien Storan) In Cork, John Barry (45) suffered fatal injuries after being involved in a collision with a car at 1.30am on Sunday. The tragedy happened on the N25 Cork-Waterford road at Water Rock on the eastbound section of the route. Gardai and paramedics were at the scene within minutes but Mr Barry was pronounced dead before he could be rushed to Cork University Hospital (CUH). Gardai are appealing for any road users who have camera footage and were travelling on the N25 Eastbound between 1:15am and 1:30am to make this footage available to them. Tributes were also paid online to Mr Barry by family and friends who said they were "shocked to hear the news. A friend remarked that Mr Barry possessed a heart of gold. There isnt a bad thing anyone could say about you. Youre a one of a kind friend, he added. Gardai have also confirmed that the driver of a van (60s) involved in a single vehicle crash in Churchtown, south Dublin at 6.15am this morning has died. The crash occurred on Churchtown Road Upper, Dundrum, Dublin 14. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. A technical examination of the scene was conducted by forensic collision investigators and the road has since re-opened. Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dundrum Garda Station on 01 666 5600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. The young girl was recovered from the water in Dun Laoghaire harbour yesterday evening at around 8.20pm. A child was rescued at sea in Co Dublin yesterday during a multi-agency operation as Storm Kathleen caused dangerous waves along Irelands coasts. The young girl was recovered from the water in Dun Laoghaire harbour yesterday evening at around 8.20pm by gardai and the Dun Laoghaire coast guard. A local branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) was also called to the scene, as well as the National Ambulance Service, the Dublin Fire Brigade, and the Irish Coast Guards search and rescue helicopter, Rescue 116. The child was later taken to a hospital in south Dublin to be treated for her injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening. It is not known why the girl had been in the water at the time, but a Status Yellow gale warning had been in place for all Irish coasts at the time, with Met Eireann issuing warnings of gale force 8 or 9 winds and choppy waves in some areas. Gardai confirmed that they assisted with the rescue operation and said the girl had gone into the water at Dun Laoghaire harbour yesterday evening, Saturday 6th April 2024. The child was rescued from the water by emergency services and taken to hospital in South Dublin to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries, a spokesperson said. A clip of the rescue of the rescue was shared online, which the Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard reposted on X, formerly Twitter, cautioning followers to respect the water and heed the warnings. Former leader may avoid Westminster as criminal probe proceeds... but he can continue to collect 91,300 salary Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is set to stay on as MP for Lagan Valley, sources have told the Sunday World. There has been intense speculation about his intentions in the wake of the former DUP chief being charged with serious historic sexual offences, including rape. He immediately tendered his resignation as party leader and his membership was subsequently suspended, effectively making him an independent MP. He and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson were arrested at their Dromore home before 7am on March 28, before being taken to Antrim Custody Suite, where they were charged. The timeline of the inquiry was confirmed by the PSNI yesterday when they said: Police first received a report on March 7, 2024. There had been speculation that Sir Jeffrey would stand down in a similar move to that when he resigned as DUP leader sparking a potentially damaging by-election as he fights the charges he faces. But there has been no indication that he has an intention of relinquishing his seat. Sir Jeffrey is believed to be staying at his London address as part of his bail conditions in advance of a court appearance on April 24, alongside Lady Eleanor. Political sources have told the Sunday World that Sir Jeffrey is likely to stay in place as he maintains his innocence. It had been thought he might step back to concentrate on the fight to clear his name but there is no compunction for him to do so. The veteran politician asserts he has no case to answer and remains an innocent man until proven otherwise, so there is no reason for him to quit. Jeffrey Donaldson with his wife, Lady Eleanor Theres a possibility he will not enter the Westminster estate as the criminal investigation proceeds and this week it was confirmed he has been suspended from his role as a UK trade envoy to Egypt and Cameroon. So, for at least the coming months, Sir Jeffrey can continue collecting his 91,300-a-year salary, even though he is prevented from fully doing his job at Westminster and in his constituency. The only way an MP can be removed from his seat is if he or she resigns. Even then, there is a considerable process to be gone through before it is confirmed. The other is by way of a Recall Petition, which requires one in ten constituents signing the document to spark a by-election. Sir Jeffreys former party colleague Ian Paisley faced a Recall Petition after he had failed to declare five-star foreign holidays given to him. A Recall Petition can only be put in place under specific circumstances conviction of an offence which results in imprisonment, a sentence of more than 12 months which automatically disqualifies someone from being an MP, suspension from the House on the recommendation of the Committee on Standards, and for making misleading parliamentary expenses claims. None of these conditions applies to Sir Jeffrey. Alliances Sorcha Eastwood is a strong performer Sir Jeffrey retained the Lagan Valley seat with a margin of more than 6,000 votes in 2019, but it is seen as vulnerable with the Alliance Partys Sorcha Eastwood a strong performer. Sir Jeffreys intention to remain as MP for now removes the prospect of the DUP having to fight a by-election in unprecedented circumstances and at a time when the party has been sent reeling by the charges their former leader faces. However, with a general election likely to be called in the coming months probably November the party faces some difficult decisions. There are no obvious candidates. The constituencys two DUP MLAs Paul Givan and Emma Little-Pengelley have ministerial jobs. Edwin Poots, who moved from Lagan Valley to South Belfast, has been happily installed as Assembly Speaker. Technically, it is not inconceivable that Sir Jeffrey will put his name forward. He is an innocent man and therefore entitled to run, but whether he could count on the support of political backers is a major doubt. With a criminal trial not likely before 2025, he may feel his reputation as an MP of 26 years standing and with a 40-year career in frontline politics may be enough to get him over the line. There is some precedent. Tory MP Andrew Rossindell returned to the benches in February after a two-year police investigation exonerated him of alleged sex offences. For its part, the DUP has tried to quieten the chatter around their former leader. Party members have been urged not to contribute to the social media debate around the controversy. Jeffrey Donaldson at an Orange Order parade Interim leader Gavin Robinson has been keen to focus minds on the job at hand. He said that the week since Sir Jeffreys arrest and charge had been extremely difficult and, in the leaders weekly message to party members, he urged people to stay strong. He accused opponents of the restoration of Stormont of seeking to deliver a wreckers charter that would weaken and divide unionism. Mr Robinson reaffirmed his partys commitment to devolution and insisted they will not be taking a backward step on his watch, saying the Executive and Assembly were in the best interests of Northern Ireland. He attacked critics on the margins of the unionist cause, warning their actions could lead to reduced representation for unionism at Westminster and a propaganda boost for Sinn Fein. His comments came as the TUV announced plans for a major anti-Protocol rally in Co Down later this month. He said there was a unity of purpose in the DUP to deliver for people and promote and strengthen Northern Irelands place within the United Kingdom. That has not changed, nor will it under my leadership, he told members. Mr Robinson said recent events have been profoundly shocking and my thoughts remain with those who are suffering. The DUP is a party that supports devolution and we make no apology for that, he said. Since early February, we have seen the return of local government where decisions have been taken in the best interests of everyone in Northern Ireland. However, there is much more to do, and with the current budget restraints we must act sensibly and honestly as we tackle the long-term challenges ahead. The restoration of the Executive and Assembly is in the best interests of Northern Ireland and time will prove that a prosperous Northern Ireland one that provides opportunity for everyone everywhere will lead to a stronger Northern Ireland at ease with itself. This is a powerful line of defence against those who would promote the fantasy and economic illiteracy of a so-called united Ireland. Mr Robinson conceded the so-called Donaldson Deal that brought about the restoration of power-sharing was far from perfect but had secured significant guarantees for Northern Irelands constitutional position, stating: Problems still exist and I will always be open and honest about that. But he added: I am not in the business of taking a backward step or talking down what we have achieved. The DUPs most outspoken detractor, TUV chief Jim Allister, this weekend renewed his attack, claiming the DUP had accepted the Protocol. He accused the DUP of engaging in a sham fight over post-Brexit trading arrangements. Mr Allister, whose party last month agreed a link-up with Reform UK ahead of the general election, said that part of the deceptive salesmanship of the tainted Donaldson Deal was the pretence that the party was still fighting to secure concessions. Like the patently false claims that the Irish Sea border was gone with zero checks, zero paperwork, the claim of ongoing demands is equally false, he added. The sad truth is that the DUP, once it gave up the only leverage it had namely, the Stormont Executive boycott at the same time gave up resisting the Protocol and metamorphosed into Protocol implementers. Henceforth, the DUPs fight is a sham fight, just like the Donaldson surrender deal which changed not one word of the Protocol nor dis-applied one syllable of EU law. The claims of Sir Jeffrey, now repeated by the continuity leadership, that more would be obtained mirrors and adopts the UUP nonsense of fighting the Protocol from within an Assembly with no power or inclination to change one word of the Union-dismantling Protocol. Despite being in love with her 40-year-old boyfriend and living with two cats, she is scheduled to be euthanised in May Despite being in love with her 40-year-old boyfriend and living with two cats, Zoraya has chosen to die A 28-year-old Dutch woman is to die by euthanasia due to crippling depression, it has been reported. Zoraya ter Beek, who is described as physically healthy, decided to legally end her life due to struggles with depression, autism and borderline personality disorder. Ter Beek, who once aspired to be a psychiatrist, lives in a small village in the Netherlands near the German border. Despite being in love with her 40-year-old boyfriend and living with two cats, she is scheduled to be euthanised in May having dealt with mental health struggles throughout her life. According to an article in The Free Press, she said she decided to be euthanised after her doctors told her there was nothing more they could do for her. I was always very clear that if it doesnt get better, I cant do this anymore, ter Beek said. Ter Beek said a doctor will first give her a sedative, followed by a drug that will stop her heart as she lies on her couch. Despite being in love with her 40-year-old boyfriend and living with two cats, Zoraya has chosen to die Her boyfriend will be at her side until the end. The doctor really takes her time. It is not that they walk in and say, lay down please, she is quoted as saying. 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. She plans to be cremated after shes euthanised and there will be no funeral. 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 admitted. We dont really know whats nextor is there nothing? Thats the scary part. Since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to make assisted suicide legal in 2001, it has become an increasingly popular option among the population. In 2022, there were 8,720 euthanasia deaths in the Netherlands representing roughly 5% of all the countrys deaths. This is up from 14% from the year prior, according to Dutch media. In February, the 93-year-old former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt and his wife died hand in hand by euthanasia. According to the Free Press, Stef Groenewoud, a healthcare ethicist at Theological University Kampen, in the Netherlands, said: 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. I see the phenomenon especially in people with psychiatric diseases, and especially young people with psychiatric disorders, where the healthcare professional seems to give up on them more easily than before, she added. Confident, joyful and horse loving kids took to the arena for Tauranga Riding for the Disableds 50th Anniversary showcase on Wednesday, April 3. Greenpark School students saddled up and showed what theyve been learning with Tauranga RDA this term. But it was private rider, eight-year-old Khalifa Tamehana, who caught the attention of The Weekend Sun. Khalifa who has autism and ADHD, has been absolutely loving Tauranga RDA. The benefits Khalifa has experienced is his enthusiastic attitude each Monday to come and ride Chester, says his caregiver and grandma Brenda Sandhu. He is really focused on the task at hand, which is great to see. "Actions speak louder than verbal with Khalifa. Brenda says Khalifas time with Tauranga RDA has been rewarding for the whole whanau too: Experiencing the joy on their childs face is very special for the child and their family. The eight-year-old stuck to riding his favourite stead to honour the charitys milestone event on Wednesday. Khalifa loves Chester the most...[hes] such a chilled horse, which is great for a child like Khalifa, says Brenda. For anyone who is considering to ride at Tauranga Riding for the Disabled should absolutely do it! How it all began... What started with five horses and 12 riders has now become an ever-growing legacy 50 years later, with Tauranga Riding for the Disabled having 21 horses and more than 150 riders today! Tauranga RDA enhances the confidence and independence of people with physical, social and intellectual challenges and this week they celebrated 50 years of serving the community. The history board along the gallery of Tauranga RDAs arena, displaying their 50 year legacy. Photo: John Borren. Its special to pay tribute to an organisation built over 50 years with so much community support, says RDA general manager Elisha Olds. The growth has been continual, and demand continues to grow, its a great to be part of the journey. The idea to create an RDA in New Zealand was first sparked by Tom Atchison, who was inspired after visiting an RDA in England in 1970. He then approached Betty Blundell in the early-1970s, and together they started Tauranga RDA. A committee was formed and riding officially started in 1974 at Putt Ponies in Bethlehem, before moving to Kaka Street Special School, and then finally to 44 Ngapeke Rd, Welcome Bay in 1976 Tauranga RDAs present day home. Celebrating decades worth of memories, the Tauranga RDA unveiled their history board on Wednesday. The Wright Family Foundation 46th National Youth Jazz Competition went off with foot-tapping beats and funky tunes last week, honing the skills of the next jazz generation! With three full performance days, the competition saw more than 600 secondary students come from across Aotearoa to give their best. The Weekend Sun caught up with Bethlehem College Year 13 students Isla Bircham and Luke Tuhairwe after their Big Band performance. Its our last year playing at Jazz Fest so it just feels more special growing with the band and working together, says Isla, who plays trumpet. After playing their sets, the events judges Lana Law and Dr Rodger Fox gave the Big Band some pro pointers. Dr Rodger Fox is always good in the rhythm section and gives a lot of good tips, says Luke, who plays guitar. The feedback they get from guest judges after they perform is really valuable, as is watching other school bands there is always something to learn and aspire to from watching others, says BC director of performance music Kelly Hayward. Aucklands King College took out the Best of Festival Trophy for Most Outstanding Jazz Band. Later in the year, Kelly says BCs Big Band will head to Wellington for the Musicworks Ensemble Festival Aotearoa to further finesse their jazz music. Jazz is a great vehicle to explore creativity within music, especially when students begin to improvise, and it also teaches them good fundamentals of technique and playing with others, says Kelly. Its a lot more technical than other kinds of music and more freeing, says Luke. Its different and cool, and I can kind of bob my knees to it, says Isla. Javier Varela Madrid Sunday, 7 April 2024, 20:23 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads A parish priest in Spain has died after his robe caught fire when he was lighting candles at a mass at a church in Zaragoza. Javier Sanchez, who worked in the San Gregorio neighbourhood of the city in the northeast of the country, was rushed to hospital after the Semana Santa incident but died some days later. During the Easter vigil, Sanchez was preparing to celebrate mass in the convent of the Franciscan Conceptionist sisters when a spark from a candle caught his gown and to the paraffin he was preparing for the service. The priest was rushed to hospital with burns to 50% of his body and he remained in intensive care until he died on Thursday 4 April. His funeral was held the following day. Con dolor comunicamos que esta madrugada ha fallecido el sacerdote Javi Sanchez. Rezamos por su eterno descanso. Diocesis de Zaragoza (@ArchiZaragoza) April 4, 2024 The priest, aged 60, was much-loved in Zaragoza and among the parish in the San Gregorio neighbourhood. He resided in the convent of Santa Isabel and was also chaplain of the Franciscan Conceptionists of Zaragoza, where the funeral was held. Known as the 'rock priest' Father Javier was known as the 'rock priest' for his love of music and for having composed many songs - in fact he even released three albums. He also worked as a priest at the Hospital Clinico in Zaragoza, in the parish of La Jota and was also a television talk show host. In 2015, he starred in a controversial music video for his song A Tu Aire, in which he appeared only with angel wings and only a guitar covering his private parts. Mateo Balin Madrid Sunday, 7 April 2024, 20:50 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads Spain's High Court has launched an investigation into Nolotil - which has been banned in several other key countries - following dozens of deaths allegedly linked to the popular painkiller. It comes after a complaint filed by the Asociacion Defensor del Paciente patient defence association which called for the commonly prescribed drug to be banned due to its claimed adverse health effects. The public prosecutor's office will now request the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) to submit a report on the sale of Nolotil. Details included in the report will relate to the drug's manufacturing, marketing and distribution points in Spain, authorisations granted, adverse reaction reports, as well information on why the drug has been banned in other countries and not in Spain. High Court chief prosecutor Jesus Santos said the aim will be "to hear all those administrative actions that fall within the competence of, among others, the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products in relation to the medicine Nolotil". Last February, the Contentious-Administrative Court reported it was looking into a complaint filed by the Association of People Affected by Drugs (ADAF) against the ministry of health and AEMPS, accusing them of negligence due to the adverse effects Nolotil may cause in many people. Serious negligence The case stemmed from a lawsuit filed by ADAF in November 2023 and a complaint to the state Attorney General's office in January this year, accusing those responsible for monitoring this drug of gross negligence that has caused "harm and even death" to patients. ADAF's complaint questioned the safety of drugs that use metamizole, such as Nolotil, which is "one of the most sold drugs in Spain" as it is used as a painkiller. To date, metamizole-containing products have been banned in the US, UK, Ireland, Sweden, Japan and Australia. In the 2023 lawsuit, they also pointed out the drug Nolotil "is being wrongly prescribed to British people visiting Spain, or residing in Spain, i.e. the floating population, because this drug, the most widely sold in Spain, is very dangerous for this type of population". In November 2018, the medicines agency of the ministry of health recommended not to give medicines to tourists containing metamizole, such as Nolotil or Buscapina Compositum, and in the case of those who could be monitored, to provide it only in minimal doses. Mateo Balin Sunday, 7 April 2024, 20:56 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads Spain's High Court has upheld eight fines totalling 19.5 million euros on energy company Naturgy for manipulating electricity prices between October 2016 and January 2017. The National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) imposed the fines on Naturgy in 2019 for raising prices in the daily market for eight combined cycle power plants. The High Court then dismissed an appeal filed by the energy company, which is chaired by Francisco Reynes. According to the CNMC, between October 2016 and January 2017, Naturgy offered prices higher than its marginal costs and those of other similar companies for eight of its combined cycle plants in Catalonia, Levante Norte, eastern Andalucia and the Campo de Gibraltar (Cadiz). Specifically, the Besos 4 plants, Puerto de Barcelona groups 1 and 2, Sagunto groups 1, 2 and 3, the Malaga 1 plant and the San Roque 1 plant. As a result of Naturgy's market manipulation, its plants were required by the system operator in the process of resolving technical restrictions on a number of days when they could have been dispatched on the day-ahead market. From this behaviour, the CNMC estimated the company would have obtained a minimum profit of 13 million euros. Abnormally high offer "The price offer made by the appellant was abnormally high and resulted in the application of the system of restrictions, which led to an increase in the price in favour" of the energy company, the High Court ruled. The judges rejected Naturgy's allegations that the company's right to the presumption of innocence had been violated, given that the evidence to sanction it was insufficient. "There is sufficient evidence of the data and circumstances imputed to the plaintiff," they told the court. Spain's High Court therefore considered the conduct as fraudulent. Utica, N.Y. A Utah man was sentenced to seven years in prison for ordering a hit on a couple from Rensselaer County. Christopher Pence, 43, of Cedar City, paid a hitman on the dark web $16,000 in bitcoin, providing names, addresses and photos of the Hoosick Falls couple in July and August 2021, federal prosecutors from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of New York said in a news release Friday. He was sentenced to 84 months in prison Thursday in Utica federal court. Pence asked that the murders look like an accident or botched robbery and that no children who live with the couple be hurt, prosecutors said. He also asked the hitman if he offered discounts for targets who lived together, according to a message chain filed in court. FBI investigators arrested Pence after they were tipped off by a confidential source, according to his criminal complaint. Investigators believe the website Pence used is run by scammers. Pence told investigators that he and his wife had adopted five of the couples children. A dispute between the two families started when the intended victims wanted to regain custody, investigators said. Pence began worrying for the childrens safety after learning that the father of the children he adopted was at one point investigated by the Department of Children and Families in Massachusetts for suspected abuse, investigators said. Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him at falba@syracuse.com. TL;DR: At some point there were leaks of Apple plans for an AirPods case that featured a display screen. Whether this plan is still in motion remains unknown. However, at least one manufacturer found the concept promising enough to develop knockoff versions of Apple's patent. According to one reviewer, the sound quality of these knockoffs is terrible. Nonetheless, the case itself demonstrates that Apple's idea had merit. About a year ago, the US Patent and Trademark Office published a patent filed by Apple in September 2021 for a set of AirPods that came with a built-in touchscreen display and case. The users could control the AirPods from the screen as well as perform a number of other functions with it, such as skipping or pausing a song. Clearly someone thought this was a good enough idea, and now a counterfeit version of the device has emerged from a Chinese manufacturer, claiming to fulfill much of what Apple envisioned in its patent. Dan Barbera of MacRumors got a hold of one of these devices to see how well it performed and whether it matched Apple's vision. His first impression was that the case has exactly what the patent described. Once he changed the language setting to English, Barbera was offered a number of options besides controlling the music playback and volume. The screen lets users find their headphones, for instance, and control the iPhone's camera. It even comes equipped with a camera. Also, there's an equalizer setting that offers pre configured music profiles such as Rock or Jazz. The compliments stopped short, though, when Barbera assessed the sound quality of the device, calling it "terrible." The ripped off model provides a tangible example of why Apple even dreamed up this concept though. There are a number of viable use cases for the device. For example, if the case could connect to Wi-Fi, you could stream music without an iPhone and the case with the display screen would be a good substitute for basic control. The fake display case does prompt the question whether Apple will ever follow through with its patent, albeit with better sound quality. That is difficult to say, and inherent shortcomings like battery life would come to mind as the first showstoppers, but it should be noted that Apple is rumored to be working on more mundane developments around its AirPods. The company is reportedly planning to launch new entry-level AirPods (fourth-gen) by the end of this year alongside an upgraded AirPods Max 2. The tip came from Apple insider Jeff Pu, who claims that the upcoming affordable earbuds will be marketed as 'AirPods Lite' and be manufactured in India by Foxconn. 12:44 | Pataz (La Libertad region), Apr. 7. Law enforcement agencies have increased intelligence, search, and capture operations of those responsible for the latest criminal events perpetrated in the above-mentioned province, where a state of emergency has been declared, which is why the Armed Forces are in charge of maintaining control of domestic order, with the support of the National Police. The CCFFAA head arrived in Pataz last Saturday, along with his General Staff and PNP General Martin Villalon, with the aim of inspecting the operations carried out with the participation of the Public Ministry. It should be noted that 79 operations and 30 interdiction operations have been carried out against illegal mining since the state of emergency was declared in Pataz last February. These actions have led to the rescue of three citizens who were victims of the crime of human trafficking, of whom two were minors. Likewise, 48 people involved in illegal mining have been arrested and law enforcement agents have seized S/139,190 (about US$37,843) in cash, 15 vehicles, as well as 1,711 sticks of dynamite, 58 kg of ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate - Fuel Oil), and 4,423 gallons of fuel. Moreover, 85 pieces of mineral processing equipment and 13 tractors were destroyed. The value of the seized and destroyed items would be around US$36 million (about US$9.78 million). Law enforcement agencies continue to work to ensure domestic order and provide security in the jurisdiction of the Pataz Unified Command. (END) NDP/RMCH/RMB The Chief of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces (CCFFAA), Army General David Ojeda Parra , arrived in the province of Pataz, region of La Libertad, to supervise the actions and military operations carried out by the Pataz Unified Command, made up of personnel from the Armed Forces and National Police of Peru (PNP) Published: 4/7/2024 Microsoft has announced that it will cease Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Now, the tech giant is offering annual Extended Security Updates (ESU) for users who want to use the operating system securely beyond this date. According to a report from The Verge, these security updates cost $61 for the first year. Businesses and consumers using Windows 10 machines beyond the Windows 10 support cutoff date will need ESU licenses. ESU licenses cost $122 for the second year and $244 for the third, increasing yearly. Users who join the ESU program in the second year must pay for the first year since ESUs are cumulative. How Long Will ESU for Windows 10 Last? Microsoft says ESU is a short-term solution. Starting in October 2024, one year before support ends, Windows 10 users may buy ESU licenses for machines they will not update to Windows 11. "Extended security updates are not intended to be a long-term solution but rather a temporary bridge. ESUs do not include new features, non-security fixes, or design change requests. The ESU program does not extend technical support for Windows 10," according to Microsoft's blog, which also states that the scope of Windows 10 technical support includes activating ESU licenses, installing monthly updates, and resolving update-related issues. Microsoft is discounting cloud-based update solutions like Intune and Windows Autopatch by 25% to $45 per user for the first year to encourage companies. ESU licenses will cost $1 for the first year, $2 for the second, and $4 for the third, giving schools an even bigger savings. However, Microsoft urges users to switch to Windows 11, which has stricter hardware requirements and enhanced security features. It is important to note that only 2018 CPUs and TPM-enabled devices support Windows 11. Read Also : Amazon AWS Implements Layoffs Amid Restructuring Efforts Despite being a free update for qualified Windows 10 devices, these tougher criteria have delayed the uptake of Windows 11. As of March 2024, Windows 10 still dominates the market, while Windows 11 trails behind. Windows 11 lost market share to Windows 10 in March 2024. The latter rose to 69.04 % from 26.72 % the month before, while the former plummeted, according to The Register. Microsoft Offers Makes Teams More Flexible This Windows 10 news comes after Microsoft announced that it will internationally separate Teams, its workplace messaging and video conferencing service, from Office. The decision follows EU antitrust regulators' ongoing inquiry. As recently reported by TechTimes, Microsoft unbundled Teams from Office in Europe last year to avoid EU sanctions. Microsoft unbundles Teams from Office internationally to meet European Commission concerns and clarify consumer expectations. The move allows businesses worldwide to purchase Office products without Teams, offering them more flexibility in making purchases. Microsoft Teams, a 2017 addition to Office 365, gained popularity, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, owing to its video conferencing features. Microsoft's competitors say combining the two programs gives it an unfair market edge. In August 2023, the European Commission investigated Microsoft for antitrust violations following a complaint from Salesforce-owned Slack. The study examines whether Microsoft's Office Teams bundle breaches EU competition law. based on the principle of reciprocity in force in relations between sovereign states, the Peruvian government agency said in The measure isin relations between sovereign states, the Peruvian government agency said in a statement The temporary visa requirement for Mexican travelers seeking to enter Peruvian territory was established after the Mexican government announced similar requirements for Peruvian nationals. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that this decision was made unilaterally by Mexican authorities, who stated that this requirement will be enforced starting April 20. "Peru laments Mexico's decision, which undermines efforts to improve bilateral relations and affects the programmatic commitments assumed within the Pacific Alliance in order to facilitate the free movement of people between both countries," it said in the statement. Mutual exceptions Moreover, Peru said there will be exceptions to the new requirements as provided by the Mexican government in the case of Peruvian visitors. Thus, Mexican citizens who are holders of valid visas to the Schengen area, as well as visas issued by the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Australia, and Japan will not need a visa to enter Peru. Furthermore, Mexicans who have permanent residence in the above-mentioned countries and in the other Pacific Alliance member states will not require a visa, either. (END) FGM/RMB Peru will require a visa application for Mexican citizens seeking to visit the South American nation for a short-term stay, the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.Published: 4/7/2024 Recordings off Hawaii: Researchers are filming sex between humpback whales for the first time West Indies: a total of eight tonnes of cocaine intercepted at sea in one week We tested Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Max: the best way to make your TV smarter Gofio, the Canarian restaurant that lost its Michelin star in December and shines more than ever Cattle lick each other - but not every cow also licks every other one The patient should be observed by a specialist: herbalist - about the medicinal use of plants Ito Jakuchu's newly discovered scroll-shaped masterpiece may have been created when he was 76 years old The first high-speed rail Spring Festival transportation on the China-Vietnam border: there is an endless stream of passengers as it draws to a close More than 20,000 blue and white porcelain specimens were unearthed from the Yuan Dynasty ship cargo site in the Poyang Lake waters of Duchang, Jiangxi Spartak and Zenit tied in the match of the 19th round of the RPL in St. Petersburg The debuts of Pedro and Ugalde, the rescue of Khlusevich and Ignatovs post: Zenit and Spartak tied in the 19th round of the RPL Fernando Alonso and the long faces at Aston Martin: "We have four teams ahead of us" They investigate the president of the FIA for withdrawing a sanction from Alonso and returning him to third place in Saudi Arabia in 2023 Champions League: in the midst of Mbappe psychodrama, PSG plays for its future against Real Sociedad The popularity of flower viewing tours across the country has soared. What are the popular destinations for spring outings? Development and security should be pursued with both hands! Government work report delivers new signal for real estate Development and security should be pursued with both hands! Government work report delivers new signal for real estate Uber Eats will introduce autonomous robots in some areas of Tokyo from the 6th A tractor unit on the A-6 ends with police charges and causes serious traffic problems near Benavente (Interview with the Two Sessions) Justin Lin hits back at the theory that Chinas economy has peaked: He will not follow in Japans footsteps (Interview with the Two Sessions) Justin Lin hits back at the theory that Chinas economy has peaked: He will not follow in Japans footsteps Ushakov said that BRICS is ahead of the G7 in terms of purchasing power parity (Voice of the Two Sessions) He Xiaopeng: It is recommended to speed up the commercialization process of flying cars Fengyun-4 B star officially takes over from A star to provide services to more countries jointly building the Belt and Road Bloomberg: Macron will announce France's participation in the purchase of shells for the Ukrainian Armed Forces Toopi Organics: the company that relies on urine to do without fertilizers Nuclear and war in Ukraine at the heart of Emmanuel Macron's visit to the Czech Republic Four former Twitter executives sue Musk for more than $128 million in severance pay Demonstratively provocative in nature: what is known about the NATO Nordic Response exercises in Finland, Sweden and Norway The Liberal Democratic Party and the Rikun Democratic Party are adjusting the schedule for the House of Councilors Political Ethics Inquiry, expected to be held as early as next week Hyeres: after a shooting near a nursery, the town hall posts two police officers near the establishment On the eve of March 8, Putin thanked the women participants in the special operation Digital dementia and anxiety: psychologist - about the risks of constant use of gadgets Communities 2019 - Privacy 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. Iran to free four environmentalists convicted as spies Tehran, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2024 Four environmentalists who spent more than five years in prison after being convicted of spying will be freed following a pardon from Iran's supreme leader, state media reported on Sunday. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has pardoned more than 2,000 inmates to mark celebrations for the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Their release date was not immediately clear, but their lawyer Hojat Kermani said it will be "in the coming days". "My clients were informed by the judiciary's deputy of human rights that they are included in the amnesty," Kermani told the official IRNA news agency. He named his clients as Sepideh Kashani, Niloufar Bayani, Houman Jowkar, and Taher Ghadirain. They were arrested in 2018 on suspicion of espionage for foreign governments, among other charges, and were given jail sentences of up to 10 years. The environmentalists worked for Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation, a conservationist organisation which protects endangered species. In early 2018, Iranian-Canadian environmentalist and university professor Kavous Seyed Emami, 63, died in prison. He reportedly committed suicide a fortnight after his arrest, an allegation rejected by his relatives. In 2023, wildlife conservationist Morad Tahbaz was among five American prisoners released from Iran as part of a prisoner swap deal with the United States. Water level in Russia's Orsk 'critical' as Kremlin warns of more floods Moscow, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2024 A major flood in the Russian city of Orsk forced thousands of people to evacuate, with Moscow reporting a "critical" situation Sunday and warning of expected dangerous water levels in Siberia. Russia has introduced a "federal emergency" situation in the southern Orenburg region, where the Ural river has flooded Orsk and now threatens the main city of Orenburg. Torrential rain caused a dam near Orsk, in the southern Urals near Kazakhstan, to burst Friday night, with authorities saying more heavy rainfall will cause water levels to continue to rise. Images showed Orsk almost entirely flooded, with only the top of submerged cars visible. Authorities have said more than 4,500 people have been evacuated from Orsk and that more than 6,500 homes were flooded throughout the Orenburg region. The Kremlin has warned of "nature anomalies" and ordered preparations for expected floods in Siberia's Kurgan and Tyumen regions. While Orsk -- a city of 200,000 people -- is worst affected by the flooding, water levels on the Ural river were also rising fast in the regional hub of Orenburg, home to some 560,000 residents. "A critical situation has developed in Orsk," Russian Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenkov said while visiting the city. Images published by his ministry showed him going through the flooded city on a boat, passing typical Soviet-era housing blocks where water reached the first floor. He also visited evacuees in temporary housing centres. "Nature does not tolerate mistakes," Kurenkov said, calling on authorities to ensure timely evacuations. "The flood situation can change rapidly," he warned. Orenburg regional authorities said they expected the "peak" of the flood on April 9 and for the "situation to stabilise after April 20". - Ural river rising - Russia's weather monitor Rosgidromet said that water levels on the Ural river in the main city of Orenburg will reach dangerous levels over the next three days. "The situation remains critical," its mayor Sergei Salmin wrote on Telegram on Sunday, adding that the water level had risen 28 centimetres (11 inches) since the previous day. His office said 403 homes have been affected by the flooding in Orenburg. Salmin has warned residents of forced evacuations with the intervention of police officers in affected areas should they refuse to leave voluntarily. "We have no time for convincing," he said. Authorities have so far reported no casualties in the area but have ordered sanitary inspections and called on people to drink bottled water. Neighbouring Kazakhstan has also been affected by the floods with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev saying Saturday they were one of the country's worst natural disasters in 80 years. - Floods expected in Siberia - The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin was getting information on the floods in the Orenburg region in real time. Putin also ordered the governors of the Siberian regions of Tyumen and Kurgan to prepare for an "expected sharp rise in water levels" and "inevitable" floods, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian media. Peskov said local hydraulic stations showed an "abnormal increase in water levels" not seen in 100 years. Emergency Minister Kurenkov said the Tobol river -- a major river in western Siberia -- is expected to rise in the Kurgan region, also ordering reinforcements. Putin, 71, was for much of his rule a climate sceptic, but has in recent years U-turned on the topic and ordered his government to do more to prepare Russia for extreme weather. Russia has in recent years been hit by a string of extreme floods and fires in the spring and summer. Scientists say climate change driven by human activity is increasing the length, intensity and frequency of extreme weather events such as wildfires, storms and floods. There are some 60 tents in Musgrave Park in Brisbane where people sleep rough, and now they might be forced to move. Dozens of Aussies sleeping rough in a so-called "tent city" may now face having to forfeit the only place they call home, with the park they inhabit set to be cleared next month to make way for a festival. There are currently some 60 tents at Musgrave Park in South Brisbane, which has become known as a makeshift community for those in desperate need of housing. Residents of the park say they don't know what will become of their home when the Paniyiri Festival comes to town, but according to council, "there are strict processes in place to ensure occupied tents aren't removed". Paul Slater, who runs the Northwest Community Group a charity to help the homeless sets up stands twice a week to give away food, clothes, toiletries and tents at the park. Previously speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Slater said the pop-up community reflects the overall dire state of the nation's housing crisis. There are currently some 60 tents in Musgrave Park in South Brisbane. Source: Supplied/ Paul Slater Uncertain future for residents living in 'tent city' in Musgrave Park Slater said the country is in "a housing emergency" and that "these people aren't here by choice". Extortionate rental prices and a lack of suitable housing have been blamed for Australia's rise in homelessness, with wild weather also posing several safety concerns for those in the park too, Slater explained. "They're often praying for anything to help them get out of the situation that they're in," he said. "They get stuff stolen, their tents get damaged and they can't sleep because of the noise." Now, Slater says residents have been left in the lurch with regard to the upcoming festival. "We're not really sure what the plan is and what they're going to do," Slater told A Current Affair. "It's actually a big worry for us and for the residents, they're coming to me every day and asking have you heard what's going on, are we going to have somewhere to sleep?" Paul Slater founded Northwest Community Group which helps people experiencing homelessness across Brisbane. Source: Supplied/ Paul Slater The charity worker branded Australia's worsening housing crisis as a result a "perfect storm" of conditions. "I'm really passionate about everyone deserving a place to sleep at night," he said. "I think we're in the kind of perfect storm at the moment with the cost-of-living crisis, housing crisis. It sort of woke up a fire in me and made me want to, instead of talking about it, just do it." Council pledges to work with residents during upcoming festival While Slater claims residents of the park have been left confused over what's to come, a Brisbane City Council spokesperson said it was their priority not to disrupt people's living arrangements. "Last year, we worked with organisers and the State Government to ensure the Paniyiri Festival proceeded with support provided to those sleeping rough and we're hopeful the same can occur this year," the spokesperson told ACA. "However, it is completely unacceptable for people to be living in tents and cars while the taxpayer-funded 500-bed Pinkenba quarantine facility sits idle and unused. "Council has a strict process in place to ensure occupied tents aren't removed. Council has a longstanding working relationship with Mr Slater and the Northwest Community group and disused tents are returned to Mr Slater when appropriate and practical." Housing department weighs in Vicky Meyer from Queensland's Department of Housing said crews were on the ground five days a week to try to find an outcome for all involved. "We've rolled out a dedicated team to help people sleeping rough in Brisbane and offer them a safe place to stay. To date they've helped 480 people," he said. Residents living in tents in Musgrave Park say they don't know what will become of them when a festival rolls through next month. Source: ACA "That team has been on the ground every day, and will continue to offer accommodation as well as work with event organisers and council in the lead up to the festival." Queensland isn't the only state where dire levels of homelessness occur, just last month Yahoo News reported on the mounting calls for immediate government funding to address the lack of public housing in NSW, with almost 60,000 applicants currently on the waitlist for a home in the state. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. New Orleans native Quin Hillyer is deputy commentary editor for the Washington Examiner, where this column first appeared. He can be reached at Qhillyer@WashingtonExaminer.com. His other columns appear at www.washingtonexaminer.com/author/quin-hillyer. Over the centuries, the African country now known as Ethiopia has had many different names including Habesha, Nubia, D'mt, Aksum, Abyssinia, Land of Punt, and Italian East Africa. Nine Different Names of Ethiopia Throughout Written History. Over the centuries, Ethiopia has been known by many names, including Habesha, Nubia, D'mt, Aksum, Abyssinia, Land of Punt, Ethiopia, African Jerusalem, and Italian East Africa. Habesha Habesha is an indigenous term that refers to Semitic language-speaking and predominantly Orthodox Christian peoples found in the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea; the oldest reference to Ethiopia and Eritrea'sesha was in second or third-century Sabaean engravings. The Sabaean engravings are ancient inscriptions in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in the Kingdom of Saba, modern-day Yemen. Nubia In the past, certain areas of Ethiopia were referred to as Nubia. Nubia was a kingdom along the Nile with cultural ties to ancient Egypt. The area's history can be traced back to at least 2000 BCE. D'mt Before the rise of Aksum, D'mt was an ancient kingdom in what is now Ethiopia during the Iron Age from 800 BCE to 701 BCE. Aksum Aksum was the name of an ancient kingdom centered in northern Ethiopia. It was a significant player in the Red Sea trade and is known for its obelisks and ancient civilization. As the Aksumite Kingdom evolved, it became known as the Kingdom of Axum, reflecting its capitaregion's central power of the region. Today's territory of modern-day Ethiopia claims this name may be due to the conquest of Meroe by the Aksumite Empire in 301 A.D. to 400 A.D., after which the Axumites began referring to themselves as Ethiopians. Ethiopia, then known as the Aksumite Empire, underwent significant changes. It was during the reign of King Ezana that Christianity was declared the state religion. Abyssinia Abyssinia is a historical name that has been commonly used to refer to the region that is now Ethiopia. It is derived from the Arabic term al-Habash and the ancient term Aksum, referring to the Aksumite Kingdom. Abyssinia was a kingdom first mentioned in Egyptian texts dating back to 2500 BC. Abyssinia was a significant power in northeastern Africa for many centuries, interacting with the Roman Empire, Persia, and other great powers of the ancient world. Land of Punt In ancient Egyptian inscriptions, Ethiopia was sometimes called the Land of Punt, a region associated with trade and exotic goods. Ethiopia The name Ethiopia was applied to the land and people by King Ethiopis I; however, the term Ethiopia is believed to be of Greek origin and used by the Greek historian Herodotus to refer to parts of Africa known to the Greeks at the time. Ethiopia has been used as a vague term for dark-skinned people since the time of Homer. In ancient times, Ethiopia often referred to the Kingdom of Kush in modern-day Sudan rather than strictly the territory of modern-day Ethiopia. This suggests that adopting the name Ethiopia was more of a gradual process than a single act by King Ethiopis I. African Jerusalem Ethiopia is a country that holds immense historical and cultural significance in the Christian world. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, has its roots in Ethiopia and has been a crucial part of the country's cultural and religious identity for centuries. The church plays a significant role in Ethiopian society, with its traditions, teachings, and practices influencing many aspects of daily life. Due to its rich and longstanding connection with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Ethiopia has earned the nickname African Jerusalem, a testament to its importance as a spiritual center for Christians across the continent. Italian East Africa In 1935, the African nation of Ethiopia was invaded and occupied by the Fascist regime of Italy under the rule of Benito Mussolini. The Italian forces launched a brutal campaign of conquest, using advanced weaponry and tactics to overpower the Ethiopian defenders. The conflict, which became known as the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, lasted for several months, resulting in the annexation of Ethiopia, along with Italian-controlled regions of Eritrea and Somaliland, to form the new colony of Italian East Africa. The annexation of Ethiopia was a significant event in African history, as it marked one of the last successful attempts by a European power to colonize the continent. Qantas boss Vanessa Hudson has unveiled a long-awaited revamp of its frequent flyer program as part of a push to restore its credibility with consumers. Hudson said on Monday that travellers would be able to use the new Classic Plus rewards program on international flights from July and it would vary as with normal airfares, meaning passengers would require more points during peak travel periods such as school holidays and fewer during non-peak times. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson unveiled the changes on Monday. Credit: Louise Kennerley The scheme will be rolled out on domestic flights from the end of 2024. It adds 20 million reward seats to the frequent flyer program and a third way to redeem points, in addition to Classic Rewards and Points Plus Pay. This is about providing more access to more seats on more flights across more time periods. Its also about making sure we do that sustainably, Hudson said when asked why the airline had created a third tier, instead of making more Classic Rewards seats available. Chinese investment in Australia has plunged to its lowest level in almost two decades, excluding the pandemic years, and is expected to continue to contract as the worlds second-largest economy slows. KPMG and the University of Sydneys latest Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australia report said Chinese investment in Australia fell by 37 per cent to $US892 million ($1.36 billion) last year. It was the lowest level since 2006, excluding the pandemic year of 2021. The decline of Chinese investment in Australia is partly to blame on rising tensions between the countries that rose under the government led by Scott Morrison, above left. Above centre and right, Xi Jinping and PM Anthony Albanese. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen and AP It noted that Chinese investment in the US last year also dropped to $US1.8 billion, its lowest level since 2006, if the pandemic year of 2020 is excluded. The decline of Chinese investment in Australia is partly to blame on rising political tensions between the two countries that escalated under the Morrison government, particularly after then prime minister Scott Morrison called for a global inquiry into how the COVID-19 outbreak started. Advertisement Exclusive Eating outJust open Fusion food gets a bad rap, but this beautiful new Brunswick restaurant breaks the mould Behind a heavy wooden door youll find Casa Chino a special new spot for chifa, Perus beloved mash-up of local ingredients with Cantonese cooking. Emma Breheny April 8, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share This venue appears in the May hit list Melbourne 2024. See all stories . Melbourne diners are about to get a taste of Peru that may be a revelation for some. Its called chifa, and its fusion in the best sense of the word: food that Chinese migrants created when they encountered unfamiliar ingredients in the South American country more than a hundred years ago. Chifa restaurants are now some of the most popular in Peru, featuring stir-fries alongside char-grilled meat, and rice next to potatoes. The courtyard of Casa Chino, a new restaurant serving Peruvian-Chinese food. Parker Blain Its not entirely new food for Melbourne. Ten years ago, La Chinesca on Collins Street served chifa snacks along with Mexican-Chinese food. But with the opening of Casa Chino in Brunswick this week, a swag of new diners can get a taste. Its Cantonese food, but with Peruvian flavours, explains managing partner Jared Thibault. Advertisement Thibault and business partner Vincent Lombino (who helped launch QT Hotels restaurants more than 10 years ago) say Casa Chino is partly inspired by similar restaurants in their native US, where Chino-Latino food is more widespread and partly by Thibaults late wife, Fiorella Aguila, a Peruvian chef. Lomo saltado is beef stir-fried with Peruvian chilli and served with fries and rice. Darrian Traynor At Casa Chino, chef Kevin Galdo, also Peruvian, will serve classic chifa dishes alongside a strong line-up of ceviche and more familiar Cantonese items, such as siu mai. Lomo saltado (stir-fried beef) is a cornerstone chifa dish: the meat is sizzled in a wok with ginger, soy sauce, Perus aji amarillo chilli, oyster sauce and coriander. French fries finish the dish. Galdos chaufa fried rice features capsicum, pork neck and Kikko Siyau soy sauce imported from Peru. More experimental items include crab and prawn toast amped up by rocoto sauce, a fiery mayonnaise featuring rocoto chillies. Baby capsicum is charred over the charcoal grill and served with a lime and chilli emulsion plus furikake, a Japanese seasoning. Advertisement Crab and prawn toast with rocoto, a spicy Peruvian mayonnaise. Parker Blain The open kitchen is connected to the bar, which points to the emphasis on cocktails. Tiki drinks like Zombies and Scorpions, which Thibault says are commonly served in Los Angeless old-school Chinese restaurants, are served with pisco (a grape brandy produced in Peru) instead of rum. Even the negroni gets a slug of Perus national liquor. And there are five different pisco sours, including the violet Purple Rain. The restaurant design layers Cuban-inspired patterned tiles with tropical greenery and colourful window shutters like those you might find in Chinatown. Textured concrete walls, curved arches and nooks dial up the intimacy, even though theres seating for 90. Most of the cocktails feature pisco, grape brandy from Peru. Darrian Traynor Advertisement Melita Cani of Agostino in Carlton has been recruited to manage the venue while Lombino and Thibault oversee their restaurant group Talisman, which has six venues in Brisbane and more underway, both here and there. Open from April 11 Wed-Thu 5pm-late, Fri-Sat noon-late Shop 1, 212-214 Albion Street, Brunswick, casachino.com.au From Lima with love: Peruvian food hits Melbourne with a bang Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Manta at Woolloomooloo Wharf is the latest venue to join the stable of Sydney Restaurant Group. The blue-chip strip of Woolloomooloo Wharf is one of Sydneys most tightly held cluster of restaurants, where operators are famous for sitting on their investment. Now, after 17 years, restaurateur Rob Rubis will hand over the reins of his seafood venue Manta to one of the citys most prominent restaurant groups. Yes, we settle [on] April 29, Rubis says of the deal. There have been rumblings in recent months as Rubis was entertaining offers from interested parties. The final sale price has not been disclosed but incoming owner Sydney Restaurant Group is already king of waterfront restaurant real estate, with a dozen venues parked on the edge of Sydney Harbour. The waterfront strip attracts celebrities from around the globe. Supplied With a stable that includes Sails on Lavender Bay, Ormeggio at The Spit, Ripples, The Nielsen and Ventuno, Sydney Restaurant Groups foray into Woolloomooloo is one of the last pieces of its harbour puzzle. Rubis points to the longevity of the wharfs restaurant stalwarts: steak and seafood venue Kingsleys; the Fink Group-owned Otto Ristorante; and restaurateur Steve Anastasious Asian-inspired eatery, China Doll. Police have charged a 16-year-old boy after another teen was allegedly stabbed outside a McDonalds north of Brisbane on Saturday, when several people were taken into police custody. The Deception Bay 16-year-old has been charged with one count of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, and is expected to appear at Redcliffe Childrens Court today. A teenager was allegedly stabbed outside a McDonalds at Deception Bay, north of Brisbane. Emergency services were called to reports of an alleged assault outside the McDonalds at Deception Bay about 9.40pm on Saturday. Paramedics said they treated a teenager in a serious condition, with wounds to his face, neck, and chest following an alleged stabbing. Politically sensitive material could be removed from archives without scrutiny if the Allan government proceeds with a plan to scrap a board that oversees Victorias official records, archivists have warned. The state government wants to scrap the Public Records Advisory Council as part of a digital-age overhaul. The 10-person council scrutinises the activities of Public Record Office Victoria, the official archive for state and local governments, which holds about 100 kilometres of hard copy records and 600,000 digitised and digital records dating from 1836 to the present day. Victorian Government Services Minister Gabrielle Williams appearing before the Yoorrook Justice Commission. Credit: Joe Armao The archive holds a vast array of Victoria Police records, some relating to the use of police informers such as former barrister Nicola Gobbo. Biden has the power to limit any foreign arms deliveries, even ones previously approved by Congress. Far from cutting off Israel, however, he is pushing a request he made shortly after the October 7 attacks for $US14 billion in additional arms aid to the country and US military operations in the Middle East. The money has been stalled in Congress amid disputes over Ukraine aid and US border security and faces growing Democratic concern. Because of a legal loophole, the State Department does not have to tell Congress and the public about some new arms orders placed by Israel since October 7 since they fall below a certain dollar value. Congressional officials have criticised the secrecy, which stands in contrast to the Biden administrations public fanfare around arms deliveries to Ukraine. Since the Hamas attacks, State Department officials have continued to authorise arms shipments to Israel that are tranches of orders, or what officials call cases, approved earlier by the department and by Congress often years ago, and often for delivery in batches over a long period. Officials describe this step as pro forma. The authorisations have occurred almost daily in recent weeks and are in line with Bidens policy of giving full support to Israel. Biden has hinted about a possible shift. In a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, he warned that US policy could change if Israel did not take more action to protect civilians and aid workers in Gaza, according to a White House summary of the conversation. Israel regularly receives arms from the US Defence Department, as well as directly from American weapons makers. The largest arms orders are often filled over years in smaller groups of specific items. For such cases, arms buyers such as Israel come to the US government saying they are ready to pay for part of an order. When the Defence Department is supplying the arms which includes the most expensive weapons systems the State Department then tells the Pentagon to issue a letter of acceptance to the buyer. That authorisation is often a pro forma step, and a buyer signing it means there is now a legal contract to fill that part of the larger order. The State Departments Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, which manages foreign defence relationships and arms transfers, typically acts within two days of hearing about a buyers fulfilment request to tell the Defence Department to issue the letter. If defence officials decide to fill the case by placing an order with a US weapons maker, the assembly and shipment would normally take years. The US has been supplying weapons to Israel for decades. Credit: Bloomberg For Israels immediate needs since October 7, defence officials have drawn from US military stockpiles, including one in Israel. Since October 7, Israel has placed new orders. The State Department only needs to notify Congress when a price tag is above a certain threshold. That amount varies by country and the type of military aid. If Israel orders a major weapons system, the department only tells Congress if the tranche is valued at more than $US25 million. Congressional officials are pushing the State Department to give them more information on orders that fall below the price tag threshold. At least three of the new Israeli orders have crossed the threshold required for congressional review and Secretary of State Antony Blinken bypassed that twice. In December, Blinken invoked a rare emergency authority to avoid legislative review and push through two of those orders worth $US253 million in total, for tank ammunition and for artillery shells. The Pentagon then drew from US stockpiles to send those quickly to Israel. Loading The State Department told Congress in January about a third one a $US18 billion order of F-15 jets that Israel placed after October 7. The department is seeking approval from four lawmakers on two congressional committees with oversight of arms transfers. Two Republicans approved the order in January, a US official said, and two Democrats apparently have not so far. The Biden administration is pressuring the Democratic lawmakers to approve the order, after which the State Department would officially notify it. The order is one of the biggest from Israel in years. The first jets would not be delivered until 2029 at the earliest, one official said. And Israeli officials are expected to place an order for F-35 jets soon, US officials said. If the administration tried to ram an order past informal congressional review, lawmakers could seek to block that through a super-majority joint resolution during the formal notification period. But even if such a resolution passed in both chambers, the president could veto it. Martin Indyk, a special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations in the Obama administration, said the problem with this American largesse is that it has bred a sense of entitlement among Israelis over the years. Israels dependence on the United States has grown exponentially because its deterrent capability collapsed on October 7, he said, noting that Israel would need the US military to help ward off major assaults by Hezbollah or Iran. The Biden administration needs to use that leverage to shape the Israeli governments behaviour, he added. Within the State Department, there has been some dissent about the arms transfers, reflected in three cables sent to Blinken last fall and in an internal exchange after a recent White House move. Biden issued a national security memorandum in February requiring all recipients of US military aid to provide written promises that their forces abide by international law. The move was intended to defuse growing pressure in Congress. Critics say the exercise adds little to existing US requirements that military aid recipients observe international and humanitarian law. After Israel submitted its assurances last month, officials in the two State Department bureaus that focus on human rights and on refugees raised concerns with Blinken about Israels commitment, a US official said. But Blinken accepted Israels assurances. Loading Speaking in general terms, Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesperson, said last month that when it comes to Israel, US officials have had ongoing assessments about their compliance with international humanitarian law. if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi... 2024 LS ELECTIONS will decide Indias future for 100 yrs: PM Modi AJMER : Congress IN PANIC PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said, the 2024 Lok Sabha election is an opportunity for the citizens to decide the future of the country for the next 100 years. Addressing an election rally in Ajmer, Modi said that for decades, the country had coalition governments. Due to compulsions of alliance and everyones personal interests, the countrys interest was passed over, he claimed. Steppint up his attack on the Congress on the issue of corruption, Modi said the Opposition party is in panic as he has shut their shop of loot and it was holding rallies not to win the elections but to save the corrupt. Modi called the Congress a party of dynasts and corrupt that is bereft of both principles and policies. Wherever there is Congress, there cannot be any development. The Congress never thought about the poor, marginalised and youths.... These people considered looting public money as their ancestral right. In the last 10 years, Modi has provided a permanent cure for the disease, the Prime Minister said here on Saturday I.N.D.I. Alliance is for commission, NDA is on mission: PM Modi SAHARANPUR (UP) : PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a blistering attack on the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc, saying their aim is to earn commission after coming to power whiletheBJP-ledNDAisworking with a mission to make India a developed nation. Addressing an election rally in Saharanpur, which goes to polls in the first phase of generalelectionsonApril 19,Modi said the opposition alliance was fighting just to stop the BJP from winning more than 370 seats. Hecorneredthe main opposition party Congress and the I.N.D.I.A. bloc on the issue of corruption. During its rule, the Congress focus was on earning commissions. The INDI Alliance too aims to earn commission after coming to power but the NDA and Modi sarkar is on a mission. We are engaged in the mission of making India a developed nation. On the other hand,ouropponentsareyearning to get power. Theprimeministeralsotook adigattheCongressapparently for not yet naming its candidatesforRaeBareliandAmethi seats -- traditionally considered their bastions. The Congress does not have the courage to field candidates even in those seats which are considered its stronghold, he added. ModisaidtheCongressmanifesto carries a Muslim League imprint anda part of it is dominated by leftists. He said that the I.N.D.I.A. blochasbecome synonymous withinstabilityanduncertainty and the people of the country were not taking them seriously. He also said it is a misfortune that the opposition alliance is talking aboutfighting against shakti. Worshippingshaktiisapart ofournaturalspiritualjourney. But, the people of the INDI Alliancesaytheirfightisagainst shakti, Modi said, in a referencestoCongressleaderRahul Gandhis recent remakrs. GandhihadaccusedtheBJPof twisting his statement. He also said the BJP government has ended the practice of instant triple talaq. We enacted a strong law in the interestofcroresofMuslimsisters, and re-established their families, he said. I am seeing the first election in the country, where the oppositionisnot claiming victory, but is only contesting the elections,sothatthetallyofthe BJP can be kept below 370 andthose of the NDA fewer than400, he said. Recalling his earlier visit toSaharanpur, Modi said he hadcome for an election rally 10years ago. At that time, thecountry was going through aperiodofgreatdespairandcrisis.ThenIhadgivenyouaguaranteethatIwillnotletthecountry bow down, I will not let thecountry stop. I had taken a pledge thatwith your blessings,Iwill change every situation, everycircumstance, transformdespairinhope, andhope intoconfidence. You were generous in showering your blessing,andModididnotleaveanystone unturned in his hardwork, he said. Now, NIA teamATTACKED in WB Officer injured as NIA arrests 2 for 2022 blast Village women attack an NIA team at Bhupatinagar nagar in East Midnapore district on Saturday NEW DELHI : NIA vehicle was also damaged in the attack by crowd in East Medinipore district during search op to arrest 2 key conspirators of Bhupatinagar blast in which three persons were killed THE National Investigation Agency on Saturday arrested two key conspirators in a 2022 blast case amid an attack on the probe agencys team by a crowd in West Bengals East Medinipore district, an official said here. An NIA officer was injured and a vehicle belonging to the probe agency was damaged in the attack, a spokesperson of the federal investigating agency said. Saturdays incident brought back memories of January 5 when three officials of the Enforcement Directorate were attacked by a mob in North 24 Parganas districts Sandeshkhali during a search on the premises of then TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh in connection with alleged irregularities in the public distribution system. A spokesperson of the NIA on Saturday said, In a major breakthrough in West Bengals Bhupatinagar blast case, in which three persons were killed in December 2022, the NIA arrested two key conspirators burstingofcrackersin2022, she defended the villagers response as self-defence. The attack was not perpetrated by the women of Bhupatinagar, but rather by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) team, shesaid at an election rally in South DinajpurdistrictsBalurghat. Will the women sit back ifthey(NIA)gototheirhouses at night? They will try to defend themselves? she asked. Alleging a political motive in the NIA action and an attempt to intimidate TMC workers,shequestionedwhy theagencywasarrestingpeople days before the polls in a case dating back to December 2022. The Trinamool Congress chief accused the BJPGovernment at the Centre of trying to use the central agencies to win the elections. We want the ElectionCommissiontowork impartially, not turn into a BJP-run commission, she said. Questioning the transfer of States police officers by theEC, she askedwhyED, CBI and IT officers have not been changed. NIA, CBI are brothers of BJP; the ED (Enforcement Directorate)andIncomeTax are funding boxes of BJP, Banerjee said. Statingthatwhilethestate police looks after law and order throughout the year, central forces like the BSF, CRPF and CISF are brought in during the elections, she added. People of Hamirpur have always blessed me: Thakur BILASPUR : UNION Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Saturday said peopleoftheHamirpurLokSabha constituency have always blessedhim.We have worked and will continue to do so, he further said. He said he was sure that the people of the area, especially women, would casttheir cent per cent votes this time. Congratulating people on the BJPs Foundation Day, Thakur said the BJP is a party with a vision and he believes they have achieved all the set targets whether it was abolishing Article 370, banning triple talaq, bringing in the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Inaugurating the partys office at Bilaspur, he said the main aim of the BJP led by PrimeMinisterNarendraModi is to work forthe welfare of the poorpeople,improvetheeconomy of the country and make India one of the strongest countries in the world. Raisingthesloganabkibaar 400paar (this timethe BJPwill cross 400 seats), he appealed to the people in the local dialect to vote for him. He asked the general public not to fall prey to the evil designs of the Congress leadersandworkersandrejectthem in the elections as it was the BJP that could take the nation ahead in all fields. Thakur alleged that the Congress always fooled people but their lofty slogans would not work this time. The BJP would win more than 400 Lok Sabha seats in the country and all the four seats in Himachal Pradesh, besides all the six by-polls. During aseries of party meetings and foundation day functions in the Bilaspur district, he made a clarion call to people to rally behind the BJP formaking the nation strong andfortheir own welfare and well being. Terming the Congress manifesto as a bundle of claims and promises, he saidthat today no one trusts theCongress and only one guaranteeworks inthecountry andthat is Modis guarantee. The Congress has only deceived the country in the last 60 years and that is why the public is not going to be misled bythem now, he said and added, The Congress ruledthecountry for 60 years with the sloganof eradicating poverty but poverty did not go away. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On April 3, Yueda Kia, the joint venture between Kia Corporation and China's Yueda Automobile Group, announced its sales performance for March 2024 and the first quarter of the year, showcasing a significant upswing. In March, Yueda Kia achieved a combined domestic and overseas sales volume of 18,665 units, marking a 94.5% spike year-on-year. The cumulative sales for the first quarter amounted to 50,038 units, reflecting a 76.9% surge compared to the same period last year. This remarkable growth in the first quarter can be attributed to a balanced development strategy in both domestic and overseas sales, said the automaker. Moreover, in response to the burgeoning wave of electrification, Yueda Kia has embarked on a transformative journey towards electrification, actively introducing globally popular models to create a high-quality, high-value lineup of both traditional oil-fueled and pure electric vehicles. Kia EV5; photo credit: Kia China The Kia EV5, a special model launched by Kia to celebrate its 80th anniversary, has become a hotter-selling product since its debut. In February this year, the Kia EV5 720 long-range edition was introduced to the market. Notably, on April 1, the export edition of the Kia EV5 went into mass production at the intelligent manufacturing plant in Yancheng city, Jiangsu province, with vehicles destined for markets including Australia. While deepening its roots in the Chinese market, Kia has seen stable growth in its export business, supported by the government of Yancheng city. Among the new additions to its export lineup, the Sonet model recorded an export volume of 8,338 vehicles in the first quarter of this year, primarily to Latin American countries such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia. It's noteworthy that the Sonet is also poised for its China market launch soon. As part of Kia's global strategic portfolio, the Kia K5 caters to the all-around mobility needs of young consumers. By the end of March, the first batch of the K5 export vehicles had been shipped to Uzbekistan, with an export target of 12,000 units set for 2024. In addition to the ongoing expansion of its export model lineup, this year, the number of export destinations will grow from over 50 countries across the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America to more than 80 countries. Yueda Kia aims to achieve an annual export target of 170,000 units in 2024, building the Yancheng factory into a bona fide global export hub for Kia. Two weeks to LS election: No political rallies, posters in strife-torn Manip IMPHAL : POSTERS of political parties, mega rallies and visible movement of leaders -- the traditional elements of campaigning -- are conspicuously missing in violence-hit Manipur where polling for Lok Sabha elections is due in less than two weeks. The only visible hint of the impending election is the hoardingsputupby local electionauthorities,urgingcitizens to exercise their franchise. Amidthemutedelectionfervour, major party figures have refrainedfromvisitingtheconflict-riddenstatetocanvassfor votesormakeelectoralpledges. While the BJP has enlisted prominent figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah as star campaigners, the CongresslineupincludesSonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other key leaders. However, noneofthemhave any appearance in Manipur yet. Though the Election CommissionofManipurmaintained that there are no official restrictions on campaigning activities, party representatives emphasised the need for subdued campaigning to avoid aggravating the delicate situation in the state. There are no restrictions from the Election Commissions side on campaigning. Anything which is within the boundaries of the model code of conduct is allowed, Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur, Pradeep Jha told PTI. Totacklethetrickysituation, the candidates -- BJPs Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh, Congress Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, Republican Party of Indias Maheshwar Thounaojam and Rajmukar Some ndro Singhwhoisbacked by the Manipur Peoples Party (MPP) -- have come up with a unique solution. They are reaching out to the voters in a non-conventional way which includes holding meetings at their residence or party offices and their supporters indulging in door-todoor campaigns. It would have been better if I addressed public meetings and held rallies, but I have decided to keep the campaign low-key, Maheshwar Thounaojam, who has deployed teams of volunteers fordoor-to-doorcampaigning, said. The voters know the importance oftheir vote inthe currentsituationandwillmake aninformedchoice,headded. Basanta Kumar Singh, the sitting Education and Law Minister of the state, who is contesting theLokSabhapolls thistime,isholdingsmallmeetings at his residence and the party office. Similarly, Akoijam, aprofessor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University,Delhi,mostlymeetspeople at his residence. Posters of Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo Yatra and thoseseekingvoters for Akoij am have also been put up at theCongress office in Imphal. Elections are importantforus but we cannot rub salt inpeoples wounds by doingpomp and show. Elections arealso like a festival but we cannot celebrate the festival in aloud manner because of thecurrentsituationBJPManipurPresident A Sharda Devi toldPTI. People are living awayfrom their homes, we want them to have faith inus butweare not campaigning, the BJPleader added. A senior state governmentofficial asserted that any kind of loud campaign can be detrimental to the law and order situation in the state. With truth missing, onlysecrecy, silence prevail MAHADEV BOOK ONLINE BETTING APP SCAM All 6 FIRs registered by SEOIACB between Jan 1 and March 31, 2024, go missing from Citizen Portal of Cgarh Police website. Press release regarding FIR in scam claimed to have been sent through official channels for approval, but it too went missing. On being contacted over phone, Amresh Mishra, Director of SeOiACb, stated that it was not customary for the anti-graft agency to disclose investigation details, as any developments were typically communicated through press releases. When questioned about the absence of top bureaucrats/senior police offi- cials names in the FiR, Mishra clarified that such omissions could be a m atter of procedural intervention. He, however, asserted that the agency is dili- gently fulfilling its duties in line with its reputation, and assured that all aspects of the investi- gation will be pursued to as a The Hitavada Team UNDATED THESE days, a strong veil of secrecy has enveloped the Raipur Zonal Office of Enforcement Directorate (RPZO-ED), State Economic Offences Investigation and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SEOIACB) in Chhattisgarh. A sudden eerie silence seems to have descended over these two agencies. None of the officials, irrespective of their ranks, is willing to be seen or heard and talk about anything relating to the probe into the illegal Mahadev Betting App Scam, when approached by mediapersons. But, the grapevine in corridors of power is abuzz with loud whispers hinting that this silence is a fallout of allegations thatthe names of top bureaucrats and Police officials have conspicuously gone missing from the FIR No-06 in betting app scam. The Hitavada noticed a weird turn of events recently when it noticed that all the six FIRs registered by the State investigation agency between January 1 and March 31, 2024, and those recorded by other police stations across the State, were available for viewing on the Citizen Portal of the Chhattisgarh Police website (cgpolice.gov.in/CCTNS_Citiz en_Portal) till recently. Interestingly, a couple of days ago, all these FIRs vanished without a trace and all efforts to find them through desktops and mobile handsets yielded nothing except the display of no results on the home page. Meanwhile, another sensational revelation came from a highly knowledgeable source, accidentally admitting that the former team in SEOIACB had shared a press brief regarding a previous FIR dated March 4 through official channels in the State administration. This was meant to be delivered to all the mediapersons in Chhattisgarh. We had followed the same procedure in the previous five FIRs regarding illegal coal levy, liquor, DMF and custom rice milling scams. I simply have no idea why this time, the press brief of betting app FIR did not reach out to the media, the source quipped. Another senior official denied in totality that any press brief was ever shared by the previous team of SEOI ACB in connection with the FIR lodged in the Mahadev App scam. Ironically, the only thing, which has now remained secret, is inexplicable reasons behind the mysterious disappearance of names of top bureaucrats/senior police officials fromthe 12-page long FIR No-6. All this, despite EDs recommendations and assertions in their multiple confidential communiques in November 2023; twice in January2024,againinFebruary and in March as well; that laid bare their sensationalfindings before SEOIACB, another source exclaimed. Sources also stated that the allegation of ED against SEOI ACB for its failure to share the copy of FIR No-06/2024, stands no ground because it was officially sent through mail. While the findings of the entire investigation by SEOIACB are currently in the preliminary stage and extremely sensitive by nature, it can be stated irrefutably that mis information has been deliberately propagated by certain vested interest individuals. The date and time of mail sent to the federal agency are still intact, so claims could be easily proven, the source revealed. As pointed by certain officials, it was this secrecy factor that the media persons across the Chhattisgarh and elsewhere in thecountry came to know about the FIR No-06 only on March 16, almost 12 days after the FIR was lodged onMarch 4 at 8.30 pm and precisely 23 days after the meeting of the top BJP political functionary.It was during this period, the Draft FIR No-05 also somehow got secretly leaked. Meanwhile, as per sources, one more central agency is keeping an eye on the proceedings in the betting app scam.Even the leakedcopy of DraftFIRNo-5inthescamdated January 23rd came in the possession of a Delhi-based central agency. Field officers of this central agency are directly and indirectly in touch with certain individuals associated with the Mahadev betting App probe, an officer confided. Another senior IPS officer also corroborated that the recently-exercised major reshufflein SEOI ACB on March 5 could be a consequence of this delay and/or absence of names of the top police officials and bureaucrats fromthe new FIR.TheState government Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Following the strategic partnership agreement signed with Indian steel titan JSW Group at the end of last year, SAIC Motor recently received an equity transfer payment of 26.5 billion rupees from JSW, according to SAIC Motor's press release. To seize rapid development opportunities in the Indian market, continuously increase the market share of the MG brand, and effectively mitigate operational risks, MG Motor India has introduced JSW and other local Indian investors as its shareholders through equity transfer and capital increase methods, creating more favorable conditions for sustainable and sound development. MG ZS EV; photo credit: MG Motor India SAIC Motor established MG Motor India as its wholly-owned subsidiary in 2017 with a paid-in capital of 29.2 billion rupees. From this arrangement, SAIC Motor has received 26.5 billion rupees from JSW for the purchase of a 26% stake in MG Motor India, recouping the majority of its investment. Additionally, JSW, investment funds, dealer trusts, and an employee stock ownership plan will together inject 25.6 billion rupees into MG Motor India. Following the premium equity transfer and capital increase, SAIC Motor will still retain a 49% stake and a higher proportion of voting rights in MG Motor India, from which SAIC Motor expects to increase its net profit by 5 billion to 7 billion yuan. This transaction, evaluated by an independent third-party authority, does not constitute a related party transaction and has received approval from Chinas domestic regulatory bodies, said SAIC Motor. MG Motor India's first model went on sale in June 2019. With an expanding product line, the company's sales have steadily increased from 16,528 units in 2019 to 62,010 units in 2023, ranking eighth in the Indian market and second in the local new energy vehicle segment. In 2023, SAIC Motor's overseas sales reached 1.208 million units, helping China's automobile export volume surpass Japan to become the world's largest. Currently, SAIC Motor's products and services have covered over 100 countries and regions worldwide, achieving large-scale profitability in its overseas business. 2024 marks the centennial anniversary of the MG brand, which will continue to expand its brand influence and market share. From 2024 to 2025, MG will launch over ten intelligent electric "global car models" in the markets beyond China. Photo: Beth Israel. In the news this past week: State regulators reject, at least for now, the closure plan for Beth Israel, saying Mount Sinai has failed to document massive financial losses and a declining patient census. [Gothamist] Chinatown residents demand accountability from the city as concerns grow about the neighborhood impacts of demolishing the old jail and evetually constructing a new one. [The New York Times] Sammys Roumanian was forced to close during the pandemic, but the beloved Lower East Side steakhouse will be reborn later this month at 112 Stanton St. Weekend service only until June. Sammys, for the first time, will be offering weekend brunch, as well as dinner. [Eater] The schmaltz at Sammys was, of course, never confined to the food. Also making a comeback will be Dani Luv, the restaurants musician/jokester. [New York Post] A number of Lower East Side/Chinatown spots landed on Pete Wells 2024 100 Best Restaurants in New York City list, including: Una Pizza Napoletana, Mam, Ernestos, Dhamaka, Great N.Y. Noodletown, Hakka Cuisine, Wildair and Shopsins General Store. [The New York Times] On the agenda at Community Board 3 Monday evening: a liquor license application for Jazz Genius, a new venue on Essex Street promising live jazz in the cellar. [CB3] Corporate fixer Bradley Tusk talks about his Lower East Side bookstore, P&T Knitwear, which he describes as, a philanthropic community resource rather than a conventional business. I dont really know how people who actually do this for a living make a living at it, Tusk says. But I am lucky in that I can take things that I care about and devote some resources to it. [JTA] Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has fileda lawsuit against the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio over the failure to referthe alleged N3.7 trillion budget padding to appropriate anti-corruptionagencies for investigation and prosecution, and to recall Senator Abdul Ningiwho blew the whistle on the allegations. Mr Akpabio is sued for himself and on behalf of all members of Nigerias Senate. It would be recalled that whistleblower Ningi last month was suspended for three months over his allegations that the 2024 budget was padded by over N3 trillion and that the country is operating two budgets. In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/452/2024 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking: an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to refer the alleged N3.7 trillion budget padding to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution of suspected perpetrators. SERAP is also seeking: an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to immediately take steps to ensure the reinstatement of whistleblower Abdul Ningi who was suspended from the Senate over his allegations that the lawmakers padded the 2024 budget by irregularly inserting projects worth N3.7 trillion. SERAP is also seeking: an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to put in place transparency and accountability mechanisms to ensure that the trillions of Naira budgeted for constituency projects are not embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets. In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: Granting this application would serve the public interest, encourage whistleblowers to speak up, improve public services, and ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. SERAP is arguing that, Directing Mr Akpabio to refer these allegations to appropriate anticorruption agencies and to reinstate whistleblower Abdul Ningi would be entirely consistent and compatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the countrys international obligations. SERAP is also arguing that, The allegations by Senator Ningi amount to public interest disclosures and can contribute to strengthening transparency and democratic accountability in the Senate in particular and the country as a whole. According to SERAP, Suspension of Senator Ningi by the Senate followed a seriously flawed process and it amounts to retaliation. SERAP is also arguing that, Senator Ningis status as a whistleblower is not diminished even if the perceived threat to the public interest has not materialised, since he would seem to have reasonable grounds to believe in the accuracy of the allegations of budget padding and corruption in the Senate. The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Mrs Adelanke Aremo, read in part: It is in the public interest and the interest of justice to grant this application. No whistleblower should ever be penalised simply for making a public interest disclosure. Directing Mr Akpabio to refer the allegations to appropriate anticorruption agencies would help to address the lingering problem of budget padding and corruption in the implementation of constituency projects. Directing Mr Akpabio to refer the allegations to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would also ensure probity and accountability in the budget process. Investigating and prosecuting the allegations of budget padding and corruption would end the impunity of perpetrators. It would build trust in democratic institutions with the ultimate aim of strengthening the rule of law. Years of allegations of budget padding and corruption in the implementation of constituency projects have contributed to widespread poverty, underdevelopment and lack of access to public goods and services. Allegations of budget padding and corruption in the implementation of constituency projects have also continued to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens in several communities and the public interest. Combating budget padding would improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods and services, and enhance the ability of ministries, departments and agencies to effectively and efficiently discharge their constitutional and statutory responsibilities. Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power. Section 16(2) of the Nigerian Constitution further provides that, the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good. Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the National Assembly including the Senate to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution. Section 81 of the Nigerian Constitution and sections 13 and 18 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act constrain the ability of the National Assembly to unilaterally insert its own allocations in the budget without following the due process of law. Nigeria has made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure accountability in the management of public resources. Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on the National Assembly including the Senate to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds. Article 33 of the Convention requires government institutions including the Senate to ensure the protection of whistleblowers against any unjustified treatment. Granting this application would ensure that these commitments are fully upheld and respected. Senator Ningi is a whistleblower, who is protected under article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party. Senator Ningi is a whistleblower because of his public interest disclosures on alleged budget padding and corruption in the Senate in the context of carrying out his work as Senator. According to our information, Senator Abdul Ningi, the former Chairperson of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), recently told BBC Hausa that the lawmakers sought the service of a private auditor and discovered irregularities in the budget. Senator Ningi reportedly said, For example, we had a budget of N28 trillion but after our thorough checks, we found out that it was a budget of N25 trillion. How and where did we get the additional N3 trillion from, what are we spending it for?. According to BudgIT, a total of 7,447 projects culminating in N2.24tn were indiscriminately inserted in the 2024 budget by the National Assembly. 281 projects worth N491bn, and 3,706 projects within the range of N100500m, worth 759bn were inserted in the budget. No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit. Kolawole Oluwadare SERAP Deputy Director 7/04/2024 Lagos, Nigeria Emails: [email protected] ; [email protected] Twitter: @SERAPNigeria Website: www.serap-nigeria.org For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +234816053720 2 Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Delhi, India-bound passenger, Freeman Charles Ogbonna at the screening point of terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos for ingesting 80 wraps of cocaine. According to Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, Ogbonna was arrested on Sunday 31st March while attempting to board his flight to Delhi, India via Doha on Qatar Airways, with a Liberian international passport, bearing the name: Carr Bismark. He was taken for body scan, which tested positive for ingestion of illicit drugs. Preliminary checks revealed his real identity as Freeman Charles Ogbonna and was subsequently placed under observation in NDLEA custody where he started to manifest signs of discomfort. Obviously choked by the volume of illicit drugs in his stomach and another substance taken to hold back excretion, the suspect soon began to retch before starting to vomit and excrete wraps of cocaine he ingested almost simultaneously. The suspect who claimed he was recruited into drug trafficking by one of his relatives eventually passed out a total of 80 wraps of cocaine weighing 889 grams through his mouth and anus over a period of four days. The great risk that almost took his life notwithstanding, Ogbonna said he was given the drugs to swallow at a hotel in Ipodo area of Ikeja with a promise to reward him with N300,000 cash if he successfully delivers the consignment in India. In the same vein, NDLEA officers at the Lagos airport on Wednesday 3rd April intercepted a drug mule, Imran Taofeek Olalekan at Gate C departure of terminal 1 travelling to Oman with a check-in luggage and a backpack. When his check-in bag and backpack were subjected to thorough search, the operatives discovered a false bottom concealment of drugs in the check-in luggage and in the walls of the backpack. The NDLEA officers swiftly moved in on a man who accompanied the suspect to the airport. He was later identified as Ishola Isiaka Olalekan who recruited the trafficker. Imran Taofeek Olalekan said he returned from Dubai some years ago but still has a valid residence permit on his old passport. He claimed he was promised N1,500,000 if he successfully delivers the consignment in Oman, while his recruiter, Ishola was to be paid N200,000. Curiously, when the two bags were completely unpacked at the NDLEA office, a charm was found in one of the bags while another one was found on the drug mule who confessed that he traveled to Ibadan, Oyo state to meet with an Alfa that prepared the charm for him to ensure he was not caught during the trip. Another charm was also found on the intermediary, Ishola Isiaka Olalekan who accompanied Taofeek to the departure area of the airport. Ishola claimed he procured the charms for the sum of N70,000. At the Tincan seaport in Lagos, NDLEA operatives also on Wednesday 3rd April, intercepted 2,144 parcels of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis weighing 1,072kg. The seizure was made during a joint examination with Customs Service and other stakeholders of a container marked GAOU 6699215 coming from Montreal, but originated from Toronto, Canada. The drugs packed in 46 jumbo bags were found concealed in used 2009 Lexus RX 350, 2011 Toyota Sienna, and 2009 Lexus ES 350 as well as used engines, automobile doors, tyres, and used household goods as well as big drums loaded into the container. In Kano, a 48-year-old suspect, Gidado Sani who jumped the bail granted him by a Federal High Court in Kano on drug offence charges, was on Friday 5th April re-arrested in Sharada area of the state with 85 blocks of cannabis weighing 50.1kg, while NDLEA operatives in Ogun state on Thursday 4th April, arrested another suspect Wasiu Jimoh, during a raid operation at Ilese Awo, with 84 parcels (62kg) of cannabis sativa. Operatives in Lagos on Wednesday 3rd April intercepted a suspect, Emeka Umeh with 506.2kg cannabis at Igbede, Ojo area of the state, while another suspect, Victor Okeke was nabbed on Friday 5th April at Igbo Elerin, Ojo, with 142grams of cannabis sativa and 175 litres of skuchies recovered from him. Attempt by 35-year-old Ifeanyi Udogwu to smuggle 1.5kg cocaine concealed in music speakers from Lagos through Aba, Abia state to his uncle, Ifeanyi Udogwu based in Cameroon was thwarted on Wednesday 3rd April when NDLEA officers working in collaboration with transport company, Young Shall Grow Motors, arrested him. A crucial step, the strategic partnership initiated by the Federal Government with financial institutions and leasing companies will geared towards expanding accessibility to aircraft within the countrys aviation sector. This was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer, Captain Ado Sanusi, in a virtual press conference that the partnership should guarantee lessors that the government stands behind them to safeguard their assets and investments in Nigeria. According to him, The low-hanging fruit for the government to bring stability to the sector is to provide accessible aircraft to aviation companies in Nigeria. The federal government needs a partnership with leasing companies. This partnership would ensure sovereignty, providing a guarantee to lessors that they are supported in protecting their assets and investments in Nigeria. The government should be saying things like, Look, we would do anything to retrieve your assets in the event there is a default, but we dont want that to happen. The CEO noted that the government should ensure that the financial sector establishes a robust economy that provides access to foreign exchange, as this would enable ease of npayment for lease rentals. These calls, however, was made amidst ongoing efforts by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to revitalise Nigerias aviation sector and position it for sustained growth. Last month, the minister notes that it was in discussion with aircraft leasing and manufacturing companies in a move to stimulate local investments in the countrys aviation sector. Keyamo said, We are determined to go far and wide to woo aircraft leasing companies and aircraft manufacturers to come to our aid. There is no shame in doing this now since we lack the capacity to produce our own aircraft or to purchase them." According to a report by the leisure, and lifestyle destination development company, Landmark Africa Group, the destruction of its properties to give way for the construction of Lagos-Calabar highway threatens 80 businesses, and would lead to the loss of 16,000 jobs in its ecosystem. In the report, the Chief Executive Officer, Landmark Africa Group, Paul Onwuanibe, was quoted as saying the destruction of the companys ecosystem to make way for the road would undoubtedly create a huge void that would be very difficult to fill given what the ecosystem represents to many Nigerians and the outside role the Landmark Ecosystem is playing in spotlighting Lagos as a viable tourism destination on the global stage. The report noted that, There are over 80 third-party businesses including restaurants, retail stores, event spaces, leisure outlets, hotels, residential apartments, and more that come together to deliver the Landmark Ecosystem experience. Landmark, as a platform business, is well known as a small business incubator as the Group supports the development of small businesses through its creation of an enabling environment for SMEs to establish themselves, grow, and compete among larger businesses. Of the 80 businesses in the Ecosystem, over 70 per cent are SMEs, the majority of which are owned or managed by the younger demographic, and 40 per cent are women-led businesses. The reroute of the Coastal Road through the Landmark Ecosystem destroys the businesses and livelihoods that these business owners have been able to establish in the Landmark Ecosystem. "Additionally, Landmark and the businesses that reside within the ecosystem employ over 4000 people directly and 12000 people indirectly. Many of these jobs are filled directly by members of the local community in which Landmark resides. Landmark prides itself on being a business founded on excellence in Nigeria, for Nigerians, by Nigerians as it relies on viable and capable local talent to deliver world-class leisure experiences that serve domestic and foreign tourists alike on par with the international standard. Over 75 per cent of those employed directly and indirectly across the Landmark Ecosystem are between the ages of 18-35 years old as Landmark, a major hospitality business, provides a solution to the youth unemployment challenge plaguing Nigeria. The Coastal Road reroute threatens the livelihoods of thousands of Nigerian families who rely on the Landmark Ecosystem for their sustenance. Onwuanibe expressed confidence that as a tourism business, Landmark attracted positive Foreign Direct Investment into the country by way of foreign and diasporan tourists looking for world-class leisure facilities within Nigeria, and also reduces FDI flight by giving local Nigerians an outlet to spend their income in Nigeria rather than spend the locally earned income on similar vacations outside of the country. According to him, The construction of the road as presently planned portends the destruction of the Landmark Group with the over 80 businesses operating within its Ecosystem thus leading to the demise of a major player in the hospitality and tourism industry, mass unemployment, and loss in taxpayer revenue, among other socio-economic fallouts. Landmark therefore is seeking consultation with those in charge of the Coastal Road alignment to determine ways to avoid such a seriously negative impact and deliver a win-win solution for all stakeholders including starting the 700km Road in a section of the country that would not destroy existing businesses and communities to give time for all stakeholders to deliberate the rerouting of the 1.5km stretch of the coastal road back to the Water Corporation Road, its original position. This was made due to the removal notice on physical development within the right of way of the proposed Lagos-Calabar coastal Highway project in Lagos state, issued to the company on March 18, 2024, requesting the removal of the affected portion to pave the way for the road construction project. President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, arrived Lagos State ahead of Eid-el-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. His Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, revealed this in videos shared on his X handle on Sunday. Olusegun stated the President was received by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. It was recalled that the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday, disclosed that the President will depart Abuja for Lagos on Sunday ahead of Eid-el-Fitr, adding that he "will observe the moment in prayers for Nigeria and with family." Ngelale, however, did not specify the date of the President's return to Abuja. Ebonyi people have been tasked to employ effective use of advocacy, referral linkages and networking in fighting all forms of gender based violence in the state. The charge was an outcome of a one day capacity building for the Clergy, civil Society Organizations and other GBV stakeholders in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital. The event was organised by the Anglican Compassion and Development Initiative in partnership with the Health and Community Development initiative of the Anglican Diocese of Abakaliki, faith based organizations. The Anglican Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Monday Nkwoagu, in his speech at the event, emphasized that gender based violence has become a human right issue, stating that the goal of the training was to contribute to the prevention of violence against women and girls, through the strategic involvement of at least, 75% of the Anglican Dioceses and parishes in Nigeria. Nkwoagu who was represented by the programme officer of ADOAHACDI, Rev. Chukwunenye Umeokafor, said the Prevent Gender Based Violence project tagged "CON Prevent GBV Project" was an initiative of the Church aimed at bringing a transformational response to the challenges of Gender Based Violence in communities, beginning with the Anglican Communion congregations all over the country. He emphasized that the objectives of the project included the promotion of advocacy, referrals, linkages to knowledge, capacity enhancement, networking and information management systems in achieving GBV prevention. Participants in the training, including delegates from different parishes of Abakaliki Diocese of Anglican Communion, some CSO leaders and Clergy were engaged in workshop sessions, group discussions on definition and causes of GBV, biblical perspectives on GBV and sex among other topical issues such as gender roles, norms and their possible implications on individuals, families and communities. Also discussed extensively at the training were scriptures revealing the mind of God for all mankind as well as some negative effects of gender roles and norms on individuals, families and communities. In a presentation, the training facilitator defined gender based violence as any harmful act perpetrated against a person based on the socially ascribed differences between male and female. He added that GBV included, but not limited to physical, sexual and psychological harm. He described extortion, intimidation, bullying, deprivation of basic necessities of life such as food, education, shelter, and freedom within the family or the community as aspects of GBV. He urged participants to step down the training in their various parishes and congregations. Speaking to Newsmen, some of the participants including Margret Nworie, Njideka Ugbala, among others commended ACADI and ADOAHACDI for the training. They promised to step down the training in their Churches, families and communities. MIYC calls for free and fair elections | IMPHAL, Apr 7 : Without naming anyone in particular, the Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) has said that no political parties or candidates of the ensuing Lok Sabha election should take the help of Kuki militant groups under Suspension of Operation (SoO) to intimidate voters or engage in power politics. MIYC, in a statement, said that meira paibi lups, clubs and organisations shouldn't be engaged in the dirty politics of India. Appealing to all the people to be cautious of the narrow political move to create division among the people at a time unity among the people is needed, the youth centre claimed that some politicians have been using the SoO signatory Kuki militant groups to engage in power politics. In some areas of Manipur there is no election but selection and the elected representatives openly demand bifurcation of Manipur and support the cadres of SoO groups, MIYC claimed and added these elected representatives are being controlled and commanded by militant groups. People from Myanmar and Bangladesh have been enlisted in the voter's list by these representatives, it said and Churachandpur which has 1,82,732 voters has the highest number of illegal immigrants in Manipur. The MIYC also said that 80 per cent of the voters in Jiribam are illegal immigrants. Claiming that some illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar get the benefit given to the people in ST category, the youth centre maintained that militant groups under SoO and some politicians have a hand in bringing illegal immigrants to Manipur and in enlisting them in the ST list. The youth centre went on to claim that the population of Kuki Zo-people increased from 16 per cent of the State population in 2011 to 33 per cent in 2021. Saying that CSOs and womenfolk have been playing an active role in safeguarding the State and fighting against the oppression by India among others, the MIYC continued that the legacy of meira paibis seems to have been overwhelmed by the dirty power politics of contemporary India. Stating that the womenfolk should never flock to the residences of political leaders to take money no matter the hardship they have been enduring, the MIYC asked all the people, especially mothers to remember that thousands of people are still at relief camps. NOTA as a choice | In multiple-type questions, None of the Above can be the correct answer sometimes. But in the context of elections, whether None of the Above or NOTA can be a wise choice demands a serious debate. When some people, though insignificant in number, opt for NOTA, it does send a very clear and unmistakable message that they dont think any of the candidates or political parties fit enough to represent them. With a considerable section of the society, particularly Meira Paibi activists, openly declaring their resolve to either stay away from the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, specifically Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency or press the NOTA button, the option NOTA, though inconsequential, is assuming greater significance. The resolve to stay away from the election process is primarily grounded on the argument that it is not the right time to hold elections in Manipur when the state has been literally burning for the past 11 months, hundreds killed and over 70,000 people rendered homeless. At the same time, the same resolve can also mean that people no longer have any faith in any of the politicians. There may be other reasons behind the resolve to stay away from the ensuing elections. Comparatively, the resolve to press the NOTA button is grounded on certain obvious and unmistakable reasons. A large number of the electorates either dont have any faith in their candidates or they are totally disappointed with their prospective representatives. Having said this, we are not undermining the process of election in a republic. In fact, the whole idea of republic or for that matter democracy hinges on election. To many electorates, elections are like choosing between the devil and the deep blue sea or it is more about choosing a lesser evil. This was a reality until the idea of NOTA was introduced in the Indian electoral system. The specific symbol for NOTA, a ballot paper with a black cross across it, was first introduced on September 18, 2015. Since then it has been incorporated into Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Yet, NOTA still remains a symbolic option in the sense that any number of votes NOTA receives does not affect election results. Even if NOTA receives majority of votes, the candidate who gets the next highest votes would be declared elected. Even though NOTA does not change the final election results in any manner, it gives an option to express voters dissatisfaction and rejection. A voter who is disillusioned with all the contesting candidates gets a sense of gratification by opting for NOTA. Here some people may ask why should one go to polling booths and stand in long queues just to press the inconsequential NOTA button. It is this very question which merits serious introspection and debates. On the other hand, by sparing enough time and energy on the polling day to press the NOTA button, these voters are, in fact, questioning the merits of the contesting political parties and candidates. A bench of the Supreme Court headed by then Chief Justice of India, P Sathasivam once remarked, Negative voting will lead to a systemic change in polls and political parties will be forced to project clean candidates. If the right to vote is a statutory right, then the right to reject a candidate is a fundamental right of speech and expression under the Constitution. Introduction of NOTA option is a significant chapter in the history of electoral reforms and it (NOTA) can also act as an agent of greater reforms as evident in the former Chief Justice of Indias remark. If the citizens disillusionment lies in the system, the same system needs to be re-structured or overhauled. When a voter opts for NOTA, he/she is not choosing any candidate yet he/she is making a choice and sending a very clear message. No one, particularly political parties and candidates, should miss this message. Make a right choice at the Lok Sabha election | Oinam Nabakishore Singh (IAS retd) Once again, general election to the Lok Sabha, the lower House of Parliament, has arrived and it has given the voters an opportunity to choose their representatives. Unlike in the past, the present election is being held after the state has witnessed violence, hatred, strife for identity and power.There are a few voices of rejection of poll from powerful groups like Keithel Imas, Meira Paibis and residents of relief camps. Despite opposition, it is certain that elections will be held as scheduled. In elections, it does not matter as to how many people cast their votes. What matters is which candidate gets more votes regardless of the number of the total number of votes polled, individual votes secured or the size of the margin of votes secured between the candidates. Differences of a single vote between the top two candidates will make or break the outcome. It means that a single vote of the voter is so important that it can make all the difference. In order to enable an informed choice of political party and its candidate by the voter, a host of inputs are required. Under the Constitution of India, the Election Commission of India is entrusted with the task of conducting elections to the Parliament and State Assemblies. The Election Commission uses the state machinery to conduct elections by exercising its powers under the Representation of People Act, 1950 and 1951 and Conduct of Election Rules, etc. Voter education is one of the important tasks performed by the Election Commission. It implements its flagship programme of Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation(SVEEP) in order to reach out to voters and educate them about various aspects of election and importance of voting in election. Political parties and candidates too try to persuade voters through various channels. Face to face interaction with the voters allows the candidates to be known physically and to some extent their personality, while many other aspects remain unknown. In an election like that of a parliamentary one, it is not possible to adopt such a mode of campaign. Speeches of leaders of political parties and candidates at various forums like TV debates also allow voters to assess the candidates and their suitability for the job. Election Manifestos delineate the promises of the political party if it comes to power. However, very few voters know about it and it is too lengthy for them to find time to read. It serves little purpose except for the opponents to find fault and criticize the political party. Some non-government organizations like the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties, Common Cause, Association of Democratic Reforms, etc. have sought intervention of Supreme Court of India to bring about improvements in the electoral process. One of the blots on democracy is the election of a large number of representatives, both in Parliament and Assemblies, having serious criminal records. 43% of MPs elected in the 2019 Lok Sabha election had criminal charges. Through an order passed by the Supreme Court of India, it is now made mandatory for the intending candidates to disclose their criminal records in an affidavit when nomination papers are presented to the Returning Officer. Besides, assets and liabilities of the candidates and their spouses and dependents, highest educational qualification of the candidate are required to be disclosed in the same affidavit. The goal of such disclosures is to inform the voters of the candidates suitability for the job they are after. In the case of Manipur, especially with regard to the forthcoming election to the Lok Sabha, it is critical to fully appreciate the candidates and the political parties supporting them. For a small state like Manipur, regional parties have become insignificant over the years, and whichever political party is in power at the Centre sway in Manipur. In the light of violence and untold suffering of people in Manipur, majority of the voters in the state have assessed the performance of the ruling party at the Centre and state. By and large, there appears to be a mood of despondency with the present state of affairs and governments both at the Centre and State. However, other political parties also do not hold much promise to bring peace and stability in the war-torn state. Nevertheless, the candidates are vibrant and promising. They are full of energy and competence. In the midst of the crisis, it is not uncommon to see the womenfolk visiting the office of Chief Minister in large groups. There are allegations of coaxing them to vote for the party in power. The choice of voters is between inducement and a better representative. Will the voters of Manipur value cash more than a good future from a political party and candidate? Normally, all of us prefer a short-term gain for an uncertain long-term gain. It is rightly said by many people that our future is in our hand-vote. Make the right choice for a better future. It will be better to not listen to the leaders. Rather, listen to your inner voice and conscience, and participate at the election. Those who have decided to boycott the election must reconsider and exercise their franchise for a better Manipur. Remembering Japanese War Memorial from my perspective | Prof Hijam Rajendra Singh (retd) As quoted by John Parratt in Wounded Land, By the time the war ended, Manipur had been forcibly dragged into the modern era. This is no exaggeration. Indeed, Manipur is the part of India that was most affected by the Second World War and its Burma campaign. From being a quiet corner of the Raj with few links to the outside world in early 1942. Manipur became a frontline state between the British and the Japanese once the latter took over Burma that year. It brings back bitter sweet memories of the bygone days, a nostalgic feeling to pen down a few words on Japan Laan and the then construction of the Japanese War Memorial at Nambol, Red Hill or also known as Maibam Lokpa Ching. It is a hillock about 17 Kms south of Imphal City on Tiddim Road (NH-150) where a fierce battle was fought at the site between the Allied Forces and the Japanese Forces during World War II. Japanese war veterans in 1994 constructed a monument at the foot of this hill and named it India Peace Memorial to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Imphal. It is a place of pilgrimage for Japanese tourists and the only recent memorial in India to be built by the Japanese. World War II broke out somewhere in 1939 and had eventually reached Manipur with allied forces and axis forces battling it out in Manipur in what was popularly known as The Japan Laan locally. The battle was fought in Imphal and Kohima. Successive battles were also fought at Tamu-Shenam, Tiddim-Bishenpur, Sangshak-Litan, Shenam-Pallel. Kanglatongbi-Nungshigum. On April 14, 1944, the Indian National Army (INA) and the Japanese Army had reached Trongloubi and captured the British camp. The INA Tricolour, with the springing tiger depicted on it, was hoisted at Moirang Kangla by Colonel Malik. This was the first flag raised on liberated Indian Territory. From Moirang, they advanced towards Imphal, making the Allies retreat all the way. Originally under the control of the British Army. Red Hill was attacked on the evening of the 20th of May by around 500 Japanese troops. Nine days of vicious fighting ensued between the two sides until Allied reinforcements arrived in the form of infantry, armour, sappers, and two troops of tanks and reclaimed Red Hill for the British Army. It was the closest the Imperial Japanese Army got to Imphal from the south during the Battle of Imphal. The Battle of Red Hill unfortunately proved a disaster for the advancing Indo-Japanese forces. The IV Corps of the Allied Forces and 15th Japanese Army had an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation, but the carpet bombing by the RAF planes spelled doom for the conquerors. Nearly 200 Japanese soldiers died, the INA too suffered huge causalities. Red Hill was strewn with the battle dead. Most were buried hurriedly by the retreating Japanese. Even years later, bones were regularly uncovered after rains washed off the top soil. As witnessed and narrated by my grandfather Late Mairembam. Angangyaima Singh, the elder brother of Mairembam Koireng Singh (First elected Chief Minister of Manipur and freedom fighter during the Second World War) there were heavy gun fights between the Japanese force and the Royal British force during the Second World War. The Royal British force used anti-aircraft, machine guns, and top guns. The British army made their camp at Sendra, Mamang Chingjao, Omba Ching etc. and Japan made their camp at Maibam Lokpa Ching. Nearly 600 Japanese forces were deployed in action. My grandfather was also a witness to the event when a Japanese fighter plane attacked one British bomber plane fully loaded with essential goods at Takmu leading to the crash of the British bomber plane, ultimately falling into Loktak Lake and the pilot who was seen helplessly moving his hand calling for help. Another case was when the Japanese force attacked the British allied tank and unluckily the tank fell down in a deep pit located at the courtyard of my grandfather Late M Angangyaima Singh at Moirang Kiyam Leikai (father of Late M Manindro Singh ex MLA Moirang) which I also happened to witness the broken pieces. The Nippon/ Japanese government had a strong desire to construct a Japanese war memorial at Nambol dedicated to the Japanese troops who lost their lives at this site and the wider Battle of Imphal. The peace memorial was constructed by the efforts of Japanese War Veteran Lt General Iwaichi Fujiwara, who is acknowledged as the godfather of Netajis INA. In 1974, he led a delegation of surviving war-heroes to Manipur and visited the spot. He suggested the building of a memorial at Red Hill. The next year, in March 1975, the Japanese government sponsored a Bone-Recovery Mission, which collected the remains of Japanese war-dead. The Japanese government kept on insisting for a memorial, but disturbed conditions in Manipur did not make it possible. In December 1982, the Indo-Burma War Area Veterans Association of Japan, which had a nationwide strength of 75,000 veterans, also took up the cause and made another representation, requesting for allocation of a plot of land measuring 5,000 sq. metres in Imphal. Accordingly, the Manipur government sought clarifications from the Centre. Meanwhile, Fujiwara died and he could not live to see his dream memorial enshrined. Other Japanese war heroes like Major U Honda and Takashi Suzuki, a one time Japanese Ambassador to India, followed up for the purpose. When the then Prime Minister Narashimha Rao visited Japan in June 1992, his Japanese counterpart took up the matter with him; Rao assured the veterans that the land would be allotted. Back home, he contacted Chintamani Panigrahi, the then Governor of Manipur, who took up the matter diligently and it was because of his efforts that the project saw the light of the day. The 5,000-sq-m plot at the northern foothill of Red Hill was allocated and work started in September 1993. The Japanese completed the project in February 1994 and it was inaugurated on March 21, 1994, the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal, against the backdrop of three national flags India, Japan and the United Kingdom in the presence of 161 Japanese war veterans. It may be recalled here that Shri M Manindra Singh (Ex MLA, Moirang) had received a letter on 9th May 1990 through Prof Hijam Tombi Singh (Ex Vice Chancellor, Manipur University) from one Mr Kamiya Yame San of Japan, which stated that Japan veteran army had a strong intention to construct a peace memorial in Manipur by the government of Japan. In this regard Dr Hijam Tombi and M Manindro Singh went to see Shri M Koireng Singh and requested him to take special attention of forming an association for helping the materialization of the project at the earliest possible time. The matter was thoroughly discussed with the Japanese Ambassador HF Naida who had visited Imphal in the second week of August 1990 for finalization of the project with the Government of Manipur Later on, the Japanese embassy also wrote a humble letter to Shri M Koireng Singh saying that A boy who was conceived during the Second World War before his father went for war at Imphal will be coming to Imphal along with the Japanese team. I was fortunate enough to meet and share few words with the very handsome and charming gentleman Mr Koyoto who came all the way from Japan to pay homage to his father who lost his life at Maibam Lokpa Ching. The damsel of Sikot village of Churachandpur District offered warm welcome to the veteran soldier at Churachandpur ground singing the Japanese war song which was taught by the Japanese soldiers during the Second World War. The song still echoes in my mind till date. The Japanese authority then appointed Shri M Koireng Singh as President of Peace Memorial, Professor Hijam Tombi as Secretary and M Manindro as the Treasurer of the Peace mission. In fact, the Japanese well understood the sincere services of M Koireng who rendered a lot of service to Japan. Mr Koireng was even ordered to be shot at sight by the British Government as he had contributed many welfare services and shared many vital information to the Japanese. Shri Koireng even arranged for food grains from his fathers granary without his approval and continued feeding the soldiers of Azad Hind Fauz for three months. It was very much fortunate that M Koireng Singh was much appreciated by Netaji at Rangoon for his gallant service. The service of M Manindro for INA was also very unique. He was a very devoted person and became the resident Advisor of INA and also Secretary INA. Shri M. Manindra visited the beautiful city of Japan in December 1974 as invited by the All-Japan Veteran Association as a token of appreciation for cooperating with the Japanese Government mission for collection of bones and remains of the dead soldiers of Japan at Bishenpur, Churachandpur, Oinam etc. I had used my Premier Padmini car bearing no. MNS -2476 and had accompanied our Japanese friend like Mr Masui, S Aami and Mr Chimi Onishi etc in my car. People like Yumokretsu and members of bereaved families came here at Imphal to pay their homage to their dear and near ones and fellow commanders in the army who had lost their lives in the plains and hills of Manipur during the Second World War. Today, many Japanese friends would come here to pay their homage and respect to their departed friends. In this respect, I would like to remind that let us not forget the service of Lt General Iwaichi Fujiwara, U Honda and Lt K Matauki and many others for their endeavour in fulfilling their life long desire and wishes of many war veterans and war bereaved families to visit the site where Japanese soldiers laid down their lives. By dint of their tireless effort, they came here and collected the remains of Japanese dead soldiers and successfully established a close continental relationship between the people of Manipur and Japan. We share such an emotional and cordial relationship between the people of Japan and Manipur specially with Prof H Tombi who can speak and write Japanese language too and was also appointed as Secretary of the Indian peace memorial complex. Prof. Tombi still preserves the scented incense sticks from Japan. He was also associated with U Honda, Menikaw, Y Sai, Yumi Matsuru, Yumi Skeisu, T Shimada and Shoutura Kottanic (Vice president of Indo-Burma war area). Major Fujiwara and Mr. Honda had always taken special care of him. Prof Tombi lived at the residence of U Honda who considers him as his own brother during his stay in Japan. U Honda even advised his wife to let Prot Tombi lead his funeral services. When a special message came to Osaka University to call Prof Tombi for performing funeral rituals he immediately joined the cremation of Mr Honda. Prof Tombi had put on a special dress for performing the honour. Prof. Tombi led the rituals of U Honda by holding two flags, the Japanese flag on the right hand and the Indian flag on the left. The special dress worn by Prof Tombi is even kept and maintained today by Hondas family. The fond memories of my childhood days still linger in my mind when my grandfather M Koireng Singh and Prof Tombi Singh used to talk and discuss about the construction of the Indian Peace Memorial at the courtyard of M Angangyaima Singh at Moirang. Today, the India Peace Memorial stands at the foot of Maibam Lokpa Ching. The memorial has the serenity and simplicity of Japanese design. The three crude unpolished red sandstone blocks which were brought over from Rajasthan, lie at the centre of the ceremonial yard and represent the blood of Indo-Japanese and Allied forces who laid down their lives in the Battle of Imphal in 1944. The complex is full of cherry blossoms, the most favoured flowering tree of Japan, which were brought over by war veterans and planted there. On the whole, I would like to say that it is a hill of about 17 km south of Imphal city on Tiddim road where a fierce battle was fought on May 20-29, 1944 between the Allied forces and Japanese soldiers during Second World War. The surroundings, with its reddish soil, represented the farthest that the invading Japanese Army and Netajis Indian National Army (INA) could approach into India. It was the last major battle fought by the INA and the Japanese on Indian soil. Japanese war veterans constructed a monument at the foot of this hill and it is significantly named India Peace Memorial and considered a sacred spot. Swami Suparnanandaji, secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture (RMIC) inaugurated a two-day exhibition titled, Sulekha Family Meet, Come Let Us Ink Our Relationship at Gol Park on Friday. The two-day exhibition, first of its kind held by a pen manufacturer in the city, is being held at the exhibition hall of RMIC, Gol Park. There are 87 paintings by 15 artists, who have all used Sulekha ink and colour. Sulekha ink and pen is a household name in Bengal. More than 100 people visited the exhibition on the first day. Experts on fountain pen and ink attended the inaugural session. Kaushik Moitra, managing director of Sulekha said there was live demonstration on handwriting, lettering, calligraphy, sketching, painting and doodling with ink manufactured by Sulekha. Mr Moitra said the ink that has become very popular included Sulekha Swaraj Turquoise Tailman, Sulekha Swadesh Green. The Swadesh brand was introduced in the market to celebrate 75 years of Indian Independence. The exhibition is important as fountain pens have made a great comeback with more and more people, mainly professionals like doctors and advocates and the younger generation is now using fountain pens. Sulekha has introduced a large variety of pens, which can compete with any international brand like Pilot or Parker. The 94-year old company has a history and legacy. It was Mahatma Gandhi, who requested Satish Chandra Dasgupta, a freedom fighter and called Gandhi of Barrackpore to get someone to manufacture ink during the Civil Disobedience movement in 1930. In 1932, Dasgupta got hold of two brothers, Sankaracharya and Nanigopal Moitra and passed on the ingredients that are used for manufacturing ink.In 1934, Moitra brothers opened a manufacturing unit in Rajshahi, now in Bangladesh. Advertisement It was Rabindranath Tagore, who gave the name Sulekha. Sulekha opened a showroom on Harrison Road (now Mahatma Gandhi Road) in 1936. The women of the Moitra family were involved with the manufacturing of the ink. In 1946, the factory at Jadavpur was set up and in 1948, the turnover was Rs 100,000. Sulekha ink became the most popular brand in the country. In 1977, the company was closed due to the militant trade union movement by the Left. In 1991, the company went into liquidation. The revival of Sulekha is more interesting than any movie. Mr Moitra, himself an engineer from Jadavpur University, took the key role in its turnaround. A team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials faced violent resistance during a raid in Arjunnagar village, in Bhupatinagar police station area, East Midnapore this morning. The team, engaged in probing the Bhupatinagar blast case of December 2022, encountered fierce opposition from local residents while attempting to arrest some of the accused. The explosion, attributed to crude bombs on 3 December 2022, had tragically claimed the lives of three individuals, igniting a prolonged investigation into its perpetrators. According to a press release issued by the agency, two key conspirators, identified as Balaicharan Maity and Manobrata Jana, were apprehended following extensive searches conducted at five different locations, including the residence of Jana. However, the arrest was not without turmoil. The NIA team faced a hostile reception from an unruly crowd, resulting in minor injuries to one of the officials and damage to the agencys vehicle as miscreants within the mob launched assaults. The duo was arrested after extensive searches at five locations, including the house of Jana, where a crowd of local residents tried to obstruct the NIA team, the press release stated. Undeterred by the aggressive resistance, the NIA persisted in their mission, endeavouring to proceed to Bhupatinagar police station to fulfil the necessary arrest formalities. However, locals surrounded the vehicle transporting the NIA officials, engaged in protests and reportedly pelted stones at the convoy. In response to the tumultuous situation, the NIA promptly detained two individuals and filed a formal complaint at the Bhupatinagar police station concerning the incident. The East Midnapore police administration disclosed that they had received a request for support from the NIA on Saturday morning. But before police intervention could be initiated, the NIA team embarked on their visit to the area, accompanied by central armed police personnel. Advertisement The ongoing NIA investigation into the blast, which occurred at the residence of a local Trinamul Congress leader, has generated significant political contention within the state. Over recent days, the states ruling dispensation has vehemently criticised the NIAs actions, particularly concerning the issuance of notices to eight individuals, none of whom complied with the directives to appear before the agency. The tumultuous events unfolding in Bhupatinagar underscore the complexity and sensitivity surrounding the investigation into the December 2022 blast. The incident at Bhupatinagar follows a similar attack on Enforcement Directorate officials in Sandeshkhali three months prior. Supporters of a local Trinamul Congress leader, Sheikh Shahjahan, were implicated in the attack. Shahjahan, who remains in custody of the ED, is connected to the incident. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has raised concerns over the timing and manner of recent raids by central investigation agencies, alleging political motivations behind these actions, particularly with the Lok Sabha elections on the horizon. Addressing the recent incident at Bhupatinagar, where a NIA team was attacked, Miss Banerjee questioned the necessity of conducting raids in the middle of the night without informing local authorities. She suggested that such actions were orchestrated to benefit the BJP in the upcoming polls. Trinamul Congress has formally written to the Election Commission of India, expressing suspicions of collusion between BJP leaders and NIA officials. They allege that meetings between BJP representatives and NIA personnel have taken place in Kolkata, implying a political agenda behind the investigations. This accusation comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of the role played by central investigative agencies, which Miss Banerjee has been emphasizing during her public addresses in recent days. Foreign visitors to China are often astonished to find streets and neighbourhoods bustling with middle-aged uncles and aunties joyfully engaging in after-dinner square dancing. The activity has led some to ask if people in China are natural-born groovers. In Los Angeles, when Chinese residents begin square dancing, their vibrant singing and dancing quickly attracted local residents, with even first-time onlookers find themselves joining in. So what lies behind the phenomenon. This genre, known as Guang Chang Wu in Chinese, is the most popular national dance. Popular among middle-aged and retired women, who are often referred to as dancing grannies, participants dress in matching outfits and gather in neighbourhood squares after dinner. Its roots lie in the rapid urbanisation and building boom of the 1990s, and its cross-generational appeal is in its easy-to-learn steps. EVERY SATURDAY A weekly curated round-up of social, political and economic stories from China and how they impact the world. By submitting, you consent to receiving marketing emails from SCMP. If you don't want these, tick here The activity not only benefits health and expands a persons social circle, it is also a pastime for those in early retirement. Recently, it has also attracted the interest of young adults eager to relieve the stress of work. More intricate dance steps have also diversified the dance. Ke Mu San Known as Subject Three in English, the name refers to a section of Chinas driving test, and involves rocking the body and performing rapid wrist-twisting actions and swinging the knees and ankles. The dance shot to prominence in during a wedding in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region of southern China in 2021. Participants performed the dance to enhance the weddings lively atmosphere, inadvertently setting off a craze that spread across Guangxi and turning the dance into a local wedding custom. In this region, it is said that life has three essential traits, singing folk songs, eating rice noodles and mastering the Ke Mu San dance. Celebrated for its engaging moves and catchy music, waiters from Haidilao, a renowned hotpot restaurant chain in China known for its performance-based service, do the dance for customers, taking its popularity to another level. While some diners criticise the performances as loud and too vulgar, potentially spoiling the dining atmosphere, many young patrons sought out Haidilao specifically for the dance. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought reports on the incident of attack on the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Bhupatinagar of East Midnapore from the state chief secretary (CS), director general of police (DGP) at Nabanna and chief electoral officer (CEO) Ariz Aftab. A team of NIA officials, who went to arrest two accused in a bomb blast case, on Saturday morning came under attack from the villagers. Three persons had died in the explosion that happened in December, 2022 at Bhupatinagar village. The NIA team had picked up Balaicharan Maity and Manobrata Jana, who the agency accused of actively participated in the conspiracy to make crude bombs and had extended support for the same early in the morning and were on the way out when the incident took place. Advertisement On the other hand, Suvendu Adhikari, BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly, have urged the ECI to take action against the DGP, SP, sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) and officer-in-charge of the Bhupatinagar police station. Its learnt that the Commission is seriously concerned with the incident of attack on the central investigating agency again after the Sandeshkhali incident in North 24-Pargans district hardly 12 days before the first phase of Lok Sabha polls scheduled on 19 April in three constituencies Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar in north Bengal. The Leader of Opposition in Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari today lodged complaints with Election Commission of India (ECI) citing the example of alleged lawlessness in Bengal as there was an attack on NIA officials at Bhupatinagar in East Midnapore. The NIA team had gone to arrest Trinamul leaders. He urged the ECI to take action against the director general of police and SP of East Midnapore for the incident, where there was intimidation of central agencies by criminals. In a disturbing turn of events, Bhupatinagar witnessed a brazen attack on the NIA officials today by unidentified assailants, raising concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari alleged a complete breakdown of law and order, accusing the state government of negligence. The incident, which occurred in full view of the public, has prompted Adhikari to appeal to the ECI for intervention, citing misconduct by police officials in various districts, including the deputy inspector general and superintendent of police in East Midnapore. The Commission has been urged to investigate the matter thoroughly, with the opposition claiming ulterior motives behind the probe into past incidents, aimed at targeting booth agents affiliated to Trinamul Congress to benefit the BJP. Advertisement Suvendu alleged in his complaint that BJP leader Jitendra Tiwari has been accused by the chief minister for plotting a conspiracy with NIA to orchestrate the attack with an intention of tarnishing TMCs image, ahead of elections. The situation escalated further as both the CPM and the Congress joined the condemnation, echoing similar sentiments regarding the erosion of law and order in the state. Trinamul leaders questioned the logic behind targeting police officials while asserting the jurisdiction of the law enforcement agencies. According to police sources, the Intelligence Bureau had informed the local police about central agencies visit to Bhupatinagar, but the NIA officials allegedly bypassed the waiting police force and initiated the raid, resulting in a tense confrontation with local residents. The situation took a violent turn when Trinamul leader Balaicharan Maity was forcibly taken away from his car by the unidentified miscreants, leading to further clashes and damage to car of NIA officials The Delhi Police apprehended two juveniles for allegedly killing a man following an altercation when the duo asked for a matchbox from the deceased, the police said on Sunday. The two were apprehended within 12 hours of the incident, while the knife used in the commission of the crime has also been recovered by the police from one of the CCLs (Child in Conflict with Law) possession. Both have been sent to Observation Home for Boys (OHB- 2) in protective custody the police added and further probe into the incident was underway. On Saturday, the police received a PCR call about the stabbing incident, and upon reaching the spot the police man found a pool of blood in and around the autorickshaw. He was told the injured victim was shifted to the Hindu Rao hospital, but by the time he reached the health facility, the victim was declared dead by the doctors. Advertisement The police were handed the medico-legal case report at the hospital and later the police registered a case. Thereafter, the crime scene was inspected by the Crime team and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team. During the probe, an eye witness recorded his statement and while scanning the CCTV footage, the accused were identified and with the help of local intelligence, two CCLs were held. During questioning, the two revealed that one of them had asked the victim for a matchbox. When he refused, an altercation took place between them. In the ensuing melee, one of the juveniles assaulted the victim with a sharp-edged weapon, and soon after that both of them fled the spot. It was found that one of them was previously involved in a heinous crime registered at Police Station Timarpur. Meanwhile, a post mortem of the deceased has been conducted and the body was handed over to his relatives, a senior police official added. Nayanthara, the renowned South Indian actress, recently shared insights into her decision to venture into Bollywood with Shah Rukh Khans action-packed thriller Jawan. In a candid interview, Nayanthara expressed her admiration for Shah Rukh Khans respectful attitude towards women, citing it as a significant factor in her decision to join the project. The actress, who considers filmmaker Atlee as a close friend, expressed her excitement about the film, particularly because of her action-packed role. When asked about her experience working alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara exclaimed, Who isnt his fan? Weve all grown up watching his films and adore them. Beyond his stardom, I truly appreciate his respect for women. In Jawan, Nayanthara portrayed the character of Narmada Rai, the head of Force One, Mumbai polices counter-terrorism unit, in this vigilante action saga. Shah Rukh Khan took on a dual role, playing both the son and the father characters. Additionally, the film boasted an ensemble cast, with Deepika Padukone making an extended cameo appearance, while Vijay Sethupathi portrayed the antagonist. Advertisement Other notable actors who contributed to the movies dynamic ensemble include Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Riddhi Dogra, Sunil Grover, Girija Oak, and Omkar Das Manikpuri. Furthermore, Sanjay Dutt graced the screen with a special appearance, adding to the excitement surrounding the project. Nayantharas confidence in the films potential impact stemmed from her years of experience in the industry. She expressed her intuition, stating, After working for so many years, you develop a sense of when a film will resonate with audiences. With its blend of action, intrigue, and a star-studded cast, Jawan promised to captivate audiences across borders. Nayantharas Bollywood debut alongside Shah Rukh Khan underscored her versatility and marked an exciting chapter in her illustrious career. In the latest protest against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals arrest ahead of Lok Sabha elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called for a mass fasting event in Delhis Jantar Mantar on Sunday. All AAP MLAs and office bearers sre holding a day-long fast in solidarity with Kejriwal. The AAP has also urged its party workers and supporters across the country to observe fast at their homes and send their photos to the party. Today from 10 AM onwards, the entire nation will observe a fast against the conspiratorial arrest of Arvind Kejriwal Ji.Dictatorship will lose, democracy will win, the party said in a post on X. AAP leader and Delhi minister Gopal Rai claimed that Kejriwals supporters across the country and abroad are participating in the partys samuhik upwaas (mass fasting). People can observe the fast at their homes and support the Delhi Chief Minister, he said. The Aam Aadmi Party has accused the BJP of hatching a conspiracy to prevent Kejriwal from campaigning in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. After his arrest, the party said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scared of Kejriwal because he is the only leader who has stopped him in the national capital. On March 21, Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case relating to the alleged liquor policy irregularities. The AAP chief is currently lodged in Delhis Tihar Jail after a court sent him to judicial custody till April 15, days before the beginning of first phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 19. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Opposition INDIA bloc on Sunday, accusing it of trying to divide the country. The INDI alliance talks about another partition of India. Congress party leaders are openly making statements that they will separate South India, Modi said while addressing a public rally in Bihars Nawada. In his second election meeting in Bihar since the announcement of the poll schedule, Modi said, The manifesto released by Congress also has the influence of the ideas of Muslim League. Congress has released not a manifesto but an appeasement letter. Advertisement Earlier on April 4, the prime minister launched the Lok Sabha election campaign of the NDA in Bihar through a rally in the Jamui constituency. Polling will be held in Nawada, Gaya, Aurangabad, and Jamui Lok Sabha constituencies in the first phase on April 19. Addressing a public rally in Bihars Nawada, the prime minister urged the people not to forget that the INDIA leaders declined the invitation to the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on January 22, this year. Modi had guaranteed that a grand temple of Ram Lalla will be built in Ayodhya and today the peak of the grand Ram temple touches the sky. The Congress and the RJD made every effort to prevent the Ram Temple from seeing the light of day. The temple is a reality today. They declined the invitation to the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram temple. Some leaders from the Congress did attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram temple, defying the party line, but ended up being expelled for 6 years. As the Navaratri draws near, do remember how they (Opposition leaders) sinned by spurning the Ram Temple invite, PM Modi added. Taking a potshot at the Opposition, he said his guarantees to the people were giving a lot of heartburn to members of the INDIA bloc. The guarantees of Modi are troubling INDI alliance members; they dont like them. A very big leader of the INDI alliance said, Modi, your guarantees should be banned. Are they scared of Modis guarantees? If I tell my countrymen that I will work 24 hours, is it a crime?Modi gives a guarantee and works hard to fulfil it. I had also given the guarantee that Article 370 would be removed (from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir). What was the result? Was Article 370 removed or not, Modi asked. Modi gives guarantees because his intentions are pure and he works hard to fulfil them. However, leaders in the INDI alliance wont understand this. They are known to spout lies for votes, he said. The prime minister said the government at the Centre is taking bold steps for the country. I am here to eradicate poverty from the country. I cannot forget the situation of the country before 2014. Most of the countrymen were compelled to live in kutcha houses or were homeless. There was no gas connection available for the poor. Middlemen used to benefit from the ration provided to the poorI have survived poverty. This son of a poor is sevak of the poor, the PM said, adding, What we have achieved in 10 years could not be done in 60 years after Independence. PM Modi, in his second election meeting in the state since the announcement of the poll schedule, said that his government aims to make 3 crore lakhpati didis in the villages of the state in its third term. Further, the PM said in the last 10 years, the people of Bihar have seen many big decisions taken in the interest of the country. I said this from the ramparts of Red Fort that this is the right time. Indias time has come. We should not lose this opportunity and hence this election of 2024 has become very importantIn the last 10 years, the people of Bihar have seen many big decisions taken in the interest of the country. Today in India and in Bihar, modern infrastructure has been built. Today, modern expressways are being built in Bihar, railway stations are being modernized, trains like Vande Bharat are increasing, the PM said. Hailing the land of Nawada, Modi said this great land of Magadha has the bravery of Chandragupta Maurya, the intellectual capacity of Acharya Chanakya and it has the ability to give direction to the country.This area is also the birthplace of Bihar Kesari Krishna Babu, the first CM of Bihar. Nawada is also the workplace of Loknayak Shri Jaiprakash Narayan. I respectfully bow to all these great personalities the PM added. Sharing the dais with the prime minister, Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar said development is taking place in the state at a fast pace. Development is happening at a fast pace in Bihar. What was the condition of Bihar before 2005? You could not step out of your house after the evening. Today you can move around freelyHusband and wife (Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi) ruled for 15 years but no work was done, he said. Attacking the Congress Government during his public meeting in Bharatpur Lok Sabha constituency, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Sunday, said that during its tenure, the Congress used to starve the poor and feed biryani to terrorists, whereas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been providing free ration to 80 crore poor people for the past four years. The Chief Minister was seeking votes in favour of former MP and BJP candidate Ramswaroop Koli. He said: To realize the slogan of Abki Baar 400 Paar, Ramswaroop Koli needs to win. The Central government is formulating its schemes keeping in mind the interests of farmers, poor, women and youth. Advertisement Yogi praised the work of the Modi Government at the Centre and the Bhajan Lal government in the state, urging people to vote for the BJP. He also expressed gratitude to the people of Rajasthan for their support in bringing the lotus to bloom in the Rajasthan Assembly elections. He said that the report of The Guardian says that terrorists are being selectively killed inside Pakistan. The world sees terrorism as a burden. For the safety of society, these terrorists should be eliminated. This is a danger to everyones security. CM Yogi said that under PM Modis leadership, a new India is becoming a global force. Just two to three days ago, a report that appeared in a prestigious English newspaper The Guardian revealed that 20 hardened criminals have been killed within Pakistan. It may be India that carried out the strikes, but until yesterday, none of those who sympathize with terrorists had the courage to speak against India. The new India knows how to protect its citizens and borders, CM Yogi remarked. People in Rajasthan not only say Ram Ram Sa but also stand firm in securing the borders against terrorists. Under PM Modis leadership, Indias respect in the world has increased. Naxalism, extremism, and terrorism have ended. Article 370, which was imposed in Kashmir by the Congress in 1952, was permanently abolished by PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Yogi added. The CM said that the Congress intentions were not clear. During its government, there were no policies, leaders, or decisions, but in the Modi government, there is no shortage of schemes for the poor, he pointed out. The CM also mentioned the development works of the Central Government, stressing that under BJP rule, there is security, prosperity, and development. The Congress people couldnt get the Ram temple built in Ayodhya. They used to say that Ram didnt even exist. Next to Bharatpur are Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Barsana, Nandgaon, Govardhan, and still, Congress people say that Lord Krishna never existed. Congress questions our history and heritage, Yogi added. The CM called for a developed Rajasthan for a developed India. For developed Rajasthan, developed Bharatpur is needed and for developed Bharatpur, Ramswaroop Koli is needed, he asserted. CM Yogi remarked further: We are the rightful heirs of a prosperous heritage. Maharaja Surajmal defeated Aurangzebs forces and filled the forts of Mughal armies with straw. Showing the Mughals their place, he said to those who cherished the dream of crushing India Now, eat this straw. The Mughal army was forced to retreat in front of him. Those who have been robbing the poor also need to be shown the right path now. He further mentioned that a new India is on the horizon. On one hand, we have the prosperous legacy of Maharaja Surajmal, and on the other, PM Modi honored Chaudhary Charan Singh, the messiah of farmers, with Bharat Ratna. Through this, gratitude has been expressed for the work done for farmers and the poor during Chaudhary Sahabs tenure, he said. The Chief Minister highlighted that there is no curfew or riots in Uttar Pradesh anymore, but the Kanwar Yatra still goes on with pomp and show. Our generation is fortunate to be able to visit the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Each of your votes has changed the fate and image of the country. If you hadnt used your vote correctly, we wouldnt have had security, development, or the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the CM said. Congress has problems within itself. Your one vote not only contributes to the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya but also ensures the security of the countrys borders. During COVID 19, when Congress and other parties were missing, Modi Ji was tirelessly working in every state without caring for himself, Yogi added. On this occasion, BJP Rajasthan in-charge Vijaya Rahatkar, Bharatpur MP Ranjita Koli, Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham, State Minister Bhupendra Saini, Division in-charge Hemraj Meena, BJP District President Manoj Bhardwaj, MLAs Shri Bahadur Singh, Mahant Balveer Das, etc., were present. Ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), on Sunday, accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of working as a tool of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). When the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) complains against the AAP, the Election Commission sends notice within 12 hours. But when it comes to a complaint against the BJP, no notice would be issued against them even after 48 hours, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi pointed out. Expressing concern over the functioning of the poll panel, Atishi said, The Election Commission, which is supposed to ensure free and fair elections, to be non-partisan and not to be close to the ruling party, is working as a tool of the BJP. Advertisement Assuring a reply from the AAP to the ECI notice, she asked if the poll panel is prepared to take action on complaints against the BJP. We will be replying to the notice issued against us, but will the Election Commission take action on the complaints against the BJP, she said. Raising the issue of BJPs objectionable posters in the national capital, the AAP leader threatened to move the high court if the poll body doesnt take any action. The posters are still there because the Election Commission is not taking any action against them If the Election Commission does not take any action, we will go to the High Court as well, Atishi warned. The poll panel has been facing Oppositions allegations of going soft on the BJP. During the announcement of the poll schedule, the commission was asked if action would be taken against ruling party leaders for violating Model Code of Conduct (MCC). In response, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had said, Wherever there will be a case of violation against anyone, no matter how renowned the politician may be, we will take action against him or her. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday underscored the importance of core values in leadership and cautioned the youth against succumbing to temptations and unethical shortcuts. Ethical leadership is non-negotiable; compromising ethics cannot make you a winner of the kind that the world will salute, he stated. Addressing students and faculty members at the 6th Convocation Ceremony of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya, he highlighted their role as torch-bearers of Indias future. Advertisement I urge you to be harbingers and ambassadors of a society where there is scrupulous and meticulous adherence to the rule of law, he emphasised. Underlining the significance of economic nationalism for the nations prosperity and sovereignty, Mr Dhankhar appealed to citizens to make Swadeshi and Vocal for Local a national habit. Doing so would result in a significant positive contribution to our foreign exchange reserves, generation of employment opportunities and nurturing of entrepreneurship, he said. Drawing attention to Indias rising economic trajectory in the face of global headwinds, he noted that the national mood is upbeat with our surging global image. Emphasising the presence of an enabling ecosystem and new vistas, he encouraged students to harness talent and skills to script new chapters in Indias growth story. Highlighting Indias position as a frontrunner across various frontiers of cutting-edge technology such as quantum computing, machine learning, 6G, and green hydrogen, the Vice-President underscored the gold mine opportunities that these present for young minds. Urging them to be unconventional and to think out-of-the-box, he said, Be assured that you will never be starved of ideas as the startup ecosystem offers endless opportunities. The investigation into the mysterious deaths of three Keralites in Arunachal Pradesh has taken a new turn with the discovery of evidence suggesting a possible connection to superstition or black magic. The police have recovered various stones and pictures from the car belonging to the deceased. It is believed that the trio took their own lives while allegedly engaged in a black magic ritual. The trio reportedly used to spend much time on the internet researching topics like the afterlife, extraterrestrial life and the existence of aliens among others. Advertisement The Kerala Police probing the mystery surrounding the death of the trio in Arunachal Pradesh have partially retrieved the email communication between them after perusing their digital gadgets. The conversations the trio made were mostly related to paranormal things including aliens and intergalactic travel. The police sources said the retrieved communication also revealed that the three shared a deep emotional bond but the information garnered so far has not shed any light on the motive of their travel to Arunachal Pradesh. The Arunachal Pradesh Police on April 2 recovered the bodies of Naveen Thomas, 39, his wife Devi Madhavan, 39, and their friend Arya Nair, 29, from a hotel room in Lower Subansiri district. The bodies were brought to Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. Naveens body was taken to his native place in Kottayam, while the bodies of the other two were taken to their residences in Thiruvananthapuram. After a defamation case against Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, former four-time MLA and BJP candidate from Dharamshala, Sudhir Sharma on Sunday lodged a police complaint against him. In a written complaint to the Superintendent of Police, Kangra, Sharma stated that he was registering an FIR for criminal defamation and misleading the masses against the Chief Minister. I am a former minister and four-time MLA, contesting the by-election from Dharamshala on a BJP ticket. Recently, a video and media have surfaced in my constituency, falling under your jurisdiction, regarding a misleading speech delivered by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Kutlehar area of Una district on April, 4, stated Sharma. Advertisement In his address the Chief Minister reportedly disseminated false information to the masses for his personal gains alleging that MLAs were sold for Rs 15 crore each who recently joined the BJP, which is a baseless accusation aimed at him and other MLAs who recently joined the BJP and are contesting elections to ensure public welfare, he charged. Sharma accused the Chief Minister of utilizing public funds to travel to Kuthlehar and spread lies and misleading information. He further maintained that Sukhus speech lacking any evidence has created offensive content that has spread widely, both within the state and beyond. Such defamatory statements by a person of the Chief Ministers stature are highly irresponsible and have caused significant harm to my reputation, as well as to the sentiments of my family and supporters, he said in his complaint. Given the seriousness of this matter and impact it has had, I urge you to take immediate action and register an FIR against the Chief Minister for criminal defamation and misleading the masses in his capacity as a public servant, stated Sharma in the complaint. I am committed to pursuing justice in this case and trust that you will handle the matter with utmost urgency and diligence, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accused the Congress of openly calling for another partition of India. The INDI alliance people talk about ending Sanatan Dharma. The INDI alliance talks about another partition of India. Congress party leaders are openly making statements that they will separate South India, he said while addressing a rally in Bihars Nawada in support of BJPs Lok Sabha candidate Vivek Thakur. Modi began his address by paying respects to Jaiprakash Narayan, and first chief minister of Bihar Krishna Babu. I salute the land of Bihar and Magadha. This great land of Magadha has the bravery of Chandragupta Maurya, the intellectual capacity of Acharya Chanakya and it has the ability to give direction to the country. This area is also the birthplace of Bihar Kesari Krishna Babu, the first CM of Bihar. Nawada is also the workplace of Loknayak Shri Jaiprakash Narayan. I respectfully bow to all these great personalities, Modi said. The prime minister highlighted the big decisions taken during the last 10 years of his government. In the last 10 years, the people of Bihar have seen many big decisions taken in the interest of the country. Today in India and in Bihar, modern infrastructure has been built. Today, modern expressways are being built in Bihar, railway stations are being modernized, trains like Vande Bharat are increasing, he said. Launching a scathing attack on the Oppositions INDIA alliance, PM Modi said they have come together out of compulsion and their greed for power. The Indi alliance has neither vision nor credibility. The people who stand together in Delhi are the ones who abuse each other in different states. In Bihar, there is a fight going on among the people. These people have come together out of compulsion and their compulsion has only one name greed for power, he said. Nawada, along with Aurangabad, Gaya and Jamui (SC), will vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 19. A migrant worker from Arunachal Pradesh, who worked as a chef at a local restaurant, was beaten to death by a mob at Valakam near Muvattupuzha of Keralas Ernakulam district. The deceased has been identified as 24-year-old Asok Das. He was a YouTuber known as Mc Munnu and had posted a dozen Hindi musical videos over the year. According to the FIR, Asok Das visited the house of a female friend, who is also a complainant, at Valakam at around 5 pm on Thursday. After he left the house, he was stopped by a group of people from the neighbourhood near the house around 9.30 pm. Advertisement He was tied to a pole by a group of people and allegedly beaten up him. The assault was allegedly captured on a mobile phone by one of the assailants. He was then taken to the Kolenchery Medical College Hospital, where he died during treatment. The Kerala Police on Saturday arrested 10 people in connection with the incident and slapped murder charges on them. The police said that they were also investigating the probable involvement of more people in the migrant workers murder. The police have invoked Section 174 (unnatural death) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code against the ten accused after a preliminary investigation. Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday visited Yusufpur, the ancestral home of late mafia-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari to pay his condolence. Yadav reached the house of BSP MP Afzal Ansari , now SP Lok Sabha candidate from Ghazipur, in their house named Phatak to express his condolences. During this period, strict security arrangements were in place. After meeting the family members of Mukhtar, he reached the cemetery at Kalibagh ,where paid tribute to the departed soul by offering flowers on his grave. Advertisement Later talking to media , Akhilesh Yadav said that the apprehensions expressed by Mukhtar Ansari proved to be true and my demand is that there should be an investigation and the truth should come out. If the investigation is conducted under the supervision of a sitting judge of the Supreme Court, then justice will be served. I do not trust the government to bring out the truth in this matter. Although people know what the truth is, he demanded. In support of Mukhtar, he said that people sitting far away do not know his image and Mukhtars image was not as described. The general public is not considering it as a natural death. The Government of India has been accused in similar incidents of America and Canada . Mukhtar Ansari has been a public servant and in democracy he used to share in the suffering of the people, he claimed. Yadav said that the government does not have answers to the questions regarding the incident that happened in the jail. I have always been saying that people are facing the most discrimination in this government. It wants to go beyond the government and states in custodian death. As far as this matter is concerned. This person himself was punished for so many years and himself said that his life would be taken away, he added. He charged that poison was given in the jail to Mukhtar. This is not the first incident, even before this the government could not provide security to those who said that there was a threat to their lives in jail. The government which cannot provide security to the people is not the government of the people, he said while adding that there is pressure on media too on the matter. SP President said that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that people get justice. Peoples sentiments towards the government should be good, but this is not happening. This government worked to undermine truth and trust. There were tight security arrangements at Afzal Ansaris residence during the visit of Akhilesh Yadav. Along with DM and SP, police team and paramilitary force were present there. A huge crowd was also gathered outside Afzals residence when Akhilesh was meeting the family members of Mukhtar . After the death of Mukhtar Ansari on March 28 due to heart attack when he was lodged in the Banda jail , there is an influx of people reaching Yusufpur to meet the family. Earlier several SP leader and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi too visited thd place. Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav has hit back on UP deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, who was in Azamgarh abd termed Mukhtar as a criminal and a mafia. SP President said who is a bigger goon in UP than Keshav Prasad. He said that if BJP government comes again in power, the uniform of policemen people like Agniveer will become just for 4 years. The Congress, on Sunday, hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remark on the grand old partys manifesto during a public rally in Bihars Nawada, calling him out for allegedly saying baseless things and people of the country are now tired of his lies. The Opposition partys reaction came after Modi took a swipe at the Congress over its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections, alleging that it smacks of appeasement and reads like a poll document of the erstwhile Muslim League. In a post on X in Hindi, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, The Congress Partys five-justice and twenty-five guarantees are creating a new hope among the people of India after 10 years of injustice. The Congress guarantee is the need of the hour. This is the voice of the suffering people of the country. Advertisement Frightened by this guarantee card, the prime minister is saying baseless things in his desperation to save his position, the Congress general secretary said in the post. The people of India are now tired of the lies of the prime minister. After June 4, he will have to go on a long vacation. This is the guarantee of the people of India! Ramesh said in the post. Earlier, addressing a rally in Bihars Nawada, PM Modi accused the Opposition bloc INDIA of trying to divide the country. The leaders of the INDI alliance talk about another partition of India. The leaders of the Congress party are openly advocating separate nationhood for South India. The Congress manifesto that was released earlier smacks of appeasement and reads like a poll document of the Muslim League, PM Modi said. The Congress manifesto, released in Delhi on Friday, focuses on job creation and infrastructure development and also features the partys promise of a caste census, which has been a major focal point since the Bihar government released the results of a caste survey last year. The manifesto also promises a minimum support price, which has been a key demand of farmers, as well as universal free healthcare. Thousands of enthusiastic people greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jabalpur city of Madhya Pradesh, as he officially launched his Lok Sabha campaign in the state by holding a mega road show on Sunday evening. The PM held the road show through a distance of about 1.5 km, beginning from Bhagat Singh Chowk near Katangi up to Aadi Shankaracharya Chowk in the city. Clad in a saffron kurta and black waistcoat with a lotus symbol pinned on it, Mr Modi greeted the people from an open jeep that was also painted saffron and decorated with flowers. The PM waved the BJP symbol of lotus held in his hand. Advertisement MP Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and BJPs Jabalpur candidate Ashish Dubey accompanied the PM in the open jeep. Before beginning the road show, the PM garlanded the statue of Shaheed Bhagat Singh. He also garlanded the statues of Aadi Shankaracharya and Rani Durgavati. Jabalpur is a part of the Mahakaushal region of MP, and four Lok Sabha seats come under the area. The high profile seat of Chhindwara also comes in the region. Chhindwara is currently the only seat with the Congress out of the 29 Lok Sabha seats in MP, and Nakul Nath is the sitting Congress MP. The other two seats in the region are tribal dominated Mandla and Balaghat. Besides these four seats, the seats of Sidhi and Shahdol are the six seats in MP that go to polls in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on 19 April. Jabalpur has been a stronghold of the BJP, which has been on the seat for the past 28 years since 1996. There are 38 State Assembly seats in the region. The BJP has 21 of those seats while the Congress has 17 presently. Throughout the roadshow, people chanted slogans like, Jai Jai Shree Ram, jab tak suraj chand rahega, Modi tera naam rahega, Modi zindabad, abki baar 400 paar, Modi, Modi and many more in support of the PM and the BJP. Tribal artists greeted the roadshow all along the way by performing dances. People showered petals on the vehicle taking the PM through the roadshow. The SPG and the police set up a four layer security cordon throughout the route of the roadshow. At least four persons, including a policeman, sustained injuries after a stage collapsed during Prime Minister Narendra Modis roadshow in Madhya Pradeshs Jabalpur on Sunday evening. All the injured were rushed to the Victoria Hospital in Jabalpur. According to the police, the incident occured soon after Modis vehicle passed in front of the stage and several people climbed on it to catch a glimpse of the prime minister. After PM Modis rally passed, a stage built near a showroom collapsed due to overcrowding. In this one police personnel and three other people have got injured. All of them have been sent to the Victoria Hospital, Jabalpur, for treatment, said Jabalpur police officer Dilip Srivastava. Advertisement Madhya Pradesh Minister Rakesh Singh visited the injured in Victoria Hospital and prayed for their speedy recovery. On PM Modis direction, I met with the people who were admitted to the hospital after getting injured in the stage collapse incident. All are fine and proper treatment is being given to the injured. I pray to God that all of them get well soon, said Singh after visiting the injured. Earlier, thousands of enthusiastic people greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jabalpur as he officially launched his Lok Sabha campaign in the state by holding the mega road show. The PM held the road show through a distance of about 1.5 km, beginning from Bhagat Singh Chowk near Katangi up to Aadi Shankaracharya Chowk in the city. Clad in a saffron kurta and black waistcoat with a lotus symbol pinned on it, Modi greeted the people from an open jeep that was also painted saffron and decorated with flowers. The PM waved the BJP symbol of lotus held in his hand towards his supporters, who in returned showered flower petals on him. MP Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and BJPs Jabalpur candidate Ashish Dubey accompanied the PM during the road show. Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Cabinet Minister Atishi on Sunday alleged that even after 48 hours of the partys complaint, the Election Commission of India (ECI) hasnt taken any action against the BJPs objectionable hoardings across the city. In a post on X, Atishi said: 48 hours have passed since the AAP filed a complaint with Election Commission of India against BJPs objectionable hoardings, across Delhi. Till now no notice has been issued by the Election Commission to BJP so far. Will the Election Commission only send notices to opposition parties? It is worth noting that the BJP has put up objectionable hoardings across Delhi. On Friday morning, the AAP had filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India regarding this. However, even after 48 hours of filing the complaint, the Election Commission has neither taken any action on this matter nor issued any notice to the BJP, the party said in a statement. Advertisement In contrast, senior AAP leader Atishi was served notice by the Election Commission within just 12 hours after the BJP filed a complaint, whereas news of Atishi receiving the notice from the Election Commission had already circulated in the media half an hour before she received it, the party further said. This raises questions about the impartiality of the Election Commission. It raises the question of whether the Election Commission will only take cognizance of BJPs complaints and ignore complaints from opposition parties, the party added. In the wake of the tragic drone strikes on aid workers in Gaza, the Israeli militarys swift dismissal of two officers and reprimand of three others may seem like a step towards accountability. Yet, it is merely a band-aid on a much deeper wound that continues to fester in conflict zones around the world. This incident is not an isolated event but rather a symptom of a larger problem: the failure to adequately protect civilians and aid workers amidst the chaos of war. The Israeli militarys admission of fault is welcome, but it cannot erase the pain of the lives lost or the trauma inflicted on those who survived. At the same time, given the nature of the attacks on Gaza, it was only a matter of time that such an event would occur. The international community must recognise that this tragedy is not unique to Gaza. Similar atrocities occur in conflicts across the globe, from Syria to Yemen to Myanmar. Innocent lives are cut short, humanitarian efforts are hindered, and the cycle of violence perpetuates. What is needed is not just accountability for individual actions, but systemic change. Rules of engagement must be rigorously enforced, with a zerotolerance policy for targeting civilians or aid workers. Military personnel must undergo thorough training on identifying legitimate targets. Moreover, there must be greater transparency and oversight in military operations. Independent investigations should be conducted whenever civilian casualties occur, and those responsible must be held accountable, regardless of rank or status. This is essential not only for justice but also for rebuilding trust with affected communities and fostering long-term peace. Advertisement The international community must play a more active role in protecting civilians and upholding humanitarian principles in conflict zones. Diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, and peacekeeping efforts are all tools that can be leveraged to prevent further bloodshed. But perhaps most importantly, we must confront the underlying causes of conflict and address the root issues that perpetuate violence. Poverty, inequality, political instability, and sectarian tensions are all fuel for the fire of war. Investing in education, economic development, and conflict resolution initiatives can help break this cycle of violence and pave the way for a more peaceful future. We must also acknowledge the invaluable role of humanitarian organizations like World Central Kitchen, whose brave workers risk their lives to provide aid to those in need. Their dedication and selflessness remind us of the importance of upholding humanitarian principles even amidst conflict. As we move forward, let us honour their sacrifice by redoubling our efforts to protect and support those on the front lines of humanitarian work. In the aftermath of the Gaza drone strikes, there is an opportunity for reflection and action. We must seize this moment to demand accountability, advocate for systemic change, and reaffirm our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in times of crisis. Only then can we hope to build a world where tragedies like this do not recur. Around 50 senior resident (SR) doctors of the state-run Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay Government Medical College & Hospital (SCCGMC&H) are not recording their attendance in the Aadhaar enabled biometric attendance system (AEBAS) violating mandatory guidelines of the National Medical Commission (NMC), the sole body regulating medical colleges across the country. To ensure transparency and reduce manual interference in the assessment of medical colleges, the NMC has directed all medical colleges across states and Union territories (UTs) to implement attendance recording through the AEBAS mandatorily. An AEBAS portal has already been operational by the commission to keep watch on the problem of ghost faculty in medical colleges and to also ensure attendance of medical students and faculty. Alarmed with gross irregularities in recording attendance in the AEBAS the SCCGMC&H authorities have woken up to take strong punitive actions against the SRs, who are found not following the NMCs guidelines. The college authorities have issued an order in this regard on 5 April to streamline the SRs. Aadhaar enabled biometric attendance system started from January 2024 at Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay Govt Medical College & Hospital, Uluberia. Attendance record at AEBAS for month of March 2024 for maximum Senior Resident doctors is zero. Henceforth, non-record of attendance of SRs at AEBAS system will be considered as absent and a working statement will be prepared on the basis of attendance of AEBAS. Attendance in physical register will not be considered, if it is not recorded in AEBAS, the order issued by Dr Subhra Mondal, medical superintendentcum-vice-principal (MSVP) of SCCGMC&H stated. All senior resident doctors are asked to record their biometric attendance regularly or strict punitive action will be taken accordingly, the order adds. Neither the principal Prof (Dr) Sanat Ghosh nor MSVP Dr Mondal was available for comment. Sources in the teaching hospital said that senior residents are entitled to join government hospitals after completing post graduate MD and MS courses. Advertisement A section of the SRs in most of the state-run hospitals are attached with private healthcare establishments and less bothered about their official duty hours in their respective government hospitals, the sources requesting anonymity alleged. In order to earn more money by spending time in private healthcare units they are reluctant to record their attendance in AEBAS installed in government teaching hospitals where they are associated, sources said, adding, The SCCGMC&H authorities should take strong actions against the SRs for violating mandatory guidelines of the NMC for an entire month of March. On 11 March 2024 Japan marked the 13th anniversary of the massive earthquake and tsunami that triggered a nuclear meltdown and left large parts of Fukushima Prefecture uninhabitable. Amid observance of a minute of silence and memorial events, officials pledged continued support for rebuilding. It was on this day at 2.46 PM that the 9.0 magnitude quake and tsunami ravaged parts of Japans north-eastern coast killing about 20,000 people while driving thousands from their homes in the Prefecture of Miyagi, Iwate and Fukushima. Whole towns were wiped out. The time ~ 2.46 PM ~ when the earthquake struck has become a solemn moment every year since then. People across Japan stop to observe a minute of silence. In Tokyos central Ginza shopping district, people stopped to pray on the sidewalk as a bell rang out, marking the moment. The tsunami, topped 15 meters (50 feet) in some areas, slammed into the nuclear plant, destroying its power supply and fuel cooling systems, causing meltdowns at reactors No.1, 2 and 3. Units 1 and 2 of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant in Okumamachi, Fukushima Prefecture, were heavily damaged, creating deep fears of radiation that linger till today. Hydrogen explosions caused massive radiation leaks and contamination in the area. After this meltdown of the nuclear reactors, the tsunami-crippled Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant remained shut with restrictions to public entry. After considerable corrective measures and obtaining the clearance of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), started releasing treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean from 24 August 2023. This has caused considerable controversy as China and South Korea expressed concerns over it. Japans decision hit business relations with China as Beijing banned the import of fish from Japan suspected to be contaminated with radioactive materials and thus unfit for human consumption. Amid the controversy postmeltdown, TEPCO said the tsunami could not have been anticipated. Government and independent investigations as well as court decisions subsequently revealed that the accident was the result of human error, safety negligence, lax oversight by regulators and collusion. Advertisement As an immediate response, Japan introduced stricter safety standards and announced it would phase out nuclear power as a source of energy completely and strengthen other supply sources to meet the countrys energy needs. That proved to be a difficult policy and had to be reviewed. The Kishida government therefore decided to reverse that policy and accelerated restarts of workable reactors to maintain nuclear power as a main source of Japans power supply. Japan is an earthquake prone country and despite several preventive measures that were adopted, it was again hit by another deadly earthquake on 1 January 2024 in its north-central region of Noto. It destroyed many homes and roads but did not damage an idle nuclear power plant. Yet, it caused considerable fears of radiation leaks, though evacuation remained an immediate priority. The Noto quake triggered renewed calls for a review of evacuation plans nationwide, including around nuclear plants. Though more than 160,000 residents were evacuated across Fukushima, many have not yet returned home and are unlikely to do so ever. Then Japan focused on holding the Olympics. The decontamination work continued, but seven of 12 towns still remained off-limits. Majority of those evacuated have no intention of returning home, citing lack of jobs, schools and lost communities, as well as radiation concerns. It is a different matter that residents who raised radiation worries or linked to their health problems have come under attack for hurting Fukushimas reputation. But their fears are real. Fukushima Governor Masao Uchibori is upbeat that a growing number of young people want to return to Fukushima to open businesses or help in the reconstruction and thus is hopeful that eventually more residents will return. When Fukushima Daiichi started discharging treated water into the sea on 24 August 2023, releasing a fourth of a 7,800-ton batch of treated water that met safety standards, it faced protests from local fishermen and neighbouring countries, especially China. China soon banned Japanese seafood imports. Since the March 2011 meltdowns, Fukushima Daiichi struggled to handle the contaminated water. When therefore TEPCO got the IAEA clearance in compliance with international safety standards, the start of the release process was a milestone. Further, removing the tanks was crucial to make space for facilities needed as decommissioning progressed. What TEPCO did was to pump up the contaminated cooling water, treated and stored in about 1,000 tanks. The water was diluted with massive seawater to reduce tritium levels to about one-seventh of the World Health Organisations guidance level for drinking water before release, making it safer than international standards. What was the impact of Chinas ban on fish imports from Japan? Chinas ban on Japanese seafood that mostly hit scallop exporters in Hokkaido prompted Japanese consumers to eat more Fukushima seafood. Sampling and monitoring by the IAEA further boosted confidence in local fish. After initial suspension in fishing operations during the postFukushima years, normal fishing operations resumed in 2021. The local catch is now about one-fifth of its pre-disaster level because of a decline in the fishing population and smaller catch sizes. The government earmarked 10 billion yen ($680 million) to support Fukushima fisheries. Japanese officials have vowed to keep rebuilding. Uniformed police officers are often seen sifting through gravel and sand on the beach in an annual search for the remains of people who are still missing. Others release balloons carrying messages of grief. The disaster prevention centre in the town of Minamisanriku in Miyagi Prefecture where dozens died has become the place for annual mourning. In Ishinomaki City in Iwate prefecture, residents gather in a hilltop park where many of them took shelter 13 years ago, mourning as they stood facing the sea. In Rikuzentakata, hundreds of people pray atop a massive concrete seawall. Amid these, Fukushima Governor Masao Uchibori has vowed to rebuild and clean up the nuclear site, and accomplish recovery at any cost. Yet, work to remove highly radioactive melted fuel debris has still not begun at the plant, and the overall decommissioning project is expected to last decades. For TEPCO, removal of fuel debris from the reactors is the biggest challenge and the operation has been delayed several times. TEPCO seeks to completely decommission the site by 2051. But multiple setbacks have thrown that timeline into question. (The author is former Senior Fellow at Pradhanmantri Memorial Museum and Library (PMML), New Delhi. Earlier he was ICCR Chair Professor at Reitaku University, Japan, and Senior Fellow at the MP-IDSA, New Delhi) The Israel Defence Forces have withdrawn all ground troops from the southern Gaza Strip after a long four-month fight in the Khan Younis area, reported The Times of Israel. The IDF withdrew their troops overnight on Saturday. Meanwhile, only one brigade, Nahal, is presently in the Gaza Strip. The Nahal Brigade is tasked with securing the so-called Netzarim Corridor, which crosses Gaza from the Beeri area in southern Israel to the Strips coast, according to The Times of Israel. The corridor further enable the IDF to carry out raids in northern and central Gaza and prevents Palestinians from returning to the northern part of the Strip. It further allows humanitarian organisations to deliver aid directly to northern Gaza, The Times of Israel reported. Advertisement Today, the country marked six months of war against Hamas-terror group. The IDF published new data on its operations in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Lebanon, highlighting everything from the number of terror operatives killed to the number of sites struck. According to the data, more than 13,000 Hamas operatives and members of other terror groups have been killed by the IDF in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the war, in addition to some 1,000 terrorists inside Israel on October 7, when gunmen rampaged through southern communities, massacring some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 253 to Gaza. The data presented by the IDF further stated that the military has killed five Hamas brigade commanders and those of an equivalent rank, as well as more than 20 battalion commanders. Additionally, over, 100 Hamas company commanders and operatives with a similar rank have also been killed, according to the data, The Times of Israel reported. In Lebanon, the IDF said that it has killed over 330 terror operatives, mostly members of the Iran-backed Hezbollah. The number included 30 Hezbollah commanders, according to the IDF. Some 32,000 targets have been struck in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the war, including more than 3,600 that were discovered as Hamas sites during the fighting. According to the data, since the beginning of the war, around 9,100 projectiles were fired from Gaza and crossed the border into Israel, alongside 3,100 from Lebanon and around 35 from Syria. Since October 7, in the West Bank, the IDF said that the troops have arrested more than 3,700 Palestinians, including more than 1,600 affiliated with Hamas. Another 420 gunmen have also been killed by troops in the West Bank, the IDF stated, reported The Times of Israel. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh officially bowed out of politics this week after 33 years in the Rajya Sabha. Perhaps the most recent image of Singh in public memory is of him arriving at the Parliament in a wheelchair, to cast his vote during a critical proceeding, even when the outcome was foreknown to be in favour of the treasury benches. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his political opponent, complimented Singh on his sense of duty. Singh famously argued that history would be kinder to him than contemporary media had been. And while, like many other politicians and public figures, he also had several flaws, history is already more benign and generous as it looks back at his years in government. As a journalist, I would argue that he is the last old-style politician I know who upheld the right of a free media to be critical. In todays hyper-polarised media environment where if you do not confirm the existing bias or leaning of a political party you are immediately characterised as the enemy, Singh never closed the doors of the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) to those who had criticised him. Manmohan Singh | PTI If his first term was a normal mix of praise and criticism, his second term, especially towards the end, saw him and his cabinet at the receiving end of relentless criticism, including by this columnist. With swirling corruption allegations, sharp questions about who really wielded powerSonia Gandhi or himand his inherent diffidence, the second term of his prime ministership was brutal from a communications perspective. Yet, it never impacted our ability in the media to meet with our sources, to be briefed on background on important national issues or indeed to ask questions of the prime minister directly. I remember after I presented an especially critical programme on his governments handling of the unrest in the Kashmir valley in 2010, I received a call from his office to come by and share my thoughts directly with him. The only other time a senior politician responded in a similar manner was when L.K Advani, who was deputy prime minister and home minister, invited me for a cup of tea to talk about a column I had written that he especially disagreed with. I cant imagine this sort of encounter happening today with any political leader in any political party. Today, neither the opposition nor the governmentfor different reasonshas a healthy, even-keel relationship with the media. Both sides have favouritesdepending on how they perceive your ideological slant and both sides block access if you are sharply critical. As his former media adviser Sanjaya Baru said to me on my podcast, Manmohan Singh could have had a different legacy if he had done two thingscontested the Lok Sabha electionsand resigned after Rahul Gandhi publicly undermined him on an ordinance that Gandhi thought protected corrupt politicians. Having said that, he was still a man of rare civility, essential decency and intellectual open-mindedness. And as he steps into his political twilight he deserves at the very least that acknowledgment and respect. editor@theweek.in It took five long years since the death of fashion genius Alexander McQueen for the world to fall in love again. By happy coincidence to a man with the same name. Alessandro Michele was named creative director of Gucci just a month shy of McQueens fifth death anniversary. By the time his first fashion show headlining for Gucci had rolled out, we were all shik-shak-shok. Michele made our heads spin. His debut was a menswear show, a much harder market to break into. But his vintage-inspired, gender-fluid florals for men were groundbreaking. It heralded a new language in fashion, one thats still an ongoing conversation. This was 2015, also the year when the US Supreme Court had announced that homosexual marriages would be legal across the US. Michele was for the new man, the new woman, and a new world. Guccis profits went up by 50 per cent in two years. Under Michele, Gucci began to clock in 10 billion each year. Along with CEO Marco Bizzarri, Michele reimagined Guccis branding, advertising (they famously had a campaign that featured no white models at all), and stores. In December 2022, when Gucci couldnt recover from the sales slump that followed the pandemic, Michele was sent out in the cold. Im sure I shed a few tears, just as I did when news of McQueens passing broke. Alessandro Michele | Instagram@alessandro_michele This was the second time Gucci found itself without a creative director. In 2004, Tom Ford and Domenico De Sole, famously known as the Tom-Dom team, brought Gucci back from bankruptcy. Gucci now has safe Sabato De Sarno as its head, but its profits are refusing to return. Last week, Michele was announced as Valentinos creative head. Valentino is much smaller in size than Gucci is, but it takes Michele back to his Roman roots (Valentino Garavani, 91, was a famous gown-maker out of Rome who retired in 2007. His is the first store in the citys Via Condotti just beneath the Spanish Steps.) Valentinos revenue is humble at 1.4 billion in comparison, just before it was hit by a slowdown, too (the group has not yet announced last years results). He also returns to his good friend Jacopo Venturini, the chief merchandiser at Gucci who is now CEO at Valentino. Michele and Valentino are strange bedfellowshe is a kitschy streetwear guru while the label is posh, old-world romance. But if Kering, Guccis owner, can allow a shake-up at Gucci, surely Valentino owner Mayhoola can do the same at Valentino. Michele is an expert at rediscovering lost motifs from the archives and giving them a fresh twist. Michele and his friends at Gucci (he had worked there for 12 years before he was appointed creative head) also brought on a massive brand punch, even the entry-level products were given a touch of quirk to invite newer buyers. The same approach could be just the shot in the arm that would swing the profits in favour of Valentino. Gucci, under Michele, became an innovative, artistic, visionary brand. All these terms are alien in the Valentino dictionary thus far. Gucci also collaborated with Adidas and Disney, and it would be fun to see Valentino be young and relevant again. Mayhoola, the Qatari investment group that also owns Balmain, has deep pockets. But bringing in a star designer like Michele is unusual, as it plans to exit soon. Kering invested in Valentino last year taking a 30 per cent stake with it. Michele will then be back in the Kering fold, this time taking a hopefully super successful Valentino with him. Like McQueen, Michele is no ordinary creative talent. He is a significant moment in time, a cultural signpost. Unlike McQueen, he is lucky to have got a second chance. Would we like to get Katchatheevu back? Ill bet half the fish in the Gulf of Mannar that every leader who wants a vote in Tamil Nadu would say yes. Narendra Modi, who is seeking a seat or two in the Tamil country for his BJP, says the Congress callously gave away the islet to Sri Lanka in 1974. In 2022, M.K. Stalin advised Modi, who was visiting Lanka, that this is the right time to retrieve Katchatheevu. The AIADMK moved the Supreme Court in 2008 seeking to get the 1974 treaty nullified. Naturally, all three, as also most other parties in the Dravida land, would like to preside over St Antonys annual feast in Katchatheevu. Now comes the real question. Has anyone done anything to get the islet back? The leaders would scream yes, and cite a thousand statements they have made in courts (more than 30 petitions), in Parliament, in the public and in cyberspace. But as any schoolboy from the heights of Ladakh to the coast of Rameswaram would know, and as the Lankans have been scoffing from across the Palk Strait, the writ of the Supreme Court of India does not run beyond lands end in Kanyakumari. Imaging: Deni Lal Then which door should they knock at? Simplethe diplomatic doors in Colombo. Strange as it may sound, in the last 50 years since the Congress callously gave away the islet, nobody has asked the Lankans to renegotiate the boundary! The BJP has been in power at the Centre for 16 of these 50 years, the DMK shared power at the Centre for 17 years, and the AIADMK had good ties with several Union governments. Those regimes had illustrious foreign ministers like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, I.K. Gujral, Jaswant Singh, Sushma Swaraj and Tamil-speaking S. Jaishankar, yet none has asked Colombo to reopen the 1974 treaty. Let alone a diplomatic channel, none of them has opened a backchannel or even thrown a bottled message across the Palk Strait. They know it will be futile. After all, it was Jaishankars office that put up a stiff diplomatic lip and told an RTI activist in 2015 that the 1974 agreement did not involve either acquiring or ceding of territory belonging to India since the area in question had never been demarcated. Under the agreements, the island of Katchatheevu lies on the Sri Lankan side of the India-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line. Period. One may say, the boundary line was based on an understanding reached in 1921-22 when Lord Chelmsford was ruling India and William Henry Manning in Ceylon and both were reporting to the same office of Lord Montagu in London. In the 1970s, Indira Gandhi, alarmed by the sight of the Lankans refuelling Pak war planes during her Bangladesh war and American jets playing war games in Diego Garcia, thought Katchatheevu was a small price she could pay to keep the Lankans on Indias side in her South Asian power play. She simply formalised an understanding that had been there since Chelmsford and Manning, but got Sirimavo Bandaranaike to let Indian fishers to dry their nets on the islet. Now, would we like to renegotiate the boundaries set by the colonialists and recognised by our own rulers? Two problems. One, expect the Lankans to say, go take a walk across the sea to the isle of St Antony. Two, that walk will land us in the Chinese trap. They are the ones who say that boundaries drawn by colonial rulers need to be renegotiated. Gentlemen, there is a diplomatic minefield on that little isle. Keep off as far as possible, but join the Lankan fishers at the annual feast of St Antony. And, as Jesus said, love thy neighbour. prasannan@theweek.in Actor Cole Brings Plenty, who went missing on March 31, has been found dead in a forest area in Kansas on Friday. The 27-year-old actor is a star on 1923, a spin-off of the series, Yellowstone. When the actor went missing, his uncle Bo Brings Plenty, shared a missing poster on his Instagram handle. After Cole's death was confirmed, Moses shared a post on Instagram, a statement from Cole's family. It read, We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone for the prayers and positive thoughts you sent for Cole. We would also like to thank everyone who came to walk beside us as we searched for my son and provided the resources we needed to expand our search areas. I learned this week how many people knew the goodness in Coles heart and loved him. During this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy as we process our grief and figure out how we move forward. Moses starred in the series Yellowstone, which also starred Luke Grimes and Kevin Costner. 1923, which was released in 2023, also stars Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford. According to a post by the Lawrence Police Department, Cole was a suspect in a domestic violence dispute. According to the post, they had arrived at an apartment in Lawrence after receiving an alert of a woman screaming for help. The suspect fled before the officers arrived. Moses, on Thursday, shared another missing poster of Cole. He wrote that it isn't clear whether Cole was really involved in the incident involving domestic violence. Cole has appeared in other series like Into the Wild Frontier and The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday asserted that the issue of 'Doubtful' (D) voters of Bengali-Hindus of the state will be resolved in six months after the elections. He termed the Congress, as an 'old note' which is no longer accepted by anyone. Addressing an election rally in Hojai under the Kaziranga Lok Sabha constituency, Sarma said that the issue of D-voters of Bengali-Hindus will be permanently resolved in six months after the elections. D-voters are those who could not provide evidence in favour of their Indian nationality. The issue of D-voters is one of the most contentious topics in Assam's political and social sphere. The concept of D-voters was introduced in Assam in 1997 by the Election Commission. It does not exist anywhere else in India. There are 96,987 D-voters in the state as per the information given in the state assembly in February this year. Several elections have been fought over this single issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, who are initially marked as D-voters if their names are found in the electoral rolls. Sarma also maintained that Assam has been witnessing peace and development in the BJP-led NDA rule at the Centre and in the state, and multiple problems like unemployment and poor road network are being addressed by his government. Sarma alleged that there was "no peace in the state under the Congress rule, and blasts, shootings and strife among different communities were common". "But now, all communities irrespective of language, religion and caste are living peacefully," he said. He likened the Congress to an "old note that no one is ready to accept". Sarma also claimed, "Someone who had been thinking of supporting the Congress will not do so if the person sees Rahul 'baba'." Earlier addressing another rally at Dergaon, Sarma emphasised that his government is focused on inclusive development of all areas. The government will provide 50,000 more jobs along with one lakh previously promised, Sarma said. He said a call centre employing 400-500 youths for 102 toll-free number of the state police will come up in Dergaon. Under the 102 service, people will be able to report crimes in their residences over the phone and the police personnel will visit the house of the aggrieved and take a complaint on the spot. In another rally in Golaghat, the chief minister said the government is working with a special focus on the development of tea tribes in the state. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders will sit on a fasting dharna at Jantar Mantar on Sunday as the party intensifies its agitation against the BJP and the Centre over the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. While announcing the 'samuhik upwas' or mass fasting, AAP leader Gopal Rai called the public to take part in the nationwide fast against the arrest of the party national convener. "If you are against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister, you can fast against it on April 7. You can hold the collective fast anywhere -- at home, in your city, anywhere," he told reporters. Rai added that the event at Jantar Mantar will see Delhi government ministers, AAP MPs, MLAs, councillors and office-bearers attending it. "This will be an open event and student organisations, farmer bodies, traders can come and participate in it," he said. Kejriwal was arrested last month by the Enforcement Directorate in an excise policy-linked money laundering case. He has been sent to judicial custody till April 15. Meanwhile, former AAP MLA Sandeep Kumar has approached the Delhi High Court seeking the removal of Kejriwal from the post of chief minister. The petition is listed for hearing before Justice Subramonium Prasad on Monday. Kumar was ousted from AAP in 2016 after a video allegedly showing him in a compromising position went viral. The high court had also earlier rejected two public interest litigation pleas seeking Kejriwal's removal from the chief minister's post. In his petition, Kumar has said after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy for Delhi, Kejriwal has incurred an "incapacity" to carry out the chief minister's functions under the Constitution. He argued that Kejriwal's "unavailability" complicates the constitutional mechanism and he can never function as the chief minister from prison according to the mandate of the Constitution. "Article 239AA(4) of the Constitution provides for the Council of Ministers with the chief minister at the head to aid and advise the lieutenant governor in the exercise of his functions in relation to matters with respect to which the legislative Assembly has power to make laws. The aid and advice to the lieutenant governor are practically not possible without the chief minister being a free person available to render his aid and advice under the Constitution," the petition says. "Issue a writ of quo warranto against Respondent No.1 i.e. Mr Arvind Kejriwal, the incumbent chief minister of Delhi, by calling upon him to show by what authority, qualification and title he holds the office of the chief minister of Delhi under Article 239AA of the Constitution and after an inquiry, dislodge him from the office of the chief minister of Delhi with or without the retrospective effect," the petition prays. The Congress has hit back at Home Minister Amit Shah for targetting its chief Mallikarjun Kharge after the latter mistakenly said 'Article 371' instead of 'Article 370' during a speech on Kashmir. Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh said Kharge's "slip of the tongue" during his speech in Jaipur only exposed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's game plan. The incident happened on Saturday when Kharge, during an election rally in Jaipur, slammed Modi for claiming "credit for abolishing Article 371 in Kashmir." He was remarking on Modi's speech on the issue when he made the incorrect mention. The BJP immediately pounced on the remark with Shah and party chief J P Nadda sharing the clip of Kharge's speech on X. Shah called out Kharge for his "horrendous mistake". "I would like to remind the Congress party that J&K is an integral part of India, and every state and citizen has the right over J&K, just as the people of J&K have the right over the rest of India." "It is mostly the Italian culture of the Congress party that is to blame for not understanding the very idea of India. Such statements hurt every patriotic citizen who cares for the unity and integrity of the nation," Shah said. He further added: "And for the kind information of the Congress, it was not Article 371, but Article 370, that was abrogated by the Modi government. However, it is only expected of Congress to make such horrendous mistakes. Such blunders made by it have haunted our nation for decades now," Shah said. It is shameful to hear that the Congress party is asking, "Kashmir se kya waasta hai?" I would like to remind the Congress party that J&K is an integral part of India, and every state and citizen has the right over J&K, just as the people of J&K have the right over the rest of pic.twitter.com/cFeO80XBxl Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) April 6, 2024 Congress reacted to Shah's dig, stating Kharge's slip of the tongue only exposed the Modi governments game plan to change Article 371 of the Constitution. "Amit Shah immediately pounced on the Congress President. But the truth is that Modi does indeed want to change Article 371-A relating to Nagaland, Article 371-B relating to Assam, Article 371-C relating to Manipur, Article 371-F relating to Sikkim, Article 371-G relating to Mizoram, and Article 371-H relating to Arunachal Pradesh," Ramesh said. He continued, "Amit Shah got all excited and agitated because Khargeji inadvertently exposed the Modi-Shah gameplan on Article 371; now that they have gotten Article 370 out of the way." In a sharp attack on the West Bengal government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the ruling Trinamool Congress of the state wants the money of the central scheme beneficiaries to come first into their leaders accounts. Addressing an election rally in Jalpaiguri, Modi also accused the Mamata Banerjee government of putting breaks on the central government schemes. The TMC government here puts brakes on our development schemes. The central government sent Rs 30,000 crore for building houses of poor. Modi says that the money should directly go into the account of the beneficiary, but TMC says that the money should first come into their leaders accounts. So, you tell you, how should I let TMC loot public money?, he asked. Modi reiterated his claim that the work his government has done in the last 10 years is just a trailer. Our government's schemes have made the lives of the poor easier. We have restored the poor's self-respect and increased their pride. The development work done by Modi in 10 years is just a trailer. We still have to take the country much further, we have to make India the third largest economic power in the world, the prime minister said. Modi raked up the Sandeshkhali incident and said the whole country is witness to the atrocities done by the West Bengal government. The whole country has seen what happened in Sandeshkhali. The atrocities inflicted on mothers and sisters. The court itself had to intervene in everything here, its the TMC syndicate that rules here. Shouldnt those behind the incident, get the strictest punishment and their remaining life be spent behind bars?, he asked. Referring to the attack on the officials of the Enforcement Directorate and the National Investigation Agency in the state, the prime minister alleged that the TMC desires a free licence for corruption and violence in West Bengal, which is why central agencies investigating such cases face attacks in the state. "The TMC government seeks to have a free pass for looting and terror in Bengal. To shield its extortionist and corrupt leaders, the TMC orchestrates attacks on central investigative agencies when they come here," he said. An NIA team was allegedly attacked by a mob on Saturday when attempting to arrest two main suspects in a 2022 blast case in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district. Earlier in February, an ED team which arrived in Sandeshkhali to raid the premises of TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh was attacked by a mob. "The TMC is disregarding the law and the constitution of the country," Modi said. Seven-phase polling in West Bengal will be held on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. Counting will be held on June 4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday there is a massive wave in favour of the National Democratic Alliance in Bihar. The prime minister is set to rally in Bihar's Nawada district today. Modi tweeted, Once again, a massive wave of BJP-NDA is being seen in Bihar. I will have an opportunity to meet my family members, who are excited about voting, in the public meeting in Nawada around 11am today," Modi posted on X ahead of the rally. This is prime ministers second rally in the state after the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections. The BJP has fielded Vivek Thakur, the party's Rajya Sabha MP and son of senior BJP leader and former Union minister C.P. Thakur, from Nawada Lok Sabha constituency. Earlier on April 4, Modi had launched the Lok Sabha election campaign of the NDA in Bihar through a rally in Jamui constituency. Polling will be held in Nawada, Gaya, Aurangabad and Jamui Lok Sabha constituencies in the first phase on April 19. As per the NDA's seat-sharing arrangement in Bihar for the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP is contesting 17 seats and its ally JD (U) 16. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) will contest from five Lok Sabha seats in the state. Jitan Ram Manjhi-led Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) will contest from one seat each. Besides Bihar, Modi is also campaigning in West Bengal on Sunday. Modi will address a rally in Jalpaiguri. -with agency inputs. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has refuted allegations of mala fide intention while carrying out raids and arrests in a two-year-old blast case in West Bengal, and dismissed the entire controversy as unfortunate. In a statement, the central agency said the attack on its team by an unruly crowd in Purba Medinipur district was "completely unprovoked". The NIA said its actions were bona fide, lawful and legally mandated, as part of its ongoing investigation into the heinous crime related to fabrication of crude bombs, leading to an explosion that killed three persons. The attack on the NIA team had sparked a political slugfest between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing the investigators of assaulting the villagers. The agency had claimed one of its officers was injured and a vehicle was damaged in the attack. In its statement on Sunday, the agency reiterated that the attack on its team was completely unprovoked. "The attack was completely unprovoked and uncalled for and an attempt to obstruct the NIA from carrying out its lawful duties," the agency said. It pointed out that the searches were conducted at five locations in the presence of independent witnesses, and under the security cover provided by the CRPF, which included lady constables. The arrests were made after following all lawful procedures, it added. The NIA had arrested two accused, Manobrata Jana and Bailicharan Maity, for their involvement in the crude bomb explosion case. It said the duo had failed to appear before the agency despite repeated summons to join the investigation. It had, accordingly, filed an application before the Special NIA Court, Kolkata, which, after perusing the case records, issued an order on April 3, 2024, stating that it found the allegations to be of a very serious nature. The special court had also observed that the agency was "at liberty to proceed with the investigation as expeditiously as possible, and to take all necessary action with regard to arrest, search and seizure of the houses of the suspects and accused persons, in accordance with the relevant provisions of Criminal Code of Procedure, NIA Act and UA(P)A so far applicable for a proper and thorough investigation. Following the special court's order, the NIA had conducted the searches, which culminated in the arrest of the two accused, who were found to be involved in the case, it said. Former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti will contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls from Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, the party announced on Sunday. The announcement was made by senior PDP leader and former minister Sartaj Madni during a press briefing in Srinagar. He announced that partys youth president Waheed Para would contest from the Srinagar-Pulwama constituency, while former Rajya Sabha MP Fayaz Mir, who recently rejoined the party, would be its candidate from the Baramulla constituency. Mufti will face off against National Conferences Mian Altaf and DPAP chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency. Meanwhile, the BJP and other regional parties are yet to announce their candidates for this seat. Mir will compete against Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone and incarcerated AIP chief Engineer Rasheed in the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat. As of now, the National Conference, the BJP, and other regional parties have not disclosed their candidates for this constituency. The PDP's decision to field candidates from all three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir came days after NC vice president Omar Abdullah suggested that the PDP might not field any candidate against the NC in Kashmir. Omar cited the recent rally held by the INDIA bloc in Delhi, where Mufti shared stage with NC president Farooq Abdullah, reaffirming PDP's allegiance to the alliance. He urged the media to abstain from sowing discord between the two parties. Responding to Omars statement, Mufti expressed disappointment, stating that the NC hadnt left any door open for them. She noted that Omar's remarks hurt her party workers, who were not in favor of supporting the NC at this juncture. The Democratic Azad Party had announced that its chief Ghulam Nabi Azad would contest from Anantnag-Rajouri. The entry of the PDP into the fray has intensified the contest in Kashmir, particularly in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, as south Kashmir, including Anantnag, Shopian, Pulwama, and Kulgam, is considered a PDP territory. The PDP also enjoys goodwill among the tribal communities of Rajouri and Poonch, especially Gujjars. Observers believe that a clash between the NC and the PDP in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, with Azad and the 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, who has been granted Schedule Tribe (ST) status by the Centre. It also remains to be seen whom the PDP will nominate from the constituency. As an INDIA alliance member, the PDP had requested the NC not to field any candidate from Anantnag-Rajouri. However, the NC insisted on seat-sharing only in seats won by the BJP, not INDIA alliance members, in the last Lok Sabha polls. With both the NC and the PDP announcing to contest all Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir, the INDIA alliance in Kashmir has unraveled, though both parties are supporting the Congress on two seats in Jammu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in West Bengal on Sunday to address an election rally in the storm-hit Jalpaiguri district. The Prime Minister's visit comes amid the ruling TMC and the BJP spar over the attack on NIA officials in Purba Medinipur on Saturday. In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote: "This afternoon, I will be among the people of Jalpaiguri to address a rally. There is outstanding support in @BJP4Bengals favour. The people of West Bengal are tired of TMCs corruption and poor governance. Only BJP can fulfil their dreams." This is Modi's second visit to Bengal this month, the last being to Cooch Behar where he slammed the TMC while raising the Sandeshkhali issue. Sunday's visit will also intensify the tensions between both parties after BJP slammed the ruling party for the attack on NIA officials. The investigation officials claimed they were attacked in Bhupatinagar where they went to arrest the two main suspects in a 2022 blast case. The opposition BJP alleged that it was a "state-sponsored" attack, and accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of inciting violence. However, Mamata claimed the attack was "self-defence" by villagers and accused the NIA team of barging into several houses in the early hours over an incident of "bursting of crackers in 2022". The incident evoked memories of January 5 when a team of the Enforcement Directorate was attacked by a mob in North 24 Parganas district's Sandeshkhali during a search at the house of TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh in connection with alleged irregularities in the public distribution system. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also visit Bihar and Madhya Pradesh on Sunday. In his second visit to Bihar in four days, the Prime Minister will address an election rally in Kunti Nagar of Nawada. He will campaign for BJP candidate Vivek Thakur. Modi will also kick off the BJP's campaign for Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday when he will lead a roadshow in Jabalpur constituency. The roadshow along the 1.2-km route will start from Shaheed Bhagat Singh crossing on Sunday evening and culminate at Adi Shankaracharya crossing in Gorakhpur locality of Jabalpur, BJP city president Prabhat Sahu told PTI. In a tragic incident, 26-year-old Holly Bramley's body parts were recovered from River Witham in March 2023. Though her husband Nicholas Metson initially denied it, he later admitted to the killing in court. As the Lincoln Crown Court in the United Kingdom gears up to pronounce the sentence on Monday, a look at how the horrific crime came to light. Evil monster During the sentencing hearing on Friday, the court heard that an "evil monster" stabbed his wife to death and then cut her body over 200 pieces before dumping her remains into the river. Metson, 28, from Shuttleworth House in Lincoln married Bramley in 2021. According to the victim's mother and siblings, she was subjected to "coercive control and manipulation" by the "evil monster". Their marriage was strained and were on the verge of separation when the murder took place. Out of concern for Bramley's welfare, Lincolnshire Police was called to the couple's flat on March 24 last year. Officials, who visited the home the following day, noticed a strong smell of ammonia and bleach. Bloodstained sheets in the bathtub and a towel on the kitchen floor were also found. Nicholas Metson | X Prosecutor Gordon Aspden KC told the court that there was evidence of recent decoration and cleaning. He also added that police spotted several large dark stains on the floor in the main room, which were later found out to be his wife's. Meanwhile, on the contrary, Metson told the police that his wife was abusive to him. Bite marks on his forearm were shown to the officers. He later informed that she had left home with a local mental health support group on March 19. Police officials later found out that Metson was lying about her whereabouts. The following day, a walker had noticed plastic bags floating in the River Witham at Bassingham and a human hand was found in it. Divers had recovered 224 remains of Bramley's body. Tactfully planned Bramley was stabbed multiple times in the bedroom before being moved to the bathroom, where she was dismembered. Her remains were stored in a kitchen larder, the prosecutor said. After the murder, Metson withdrew 50 from her bank account and searched on the internet with questions such as "What benefits do I get if my wife has died" and "Can someone haunt me after they die". The CCTV footage played in the court showed Bramley last seen alive returning to the flat on March 17. Further, the footage showed Metson wearing a rucksack and using the flat's lift to move bags from the 14th floor to the ground floor on March 25. Holly's mother Annette Bramley, addressed Metson directly in the court and told him he had condemned her family "to a life sentence of grief". "The heinous way in which she was murdered and dismembered has left us in such unimaginable pain," she was quoted by BBC. The court heard Metson had previous convictions for offences against former partners in 2013, 2016 and 2017. He originally denied murder but later pleaded guilty when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court last month. Metson's friend, Josua Hancock, in exchange for money, helped him to dispose of her body. He also pleaded guilty to the act. A top Iranian military adviser on Sunday warned Israel that none of its embassies were safe following last week's strike in Damascus blamed on Israel that killed two elite Iranian generals. Regional tensions threaten to draw the Middle East into a wider conflict as Israel's war against Hamas marks six months. The remarks by Gen. Rahim Safavi, a military adviser to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, signalled that the attack on a diplomatic mission could be met with a similar response. Israel has not directly acknowledged its involvement. None of the embassies of the (Israeli) regime are safe anymore, Safavi was quoted as saying by the semi-official Tasnim agency. He spoke at a ceremony in Tehran for the generals killed in the strike that flattened an Iranian consular building. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was prepared for any response. Whoever harms us or plans to harm us, we will harm them," he told a Cabinet meeting. The regional tensions came at the six-month mark of the war, which was sparked when Hamas-led militants crossed from Gaza into Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking about 250 captive. Israel retaliated with a fierce bombardment and ground offensive that has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities. Also Sunday, Israel's military announced it was drawing back forces from the 98th paratroopers division who had been operating in the area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, bringing Israeli troop levels in Gaza to some of the lowest levels since the war began. The Hamas stronghold has been the main focus of Israel's offensive in recent months. The forces withdrew to recuperate and prepare for future operations, while a significant number remain elsewhere in Gaza, said Israeli military officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorised to speak to the media. Israel maintains troops in devastated northern Gaza and can send them south when needed. Israel has vowed a ground offensive on the southernmost Gaza city of Rafah, considered Hamas' last stronghold. But the area shelters some 1.4 million people more than half of Gaza's population. The prospect of an offensive has raised global alarm, including from top ally the US, which has demanded to see a credible plan to protect civilians. The war's six-month mark has been met with growing frustration in Israel, where anti-government protests have swelled and anger is mounting over what some Israelis see as government inaction to help free the remaining roughly 130 hostages, about a quarter of whom are said by Israel to be dead. Negotiations in pursuit of a cease-fire in exchange for the hostages' release were expected to resume in Cairo on Sunday. An Israeli delegation led by the head of the Mossad intelligence agency was due to depart for Cairo, according to an Israeli official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter with the media. Israel is prepared for a deal; Israel is not prepared to surrender," Netanyahu said. "Instead of the international pressure being directed at Israel, which is only causing Hamas to harden its positions, the pressure of the international community needs to be directed at Hamas. Pressure rose for action now. This doesn't seem a war against terror. This doesn't seem anymore a war about defending Israel. This really, at this point, seems it's a war against humanity itself," Chef Jose Andres told ABC, days after an Israeli airstrike killed seven of his World Central Kitchen colleagues in Gaza. Aid deliveries on a crucial new sea route to the territory were suspended. The UN and partners now warn of imminent famine for more than 1 million people in Gaza as humanitarian workers urge Israel to loosen restrictions on the delivery of aid overland, the only way to meet soaring needs as some Palestinians forage for weeds to eat. Mothers who have given birth in Gaza since the war began are especially vulnerable. The Health Ministry in Gaza said the bodies of 38 people killed in Israel's bombardment had been brought to the territory's remaining functional hospitals in the past 24 hours. Hospitals also received 71 wounded, it said. The ministry said 33,175 have been killed since the war began. The ministry doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants but says two-thirds of the dead are children and women. Another 75,886 have been wounded. Israel's military continued to suffer losses, including in Khan Younis, where the military said four soldiers were killed in a battle with militants. Over 600 Israeli soldiers have been killed since October 7, including 260 in the Gaza ground operation, according to Israel's government. Two Buffalo residents were arrested on felony drug charges after deputies stopped their vehicle Sunday after spotting it with an expired registration on the Kensington Expressway, Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia reported. The driver, Unique Williams, 31, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, three counts of criminal possession of a narcotic drug and several traffic offenses. His passenger, Ayanna Pace, 29, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and three counts of criminal possession of a narcotic drug. Both were remanded to the Erie County Holding Center pending arraignment. According to the report, deputies on patrol pulled Williams over about 1:05 a.m. on the ramp to the Scajaquada Expressway. They found he had a suspended drivers license and noticed several small plastic baggies in the front of the vehicle when he exited. Officers said he also had a large amount of cashin various denominations. Deputies determined that Pace was the subject of an active bench warrant from Buffalo for assault and aggravated harassment. Officers said she turned over several baggies to them that contained suspected cocaine, crack cocaine and fentanyl. Dale Anderson The United Nations has said that Israel has reopened 20 bakeries in the northern Gaza Strip and restored a waterline to the area on Friday, a day after it promised to allow humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave. The Nahal Oz waterline in northern Gaza was shut off on October 9, with the outbreak of war. Israel's announcement came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a tense phone conversation with US President Joe Biden on Thursday. Biden is said to have issued an ultimatum to Netanyahu to protect Palestinian civilians and foreign aid workers in Gaza or Washington could rein in support for Israel in its war against Hamas militants. Following this, Israel announced the Erez Gate in northern Gaza would be temporarily re-opened. The Ashdod Port will also be temporarily opened for humanitarian deliveries. Israel will also increase the amount of aid from Jordan moving through the Kerem Shalom crossing. According to the UN humanitarian coordinator for Gaza and the West Bank, Jamie McGoldrick, a better functioning coordination cell will be established that links humanitarians directly with the IDF Southern Command. McGoldrick added that the number of trucks allowed to pass through from Jordan will be increased from 25 to at least 50 per day, while an additional 100 trucks per day will be scanned via the Kerem Shalom and Nitzana crossings in the south of the Strip. He said that an additional scanner would be installed at Kerem Shalom to accelerate the transfer of aid into Gaza. Ceasefire talks today The ceasefire talks are being held in Cairo on Sunday, which will see the participation of the Hamas delegation led by the group's deputy chief in Gaza Khalil Al-Hayya. The talks are being mediated by the Egyptian officials. CIA Director Bill Burns arrived in Cairo on Saturday for the talks while Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and an Israeli delegation were expected to take part in the talks as well. Hamas is sticking to its demands, which include a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, a return of the displaced, and a "serious" exchange deal of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages being held in Gaza. "Hamas confirms its adherence to the position it presented on March 14 and we will not back down from this position," it said in a statement. However, Israeli local media reports quoting diplomatic sources said the talks could end up being an empty show. "Hamas believes it can force a ceasefire on Israel without releasing hostages because of the international pressure on us, and because of the internal crisis between Israel and the US. The departure of a senior delegation to Cairo, without a compromise on Hamass part, will raise false hopes among the families and it will be an empty show," the sources said. Though Biden had reportedly written to the leaders of Egypt and Qatar urging them to secure commitments from Hamas to agree to and abide by a deal, Israel fears the mediators are yet to do so. A senior Israeli official told The Times of Israel on Friday that Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, is dragging his feet and does not want a deal, despite Israels tremendous flexibility. "No pressure [on Hamas] is being jointly applied by the Qatar-led mediators. Qatar has refrained from deporting the Hamas leaders it hosts, nor has it closed their bank accounts, which hold hundreds of millions of dollars used for terrorism," the senior Israeli official asserted. As Hamas prepares for a new truce deal in Cairo, Israel on Sunday withdrew more soldiers from southern Gaza. Since the start of the year, Israel has been reducing the troops deployed in Gaza under intensified pressure from its ally United States and other countries to pave the way to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. IDF has not given the exact reasons for withdrawing the troops. However, they confirmed the withdrawal. Troops of the 98th Division were pulled out of the Khan Younis area after four straight months of fighting, the IDF said. Now, only one brigade is left to secure the corridor splitting the enclave. The Nahal Brigade has been tasked with securing the so-called Netzarim Corridor, which crosses Gaza from the Beeri area in southern Israel to the Strips coast, reported The Times of Israel. The corridor enables the IDF to carry out raids in northern and central Gaza. It also allows humanitarian aid to be delivered directly to northern Gaza. Meanwhile, both Hamas and Israel confirmed that their delegations will be present for the Cairo mediation talks. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the troop reduction appeared to be a "rest and refit" and not necessarily indicative of any new operations. But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would not bend to foreign pressure and give in to "extreme demands". Netanyahu said that it is "one step away from victory" but insists there will be no ceasefire without the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. "Netanyahu is still stalling to save himself from failure and the responsibility for the day after the battle. It seems that the U.S. pressure is not enough to compel him to go for a complete and comprehensive ceasefire," Basem Naim, a Hamas leader, was quoted by Reuters. Over 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli offensive so far. Another Gaza hostage was found dead by the Israeli military on Saturday during the Khan Yunis raids. Around 120 hostages are still held captive by Hamas. Thousands of Israelis took to the streets to protest against Netanyahu, as the war reached 6-month mark. Chanting elections now, protesters called for the Israeli prime ministers resignation, with the war in Gaza set to enter its seventh month on Sunday. Rallies were also held in other cities, with Israels opposition leader Yair Lapid taking part in one in Kfar Saba ahead of his departure for talks in Washington. They havent learned anything, they havent changed, he said, adding, until we send them home, they wont give this country a chance to move forward. Protesters in Tel Aviv were joined by families of Gaza hostages and their supporters. A close ally of pro-Russia populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, Peter Pellegrini, won the Slovakia presidential elections. Pellegrini will succeed Zuzana Caputov, the country's first female head of state. According to officials, Pellegrini, 48, received 53.85 per cent of the vote with the ballots from over 98 per cent of polling stations. While pro-Western career diplomat opposition candidate, Ivan Korcok, was only able to get 46.14 per cent of the votes. Korcok conceded the defeat and congratulated the winner. "I'm disappointed," said Korcok. I want to express my belief that Peter Pellegrini will be independent and will act according to his convictions and without orders, he added. Pellegrini became Slovakia's sixth president since the country gained independence after the split of Czechoslovakia in 1993. While speaking in Bratislava, Pellegrini said that he would ensure that Slovakia remains on the side of peace and not on the side of war. Pellegrini's successor Caputova was a strong backer of neighbouring Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion. She received several death threats for taking the stand against Russia amid the war. Caputova announced last June that she will not be running for re-election. Raising concerns, Fico, who came to power last August, has already adopted pro-Russian views on policies and initiated reforms of criminal law and the media. The new government immediately halted the arms sales to Ukraine. Slovak presidents have the power to veto laws or challenge them in the constitutional court, though they don't have the executive powers. Presidents nominate the constitutional court judges as well. Parliamentary speaker Pellegrini said that his victory meant the government would have support for its aims. Korcok, however, took a stand against Russia and was highly critical of the government's move as well. Korcok is the former ambassador to the United States and Germany, who also served as the country's envoy to NATO and the European Union. In 2018, Pellegrini, who was Fico's former deputy in Smer, had to step into the shoes and became the prime minister when Fico was forced to resign following massive protests over the death of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee. In the wake of the flood situation, Russia declared a federal emergency in the Orenburg region on Sunday. The floods forced over 4,000 people, including 885 children, to evacuate. The rising water levels in the Ural River broke a dam near Russias border with Kazakhstan, forcing people to flee. According to Russian news agency, Tass, around 6,300 homes were flooded in the region. One of the worst affected cities include Orsk, where rescue operations are still ongoing. Russia's Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenkov arrived in the region and assessed the rescue efforts. I propose classifying the situation in the Orenburg region as a federal emergency and establishing a federal level of response, the minister said, according to RIA Novosti. Orsk, less than 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) north of the border with Kazakhstan, was hit with floods which caused a dam to break on Friday, according to Orsk mayor Vasily Kozupitsa. By Sunday morning, 4,500 residential buildings in the city of 200,000 were flooded and evacuation efforts were still ongoing, Tass said. Meanwhile, a criminal probe was launched to investigate the suspected construction violations that may have caused the dam to collapse. The situation in the city was getting worse, as water levels increased by 28 centimetres (11.02 inches) compared to Saturday, officials wrote on Telegram. Over 1,300 homes flooded and 428 people evacuated, they said. Footage from Orsk and Orenburg showed water covering the streets dotted with one-story houses. The Ural River, about 2,428 kilometres- (1,509 miles) long, flows from the southern section of the Urals into the north end of the Caspian Sea, through Russia and Kazakhstan. President Vladimir Putin accessed the situation with the governors of both regions over the phone. The vehicle carrying Chinese engineers, who were killed in a suicide attack last month in northwest Pakistan, was neither bullet nor bomb-proof, according to a police report. A vehicle-borne suicide bomber targeted the convoy of Chinese engineers in the remote Besham area of the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province when they were being driven to a construction site of the Dasu Hydroelectric power station in Kohistan district of the same province on March 26. Five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver were killed in the attack. The police report, which has been sent to the federal government, said that the bus targeted in the attack was travelling at a distance of 15 feet from the other bus and fell into a 300-feet-deep ditch after the suicide bomber crashed his explosives-laden vehicle into the vehicle carrying the victims on the Karakoram Highway, Geo News reported on Sunday. The report said that the vehicle carrying Chinese nationals was neither bullet nor bomb-proof. The report, the second of its kind, added that the buses part of the convoy carrying Chinese nationals was equipped with close circuit television cameras (CCTV). The development comes a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered disciplinary action against senior police officers for "negligence" in light of an inquiry report over the incident. "The prime minister has directed to take action against the regional police officer (RPO) Hazara Division; district police officer of Upper Kohistan and Lower Kohistan; director security, Dasu Hydropower Project and commandant special security unit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within 15 days," Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said. On Friday, Sharif directed all Pakistani security agencies to ensure foolproof security arrangements for the Chinese nationals working on various projects in the country. Meanwhile, China has also expressed concern about last Tuesday's attack and demanded the safety of their nationals working on various projects in Pakistan. Thousands of Chinese personnel are working in Pakistan on several projects under the aegis of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Last week, Geo News reported the "arrest" of more than 10 terrorists and facilitators involved in the deadly attack. Citing sources, it said that the terrorist commander responsible for bringing the suicide bomber to Pakistan from Afghanistan has also been arrested as well as four other facilitators. On Friday, the Ecuador Police's unusual and "authoritarian" act of raiding the Mexican Embassy in Ecuador's capital city Quito to arrest a controversial politician, who had been granted asylum by Mexican authorities, unleashed a diplomatic storm in Latin America. After the Ecuadorian police took into custody the country's former vice president Jorge Glas, who faces several graft charges, Mexico snapped all relations with Ecuador. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador blasted the unusual diplomatic incursion and arrest as an "authoritarian" act as well as a breach of international law and Mexico's sovereignty. Obrador found supporters in other Latin American countries, including Brazil, which condemned Quitos move as a "clear violation" of international norms and insisted that the country "must be subject to strong repudiation, whatever the justification for its implementation." But, who is Jorge Glas, the former politician who faces a slew of corruption charges? Glas, an electrical engineer-turned-politician, was in charge of the country's ministries of telecommunications and strategic sectors coordination before becoming leftist former President Rafael Correa's running mate last decade. He served as Correa's vice president between 2013 and 2017 and for a few months under then-President Lenin Moreno. He was also in charge of the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts after a powerful earthquake hit the country in 2016 killing hundreds. However, his term as vice president in the Moreno government only lasted only a few months. In 2017, he was ousted and sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of receiving over $13.5 million in bribes. In 2020, Glas was found guilty in another bribery case which involved accepting money in exchange for issuing public contracts between 2012 and 2016. Besides Glas, President Correa was also accused of accepting some $8 million in bribes. Both were sentenced to eight years in prison, a conviction that both Glas and Correa claimed was politically motivated. In 2022, Judge Emerson Curipallo, in a controversial ruling, ordered that Glas be freed from prison. Curipallo is now in custody while authorities investigate his alleged role in what prosecutors say was a bribery scheme for favourable rulings for a drug lord and his relatives. Last year, Glas moved into the Mexican embassy on December 17, seeking asylum. Since then, he has stayed on the Mexican Embassys grounds in Quito. Riot police officers and members of the diplomatic police corps stand guard outside the Ecuadorian embassy in Mexico City |AFP His seeking of asylum came at a time when authorities ordered him to appear before prosecutors to answer questions in a corruption probe against him. Prosecutors are looking into alleged mismanagement of funds meant for the earthquake reconstruction efforts. The Mexican government granted him political asylum on Friday, just a few hours before police raided the embassy. Is Delhi headed towards a constitutional crisis? Ever since the AAP came to power in the state, the crux of confrontations between its government and the BJP-ruled Centre has been legal and constitutional issues. With the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, this contest is at its keenest now. A second petition has been filed seeking the removal of Kejriwal as CM. The challenge for the AAP is to ensure smooth functioning of the government to deny the BJP-led Centre any opportunity to intervene. The AAP insists that Kejriwal will continue to rule Delhi from behind bars. There is no legal or constitutional bar in governing from jail, said Somnath Bharti, AAP candidate in New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency. The Delhi High Court also recently rejected a plea seeking the removal of Kejriwal as chief minister, saying, There may be practical difficulties, but that is something else. Where is the legal bar? The court ruled that there was no scope for judicial interference, and left it for the other wing of the government to examine the matter. With each passing day, though, doubts are mounting about the longterm practicality of Kejriwal continuing as chief minister. The BJP-led Union government is weighing its options, which include the imposition of Presidents rule in Delhi. Lt Governor V.K. Saxena has declared that the government could not be run from jail, while the BJP has been demanding Kejriwals resignation saying he cannot be above the law. Former Delhi High Court judge R.S. Sodhi said governing from jail was not an option. One cannot leave it to the whims and fancies of superintendents in jail, and [rely] on exchanging a piece of paper here and a piece of paper there, he said. In such a scenario, you expose matters of state importance to other inmates. P.D.T. Achary, former secretary-general of the Lok Sabha, cited issues of practicality. There certainly are challenges such as presiding over confidential meetings and discussing matters with officials, he said. Experts say Kejriwal should resign and nominate a successor. As a temporary measure, said Achary, Kejriwal can nominate one of his ministers to perform the essential function of the chief minister as a short-term arrangement. Said Sodhi: He can always be re-chosen once he comes out. A second petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking removal of Kejriwal as chief minister. The challenge now for the AAP is to ensure smooth functioning of the government to deny the BJP-led Centre any opportunity to intervene. As per Article 356 of the Constitution, Presidents rule can be imposed if the constitutional machinery in a state fails. If the LG thinks that the Delhi government is no longer being constitutionally run, there is nothing wrong in imposing the Presidents rule, said Sodhi. According to Balveer Arora, chairman, Centre for Multilevel Federalism, Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi, the state could be headed for a constitutional crisis if the Central government wants it. In a Union territory, power is already divided between the chief minister and the lieutenant governor. The rule by the Central government is already about 50 to 60 per cent in Delhi. The question is how this impending crisis would be resolved, said Arora. For its part, the AAP has been employing the dual strategy of playing the victim card and eliciting sympathy from voters by portraying Kejriwal as a son and brother who has been wronged. With Kejriwals wife, Sunita, becoming the face of this emotional appeal, there is talk that she would replace her husband as CM. If that happens, it would be unfortunate, said Arora. She is supporting her husband, but the democratic way would be to appoint one of his colleagues, rather than a family member, as chief minister. In 2015, after the Aam Aadmi Party registered a stunning victory in the assembly polls in Delhi, its office at Patel Nagar erupted in celebration. Arvind Kejriwal, party chief and the hero of the moment, appeared on a makeshift stage in front of the office to loud cheers from supporters. As Kejriwal took the mic, the first thing he did was pull his wife Sunita Kejriwal close, put his arms around her shoulders, and introduce her on live TV. This is my wife, Kejriwal said. She would never come to the front. She was always afraid that the government would act against her. Today, I told her: There is no reason to be afraid. Nobody will take action against you. Sunita, then an Indian Revenue Service officer, looked embarrassed and uncomfortable. She folded her hands and smiled as her husband thanked her for being his support system. He said he would not have been able to achieve anything without her. Earlier that day, Kejriwals first tweet as the poll results poured in was to thank Sunita. Thank you Sunita for always being there, he wrote. The two had met at the civil service academy in Mussoorie in 1993. Kejriwal had one fine day knocked on her door and simply asked her if she would marry him. She said yes, and they got married in November 1994. Sunita eventually took over the familys sheet anchor role as her husband quit the IRS, become an activist and entered politics. She stayed behind the scenes, keeping the household financially afloat, and looking after Kejriwals elderly parents and the schooling of the couples two children, Harshita and Pulkit. Kejriwal was keen that the media left her alone so that she was not in any kind of trouble with the ruling dispensation. She was commissioner of income tax at the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal when she took voluntary retirement in 2016. She did not have as much concern about Kejriwals politics as she had about his health. All through his arduous poll campaigns in Delhi and other states, she worried about his diabetes and whether he was having food and insulin injections on time. After the 2013 assembly polls in Delhi, this correspondent was at the Kejriwal residence in Ghaziabad to try and get an interview with him. Kejriwal was ailing, and Sunita proved to be a formidable barrier. When I made repeated requests for the interview, she snapped: You people care only about your story. You dont care about Arvind. I have to care for him. You can go on waiting; there is no guarantee of an interview. She did, however, finally allow a meeting with Kejriwal, strictly for five minutes. Sunita made her presence felt as a political spouse in the 2020 polls. She campaigned on his behalf in his assembly constituency in Delhi while he was away campaigning for all other party candidates. She interacted with women in the 2022 assembly polls in Punjab, where she emphasised the AAPs pro-women promises. Her public statements on X have been limited to praising the initiatives of the AAP governments in Delhi and Punjab, or reposting announcements by the party or its governments. She made it a point to stay out of the fight between the AAP and the BJP-led Union government. A rare occasion when she broke that rule was when she tweeted in 2018 to criticise Lt Governor Anil Baijal over the alleged harassment of her sister and family with regard to an alleged scam involving the public works department. With Kejriwal in the Enforcement Directorates custody over his alleged role in the case related to the corruption involved in Delhis scrapped excise policy, Sunita has dramatically stepped up her presence in the public eye. The 58-year-old has donned the role of her husbands messenger. Unlike in 2015, a confident and combative Sunita addressed the crowd at the INDIA blocs rally at the iconic Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. She read out a message from Kejriwal and said, Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi put my husband in jail. Did the prime minister do the right thing? These BJP people are saying that Kejriwal ji is in jail, so he should resign. Should he resign? Your Kejriwal is a lion. They will not be able to keep him in jail for long. She has also issued three carefully curated video messages, which have stressed upon her husbands image as the son and the elder brother of Delhiites. It was through one of these video statements that she announced Kejriwals plans to present his side of the story himself before the court. In her latest video message, she launched the partys outreach programme to garner public support for Kejriwal. The idea evidently is to connect with the people on the issue of his arrest at an emotional level. There is speculation about whether Sunita would replace Kerjiwal as Delhi chief minister if he continues to be in custody for long. Legal complications and issues of practicality are being discussed as regards to the current situation of a chief minister governing a state while being in custody. It is felt that since Kejriwal is the glue that holds the party together, there can be no better person than his wife to be his stand-in. AAP leaders, though, vehemently deny reports that the party is discussing this possibility. They insist that there are no plans to replace Kejriwal. After the AAPs victory in the 2020 assembly polls, THE WEEK had asked Sunita whether she planned to enter politics. She had replied with a firm no. I do not discuss politics much, she said. I do not interfere in any of the decisions taken by the AAP. I only lend my husband a helping hand. I am his support system. Sunita is now stepping out of the shadows to support her husband. And, for his sake, she may well have to occupy the political centre stage. Conway, Apr 6 (AP) Police in central Arkansas shot a man after he fired at officers from inside a business at a shopping mall on Saturday morning. Conway police said on Facebook that officers responded to a report about a man who had driven a vehicle into a massage therapy business at the Lewis Crossing Shopping Center. A SWAT team found an armed man who barricaded himself in a room. While officers were talking to the man, he shot at them and officers returned fire, striking him. No officers were injured. Officer Shad Foley, a spokesperson for the Conway Police Department, said the man was taken to a local hospital. Foley did not know his condition. Foley said he could not confirm why the man crashed his vehicle into the Massage Envy storefront, or whether police would file charges against him. The investigation is still completely fresh and underway, Foley said. Photos and video from television stations showed the man's white SUV completely inside the storefront. For a time, a police armoured vehicle was parked outside. Nearby businesses were cleared of customers and employees during the standoff. Bystander video showed the SWAT team with guns drawn forcibly entering a restaurant next to the massage business. Glass windows at the front of both businesses were shattered. Some responders to the police department's Facebook post said they were locked down in nearby stores. Foley said the wing of the shopping center remains closed while Arkansas State Police investigate the shooting. Conway is about 33 miles (53 kilometers) north of Little Rock.(AP) RUP RUP Quito, Apr 7 (AP) Mexico's government severed diplomatic ties with Ecuador after police broke into the Mexican Embassy to arrest a former Ecuadorian vice president, an extraordinary use of force that shocked and mystified regional leaders and diplomats. Ecuadorian police late Friday broke through the external doors of the embassy in the capital, Quito, to arrest Jorge Glas, who had been residing there since December. Glas sought political asylum at the embassy after being indicted on corruption charges. The raid prompted Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to announce the breaking off of diplomatic relations with Ecuador on Friday evening, while his government's foreign relations secretary said the move will be challenged at the World Court in The Hague. This is not possible. It cannot be. This is crazy, Roberto Canseco, head of the Mexican consular section in Quito, told local press while standing outside the embassy right after the raid. I am very worried because they could kill him. There is no basis to do this. This is totally outside the norm. On Saturday, Glas was taken from the attorney general's office in Quito to the port city of Guayaquil, where he will remain in custody at a maximum-security prison. People who had gathered outside the prosecutor's office yelled strength as he left with a convoy of police and military vehicles. Glas' attorney, Sonia Vera, told The Associated Press that officers broke into his room and he resisted when they attempted to put his hands behind his back. She said the officers then knocked him to the floor, kicked him in the head, in the spine, in the legs, the hands, and when he couldn't walk, they dragged him out. Vera said the defense team was not allowed to speak with Glas while he was at the prosecutor's office, and it is now working to file a habeas corpus petition. Authorities are investigating Glas over alleged irregularities during his management of reconstruction efforts following a powerful earthquake in 2016 that killed hundreds of people. He was convicted on bribery and corruption charges in other cases. Ecuador's Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld on Saturday told reporters that the decision to enter the embassy was made by President Daniel Noboa after considering Glas' imminent flight risk and exhausting all possibilities for diplomatic dialogue with Mexico. Mexico granted Glas asylum hours before the raid. Sommerfeld said it is not legal to grant asylum to people convicted of common crimes and by competent courts. Alicia Barcena, Mexico's secretary of foreign relations, on Friday posted on the social media platform X that a number of diplomats suffered injuries during the break-in, which she said violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Sommerfeld did not address the injury claims. Diplomatic premises are considered foreign soil and inviolable under the Vienna treaties and host country law enforcement agencies are not allowed to enter without the permission of the ambassador. People seeking asylum have lived anywhere from days to years at embassies around the world, including at Ecuador's in London, which housed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for seven years because British police could not enter to arrest him. REGIONAL CRITICISM The break-in was condemned by presidents, diplomats and a regional body on Saturday. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the United States condemns any violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and takes very seriously the obligation of host countries under international law to respect the inviolability of diplomatic missions. He called on both countries to resolve their difference. Honduran President Xiomara Castro, writing on X, characterized the raid as an intolerable act for the international community and a violation of the sovereignty of the Mexican State and international law because it ignores the historical and fundamental right to asylum. The Organization of American States in a statement reminded its members, which include Ecuador and Mexico, of their obligation to not invoke norms of domestic law to justify non-compliance with their international obligations. Barcena on Friday said Mexico would take the case to the International Court of Justice to denounce Ecuador's responsibility for violations of international law. She also recalled Mexican diplomats. ECUADOR PRESIDENT FACES REELECTION NEXT YEAR Noboa became Ecuador's president last year as the nation battled unprecedented crime tied to drug trafficking. He declared the country in an internal armed conflict in January and designated 20 drug-trafficking gangs as terrorist groups that the military had authorization to neutralize within the bounds of international humanitarian law. Will Freeman, a fellow of Latin American studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said the decision to send police to Mexico's embassy raises concerns over the steps Noboa is willing to take to get reelected. His tenure ends in 2025 as he was only elected to finish the term of former President Guillermo Lasso. I really hope Noboa is not turning more in a Bukele direction, Freeman said, referring to El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, whose tough-on-crime policies have been heavily criticized by human rights organizations. That's to say less respectful of rule of law in order to get a boost to his popularity ahead of the elections. Freeman added that whether Glas was abusing diplomatic protection is a separate issue from the decision to send police to the embassy. We see a pattern of that in Latin America with politicians abusing embassies and foreign jurisdictions, not to flee prosecution but to flee accountability, he said. The Mexican Embassy in Quito remained under heavy police guard after the raid the boiling point of recent tensions between Mexico and Ecuador. Vera, Glas' attorney, said she fears something could happen to him while in custody considering the track record of the country's detention facilities, where hundreds of people have died during violent riots over the past few years. Those killed while in custody include some suspects in last year's assassination of a presidential candidate. In Ecuador going to jail is practically a death sentence, Vera said. We consider that the international political and legal person responsible for the life of Jorge Glas is President Daniel Noboa Azin. (AP) RUP RUP RUP The moment everyone was waiting for arrived Monday. The Buffalo Niagara region was in the path of totality when the moon passed in front of the sun. The eclipse began just after 2 p.m. and ended around 4:30. Totality lasted for about 3 minutes and 45 seconds beginning at 3:18 p.m. Clouds obstructed the view for many, but some were able to get glimpses of totality. Here are scenes from across Western New York. Taking in the view from Delaware Park Monday's total solar eclipse did not disappoint Tim Milligan of Pasadena, Md., which is just outside of Baltimore. Milligan was among a party of five who traveled to Buffalo from the Baltimore/Washington, D.C., area to view the once-in-a-lifetime event. "My girlfriend has a friend here, and so we came into the area to visit her, and Buffalo was in the center line," Milligan said as he set up his telescope in Delaware Park just off Rumsey Road about an hour and 15 minutes before the eclipse. How did he choose the location? "Well, I looked on Google Maps and figured it's in a residential area. It's a big park, and it looked like a lot of the crowd was going to be down on the waterfront and other places, and I thought, hopefully, I could avoid the crowds," he said. Eric Santiago and his sister Aaliyah Santana, who live in Buffalo's Riverside neighborhood, thought the same about the location. It was their second time viewing a total eclipse of the sun. "In 2017, we went to Nashville and saw the eclipse. We did a road trip out of it, and it was fun," Santiago said. "We knew then that this was going to happen, and have been waiting." The siblings both have matching sun tattoos to commemorate the 2017 viewing. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So it's different being at home," Santiago said in anticipation of Monday's event. Faye Sacchi, a Buffalo resident and Villa Maria College graduate, was joined by her mother, Christine Sacchi of Middletown in Orange County, and three of her sisters and a sister's boyfriend to view the eclipse from Delaware Park. Some family members recalled seeing a partial view of the 2017 eclipse on the New Jersey shore. "I felt like, you don't get a view of the eclipse on your birthday very often, and it's a big birthday for me. I'm 60," said Christine Sacchi. Milligan and his party, which included his girlfriend, Liz Stewart, and friends, Lori McKay, and Debbie and Bill Thatcher, worried at first that the cloud cover could result in a less than stellar experience, but when the moon's eclipse of the sun peeked through the clouds at the last minute, plunging the park into total darkness, they whooped and cheered. "I didn't think we were going to see totality," said Milligan. "I thought the clouds were going to kill us." McKay added: "We are not disappointed at all. It was well worth traveling to Buffalo for this. Absolutely." Harold McNeil Drive south to Erie, Pa., was worth it for West Seneca motorist who wanted better view Stan Thompson of West Seneca didnt like the look of the weather report in Western New York late Monday morning, so he drove southwest, hoping the clouds that were thickening in his neighborhood would thin by the time he arrived somewhere in Pennsylvania. "The sun is out," he texted four friends when he got to Erie, Pa., near Presque Isle State Park, a little after 2 p.m. to see about one-eighth of the moon covering the sun. Can anyone in Buffalo see anything? he asked. Caught a moment just a moment of blue sky, and saw first contact with the moon, replied West Seneca native Norris Pace, who lives in Edinboro, Pa. Friends from the Buffalo suburbs described hit-and-miss encounters through their eclipse glasses during the next hour or so. All marveled as totality turned to darkness after 3:15 p.m. This is awesome, its going dark, Thompson tweeted. Birds silent and roosted, Pace replied. Its so cool to hear people everywhere shouting for miles, Thompson shot back. Darkness at the Edge of Town, wrote Alan Jankowski in Orchard Park. Thompson said he got to experience more of the total eclipse because he took the drive. He wasnt worried about the drive home, either. I dont see any traffic problems whatsoever, he texted. Other than the state boys are out on (Interstate) 90 about every mile or so. Scott Scanlon Views better in the Northtowns, but it was cloudy with a dash of sun in most places The view of the eclipse was better in the Northtowns than south of Buffalo, but for many looking up, the clouds parted at just the right moment for them to get a glimpse of totality. Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda had a pretty good view of the total eclipse, and a turkey was seen walking down one street in Kenmore during the totality. The corona was visible in Cheektowaga, Amherst, parts of Buffalo, East Aurora, Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park and Ripley in Chautauqua County. It was cloudy at SUNY Buffalo State University, but there were multiple instances when the clouds parted to show the moon's progress. During totality, there was still a brief moment during the 3-minute period where the cloud cover thinned enough that slim ring of the sun could be seen framing the moon. There were a lot of moments before full totality where you could see snapshots of the coverage in Buffalo. The ring around the sun could be seen through the clouds for a few seconds. After totality, the second half of the eclipse was not visible. Barbara O'Brien At the casino, the eclipse was just another crapshoot About 40 minutes before the eclipse, John Ayers saw it was going to be cloudy. He wasnt going to be unlucky. He walked back inside the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, went straight to the Blackjack table, and as the total (cloudy) eclipse happened, he was winning $400. I guess I won, Ayers said. Looks like it was a good deal. The downtown casino hosted a watch party for Mondays eclipse, which brought the majority of patrons outside the mostly windowless hall around 3 p.m. What better place to test ones luck against the overcast skies? One man called the casino his second home. Hundreds gathered with a live band, food trucks, inflatable ax throwing and cornhole. Some people did stay inside, mainly to play table games. Gerhardt Yaskow and his mother, Jackie Tirone, missed the eclipse by accident, looking for their glasses, but they talked to a group from Texas after to find out what it was like. I said, All right, the reality is professional photographers are going to have taken pictures, itll be in the paper tomorrow, Yaskow said. Larry and Sandy Silver of East Amherst were winning on the slots ahead of heading outside for the eclipse. Larry was wearing a shirt with pictures of Sandys face and stars all over it. They were thrilled to see the number of people in Buffalo for the eclipse. The two come to the casino about once a week. Its a fun experience, Larry said. If you know your limit and dont get killed, but its entertainment. To me, its no different than going bowling. Its a little Vegas in Buffalo. The two will remember standing outside with a big group, the streetlights coming on during the darkness, and winning money. It was a spectacular day, Larry said. I mean a memory, a good memory. I loved it. Katherine Fitzgerald Bits and pieces of the total eclipse spill on those who watched Lewiston waterfront About 100 people were gathered at Lewiston Landing park on the banks of the Niagara River more than an hour before the 3:18 p.m. total solar eclipse. Gabrielle Serianni and her son Brayden Wright, 8, looked extra chill in the crowd, laying back in reclining lawn chairs as they looked up at cloudy skies. "We were at my house and couldn't see anything," said Serianni, a Lewiston resident. So they came to the park that looks across the Niagara River at Canada. Brayden said he was looking forward to it getting totally dark in the middle of the day. Cheers went up when a crescent of sun appeared at 3:16 for just a few seconds. It started to get darker moments later. By 3:22, it was getting lighter and then, for about 10 seconds, a sliver of the sun showed itself again. "You can't see anything with the glasses on," one woman complained. People tossed their eclipse glasses and looked at the thin crescent. Rob Nichols of Lewiston was excited that he got a nice photo of the sun. At a picnic table a short distance away were three women from Carlisle, Pa. Who drove 300 miles to see the eclipse. "I was from here and moved to Central Pa. in the 1960s," said Pat Pehlman. "I told them how wonderful Lewiston was." She and Susan Rose and Barbara Landis were disappointed the skies were so cloudy after their 5-hour drive. But at least the traffic was not bad at all on their trip to the Buffalo area. And slivers of the sun also began to peek out in the sky as the crowd dispersed. Mike McAndrew Bird's-eye view of avian life along Lake Erie precedes eclipse Could it have been a case of eclipse anticipation? Erie County Park Ranger Nicole Klimowicz, a bird-watcher, noticed many birds late Monday morning settled in Lake Erie unusually close to the shoreline of Wendt Beach in the Town of Evans. Mergansers, cormorants and a few varieties of gulls were among hundreds of birds frolicking in the water around 11 a.m., less than 50 yards from the shoreline, much closer than Klimowicz said she typically sees them. If you guys like birds, theres some awesome birds out there right now, she told a group visiting from Buffalo and the Binghamton area. The birds didnt stick nearby for very long, though. As more people showed up to the beach to watch the solar eclipse, the birds moved farther and farther away. Jay Tokasz Colleagues watch eclipse reflection in Rotary Rink While taking a break from work, two colleagues joined their friend to watch the eclipse from a bench at Fountain Plaza. Brenda Bridges and Michele Jetty both work at Fountain Plaza and decided to step outside and watch the eclipse over Rotary Rink with their friend Jon Miller. They were expecting a big crowd at Fountain Plaza, especially when seeing the crowded Metro Rail pass by, but were pleased to have it all to themselves as they sat on a bench watching the eclipse in the sky and reflected in the melted ice rink. What were realizing is its pretty cool to see the reflection in the water, Miller said. Francesca Bond Friends party to DJ near Theatre District A group of friends threw an impromptu party on the sidewalk outside a new clothing shop, Wild Child, on Main Street near the Theatre District. Geo Kowalo helped organize the party, which involved live DJ sets, dancing and an inflatable tube man, to celebrate the eclipse with his friends. He planned to party all afternoon and take over the DJ table at some point. Francesca Bond Clouds and darkness marvel Eden, where people wish they had seen more Several dozen people gathered at Gorcica Field in East Eden, one of the highest spots in the town, but it wasn't high enough to see but a glimpse of the eclipse through the clouds. "I just wish we could have had this yesterday but we'll still get the effect," Michelle Gonter, who organized the event, said, referring to sunny skies Sunday. "It's just not going to be extravagant as it would have been yesterday." Steve and Pam Colombo of Lake View took the drive to Eden Monday, munching on popcorn at the back of their pickup truck, eclipse glasses ready. "This is really cool, nice turnout," Pam Colombo said, but she added, "It just seems any kind of major event that happens always has the downside of it where we don't get to experience the real, you know, clarity of everything." Johanna Funke of Eden, came to Gorcica Field with her children, Ari and Colby, and mother, Jennifer Soulet. How dark did they think it was going to get? "Really dark," Colby said. And it did. Just moments before totality, the clouds parted briefly for a view of the corona and birds stopped chirping. Kathy Valentine of Eden was going to watch the eclipse in her backyard. "I said, 'Let's go up to the field,' because I knew it was happening, just a fun event," she said, "although the clouds are not going to be nice to us today." Barbara O'Brien Park School gathers crowd of students and families in party atmosphere The crowd had already started gathering on the main soccer field at Park School of Buffalo when classes let out for the day at 1 p.m. The school, one of the few that remained open on Monday, opened its campus to its students and their families for eclipse-watching, taking advantage of its 34-acre Amherst campus and wide-open field, used not only by Park but also by Daemen University. Nearly 500 people had registered to attend, though the assembled multitude as of 1:20 p.m. appeared far short of that. The school gave out free glasses to everyone who had signed up. Earlier, lower-school students had an assembly, while a Park alumnus who works in astronomy came in to teach some of the middle and upper school students in the math and science classes. "We had a day still full of academics," said Lisa Conrad, head of school. "And we have this big, beautiful campus in a perfect location to view the eclipse, and we are a school that prides itself on our community, so we thought it would be a perfect day together after our academics to share in this experience together." Outside, four deer were among the initial gatherers, but they soon left as the families started piling in, folding chairs in hand and a few dogs on leashes. Just as they would during a soccer game, they set up along the slope adjoining the field, while 15 kids of various ages started playing impromptu soccer on the field. And so the mingling and catching up began, with music blaring, after the school's two-week spring break. "I think it's so exciting," said Nicole Cook, sitting with her daughter, Ella, a second-grader at Park. "It's the time of our lives to try it. It won't happen for another 20 years, at least. Hopefully the clouds will open up a bit, but it'll be cool to see the darkness." Camilo Trumper, father of Maya, 12, and Nito, 9, even brought their dog, Remi - in part to see his reaction to the eclipse. "We wanted to see it in a community, in a place where people could be in community and we could bring the dog," he said. "So this is great. It's really nice. The energy is good. I'm really enjoying the space." "It's absolutely wonderful," said Oliva Earley, mother of kindergartner Dominic. "I love that Park School has this here. The last time we saw an eclipse, I was 10 years old and in fifth grade, and it wasn't even a full eclipse, so this is exciting, even though it is cloudy." Will that diminish things? Not for her. "It's going to get dark, even if it cloudy, and if it's anything like i remember from last time, the birds and the insects are going to be making some noise," she said. "So it's exciting." Same for Trumper. "In life, there are things you can't control and you make the best of them," he said. Jonathan D. Epstein 'Great energy' at Knox Farm Attendees of the Knox Farm State Park solar eclipse watch party began filing in quickly a little after noon. So far theres been a great energy going on here," despite the cool and cloudy weather, said Kathleen York, executive director from the Friends of Knox Farm State Park, which put on the event. More than 2,500 people were expected to attend the ticketed event that included educational programming, family activities, live music with FolkFaces and the Brass Machine, and food and beverage vendors. The event, which took a year to prepare for, was expected to bring mostly locals, as well as some out-of-state attendees, including eclipse chasers, organizers said. Mike Petro 'We may never get to do this again together,' families lunch at Anchor Bar before chasing clear skies For Kristen and Sam McGaughy, the opportunity to see a "once-in-a-lifetime" total solar eclipse with their family while their kids are still young was too good to pass up. Even if it meant driving 12-and-a-half hours Saturday night from Kimberly, Ala., after their children finished up their soccer and volleyball games. "We may never get to do this again together," Sam said. Kristen, Sam, 12-year-old Ellison and 11-year-old Sam Jr. arrived in Buffalo on Sunday and spent the day in Niagara Falls. They got wings at Anchor Bar in Buffalo on Monday afternoon and planned to drive to Highmark Stadium, where they'll watch the total solar eclipse. They started devising an eclipse plan a month ago, booking a nonrefundable hotel room in Tyler, Texas, but pivoted a few days ago when meteorologists were predicting better weather for Buffalo. "That kind of changed, but we already had our reservations made," Sam said. At least they'll get to see where the Bills play. Sam Jr., standing outside Anchor Bar in a Philadelphia Eagles sweatshirt, is a big football fan. The Eagles are his favorite, but he likes the Bills, too. "If it's going to be 30, 40 years until it happens again, it's exciting that they're going to be in different places in their lives when it comes around again," Kristen said. "It's just a good memory for our family." Francesca Bond Underground Railroad Museum decides to open last minute George Johnson decided a few days ago to give solar eclipse travelers a taste of the history behind one of Buffalo's hidden gems. As visitors cascaded into Freedom Park early Monday afternoon with lawn chairs, snacks and soccer balls, the doors of the Underground Railroad Museum were opened wide to showcase the park's background as a stop on the underground railroad, the final stop before escaped slaves could reach freedom in Canada. "We consider this sacred ground," said Johnson, president of the Friends of Broderick Park, which was the park's name until November. Despite the rapids of the Niagara River, "this is the shortest distance from this side of the Peace Bridge to Canada." The Buffalo facility is smaller than the museum in Niagara Falls, but it is nevertheless a key location. He had a hunch that the park would swarm with visitors on Monday thanks to its view of the skyline and its popularity among Buffalonians wanting to watch the sun set. "We realized how significant the eclipse was," he said. Johnson watched as a guide explained the path to freedom from the South to Canada during the early 19th century. A stack of eclipse glasses were perched on a table inside. The museum's programming including healing events, bands and food vendors does not usually start until the summer. Ben Tsujimoto McAuley Residence cook 'brightens up' residents' day with eclipse-themed treats Gerry Downs spent the weekend baking about 45 cookies and 120 cupcakes, then spent hours more meticulously decorating them for the solar eclipse. On Monday afternoon, staff and residents of McAuley Residence in the Town of Tonawanda were biting into the creative treats while hoping to catch a glimpse of the eclipse through the clouds. To Downs, a cook at McAuley Residence for nearly two years, a weekend of baking was time well spent to try to do something special for the facility's residents. "Residents are always No. 1 in any facility I've ever worked with, because this is their home and I'm an invited guest into it," Downs said. "And a lot of them can't get out and stuff like that. This way, if you can give them something exciting to look at, it brightens up their days." Downs baked the cupcakes Saturday and then decorated them for about 3 hours Sunday. The cookies, meanwhile, took Downs about eight hours "because I'm just very meticulous about how they need to come out." An eclipse viewing party for McAuley residents was scheduled to begin around 2 p.m., complete with Downs' cookies and cupcakes, Mars and Milky Way bars and SunnyD. Jon Harris At Southgate Plaza, many businesses hold eclipse breaks It was business as usual at the Southgate Plaza in West Seneca, where stores were open at nearly full capacity, though many planned to provide employees time to watch the eclipse. KAY Jewelers, Subway and Market at the Square were among the businesses closing for 45 minutes to an hour to let employees take an eclipse break. "We're allowing our employees to go out and take a look," said Nick Kusmierski, a co-owner of Market at the Square, which closed from 3 to 3:45 p.m., when employees could go outside if they wished. The store took on the same community spirit it shows for other holidays and Buffalo Bills games with eclipse-themed clothing, baked goods and other gear available and employees decked out in eclipse T-shirts and sweatshirts. On the other side of the plaza, Southgate Liquor & Wine closed from 2 to 4 p.m. so everyone can do their thing, said sales clerk Linda Volansky. I hope this turns out the way people are hoping it will be and that it goes nice for Buffalo." A store display held bottles of eclipse-themed wine, which Volansky said were selling over the weekend. "We did notice people were buying for parties and for watching the eclipse at home. And they were trying our eclipse wine. People are interested and they're making the most of it," she added. Toni Ruberto Eclipse chasers with roots in Buffalo considered Cleveland to watch totality. Instead, they're in WNY Karen and Alan Troidl drove from their home in Binghamton to watch the total solar eclipse inside the path of totality in their native Western New York unless it got cloudy. Then, were going to Cleveland, said the former Karen Guyette, a West Seneca East High School Class of 1979 graduate, shortly after their arrival in the region Sunday afternoon. The couple avid vacationers who plan a European travel business after Karens retirement later this week were among those in the Buffalo Niagara region who awoke Monday morning to cloud cover blanketing almost all of the sky. They considered the three-hour drive to Ohio, then decided to stay put sort of. "I was looking at the reports last night, and wasnt really seeing a huge difference," Alan Troidl said late Monday morning. "I was considering hopping in the car and finding some park or parking lot and being able to set up for the eclipse. The more I thought about having to return, with lots of traffic jams and a couple million of my closest friends, all in their cars on the highways, that started to look a little less and less appealing to me. "We decided in the end that staying put was probably the best course of action, and hoping for the best here. Theres also the hope here that there can be a little bit of clearing around the totality. Alan Troidl grew up in the Bailey-Delevan neighborhood of Buffalo. His grandfather, George Inky Troidl, and father, John, both worked for decades in The Buffalo News composing room. Alan worked as a Vestal High School math teacher until his retirement in January. Karen on Friday will end a career in corporate communications with Welliver, a construction management firm. First thing Monday morning, the couple decided to watch the eclipse with her sister and their brother-in-law, Mary and Len Przewozny, at their house in West Seneca. Then, the excitement of the day got the better of them. Alan Troidl had toyed with another backup plan for the last 10 days and decided to spring into action early Monday afternoon. He, his wife and in-laws drove to Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park. If the weather wasnt going to cooperate to actually see the eclipse," he'd reasoned, "could there be some other way to capture some photographs showing the effects of the eclipse on the area?" The sledding hill at the county park has a sweeping view of Buffalo on many days, and the Troidls brought cameras with solar-filtered lenses. "Im going to try to zoom in on the downtown Buffalo area and try to get a series of shots showing whats happening to the landscape of downtown Buffalo as the eclipse progresses, he said. Were going to be eclipse chasers," his wife said, "but were going to chase it to Chestnut Ridge. As totality struck, they were glad they stayed. "Reporting back from Chestnut Ridge ... totally worth staying in the Buffalo area," Karen Troidl told The News. "The skies opened up at just the right moment." Scott Scanlon 'I just want to get a glimpse,' Tonawanda amateur astronomer pleads Steve Barth of the Town of Tonawanda has been waiting since the Aug. 21, 2017, partial eclipse for Monday's totality. Barth got the town to let him close off his section of Puritan Road for a solar eclipse block party. He and his wife, Maria, have set up moon pies and other snacks, pop and Big Ditch Brewing Co.'s WNY Eclipse beer and a grill for hot dogs. He's got eclipse glasses to hand out to friends and neighbors and two telescopes with solar filters set up in his driveway. His daughters are helping to set up a music playlist heavy on songs with "moon" and "sun" in the titles. He's got everything except the ideal viewing weather he's coveted for seven years. "I don't ask for too much," said Barth, who wore a "Get Ready 04.08.2024" totality T-shirt, as he looked up ruefully at the gray skies overhead. Barth, an amateur astronomer who was hoping to photograph the eclipse, said it's been tough over the past couple of weeks watching Monday's forecast fluctuate before the final predicted cloud cover came into focus. "It's just been too much. I had to get away from it. Gets you upset," he said. His daughter Julia tried to cheer him up. "Don't be so negative," she said. If Monday didn't pan out, Barth was eyeing an international do-over. "If we don't see it here," Barth said, "we talked about going to Spain in two years." Stephen T. Watson It's my first day on the job. Is it always like this here? It's not often you can say that on your first day at a new job, a highly anticipated astronomical phenomenon shut down local and county government offices, closed businesses and plunged the region into temporary darkness. But I can say that today. On Monday, I began work as The Buffalo News climate and environment reporter, writing about environmental justice, pollution and climate change adaptation issues in Erie County. Welcome officially to The News!" wrote Managing Editor Margaret Kenny Giancola in an email to me Monday morning. "Weirdest first day ever. I didn't get to meet my new colleagues in person. My first day was spent filling out new-employee paperwork from an apartment I moved into on April Fools Day. Odd beginnings arent entirely new to me. My first day of work at my previous job at The Tribune newspaper in San Luis Obispo, Calif., was July 13, 2020. As the world was suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic, The Tribune was moving out of its office to shift to completely remote work by July 17. So, I had one week in the office during which my new colleagues were moving their computers, files and office trinkets to their homes. Introductions to the news team were made behind masks or virtually through computer screens. I had no idea what the bottom half of faces looked like of many of the first people I met in San Luis Obispo, and going to bars, restaurants or cafes to socialize wasnt an option. I see my first day at The News on the day of the eclipse as pretty significant. Solar eclipses have many different meanings in various cultures around the world. Astrologically, the solar eclipse can be seen as a catalyst for major changes and new beginnings in life, according to astrologer Georgia Nicolas in an interview with The Toronto Star. Use this solar eclipse to grab a new opportunity in any way you want to move forward, she told The Toronto Star. I'll take that advice. Mackenzie Shuman Area roads and highways free of slowdowns Despite concerns about eclipse-watching crowds causing gridlock, there were no major traffic issues in the area Monday. The number of motorists who had used the state Thruway by about noon Monday was down about 9% compared to the second Monday in April last year, according to a Thruway Authority spokesman. The drop was likely due to school and business closures, as well as travelers being encouraged to get to their destinations early, the spokesman said. Peshawar, Apr 7 (PTI) The vehicle carrying Chinese engineers, who were killed in a suicide attack last month in northwest Pakistan, was neither bullet nor bomb-proof, according to a police report. A vehicle-borne suicide bomber targeted the convoy of Chinese engineers in the remote Besham area of the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province when they were being driven to a construction site of the Dasu Hydroelectric power station in Kohistan district of the same province on March 26. Five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver were killed in the attack. The police report, which has been sent to the federal government, said that the bus targeted in the attack was travelling at a distance of 15 feet from the other bus and fell into a 300-feet-deep ditch after the suicide bomber crashed his explosives-laden vehicle into the vehicle carrying the victims on the Karakoram Highway, Geo News reported on Sunday. The report said that the vehicle carrying Chinese nationals was neither bullet nor bomb-proof. The report, the second of its kind, added that the buses part of the convoy carrying Chinese nationals was equipped with close circuit television cameras (CCTV). The development comes a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered disciplinary action against senior police officers for "negligence" in light of an inquiry report over the incident. "The prime minister has directed to take action against the regional police officer (RPO) Hazara Division; district police officer of Upper Kohistan and Lower Kohistan; director security, Dasu Hydropower Project and commandant special security unit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within 15 days," Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said. On Friday, Sharif directed all Pakistani security agencies to ensure foolproof security arrangements for the Chinese nationals working on various projects in the country. Meanwhile, China has also expressed concern about last Tuesday's attack and demanded the safety of their nationals working on various projects in Pakistan. Thousands of Chinese personnel are working in Pakistan on several projects under the aegis of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Last week, Geo News reported the "arrest" of more than 10 terrorists and facilitators involved in the deadly attack. Citing sources, it said that the terrorist commander responsible for bringing the suicide bomber to Pakistan from Afghanistan has also been arrested as well as four other facilitators. Quito (Ecuador), Apr 7 (AP) International leaders have condemned Ecuador after police in the country's capital broke into the Mexican Embassy to arrest a former vice president who had been granted political asylum. The raid late Friday prompted Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to break off diplomatic relations with Ecuador, while his government's foreign relations secretary said the move will be challenged at the World Court in The Hague. Police broke through the external doors of the embassy in Quito to arrest Jorge Glas, who had been residing there since December. He had sought asylum after being indicted on corruption charges and it had been granted hours earlier. The break-in was widely condemned. The Organisation of American States in a statement reminded its members, which include Ecuador and Mexico, of their obligation not to invoke norms of domestic law to justify non-compliance with their international obligations. The Spanish foreign ministry, in a statement on Sunday, said that The entry by force into the Embassy of Mexico in Quito constitutes a violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. We call for respect for international law and harmony between Mexico and Ecuador, brotherly countries to Spain and members of the Ibero-American community. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the United States condemns any violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and takes very seriously the obligation of host countries under international law to respect the inviolability of diplomatic missions. He called on both countries to resolve their difference. Honduran President Xiomara Castro, writing on X, characterised the raid as an intolerable act for the international community and a violation of the sovereignty of the Mexican State and international law because it ignores the historical and fundamental right to asylum. Diplomatic premises are considered foreign soil and inviolable under the Vienna treaties and host country law enforcement agencies are not allowed to enter without the permission of the ambassador. People seeking asylum have lived anywhere from days to years at embassies around the world, including at Ecuador's in London, which housed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for seven years as British police could not enter to arrest him. Alicia Barcena, Mexico's secretary of foreign relations, on Friday posted on the social media platform X that a number of diplomats suffered injuries during the break-in. Barcena said Mexico would take the case to the International Court of Justice to denounce Ecuador's responsibility for violations of international law. She also recalled Mexican diplomats. GLAS IS TAKEN TO PRISON On Saturday, Glas was taken from the attorney general's office in Quito to the port city of Guayaquil, where he will remain in custody at a maximum-security prison. People who had gathered outside the prosecutor's office yelled strength as he left with a convoy of police and military vehicles. Glas' attorney, Sonia Vera, told The Associated Press that officers broke into his room and he resisted when they attempted to put his hands behind his back. She said the officers then knocked him to the floor, kicked him in the head, in the spine, in the legs, the hands, and when he couldn't walk, they dragged him out. Vera said the defense team was not allowed to speak with Glas while he was at the prosecutor's office, and it is now working to file a habeas corpus petition. Authorities are investigating Glas over alleged irregularities during his management of reconstruction efforts following a powerful earthquake in 2016 that killed hundreds of people. He was convicted on bribery and corruption charges in other cases. Ecuador's Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld on Saturday told reporters that the decision to enter the embassy was made by President Daniel Noboa after considering Glas' imminent flight risk and exhausting all possibilities for diplomatic dialogue with Mexico. Mexico granted Glas asylum hours before the raid. Sommerfeld said it is not legal to grant asylum to people convicted of common crimes and by competent courts. ECUADOR'S PRESIDENT FACES REELECTION NEXT YEAR Noboa became Ecuador's president last year as the nation battled unprecedented crime tied to drug trafficking. He declared the country in an internal armed conflict in January and designated 20 drug-trafficking gangs as terrorist groups that the military had authorisation to neutralise within the bounds of international humanitarian law. Will Freeman, a fellow of Latin American studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said the decision to send police to Mexico's embassy raises concerns over the steps Noboa is willing to take to get reelected. His tenure ends in 2025 as he was only elected to finish the term of former President Guillermo Lasso. I really hope Noboa is not turning more in a Bukele direction, Freeman said, referring to El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, whose tough-on-crime policies have been heavily criticised by human rights organisations. That's to say, less respectful of rule of law in order to get a boost to his popularity ahead of the elections. Freeman added that whether Glas was abusing diplomatic protection is a separate issue from the decision to send police to the embassy. We see a pattern of that in Latin America with politicians abusing embassies and foreign jurisdictions, not to flee prosecution but to flee accountability, he said. The Mexican Embassy in Quito remained under heavy police guard after the raid the boiling point of recent tensions between Mexico and Ecuador. Vera, Glas' attorney, said she fears something could happen to him while in custody considering the track record of the country's detention facilities, where hundreds of people have died during violent riots over the past few years. Those killed while in custody include some suspects in last year's assassination of a presidential candidate. In Ecuador, going to jail is practically a death sentence, Vera said. We consider that the international political and legal person responsible for the life of Jorge Glas is President Daniel Noboa Azin. (AP) PY PY Jerusalem, Apr 7 (AP) A top Iranian military adviser on Sunday warned Israel that none of its embassies were safe following last week's strike in Damascus blamed on Israel that killed two elite Iranian generals. Regional tensions threaten to draw the Middle East into a wider conflict as Israel's war against Hamas marks six months. The remarks by Gen. Rahim Safavi, a military adviser to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, signalled that the attack on a diplomatic mission could be met with a similar response. Israel has not directly acknowledged its involvement. None of the embassies of the (Israeli) regime are safe anymore, Safavi was quoted as saying by the semi-official Tasnim agency. He spoke at a ceremony in Tehran for the generals killed in the strike that flattened an Iranian consular building. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was prepared for any response. Whoever harms us or plans to harm us, we will harm them," he told a Cabinet meeting. The regional tensions came at the six-month mark of the war, which was sparked when Hamas-led militants crossed from Gaza into Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking about 250 captive. Israel retaliated with a fierce bombardment and ground offensive that has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities. Also Sunday, Israel's military announced it was drawing back forces from the 98th paratroopers division who had been operating in the area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, bringing Israeli troop levels in Gaza to some of the lowest levels since the war began. The Hamas stronghold has been the main focus of Israel's offensive in recent months. The forces withdrew to recuperate and prepare for future operations, while a significant number remain elsewhere in Gaza, said Israeli military officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorised to speak to the media. Israel maintains troops in devastated northern Gaza and can send them south when needed. Israel has vowed a ground offensive on the southernmost Gaza city of Rafah, considered Hamas' last stronghold. But the area shelters some 1.4 million people more than half of Gaza's population. The prospect of an offensive has raised global alarm, including from top ally the US, which has demanded to see a credible plan to protect civilians. The war's six-month mark has been met with growing frustration in Israel, where anti-government protests have swelled and anger is mounting over what some Israelis see as government inaction to help free the remaining roughly 130 hostages, about a quarter of whom are said by Israel to be dead. Negotiations in pursuit of a cease-fire in exchange for the hostages' release were expected to resume in Cairo on Sunday. An Israeli delegation led by the head of the Mossad intelligence agency was due to depart for Cairo, according to an Israeli official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter with the media. Israel is prepared for a deal; Israel is not prepared to surrender," Netanyahu said. "Instead of the international pressure being directed at Israel, which is only causing Hamas to harden its positions, the pressure of the international community needs to be directed at Hamas. Pressure rose for action now. This doesn't seem a war against terror. This doesn't seem anymore a war about defending Israel. This really, at this point, seems it's a war against humanity itself," Chef Jose Andres told ABC, days after an Israeli airstrike killed seven of his World Central Kitchen colleagues in Gaza. Aid deliveries on a crucial new sea route to the territory were suspended. The UN and partners now warn of imminent famine for more than 1 million people in Gaza as humanitarian workers urge Israel to loosen restrictions on the delivery of aid overland, the only way to meet soaring needs as some Palestinians forage for weeds to eat. Mothers who have given birth in Gaza since the war began are especially vulnerable. The Health Ministry in Gaza said the bodies of 38 people killed in Israel's bombardment had been brought to the territory's remaining functional hospitals in the past 24 hours. Hospitals also received 71 wounded, it said. The ministry said 33,175 have been killed since the war began. The ministry doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants but says two-thirds of the dead are children and women. Another 75,886 have been wounded. Israel's military continued to suffer losses, including in Khan Younis, where the military said four soldiers were killed in a battle with militants. Over 600 Israeli soldiers have been killed since October 7, including 260 in the Gaza ground operation, according to Israel's government. (AP) PY PY Beijing, Apr 7 (AP) US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen sent a message of mutual cooperation at a meeting on Sunday with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, highlighting the improvement in relations since her visit to China last year while recognising that major differences remain. After focusing on trade and economic issues for the first two days of her visit, Yellen turned to the broader US-China relationship in the meeting with Li, one of China's top leaders. While we have more to do, I believe that, over the past year, we have put our bilateral relationship on more stable footing, she said in the ornate Fujian room of the Great Hall of the People on the west side of Tiananmen Square. Yellen, who is regarded favourably in China, is the first Cabinet member to visit since Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping met in California in November in a carefully orchestrated meeting to set the troubled relationship between their countries on a better course. Li, in remarks before the media before their meeting, said the high media interest in Yellen's visit shows the high expectation they have ... and also the expectation and hope to grow the US-China relationship. China's emergence as an economic and military power has created a rivalry with the long dominant United States. The US has restricted China's access to advanced semiconductors and other technology, saying it could be used for military purposes. China, still a middle-income country, accuses the US of trying to constrain its economic development. At their meeting, Li told Yellen that China hopes the US won't politicise economic and trade issues or overstretch the definition of national security, the official Xinhua News Agency said. Yellen came to China with trade practices that put American companies and workers at an unfair competitive disadvantage at the top of her agenda. Chinese government subsidies and other policy support have encouraged solar panel and EV makers in China to invest in factories, building far more production capacity than the domestic market can absorb. While that has driven down prices for consumers, Western governments fear that that capacity will flood their markets with low-priced exports, threatening American and European jobs. But Li argued that the development of the green energy industry in China would make an important contribution to combating climate change, the Xinhua report said. The US and China on Saturday agreed to hold intensive exchanges on more balanced economic growth, according to a US statement issued after Yellen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng held extended meetings over two days in the southern city of Guangzhou. They also agreed to start exchanges on combating money laundering. It was not immediately clear when and where the talks would take place. As the world's two largest economies, we have a duty to our own countries and to the world to responsibly manage our complex relationship and to cooperate and show leadership on addressing pressing global challenges," Yellen said. Relations were at a low point when she visited in July in the early stages of efforts to improve ties. China had cut off talks on a range of issues in anger over a visit by then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in 2022. Tensions were further inflamed by a Chinese balloon that traversed America in early 2023 before being shot down by a US fighter jet. In that context, Yellen's visit is an attempt to build on a fragile stability that has been established. The end of her trip will overlap with a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday and Tuesday that was announced by China's Foreign Ministry on Sunday. China's sharp rise in trade with the Kremlin has increased since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While China does not provide weapons to Russia, the US has expressed concern about China's sale of items to Russia that can have military as well as civilian uses. During a press conference on Saturday, Yellen addressed the US relationship with China on the subject of Russia. We think there's more to do, but I do see it as an area where we've agreed to cooperate and we've already seen some meaningful progress, she said. "They understand how serious an issue this is to us. Yellen also met on Sunday with Beijing Mayor Yin Yong and told him that local governments play a critical (economic) role, from boosting consumption to addressing overinvestment, adding that Beijing is particularly important in China. I believe that to understand China's economy and its economic future, engagement with local government is essential, Yellen said. Later Sunday, Yellen met with students and faculty at Peking University. (AP) PY PY Kyiv, Apr 7 (AP) Officials at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant said that the site was attacked Sunday by Ukrainian military drones, including a strike on the dome of the plant's sixth power unit. According to the plant authorities, there was no critical damage or casualties and radiation levels at the plant were normal after the strikes. The International Atomic Energy Agency said Sunday that its experts had been informed of the drone strike and that such detonation is consistent with IAEA observations. Without apportioning blame, the head of the U.N.'s atomic watchdog agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, warned of the safety risks of such attacks. I urge refraining from actions that contradict the 5 IAEA principles and jeopardize nuclear safety, he said on the social media site X. The power plant has been caught in the crossfire since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and seized the facility shortly after. The IAEA has repeatedly expressed alarm about the nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, amid fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe. Both Ukraine and Russia have regularly accused the other of attacking the plant, which is still close to the front lines. The plant's six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features. Also on Sunday, three people were wounded in Russian shelling in Ukraine's northeast Kharkiv region, according to regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov. In Russia, a girl died and four other people were wounded when the debris of a downed Ukrainian drone fell on a car carrying a family of six people in Russia's Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said. (AP) AMS Dhaka, Apr 7 (PTI) Bangladesh's security agencies Sunday arrested a senior commander of a tribal insurgent group believed to have links with an Islamist terror organisation, days after the outfit looted state-owned banks and abducted a bank manager in southeastern hills, officials said. Elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), which draws personnel from the army, navy, and air force alongside police, said that they arrested Cheosim Bom, a key organiser and coordinator of the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF). "We found him hiding inside a locked locker during the raid at his home on the outskirts of the (Bandarban) town, RABs region commander Lt Col. HM Sajjad told reporters in Bandarban. He described Cheosim Bom as Bandarban-based KNFs top coordinator and a close aide to its chief fugitive Nathan Bom, a fine arts graduate from Dhaka University. The development coincides with Army Chief General Shafiuddin Ahmeds visit to Bandarban where he said a military-led clampdown against the KNF has been started to eliminate the outfit. He said some KNF members were arrested and weapons were recovered from them. "After being cornered last June, they (KNF) appeared willing to negotiate. Unfortunately, their commitment to peace was superficial, as evidenced by their continued involvement in criminal acts," the army chief said. Bandarbans autonomous hill district council chief Kya Shai Hla last year took the initiative to convince KNF members to return to normal life under a peace negotiation. But the process was derailed as the outfit last week carried out two attacks on three branches of state-run banks, looted weapons from security people guarding the banks and abducted a bank manager. According to reports, the manager was released after three days through mediation but the KNF's latest act prompted the tribal district council chief to suspend the peace talks. KNF members last year killed three military soldiers and wounded a few others in Bandarban during a security clampdown. Security officials have said that the KNF emerged as an armed group mostly comprising people from the Christian-majority Bom tribe. They said the outfit earlier allied with a newly formed Islamist militant group called Jama'atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya, which took refuge in rugged hills. The officials said KNF offered armed training to the Islamist group members in exchange for money. Bangladesh had seen the end of a nearly two-decade-long hill insurgency in 1997 with the sealing of a peace agreement between the government and Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS) or JSS which was demanding regional autonomy. The Bom tribe had little involvement during the JSS armed campaign. Isfahan, Apr 6 (AP) A top military commander on Saturday renewed Iran's promise to retaliate after an airstrike earlier this week widely blamed on Israel destroyed Iran's consulate in Syria, killing 12 people, including two elite Iranian generals. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, Iran's joint chief of staff, told mourners gathered for the funeral of Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahdi that Iran will decide when and how to stage an operation to take revenge. Zahdi was the highest ranking commander slain in Monday's attack. The time, type, plan of the operation will be decided by us, in a way that makes Israel regret what it did," he said. "This will definitely be done. The attack on an Iranian diplomatic compound was a significant escalation in a long-running shadow war between the two archenemies, and Israel has been bracing for an Iranian response. In all, 12 people were killed in the strike: Seven Iranian Revolutionary Guard members, four Syrians and a Hezbollah militia member. On Friday, the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard, Gen. Hossein Salami, warned that our brave men will punish the Zionist regime, escalating threats against Israel. Tensions have flared against the backdrop of the six-month-old Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, and raised renewed fears of a broader regional conflict. The Islamic militant group Hamas, which has ruled Gaza for 17 years, is one of Iran's proxies, along with Lebanon's Hezbollah militia and Yemen's Houthi rebels. Both Hezbollah and the Houthis have carried out attacks along the fringes of the Gaza war, with Hezbollah engaging in daily cross-border exchanges with Israel and the Houthis frequently targeting Red Sea shipping. Bagheri made the comments in Isfahan, Zahedi's hometown, about 440 kilometers (270 miles) south of the capital Tehran.(AP) RUP RUP Tempe (US), Apr 7 (The Conversation) Middle-aged Americans are lonelier than their European counterparts. Thats the key finding of my teams recent study, published in American Psychologist. Our study identified a trend that has been evolving for multiple generations, and affects both baby boomers and Gen Xers. Middle-aged adults in England and Mediterranean Europe are not that far behind the U.S. In contrast, middle-aged adults in continental and Nordic Europe reported the lowest levels of loneliness and stability over time. We used survey data drawn from over 53,000 middle-aged adults from the US and 13 European nations from 2002 to 2020. We tracked their reported changes in loneliness every two years across the midlife years of 45 to 65. This span provided us data from the so-called silent generation of people born between 1937 and 1945; baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964; and members of Generation X, born between 1965 and 1974. Our study makes clear that middle-aged Americans today are experiencing more loneliness than their peers in European nations. This coincides with existing evidence that mortality rates are rising for working-age adults in the US. We focused on middle-aged adults for several reasons. Middle-aged adults form the backbone of society by constituting a majority of the workforce. But they also face increasing challenges today, notably greater demands for support from both their aging parents and their children. Following the Great Recession from late 2007 to 2009, middle-aged adults in the U.S. reported poorer mental and physical health compared to same-aged peers in the 1990s. Compared to several European nations, U.S. middle-aged adults currently report more depressive symptoms and higher rates of chronic illness, pain and disability. Why it matters The desire to belong is an innate and fundamental need. When this is lacking, it can have downstream consequences. Loneliness is bad for your health. Researchers have found that loneliness is as dangerous as smoking. Loneliness increases ones vulnerability to sickness, depression, chronic illness and premature death. Loneliness is considered a global public health issue. The US surgeon general released an advisory report in 2023 documenting an epidemic of loneliness and a pressing need to increase social connection. Other nations, such as the U.K. and Japan, have appointed ministers of loneliness to ensure relationships and loneliness are considered in policymaking. What still isnt known Why are middle-aged Americans exceptional when it comes to loneliness and poorer overall mental and physical health? We did not directly test this in our study, but in the future we hope to zero in on the factors driving these trends. We think that the loneliness Americans are reporting compared to peer nations comes down to limited social safety nets and to cultural norms that prioritize individualism over community. Individualisation carries psychological costs, such as reductions in social connections and support structures, which are correlates of loneliness. Relative to the other nations in our study, Americans have a higher tendency to relocate, which is associated with weak social and community ties. One of the reasons why we chose countries from across Europe is that they differ dramatically from the U.S. when it comes to social and economic opportunities and social safety nets. Social and economic inequalities likely increase ones loneliness through undermining ones ability to meet basic needs. Generous family and work policies likely lessen midlife loneliness through reducing financial pressures and work-family conflict, as well as addressing health and gender inequities. Our findings on loneliness in conjunction with previous studies on life expectancy, health, well-being and cognition suggest that being middle-aged in America is a risk factor for poor mental and physical health outcomes. (The Conversation) NSA NSA Bloomington/Durham, Apr 7 (The Conversation) The historic Paris climate agreement started a mantra from developing countries: 1.5 to stay alive. It refers to the international aim to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.8 Fahrenheit) compared with preindustrial times. But the world will likely pass that threshold within a decade, and global warming is showing little sign of slowing. The world is already facing natural disasters of epic proportions as temperatures rise. Heat records are routinely broken. Wildfire seasons are more extreme. Hurricane strength is increasing. Sea level rise is slowly submerging small island nations and coastal areas. The only known method able to quickly arrest this temperature rise is climate engineering. (Its sometimes called geoengineering, sunlight reduction methods or solar climate intervention.) This is a set of proposed actions to deliberately alter the climate. These actions include mimicking the cooling effects of large volcanic eruptions by putting large amounts of reflective particles in the atmosphere, or making low clouds over the ocean brighter. Both strategies would reflect a small amount of sunlight back to space to cool the planet. There are many unanswered questions, however, about the effects of deliberately altering the climate, and there is no consensus about whether it is even a good idea to find out. One of the largest concerns for many countries when it comes to climate change is national security. That doesnt just mean wars. Risks to food, energy and water supplies are national security issues, as is climate-induced migration. Could climate engineering help reduce the national security risks of climate change, or would it make things worse? Answering that question is not simple, but researchers who study climate change and national security like we do have some idea of the risks ahead. The massive problem of climate change To understand what climate engineering might look like in the future, lets first talk about why a country might want to try it. Since the industrial revolution, humans have put about 1.74 trillion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, largely by burning fossil fuels. That carbon dioxide traps heat, warming the planet. One of the most important things we can do is to stop putting carbon into the atmosphere. But that wont make the situation better quickly, because carbon stays in the atmosphere for centuries. Reducing emissions will just keep things from getting worse. Countries could pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and lock it away, a process called carbon dioxide removal. Right now, carbon dioxide removal projects, including growing trees and direct air capture devices, pull about 2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere per year. However, humans are currently putting over 37 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually through fossil fuel use and industry. As long as the amount added is larger than the amount removed, droughts, floods, hurricanes, heat waves and sea level rise, among numerous other consequences of climate change, will keep getting worse. It may take a long time to get to net-zero emissions, the point at which humans arent increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Climate engineering might help in the interim. Who might try climate engineering and how? Various government research arms are already gaming out scenarios, looking at who might decide to carry out climate engineering and how. Climate engineering is expected to be cheap relative to the cost of ending greenhouse gas emissions. But it would still cost billions of dollars and take years to develop and build a fleet of airplanes to carry megatons of reflective particles into the stratosphere each year. Any billionaire considering such a venture would run out of money quickly, despite what science fiction might suggest. However, a single country or coalition of countries witnessing the harms of climate change could make a cost and geopolitical calculation and decide to begin climate engineering on its own. This is the so-called free driver problem, meaning that one country of at least medium wealth could unilaterally affect the worlds climate. For example, countries with increasingly dangerous heat waves may want to cause cooling, or countries that depend on monsoon precipitation may want to restore some dependability that climate change has disrupted. Australia is currently exploring the feasibility of rapidly cooling the Great Barrier Reef to prevent its demise. Creating risks for neighbours raises conflict alarm The climate doesnt respect national borders. So, a climate engineering project in one country is likely to affect temperature and rainfall in neighboring countries. That could be good or bad for crops, water supplies and flood risk. It could also have widespread unintended consequences. Some studies show that a moderate amount of climate engineering would likely have widespread benefits compared with climate change. But not every country would be affected in the same way. Once climate engineering is deployed, countries may be more likely to blame climate engineering for extreme events such as hurricanes, floods and droughts, regardless of the evidence. Climate engineering may spark conflicts among countries, leading to sanctions and demands for compensation. Climate change can leave the poorest regions most vulnerable to harm, and climate engineering should not exacerbate that harm. Some countries would benefit from climate engineering and thus be more resilient to geopolitical strife, and some would be harmed and thus left more vulnerable. While small experiments have been carried out, nobody has conducted large-scale climate engineering yet. That means that a lot of information about its effects relies on climate models. But while these models are excellent tools for studying the climate system, theyre not good at answering questions about geopolitics and conflict. On top of that, the physical effects of climate engineering depend on who is doing it and what theyre doing. Whats next? For now, there are more questions about climate engineering than answers. Its hard to say whether climate engineering would create more conflict, or if it could defuse international tensions by reducing climate change. But international decisions on climate engineering are likely coming soon. At the United Nations Environment Assembly in March 2024, African countries called for a moratorium on climate engineering, urging all precaution. Other nations, including the United States, pressed for a formal scientific group to study the risks and benefits before making any decisions. Climate engineering could be part of an equitable solution to climate change. But it also carries risks. Put simply, climate engineering is a technology that cant be ignored, but more research is needed so policymakers can make informed decisions. (The Conversation) NSA NSA Nagpur, Apr 7 (PTI) A 36-year-old woman from Nagpur has accused a man of posing as an Indian Air Force official and extorting nearly Rs 4 lakh from her after taking her intimate photos and videos, an official said on Sunday. Based on a complaint by the woman, the police on Sunday registered a case against accused Shyam Supatkar for rape, extortion and a few more charges under the Indian Penal Code. The woman told the police that she met the accused, who had created a fake profile in the name of Shyam Verma, on Facebook about four years ago. The accused claimed he was an Indian Air Force official posted in Gujarat but lived in Nagpur. Both decided to meet eventually. During the meeting, Supatkar allegedly gave her a sedative-laced drink, knocking her unconscious. He then shot her intimate photos and videos, she said. Supatkar allegedly threatened to release the womans photos and videos on social media unless she complied with his demands, the official from Ajni police station said. The accused took Rs 4 lakh cash and some gold and silver jewellery from her, alleged the woman. The woman approached the police after learning that the man was not an Air Force official, he said, adding that Supatkar was yet to be arrested. Vadodara, Apr 7 (PTI) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday called for the need to make special efforts to eliminate discrimination over caste and gender in society. The RSS chief was speaking at an intellectuals meet in Vadodara on the second day of his two-day Gujarat visit. On Saturday, he had attended a similar programme in Bharuch in south Gujarat, stated a release from RSS. In his address to intellectuals, Bhagwat said Sajjan shakti (noble power) should be organised and made active for social changes through harmony, family education, adherence to rituals, environmental protection, awakening of indigenous values and education in civic duty. Special efforts should be made to eliminate caste and gender differences in society, and special experiments should be done to create a network of Sajjan shakti, the release said, quoting him. During the meet, people working in fields like health, environment, art, literature, and social change expressed their thoughts and opinions about their projects, it said. On the occasion, the release stated, RSS leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi said that being the bearer of the worlds most ancient culture and tradition, it has been our tradition to solve the problems arising in society from time to time through spirituality, education, art, and industrial power. Bhagwat will stay overnight in Ahmedabad before leaving the state on Monday morning, it added. Kolkata, Apr 7 (PTI) Tragedies unfolding due to riverbank erosion and central and state governments' apathy to effectively tackle the issue are likely to dominate voters' minds in West Bengal's Malda Dakshin seat in the Lok Sabha elections. Among the two remaining Congress-held Lok Sabha seats in the state the other being Baharampur in neighbouring Murshidabad district Malda Dakshin candidates, cutting across parties, are also expected to factor in the influence of former Congress patriarch ABA Ghani Khan Choudhury, whose legacy continues to influence the region even 18 years after his demise. The Congress has passed on the representation mantle from an indisposed Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury, Ghani Khan's brother who won the seat without a break from the 2006 bypolls, to his son Isha Khan Choudhury. Isha Khan is a former MLA from Sujapur and Baisnabnagar, two of the assembly segments of the parliamentary seat. Isha Khan, who is seen as dominant in this Muslim-majority seat which has nearly a 60 per cent minority population, further received a boost with the backing of the Left. The BJP fielded Sreerupa Mitra Chaudhury aka 'Nirbhaya Didi', a tag she earned for chairing a special task force on rape, trafficking and violence against women set up by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after the 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder incident. The Trinamool Congress, on the other hand, reposed its faith in Shanawaz Ali Raihan, a political greenhorn and research scholar at the Oxford University. The 2021 state election results were perhaps the biggest shot in the arm for the TMC when it swept six of the seven assembly seats in this parliamentary segment, losing only English Bazar segment to the BJP from where Sreerupa is the sitting MLA. At least five of the seven assembly constituencies of Malda Dakshin are affected by significant losses in farmland and settlements along the Ganga. Also, the tragedy that often happens during monsoon due to the constant shift in river course has rendered lakhs of people homeless in the past few decades and stole their agricultural livelihood. "The Centre has drastically cut down on funds for anti-erosion measures along both banks of the Ganga and has passed the buck onto the shoulders of the state," alleged Isha Khan. "The state, on its part, is doing a shoddy job by building embankments with sandbags which is no more than a temporary solution," he said, and alleged that fledgling corruption in the form of commission cuts fill up pockets of local TMC leaders and their trusted set of contractors. "It's a colossal waste of money from whichever angle you look at," the Congress candidate said. Raihan disagrees and blames central policies for people's distress. "The Centre is spending thousands of crores for beautification of river banks in Uttar Pradesh, but they haven't spent a penny here to find a permanent solution to the erosion problem or provide relief to the displaced people," he alleged. Defending the state for its limited resources, the Trinamool Congress candidate argued, "The Rs 100 crore allotment for strengthening the embankments is the best this government can do under current circumstances." Sreerupa, on the other hand, has a different take on the issue. "Displacement caused by land erosion forces thousands of people to migrate to places such as Kerala, Gujarat and Delhi every year in search of work. There, they witness the development ushered in by the Modi government and now aspire to have the same facilities in their home state," she said while claiming increasing support for the BJP in the constituency. "This is an election for 'rashtra nirman' (nation building), an election to ensure the country's security. This is an election for Modi and no one else," Sreeupa said, as she drew attention to the increasing popularity of the Prime Minister in Malda. There is uniform agreement amongst all opposition candidates on the Ghani Khan factor still spinning magic in voters' minds in the region. The disagreement, though, is about the nature of his legacy. "People remember Ghani Khan with respect and gratefulness for his work. But they don't like his successors in the family who have turned out to be disappointments. Moreover, the BJP is fighting dynasty politics across the country and the people of Malda now find us as a viable alternative to the Congress' questionable legacy and Trinamool Congress' corruption," Sreerupa said. Raihan said a significant section of the electorate are first-time voters who were born at the fag-end of the patriarch's life or after he died in 2006. "The Ghani myth does not touch them," he said. "His successors have hardly ever raised voices in Parliament for their people. They have largely remained mute when people sent them to shout about their distress," he alleged. Isha Khan, however, is confident of people's unwavering love for his uncle 'Barkatda' (a name by which Ghani Khan was better known) filtering down to him. And he is counting on Trinamool Congress' anti-incumbency for it. "In 2021, the TMC created a panic over CAA and NRC, which swayed people to vote for them. That hype is now gone and people would no longer get manipulated by the TMC," he said. The seat, which had 15.75 lakh voters in 2019, will go to polls in the third phase on May 7. Five of the seven assembly seats of Malda Dakshin fall in Malda district, while two -- Farakka and Samserganj -- fall in adjacent Murshidabad district. Ranchi, Apr 7 (PTI) Come May 13, many interior areas in the Maoist den of Singhbhum Lok Sabha seat in Jharkhand will witness voting for the first time, or after decades-long gap, as polling teams and materials will be air dropped from helicopters to enable people living in Saranda, Asia's densest Sal forest, to exercise their franchise. As many as 118 remote booths will be set up by personnel and materials dropped from choppers. "We are committed to ensuring that no voter is left out... we have identified many areas where polling will be conducted for the first time or after nearly two decades as these locations were badly affected by Maoist insurgency," West Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner cum District Election Officer Kuldeep Chaudhary told PTI. Despite improvement in the situation, West Singhbhum remains one of the worst left-wing extremism-affected districts of the country. It had witnessed 46 Maoist-related incidents resulting in 22 deaths last year. Polling stations such as Middle School, Nugdi and Madhya Vidyalaya, Borero will witness voting for the first time this election, the DC said. "As many as 118 booths in difficult locations such as Robokera, Binj, Thalkobad, Jaraikela, Roam, Rengrahatu, Hansabeda and Chhotanagra have been identified for air dropping. In some areas, polling parties will have to walk for 4-5 km. We are ensuring that no area remains untouched this time," Chaudhary said. Thalkobad and about two dozen other villages were earlier dubbed as "liberated zones" but the administration succeeded in establishing its presence through massive operations by security forces, including Operation Anaconda. A total of 15 new camps of security forces have been established in the region. "Besides helicopters, polling parties will travel through trains and roads. As many as 121 teams will be dispatched by trains, for which dry runs have been conducted. Teams on foot have to reach cluster points, and then go to polling stations. By 5.30 am on the polling date, all teams must reach the stations to conduct mock polling," he said. The DC said the constituency has over 62 voters who are over 100 years of age. One among them is Walter Lakra of Nandpur area in Manoharpur police station who told the DC that he would not be able to walk to the polling booth. Chaudhary said he will get the option to exercise his franchise at his doorstep. "For these 62 voters, and 3,909 electors aged above 85 years, besides 13,703 persons with disability, we have ensured that they get the option of home voting," he said. The administration is resorting to innovative ways, including putting up a giant sky balloon at a height of 100 feet, and running 1,284 'Chunav Pathshala' under the Systematic Voter's Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) to make people aware of the need to exercise their franchise. Singhbhum, which is a reserved constituency for Scheduled Tribes, has 14.32 lakh voters, of whom 7.27 lakh are women. Sitting MP Geeta Kora, the wife of former chief minister Madhu Koda, has been fielded from the seat by the BJP. Kora, who was the lone Congress MP from Jharkhand in the outgoing Lok Sabha, joined the saffron camp recently. INDIA allies are yet to declare any candidate for the seat. Singhbhum Lok Sabha seat has six assembly constituencies -- Seraikela, Chaibasa, Majhganon, Jagnathpur, Manoharpur and Chakradharpur. Barring Seraikela which falls in Seraikela-Kharsawan district, the remaining segments fall in West Singhbhum district. Lok Sabha polls in Jharkhand will be held in four phases on May 13, 20, 25 and June 1. In the 2019 general elections, the BJP had bagged 11 seats, while its ally AJSU had secured one. Both the JMM and Congress had won one seat each. Bhubaneswar, Apr 7 (PTI) In a jolt to the opposition BJP, the party's Odisha unit vice-president Lekhasri Samantasinghar on Sunday resigned from the saffron party and joined the Biju Janata Dal ahead of the Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections. Lekhasri is the second BJP Odisha vice-president after Bhrugu Baxipatra to resign from the BJP weeks before the polls and join the BJD. In her resignation letter to Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal, Lekhasri said that she decided to quit the saffron party having "failed" to earn the trust of the leadership. "I have given my sweat and blood to the Bharatiya Janata Party for the last ten years. However, despite all the sincerity and hard work, I could not earn the trust of the leadership. Hence, I feel there is nothing left for me to do here and my desire to serve the people of Odisha is being hampered," Lekhasri said in the letter. Lekhasri on Sunday joined the BJD in presence of party MPs Manas Mangaraj and Sasmit Patra. "It is difficult to change after sweating for a party that did not recognise my hard work. I thank BJD for accepting me. I am inspired by the developmental activities of chief minister Naveen Patnaik. I will do my best for the BJD," she told reporters after joining the regional party at 'Sankha Bhavan', the BJD state headquarters. Since BJD has yet to announce the name of its candidate from the Balasore Lok Sabha seat, she may try for a ticket to the Balasore Lok Sabha seat. The BJD in 2019 had fielded seven women candidates for the 21 Lok Sabha seats in the state. However, this time, the party has nominated only six women candidates so far. Araria (Bihar), Apr 7 (PTI) Police on Sunday enhanced vigil and conducted a flag march in Bihar's Araria district bordering Nepal as a precautionary measure in view of communal tension reported in the neighbouring country. The administration is keeping "a close watch" in areas along the India-Nepal border, the district police said on X. "Sub-divisional police officers and in charge of police stations concerned conducted a flag march in areas close to the international border along with paramilitary forces. The situation is peaceful," the police said. "The flag march was conducted during the day in areas which are close to the international border as a precautionary measure. The situation is completely peaceful. "Officials of the police stations concerned also held meetings with locals just as a precautionary measure. Security in the district has already been tightened keeping the Lok Sabha polls in mind," Araria Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Ranjan told PTI. Besides, keeping Eid-ul-Fitr, Ram Navami and Chhath Puja festivals in mind, a meeting was also held by the deputy superintendent of police, and police station heads with peace committees, public representatives and locals in the district, the SP said. The district police also issued an advisory to the general public not to share or forward unverified posts/news on social media platforms as it may mislead people, he added. Bhubaneswar, Apr 7 (PTI) Thunderstorms along with rain brought respite from the prevailing heatwave conditions in most parts of Odisha on Sunday, while three people were injured due to a lightning strike in the Balasore district. According to sources, three people, including two tourists from West Bengal, were injured after lightning struck them while they were roaming around in the Udayapur beach area. They were admitted to a local hospital. In another incident, 15 goats were killed in a lightning strike at Batasasan village in Ganjam district. According to a bulletin issued by IMD Bhubaneswar, a maximum temperature of 41.1 degrees Celsius was recorded at Malkangiri, while all other places in the state witnessed a day temperature below 40 deg C. The maximum temperature was above 40 deg C at 21 places on Saturday (April 6), with the industrial town of Angul in central Odisha being the hottest place at 43.5 deg C. According to the bulletin, the maximum temperature would fall by 2-3 deg C during the next 24 hours and rise by 2-3 deg C in subsequent three days thereafter at many places across the state. Light to moderate rainfall occurred in many places across the state on Sunday between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm. The highest, 6 mm rainfall was recorded at Keonjhar, while 3.2 mm rainfall was recorded in Baripada, 3 mm at Dhenkanal, 2.2 mm at Rayagada and 2 mm at Angul and Daringbadi, the IMD centre said. Forecasting thunderstorm with lightning accompanied by gusty surface wind speed reaching 30-40 kmph on April 9, the weather office has issued a Yellow warning (be updated) for the districts of Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Deogarh, Sonepur, Sambalpur, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Angul. Noida, Apr 7 (PTI) BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary on Sunday exhorted party workers in Gautam Buddh Nagar to reach out to every home and inform voters about the achievements of the government in view of upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Chuadhary said this while addressing a booth-level conference of the party at Chitehra village in the Dadri area, organised to shore up support for BJP candidate Mahesh Sharma. Gautam Buddh Nagar goes to polls on April 26 and has over 26 lakh registered voters. "Every worker, booth in-charge, should form teams and join the door-to-door campaign and reach out to every home. Highlight the achievements of the government and how the respect of the country has increased in foreign countries under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Chaudhary told party workers, according to a statement. "Our party has a nationalist ideology, our ideology came in 1925 and it got momentum in 1950 and our resolutions are for the national interest, removal of Article 370, construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya. Today, Article 370 has been removed, a grand temple for Lord Ram has been made in Ayodhya. All this has been possible due to the power of public vote," the BJP state president said. He also stressed upon party workers to inform voters about welfare schemes being taken to the last person (antyoday) and development taking place in every sector in the country, according to the statement. The booth-level conference was also attended by BJP's western Uttar Pradesh chief Satyendra Sisodia, Gautam Buddh Nagar unit president Gajendra Mavi and Mahesh Sharma. "All party workers should campaign at the booths as time is less and the constituency is large. If BJP candidate Mahesh Sharma is not able to reach out to people, then party workers should contact each booth, go on a door-to-door campaign to achieve a big, historic victory from Gautam Buddh Nagar," Sisodia said. PTI KIS Sharma, who won the Lok Sabha election here in 2014 and 2019, is defending his victorious run against Samajwadi Party's Mahendra Singh Nagar, Bahujan Samaj Party's Rajendra Singh Solanki, among other candidates this time. Noida, Apr 7 (PTI) Congress leader Ajay Chaudhary on Sunday sought support for Samajwadi Party's Gautam Buddh Nagar Lok Sabha candidate Mahendra Singh Nagar, who is representing the INDIA bloc in the polls. Addressing an election programme in Greater Noida's Khairpur village, Chaudhary cautioned the audience, comprising local residents besides supporters of Congress and SP, that it was time to rise above party-level politics. In western UP's Gautam Buddh Nagar, Nagar is locking horns with BJP leader Mahesh Sharma, who won the Lok Sabha polls in 2014 and 2019 and has served as a union minister in the Narendra Modi-led government's first term. "There are five assembly constituencies including around 2,700 villages and 700 colonies, in the parliamentary constituency of Gautam Buddh Nagar. I have only one request with folded hands to you all don't wait for the alliance's candidate Mahendra Singh Nagar to reach out to every home. Instead, you all reach out to every voter in every home and village to ensure his victory. It's time to rise above party politics," the Congress leader said. "There is no doubt that he is the best candidate for Gautam Buddh Nagar and I thank SP president Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for selecting Nagar as the alliance's candidate," Chaudhary added. SP spokesperson Rajkumar Bhati said there was a need for alliance supporters to understand that it would be a very time-consuming process if a candidate were to visit each and every village, and colony in the constituency, considering their large numbers. "Let us not get into formalities and show-off," Bhati told the audience, seeking their support for Nagar, who wrapped up around a dozen poll-related public meetings on Sunday. Gautam Buddh Nagar goes to polls on April 26 and has over 26 lakh registered voters spread across five assembly constituencies of Noida, Dadri, Jewar, Khurja and Sikandrabad. Chandigarh, Apr 7 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a new direction to the country, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Sunday and asserted that when India speaks today, the whole world listens. Targeting the Congress at a rally in Haryana's Tohana, which is a part of the Sirsa Lok Sabha constituency, Saini said when they were in power, they used to give mere slogans and make hollow promises. The BJP-led governments at the Centre and in the state have delivered on what they promised, the chief minister said. This was Saini's second poll rally within two days in the Sirsa constituency, the first was in Ratia in Fatehabad district. "Before 2014, the world used to speak and India used to listen. In 2024, India speaks and the world listens," he said at the rally in Tohana, also in Fatehabad, to garner support for BJP's Sirsa candidate Ashok Tanwar. India's prestige has increased globally under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Saini said. Polling for all 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana will take place on May 25. Attacking the opposition INDIA bloc, Saini said, "If you look at the 'ghamandiya gathbandhan', neither its policy is right nor its intent, and till today, no one knows what kind of leadership it has." The BJP's has the right policy, intention and leadership, he said. The INDIA bloc was formed by opposition parties, including the Congress, the Trinamool Congress, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Aam Aadmi Party, to counter the BJP in the general elections. Slamming the Congress, Saini said it is "double faced". On one hand it supports the "tukde-tukde gang", and on the other, it takes out a "Bharat Jodo Yatra", Saini said, referring to Rahul Gandhi's 2022-23 Kanyakumari-to-Kashmir yatra. Chief Minister Saini said Prime Minister Modi took a bold decision and that resulted in the scrapping of Article 370 of the Constitution. The Congress could never have done this, he said. In 2019, the Centre abrogated the Article, which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcated the states into union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. "Congress even today says they will reconsider it (if they come to power). But the country has decided not to give them this chance, and people will bring back Modi ji by giving more than 400 seats," he said. He said the country has become safe and secure under Modi's leadership. Mau (UP), Apr 7 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said on Sunday that wherever Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav goes, the BJP or its allies will win elections. SP president Yadav earlier in the day visited the ancestral residence of gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari in Yusufpur Mohammadabad of Ghazipur district and offered condolences to his family members over his recent death. Maurya said Yadav has a relationship with the criminals but the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has an enmity with it. Wherever Akhilesh goes, either the lotus will bloom (BJP will win) or the alliance will win, the deputy chief minister said. On Sunday, Maurya addressed a volunteer conference on social media in support of Goshi parliamentary constituency candidate Arvind Rajbhar of Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), a constituent party of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), here in Mau. Late former MLA Ansari, who was admitted in Banda Medical College after falling ill in Banda jail, died on the night of March 28. His family members have alleged that he was poisoned in jail. Yadav has demanded a judicial inquiry into Ansaris death under the supervision of a sitting judge of the Supreme Court. Maurya, addressing the volunteer conference, said criminals are facing action under the BJP government in the state. "We have made Uttar Pradesh mafia free. Action is being taken as per law against criminals and goons who encroach land, usurp the Constitution, carry out kidnappings and commit other such crimes," he added. "SP means hooliganism, SP means criminals, SP means mafia, SP means rioters and SP means grabbing land of the poor," the BJP leader said. Taking a dig at opposition parties, Maurya said the SP is changing its candidates daily and the Congress is not able to find any candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Jammu, Apr 7 (PTI) Dozens of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers on Sunday observed a day-long fast here in protest against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister the partys convenor Arvind Kejriwal. The protest was staged at a park in posh Gandhi Nagar area of the city with participants accusing the BJP of framing Kejriwal in a false case ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. We have assembled here as part of the worldwide protest against the arrest of a sitting chief minister in a fabricated case at the behest of the ruling BJP. The protest is not only happening in India but outside the country to seek his immediate release, spokesperson of the J&K unit of AAP Nirmal Mahna said. She alleged that the BJP is deliberately targeting AAP, which has grown into a national party within a decade under the leadership of Kejriwal and the BJP considers it as a threat. The central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate are working like puppets in the hands of the BJP. There is not a single proof against AAP leaders who are in jail because there was no money trail, as evident with the release of party MP Sanjay Singh, she said. She said democracy and the Constitution is in danger under the BJP rule and we are together to convey that dictatorship is not acceptable to the people of the country. Senior AAP leader Agya Kour said they believe in the victory of truth at the end as the BJP stands "exposed" before the people of the country. What is happening in the country in the name of fighting corruption? Anyone who joins BJP is freed of all past charges but those who are standing against BJPs misrule are dubbed as anti-national and corrupt, she said, accusing the BJP of following divide and rule and raid and rule policy to remain in power. Kannur, Apr 7 (PTI) A Maoist, who was under treatment after allegedly getting injured in a suspected wild elephant attack while he and others were passing through a forest region of this north Kerala District, said on Sunday that he has surrendered to the police. Suresh, who hails from Karnataka, and was in the custody of Kerala police, met the media today and said he has wanted to surrender for a long time. "I was a Maoist for the past 23 years and wanted to surrender for a long time. I have surrendered now. I was unable to do anything of consequence after becoming a Maoist. We were unable to make any impact in Kerala, Tamil Nadu or Karnataka even after many years.," Suresh, who was seated in a wheel chair, told the media. Police had picked up an injured Suresh, who belongs to Chikamagaluru Karnataka, after a six-member team of Maoists dropped him at the Kanjirakolli Chittari Colony along the Kerala-Karnataka border. Police had said that the Maoists had dropped him at one of the houses and left after collecting rice and other essentials from there. Local residents informed the police that the group that brought the injured man was carrying weapons. Police soon reached the locality and admitted the injured Suresh to a nearby hospital. Like many Americans, Richard Bidon says hed like to see the U.S. government go back to its original design a system of checks and balances developed nearly 240 years ago to prevent any branch, especially the presidency, from becoming too powerful. But thats mainly when Republicans are in power. Bidon, an 84-year-old Democrat who lives near Los Angeles, said if President Joe Biden is reelected, he doesnt want him to have to get the approval of a possibly Republican-controlled Congress to enact policies to slow climate change. He wants presidents to have the power to change policy unilaterally as long as theyre from the right party. When a Democrats in, I support a strong presidency, Bidon said. When Republicans are in, I dont support it that much. Its sort of a wishy-washy thing. A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Opinion Research finds that Bidons view is common. Though Americans say dont want a president to have too much power, that view shifts if the candidate of their party wins the presidency. Its a view held by members of both parties, though its especially common among Republicans. Overall, only about 2 in 10 Americans say it would be a good thing for the next president to be able to change policy without waiting on Congress or the courts. But nearly 6 in 10 Republicans say it would be good for a future President Donald Trump to take unilateral action, while about 4 in 10 Democrats say the same if Biden is reelected. The sentiment comes amid escalating polarization and is a sign of the publics willingness to push the boundaries of the political framework that has kept the U.S. a stable democracy for more than two centuries. In the poll, only 9% of Americans say the nations system of checks and balances is working extremely or very well. It also follows promises by Trump to act as a dictator on day one of a new administration to secure the border and expand oil and gas drilling. Bob Connor, a former carpenter now on disability in Versailles, Missouri, wants that type of decisive action on the border. Hes given up hope on Congress taking action. From what Ive seen, the Republicans are trying to get some stuff done, the Democrats are trying to get some other stuff done theyre not mixing in the middle, said Connor, 56. Were not getting anywhere. He blames the influx of migrants on Biden unilaterally revoking some of Trumps own unilateral border security policies when he took office. Im not a Trump fanatic, but what hes saying has to get done is right, Connor said. Joe Titus, a 69-year-old Democrat from Austin, Texas, believes Republicans have destroyed Congress ability to act in its traditional legislative role and says Biden will have to step into the gap. Theres this so-called majority in Congress, and theyre a bunch of whack-jobs, Titus, a retired Air Force mechanic, said of the GOP-controlled House of Representatives. Its not the way this thing was set up. The current Congress is setting dubious records as the least productive one in the countrys history, with fewer than three dozen bills sent to Bidens desk last year. At Trumps urging, House Republicans have stalled aid to Ukraine and a bipartisan immigration bill. Titus said that in general he opposes expanded presidential power but would support Biden funding more immigration judges and sending additional aid to Ukraine on his own. Theres certain things that it seems to me the public wants and the other party is blocking, Titus said. The presidency has steadily gained power in recent years as congressional deadlocks have become more common. Increasingly, the nations chief executive is moving to resolve issues through administrative policy or executive orders. The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to rule later this year on a case that could significantly weaken the ability of federal agencies and thus a presidential administration to issue regulations. Meanwhile, conservatives are planning a takeover of the federal bureaucracy should they win the White House in November, a move that could increase the administrations ability to make sweeping policy changes on its own. The AP-NORC poll found that voters views of which institutions have too much power were colored by their own partisanship. Only 16% of Democrats, whose party currently controls the White House, say the presidency has too much power while nearly half of Republicans believe it does. In contrast, about 6 in 10 Democrats say the U.S. Supreme Court, with its 6-3 conservative majority, has too much power. With Congress evenly divided between the two parties the GOP has a narrow House majority, Democrats a narrow Senate one Americans have similar views on its power regardless of party. About 4 in 10 from both major parties say it has too much power. I think Congress had too much power when the presidency and Congress were both ruled by Democrats, but now that Republicans are in the majority theres an equal balance, said John V. Mohr, a 62-year-old housecleaner in Wilmington, North Carolina. In contrast, he complained that Biden is sitting there writing executive orders left and right, including his proclamation marking Transgender Day of Visibility, which fell on Easter Sunday this year. The abstract idea of a president with nearly unchecked power remains unpopular. Steven Otney, a retired trucker in Rock Hill, South Carolina, said major policies should be approved by Congress and gain approval from the courts. But he also said it depends on the topic. He wants to see prompt action on certain issues by the next president if hes Trump. Some things need to be done immediately, like that border wall being finished, said Otney, a Republican. He said its just common sense. If Trump got in there and said I want to bomb Iran, no, thats crazy, Otney said. Within reason, not stupid stuff either way. Something to help the American people, not hurt us. (AP) Ukrainian officials claimed Friday they used a barrage of drones to destroy at least six military aircraft and badly damage eight others at an airfield in Russias Rostov region. Russian defense officials, however, claimed they intercepted 44 Ukrainian drones and that only a power substation was damaged in the attack. The Associated Press could not independently verify either sides claims. The assault appeared to be one of Kyivs biggest air attacks in the war, coming as its forces stepped up their assaults on Russian soil. Russia has also escalated attacks on civilian infrastructure, including Ukraines power plants, in recent weeks, signaling a new and potentially dangerous phase in the conflict as both sides struggle to achieve significant advances on the ground. The overnight attack targeted a military airfield near Morozovsk in Russia and was conducted by Ukraines Security Service in cooperation with the army, Ukrainian intelligence officials told the AP. They said around 20 members of the airfields personnel were killed or injured. Morozovsk airfield was used by Russian bombers that have been launching guided aerial bombs at Ukraines cities and frontline positions, the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the operation. If true, the attack would be among Ukraines most successful cross-border strikes. Last October, Ukraine claimed it destroyed nine Russian helicopters at two airfields in Russian-occupied regions using longe-range ballistic missiles donated by the United States. Last August, Ukrainian media, citing unidentified intelligence sources, claimed that drone attacks hit parked Russian bomber aircraft at air bases deep inside Russia. In a conflicting version of events, Russias Defense Ministry said a total of 44 drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Morozovsky district, more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the border. The attack damaged a power substation, Rostov Gov. Vasily Golubev said, adding that eight people near the airfield were injured. Usually well-informed Russian military bloggers confirmed an attempted attack by Ukrainian drones on a military air base in Morozovsk but claimed there were no casualties at the base and no damage to warplanes. The Russian defense ministry said nine more drones were intercepted over the border regions of Kursk, Belgorod, Krasnodar and the nearby Saratov region, bringing the total of attack drones deployed by Ukraine overnight to 53. Drone warfare is a key feature of the war, which has extended into a third year since Russias full-scale invasion of its neighbor. On the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line, where fighting is largely bogged down, low-cost drones are used by both sides to knock out expensive military hardware. The Kremlins forces have used large numbers of Iranian-designed Shahed drones to bombard urban areas of Ukraine. Kyiv, in turn, has developed a small but fast-growing defense industry where drones, including deadly unmanned sea vessels, are proving effective. Russian authorities have long accused Ukraine of launching regular drone attacks on power plants, oil refineries and other targets in western regions of Russia near the border. Last month, Ukraine fired a barrage of 35 drones at such targets, Russia said. Some attacks have reached deep into Russia, including Moscow and as far as 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) east of Ukraine. Ukraine cannot match the scale of Russias military, however. Last week, Moscow launched a mass barrage of 99 drones and missiles against Ukraines energy infrastructure, hitting regions across the country. Meanwhile, Ukraines air force said it intercepted 13 Russian drones launched overnight at the southern regions of Odesa, Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk, but five missiles got through. Authorities did not report any casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he held a meeting with his top brass focused on the production of attack drones and the manufacture of electronic warfare equipment to intercept incoming drones. He said late Thursday that the meeting put together clear written agreements with manufacturers, clear financing and clear delivery deadlines. Authorities will next turn to robust and increasing missile production, he said, as military support from Western partners falls short of what Kyiv hoped for. Zelenskyy said an assessment of frontline positions found that Ukraine has managed to stabilize our positions despite being outgunned and outnumbered by the Russian army. (AP) Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper has called him a threat to democracy. Former national security adviser John Bolton has declared him unfit to be president. And former Vice President Mike Pence has declined to endorse him, citing profound differences. As Donald Trump seeks the presidency for a third time, he is being vigorously opposed by a vocal contingent of former officials who are stridently warning against his return to power and offering dire predictions for the country and the rule of law if his campaign succeeds. Its a striking chorus of detractors, one without precedent in the modern era, coming from those who witnessed first-hand his conduct in office and the turmoil that followed. Sarah Matthews, a former Trump aide who testified before the House Jan. 6 committee and is among those warning about the threat he poses, said its mind-boggling how many members of his senior staff have denounced him. These are folks who saw him up close and personal and saw his leadership style, Matthews said. The American people should listen to what these folks are saying because it should be alarming that the people that Trump hired to work for him a first term are saying that hes unfit to serve for a second term. Yet the critics remain a distinct minority. Republican lawmakers and officials across the party have endorsed Trumps bid some begrudgingly, others with fervor and enthusiasm. Many aides and Cabinet officials who served under Trump are onboard for another term, something Trumps campaign is quick to highlight. The majority of the people who served in President Trumps cabinet and in his administration, like the majority of Americans, have overwhelmingly endorsed his candidacy to beat Crooked Joe Biden and take back the White House, said Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung. Still, the Biden campaign has trumpeted the criticism of former Trump officials in statements and social media posts, hoping to convince at least some Republican voters including those who backed other candidates during the GOP primary that they cannot support his candidacy. Those who worked with Donald Trump at the most senior levels of his administration believe he is too dangerous, too selfish and too extreme to ever lead our country again we agree, said Biden campaign spokesman Ammar Moussa. In many ways, the schism among former Trump officials is an extension of his time in the White House. Friction was constant as Trumps demands ran into resistance from some officials and aides who refused requests that they found misguided, unrealistic and, at times, flatly illegal. Firings were frequent. Many quit. Staff upheaval was particularly intense in the chaotic weeks after the 2020 election as Trump worked to overturn his election loss to Biden. Trump summoned supporters to Washington on Jan. 6, 2021, as his falsehoods about a stolen election became the rallying cry for supporters who violently breached the U.S. Capitol. Many people serving in the administration quit in protest, including Matthews. Trumps attempt to remain in office included a bitter pressure campaign against Pence, who as vice president was tasked with presiding over the count of the Electoral College ballots on Jan. 6. Trump was adamant that Pence should prevent Biden from becoming president, something he had no power to do. Pence had to flee the Senate chamber on Jan. 6 as rioters stormed the building to chants of Hang Mike Pence! Pence recently said he cannot in good conscience endorse Trump because of Jan. 6 and other issues, despite being proud of what they achieved together. And Pence is not alone. Esper, who was fired by Trump days after the 2020 election, clashed with the then-president over several issues, including Trumps push to deploy military troops to respond to civil unrest after the killing of George Floyd by police in 2020. In a recent interview with HBOs Real Time With Bill Maher, Esper repeated a warning that Trump is a threat to democracy and added, I think theres a lot to be concerned about. Theres no way Ill vote for Trump, but every day that Trump does something crazy, the door to voting for Biden opens a little bit more, and thats where Im at, Esper said. Among Trumps most vocal critics are former aides who worked closely with him in the White House, particularly a trio who gained prominence testifying about the Jan. 6 attack and Trumps push to overturn the election. The group includes Matthews, former Trump White House communications director Alyssa Farah Griffin and Cassidy Hutchinson, a former top aide to Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows. They have given a series of interviews in recent months opposing their former boss. Fundamentally, a second Trump term could mean the end of American democracy as we know it, and I dont say that lightly, Griffin told ABC in December. John Kelly, Trumps former chief of staff, had his own long falling-out with Trump. Kelly, in a lengthy October statement to CNN, described Trump as a person who admires autocrats and murderous dictators and has nothing but contempt for our democratic institutions, our Constitution, and the rule of law. Olivia Troye, a former Pence adviser who left the White House in 2020, and former press secretary Stephanie Grisham, who resigned Jan. 6, are both outspoken critics who said they didnt vote for Trump in 2020. Even Bill Barr, Trumps former attorney general who has not ruled out voting for him again, has referred to Trump as a consummate narcissist who constantly engages in reckless conduct that puts his political followers at risk and the conservative and Republican agenda at risk. Still, the ranks of former Trump officials opposing his bid are greatly outnumbered by those who are supportive. Linda McMahon, who headed the Small Business Administration under Trump, is co-chairing a major fundraiser for the former president on Saturday in Florida, along with former Trump Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. McMahon is also chair of the board of The America First Policy Institute, which is packed with supportive former Trump officials and has been described as an administration in waiting for a second Trump term. The institute is headed by Brooke Rollins, Trumps former domestic policy chief, and counts Pences national security adviser and retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg among its chairs, along with former Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Trumps U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer, and former National Economic Council director Larry Kudlow. Former acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker has campaigned for Trump, as has former Housing Secretary Ben Carson, who called him a friend of America. Trumps also got the backing of former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell, former Interior Secretary and Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke, and Russell Vought, who ran Trumps Office of Management and Budget. Vought said in a post on X that Trump is the only person I trust to take a wrecking ball to the Deep State. Trump supporters are also quick to dismiss critics in the party. Carmen McVane, who attended Trumps rally Tuesday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, said those who speak negatively against Trump or refuse to endorse are RINOs, or Republicans In Name Only, and will only help Biden and Democrats. Theres a lot of RINOs who dont do what theyre supposed to do, McVane said. Its time for everyone to back who we have and go full force ahead. (AP) Federal officials are investigating a Southwest Airlines flight that veered off course and flew close to the air traffic control tower at LaGuardia Airport last month. The Federal Aviation Administration said Thursday that the plane flew off course due to bad weather as it approached for landing at the busy New York City airport. After circling the airport once, the plane flew as low as 300 feet (90 meters), according to data from Flightradar24.com. An air traffic controller speaking in an unusually urgent tone told the pilots to abandon their landing and climb to 2000 feet (600 meters), according to audio captured by LiveATC.net. The controller said the plane was not lined up with the runway; it appeared to be east of the intended landing route. He was not going to land on the runway, the controller said. The March 23 flight was diverted to Baltimore, where the plane landed safely. After a brief stop, the plane flew back to New York, Southwest said. The FAA is investigating and will determine if the aircraft flew over the tower at LaGuardia, an agency spokesperson said. The National Transportation Safety Board said it was also investigating but did not plan to issue any immediate reports. Dallas-based Southwest said the plane diverted to Baltimore after encountering turbulence and low visibility at New York LaGuardia Airport. We are reviewing the event as part of our safety systems, an airline spokesperson said. The flight started in Nashville, Tennessee, and there were 150 passengers and crew members on board, the airline said. (AP) U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Saturday that upcoming U.S.-China talks will tackle a top Biden administration complaint that Beijings economic model and trade practices put American companies and workers at an unfair competitive disadvantage. I think the Chinese realize how concerned we are about the implications of their industrial strategy for the United States, for the potential to flood our markets with exports that make it difficult for American firms to compete, Yellen told reporters after the announcement during her trip to China. Its not going to be solved in an afternoon or a month, but I think they have heard that this is an important issue to us, she said. The two sides will hold intensive exchanges on more balanced economic growth, according to a U.S. statement issued after Yellen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng held extended meetings over two days in the southern city of Guangzhou. They also agreed to start exchanges on combating money laundering. It was not immediately clear when and where the talks would take place. Yellen, who arrived later in Beijing after starting her five-day visit in one of Chinas major industrial and export hubs, said the talks would create a structure to hear each others views and try to address American concerns about manufacturing overcapacity in China. Chinas official Xinhua News Agency said the two sides had agreed to discuss a range of issues including balanced growth of the United States, China and the global economy as well as financial stability, sustainable finance and cooperation in countering money laundering. Xinhua said China had responded fully on the issue of production capacity, but the report did not provide details. China also expressed grave concern over American trade and economic measures that restrict China, according to the agency. Chinese government subsidies and other policy support have encouraged solar panel and EV makers in China to invest in factories, building far more production capacity than the domestic market can absorb. The massive scale of production has driven down costs and ignited price wars for green technologies, a boon for consumers and efforts to reduce global dependence on fossil fuels. But Western governments fear that that capacity will flood their markets with low-priced exports, threatening American and European jobs. Its going to be critical to our bilateral relationship going forward and to Chinas relationship with other countries that are important, and this provides a structured way in which we can continue to listen to one another and see if we can find a way forward that will avoid conflict, Yellen told reporters. The exchanges on balanced growth and money laundering will be held under the framework of existing economic and financial working groups that were set up after Yellen met He in July. Yellen struck a positive note on joint efforts to address U.S. concerns about Chinese companies selling goods to Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. We think theres more to do, but I do see it as an area where weve agreed to cooperate and weve already seen some meaningful progress, she said. Earlier state media coverage of her trip had characterized U.S. concerns about overcapacity as a possible pretext for tariffs. In a commentary published Friday night, Xinhua wrote that while Yellens trip is a good sign that the worlds two largest economies are maintaining communication, talking up Chinese overcapacity in the clean energy sector also smacks of creating a pretext for rolling out more protectionist policies to shield U.S. companies. Yellen told reporters during an Alaska refueling stop en route to China that the U.S. wont rule out tariffs to respond to Chinas heavily subsidized manufacturing of green energy products. The U.S. has made efforts through legislation and executive orders to wean itself off certain Chinese technologies in order to build out its domestic manufacturing capabilities. Many members of the White House and Congress view the actions as important to maintaining national security. The $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act passed in 2022 aims to boost the semiconductor industry and scientific research in a bid to create more high-tech jobs in the United States and help it better compete with China. Additionally, last August, U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order to block and regulate high-tech U.S.-based investments going toward China. Yellen will hold meetings in Beijing with more senior officials and economists on Sunday and Monday. (AP) President Joe Biden got a firsthand look Friday at efforts to clear away the mangled mess of remains of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, as cranes, ships and diving crews work to reopen one of the nations main shipping lanes. Aboard Marine One, circling the warped metal remains and the mass of construction and salvage equipment trying to clear the wreckage of last weeks collapse, which killed six workers, Biden got an up close view of the devastation. On the ground later, he received a briefing from local officials, the U.S. Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers on the situation in the water and its impacts on the region. The president also greeted police officers who helped block traffic to the bridge in the moments before it was hit by a ship which helped avert an even larger loss of life. Im here to say your nation has your back and I mean it, Biden said from the shoreline overlooking the collapsed bridge in Dundalk, just outside Baltimore. Your nation has your back. Eight workers immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador were filling potholes on the bridge when it was hit by a huge cargo ship and collapsed in the middle of the night of March 26. Two men were rescued and the bodies of two others were recovered in subsequent days. Authorities announced Friday evening that salvage divers had recovered, in the hours before Biden arrived, a third body from the water, that of Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, 38, one of the missing workers. They said the search for the other victims will continue. The president also met for more than an hour with the families of those killed. The damage is devastating and our hearts are still breaking, Biden said. Officials have established a temporary, alternate channel for vessels involved in clearing debris. The Army Corps of Engineers hopes to open a limited-access channel for barge container ships and some vessels moving cars and farm equipment by the end of this month, and to restore normal capacity to Baltimores port by May 31, the White House says. Thats important since longer delays in reopening shipping lanes could send shockwaves through the economy. As much as $200 million in cargo normally moves through Baltimores port per day, and it is the leading hub for importing and exporting vehicles. More than 50 salvage divers and 12 cranes are on site to help cut out sections of the bridge and remove them from the key waterway. Officials told Biden they had all the resources they need to meet the targets for opening the channel into the Baltimore port. The president announced that some of the largest employers affected by the collapse, including Amazon, Home Depot and Domino Sugar, have committed to keeping their employees on payroll until the port is reopened. That followed days of outreach by state and federal officials to try to mitigate the economic impact. From the air I saw the bridge that has been ripped apart, Biden said, but here on the ground I see a community thats pulled together. It is still unclear, though, how the costs of cleanup and building a new bridge will be covered. The Federal Highway Administration has provided $60 million in quick release emergency relief funds to get started. Exactly how much the collapse will ultimately cost is unclear, though some experts estimate recovery will take at least $400 million and 18 months. Biden said within hours of the collapse that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge, and I expect the Congress to support my effort. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell likened the bridge collapse to assistance that flows after natural disasters and saying the federal government will step up and do the lions share of funding. But authorization could cause some squabbles in Congress. The White House is asking lawmakers to authorize the federal government to cover 100% of the collapsed bridge cleanup and reconstruction costs, rather than seeking funding through a separate, emergency supplemental funding request. In a letter to congressional leaders, Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young noted similar techniques were used for recovery and rebuilding efforts that received bipartisan congressional support in 2007, when a highway bridge in downtown Minneapolis collapsed during evening rush hour, killing 13 people. But some hard-line congressional Republicans are already lining up to demand politically controversial offsets for the funding. The conservative House Freedom Caucus issued a statement saying, If it proves necessary to appropriate taxpayer money to get one of Americas busiest ports back online, Congress should ensure it is fully offset and that burdensome regulations are waved. It was referring to potential federal spending cuts elsewhere and to regulations like the Endangered Species Act. The caucuss letter also suggested that approval for bridge recovery funds be tied to the Biden administration agreeing to lift a pause it has imposed on exportation of liquified natural gas. The funding questions only serve to heighten the collapses political implications as Biden squares off with former President Donald Trump in Novembers election. Its the second major disaster along the countrys busy northeastern hub in as many years. Last summer, an overpass along Interstate 95 in Philadelphia caught fire and collapsed after a tanker truck slammed into it. Federal and state officials moved quickly on temporary repairs and ultimately reopened that section of the highway faster than expected. But the cleanup and repairs in Baltimore will take far longer and be far more costly, making the chances it is a net political positive for Biden especially in time for Election Day far murkier. That hasnt stopped the Biden administration from championing anew a $1 trillion-plus public works package that cleared Congress in 2021. The bridge collapse also has thrust into the national spotlight Marylands Democratic Gov. Wes Moore, 45, a leading voice in Bidens reelection campaigns effort to energize young voters on the 81-year-old presidents behalf. The governor accompanied Biden on the helicopter tour and during his briefings. Biden has traveled the country showcasing construction projects on highways, bridges and tunnels. In 2022, he arrived for an event in Pittsburgh just hours after a bridge nearby collapsed. Promoting the public works package also has allowed the president to lean into his love of train travel and many years commuting to and from Washington on Amtrak as a Delaware senator. Biden said Friday that hed been over the bridge about a thousand times commuting from Washington to his home in Delaware, prompting the state Department of Transportation chief to quip, thank you for the tolls, sir. (AP) Several dozen Democratic members of Congress, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, calling for a halt on arms transfers to Israel following a recent IDF strike in Gaza that killed seven aid workers, including a dual US citizen. The lawmakers wrote, We strongly urge you to reconsider your recent decision to authorize the transfer of a new arms package to Israel, and to withhold this and any future offensive arms transfers until a full investigation into the airstrike is completed. They also called for the administration to conduct a thorough investigation into the airstrike, which the White House has declined to do. President Biden has stepped up pressure on Israel in recent weeks, but has pushed back on suggestions he could cut off aid to Israel. In a tense call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden warned that US policy on Israel was dependent on the protection of civilians and aid workers in Gaza. The letters other signatories include the usual suspects Representatives Barbara Lee, Rashida Tlaib, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. When asked recently about the suggestion he could end support for Israel, Biden replied, Is that a serious question? (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Mondays total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean. Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexicos Pacific coast at around 2:07 p.m. EST. The path of the eclipse continues from Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveling 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. The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton. The eclipse totality will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 3:46 p.m. EST. In Brooklyn, the moon will begin covering the sun at 2:10 PM Monday, gradually covering more of it until maximum at 3:25 PM. However, because Brooklyn is not in the path of totality, only 89.5% of the sun will be covered by the moon at maximum. In Lakewood, it will begin at 2:07 PM, with maximum at 3:24 PM. The eclipse will be fully over in both locations by 4:36 PM. The closest area that is in the path of totality and drivable from the tri-state area is Syracuse, NY, which is about a 4 and a half hour drive from the Brooklyn and Lakewood areas. As youre already likely well aware, it is extremely dangerous to look directly at the sun ever, but especially during a solar eclipse. Doing so can cause immediate, irreversible damage to your eyes. Make sure to wear solar eclipse glasses with the proper safety rating. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Former British prime minister Boris Johnson wrote a column in the Daily Mail slamming calls by the British government to ban arms sales to Israel. In the article, entitled: It Would Be Insane For Britain To Ban Arms Sales To Israel. The Sooner We Denounce The Idea, The Better, Johnson wrote: If you want an example of the death wish of Western civilization, I give you the current proposal from members of the British establishment that this country should ban arms sales to Israel. If you want evidence of government madness, it appears that Foreign Office lawyers are busily canvassing the idea which has not, as far as I can tell, yet been rejected by the Foreign Secretary himself. He seems to have gone into a kind of purdah on the subject. More alarming still, we are told that an Israeli arms ban is the subject of an active row in Cabinet, with only a handful of ministers positively sticking up for Israel. The contagion has spread pretty wide, and very fast. The proposed embargo is now supported by MPs on all sides, by the former head of MI6, by some former Supreme Court Justices, and by about 600 members of the legal profession, all of them clamouring for us to turn our backs on the only democracy in the Middle East. We are being asked to shun the Israelis, to mount a total moral repudiation of Israel when that country has only recently suffered the biggest and most horrifying massacre of Jewish people since World War II; and when 130 hostages, including, for heavens sake, a baby, are being kept in dungeons in Gaza by their jihadi captors; and when the release of those hostages, it cannot be stated too often, would mean the immediate withdrawal of the Israeli Defence Forces and the end of the conflict. How can we get things so wrong, so upside down? What has come over us? Let us be clear what it would mean, to ban arms sales now, when Israel is under a greater existential threat than at any time I can remember. If we ban the sale of arms ourselves, it surely follows that we do not think any self-respecting country should be arming the Israelis. And if we are willing everyone, including the U.S., to end their military support, be in no doubt what that means. There is only one logical conclusion. We are willing the military defeat of Israel and the victory of Hamas. Remember that in order to win this conflict, Hamas only has to survive. All they need at the end is to hang on, rebuild, and go again. Thats victory for Hamas; and that is what these legal experts seem to be asking for. So lets just remind ourselves what this war is about, and why Israel has been forced to act. Israel has no choice but to defend itself because the charter and aim of Hamas is to destroy Israel, and indeed to liquidate the entire Jewish people. The Hamas massacre on October 7 was plainly designed to further that end: the moral and political destruction of Israel. There was a reason why they meticulously planned and then performed those unspeakable murders and rapes. There was a cold logic to the barbarism seen that day, to the beheadings and the burnings. They wanted to show Israelis, and anyone thinking of coming to Israel, that this was a place where ordinary and innocent families could be enveloped in violent catastrophe. They wanted to evoke global feelings of repulsion about events in Israel, and, of course, they wanted to provoke the Israelis into a violent response, because they knew that retaliation would inevitably forfeit sympathy for Israel around the world. Thats why they took the hostages: to give Israel no choice but to fight. Thats why they refuse to give the hostages back. Thats why they prepared so carefully for the war, cynically designing their very defences so as to provoke the greatest loss of Palestinian life, and the greatest possible loss of Western support for Israel. Thats why they built 400 miles of tunnels, and thats why they made sure to conceal themselves beneath mosques, hospitals, schools and other civilian targets. They are actively using the death and suffering of their own citizens, maximising their pain and grief so as to rally international opinion against Israel and we are falling for it. I do not for one minute deny the immense suffering of the people of Gaza. I just ask you to consider who is really to blame for it. It was shattering to see the recent killing, by the Israelis, of three British and other Western aid workers. There must be an inquiry. The Israelis must explain what happened, and bring to justice those responsible for what must surely have been a hideous mistake. But in all our grief and rage about what is happening on the ground in Gaza, we should not forget the essential moral difference between Hamas and Israel. It is still true, in all the chaos and carnage of war, that Israel is sending warnings of its attacks by phone or text or leaflet. Israel is trying to use precision munitions. Israel is trying to make sure that there is some kind of proportionality between the military objectives and the risk of human suffering. Israel is trying to winkle out the Hamas terrorists, while doing its best to spare the surrounding population. Israel is trying to minimise casualties. Hamas is trying to maximise them including on their own side. Hamas know that it is this awful spectacle, of the suffering of Palestinian women and children, which breaks our hearts in the West and weakens our resolve. At the moment they can see us melting, and weakening, and in our voices both in London and Washington they can hear our growing irresolution. They listen to this sudden discussion of boycotting Israel, and they think they can succeed in their objective: to deprive Israel of Western support and make it impossible for the Israelis to complete their mission. If the West continues to crumble and especially if Britain and the U.S. crumble then the Israelis will be prevented from getting into Rafah. They will be prevented from achieving their objective: of finishing Hamas as a military force in Gaza. The Hydras heads will be allowed to regrow. Hamas will be able to do another October 7, and then another. Above all, the rest of the world where they are already so dubious about the willpower of the West will see that, when it came to it, we did not have the guts, the fibre or the strategic patience to stick up for a democracy; and that we were willing to let the jihadis win. Is that really what you want, all you legal experts who say that Israels actions now necessitate an arms embargo? Do you want to hand victory to a bunch of murderers and rapists? You talk of humanitarian law. Where was the humanity of Hamas on October 7? Show me the operation of humanitarian law in the Gaza of Hamas a place ruled by fear and summary execution, where homosexuality can carry the death penalty. Humanitarian law? They are laughing at us. If we ban arms to Israel now, it would, of course, be absurdly hypocritical. I dont remember many qualms about loss of civilian life during the Nato strikes on Libya. We sustained very sensibly our vast arms deals with Saudi Arabia throughout the war in Yemen. But its not the hypocrisy I mind. Its the implication: that good, clever, kindly people in this country are actually willing to take away, from Israel, its means of defending its citizens against Hamas. That is insane. That is shameful and the sooner the Government formally denounces the idea, the better. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Avivs Democracy Square on Motzei Shabbos to mark since months since the October 7 Hamas attack, demand new elections, an immediate hostage deal, and to condemn the current government. The event saw skirmishes between police and demonstrators, who numbered an estimated 45,000, resulting in at least five arrests. Speakers, including survivors and witnesses of the October 7 atrocities, addressed the crowd, demanding accountability and action from the government. Anat Gilor, a kibbutznik, shared her harrowing experience of hiding in her homes safe room as terrorists rampaged through her community. My defense, my security, my trust was taken, everything I took for granted was taken. And nobody came to apologize, she said. After the speeches, protesters marched to Begin Street, where clashes broke out between police and demonstrators. A protester was forcefully arrested, and an officer suffered a broken nose. Later, a driver accelerated into the crowd, striking five people, including a 50-year-old woman who was moderately injured and taken to Ichilov Hospital. The driver was arrested moments later. Israeli President Yitzchak Herzog condemned the most grave incident, saying violence is a red line that must never be crossed and that peace must reign. We cannot return to October 6, he said. We must do everything to maintain the unity of Israel. Only together will we defeat our enemies. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A shooting attack occurred on Route 55 in the Shomron on Sunday morning, leaving two injured. A terrorist opened fire at a bus and cars near Karnei Shomron, close to the Eliyahu Crossing. A 19-year-old female IDF soldier who was a passenger on the bus was very seriously injured. Emergency medical forces administered medical aid at the scene and evacuated her in a mobile intensive care unit with bullet wounds to her upper body to Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah. According to the hospital, her injuries were life-threatening and she was immediately transferred to the trauma unit for emergency surgery. A man in his 40s who was driving a private car was moderately injured. He managed to continue driving until the Eliyahu Crossing, where he received emergency medical aid and was evacuated to Meir Medical Center, where he was transferred to the trauma unit for surgery. A large number of IDF forces arrived at the scene and launched a manhunt for the terrorist, who fled the scene. Route 55 was closed to traffic in both directions and IDF soldiers surrounded the nearby Palestinian village of Nabi Ilyas. Shortly after the attack, security forces found the terrorists car, which was suspected of being booby-trapped. Bomb sappers were called to the scene. This is a developing story. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Exactly six months after the start of the ground operation in Gaza, the IDF overnight Motzei Shabbos withdrew almost all its already few troops remaining in the Gaza Strip, including the 98th Division which has been operating in the Khan Younis area for four months. The only brigade now operating in Gaza is the Nachal Brigade, which will secure the Netzarim Corridor that bisects the Gaza Strip in its center and will ensure that Hamas terrorists do not return to northern Gaza. The corridor will also enable the transfer of humanitarian aid into the Strip. There are now only a few hundred soldiers in the Strip, down from a high of 30 40,000 soldiers at the peak of the war. The withdrawal of the forces comes after a significant decrease in troops was carried out in January. According to the IDF, the further withdrawal of troops marks the shift into the third phase of the war in Gaza, meaning the end of major ground operations and the establishment of a buffer zone between Gaza and Israel. The IDF is now shifting to targeted raids based on intelligence from detained terrorists, among other resources. The raids will be launched from the Netzarim Corridor. The IDF is now awaiting a decision by the political echelon regarding an operation in Rafah, the last Hamas stronghold. According to political and defense sources, there is no connection between the US pressure on Israel, which recently intensified, and the withdrawal from Khan Younis. Hours after the withdrawal, five rockets were launched at the Gaza border area from Khan Younis early Sunday afternoon. Several of the rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome. There were no reports of injuries. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) News / Local by Staff reporter WAR veterans are demanding the axing of Matebeleland North Provincial Affairs minister Richard Moyo over a basket of charges that include disrespecting the Zanu-PF leadership.Moyo, who is also the Zanu-PF Matebeleland North provincial chairperson, is accused of costing the party crucial votes in the disputed August 2023 elections.Ruling party sources said Moyo and his counterparts Kazembe Kazembe and Mangaliso Ndlovu are also in a dilemma as they risk losing some of their influential posts.Kazembe, the Mashonaland Central provincial chairperson, also doubles up as Home Affairs minister.Ndlovu presides over the Industry and Commerce ministry and is also the Matebeleland South chairperson.Sources said President Emmerson Emmerson Mnangagwa summoned the trio recently where he spoke about how they should balance their government and party duties.This follows a letter of complaint where Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) members in Matebeleland North complained against Moyo's leadership style."Zanu-PF has lost leadership that has the spirit of unity, peace and development in Matebeleland North," reads in part the letter of complaint signed by ZNLWVA Matebeleland North secretary for administration Albert Ncube and addressed to the Zanu-PF leadership."Looking at the August 2023 elections we lost crucial seats to the opposition due to the current leadership of Honourable Richard Moyo."He created a lot of confusion and disunity that gave birth to disgruntled party members vowing not to vote for the party, and the result speaks volumes."R Moyo accused war veterans and the national secretary-general (Obert Mpofu) of not voting for the party Zanu-PF; to us as warveterans it was an insult."R Moyo disregarded the role played by our national SG in the top leadership calling him a fake war veteran and not acknowledging that Dr O. M. Mpofu is the secretary general of the party Zanu-PF."Moyo was appointed provincial minister in 2017 having been Zanu-PF chairperson of the province since 2012.In 2018, Zanu-PF won eight out of 13 parliamentary seats in Matebeleland North compared to only six in last year's elections.An analysis of the results shows that the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) made inroads even in constituencies where it lost to the ruling party."This continued post elections causing disorder amongst the province Matebeleland North where Richard Moyo is attacking war veterans openly and not respecting senior leadership of the province," the letter added."As the war veterans in the province, we are the bedrock of the party and we cannot sit down and watch the party crumble."Moyo refused to comment on the claims when contacted for comment yesterday."Go back to the war veterans for a comment," he said before terminating the call.The war veterans said they had tried to engage Moyo without success."Being a Member of Parliament (Umguza), minister and provincial chairman has made R Moyo see himself as untouchable and above everyone," the ex-combatants said."Zanu-PF Matebeleland North is in shambles because of his poor leadership skills."In conclusion, as Matebeleland North war veterans league, we demand an urgent attention to this matter."He (Cde. R Moyo) has to be brought to order as we cannot continue under his leadership in the province."Zanu-PF political commissar Mike Bimha and Mpofu were not reachable for comment.Moyo is alleged to have recently resettled some Zanu-PF youths in the timber and wildlife rich Emmergroon Estate in the Gwayi area in the province where the ex-combatants have some A1 plots. Just a bit of public safety advice following this scary, high-speed disaster. Here's the aftermath report . . . "The Chevrolet failed to make the curve in the road, traveled off the road to the right, hit a concrete drainage culvert and overturned. "The unrestrained driver and sole occupant of the Chevrolet was partially ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . One person is dead after high-speed crash on 63rd Street in Kansas City, Missouri KCPD said the driver failed to make the curve in the road, traveled off the road, hit a concrete drainage culvert and overturned. News / National by Staff reporter Climate change and global warming are no longer buzzwords. They have emerged as clear indicators of an impending crisis that threatens the very fabric of global societies, economies and food systems.The year 2023 stands as a testament to this escalating challenge, having been recorded as the warmest year globally.The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights a concerning 1,1-degree Celsius increase in global temperatures from pre-industrial levels, setting us on a path toward a 1,5-degree Celsius rise by 2030 if current trends persist unchecked.The repercussions of this warming are felt most acutely in the developing world, where agriculture forms the backbone of livelihoods for over 80 percent of the population.The World Bank warns of a grim future where climate change could plunge an additional 100 million people into the depths of extreme poverty by 2030.Smallholder farmers, in particular, face the brunt of this crisis, with potential yield losses of up to 50 percent in critical staples crops such as rice and maize.This dire situation is further compounded by the Food and Agriculture Organisation's (FAO) report of a 29 percent increase in climate-related disasters over the last decade, disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable segments of society in developing countries.Pakistan serves as a poignant case study of the destructive capabilities of climate change, particularly exemplified by the devastating superfloods of 2022, which impacted over 33 million people.Such calamities are not mere anomalies or isolated incidents but indicators of a systemic shift toward more unpredictable climate patterns, characterised by rising temperatures and the retreat of essential glaciers.The economic toll of these environmental upheavals is staggering, with predictions of an 18-20 percent reduction in Pakistan's GDP by 2050 due to climate-related challenges.The agricultural sector, a lynchpin of the national economy, faces significant risks, with reduced crop yields, compromised health of livestock, and jeopardised food security.However, the societal implications extend beyond economic metrics, affecting millions through displacement, loss of livelihoods, and health crises post-climate disasters.The most vulnerable populations, particularly children, confront severe repercussions such as stunted growth and a heightened susceptibility to diseases.Climate change also increases the existing vulnerabilities of girls and women, as was reported after the superfloods of 2022.In response, Pakistan has demonstrated decent engagement in global dialogues, such as COP27, advocating for the Loss and Damage fund agenda.However, the scale of the crisis demands a more unified and comprehensive strategy, one that integrates national efforts with global cooperation to bolster Pakistan's resilience against rapidly impending challenges.Although foundational policies such as the National Climate Change Policy Framework 2013, the National Climate Change Policy 2021 and the Pakistan Climate Change Act of 2017 represent beacons of hope, their full potential remains unrealised due to institutional and strategic gaps.The imperative is clear: move beyond ad hoc responses and fragmented governance to embrace a holistic, cross-sectoral approach to climate change.The nascent National Climate Council and proposed National Climate Authority as well as Climate Change Fund signal a move towards this integrated strategy.However, their success is contingent on clear mandates, sufficient resources and a departure from siloed governmental operations.The ambiguity surrounding the Climate Change Act's provisions on funding, targets, and responsibilities further complicates the path to effective climate governance.Explaining the compartmentalised climate governance in Pakistan, Dr Tariq Banuri rightly highlights in one of his papers that as in most countries, what is viewed as the climate agenda is a composite of several different agendas (Water Policy, Energy Policy, Agriculture Policy, Food Security Policy, Health Policy, etc).The vast majority of these agendas fall decisively within the mandates of other, often far more powerful agencies and ministries than the ministry dedicated to tackling climate change. TV Programm heute Wer heute Fernsehen sehen will, greift entweder zur Programmzeitschrift oder vor allem bei jungeren TV-Zuschauern gang und gabe nutzt den Programmguide seines Vertrauens im Internet. Bei TV SPIELFILM gibt es mit der "TV Programm von heute"-Ubersicht eine praktische Zusammenstellung aller Sendungen des Tages. Von den Hauptprogrammen Das Erste, ZDF, RTL, Sat.1, ProSieben und kabel eins bis hin zu den Spartenkanalen, Dritten Programmen und Sport- oder Infokanalen: Wer das Programm heute kennen will, kann sich kinderleicht durch die Ansicht navigieren. TV heute: Vielseitig aber auch unubersichtlich Im Laufe der Jahre bevolkern immer mehr Sender die deutsche Fernsehlandschaft. Wer das Fernsehprogramm heute im Auge behalten will, muss uber einen breiten Blick verfugen. Der durchschnittliche deutsche TV-Haushalt empfangt mehr als 70 vollwertige Programme uber seinen Fernseher, insgesamt gibt es mehr als 400 Programme im deutschen TV. Landesweite, regionale und lokale Fernsehangebote dominieren das Programm heute. Mit dem Aufkommen von Streamingdiensten wie Netflix und Amazon oder der wachsenden Bedeutung des Pay-TV wird die Auswahl fur Fernsehen heute immer groer. Mit dem TV Programm von heute wahrt der Programmguide Ubersicht in Zeiten der Unubersichtlichkeit. Auch bei der Auswahl einer geeigneten Sendung hilft TV SPIELFILM: Wir geben Programm-Tipps fur jeden Tag, zeigen mit dem bestens bekannten Daumen, ob sich das Programm heute lohnt oder nicht. Die Kritiken und Tipps stammen aus der Redaktion und werden taglich gewissenhaft und mit geubtem Auge ausgewahlt und verfasst. Informationen bezuglich des Genres, der Schauspieler und der Altersfreigabe im TV sind ebenfalls ersichtlich. Die ubersichtliche Darstellung in Tabellenform gliedert die einzelnen Sendungen zeitlich und liefert einen schnellen Uberblick uber das tagliche TV-Programm. Fernsehen heute: Webseiten und Apps Eine weitere Moglichkeit sich nicht nur uber das TV Programm zu informieren, sondern auch direkt einzuschalten, besteht uber die digitalen Angebote von TV SPIELFILM. Mit den Apps oder uber die Internetseite kann direkt ins tagliche Programm geschaltet werden. Auch eine Verbindung zu den Streamingangeboten findet sich unter jeder Sendung: Wenn eine Serie auch uber Netflix, Amazon, Maxdome und Co. streambar ist, erfahrt ihr es im EPG von TV SPIELFILM. Der mobile Zugriff, aktuelle Informationen nach einem Programmwechsel und die Funktion, Sender nach eigenem Belieben zu sortieren, stellen weitere Vorteile fur das Fernsehen von heute dar. Hilfreiche Features sind auerdem die integrierte Suchleiste sowie eine Erinnerungsfunktion. Durch diese Funktion erhalt der Zuschauer die Moglichkeit, von ihm favorisierte Filme, Serien oder Dokumentationen fur das Programm heute auszuwahlen und auf eine Merkliste zu setzen. Kurz vor der Ausstrahlung wird der Nutzer uber das gewunschte Programm im TV heute informiert. In the coming days, the date of the Global Peace Summit will be agreed upon. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said this in an interview in the Chernihiv region during the United News telethon, Ukrinform reported. "So far, there is no specific list of countries. In the coming days, we will agree on a specific date for the first inaugural summit in Switzerland. We must agree on this date in a bilateral format between me and the President of Switzerland," Zelensky said. As the Head of State added, after agreeing on the date, world leaders will receive invitations in different formats. "Europe, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, all countries of the world. And we expect that we will understand not only the date but also the agenda of our first meeting, we understand it. We expect to have 80-100 countries in attendance. We believe that this will be the most powerful summit, the Peace Summit. Yes, it is inaugural, but it will be a very important summit where we will see our partners and where, I think, we will build a map of further steps to end the war," Zelensky said. As reported, the Global Peace Summit is an upcoming international meeting to be convened by Ukraine in Switzerland at the level of the leaders of the countries participating in the Ukrainian Peace Formula. Ukraine's air defense forces destroyed all of the 17 Shahed-131/136 drones that Russia used to attack Ukraine overnight. Ukrainian Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk said this in a post on the Telegram messaging app, Ukrinform reports. On the night of April 6-7, the Russians struck Ukraine with a Kh-31 guided aerial missile launched from the temporarily occupied part of the Luhansk region, an Iskander-M ballistic missile launched from temporarily occupied Crimea, and 17 Shahed-131/136 UAVs launched from Cape Chauda, Crimea. Read also: Russian army loses 820 soldiers in Ukraine in past 24 hours Ukraine involved aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, mobile fire groups and electronic warfare assets to repel the aerial attack. Ukraine's defense forces shot down 17 Shahed attack drones in the Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Poltava regions. The Ukrainian Defense Forces, which are fighting in the Zaporizhzhia direction, have received 500 copters worth UAH 60 million. This was announced by the head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, Ivan Fedorov, on Telegram, according to Ukrinform. "We are handing over 500 fighter copters worth UAH 60 million to the Defense Forces in the Zaporizhzhia direction," the statement reads. It is noted that FPV drones and "copters with thermal surveillance" were prepared for the military with the participation of communities in the Zaporizhzhia region. "We are not stopping there. At the beginning of the week, we announced a tender for another batch of the fighter 'birds' for UAH 21 million," added the head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration. Earlier, reported that the communities of the Zaporizhzhia region purchased the first thousand FPV kamikaze drones to be sent to the front. Estonia is able to purchase a million shells worth about EUR 2-3 billion for the Ukrainian army given allies provide funds to cover the cost. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said this in an interview with Postimees, Ukrinform reports. The head of the Estonian Ministry of Defense did not specify which projectiles could be purchased but Postimees suggests this is about a million projectiles for Grad MLR systems. According to Pevkur, there are four main elements to the defense assistance to Ukraine: munitions, air defense, armored vehicles, and electronic warfare. "As far as munitions are concerned, funding is now more of a concern than the availability of shells. It was implied there was not enough ammunition, but the Czech initiative to purchase 800,000 shells shows that ammunition is out there. Estonia also sees a wide selection of countries where we could purchase shells for Ukraine," the minister noted. He added that the country has the opportunity to quickly procure a large amount of ammunition, mainly from non-European nations, for Ukraine and deliver them within two months. At the same time, the Estonian minister did not name specific sellers. Since the orders include 155 mm as well as 152 mm shells, Russia is also actively searching globally for suppliers via Belarus (155 mm are utilized by NATO artillery systems and the Russian army employs 152 mm shells ed.). There's a bit of a race against time to see who can secure them first," Pevkur said. As reported, the Czech Republic initiated the purchase of ammunition for Ukraine in third countries with EU money. It was about 800,000 rounds found in different parts of the world. Photo: Ministry of Defense Estonia News / National by Staff reporter General Nurse Training May 2024 Intake has now begun. The ministry of Health and Child Care are announced the intake in the Sunday papers on 7 April 2024.The training intake advert reads:May 2024 IntakeApplications for the three-year Diploma Nurse Training to be conducted by the Ministry of Health and Child Health Care (MoHCC) are invited from suitably qualified holders of the following qualifications.- A minimum of 5'0' Level subjects with passes in English Language, and a Science subject and three others (that exclude practical subjects which are Fashion and Fabrics, Metal Work, Graphic Art, Art and Woodwork) at Grade C or better obtained from not more than two sittings with full certificates as Examination Result Slips are not accepted.- Must be aged between the ages of seventeen and half (17 1/2) and thirty (3o) years on the date of commencement of training. Candidates should not be less than 17 1/2 years and not more than 30 years by 13/05/2024.The application letters must be submitted not later than 21 April 2024 at the nearest General Nurse Training School and addressed to, either- the Principal Tutor of a Central Hospital,- and Senior Tutor In Charge of a District Mission or Provincial Hospital General Nurse Training School.For the shortlisted candidates, the following should be presented at Interview:- Original and certified copies of Birth Certificate.- National Identity Card,- Ordinary Level Certificates,- Marriage Certificate where applicable,- Advanced Level Certificate if attained- And 2 passport size pictures with the applicants name at the back.Manual verification of the academic and identification Certificates will be done on the day of Interviews.Only candidates who meet the recruitment criteria will be shortlisted for interviews. The interviews will be conducted at the nearest General Nurse Training School where a candidate has applied. Successful candidates will be deployed to schools where training posts exist throughout the country.NB: The Public is hereby Informed and warned that the Ministry of Health and Child Care does not advertise through any other media except the newspapers and does not charge any fee.NO THIRD PARTIES HAVE BEEN REQUESTED TO RECRUIT ON BEHALF OF MoHCC"Zero Tolerance to Corruption in Student Nurse Recruitment" Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Mike Turner, believes Russian propaganda has made its way into the U.S. legislature as members of Congress are spreading false messages about the war unleashed by Russia. Thats according to The Hill, Ukrinform reports. "House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) stressed the expansive reach of Russian propaganda and said Sunday it has even presented itself on the floor of the U.S. Congress," the report said. Turner said he agreed with Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who noted that "Russian propaganda has made its way into the United States, unfortunately, and its infected a good chunk of my partys base." "We see directly coming from Russia attempts to mask communications that are anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia messages, some of which we even hear being uttered on the House floor," Turner said. I mean, there are members of Congress today, who still incorrectly say that this conflict between Russia and Ukraine is over NATO, which of course it is not, Turner said. "[Russian President] Vladimir Putin having made it very clear, both publicly and to his own population, that his view is that this is a conflict of a much broader claim of Russia, to Eastern Europe, and including claiming all of Ukraine territory as Russias." Turner said propaganda has made it increasingly more difficult to pass Ukraine aid and to present a clear picture of a battle between democracy and authoritarianism. Now, to the extent that this propaganda takes hold, it makes it more difficult for us to really see this as an authoritarian versus democracy battle, which is what it is. President Xi [Jinping] of China, Vladimir Putin himself have identified it as such, Turner added. As Ukrinform reported earlier, on February 13, the U.S. Senate passed the bill laying down aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan in the amount of $95 billion, including $60 billion set to be allocated for Ukraine. The bill is yet to pass House before being forwarded to President Joe Biden to put it into force. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Omages A court in Moldova, the black-yellow-white flag of imperial Russia was recognized as an extremist symbol. The ruling was handed down by a Chisinau court after the judges considered the motion filed by the the Prosecutor General's Office, the Ministry of Justice, and the Information and Security Service of Moldova, Ukrinform reports with reference to NewsMaker. It is noted that the court approved the motion filed by the authorities and established the "extremist nature of the flag with three horizontal black, yellow, and white lines." The decision can be appealed in the Chisinau Appeal Chamber within 30 days. Read also: Moldova responds to drone wreckage found yesterday near border with Ukraine The black-yellow-white flag was the official flag of the Russian Empire from 1858 to 1896. Today, it is actively used by Russian nationalist, monarchist, and patriotic organizations, the publication writes. As reported, in April 2022, a ban on the use of "symbols of military aggression" entered into force in Moldova. Their public use is considered an extremist activity and is punishable by a fine. At the same time, the law does not exactly specify the symbols in question. Only the black-orange (St Georges) ribbon is mentioned directly. In all other cases, it is up to the police to decide whether a symbol shall be deemed extremist. By Toby Sterling AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - U.S. demands that chipmaking giant ASML stop servicing some equipment it has sold to Chinese customers are a diplomatic and business headache for the Dutch government, but signs are it will continue to align with Washington on export restrictions. Although Prime Minister Mark Rutte's government is reluctant to make a blanket decision, its public statements and national security interests suggest it will be slow to approve Chinese maintenance requests in future and quick to deny them. That would be a setback for China's attempts to build up its domestic chip industry, because ASML gear is almost impossible to replace and will break down over time if not maintained. But it could also complicate efforts by Rutte's government to stop ASML Holdings NV, the Netherlands' biggest company, from moving operations abroad. One emerging factor is Dutch security priorities, particularly support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Rutte, who is favoured to become the next NATO secretary general, discussed ASML with Chinese President Xi Jinping when they met in Beijing last week. He said afterwards that China's support for Russia was a serious problem at a time when the Netherlands is arming Ukraine with F-16s. "It is incredibly important that China understand any victory for Russia (in Ukraine) would pose an immediate threat" to both the Netherlands and Europe, Rutte said. He declined to answer directly whether his government will deny licences for ASML's Chinese customers. Xi told Chinese state media he had warned Rutte against "decoupling and breaking links" with China. STARTING POINT While Beijing says it is neutral on the Ukraine conflict, Xi has a strategic alliance with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Netherlands holds Russia responsible for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Flight 17 (MH17) over eastern Ukraine, which killed 198 Dutch citizens. It also houses and supports the Hague-based International Criminal Court which has issued a warrant for Putin's arrest on war crimes charges. Story continues Rutte called on China to do more to keep Russia from obtaining "dual-use goods" with both civilian and military applications - such as ASML's machines and the chips they are used to make. While his comments do not translate to a policy of presumptive denial for Chinese customers seeking ASML gear that falls under licensing rules, as U.S. policy does, they do indicate the Dutch government's likely starting point. ASML declined to comment. It has previously said it complies with all export regulations. European Parliament lawmaker Bart Groothuis said the Netherlands should determine export policy in concert with larger allies. "It is much better for us to do that, regulate ASML, together with the U.S., or in the future it may be Europe, and I would say that is the best way forward," he said. U.S. President Joe Biden's export policy chief Alan Estevez is expected to raise the servicing contracts at a meeting on Monday with Dutch government officials and executives from ASML. The Dutch government must weigh its response given fears of weakening U.S. support for its security priorities, including Ukraine, especially if Donald Trump wins November's presidential election. CASE BY CASE "If the U.S. role in NATO decreases, then probably also the leverage that the U.S. has ... with regard to technology transfers to China will decrease," said Frans-Paul van der Putten of the Clingendael Institute, a Dutch think tank. He said the Dutch see China as "the only country that has at least some kind of influence on Russia potentially". The Dutch Foreign Ministry, which oversees exports, said on Thursday it will judge Chinese licensing requests the same way it does others: on a "case by case" basis, weighing the risks they might end up having undesired military uses. But that will be difficult for Dutch officials to determine from afar, especially given Xi's civil-military fusion policies. For ASML, the damage from an uncertain number of licence denials will be gradual and limited - maintenance is about 20% of its revenue and China is its third-biggest market after Taiwan and South Korea. It has sold 10 billion euros ($11 billion) of equipment to chipmakers in China over the past three years, much of which does not fall under any export restrictions. Some has also gone to plants in China with Western-allied owners, such as SK Hynix and TSMC. Individual Chinese chipmakers or plants that are denied a licence could be badly hurt, as ASML machines are essential for making chips and hard to replace. Experts say, however, that Chinese chipmakers have shown surprising resilience to U.S.-led sanctions so far and will continue to find ways to engineer around them in the future. "The cutting-off of servicing is going to inexorably degrade the capabilities of that equipment. And so the manufacturer will be fighting a sort of rearguard action to keep those machines going as long as possible," said Paul Triolo, a U.S. expert on China and semiconductors. "The question is in the long term, what other workarounds are possible here?" ($1 = 0.9232 euros) (Editing by Catherine Evans) Warsaw, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Apr, 2024) Poland's ruling pro-European coalition parties are hoping Sunday's local election will put an end to an "age of populism" represented by the previous nationalist government. The vote is seen as a first test for the ruling centre-left coalition of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, which emerged from the October general election. Voters in the EU and NATO member of 38 million people will choose mayors and local and regional government members from among almost 200,000 candidates. On the national scale, the vote "will be tantamount to a referendum on the political parties", Stanislaw Mocek, a professor at the Collegium Civitas university in Warsaw, told AFP. Opinion polls show Tusk's centrist Civic Coalition (KO) neck and neck with the nationalist Law and Justice party (PiS) which ruled the country until last year, with both scoring just under 30 percent backing. The election could serve as a litmus test for the two parties on a national scale, but the vote will be crucial for the country's 16 regional councils. Members of the ruling coalition, running separately, are hoping to win in all but one of them. - 'Undemocratic tendencies' - The KO will be counting on its allies, the Christian-Democratic party Third Way and the Left party, to help the pro-European camp prevail. The PiS, which currently rules in five regions, may team up with the far-right Confederation or minor regional groupings after the vote. Anna Materska-Sosnowska, an analyst at the Stefan Batory Foundation, said that if the pro-EU alliance wins, it will "confirm a rejection of undemocratic tendencies" among the country's voters. Tusk, who served as the European Council head in 2014-2019, highlighted this during the campaign, saying the country was "rebuilding the rule of law these days" after the PiS rule. His ally Rafal Trzaskowski, the mayor of Warsaw who is seeking to extend his term in the vote, said Friday that "a second stage is needed in this march to end the age of populism represented by the PiS". The pro-Western parties need a big win also because the Tusk government is facing criticism from some voters for a slow pace of reforms after the first 100 days in office. For the PiS, which is still the largest party in parliament, the election is "a chance to see what degree of support they can count on", said Materska-Sosnowska. On the national level, the PiS is hoping to remain the country's biggest party, fuelling its hopes of returning to power some day. Its loss to KO could in turn result in a collapse of the party led by Jaroslaw Kaczynski in the longer term, analysts said. - 'A tough race ahead' - Former PiS Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has recently warned that his party should "get ready for a tough race ahead". The PiS can count on its faithful voters in smaller towns and the countryside, especially in Poland's rural east and southeast. The ruling coalition is all but certain to prevail in large cities. In Warsaw, Trzaskowski is tipped to win the mayor's seat in the first round. A second-round decider two weeks later would be perceived as a major surprise. The election campaign was focused largely on local issues, such as transport, housing and the reinforcement of local and regional governments after years of centralisation pushed by the PiS. The campaign was marked by farmers' rallies in protest against the EU's Green Deal and cheap grain imports from Ukraine. Protesters were also angry about financial scandals linked to the previous government and a rift in the ruling coalition over bids to liberalise the abortion law in the strongly Catholic country. Turnout is expected to trail the record-high 74.4 percent from last year's general election, which propelled the Tusk-led coalition to power. Polling stations will open at 0500 GMT and close at 1900 GMT on Sunday, with exit polls to be published shortly afterwards. (@ChaudhryMAli88) UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Apr, 2024) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was "alarmed" by the raid carried out by Ecuadoran security forces at Mexico's embassy in Quito to arrest corruption-accused former Vice President Jorge Glas, his spokesman has said. The Secretary-General reaffirms the cardinal principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel, emphasizing that this principle must be respected in all cases, in accordance with international law, a statement released by UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. Mexico had granted asylum to Glas who was sheltering in the embassy, but the Government of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa argued that normal diplomatic rules were invalid due to the corruption charges he faced. The Secretary-General stresses that violations of this principle jeopardize the pursuit of normal international relations, which are critical for the advancement of cooperation between States, Dujarric said. The breach of the embassy and arrest led Mexico to suspend diplomatic relations with and Mexicos president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador reportedly criticized the move as authoritarian and a breach of national sovereignty. Governments across the region and across the political spectrum also criticized the embassy incursion, including Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Uruguay. Glas has been staying in the embassy since December. Social media posts showed him being taken by police convoy to the airport in the capital, before being flown to Ecuadors largest city, Guayaquil. The Secretary-General calls for moderation and exhorts both Governments to solve their differences through peaceful means, Dujarric concluded. The embassy raid followed Mexico granting Glass request for asylum earlier on Friday. The former vice premier is facing further corruption charges having been convicted in 2017 for taking bribes from a Brazilian construction company, in exchange for awarding Government contracts. Glas reportedly has argued that the fresh charges are politically motivated. Late on Saturday the Washington DC-based Organization of American States called for dialogue between Ecuador and Quito to resolve the diplomatic rift, adding that its permanent council would convene to discuss the need for strict compliance with international laws including the guarantee of the right to asylum. APP/ift Oman's foreign minister called Sunday for de-escalation during a visit by his Iranian counterpart who started a regional tour in Muscat where he met a spokesperson for Yemen's Houthi rebels. The visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian came almost a week after an airstrike in Damascus leveled the Iranian Embassy's consular annex and further raised regional tensions. The attack, which Tehran blamed on Israel, killed seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members including two generals. Iranian leaders have called for retaliation. "Oman supports efforts to reduce escalation in the region, address various issues and conflicts, and for the voice of wisdom to prevail," Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi said in a statement carried by the official Oman News Agency. Oman has long been a mediator between Tehran and the West. "The Palestinian issue is the main issue that we are working to overcome," the minister said. Amirabdollahian praised growing ties between Iran and Oman, thanking the sultanate for its condemnation of the Damascus strike. The Gulf country is also a mediator in the war between Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Yemen's internationally recognized government. Houthi rebels have launched dozens of missiles and drone strikes on shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since November. They say they are acting in support of Palestinians during Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. During a meeting with Houthi spokesperson and senior official Mohammed Abdelsalam in Muscat on Sunday, Amirabdollahian hailed "the brave support of the Yemeni nation for the oppressed Palestinian nation," Iran's foreign ministry said. During the meeting, Amirabdollahian, like other Iranian leaders, vowed revenge for the attack in Syria. He said his country "will use its recognized rights within the framework of international law to hold the criminal aggressors accountable and punish them," the ministry said. Yahya Rahim Safavi, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, warned Sunday that Israeli embassies are "no longer safe" after the strike. There was no immediate comment from Israel, Iran's arch foe. The consular strike has further raised Middle East tensions already inflamed by the war in Gaza and related violence involving Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. At a joint news conference with the Houthi official, Amirabdollahian called Israel's embassy strike "a new page of this regime's warmongering and its efforts to expand the war in the region." According to Syrian pro-government newspaper Al-Watan, Amirabdollahian travels to Damascus on Monday for an official visit. Fighting in Yemen between rebels and the government backed by a Saudi-led coalition has largely remained on hold since a United Nations-brokered cease-fire in April 2022. Amirabdollahian expressed support "for the process of peace talks in Yemen," his ministry said. An Argentine judge on Friday ruled that 20 cloistered nuns had suffered abuse for more than two decades at the hands of high-ranking clergy in the country's conservative north, and ordered the accused archbishop and church officials to undergo psychological treatment and training in gender discrimination. The ruling in the homeland of Pope Francis cast a spotlight on the long-standing of abuse of nuns by priests and bishops in the Catholic Church. Though long overshadowed by other church scandals, such abuses in religious life are increasingly being aired and denounced as a result of nuns feeling emboldened by the #MeToo movement, which has a corollary in the church, #NunsToo. "I conclude and affirm that the nuns have suffered acts of gender violence religiously, physically, psychologically and economically for more than 20 years," Judge Carolina Caceres said in the ruling from Salta in northwestern Argentina. She also ordered the verdict be conveyed to Francis. The four accused clergy members have denied committing any violence. The archbishop's lawyer, Eduardo Romani, dismissed Friday's ruling as baseless and vowed to appeal. Still, he said, the archbishop would abide by the order to receive treatment and anti-discrimination training through a local NGO "whether or not he agrees with its basis." The nuns' lawyer hailed the verdict as unprecedented in Argentina in recognizing the plaintiffs' plight and the deeper problem of gender discrimination. "It shatters the 'status quo' because it targets a person with a great deal of power," said Jose Viola, the lawyer. In recent years, several prominent cases have emerged involving nuns, laywomen or consecrated women denouncing spiritual, psychological, physical or sexual abuse by once-exalted priests. But complaints have largely fallen on deaf ears at the Vatican and in the rigid all-male hierarchy at the local level in Argentina, apparently prompting the nuns in Salta to seek remedy in the secular justice system. A similar dynamic played out when the clergy abuse of minors scandal first erupted decades ago and victims turned to the courts because of inaction by church authorities. The 20 nuns from the reclusive order of Discalced Carmelites at San Bernardo Monastery dedicated to solitude, silence and daily contemplative prayer brought their case forward in 2022, sending shockwaves through conservative Salta. Their complaints cited a range of mistreatment including verbal insults, threats, humiliation and physical although not sexual assault. The nuns describe archbishop Mario Cargnello as grabbing, slapping and shaking women. At one point, they said, Cargnello squeezed the lips of a nun to silence her. At another, he pounced on a nun, striking her as he struggled to snatch a camera from her hands. They also accused Cargello of borrowing nuns' money without paying them back. Caceres, the judge, described the instances as "physical and psychological gender violence." The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. President Joe Biden will host the leaders of Japan and the Philippines Thursday. The first trilateral summit between Washington and its two Asian allies is set to launch initiatives including bolstering maritime cooperation in the South China Sea. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports. U.S. President Joe Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a White House summit set to bolster trilateral maritime cooperation in the South China Sea, a major move to counter Beijing. The first-of-its-kind gathering by the United States and its two Asian allies is set for Thursday. Its part of Bidens strategy to stitch together existing bilateral alliances into broader mini-laterals to amplify U.S. influence in Asia. The U.S.-Japan-Philippines trilateral focuses on freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. Last year, Biden hosted a similar meeting with Japan and South Korea to deal with the threat from North Korea. Manila is keen to firm up trilateral maritime cooperation, namely plans for joint naval patrols by the three countries, a move that would likely trigger a strong reaction from Beijing. Joint patrols are something that we've already discussed extensively with Japan and the United States, Philippines Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez told reporters in a briefing last week. And I think that we're hoping that this will come into fruition very soon. The White House declined to confirm such plans, reiterating only that the leaders would have much to discuss in their meeting. Certainly, the tensions in the South China Sea are not going away, said national security spokesperson John Kirby in response to VOAs question during a White House briefing Thursday. That was an issue that was raised in the president's call with President Xi [Jinping of China] just a couple of days ago. Pentagon press secretary Pat Ryder also declined to confirm, telling VOA only that the goal of trilateral efforts in the South China Sea is to ensure that the Indo-Pacific region remains free, it remains open and that there is security and stability throughout the region. However, an announcement on joint naval patrols is widely expected at the summit, said Gregory Poling, director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. Following increased Philippine naval activities with regional partners including the United States, Japan and Australia, the trilateral naval patrol is an obvious next step, he told VOA. The meeting and expected announcement will come amid ramped-up tension in the South China Sea, where for weeks Chinese coast guard ships have deployed 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 countrys sovereignty claims over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. The Philippines is a U.S. ally under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which means skirmishes between Manila and Beijing in the Spratlys are a problem for Washington. While we're focused on Taiwan for obvious reasons, conflict between the U.S. and China remains more likely in the South China Sea, Poling told VOA. The ceiling on that might be lower; we're not going to escalate into a general war in the South China Sea. But a lower-level military conflict is uncomfortably possible. More robust Japan role The South China Sea is a vital passageway for Japan's global supply chains, a reaffirming factor for Tokyo as Washington draws it into a more robust military role in the region. There is tremendous expectation for Japan, said Shihoko Goto, director of the Indo-Pacific Program at the Wilson Center. Tokyo is at the heart of regional security, she told VOA, considering its involvement in the two trilateral formations and in the quadrilateral strategic security dialogue among Australia, India, Japan and the United States, also known as the Quad. For Japan's Kishida, the summit will be another chance to flex his countrys diplomatic muscles as it stands beside Washington, its strongest ally. Kishida wants to showcase the transformation of Japans bilateral alliance with Washington that serves peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific to a global partnership that stands as the cornerstone of international liberal order, said Yuki Tatsumi, co-director of the East Asia Program and director of the Japan Program at the Stimson Center. The key deliverables, she told VOA, include plans for a modernized alliance command and control and plans for a consultative body for defense industrial cooperation. Japan has been an anchor of various U.S. regional alliances and partnership in the region. Ahead of the summit, Tokyo and Manila are already in talks on a Reciprocal Access Agreement that would enhance shared military operations and training. US lagging on building prosperity While many analysts applaud Biden on his strong and coordinated security approach for the region, they say Washington is lagging Beijing when it comes to building regional prosperity. We're not seeing as much leadership on the economic front, Goto said. That will be something that there will be greater demand for. In previous meetings with Biden, Kishida reiterated Japans calls for Washington to join the 2018 Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. The 11-country bloc representing one of the largest free-trade areas in the world is a reincarnation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a free-trade agreement pushed in 2015 by then-President Barack Obama and then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Then-President Donald Trump withdrew from the TPP in 2017. Kishida and Biden are also likely to discuss Nippon Steels proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel. Ahead of the American presidential election in November, the potential deal has become embroiled in protectionist campaign rhetoric. Biden sees steel as critical to national security and has said the company should remain domestically owned. His prospective opponent, Trump, has promised to block the $14 billion deal if he is elected again. Trilateral aside, Biden will honor Kishida, whom he last met at the G7 summit in Hiroshima last year, with an official visit Wednesday. He will meet separately with Marcos on Thursday, a repeat of the Philippines leaders White House visit last May. Analysts say the frequent meetings with the leaders underscore Bidens desire for the U.S. to remain a Pacific power, despite the presidents focus being pulled toward the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Carla Babb and Paris Huang contributed to this report. Editor's note: An earlier version of this report misspelled Gregory Poling's last name. VOA regrets the error. Five years ago, Lun Sam Ath took out a $12,000 loan to build a new wooden house and repay a previous loan that she had used to buy a motorbike. The 45-year-old mother of five owed $200 a month to Amret, one of the countrys largest microfinance institutions (MFI), which she figured she could repay with help from her older daughters earnings from a garment factory job. But then her husband contracted hepatitis, and treatment was costly. After her husband died, Lun Sam Ath, who made about $180 a month in a garment factory, fell behind on payments. So, she decided to sell their house along with a 10-by-20-meter plot of land. But with Cambodia experiencing a post-COVID real estate slump, it remains unsold. The MFI credit officers seeking repayment started pressuring Lun Sam Ath. "They would come to my home with several people, three to five motorbikes, and also bring the village chief with them," she said during a recent interview with VOA Khmer. She couldnt handle the stress and shame. Last June she abandoned her home and rented a room for $40 a month, living with her three younger children, ages 9 to 14. In February, she moved to the capital, Phnom Penh, where she sells face masks on the street. She screens phone calls "since I am afraid the bank agents will call me" she said. "They [the MFI] can take my land and sell it now to pay off the loan." Lun Sam Aths loan was one of nearly 2 million outstanding microfinance loans in Cambodia as of the end of 2023, according to the Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA). Cambodias population is about 16.5 million, and researchers say the ratio of microfinance loans per person is the worlds highest. The MFI sector was once hailed as a key tool for lifting Cambodians out of poverty by injecting capital into small businesses or farms unsuitable for traditional loans. Instead, thousands of Cambodians found themselves in a debt trap, taking out increasingly burdensome loans to pay back other loans, and taking increasingly extreme measures to escape the cycle of indebtedness. Substantial research conducted in Cambodia and in other developing nations found that while microloans helped many, especially women, the small loans have also made lives, like Lun Sam Aths, worse. Advocates say the MFIs in Cambodia frequently fail to clearly explain the risks of these loans to borrowers, who are often financially illiterate and use their land as collateral. Two local rights groups, Licadho and Equitable Cambodia, released a report, Debt Threats: A Quantitative Study of Microloan Borrowers in Cambodia, based on a survey of 717 households in Kampong Speu province, which is about 50 kilometers from Phnom Penh. "Widespread over-indebtedness has led to significant numbers of serious human rights abuses," the study said. It found 6.1% of households had sold land to repay a debt, while about 3% of households had a child drop out of school specifically due to a loan, often to start working to help repayment. The study, released in August, also found a spike in people increasing their borrowing to repay other loans. In 2012, 3.45% of loans went to repaying existing loans, which increased to 34.8% of loans in 2022. Am Sam Ath, operations director at Licadho, called for urgent intervention from MFIs and the government to protect borrowers. But he said loan officers employed by MFIs were often perpetuating the problem. Rather than approving loans for income-generating activities, these institutions were issuing loans for house repairs, medical expenses or repaying other loans. And Cambodia is seeing increasing reports of credit officers resorting to intimidation or other unscrupulous tactics to compel borrowers to repay their debt, Am Sam Ath told VOA Khmer in January. That month, the CMA released a study touting the "transformative impact" of microfinance loans. Kaing Tongngy, a spokesperson for the association, said there were more than 2 million borrowers across the country, "so it is unavoidable that some clients were unable to pay." The CMA impact study, conducted by development research agency M-CRIL, found that 31% of the 3,200 microfinance borrowers surveyed experienced substantial economic benefit and life improvements, while 36% reported some improvement over the past five years. And while nearly 6% of borrowers had reported selling some land over the past five years, 20% reported purchases of some land, according to the CMA report. Licadhos Am Sam Ath said the CMA study "focused mostly on positive work of MFIs, but little on negatives." He and other like-minded advocates want to see "solutions and improvements in the sector." The growth of MFIs has been staggering. Starting with about 50,000 clients and a total loan portfolio of more than $3 million in 1995, the microfinance sector provided loans to 2.1 million households with a portfolio of $9.4 billion by the end of 2022, according to the CMA. That accounts for more than 30% of Cambodias estimated GDP of $29.96 billion. MFIs often tout the relatively high repayment rates as proof of the industrys health. The National Bank of Cambodia in 2022 reported a sectorwide non-performing loan rate of just 2.5%. But researchers from Cambodia and Singapore said an obsession with "portfolio quality" was masking the true cost to individual borrowers. "These indicators hide how people are juggling debt from informal lenders to repay their loans. Consequently, claims about the social impact of microfinance are based on a flawed understanding of household borrowing practices," said their report, released last year with a grant from the National University of Singapore. "Lenders not only fail to measure the impact of their services, but they also have a conflict of interest in reporting on the abuses that their services have caused. So long as repayment rates are considered an indicator of success, then the risks associated with juggling debt are likely to increase," it added. According to a report by the National Bank of Cambodia, its officials have imposed fines or taken other administrative actions against MFIs that fail to follow existing regulations. Cambodias microfinance industry is being investigated by the International Finance Corporations (IFC) watchdogs Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO), because of the reports of forced land sales and other human rights violations from advocacy organizations. CAO is reviewing six of Cambodias top IFC-funded microfinance institutions including Amret, which issued Lun Sam Aths loan. It declined to comment on her case in an email to VOA on March 16. Rwandan community marks 30 years since genocide, vows not to forget 'lessons of the past' Over 100 days in 1994, more than 800,000 Rwandans most of them Tutsis and moderate Hutus were slaughtered by the Rwandan military and Hutu militia. On Sunday, the local Rwandan community held a march to mark the genocide and to encourage people never to forget. (Radio-Canada - image credit) Hundreds of people marched from Parliament Hill to the Shaw Centre Sunday to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. In 100 days, more than 800,000 Rwandans most of them Tutsis and moderate Hutus were slaughtered by the Rwandan military and Hutu militia. Tarcisse Ruhamyandekwe lost dozens of relatives on both his mother and father's sides of the family. "It's very important we remember those people and make the world aware of what happened, because we tend to forget and we repeat the same thing," he said. Ruhamyandekwe said he hopes today serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking out against injustice, no matter where it's happening in the world. "If someone's dying and you don't care today it's me. Tomorrow it might be you." For Tarcisse Ruhamyandekwe, marking 30 years since the Rwandan genocide is also a reminder to never allow something similar to happen again. For Tarcisse Ruhamyandekwe, marking 30 years since the Rwandan genocide is also a reminder to never allow something similar to happen again. (Safiyah Marhnouj/CBC) Thirty years on, the events of the genocide are still fresh in the minds of those who were touched by it. Sylvie Umutoni was born after it occurred, but said she's seen how generational trauma and mental health issues are still prevalent within survivors and their children. "It didn't just happen in 100 days. It's been something that we feel constantly, consistently," she said. Umutoni's parents and brother survived the genocide, as did some of her aunts and cousins. Several of her other family members were killed. "When we say never again, we don't mean it just in Rwanda, but we mean it across the world," she added. Survivor a 'living example of hope' Several MPs, MPPs, diplomats and city councillors came out to the event in solidarity with the Rwandan community. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe spoke at the event, officially proclaiming April 7 as a day of remembrance. Growing up as a Tutsi in Rwanda, Chico Kirenga said it wasn't uncommon for him and his family to hear discriminatory slurs or see hateful propaganda but no one imagined it would turn into "one of the most violent events in human history." Kirenga was only nine when the mass killings started. "Gunshots echoed throughout the city of Kigali. As Tutsi, we were hunted," he recalled Sunday. Kirenga and his family were able to find shelter, but were later discovered by members of the militia. He said his whole family was dragged out from where they were hiding and lined up on the street. His parents, brothers and sister were killed in front of him. "I remember that moment like it was yesterday, sitting on the ground waiting for the soldier to load his gun," he said. Kirenga and his two sisters were the only survivors. They were able to reunite later with his older sister, he said, who was outside of the country at the time. Kirenga said he finds purpose in sharing his story and educating the younger generation about the horrors of what Rwanda went through. "Now, 30 years later, I am here. A living example of hope triumphing over despair," he said. "May we never forget the lessons of the past." Sylvie Umutoni's parents and brother survived the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Sylvie Umutoni's parents and brother survived the Rwandan genocide in 1994. She was born after the killings, and says the community still deals with generational trauma. (Safiyah Marhnouj/CBC) 'An everyday struggle' Pascal Kanyemera is a survivor of the Rwandan genocide and president of Humura Association, a non-profit created for other survivors who reside in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Kanyemera told CBC Radio's All In A Day last week that more than a dozen of his family members were killed during the genocide. "You can imagine thinking about all those people," Kanyemera said. "It's an everyday struggle." Pascal Kanyemera is a survivor of the Rwandan genocide and president of Humura Association. Kanyemera lost more than a dozen of his family members in the genocide. Pascal Kanyemera is a survivor of the Rwandan genocide and president of Humura Association. Kanyemera lost more than a dozen of his family members in the genocide. (Radio-Canada) Kanyemera also said survivors want more action from Canada on finding alleged perpetrators of the genocide who live in the country. "It's not only for the survivors ... it's a public safety issue as well," Kanyemera said. Rwanda has previously urged Canada to extradite accused genocide masterminds believed to be in hiding. In 2012, Canadian authorities deported Leon Mugesera, a Hutu and former politician who was later convicted and jailed for life over the genocide. Find a globe in your local library or classroom and try this: Close the eyes, spin it and drop a finger randomly on its curved, glossy surface. Youre likely to pinpoint a spot in the water, which covers 71% of the planet. Maybe youll alight on a place youve never heard of or a spot that no longer exists after a war or because of climate change. Perhaps youll feel inspired to find out who lives there and what it's like. Trace the path of totality ahead of Monday's solar eclipse. Look carefully, and you'll find the cartouche the globemaker's signature and the antipode (point diametrically opposed) of where you're standing right now. In the age of Google Earth, watches that triangulate and cars with built-in GPS, there's something about a globe a spherical representation of the world in miniature that somehow endures. London globemaker Peter Bellerby thinks the human yearning to find our place in the cosmos has helped globes survive their original purpose navigation and the internet. He says it's part of the reason he went into debt making a globe for his father's 80th birthday in 2008. The experience helped inspire his company, and 16 years later is keeping his team of about two dozen artists, cartographers and woodworkers employed. You dont go onto Google Earth to get inspired, Bellerby says in his airy studio, surrounded by dozens of globes in various languages and states of completion. A globe is very much something that connects you to the planet that we live on. Building a globe amid breakneck change? Beyond the existential and historical appeal, earthly matters such as cost and geopolitics hover over globemaking. Bellerby says his company has experience with customs officials in regions with disputed borders such as India, China, North Africa and the Middle East. And there is a real question about whether globes especially handmade orbs remain relevant as more than works of art and history for those who can afford them. They are, after all, snapshots of the past of the way their patrons and makers saw the world at a certain point in time. So, they're inherently inaccurate representations of a planet in constant flux. Do globes play a relevant role in our time? If so, then in my opinion, this is due to their appearance as a three-dimensional body, the hard-to-control desire to turn them, and the attractiveness of their map image, says Jan Mokre, vice president of the International Coronelli Society for the Study of Globes in Vienna. Joshua Nall, Director of the Whipple Museum of the History of Science in Cambridge, says a globe remains a display of the learning, the erudition, the political interests of its owner. How, and how much? Bellerby's globes aren't cheap. They run from about 1,290 British pounds (about $1,900) for the smallest to six figures for the 50-inch Churchill model. He makes about 600 orbs a year of varying size, framing and ornamentation. The imagery painted on the globes runs the gamut, from constellations to mountains and sea creatures. And here, The Associated Press can confirm, be dragons. Who buys a globe these days? Bellerby doesn't name clients, but he says they come from more socioeconomic levels than you'd think from families to businesses and heads of state. Private art collectors come calling. So do moviemakers. Bellerby says in his book that the company made four globes for the 2011 movie, Hugo. One globe can be seen in the 2023 movie Tetris," including one, a freestanding straight-leg Galileo model, which features prominently in a scene. 'A political minefield' There is no international standard for a correctly drawn earth. Countries, like people, view the world differently, and some are highly sensitive about how their territory is depicted. To offend them with incorrectly drawn borders on a globe is to risk impoundment of the orbs at customs. Globemaking, Bellerby writes, is a political minefield. China doesn't recognize Taiwan as a country. Morocco doesn't recognize Western Sahara. India's northern border is disputed. Many Arab countries, such as Lebanon, don't acknowledge Israel. Bellerby says the company marks disputed borders as disputed: We cannot change or rewrite history." Speaking of history, here's the earth apple Scientists since antiquity, famously Plato and Aristotle, posited that the earth is not flat but closer to a sphere. (More precisely, it's a spheroid bulging at the equator, squashed at the poles). No one knows when the first terrestrial globe was created. But the oldest known surviving one dates to 1492. No one in Europe knew of the existence of North or South America at the time. It's called the Erdapfel, which translates to earth apple or potato." The orb was made by German navigator and geographer Martin Behaim, who was working for the king of Portugal, according to the Whipple Museum in Cambridge. It contained more than just the cartographical information then known, but also details such as commodities overseas, marketplaces and local trading protocols. It's also a record of a troubled time. The Behaim Globe is today a central document of the European world conquest and the Atlantic slave trade, according to the German National Museum's web page on the globe, exhibited there. In the 15th century, the museum notes, "Africa was not only to be circumnavigated in search of India, but also to be developed economically. The globe makes it clear how much the creation of our modern world was based on the violent appropriation of raw materials, the slave trade and plantation farming," the museum notes, or the first stage of European subjugation and division of the world. Twin globes for Churchill and Roosevelt during WWII If you've got a globe of any sort, you're in good company. During World War II, two in particular were commissioned for leaders on opposite sides of the Atlantic as symbols of power and partnership. For Christmas in 1942, the United States delivered gigantic twin globes to American President Franklin Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. They were 50 inches in diameter and hundreds of pounds each, believed to be the largest and most accurate globes of the time. It took more than 50 government geographers, cartographers, and draftsmen to compile the information to make the globe, constructed by the Weber Costello Company of Chicago Heights, Illinois. The Roosevelt globe now sits at the Roosevelt Library in Hyde Park, N.Y., and Churchills globe is at Chartwell House, the Churchill family home in Kent, England, according to the U.S. Library of Congress. In theory, the leaders could use the globes simultaneously to formulate war strategy. In reality, however," Bellerby writes, the gift of the globes was a simple PR exercise, an important weapon in modern warfare. Education and immigration advocates say African students face high denial rates when seeking visas to study in the United States, and they are pushing for changes. Visa rejection rates are higher than elsewhere in regions of the Middle East, South America and Africa, with Africa experiencing the highest levels of disproportionate refusals, according to a Presidents Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration report released in July 2023. Whenever we see that sort of data for any country, let alone a region of the world, it gives us pause, said Fanta Aw, executive director of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Aw told VOA that NAFSA and other institutions met a few times with U.S. State Department officials in 2023 to ask questions and push for visa adjudication changes. She said an investigation still is needed to understand what is happening. They are expected to meet again in the coming months. Theyre very committed and do not want to see inconsistencies in different parts. We had conversations about staff training at the country level and consular affairs level, and we had assurances that these things are being constantly monitored, she said. Data collected through public records requests show that in 2022, half of the students from African countries who applied for a student visa were denied. In 2023, the trend continued. Ethiopian students had a 78% denial rate, followed by Nigeria at 75%, Kenya at 74%, Congo at 69%, Ghana at 63%, Zimbabwe at 47%, and South Africa at 17%. What is the root cause here? Aw said. There needs to be assurance that [consular officers] on the ground are fully trained in the way they make determinations around this, that there is consistency in that. We need more visa appointment slots, because with the demand, if people are not even able to get a visa appointment, and when they get the rejection is this high, you can imagine the compounding effect of that. In European countries, for instance, one in 10 students was denied a visa during the same time frame. The student visa, or F-1 visa, allows international students to enroll full time in U.S. government-certified institutions, and it is required for all international students. For the past few years, weve been tracking this, Washington-based immigration lawyer Leon Fresco told VOA. And we happened to notice theres this weird African disparity here. Is this happening by inertia? Is this happening because [U.S. officials] wanted it to happen? We just want people to know theres this disparity. [And] start the process of fixing it. Word goes around Advocates say a high rate of visa denials discourages students from applying to U.S. institutions. Word goes around, Dont bother, because youre never going to make it, Aw said. And that is not the message any of us want to see. International education is one of the most effective bridge-building, because these are future engineers, future business, future scientists, future artists, future politicians. Aw said countries like China and India are actively recruiting in parts of the African continent, and the United States is losing talent. Dont get me wrong if students want to go to China or India, theres nothing wrong with that or any other place. But it shouldn't be because they couldn't get here, she said. Top priority U.S. officials told VOA that international students are a top priority for the Department of State and that all visa applications are processed on their individual merits according to U.S. immigration law. A State Department spokesperson told VOA that EducationUSA, a network supported by the U.S. government, is actively promoting U.S. higher education in Africa. Demand for student visas has skyrocketed across many regions in recent years. Our missions in Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere all issued more student and exchange visitor visas in [fiscal year] 2023 than ever before, a State Department official wrote in an email. With sharp increases in demand, a commensurate increase in denials is expected. Aw recognizes that U.S. officials are working on visa adjudications. She praised the change announced in December by the State Department, which waived in-person interviews for student visa renewals. Students can now apply for renewal without traveling to their home country, as long as their visa was issued within 48 months and they meet other criteria such as never having been refused a visa. We were pleased. We see progress. But even with that, its at the discretion of the consular affairs [official], Aw said. In 2023, more students from Africa got visas to study in the U.S. than ever before, the State Department says. Compared to 2019 before the pandemic there is a 61% increase. Countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Eswatini, Ivory Coast and Madagascar saw the highest number of student visas issued in the past 20 years. In a January letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, some congressional leaders urged greater attention toward equity in student exchange programs and visa adjudication. They emphasized its pivotal role in fortifying diplomacy and bolstering the U.S. economy. Because of these benefits, it is critical that foreign students from Africa are treated similarly to foreign students from other parts of the world. There should be no reason that the State Department data should reflect such disparities among similarly situated countries, they wrote. The next report on international student visa issuance and denials is expected in October. The United States and its Western allies are feuding with Russia over its diamond production, but they joined forces Wednesday to keep supporting the Kimberley Process, which aims to eliminate the trade in "blood diamonds" that helped fuel devastating conflicts in Africa. At a U.N. General Assembly meeting, its 193 member nations adopted a resolution by consensus recognizing that the Kimberley Process, which certifies rough diamond exports, "contributes to the prevention of conflicts fueled by diamonds" and helps the Security Council implement sanctions on the trade in conflict diamonds. The Kimberley Process went into effect in 2003 in the aftermath of bloody civil wars in Angola, Sierra Leone and Liberia where diamonds were used by armed groups to fund the conflicts. Zimbabwe's U.N. Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, whose country chaired the Kimberley Process in 2023, said in introducing the resolution that it would renew the General Assembly's "commitment to ensuring that diamonds remain a force for inclusive sustainable development instead of a driver of armed conflict." It was true in 2003 and "remains true now," he said, that profits from the diamond trade can fuel conflicts, finance rebel movements aimed at undermining or overthrowing governments, and lead to the proliferation of illegal weapons. The European Union's Clayton Curran told the assembly after the vote that the Kimberley Process "is facing unprecedented challenges" and condemned "the aggression of one Kimberley Process participant against another" Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. For the first time in its history, last November's plenary meeting of Kimberley Process participants failed to produce a consensus communique because of serious differences between Russia and the West. The key reason was a Ukrainian request, supported by the United States, Britain and others, to examine whether Russia's diamond production is funding its war against Kyiv and the implications for the Kimberley Process which Russia and several allies strongly opposed. Russia refused to support a communique that acknowledged Ukraine's request. And before Wednesday's vote, the deputy director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's economic department, Alexander Repkin, accused Western countries of sabotaging international cooperation on diamonds for "their own geopolitical interests." Alluding to sanctions on Russian diamonds by the European Union, Repkin accused the West and its companies of trying to gain a hold over the global production and processing of diamonds. He said "the further functioning of the Kimberley Process is at stake," but Russia will do everything it can to support its work. He noted that the plenary communique has served as the foundation for the General Assembly resolution on the role of conflict diamonds in fueling conflict but without one the resolution approved Wednesday "is largely technical in nature." The EU's Curran urged reform of the process "to broaden the definition of `conflict diamonds' to capture the evolving nature of conflicts and the realities on the ground." He said the EU will also try again this year to discuss the issue of the negative impact of the illegal trade in diamonds on the environment. Britain expressed regret at the failure to discuss the link between Russia's rough diamond revenue and their invasion of Ukraine, and reiterated the need for a discussion to ensure that the Kimberley Process deals with issues related to delinking diamonds from conflict. United Arab Emirates deputy ambassador Mohamed Abushahab said it's more important than ever to strengthen the Kimberley Process, which his country is chairing this year. The UAE has identified three ways: to establish a permanent secretariat which was approved at the end of March in Botswana's capital, Gabarone, to complete a review and reform of the process by the end of the year, and to identify digital technologies that can strengthen the Kimberley Process, he said. There's a pungent odor on Ratna Raju's farm that he says is protecting his crops from the unpredictable and extreme weather that's become more frequent with human-caused climate change. The smell comes from a concoction of cow urine, an unrefined sugar known as jaggery, and other organic materials that act as fertilizers, pesticides and bad weather barriers for his corn, rice, leafy greens and other vegetables on his farm in Guntur in India's southern Andhra Pradesh state. The region is frequently hit by cyclones and extreme heat, and farmers say that so-called natural farming protects their crops because the soil can hold more water, and their more robust roots help the plants withstand strong winds. Andhra Pradesh has become a positive example of the benefits of natural farming, and advocates say active government support is the primary driver for the state's success. Experts say these methods should be expanded across India's vast agricultural lands as climate change and decreasing profits have led to multiple farmers' protests this year. But fledgling government support across the country for these methods means most farmers still use chemical pesticides and fertilizers, making them more vulnerable when extreme weather hits. Many farmers are calling for greater federal and state investment to help farms switch to more climate change-proof practices. For many, the benefits of greater investment in natural farming are already obvious: In December, Cyclone Michaung, a storm moving up to 110 kph brought heavy rainfall across India's southeastern coast, flooding towns and fields. A preliminary assessment conducted a few weeks later found that 600,000 acres of crops were destroyed in Andhra Pradesh state. On Raju's natural farm, however, where he was growing rice at the time, "the rainwater on our farms seeped into the ground in one day," he said. The soil can absorb more water because it's more porous than pesticide-laden soil which is crusty and dry. Planting different kinds of crops throughout the year as opposed to the more standard single crop farms also helps keep the soil healthy, he said. But neighboring farmer Srikanth Kanapala's fields, which rely on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, were flooded for four days after the cyclone. He said seeing Raju's crops hold firm while his failed has made him curious about alternative farming methods. "I incurred huge losses," said Kanapala, who estimates he lost up to $600 because of the cyclone, a substantial sum for a small farmer in India. "For the next planting season, I plan to use natural farming methods too." Local and federal government initiatives have resulted in an estimated 700,000 farmers shifting to natural farming in the state according to Rythu Sadhikara Samstha, a government-backed not-for-profit launched in 2016 to promote natural farming. The state of Andhra Pradesh hopes to inspire all of its 6 million farmers to take up natural farming by the end of the decade. The Indian federal government's agriculture ministry has spent upward of $8 million to promote natural farming and says farmers tilling nearly a million acres across the country have shifted to the practice. In March last year, India's junior minister for agriculture said he hoped at least 25% of farms across India would use organic and natural farming techniques. But farmers like Meerabi Chunduru, one of the first in the region to switch to natural farming, said more government and political support is needed. Chunduru said she switched to the practice after her husband's health deteriorated, which she believes is because of prolonged exposure to some harmful pesticides. While the health effects of various pesticides have not yet been studied in detail, farm workers around the world have long claimed extended exposure has caused health problems. In February, a Philadelphia jury awarded $2.25 billion in damages in a case where a weed killer with glyphosate restricted in India since just 2022 was linked to a resident's blood cancer. In India, 63 farmers died in the western state of Maharashtra in 2017, believed to be linked to a pesticide containing the chemical Diafenthiuron, which is currently banned in the European Union, but not in India. "Right now, not many politicians are talking about natural farming. There is some support but we need more," said Chunduru. She called for more subsidies for seeds such as groundnuts, black gram, sorghum, vegetable crops and corn that can help farmers make the switch. Farmers' rights activists said skepticism about natural farming among political leaders, government bureaucrats and scientists is still pervasive because they still trust the existing farming models that use fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides to achieve maximum productivity. In the short-term, chemical alternatives can be cheaper and more effective, but in the long term they take a toll on the soil's health, meaning larger quantities of chemicals are needed to maintain crops, causing a cycle of greater costs and poorer soil, natural farming advocates say. "Agroecological initiatives are not getting adequate attention or budgetary outlays," said Kavitha Kuruganti, an activist who has advocated for sustainable farming practices for nearly three decades. The Indian government spends less than 3% of its total budget on agriculture. It has earmarked nearly $20 billion in fertilizer subsidies this year, but only $55 million has been allocated by the federal government to encourage natural farming. Kuruganti said there are a handful of politicians who support the practice but scaling it up remains a challenge in India. A lack of national standards and guidelines or a viable supply chain that farmers can sell their produce through is also keeping natural farming relatively niche, said NS Suresh, a research scientist at the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy, a Bengaluru-based think tank. But because the practice helps keep the plants and the soil healthy across various soil types and all kinds of unpredictable weather conditions, it's beneficial for farmers all around India, from its mountains to its coasts, experts say. And the practice of planting different crops year-round means farmers have produce to harvest at any given time, giving an extra boost to their soil and their wallets. Chunduru, who's been practicing natural farming for four years now, hopes that prioritizing natural farming in the country can have benefits for producers and consumers of crops alike, and other farmers avoid the kind of harms her husband has faced. "We can provide nutrient-rich food, soil and physical health" to future generations, she said. Climate change and water scarcity are harsh realities facing Central Asia. Glaciers in the east, in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, are rapidly melting, while in the west, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the Aral Sea has turned into a desert. According to the World Bank, almost a third of the region's 80 million people lack access to safe water, highlighting the urgent need to modernize outdated infrastructure. Afghanistan is building a canal that could exacerbate the crisis. Shrinking rivers, drying sea Last summer and fall in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, people living along the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers described to VOA extreme weather conditions droughts and floods posing existential dangers. It's all about water, our constant worry, said Ganikhan Salimov, a cotton farmer in Uzbekistans Ferghana region, bordering Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. This water is not just for us, but a source of life for the entire region, he said, pointing to a muddy canal near his crops. The Syr Darya River originates in the Tian Shan Mountains in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, flowing more than 2,250 kilometers (1,400 miles) west through Tajikistan and Kazakhstan to the northern remnants of the Aral Sea, which has been gradually disappearing for five decades. The Amu Darya stems from the confluence of the Vakhsh and Panj rivers. Separating Tajikistan and Afghanistan, it runs for 2,400 kilometers (almost 1,500 miles) northwest through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan into the southern remnants of the Aral. We dont fool ourselves with this magnificent view, said a local resident who introduced himself only as Bayram, enjoying a hot day with his family on a bank of the Amu Darya in Uzbekistans Karakalpakstan Republic, adjacent to Turkmenistan. It continuously shrinks and becomes nothing by the time it winds its way to the Aral Sea, which is nowhere to be found, he said. Bayram is right. The Amu Darya and Syr Darya have shrunk by a third in little more than 70 years. The Aral Sea, once a vast inland sea, has diminished by 90% since the 1960s, as pointed out in a recent U.N. report. The northern end of the sea, bordering Kazakhstan, is more vibrant, but life has become nearly impossible around all its shores. Authorities insist they are working with international institutions to revitalize the local ecosystem, but VOA mainly heard stories of disillusionment from residents. A new water deal? Aggravating the situation, Taliban-run Afghanistan is building a 285-kilometer (177-mile) canal off the Amu Darya, which could draw off 20% to 30% of the water that now goes to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Tashkent and Ashgabat have been in separate talks with the Taliban, who have argued that the purpose of the canal, called Qosh Tepa, is not to deprive their neighbors of a strategic resource but to provide more water for Afghans. Central Asian experts express concern over the quality of the Qosh Tepa construction, which started in 2022. Officials in Tashkent say they have offered Kabul technical assistance. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev calls the Taliban a new stakeholder not bound by any prior obligations to their northern neighbors. Last September in Tajikistan, at a meeting on the Aral Sea, he proposed a dialogue of riparian countries. We believe it is necessary to set up a joint working group to study all aspects of the construction of the Qosh Tepa canal and its impact on the water regime of the Amu Darya involving our research institutes, Mirziyoyev said. No progress has been made since then, but Eric Rudenshiold, a former U.S. official with decades of experience working with Central Asian governments, believes the best outcome would be a new water-sharing agreement. Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, all are facing water shortage issues, and so cooperation is really the only answer. And the question is, at what point these countries do that. Cooperation is much better than conflict, he told VOA. They would not even talk to each other on these issues until recently, Rudenshiold said. We've seen Central Asian states lean forward to engage with the Taliban, and I think that's a big step, he said. While optimistic about the prospects for regional dialogue, Rudenshiold said he doubts Western governments will participate, given their strong opposition to the Taliban and its repressive policies. I think the region is going to have to resolve this issue itself, not relying on international organizations or other powers, but actually having the countries come together, Rudenshiold said. He sees enough leverage to negotiate: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan provide power to Afghanistan. The question is, how do you add water into that equation? Yes, Afghanistan can take water for agriculture and drinking water. The problem is it's still depleting, and Afghanistan needs to be part of the solution, Rudenshiold said. Americas offering At a recent forum at the Wilson Center in Washington, U.S. officials and Central Asian diplomats highlighted growing water demand and worsening environmental conditions. Tajikistans ambassador, Farrukh Hamralizoda, said that more than 1,000 of the 30,000 glaciers in his country have already melted. Every year, we suffer from floods, landslides, avalanches and other water-related natural disasters, Hamralizoda said, adding that his mountainous country generates 98% of its electricity from hydropower. Kyrgyzstans ambassador, Baktybek Amanbaev, said glaciers have also been vanishing in his similarly mountainous country, which he said hosts 30% of the clean water in the five former Soviet republics that make up Central Asia. We need effective water management to be able to estimate water reserves and flows, Amanbaev said. To that end, the U.S. Agency for International Development is funding MODSNOW, a digital program for hydrological forecasting that uses satellite imaging to monitor snow depth and melt and water flows from the mountains. By providing governments and local stakeholders with accurate and timely data, the U.S. hopes to enable informed decision-making and sustainable management of resources. With accelerated snowmelt and heavy rainfall events also comes the greater risk of landslides and other severe natural disasters, said Anjali Kaur, the agencys deputy administrator, also speaking at the Wilson Center. Six months into Israels war with Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Sunday that it is near victory as the country pulled troops out of southern Gaza while maintaining a significant force elsewhere in Gaza. "We are one step away from victory, he told his Cabinet. But the price we paid is painful and heartbreaking." Even as stalled cease-fire negotiations resume in Cairo, Netanyahu pledged, "There will be no cease-fire without the return of hostages. It just won't happen." Hamas is believed to still be holding about 100 hostages in Gaza tunnels, among the 250 or so it captured in its shock October 7 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people. As of mid-February, 112 hostages have been freed, most during a week-long cease-fire in November, while 36 more are believed to have died or been killed in Gaza during the six months of fighting. Gazas Hamas-run health ministry says Israels counter-offensive has killed more than 33,000 people, two-thirds of them women and children. The Israeli military says that the total includes thousands of militants it has killed. With the carnage mounting, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, appealed for an end to the war. He acknowledged the barbaric act of the initial Hamas attack but said, This atrocity does not justify the horrific ongoing bombardment, siege and health system demolition by Israel in Gaza, killing, injuring and starving hundreds of thousands of civilians, including aid workers. The deaths and grievous injuries of thousands of children in Gaza will remain a stain on all of humanity, he said on the X media platform. This assault on present and future generations must end. Netanyahu said that despite growing international pressure, including from its chief ally, the United States, Israel would not give in to "extreme" demands from Gaza's Islamist rulers, Hamas, that it pull all its troops from the narrow territory along the Mediterranean Sea. In response to a demand last week from U.S. President Joe Biden, Israel agreed to open a new humanitarian aid roadway at Erez at the northern Gaza border with Israel, but operations there have yet to start. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are famished, with many sheltering in makeshift tents near Rafah at the Egyptian border in southern Gaza. Netanyahu has vowed to launch a ground offensive on Rafah to destroy four Hamas battalions, while safeguarding more than a million Palestinian civilians sheltering there. But Israel has made no public statement on where it would move the Palestinians to keep them out of harms way. The U.S. and other Western supporters of Israel have expressed their opposition to any ground offensive at Rafah, fearing that civilians would be caught in the crossfire between Israel and the militants. Israel on Sunday pulled troops out of southern Gaza, including from the city of Khan Younis, the Israel Defense Forces and Israeli media said, after months of fierce fighting with Hamas militants left much of the areas infrastructure leveled. The 98th commando division has concluded its mission in Khan Younis," the army said in a statement. "The division left the Gaza Strip in order to recuperate and prepare for future operations. "A significant force led by the 162nd division and the Nahal brigade continues to operate in the Gaza Strip and will preserve the IDF's freedom of action and its ability to conduct precise intelligence-based operations," the statement said. White House national security spokesman John Kirby told ABCs This Week show that Israel's partial withdrawal from southern Gaza is likely so its troops can "rest and refit," rather than a move toward a new operation. "They've been on the ground for four months, the word we're getting is they're tired, they need to be refit," Kirby said, though he stressed that it was "hard to know exactly what this tells us right now." The Israeli newspaper Haaretz said the withdrawal was tactical. An army official told the left-leaning daily, "There's no need for us to remain in the sector without an [operational] need." Attack on aid workers World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres renewed his call Sunday for an independent investigation into the Israeli airstrike that killed seven of his groups aid workers last week. Israel has called the attack a tragic mistake, while dismissing two officers responsible for the strike and reprimanding others. In an interview on ABC, Andres thanked Israel for a quick investigation but added, At the same time, I would say with something so complicated, the investigation should be much more deeper. And I would say that the perpetrator cannot be investigating himself." He said that Israel was targeting anything that "seems" to move and has been doing so "for too long." "This doesn't seem like a war against terror. This doesn't seem any more like a war about defending Israel," he said. "It really, at this point, seems like a war against humanity itself." Kirby said, "Theres going to have to be some changes to the way the Israeli Defense Forces are prosecuting these operations in Gaza, to make sure that [the attack on aid workers] doesn't happen again. Cease-fire talks Negotiators began arriving in Cairo on Saturday for renewed negotiations for a cease-fire and the release of hostages. U.S. CIA Director William Burns arrived Saturday. Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and an Israeli delegation were expected to take part in the talks as well, Egypt's Al Qahera news reported. Hamas said in a statement that it is sending its deputy chief in Gaza, Khalil Al-Hayya. It also reiterated its core demands: a complete cease-fire in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Biden wrote letters to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, on the state of the hostage talks, and "he urged them to secure commitments from Hamas to agree and abide by a deal." Kirby said last week Biden also told Netanyahu to empower his negotiators in Cairo to agree on a cease-fire deal as soon as possible, while allowing more humanitarian aid into Gaza. Some information for this report was provided by Reuters, The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. Two Papuan separatist leaders were killed in a shootout between security forces and their rebel group near one of the worlds largest gold mines in Indonesias restive Papua region, police said Sunday. Clashes Thursday between independence rebels of the Free Papua Movement and a joint police and military force near the mining town of Tembagapura in Central Papua province left two of the groups regional commanders dead; Abubakar Kogoya, known as Abubakar Tabuni and Damianus Magay, commonly known as Natan Wanimbo. Both were part of the West Papua Liberation Army, the group's military wing. Rebels in Papua have been fighting a low-level insurgency since the early 1960s when Indonesia annexed the region. A U.N.-sponsored ballot, widely seen as a sham, incorporated the former Dutch colony into Indonesia leading to simmering insurgency ever since. Security forces recognized the two commanders after finding their identity cards on them, said Faizal Ramadani, who headed the joint security force. He also said authorities showed the bodies of both men to other imprisoned members of the liberation army Friday for further confirmation. Several other rebels were wounded in the shootout but managed to escape into the jungle, according to Ramadani. He said they were armed with military-grade weapons, axes and arrows. Security forces seized a gun in the area. The group's spokesperson couldnt be reached for immediate comment. The area harbors the Grasberg gold mine, nearly half-owned by U.S.-based Freeport-McMoRan and run by PT Freeport Indonesia. Separatists view the mine as a symbol of Indonesian rule and have frequently targeted it. The shootout ensued after authorities received reports that attackers believed to be members of the liberation army stormed a traditional gold panning facility in Kali Kuluk, causing many, including locals in surrounding villages, to flee. Kali Kuluk is in the operational area of PT Freeport Indonesia. Ramadani described Tabuni as a central figure in the liberation army, adding that police records showed he took part in the March 2020 attack that killed a New Zealander and wounded six others in the same area, a road ambush in Oct. 2017 that left one police officer dead and another attack in November the same year that wounded a company truck driver. He played an active role in various security disturbances near Freeport areas, Ramadani said. Freeport-McMoRan has been mining the Grasbergs vast gold and copper reserves for decades. Several environmental groups have accused the company of damaging the surrounding territories primarily via waste dumping. The mine provides a significant tax income for the Indonesian government, according to local reports. Indigenous Papuans suffer poverty, sickness and are more likely to die young than people elsewhere in Indonesia, multiple nongovernmental organizations say. A search was under way in Pakistan's northwest after gunmen ambushed and opened fire on a police vehicle, killing two people and injuring two more, an official said Saturday. The assault took place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan and has borne the brunt of militant violence since the Pakistani Taliban unilaterally ended a cease-fire with the central government in November 2022. The province is a former stronghold of the militant group, which is also known as the TTP and allied with the Afghan Taliban. Police officer Tariq Khan said the attackers shot and killed a deputy superintendent and a constable in Lakki Marwat district. Heavy police reinforcements arrived at the scene, but the assailants had fled. Khan did not say how many attackers there were. Umar Marwat, a militant commander from the district, claimed responsibility for the attack and alleged the deputy superintendent had been active in operations against the TTP in the area. The TTP spokesperson has not issued a statement about the assault so far. In a separate incident, in the province's Bajaur tribal district, one police officer was killed and another was injured on Saturday in a roadside blast. Police official Zahid Khan said the initial investigation suggested it was an improvised explosive. Also Saturday, Pakistan's army said that security forces killed eight militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Dera Ismail Khan district. According to an official statement, the eight men died after an intense exchange of fire in the Friday night operation. The army alleged they were actively involved in activities against security forces and the targeted killing of civilians. The statement said that weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the slain militants. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack in Lakki Marwat and offered his condolences to victims' families. He praised the army for its operation in Dera Ismail Khan. A close ally of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico beat a pro-Western career diplomat to become Slovakia's new president, and succeed Zuzana Caputova, the country's first female head of state. Parliamentary speaker Peter Pellegrini received 53.85% of the vote with the ballots from over 98% of polling stations counted by the Statistics Office in Saturday's runoff election, topping former Foreign Minister Ivan Korcok who had 46.14%. Korcok conceded the defeat and congratulated the winner. "I'm disappointed," he said. Pellegrini becomes Slovakia's sixth president since the country gained independence after the split of Czechoslovakia in 1993. Caputova, a staunch backer of neighboring Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion, didn't seek a second term in the largely ceremonial post. Pellegrini's victory cemented Fico's grip on power by giving him and his allies control of major strategic posts. The president of the nation of 5.4 million people picks the prime minister after parliamentary elections, swears in the new government, and appoints Constitutional Court judges. The president can also veto laws, though Parliament can override the veto with a simple majority and challenge them at the Constitutional Court. The head of state also has the right to pardon convicts. The government, led by the prime minister, possesses most executive powers. Fico's leftist Smer (Direction) party won September 30 parliamentary elections on a pro-Russian and anti-American platform. Pellegrini, 48, who favors a strong role for the state, heads the left-wing Hlas (Voice) party that finished third in the vote and joined a governing coalition with Fico and the ultranationalist Slovak National Party. Critics worry Slovakia under Fico will abandon its pro-Western course and follow the direction of Hungary under populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The new government immediately halted any arms deliveries to Ukraine. Thousands have repeatedly taken to the streets across Slovakia recently to rally against Fico's pro-Russian and other policies, including plans to amend the penal code and take control of the public media. Korcok was critical of the government's moves that the protesters fear could undermine the rule of law while Pellegrini backed the new government and didn't question its policies. Korcok is the former ambassador to the United States and Germany, who also served as the country's envoy to NATO and the European Union. He firmly supports Slovakia's EU and NATO memberships. Pellegrini, who was Fico's former deputy in Smer, became prime minister in 2018, after Fico was forced to resign following major anti-government street protests over the killing of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee. Pellegrini had temporarily parted ways with Fico after the scandal-tainted Smer lost the previous election in 2020. With Pellegrini's win, Fico rebounded from two straight presidential election losses. Fico was defeated at the presidential vote by Andrej Kiska 10 years ago while Caputova claimed victory over a candidate he supported in the 2019 ballot. Rwanda is preparing to mark the 30th anniversary of the East African nation's most horrific period in history the genocide against its minority Tutsi. To this day, new mass graves are still being discovered across the country of 14 million people, a grim reminder of the scale of the killings. Delegations from around the world will gather on Sunday in the capital of Kigali as Rwanda holds somber commemorations of the 1994 massacres. High-profile visitors are expected to include Bill Clinton, the U.S. president at the time of the genocide, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. In a pre-recorded video ahead of the ceremonies, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that France and its allies could have stopped the genocide but lacked the will to do so. Macron's declaration came three years after he acknowledged the "overwhelming responsibility" of France Rwanda's closest European ally in 1994 for failing to stop the country's slide into the slaughter. Here's a look at the past and how Rwanda has changed under President Paul Kagame, praised by many for bringing relative peace and stability but also vilified by others for his intolerance of dissent. What happened in 1994? An estimated 800,000 Tutsi were killed by extremist Hutu in massacres that lasted more than 100 days. Some moderate Hutu who tried to protect members of the Tutsi minority were also targeted. The killings were ignited when a plane carrying then-President Juvenal Habyarimana, a member of the majority Hutu, was shot down on April 6, 1994, over Kigali. The Tutsi were blamed for downing the plane and killing the president. Enraged, gangs of Hutu extremists began killing Tutsi, backed by the army and police. Many victims including children were hacked to death with machetes. Kagame's rebel group, the Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front, managed to stop the killings, seized power and has since, as a political party, ruled Rwanda. Kagame's government and genocide survivor organizations have often accused France of training and arming militias and troops that led the rampage, sometimes saying they expect a formal apology. A report commissioned by Macron in 2019 and published in 2021 concluded that French authorities failed to see where Habyarimana's regime, which France supported, was headed and were subsequently too slow to acknowledge the extent of the killings. However, the report cleared France of any complicity in the massacres. What came after the genocide? After Kagame seized power, many Hutu officials fled into exile or were arrested and imprisoned for their alleged roles in the genocide. Some escaped to neighboring Congo, where their presence has provoked armed conflict. In the late 1990s, Rwanda twice sent its forces deep into Congo, in part to hunt down Hutu rebels. Some rights groups accused Rwanda's new authorities of revenge attacks, but the government has slammed the allegations, saying they disrespect the memory of the genocide victims. Kagame, who grew up as a refugee in neighboring Uganda, has been Rwanda's de facto ruler, first as vice president from 1994 to 2000, then as acting president. He was voted into office in 2003 and has since been reelected multiple times. What's the political landscape like? Rwanda's ruling party is firmly in charge, with no opposition, while Kagame's strongest critics now live in exile. Kagame won the last presidential election, in 2017, with nearly 99% of the vote after a campaign that Amnesty International described as marked by suppression and a "climate of fear." Critics have accused the government of forcing opponents to flee, jailing or making them disappear while some are killed under mysterious circumstances. Rights groups cite serious restrictions on the internet, as well as on freedom of assembly and expression. Some claim Kagame has exploited alleged Western feelings of guilt over the genocide to entrench his grip on Rwanda. Now a candidate in the upcoming July presidential election, Kagame has cast himself in the role of a leader of a growing economy marked by technological innovation, with his supporters often touting Rwanda as an emerging business hub in Africa. What about reconciliation? Rwandan authorities have heavily promoted national unity among the majority Hutu and the minority Tutsi and Twa, with a separate government ministry dedicated to reconciliation efforts. The government imposed a tough penal code to punish genocide and outlaw the ideology behind it, and Rwandan ID cards no longer identify a person by ethnicity. Lessons about the genocide are part of the curriculum in schools. However, a leading survivors' group points out that more needs to be done to eradicate what authorities describe as "genocide ideology" among some Rwandans. What does Rwanda look like today? The streets of Kigali are clean and free of potholes. Littering is banned. Tech entrepreneurs flock here from far and wide. Stylish new buildings give the city a modern look and an innovation center aims at nurturing local talent in the digital culture. But poverty is rampant outside Kigali, with most people still surviving on subsistence farming. Tin-roofed shacks that dotted the countryside in 1994 remain ubiquitous across Rwanda. The nation is young, however, with every other citizen under the age of 30, giving hope to aspirations for a post-genocide society in which ethnic or tribal membership doesn't come first. Corruption among officials is not as widespread as among other governments in this part of Africa, thanks in part to a policy of zero-tolerance for graft. Are there troubles on the horizon? Though mostly peaceful, Rwanda has had troubled relations with its neighbors. Recently, tensions have flared with Congo, with the two countries' leaders accusing one another of supporting various armed groups. Congo claims Rwanda is backing M23 rebels, who are mostly Tutsi fighters based in a remote area of eastern Congo. The M23 rebellion has displaced hundreds of thousands in Congo's North Kivu's province in recent years. Rwanda says Congo's military is recruiting Hutu men who took part in the 1994 massacres. U.N. experts have cited "solid evidence" that members of Rwanda's armed forces were conducting operations in eastern Congo in support of M23, and in February, amid a dramatic military build-up along the border, Washington urged Rwandan authorities to withdraw troops and missile systems from Congo. In January, Burundi, whose troops are fighting alongside the Congolese military in eastern Congo, closed its border with Rwanda and started deporting Rwandans. This happened not long after Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye accused Rwanda of backing Congo-based rebels opposed to his government. Rwanda denies the allegation. Rwanda has also been in the news recently over a deal with Britain that would see migrants who cross the English Channel in small boats sent to Rwanda, where they would remain permanently. The plan has stalled amid legal challenges. In November, the U.K. Supreme Court ruled the plan was illegal, saying Rwanda is not a safe destination for asylum-seekers. A journalist for an independent Iranian media outlet in London stabbed outside his home last week has returned to work, saying "the show must go on." Pouria Zeraati, a presenter for Iran International, needed hospital treatment for leg wounds suffered in the March 29 attack. The 36-year-old said the stabbing was a "warning shot." "The fact that they just stopped in my leg was their choice," he told ITV News. "They had the opportunity to kill me because the way the second person was holding me and the first person took the knife out, they had the opportunity to stop anywhere they wanted, he added. Zeraati said he had returned to work Friday, adding: "Whatever the motive was, the show must go on." London's Metropolitan Police say the two suspects went straight from the scene in southwest London to Heathrow Airport and left the U.K. "within a few hours." Detectives were considering whether "the victim's occupation as a journalist at a Persian-language media organization based in the U.K." could have prompted the assault. Iran's charge d'affaires in the U.K., Mehdi Hosseini Matin, however, said Tehran denied "any link" to the attack. The Metropolitan Police has previously 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. An international campaign to ban surrogacy received a strong endorsement Friday from the Vatican, with a top official calling for a broad-based alliance to stop the "commercialization of life." A Vatican-affiliated university hosted a two-day conference promoting an international treaty to outlaw surrogacy, be it commercial arrangements or so-called altruistic ones. It's based on the campaigners' argument that the practice violates U.N. conventions protecting the rights of the child and surrogate mother. At issue is whether there is a fundamental right to have a child, or whether the rights of children trump the desires of potential parents. The conference, which also drew U.N. human rights representatives and experts, marked an acceleration of a campaign that has found some support in parts of the developing world and western Europe. At the same time, Canada and the United States are known for highly regulated arrangements that draw heterosexual and homosexual couples alike from around the world, while other countries allow surrogacy with fewer rules. Pope Francis in January called for an outright global ban on the practice, calling it a despicable violation of human dignity that exploits the surrogate mother's financial need. On Thursday, Francis met privately with one of the proponents calling for a universal ban, Olivia Maurel, a 33-year-old mother of three. Maurel was born in the U.S. in 1991 via surrogacy and attributes a lifetime of mental health issues to the "trauma of abandonment" she says she experienced at birth. She says she was separated from her biological mother and given to parents who had contracted with an agency in Kentucky after experiencing infertility problems when they tried to have children in their late 40s. Maurel says she doesn't blame her parents and she acknowledges there are "many happy stories" of families who use surrogate mothers. But she says that doesn't make the practice ethical or right, even with regulations, since she said she was made to sacrifice "for the desire of adults to have a child." "There is no right to have a child," Maurel told the conference at the LUMSA university. "But children do have rights, and we can say surrogacy violates many of these rights." She and proponents of a ban argue that surrogacy is fundamentally different from adoption, since it involves creating a child for the specific purpose of separating him or her from the birth mother for others to raise as their own. Monsignor Miloslaw Wachowski, undersecretary for relations with states in the Vatican secretariat of state, concurred, saying the practice reduces human procreation to a concept of "individual will" and desire, where the powerful and wealthy prevail. "Parents find themselves in the role of being providers of genetic material, while the embryo appears more and more like an object: something to produce not someone, but something," he said. He called for the campaign to ban the practice not to remain in the sphere of the Catholic Church or even faith-based groups, but to transcend traditional ideological and political boundaries. "We shouldn't close ourselves among those who think exactly the same way," he said. "Rather, we should open up to pragmatic alliances to realize a common goal." The Vatican's overall position, which is expected to be crystalized in a position paper Monday on human dignity, stems from its belief that human life begins at conception and must be given the consequent respect and dignity from that moment on. The Vatican also holds that human life should be created through intercourse between husband and wife, not in a petri dish, and that surrogacy takes in vitro fertilization a step further by "commercializing" the resulting embryo. As the conference was getting underway, Italy's main gay family advocacy group, Rainbow Families, sponsored a pro-surrogacy counter-rally nearby. The aim was to also voice opposition to proposals by Italy's hard-right-led government to make it a crime for Italians to use surrogates abroad, even in countries where the practice is legal. "We are families, not crimes," said banners held by some of the 200 or so participants, many of them gay couples who traveled abroad to have children via surrogate. A 2004 law already banned surrogacy in Italy. The proposed law would make it illegal in Italy for citizens to engage a surrogate mother in another country, with prison terms of up to three years and fines of up to 1 million euros ($1.15 million) for convictions. Participants at the rally complained that the law would stigmatize their children and they denied anyone's rights or dignity was violated in the surrogacy process, which they noted was legal and regulated. "All parties involved are consenting, aware," said Cristiano Giraldi, who with his partner Giorgio Duca used a surrogate in the U.S. to have their 10-year-old twins. "We have a stable relationship with our carrier, our children know her. So actually there is no exploitation, there is none of the things that they want the public to believe." In the U.S., Resolve, the National Infertility Association, which advocates for people experiencing infertility problems, has criticized any calls for a universal ban on surrogacy as harmful and hurtful to the many people experiencing the "disease of infertility." "Resolve believes that everyone deserves the right to build a family and should have access to all family building options," Betsy Campbell, Resolve's chief engagement officer, said in a telephone interview. "Surrogacy, and specifically gestational carrier surrogacy, is an option." She said the U.S. regulations, which include separate legal representation for the surrogate and the intended parents, and mental health and other evaluations, safeguard all parties in the process and that regardless less than 2% of pregnancies in the U.S. using assisted reproductive technology involves surrogacy. "Most people do not expect to have infertility or to need medical assistance to build their families," she said. "So when non-medical people speak about IVF and surrogacy in a negative way, it can be very discouraging and make an already challenging journey all the more challenging." Velina Todorova, a Bulgarian member of the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child, told the Rome conference that the U.N. committee hasn't taken a definitive position on surrogacy, but that its concern was the rights of children born via the practice. It was a reference to legislation to prevent parents from being able to register the births of children born through surrogacy in their home countries. Kyiv dismissed Russian claims that Ukraine was behind the drone attacks Sunday on the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear station, that injured three people, one of them seriously. "Ukraine is not involved in any kind of armed provocations on the territory of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant illegally occupied by Russia," Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence, told Ukrainian reporters. "Russian strikes, including imitation ones, on the territory of the Ukrainian nuclear power plant ... have long been a well-known criminal practice of the invaders," he said on the messaging app Telegram. Earlier Sunday, Russia accused Ukraine of striking various sites of the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear station, including the dome of an inactive reactor Sunday injuring the three staff members. Zaporizhzhia is Europes largest nuclear power plant. Russian state-owned nuclear agency Rosatom called the series of attacks on the plant "unprecedented." Plant officials informed the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, of the attack, U.N. nuclear watchdog officials said on X, formerly Twitter. The plant came under Russian control shortly after the beginning of the war in Ukraine in 2022. "IAEA experts have been informed by ZNPP that a drone detonated on site today. Such detonation is consistent with IAEA observations," the agency posted on X. Nuclear safety was not compromised, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said on the social media platform X, but IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned both sides that striking the plant could eventually "jeopardize nuclear safety." The facility is near combat zones, and both Ukraine and Russia have often blamed each other for attacking the plant, risking a possible nuclear disaster. The Reuters news agency could not verify battlefield reports from either side. Meanwhile, three people were killed Sunday in Russian shelling on the front-line village of Huliaipole, in Ukraine's southeastern Zaporizhzhia region. Two men and a woman died under the rubble of their own house, in Russian shelling," the regions local governor, Ivan Fedorov, said on Telegram. One more person was injured, he said. Reuters could not independently verify that report either. In his nightly video address, Sunday Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called once again for more air defense systems such Patriot missiles, surface-to-air missiles that can intercept air attacks. Zelenskyy said, the recent spate of Russian airstrikes on cities such as Kharkiv, Kupyansk, as well as cities in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Sumy regions and elsewhere, highlights Ukraine's need for more air defense systems. The only thing needed is the political will to transfer these systems to Ukraine. I am grateful to those countries that have already helped, he said. Peace summit Zelenskyy expressed hopes Sunday, that he and Swiss President Viola Amherd will schedule, within the next few days, a date for a world peace summit on the war in Ukraine, that will take place in Switzerland. "We expect to have 80 to 100 countries." He added, "This is the number of countries, I believe, that will be able to at least try to force Russia to a fair peace." Russia has pointed out that such a summit would be fruitless if it is not invited to be at the negotiating table. Russia says that any peace in Ukraine would have to acknowledge Moscows control of about one-fifth of Ukraine and include a broader agreement on European security. Ukraine says it will not rest until every Russian soldier withdraws from its territory. Fighting around Chasiv Yar A spokesperson for a Ukrainian artillery brigade Sunday described the fighting around eastern Ukraines front-line city of Chasiv Yar as difficult end tense, but added that the Russian troops were now "in retreat. The Russian army was "using infantry backed by armored fighting vehicles," and "warplanes," Oleg Kalashnikov said during an interview on Ukrainian television. "But all their attacks have been repelled. They are in retreat," he added. Kalashnikov, a spokesperson for an army brigade deployed in the area, stressed Sunday the strategic importance of Chasiv Yar. If Russian forces take the devastated town of Chasiv Yar, where 770 people remain out of a pre-invasion population of 13,000, they will be able to advance to other towns other Ukrainian towns in the Donetsk region, he said. Chasiv Yar sits on a hill west of the ruined Russian-occupied city of Bakhmut. Some information for this report came from Reuters, The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday that the ability to have difficult conversations has put the two economic superpowers on "a more stable footing" over the past year. As they began a meeting in Beijing, Li responded that the two countries needed to respect each other and should be partners, not adversaries, adding that "constructive progress" had been made during Yellen's trip. Yellen said Washington and Beijing had a "duty" to responsibly manage the complex relationship, as she brought her case for reining in China's excess factory capacity to the Chinese leadership. "While we have more to do, I believe that, over the past year, we have put our bilateral relationship on more stable footing," Yellen said. "This has not meant ignoring our differences or avoiding tough conversations. It has meant understanding that we can only make progress if we directly and openly communicate with one another." Yellen has made the threat of China's excess production of electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels and other clean energy products to producers in the U.S. and other countries a focus of her second visit to China in nine months. She visited Beijing in July 2023 to try to normalize bilateral economic relations after a period of heightened tension caused by differences over issues ranging from Taiwan to COVID-19's origins and trade disputes. In a further sign of the ties stabilizing, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping sought to manage tensions over the South China Sea in a nearly two-hour call on Tuesday, their first direct talks since a summit in November. U.S. and Chinese military officials met their Chinese counterparts last week for a series of rare meetings in Hawaii focused on operational safely and professionalism. Balanced growth On Saturday in the southern export hub of Guangzhou, Yellen and her main economic counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng, agreed to launch a dialogue focused on "balanced growth." Yellen said she intends to use the forum to advocate for a level playing field with China to protect U.S. workers and businesses. "As the worlds two largest economies, we have a duty to our own countries and to the world to responsibly manage our complex relationship and to cooperate and show leadership on addressing pressing global challenges," Yellen told Li. The Economist Intelligence Unit forecasts China's battery manufacturing capacity will outpace demand by a factor of four by 2027, as its EV industry continues to grow. Beijings support for battery-powered rides has helped homegrown champions like BYD and Geely grab share in the worlds biggest car market, and turn China into the worlds largest auto exporter. But rapid growth has also meant China has created excess manufacturing capacity that could be between 5 and 10 million EVs per year, according to consultancy Automobility. Still, far from curbing investment in manufacturing, China has doubled down on Xi's new mantra of unleashing "new productive forces," by investing in cutting-edge technology including EVs, commercial spaceflight and life sciences areas where many U.S. firms hold advantages. Throughout her visit, Chinese state media have pushed back against Yellen's message on excess capacity. State news agency Xinhua on Sunday quoted Premier Li saying the U.S. should "refrain from turning economic and trade issues into political or security issues" and view the issue of production capacity from a "market-oriented and global perspective." The development of China's clean energy sector, where overcapacity concerns are felt most acutely, will support the global energy transition, Xinhua quoted Li as saying. Editor's note: Here is a look at immigration related news around the U.S. this week. Questions? Tips? Comments? Email the VOA immigration team: ImmigrationUnit@voanews.com. Education advocates are pushing to decrease high visa denials for African students Education and immigration advocates say African students face high denial rates when seeking visas to study in the United States, and they are pushing for changes. Visa rejection rates are higher than elsewhere in regions of the Middle East, South America and Africa, with Africa experiencing the highest levels of disproportionate refusals, according to a Presidents Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration report released in July 2023. VOAs immigration reporter Aline Barros has more. US program seeks to resettle, educate refugee students Many of the newest and youngest refugees are fleeing armed conflicts around the globe. The worlds refugee crisis has never been worse. The number has doubled in a decade to more than 100 million people, according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. To ease the growing crisis, the U.S. State Department launched a program in January 2023 with private partnerships, called Welcome Corps, to help resettle refugees. Six months later, it launched a companion version called Welcome Corps on Campus to resettle and educate refugee students by partnering with colleges and universities. Produced by Robin Guess. Violence, economic stagnation push more Ecuadorians toward US border Tens of thousands of people have fled Ecuador in the past several months amid an unprecedented surge in gang violence. Rising crime, along with a lack of economic opportunities, have more Ecuadorians setting their sights on a better life in the United States. For VOA, reporter Austin Landis caught up with a group of Ecuadorian migrants transiting north through Colombia. Videographer: Jorge Calle. Venezuelans increasingly stuck in Mexico, lowering illegal crossings to US Venezuelan migrants often have a quick answer when asked to name the most difficult stretch of their eight-country journey to the U.S. border, and it's not the dayslong jungle trek through Colombia and Panama with its venomous vipers, giant spiders and scorpions. It's Mexico. The Associated Press reports. VOA photo of the day US must care for migrant children in camps, judge says Migrant children who wait in makeshift camps along the U.S.-Mexico border for Customs and Border Protection officers to process them are in the agency's custody and are subject to a long-standing court-supervised agreement that set standards for their treatment, a judge ruled. The Associated Press reports. Immigration around the world Vehicle carrying suspected migrants crashes into a river in Albania, killing 8 people A car crashed into a river on Tuesday in southeastern Albania, killing all eight people inside, including seven suspected migrants and a local driver, police said. The driver of the vehicle lost control and veered into the Vjosa River about 240 kilometers (150 miles) southeast of the capital, Tirana, around 4 a.m., according to a police statement. Seven of the victims were suspected to be "from third countries," it said, a description police often use to refer to migrants. Reported by The Associated Press. Greek coast guard rescues 74 migrants in boat on Mediterranean Sea Dozens of migrants found in a wooden boat on the Mediterranean Sea between northern Africa and southern Europe have been transported to the Greek island of Crete, Greece's coast guard said Monday. The boat with 74 people on board was found 46 kilometers (29 miles) south of the small Greek island of Gavdos on Sunday night, the coast guard said, adding that a patrol boat transported the 73 men and one woman to Crete. The Associated Press reports. News Brief The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Secretary announced the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. Video and photos of suspects in a mass shooting show them apparently being brutalized by Russian security forces without any rebuke from authorities. A top Kremlin official urges that hit squads be sent to assassinate Ukrainian officials. Senior lawmakers call for restoring capital punishment, abolished decades ago. The aftermath of the Moscow concert hall attack that killed 145 people in the bloodiest assault in Russia in two decades seems to be setting the stage for even harsher rule by President Vladimir Putin following his highly orchestrated electoral landslide last month. Putin vowed to hunt down the masterminds of the March 22 attack that he linked to Ukraine despite Kyiv's vehement denials and a claim of responsibility by an offshoot of the Islamic State group. He warned ominously that terrorism is a "double-edged weapon." Putin lieutenant Dmitry Medvedev declared that if Ukrainian involvement is proven, Moscow should respond by deploying hit men to kill the country's leaders "in Kyiv or any other convenient place." The attack dealt a heavy blow to Putin less than a week after the vote that extended his rule for another six years. It marked a major failure by his security agencies that were given an advance warning by the U.S. that extremists were planning an imminent attack. Critics of the Kremlin argue that security forces are so focused on conducting the harshest crackdown on dissent since Soviet times that they are distracted from tackling real threats. Pointed to Kyiv In an apparent attempt to divert attention from the security lapse and rally support for the war in Ukraine, Putin and his lieutenants alleged without evidence that the arrest of the four suspects near Ukraine indicated Kyiv's likely involvement. The four, all citizens of Tajikistan, were detained by security forces in a forest about 140 kilometers (86 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Video confessions of their involvement in the attack were released by Russian news outlets, but the veracity of those statements has been called into question because the men seemed to have been severely beaten and bore other signs of brutality when they appeared in court. One had a heavily bandaged ear - reportedly cut off during interrogation. Another had pieces of a plastic bag on his neck, a possible sign of attempts at suffocation. A third was in a wheelchair, barely conscious, accompanied by medical personnel. Russian police and other security agencies have long been accused of torture, but many incidents also brought official condemnation, dismissals of those involved and criminal prosecutions. In stark contrast, authorities refused to comment on the grisly video that emerged or the signs of maltreatment seen in court. One video showed a man in combat fatigues cutting off part of one of the suspects' ear and forcing it into his mouth while threatening to do the same with his genitals. Another suspect was seen with his trousers pulled down and wires attached to his genitals. The Associated Press was unable to verify the authenticity of the images, but Human Rights Watch said it determined the men in the photos and videos were the same as those in court for their pretrial hearings. 'Brazen disregard' for rights "The rapid and widespread sharing of these videos appears to be no accident but rather some kind of appalling boast by the Putin government of its brazen disregard for basic rights, fundamental humanity and the rule of law," said Tanya Lokshina, HRW's associate director for Europe and Central Asia. Kremlin propagandists sought to cast their treatment as a proper response to the massacre. Margarita Simonyan, head of state-funded broadcaster RT, dismissed criticism and said the law enforcement personnel involved shouldn't face any punishment. "Imagine yourself in place of our guys who were chasing those ghouls who just mowed down many, many of our fellow citizens," Simonyan said. "What were they supposed to do? Serve them some warm porridge and yogurt?" Many observers saw the tacit endorsement of such brutality as an ominous sign of more to come. "All that serves a double function a show of terror as a mechanism of intimidation and rallying hatred," political analyst Kirill Rogov said in a commentary. "It normalizes hatred as a response, including to those who have questions and disagreements." Medvedev, deputy head of Russia's Security Council, who served as liberal-minded placeholder president in 2008-12, when term limits forced Putin to shift to the premier's seat, has turned recently into one of the harsher voices from the Kremlin. In a commentary on his messaging app channel this week, he called for the extrajudicial killings of Ukrainian officials, arguing Russia should follow in the Soviet practice in the last century of assassinations, like those of Ukrainian nationalists Yevhen Konovalets and Stepan Bandera. "What should we do? Simply crush the Banderite swine as the Soviet MGB did after the war," Medvedev wrote, referring to a forerunner of the KGB, "and liquidate their leaders on convenient occasions - like Konovalets and Bandera in Kyiv or any other convenient places." The concert hall attack also brought demands from hawks and some senior lawmakers to reinstate the death penalty, which has been suspended since 1996 when Russia joined the Council of Europe, the continent's leading human rights organization. Calls for its restoration have circulated often, particularly after attacks blamed on insurgents from the region of Chechnya and other militant extremists. They increased after Moscow left the Council of Europe after its invasion of Ukraine. Vladimir Vasilyev, head of the parliamentary faction of United Russia, the main Kremlin party, said the lower house would review restoring the death penalty, taking into account "society's mood and expectations." Some opposition Some Kremlin-connected lawmakers and others oppose the move, in an apparent sign of Putin's hesitation. Andrei Klishas, the influential head of the constitutional affairs committee in the upper house of parliament, argued its restoration is impossible unless Russia approves a new constitution. Andrei Medvedev, the deputy speaker of the Moscow City Council, said Russia should never bring back capital punishment because of its troubled history in the Soviet era. "Regrettably, our judicial system isn't ideal and isn't immune from mistakes," he wrote in a commentary. "The country that saw repressions, Red Terror ... and executions of those who believed in God must forget about the death penalty once and for all." Lidiya Mikheyeva, the secretary of the Public Chamber, a Kremlin-controlled advisory board, also spoke against reinstatement and reverting "to the times of savagery and barbarity." "The abolition of the death penalty is one of our country's major historic achievements," she added. Dmitry Kiselyov, a Russian state TV commentator, also hinted that Putin doesn't support its reinstatement. "It's good that Russia is led by Putin, for whom the life of each of our citizens is priceless," he said. Despite those apparent doubts, many observers say the official tolerance of the harsh treatment of the suspects and calls for killing Russia's enemies herald an even more ruthless era. Net Freedoms, a Russian group focusing on freedom of speech, noted that harsh statements from Putin and Medvedev coming amid "the backdrop of demonstrative torture effectively sanction extrajudicial executions and give law enforcement agencies a directive on how to treat the enemies." "We are seeing the possible beginning of the new Great Terror," the group said, referring to the purges by Soviet dictator Josef Stalin of the 1930s. "There must be no illusions the developments follow a very bad scenario and the slide is rapidly accelerating." Anastasie Nyirabashyitsi and Jeanette Mukabyagaju think of each other as dear friends. The women's friendship was cemented one day in 2007, when Mukabyagaju, going somewhere, left a child behind for Nyirabashyitsi to look after. This expression of trust stunned Nyirabashyitsi because Mukabyagaju, a Tutsi survivor who lost most of her family in the Rwandan genocide, was leaving a child in the hands of a Hutu woman for the first time since they had known each other. "If she can ask me to keep her child, it's because she trusts me," Nyirabashyitsi said recently, describing her feelings at the time. "A woman, when it comes to her children, when someone trusts you with (her) children, it's because she really does." It wasn't always like that. 'We had no hope of living' Nyirabashyitsi and Mukabyagaju are both witnesses to terrible crimes. But, in the government-approved reconciliation village where they have lived for 19 years, they have reached a peaceful coexistence from opposite experiences. Nyirabashyitsi, 54, recalled the helpless Tutsis she saw at roadblocks not far from the present reconciliation village, people she knew faced imminent death when the Hutu soldiers and militiamen started systematically killing their Tutsi neighbors on the night of April 6, 1994. The killings were ignited when a plane carrying then-President Juvenal Habyarimana, a Hutu, was shot down over Kigali. The Tutsi were blamed for downing the plane and killing the president. An estimated 800,000 Tutsis were killed by extremist Hutus in massacres that lasted over 100 days in 1994. Some moderate Hutus who tried to protect members of the Tutsi minority were also targeted. One victim was a woman who had been a godmother to her child, and later she saw the woman's body dumped in a ditch, Nyirabashyitsi remembers. "It was so horrible, and it was even shameful to be able [to] see that," she said. "For sure, we had no hope of living. We thought that we would also be killed. How could you see that and then think you will be alive at some point?" As for Mukabyagaju, she was a 16-year-old temporarily staying in the southern province of Muhanga while her parents lived in Kigali. When she couldn't shelter at the nearest Catholic parish, she hid in a latrine for two months, without anything to eat and drinking from trenches, until she was rescued by Tutsi rebels who stopped the genocide. "I hated Hutu so much to the point that I could not agree to meet them," she said, adding that it took a long time "to be able even think that I can interact with a Hutu." The women are neighbors in a community of genocide perpetrators and survivors 40 kilometers outside the Rwandan capital of Kigali. At least 382 people live in Mbyo Reconciliation Village, which some Rwandans cite as an example of how people can peacefully coexist 30 years after the genocide. More than half the residents of this reconciliation village are women, and their projects which include a basket-weaving cooperative as well as a money saving program have united so many of them that it can seem offensive to inquire into who is Hutu and who is Tutsi. An official with Prison Fellowship Rwanda, a Kigali-based civic group that's in charge of the village, said the women foster a climate of tolerance because of the hands-on activities in which they engage regularly. "There's a model we have here which we call practical reconciliation," said Christian Bizimana, a program coordinator with Prison Fellowship Rwanda. "Whenever they are weaving baskets, they can engage more, talk more, go into the details. We believe that by doing that ... forgiveness is deepened, unity is deepened." 'It pleases my heart' In Rwanda, a small East African country of 14 million people, women leaders have long been seen as a pillar of reconciliation, and Rwandans can now "see the benefits" of empowering women to fight the ideology behind genocide, said Yolande Mukagasana, a prominent writer and genocide survivor. Two of three members of Mbyo Reconciliation Village's dispute-resolution committee are women, and they have been helpful in resolving conflicts ranging from domestic disputes to communal disagreements, residents say. The women's activities set an example for children and "promote the visibility of what really this village is like in terms of practical unity and reconciliation," said Frederick Kazigwemo, a leader in the village who was jailed nine years on charges of genocide-related crimes. He said of the friendship between Nyirabashyitsi and Mukabyagaju: "It pleases my heart. It's something that I could have never imagined. ... It gives me hope (for) what will happen in future." Eighteen women are actively involved in basket weaving, meeting as a group at least once a week. Nyirabashyitsi and Mukabyagaju sat next to each other one recent morning as they made new baskets. A collection of their work was displayed on a mat nearby. "When we came here the environment was clouded by suspicion. It wasn't easy to trust one another," Nyirabashyitsi said. "For example, it wasn't easy for me to go to Jeanette's house, because I had no idea what she was thinking about me. But after time, the more we lived together, that harmony and that closeness came." Nyirabashyitsi and Mukabyagaju were among the first people to arrive in the village when it was launched in 2005 as part of wider reconciliation efforts by Prison Fellowship Rwanda. The organization, which is affiliated with the Washington-based Prison Fellowship International, wanted to create opportunities for genocide survivors to heal in conditions where they can regularly talk to perpetrators. There are at least eight other reconciliation villages across Rwanda. President Paul Kagame's rebel group, the Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front, stopped the genocide after 100 days, seized power and has since ruled Rwanda unchallenged. Rwandan authorities have heavily promoted national unity among the majority Hutu and the minority Tutsi and Twa, with a separate government ministry dedicated to reconciliation efforts. The government has imposed a tough penal code to prosecute those it suspects of denying the genocide or promoting the "genocide ideology." Some observers say the law has been used to silence critics who question the government. Rwandan ID cards no longer identify a person by ethnicity. Lessons about the genocide are part of the curriculum in schools. GABORONE, BOTSWANA Africa's leading diamond producer, Botswana, has written to the Group of Seven leading industrial countries seeking to reverse an initiative requiring all producers to send gems to Belgium for certification. This follows G7 move to prevent the import of diamonds mined in Russia. Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi told diplomats in Gaborone Wednesday the G7 traceability mechanism poses an unfair burden on African diamond producers. The G7 is an informal grouping of seven of the worlds advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. They have required since March 1 that all diamonds entering G7 countries be sent through Antwerp, Belgium, to determine their origin. The controls are meant to prevent Russian diamonds out of global markets amid concerns the revenues will be used to finance Russia's Ukraine war. "We cannot agree to an attempt to undermine our quest for development by taking charge and responsibility of our own value addition of our resources," Masisi said. "Because if you make Belgium, Antwerp the single node for verification, gosh, what impudence. When we mine our diamonds here and we are certain they are mined here and you add another layer of cost, delay and time and risk to direct interaction with customers and clients and you take them still to Antwerp, its not acceptable." Masisi said African diamond producing countries were not consulted by the G7 before the measures were introduced in March. "When the G7 made these propositions, that are inimical to our interests and particularly Botswana because we are one of the largest producers at least outside Russia," he said. "They were essentially regulating our industry completely without our participation. You cant do this without engaging us, particularly Botswana. They did reach out and send people here. The engagement was pretty patronizing. They had essentially made up their minds." Masisi said he is lobbying other leaders to protest the controls. Botswana, together with Angola and Namibia, two other African diamond producers, sent a letter protesting G7s move but there has been no response. We wrote a letter, we authored the main letter, we shared it with other producing countries namely Namibia and Angola and we asked them to be co-signatories and with minor amendments we all co-signed and sent it to G7 and we have not gotten a response. Apparently they say they are consulting but the requirements have kicked in and luckily the World Diamond Council has also protested because there has been serious disruption to the flow of diamond trade, and cost implications and delays. Masisi said Botswana in particular already has advanced verification and traceability systems. The G7 move is seen as undermining the Kimberley Process, an existing commitment to remove conflict diamonds from the global supply chain. The African Diamond Producers Association is very right to protect their interests," said Jaff Bamenjo, coordinator of the Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition, which acts as an observer of the Kimberly Process. "That is legitimate. However, the G7 is also right to protect the values and principles they cherish and defend. The main issue to us, as the Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition, is how much we accommodate the legitimate concerns of each other. That is the question. But I should say, the G7 in my opinion, from the very onset made a mistake not to consult the African diamond producers right from the initial stages." Belgian-based diamond industry researcher Hans Merket told VOA traceability measures are necessary but that there is also a need to respond to African producers concerns. "A serious advancement of traceability in the diamond trade is long overdue," Merket said. "Too many actors have been overtly comfortable in a lack of transparency for many years. I think delays in the implementation of the scheme in the first month were a growing pain and have already been partly resolved after some adaptations. The added costs I think are also manageable given that the scheme only applies to more valuable diamonds of about 1 carat." More than 100 diamond businesses recently wrote a letter to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre expressing concerns over delays in customs clearance of diamonds since the G7 introduced the traceability measures. It is highly unlikely that Khazar Prime Minister Netanyahu, now with his back against the wall, will respect the resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza [1]. Netanyahu barricades himself behind the Masada syndrome and uses the clamour of 90% of the Israeli population calling for the extermination of Hamas, regardless of "collateral damage" (sic), which translates into a Palestinian apocalypse, perfectly contrary to the three principles of international humanitarian law: discernment, proportionality and precaution [2]. Three years after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., Masada was the last stronghold where the extremist Sicarii sect succumbed (hence the designation of hitmen as "Sicarii"), i.e. the Zealots in Judea, besieged by the troops of the Emperor Titus. Netanyahu, the Polish-born Khazar Prime Minister, who has nothing to do with real Semitic Jews, is putting the Masada syndrome back into practice one thousand nine hundred and fifty-five years later, in response to the overwhelming clamour of the universal humanist conscience of peoples and states. What a striking resemblance between the Zealots of 73 AD and their neo-colonialist emulators Ben Gvir, Minister of Security (sic), and Smotrich, Netanyahus Minister of Finance! Massada syndrome gripped Netanyahus cabinet when his Chancellor Israel Katz, overriding UN Security Council Resolution 2728, declared "the State of Israel will not cease fire. We will destroy Hamas and continue to fight until all the hostages are repatriated" [3]. The International Court of Justice, so far inoperative after nearly six months of Dantean genocide, has enjoined Israel to urgently facilitate (sic) the entry of humanitarian aid (sic) into the Gaza Strip [The provisional measures of the International Court of Justice, by Thierry Meyssan, Translation Roger Lagasse, Voltaire Network, 30 January 2024.]], blocked by sky, sea and land, where food war rages with famine, thirst and disease. According to the Times, close to the British globalist monarchy and Israel, the blockade of humanitarian aid (sic) to Gaza is a serious strategic error by Israel, as it is already being perceived by world opinion as a deliberate attempt to starve the besieged Palestinians. In unison, Francesca Albanese, UN Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in her report, Anatomy of a Genocide, accused Israel and "calls on States to respect their obligations and impose an arms embargo. And sanctions against Israel (...) When genocidal intent is as visible, as ostentatious as it is in Gaza, we cannot turn a blind eye; in the face of genocide, we have a duty to prevent and punish it" [4]. Elijah J. Magnier declares that "Israel is gearing up for the international response to Gaza beyond the battlefield" [5] with a tsunami of prosecutions reminiscent of the disturbing findings of the Goldstone Commission, also on behalf of the UN, which investigated Israels atrocities, including war crimes, in the previous Gaza war 15 years ago [6]. Anatomy of a Genocide, by Francesca Albanese, finds that Israel committed three specific acts (under the UN Charter) of genocide: murdering members of the targeted group, causing them severe mental and physical damage, and intentionally creating conditions for the groups destruction, in addition to the massive destruction of Gazas infrastructure, including hospitals and farmland, with the arrest and alleged torture of thousands (sic) of Palestinian men and boys. Francesca Albanese sees the current situation as an escalation of the long-standing process of colonization, and erasure (sic), a new Nakba in progress, referring to the mass expulsion of Palestinians following the creation of Israel in 1948. Elijah J. Magnier reports that Israel has categorically rejected the findings of Francesca Albaneses destructive Report as an "obscene (sic) reversal of reality". Classic Masada syndrome! Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic In another lifetime, Bradley Cooper was nowhere near the pines. In an interview with Indiewire, The Place Beyond the Pines writer and director Derek Cianfrance shared that Cooper almost left the project due to rewrites of the script. Before production started, he brought Sound of Metal director Darius Marder on board to change every word of the movie, including making changes to Coopers character, police officer Avery Cross. I remember giving Bradley Cooper the copy of The Place Beyond the Pines, the new script, and getting a voice message from him saying, Bro, I just want to let you know I read the new draft and Im out. He was like, Thats not the movie that we had signed up to do, Cianfrance explained. Coopers involvement partially funded the project, so Cianfrance immediately went to convince Cooper to come back. He shared, I was like, Can I come talk to you? So I went up to Montreal, and I had a long conversation with him from midnight to 3:30 in the morning where I got him back on. It was only in the last five minutes [when I convinced him]. I think he just got tired. He wanted to go to bed. How many of us have won fights just because the other person was tired? Ok, but did any of them result in the masterpiece Place Beyond the Pines? Exactly. Things got a little esoterically and physically rough for John Sugar at the end of the pilot episode. No matter, a case like this is bound to shake you up a little. It happens, Sugar thinks. Cases like this: missing rich girl, dead guy in the trunk, and me with all my, um I dunno issues. But its back to business in part two of Sugars premiere night. Sugar is at breakfast by the pool, basking in the glow of a happy poolside couple (it seems you cant stop this guy from basking in the light of humanitys moving mosaic) when Bernie Siegel, father of Olivia, comes rolling in with the typical toady bravado of a hack movie producer. Bernie thinks Sugar is wasting his time as well as Bernies father Jonathans money. Olivias disappeared like she has many times before, and shell come back again soon enough. John plays it cool, but hes incensed at Bernies blase attitude toward his own daughters whereabouts. These Hollywood dynasties: ever the paragon of healthy family life. I know Olivia better than anyone, says Bernie. Certainly better than my father. And I know her a lot better than Melanie, Ill tell you that. You had quite a time with her last night, didnt you? Bernie thinks hes surprising Sugar, but our guy knows all about Melanie and him, including the sordid details of their honeymoon. But what about Olivias mother, Rachel Kaye? Bernie was married to her when those dirty little Polaroids were taken, right? But Bernie didnt take those photos, and Sugar knows hes telling the truth. He also knows Bernie is hiding something when he gets up and leaves in a huff. Being told to fuck off is usually a sign of progress, Sugar thinks. While Bernie and David Siegel deal with the pending release of Davids big comeback movie (an All Grown Up sequel to his childhood hit The Boy in the Corner) and looming court case involving David and multiple accusers, Sugar talks to a bunch of Olivias old friends. He gathers that shed been getting sober going back a year. Before then, shed started to get out of control. Did stuff in her teen years that wouldve landed most kids in way bigger trouble. But some kind of edge-of-the-cliff life-changing moment had shaped her up. Her former drug dealer confirms she hasnt bought anything in a year, and theres no discernible connection between her and the guy found in the trunk. Time to update Jonathan Siegel and get in a few questions while were at it. Sugar fills Jonathan in on the comings and goings of his family, how his son Bernie sent grandson David and his buddy Kenny to search Sugars suite while he and Bernie sat at breakfast. Jonathan isnt surprised, nor that Bernie doesnt share his concerns for Olivia. Olivia is a screw-up, she always will be, thats the narrative that suits Bernie the best. It lets him focus on making bad movies and his idiot son. Im sensing yours is not the closest of families, Sugar says. They have their reasons, Jonathan retorts. But thats as far as the conversation goes. The GPS record from Olivias car indicates she made repeat trips to a concerning location. A woman who lived at the address, Carmen Vasquez, was raped and murdered recently. Olivias car was there the night that Miss Vasquez was killed. Whats more, theres a body in Olivias trunk that had something to do with Miss Vasquezs murder. Clifford Carter was his name; arrested for assault, rape, and human trafficking. For now, Sugar is going to pretend he never opened the trunk of that car, but hes also more sure than ever that Olivias life is in danger. As things stand, Sugars best link to finding Olivia is Melanie Matthews, which is convenient, seeing how Melanie calls Sugar and asks him to meet her at an AA meeting. Turns out shed just broken a 20-year streak of sobriety when Sugar met her at the bar. She was deeply moved by the fact that a stranger took her home, tucked her in, and left her with a new lease on life. In the morning, she dumped out all her booze, and here they are. Back at Melanies, they talk over sparkling waters. Sugar knows from Olivias car GPS that Olivia was at Melanies almost every night the week before she disappeared. Whats up with that? Melanie wont say much other than the same schtick her ex-husband, Bernie, went with: Olivias probably just fucked up, and shell come back like she always does. In both Melanie and Olivia, Sugar sees kindred, lonely by choice spirits. And it seems to hurt him a bit when he knows shes lying. I just cant figure out why, he says. Let me make this clear: I will find Olivia. Melanie throws Sugar out, and he catches a screening of John Cassavetess Minnie and Moskowitz on the way home as a treat. You know I think movies are conspiracy? Gena Rowlands says from the silver screen. They set you up to believe in everything. In ideals and strength and good guys and, of course, love. I never met Clark Gable. I never met Humphrey Bogart. I never met any of em, you know who I mean. They dont exist, Florence, thats the truth. The flicker of the screen illuminates the heartache in Sugars eyes as he watches. This is the man who wants to breathe genuine life into the conspiracy of the movies, be the honest-to-goodness white-hat companion to the Olivias and Melanies and Jens of this world. But as any cinephile will tell you, theres no bridging the gap between the real world and the cinematic netherworld once the credits roll. Sugar catches a tail on the way home (Theyre pretty good, but I see em) and also catches Karls dog Wiley on the street by himself. The last Sugar had seen of Karl, hed admonished him to call his sister and ask her to come stay, encouraged him to see himself as a human being who deserves to be helped out and cared for. But as fate would have it, Karl never quite made it to his sisters. Sugar finds him on the floor with a needle in his arm, no longer breathing. For just a second, he goes a little berserk on the guys who sold him the stuff, then bolts with Wiley riding shotgun. He wonders why he got so worked up over a drug overdose, something that happens every day. Why do I feel anything at all? At Rubys behest, Sugars next stop is Olivias garage, where hes presumably going to unearth the body in the trunk and report it to the police. But someone beats him to the punch. No body or bag in sight when Sugar opens the trunk. He finds a single strand of hair, carefully procures it in a perfectly creased white handkerchief, and moves on. Clifford Carter and Carmen Vasquez. He studies what he can of the latters murder while he mulls over the rest of the case. Whats the connection to Olivia? Why cant I see it? Easy there, cowboy. Better slow down. Youre not supposed to get this involved. Remember what Ruby keeps telling yall: Just observe and report. Write it down. Thats the real mission. But its too late. John Sugar is involved. Olivia reminds him of Jen, his sister. And already theres another innocent young woman out there in the clutches of some real nasty bad guys. Theres the mission, then theres the job. And for John Sugar, the job is the juice. This is how cancel culture ends. All it takes is one person. JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, has defied a hate speech law introduced by the Scottish government. The law, introduced on Monday, makes it an offence to stir up hatred based on disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or the fact of a person being intersex. Critics of the law believe the omission of biological sex means that women born female are not protected if their rights come into conflict with the claims of trans women. I look forward to being arrested . JK Rowlings challenge to Scotlands authorities. Credit: Getty Since Scotland introduced self-identification laws in 2022, rapists, who had committed their crimes as men, have used the law to identify as women and be transferred to womens prisons. One of these is Isla Bryson, who had raped two women and began identifying as a woman a year after being charged. Another is Tiffany Scott, who stalked a 13-year-old girl, before identifying as a woman after being caught. People who oppose the latest law believe its formulation will mean that it will be potentially criminal to publicly object to people such as Bryson and Scott being accommodated in female-only spaces, by virtue of their self-identification. This month, the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), which also runs corporate training, will launch a unique course geared towards Generation Z. The remote course, called Prologue, costs $759 and bills itself as reimagining self-directed learning for a new generation of professionals. It focuses on developing effective communication, networking and personal confidence. Abroad, there has been a trend for Generation Z-focused professional learning courses, designed to teach younger workers how to be in an office environment after they came of age during the pandemic. Gen Z office worker Tahlia McLeod. Credit: Nikki Short So, do Generation Z need better water-cooler chat? Or to learn how to pick up the phone? Michal Lewinsohn cowered underneath her bed in the ordinarily quiet kibbutz of Kfar Aza on October 7. Now, exactly six months after the attack that killed more than 60 Israelis in that tiny town, the 42-year-old social worker thinks constantly of the moment she was woken by a kibbutz alarm. She remembers the explosions and gunfire outside her home, about three kilometres from the Gaza Strip. Michal Lewinsohn slept in the quiet hamlet kibbutz of Kfar Aza before the October 7 attack. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Lewinsohn, like so many, is reflecting too on the cost of Israels retaliatory invasion which has torn apart Gaza, claimed more than 33,000 Palestinian lives, and thrown Melbournes Palestinian and Jewish diasporas into a state of permanent terror and mourning. I dont want the people of Gaza to suffer, Lewinsohn says sitting in her sisters Caulfield South home, I dont want war; I just want the people that were kidnapped from Israel to come back. I think that were all so shocked, were still so shocked that this thing has happened that we never imagined ... were like in a horror movie. On Thursday, about 27,000 people watched the online stream of the defamation trial brought by Bruce Lehrmann against Network Ten and its former star journalist, Lisa Wilkinson. Truth is stranger than fiction, and often more entertaining, although the objective truths of the Higgins/Lehrmann matter grow ever more obscure with each fresh piece of litigation. The defamation trial was dramatically reopened just days before a judgment on the matter was expected from Justice Michael Lee to hear evidence from former Channel Seven producer Taylor Auerbach. Artwork Kathleen Adele Credit: Its hard to imagine how the evidence could have been any more sordid. Auerbach told the court that Seven paid for prostitutes, dinners and even cocaine in an effort to secure an exclusive interview with Lehrmann. Seven put out a statement denying any corporate knowledge of the unusual expenses. Lehrmanns barrister attacked Auerbachs credibility and motivations. If youve lost the narrative thread, dont beat yourself up. Its hard to remember how any of it is relevant to the original defamation action, let alone the matter Lehrmann is suing over Higgins claim in a February 2021 television interview with Wilkinson that she was raped by a colleague in Parliament House. Liam Hemsworth is hoping to again follow in the footsteps of his uber-famous Hollywood star big brother Chris Hemsworth by building his own grand designer residence in the Byron Bay hinterland. Fortunately for locals, the younger Hemsworth isnt planning a house of the gargantuan scale of the Broken Head trophy home of Chris and his wife Elsa Pataky, but it also wont come cheap in this age of soaring building costs. Liam Hemsworth has grand plans. Credit: Bethany Rae The star of The Hunger Games movie series will have forked out more than $20 million before he moves in, given the $6.8 million he paid for the 37 hectares in 2021 and an estimated building cost of $14.6 million. The development application lodged on council records is for a two-storey, pavilion-style residence that is recessed into the hillside and designed by Melbourne-based architectural practice SSdH. There are two open-plan living areas and a rumpus room that flank an internal courtyard, and a large cabana and terrace that leads to an almost 18-metre swimming pool. Do you remember the scene in the movie Titanic when the passengers finally realise they are doomed? They know the situation is dire. The ship is dead in the water. The lifeboats have all gone. Yet hope is still alive that something a nearby liner perhaps will rescue them. It doesnt happen. Then the bow dips beneath the waves, the stern rises from the water, and the ship tilts vertiginously. Their mood goes swiftly from anxious fear to flat panic as the reality hits that nothing is going to save them and there is nothing they can do about it. In Britain, the Conservative government experienced that moment last week. Voters will depose Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the oncoming election if his own party doesnt get in first. Credit: Darren Staples WPA Pool/Getty Images It came when The Sunday Times published a poll even more devastating than the Tories worst fears. This wasnt just any opinion poll: conducted by the highly reputable pollster MRP, it had an enormous sample size 15,000 with a very small margin of error. It showed Labour winning 438 seats to the Tories 98. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak heads the list of senior cabinet ministers now on the precipice of losing once ultra-safe constituencies. Cross the line: Steps away from path of totality in these communities Cross the line: Steps away from path of totality in these communities Click here to view the video A 99.9 per cent totality is a completely different experience from 100 per cent, when the moon fully obstructs the sun. Some communities are literally on the cusp, and a short bike ride or walk will give you a completely different experience on Monday. DON'T MISS: How to watch the April 8 total solar eclipse from anywhere Well walk you along the path and point out some communities that are cut in half by the line, and how far youd have to go to go from 10 seconds of totality to a solid 60 seconds. Extreme southwestern Ontario Chatham, Ont. If youre not south of Highway 18, Park Avenue West, you wont be in totality. An hour's walk or a 15-minute bike ride south, on the other hand, gains you over a minute of totality as you approach the 401. Chatham, Ont. path of totality April 7 Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Oakville, Ont. The clear city on the cusp is Oakville, Ont., where the community will face differing totality times, with some missing out altogether. Downtown is safely in totality and well use Kerr Street as an example. If youre at Kerr Street and Speers Road, you wont be in the path of totality, but walk 20 minutes south to the water and youll buy 35 seconds of totality. Oakville, Ont. path of totality April 7 If you want a full minute, head to Coronation Park, about a 45-minute walk down Lakeshore. Note the northern sections of Burlington are also experiencing a partial eclipse. Southern Quebec Montreal, Que. The Island of Montreal is divided by the path of totality, with the north end only experiencing a partial eclipse, with downtown witnessing 90 seconds of totality. For those in Laval, its worth the trip to head into the city to see this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Montreal, Que. path of totality April 7 Drummondville, Que. Another town sliced in half, with southern sections recording a minute of totality, while areas north of downtown stuck watching the partial show. DON'T MISS: Everything you need to know for April's spectacular and rare solar eclipse New Brunswick Bathurst, N.B. So close to totality that you can feel it. The community is getting 99.97 per cent of the sun blocked, but head five kilometres southeast and youll be squarely in the totality zone. The southern extent of the totality line bisects northern sections of Moncton, but this is a larger city centre that will just miss totality (99.997 per cent). Magnetic Hill is looking at about 22 seconds of totality. New Brunswick path of totality April 7 Communities like Shediac will get 45 seconds. P.E.I. Summerside and North Rustico, P.E.I. Summerside and North Rustico just snuck into totality, accumulating one minute and 30 seconds of totality. Those in Charlottetown will still be in partial territory (99.6 per cent), so a trip to Summerside is in order. P.E.I. path of totality April 7 Newfoundland Corner Brook, N.L. Head about 20 km southwest along the Trans-Canada Highway, and youll enter the path of totality. Corner Brook will see 99.88 per cent of the sun blocked, but trust us, that 0.12 per cent is still extraordinarily bright. Newfoundland is also unique because its geography also offers the southern extent of the totality path. Unfortunately, most of the Avalon Peninsula will miss out, unless you happen to be up near Hearts Content. The Bonavista Peninsula is a prime location if we can get the stubborn clouds to clear on Monday. Newfoundland path of totality April 7 The difference between Arnolds Cove (99.99 per cent) and Come By Chance is about 10 km, and it buys you a minute of totality. The forecast Of course, this is all contingent on the cloud-cover forecast. So, give our official forecast a read to help prepare you for this momentous occasion on April 8, 2024. WATCH: Why aren't clouds as easy to forecast as eclipses are? Click here to view the video Thumbnail courtesy of Getty Images/PTW/157176644-170667a. David Cameron has warned Israel that British support is not unconditional as he said Palestinians in Gaza are on the brink of famine. As a Royal Navy ship was deployed to help supply life-saving aid to the strip, the foreign secretary said the situation in Gaza is dire and the prospect of famine is real. The government announced on Saturday its support to set up a maritime aid corridor to Gaza, including sending a Royal Navy ship to join the life-saving mission in the Eastern Mediterranean alongside 9.7m in funding. The ship would help set up an international humanitarian maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza, assisted by the UN and expected to be operational in early May according to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office. We remain committed to getting aid to those who so desperately need it. Along with the US, Cyprus and other partners, we are setting up a new temporary pier off the coast of Gaza to get aid in as quickly and securely as possible, Lord Cameron said. And, writing in the Sunday Times, he said: Of course our backing is not unconditional: we expect such a proud and successful democracy to abide by international humanitarian law, even when challenged in this way. As an occupying power, Israel has a responsibility to the people of Gaza. Amid a split in the cabinet about whether to suspend arms sales to Israel, deputy PM Oliver Dowden said the country was being held to incredibly high standards. And he said there is a relish among some critics of how Israel is conducting its war on Hamas. The deputy PM confirmed Britain would stop arms sales to Israel if it was found in breach of international law. He told the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: We will of course act in accordance with our obligations under law in respect of arms sales and the way that that works is there is legal advice, the Foreign Secretary reaches a judgement and he gives that advice to the Business Secretary. If it is the case that we cant lawfully in accordance with the act do so, of course we wont supply those arms, but that is precisely the position for example even in respect of the United States or any other country around the world. We rightly hold ourselves to a high standard, and we hold the countries to whom we export arms to a high standard, and I think that is what you would expect. And it contrasts so strongly, our adherence to very high values, with the appalling atrocities that have been committed by terrorist organisations against Israel. It came as David Lammy accused Lord Cameron of hiding from scrutiny over arms sales to Israel. The shadow foreign secretary accused Lord Cameron of ignoring calls for legal advice on arms sales to be published, failing to answer questions from journalists and failing to act on the Procedure Committees recommendation to take questions from MPs at the Bar of the House of Commons. He said there is extensive plausible evidence that the threshold for suspending arms licences been crossed, but that determining this legally is the proper task of competent lawyers, not politicians. And, speaking on Skys Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Mr Lammy said: Far too many people have died, 33,000 now. Many women, many children, and I think it is serious when we have senior judges who are on our Supreme Court who raise issues about the clear risk of breaches in international law, former head of the MI6 Sir Alex Younger says the same, and of course, Ive said that I have serious concerns about a breach in international humanitarian law in regard to this and its for that reason, that Im asking David Cameron to be very clear, and to publish the legal advice because this is serious for the British people because it would mean that we are complicit in that action. On Sunday morning Israel issued a new update on its six-month war against Hamas, saying the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have hit 32,000 aerial targets in Gaza, killing more than 12,000 combatants in the Strip. The figures could not be independently verified and Israel did not provide an overall death toll including civilians for the conflict. Gazas Hamas-run health ministry says more than 32,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed, while much of the 2.4 million population of the Strip has been displaced and faces acute food shortages. Lord Camerons warning came after Israel killed three British aid workers in Gaza on Monday night. John Chapman, 57, James Jim Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, who were employed by the charity World Central Kitchen (WCK), died in air strikes carried out by the IDF on 1 April. Lord Cameron said there was no doubt where the blame lies, warning Israel that this must never happen again. Following the attack on aid workers, several agencies have since suspended operations in Gaza, further increasing the risk of starvation for the regions residents. The UK government called for an urgent reform of deconfliction and assurances that guarantee the safety and security of humanitarian aid workers in Gaza. The UN estimates that 2.7 million people across the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) need humanitarian assistance, including everyone in Gaza. Land access remains crucial to deliver aid at the scale now required. The opening of Erez and the Port of Ashdod is hugely welcome and something the UK has long been calling for, Lord Cameron said. But we need to continue to explore all options, including by sea and air, to ease the desperate plight of some of the worlds most vulnerable people, the foreign secretary added. Along with aid delivery, the UK said it is also sending logistical and equipment support to the corridor, including forklift trucks and storage units as well as expertise to maximise the levels of aid reaching the people who desperately need it. The aid corridor initiative hopes to see tens of thousands of tonnes of aid pre-screened in Cyprus, and delivered directly to Gaza, via a temporary US pier that is being constructed off the coast or via Ashdod Port. The Armed Forces are playing a central role in delivering aid, with the Royal Air Force recently completing five airdrops of food supplies for the people of Gaza, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said. We are now going further, working with international partners to set up a humanitarian maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza, Mr Shapps added. The draining of the river Moy, which was carried out during the 1960s and early 1970s, was a project that was both welcomed and resented in equal measure by those most effected by the scheme. The drainage work involved the dredging of the main channel of the river, and its tributaries, from Ballina to Cloonacool in Co Sligo. This work was carried out by powerful machinery, the likes of which had never been seen in the West of Ireland before that time. Draglines People along the river quickly became accustomed to the giant machines. The 22RB was the most commonly used but bigger jobs and wider stretches of the river often demanded the use of the much larger 54RB. RB standing for Ruston-Bucyrus, a company which then manufactured a range of earthmovers and dredgers at its plant at Lincoln in England. These machines had a simple mechanical system operated by levers, pulley wheels and steel ropes thus the name, dragline - and they drank deiseal like there was no tomorrow. All of these machines were mounted on crawler tracks, but along marshy river banks, not even these tank-like tracks could keep the machines afloat. A series of massive wooden mats were then put in place in front of the machines, allowing them to crawl along as they deepened the river bed below. These mats resembled a pallet made from giant planks, planks that were often covered with every imaginable contaminant. The machines had a simple mechanical system operated by levers, pulley wheels and steel ropes thus the name, dragline - and they drank deiseal like there was no tomorrow. War party On a wet day, and there were many wet days, as the invasion force moved slowly upriver, the scene was often reminiscent of a World War II battlefield. Clearing the way for the main attack, a small advance infantry battalion (and my father was one of these), would disconnect the old barbed wire fences that were strung along between field and river. The giant crane then lumbered along, placing in its path the necessary matting to prevent it from sinking or sliding into the river. When dredging work was in progress, the river was frequently inundated with a runoff cocktail that included oil, diesel and liquid earth. A small platoon of soldiers attended the progress of the Ruston-Bucyrus as it chewed and pivoted and spewed. Soft opposition made for steady progress in the fight to tame the Moy but the drainage army regularly encountered stiff resistance from bedrock. This necessitated calling in the explosive experts. New words arrived into our local lexicon: compressor, drill-hole, gelignite, detonator, fuse wire, blast. New games were invented by local children, who each evening discovered empty detonator shells, plastic-coated wire and incomplete drill holes. If the constant dredging and the contamination from runoff hadnt destroyed most of the ancient fish stock in the river, the massive explosions required to blast out the new river bed surely stunned the remainder into oblivion. Some parts of the river were simply dredged to a lower level but in other places, where bends had previously been the cause of flooding, the river was straightened. This meant breaking new ground. Such canal-like creations tore up huge tracts of land and often annexed precious little fields, some land being lost entirely. A good field might be halved or replaced with the worthless, artificial ox bows of the old river bends. While these wastelands did make suitable homes for nesting wild duck, they also became swallow holes for unsuspecting cows. While it was envisaged in the original drainage plan that the huge amounts of soil excavated as part of the project were to be spread on the adjacent land, this was seldom done. Massive mounds of spoil remain along the riverbank to this day. But when those mounds were newly formed, they created a wonderland. Formed mostly of clay and daub, these piles refused any form of vegetation for months, maybe years. When baked in summer heat, they formed a Wild West landscape that invited countless cowboy and Indian adventures. These were the days of The Virginian and The High Chaparral, and on most July evenings, local children were presented with their abandoned film sets. When thrown at force, the small clods of hard daub exploded on impact, resembling the ricochet of a stray bullet and the top of each mound was a position of commanding authority, not relinquished easily. Unwinding the Moy At a time in our existence when it is almost necessary to get an environmental impact statement if you want to have a decent sneeze, it is difficult to imagine such a scheme ever taking place today. At a time when grants are being paid for rewilding margins along rivers and rewetting areas of bogland, one wonders what if anything was gained from draining the Moy. Certainly, there was some financial gains for farmers, my own father included, but little thought was given to the long-term impact on wildlife, fish stocks and antiquities. When Rev. James Greer wrote his series of essays and published his book, The Windings of the Moy, over 100 years ago, he followed the trail of the Moy in its original and pristine state. He refers in his writing to the bridge at Cloonacanna, near Swinford. The beautiful old bridge was a casualty of the drainage scheme, only an isolated pier remains to mark the past architectural glory of the bridge, a steel structure built in Scotland. The following is Greers memory of the bridge, which he observed on a walk he undertook between Banada and Swinford in June 1918. I rested about half an hour at Cloonacanna bridge. Here the Moy nobly foams and flows. Being in flood it showed here great volume of water and stirred in me the memories of youth and stories told of its breadth and depth. On the bridge there is printed the record of its structure: This Bridge was erected in 1889. W. P. Orchard, B.E., Engineer; J. Prendergast, Resident Engineer; Alexander Fritz and Co., Contractors; Parkneuk Bridge Works, 1889. Twenty pound a week We lived beside Cloonbaniff Bridge, at the Cloonacool end of the river, near its source. As a nine-year-old, the scheme also gave me my first job; each summer morning at 10 Oclock, I brought my father his daily snack. Arriving at the bridge, which was being rebuilt, was like entering a 19th century railway workers camp. A fire kindled by the roadside, lit with oil-soaked rags and fuelled with diesel-soaked timber. The chief cook and bottle washer was another local man who walked, first thing each morning, to the local well for fresh water. His was yet another job created by the scheme. When his giant black kettle finally came to the boil, ten or twelve workmen soon gathered round. These men were all strangers to me but my father would talk about them at night, mentioning such faraway places as Bonniconlon and Swinford and Crossmolina. The job my father had on the river was short-lived he only worked there for two nine-month periods, but he loved it. He loved the experience of being with other men, of hearing new stories and, of course, there was the weekly wage. He was paid in cash each Friday morning and I remember the evening he came home proudly brandishing a huge red 20 note, his weeks wages. He was the happiest man and why wouldnt he be, and him being paid while his land was being drained free of charge. Whatever about anything else, his fields along the River Moy never flooded again. Israel pulls out almost all ground troops from southern Gaza Israel has withdrawn most ground troops from southern Gaza exactly six months after the start of its offensive in the wake of the 7 October Hamas attack. A single brigade was left in Khan Younis tasked with securing the Netzarim corridor that divides the Gaza Strip, according to local reports. It was unclear whether the withdrawal would delay a long-threatened incursion into the southern city of Rafah, which Israels president, Benjamin Netanyahu, says is needed to eliminate Hamas. It comes as pressure has been mounting on Britain to suspend arms sales to Israel after seven aid workers including three Britons were killed by the Israeli military. Buildings reduced to rubble in Khan Younis, Gaza, after the Israeli military withdrew most of its ground troops from the region (Reuters) The UKs deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden told Sky News Israel had made big mistakes during the conflict and the UK was holding them to a very high standard. Mr Dowden insisted Britain was not giving Mr Netanyahu carte blanche and was having robust conversations with Israel. He also said any halt in sales was a decision for business secretary Kemi Badenoch, on the advice of foreign secretary David Cameron, and he had not changed his advice yet. However, Lord Cameron warned that British support for Israel was not unconditional and that Palestinians in Gaza were on the brink of famine. He said the situation in Gaza is dire and the prospect of famine is real as a Royal Navy ship was deployed to help supply life-saving aid to the strip. Of course our backing is not unconditional: we expect such a proud and successful democracy to abide by international humanitarian law, even when challenged in this way. As an occupying power, Israel has a responsibility to the people of Gaza, he wrote in The Sunday Times. Israel had planned a ground invasion of Rafah, claiming the southern Gaza city, near the border with Egypt, is a hive of Hamass remaining strongholds. Graffiti left by Israeli forces inside a building in Khan Younis before Sundays troop withdrawal (Getty) But Rafah has become the last refuge for more than a million Palestinians sheltering from Israeli bombing elsewhere. The UN has warned an assault on the city would lead to a slaughter. Following the withdrawal of troops, Israeli government spokesperson, Avi Hyman, said Mr Netanyahu would absolutely go ahead with a ground invasion of Rafah. If we dont go ahead with [invading] Rafah, we lose the war, he added. The White House claimed the withdrawal was likely so troops could rest and refit rather than a move towards a new operation. Theyve been on the ground for four months, the word were getting is theyre tired, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told ABC. But a senior Israeli government source told Sky News the withdrawal was probably linked to ongoing negotiations with Hamas over Israeli, hostages, with Mr Netanyahu desperate for a deal. Talks had been due to resume in Cairo on Sunday. The seven aid workers who were killed by an Israeli air strike (AP) Pictures from Khan Younis on Sunday showed some Palestinians returning to a landscape marked by shattered multistorey buildings and climbing over debris to explore crumbled, dusty remains. Cars were overturned and charred. Up to 33,137 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since 7 October, according to the Hamas-run health authority. It does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths, but claims women and children have made up around two-thirds of those killed. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said on Sunday that it had completed another step in preparing for a possible war along its northern front, where it has been trading fire with Hezbollah for six months. Palestinians line up for free food in Rafah, Gaza Strip, amid warnings of famine across the region (AP) It earlier launched airstrikes on eastern Lebanon and hit Hezbollah infrastructure sites after the Iranian-backed group downed an Israeli drone. Hezbollah said it fired dozens of Katyusha rockets that hit an air defence base in the occupied Golan Heights. Israeli shelling has killed around 270 Hezbollah fighters and around 50 civilians, security sources say, and displaced some 90,000 people in southern Lebanon. On the other side, around 60,000 Israelis have been uprooted from the countrys northern border area, and 18 people civilians and soldiers have been killed on the Israeli side of the border, according to Israeli tallies. Lord Cameron warns prospect of famine is real in Gaza as Royal Navy ship deployed in aid effort A Royal Navy ship will be deployed to help get more aid into Gaza, the UK has announced. Alongside the vessel, which is not being named for operational security, the Government announced a 9.7 million package for aid deliveries, logistical expertise and equipment support for a humanitarian corridor in the eastern Mediterranean. It came as Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron warned the prospect of famine is real in Gaza. He said the UK and its allies needed to explore all options including sea and air deliveries to ease the desperate plight of some of the worlds most vulnerable people. News of the UKs support for the international aid effort came as Israel marked six months since the October 7 attacks in which Hamas killed more than 1,100 people and kidnapped about 250. It is also nearly a week since an Israel Defence Forces air strike killed three British aid workers in Gaza, in an attack the IDF later admitted was a grave mistake. The UK Government continues to call for further safety measures to protect aid workers on the ground in Gaza from being caught up in the fighting. Lord Cameron said: The situation in Gaza is dire and the prospect of famine is real. We remain committed to getting aid to those who so desperately need it. Along with the US, Cyprus and other partners, we are setting up a new temporary pier off the coast of Gaza to get aid in as quickly and securely as possible. Land access remains crucial to deliver aid at the scale now required. The opening of Erez and the Port of Ashdod is hugely welcome and something the UK has long been calling for. Israel has also agreed to increase the number of aid trucks entering Gaza to a minimum of 500 a day. But we need to continue to explore all options, including by sea and air, to ease the desperate plight of some of the worlds most vulnerable people. The British armed forces have dropped 40 tonnes of aid into Gaza in recent weeks to tackle the bottleneck in supplies reaching Palestinians. The five air drops have seen supplies including water, flour and baby formula parachuted into the territory. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said the RAF had played a central role in delivering aid. He added: We are now going further, working with international partners to set up a humanitarian maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza. A new temporary pier on the coast of Gaza will be critical to supporting these efforts, by hosting cargo ships to deliver aid by sea. "I hope agriculture will become a promising industry, rural areas will become farmers' beautiful homes, and farming will be a respectable profession," says Zhao Zhao, General Manager of Yamin Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd., in Nanyang, a city in Central China's Henan Province. Zhao is also president of Benben Breeding Cooperative, in Nanzhao, a county in Nanyang. During the past two decades, Zhao has made persevering efforts to turn her dream into reality. Painful, But Joyful While she studied in Henan University of Technology (in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan Province) from 2002-2006, Zhao conducted a survey regarding beef consumption in China's urban and rural areas. Through the market survey (on beef consumption), she discovered Nanyang's great potential for developing a cattle-raising industry. In 2006, Zhao was employed by a company, in Zhengzhou, as a white-collared employee. Two years later, she quit her job. Within a short time, she returned to her home village, Fengzhuang, in Nanzhao, to establish a cattle farm. Many villagers wondered why Zhao, a university graduate, returned to her poverty-stricken home village. She wanted to help rural residents attain wealth by raising cattle in their home village, so they would not have to leave home to work elsewhere. Zhao often recalls the hardships she encountered during the first several months after she began running her cattle business. For example, she lacked capital, and the technologies and experience, needed to develop her business. Despite such difficulties, Zhao and her employees carried on. In addition to reading books and teaching herself about cattle-raising skills, Zhao sought advice from many agricultural experts on how to improve her cattle-raising skills, and on how to prevent and treat the animals' diseases. Throughout the years, Zhao has provided reliable, trustworthy services to her customers. She has used quality corn, soybeans and other crops to make cattle's feed. While expanding her business, Zhao has developed an industry chain of ecological circular agriculture a system where agricultural biomass, waste and leftovers from food preparation are kept as reusable resources. That helps save natural resources, and it helps achieve the sustainable development of modern agriculture. Zhao was aware that cattle manure pollutes the environment, and it takes up space. She also realized treating the manure as garbage would increase her production costs. She read books, and she sought advice from agricultural experts and villagers, who specialized in raising cattle, on how to turn cattle manure into a valuable resource. Zhao learned in addition to fertilizing farmland, the manure could be used to produce biogas, used as a substrate for growing mushrooms. "To start a business, you must be strong-minded and spare no effort to realize your dream. Your heart will be filled with joy as you strive to realize your potential (as a businessman / businesswoman)," says Zhao. As a result of having experienced numerous difficulties and setbacks, including market fluctuations and financing difficulties, Zhao grew stronger, and took delight in being a "cowherd." Zhao's cattle farm has evolved into a cattle-breeding base in Nanzhao. During the past several years, she has devoted much effort to developing circular agriculture. "Don't blindly follow others ... You should find a career you truly love and strive to achieve success in your career," says Zhao. She adds she hopes more young people, who love both the countryside and agriculture, will do their bit to build their home villages into better places. Joint Efforts In 2012, Zhao established Benben Breeding Cooperative, in Nanzhao. Three years later, she set up Yamin Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd. She prioritized elderly villagers and left-behind women (whose husbands had left home to work elsewhere) when she recruited employees for both her cooperative and her company. Given the sound development of her enterprises, Zhao has been able to employ many rural residents of Fengzhuang, and neighboring villages, to work for her cooperative and company. "I'm emotionally attached to my home village ... I will strive to expand my business, so rural residents can share the benefits of our hometown's rapid economic development," says Zhao. During the past few years, she has tried her best to help rural residents live better lives. Zhao is pleased to note, given the promulgation of Nanzhao's preferential policies to attract excellent talents to return to their hometowns to start their own businesses, and the county's rapid economic development and the great improvement in its infrastructure in recent years, an increasing number of young people, who had left home to work elsewhere, have returned home to establish their own enterprises. Zhao is also pleased to see many young people have joined her in working hard to build their hometown into a better place. Given her outstanding achievements, Zhao has received many titles and awards, including being named a National March 8th Red-Banner Holder, an outstanding rural entrepreneur (in China), who has helped villagers escape poverty by developing production, and the Henan Youth "May Fourth" Medal. "I believe those who devote their lives to promoting rural areas' agricultural development will have bright futures .... Farmers should be proud of themselves," says Zhao. Photos from Interviewee (Women of China English Monthly January 2024) An eight-foot tall bronze statue commemorating the war efforts of the Royal Regina Rifles was unveiled in Regina on Saturday. (Alexander Quon/CBC - image credit) A viewing of an eight-foot tall bronze statue was held at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building in Regina on Saturday. It was made to commemorate the sacrifices of Saskatchewan soldiers and their role in the pivotal D-Day invasion during World War II. Nearly 80 years ago, on June 6, 1944, more than 14,000 Canadian soldiers landed or parachuted into France as part of the famous invasion including the Royal Regina Rifles. "It's very moving. It's something that has stuck with me," Ed Staniowski, the former commanding officer of the Canadian Armed Forces' Royal Regina Rifles, said of seeing the statue. The Royal Regina Rifles Trust has spent 18 months fundraising in their pursuit to erect the statue in its final destination at La Place des Canadiens in Bretteville-l'Orgueilleuse, France. In about two weeks, the statue will arrive at the Peepeekisis First Nation for the day, home to more than 40 people who served in WWII. On May 1, the statue will be flown to Normandy, France, and then ceremonially unveiled on June 5 in Bretteville-sur-Mer at la Place des Canadiens where it will stand in honour of Canadian soldiers. "I've had a chance to serve with the Canadian Armed Forces and the Regiment in various places in the world and in several conflicts," Staniowski said. "The intensity that is on that statue is what you see on the faces of young Canadian men and women when they serve in far off places in the world." Alongside the unveiling of the statue, 104-year-old Nick Kazuska from Saskatoon was awarded the French Legion of Honour. 104-year-old war veteran Nick Kazuska, who was a part of the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, and was awarded the French Legion of Honor for his role in it. 104-year-old war veteran Nick Kazuska, who was a part of the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, and was awarded the French Legion of Honour for his role in it. (Alexander Quon/CBC) According to the Canadian War Museum, the Legion of Honour is a French award that recognizes people for "extraordinary bravery or service during wartime." "Canadians should be proud of what those veterans did," said Michel Miraillet, Canada's Ambassador to France. "By giving the Legion d'honneur to this man, it's also a way for us to remember that we rely [on] the Canadian commitments to defend democracies." Nearly 1,200 Canadian veterans have been awarded the Legion of Honour, including 92 from Saskatchewan. 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. Medical school will make huge difference to North Wales, says local MS This article is old - Published: Sunday, Apr 7th, 2024 A new medical school will make a huge difference to North Wales, said the MS for Clwyd South. The school will train hundreds of medical students in its first decade and help ensure that increased training opportunities are available for qualified doctors to stay and work within NHS Wales. They will study in state-of-the-art facilities at Bangor Universitys Brigantia Building and its Fron Heulog medical and healthcare simulation suite, which including leading-edge electronic dissection tables to study anatomy. The next intake due to start in September. In the Senedd recently, Clwyd South MS Ken Skates asked Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan for an update on the project. Ms Morgan said: The North Wales medical school is progressing well, with students due to commence their studies this September. The General Medical Council are satisfied with progress following their quality assurance visit in July of last year, allowing the school to proceed with student recruitment which took place last December and this January. Responding to the Health Secretary, Mr Skates recently appointed Cabinet Secretary for North Wales said: Can I put on record my thanks for all of the work that youve done in pursuing this? It will make a huge difference to North Wales. Would you agree that this is exactly what we need to do in order to futureproof the Welsh NHS? Ms Morgan added: Im really delighted with this, and to see people now being recruited directly to that North Wales medical school is really heartening. The direct intake will start this autumn and will increase to get to its maximum capacity so, by 2029, therell be 140 students per year. What we do know is, of the ones that have been recruited into the Cardiff school but then are placed in North Wales, around 50% have not only stayed in North Wales but theyve stayed in Betsi (Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board). Its exactly the kind of outcome we were looking for. The North Wales Medical School is a partnership between the Welsh Government, Bangor University, Cardiff University, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Primary Care providers across North Wales. After Senedd proceedings concluded, Mr Skates added: The North Wales Medical School, promised and delivered by the Welsh Labour Government, will train the expansion of medical staff required for the future. I hope more and more of the students who choose to train in the region will also choose to stay, live and work in North Wales after qualifying. Voices: Our parents were killed in the 7 October attack but we want Israel to end this war of revenge Bilha and Yakovi Inon, who were killed in their home in southern Israel on 7 October, during the Hamas invasion (Maoz Inon) Six months ago today, on 7 October, our mother and father were both murdered. In an instant, our lives were changed in many ways that were still only now starting to realise. Our parents, Bilha and Yakovi Inon, were loving and supportive of five siblings. They were caring and involved grandparents in the lives of their 11 grandchildren. They were active pillars of their community the thousand people living just on the north border of the Gaza Strip. We lost contact with them early on the morning of 7 October. By 7.30am, our family WhatsApp was full of messages from our parents explaining how sirens were going off around them, and that, after hearing gunfire, they were moving into their safe room as a precaution. We never heard from them again. We only found out later that day what had happened, when we managed to get through to one of their neighbours, who told us their home had been burned to the ground, and their bodies found inside. Looking back now, the feelings we felt are still hard to describe. We lost our parents, as well as many of our childhood friends. What is clear is that, almost immediately after their deaths, in the middle of this ongoing nightmare, we decided we did not want revenge. Since 7 October, we as a family have learned some very important lessons. The first surprise was the extraordinary amount of solidarity we have received from Palestinians in Gaza, in the West Bank, in Israel, and across the Arab world, from people who appreciated us for this message and who have stood with us in our hardest time. We learned quickly that we were not alone and that, in our message of not taking revenge, we have many partners. Hamze Awawde, a Palestinian peace activist, has taught us that if we want to make a better future, we must forgive the past as well as the present. However, there is a disaster of historic proportions happening right now and it needs efforts of historic proportions to work on it. Israel is trapped in a war of revenge, and we cannot get away from it. We are lacking leadership on both sides to get out of it. It seems to us that the world has learned nothing since 7 October absolutely nothing. It is clear that after six months of war, the security and safety of Israel is not getting better. In fact, it is only getting worse. Meanwhile, the lives of more and more innocent people in Gaza are sacrificed. The war must be stopped, the hostages and the prisoners released. And, crucially, this war must be the last war. We dont want to even imagine what will happen if this is allowed to go on for another six months there has already been an unimaginable toll of casualties. We need to ask ourselves, what should we all be doing now so that we are not ashamed of ourselves in 20 years time? To help us build a shared future, to get Israelis and Palestinians working together to transform the region that they are fated to share, the world must send us the tools of reconciliation, not of destruction. Global leaders have a good opportunity to do this at the G7 summit in June, where the wealthiest and most powerful democracies can convey their support for such ideals, and to commit to those the ground working to make them a reality. This will help us build the start of an amazing future, a future where Palestinians and Israelis live with each other in the peace, equality and security that they each deserve. For now, the most important thing is to create hope and that hope itself is action. It is for those of us who survived 7 October to now turn it into an opportunity. Maoz Inon and Magen Inon are Israeli peace activists Demi Moore Sparkles in Glittery Sheer Gown at Dolce & Gabbana Event in Milan See Her Sultry Look Moore was joined at the fashion event by other stars including Cher, Naomi Campbell and Lupita Nyong'o Robino Salvatore/GC Demi Moore Demi Moore looked bold and beautiful while celebrating Dolce & Gabbana in Italy! The Ghost actress, 61, left little to the imagination wearing a sheer silver mesh gown with sparkling details to the opening of the From the Heart to the Hands: Dolce & Gabbana exhibition at Milan's Palazzo Reale on Saturday, April 6. Moore sported a black bra and black boy shorts under the floor-length gown, giving the look a tastefully sexy vibe. Robino Salvatore/GC Demi Moore attends a Dolce & Gabbana event in Milan on April 6, 2024 Related: Demi Moore and Cardi B Turn Heads in Major Looks as They Join Together to Fete Hollywood's Top Stylists The A Few Good Men star finished off the look with a pair of black strappy heels. She appeared to be wearing minimal makeup, and had her long hair styled straight. Moore's style choices made sense at the opening of the exhibition celebrating the creative process of Italian fashion power duo Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, which gives the public insight into how some of the brand's most iconic outfits went from ideas in the designers' minds to the runway or red carpets to be worn by A-list stars like Moore. 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. Robino Salvatore/GC Demi Moore attends a Dolce & Gabbana event in Milan on April 6, 2024 Related: Demi Moore Rocks Chic Monochromatic Look at The Frankie Shop x Crosby Studios Pop-Up The exhibition, curated by Florence Muller and produced by IMG, features "loans of important historic works of art by Italian old masters from major public collections, as well as responses to Dolce & Gabbanas designs by contemporary artists," according to a press release. Other stars who stepped out to the opening included Cher, Lupita Nyong'o, Helen Mirren, Isabella Rossellini and Naomi Campbell. The exhibition will tour worldwide after its opening in Milan. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. The Detroit music annals are packed with colorful characters. But they didn't often make 'em like Allee Willis. The late hit songwriter is the inimitable, unconventional star at the heart of "The World According to Allee Willis," a new documentary making its Michigan premiere with a pair of screenings this week. The film is a delightful journey that pops off the screen as vivaciously as its central character: Willis was a Detroit-born creative dynamo who teemed with a larger-than-life energy and flamboyant flair, but who also sheltered an introspective, insecure nature that quietly informed her music and other artistic exploits. Detroit-born songwriter Allee Willis is pictured in an undated still image featured in the new documentary "The World According to Allee Willis." Willis, who'd just turned 72 when she died in Los Angeles on Christmas Eve 2019, may not be a household name. But her songwriting certainly is: From Earth, Wind & Fires September and Boogie Wonderland to the Pointer Sisters Neutron Dance to the Friends theme to The Color Purple Broadway musical, its a legacy of era-defining cultural touchstones spanning the '70s, '80s, '90s and '00s. The World According to Allee Willis, an energizing and touching film bristling with her music, debuted in March at Austins South by Southwest festival to embark on the the international festival circuit. This weeks screenings Thursday at Michigan Science Center and Saturday at the Birmingham 8 Powered by Emagine are part of the Freep Film Festival and will include conversations with the filmmakers. The documentary is in many ways the late songwriters own handiwork: As a fastidious if chaotic recordkeeper and collector, Willis left behind detailed notes for a prospective film about her life and career. It became a road map for director Alexis Spraic. It was probably the most unique experience Ive ever had as a filmmaker, says Spraic. She had all these instructions for whoever would be making the documentary. It was like a posthumous collaboration. Spraic was linked up with the Willis estate through her friend Paul Reubens, the actor and Willis confidante known to the wider world as Pee-wee Herman. The late songwriter's longtime partner, Prudence Fenton, had set out to fulfill Willis' documentary wishes. (Reubens) was a really good matchmaker, and after Allee passed, he knew that Prudence was looking for someone to take on this project, Spraic said. Spraic benefited from the massive trove of video shot by Willis and her friends from the late 70s onward. The director and her team combed through an estimated 10,000 hours of personal footage archived by Willis, capturing social situations, intimate moments and songwriting sessions. Prudence just opened the floodgates for us, Spraic says. Willis was raised in a Jewish family in what she called a colorful 1950s Detroit, where she was an outrageous tomboy with a fertile imagination, an innate love of music and a fascination with objects. At the Mt. Elliott Avenue scrapyard run by her father whose disapproving temperament is a through line in the film the junk items became like toys to the young girl. Her home life was topsy-turvy, and music was an escape. The film chronicles one of Willis favorite formative stories: her teenage days spent hanging on the lawn at Motowns Hitsville, U.S.A., soaking in music seeping through the walls of the small house. Allee Willis poses in front of a mural depicting her at Detroit's Mumford High School, her alma mater. For the Mumford High School grad, Motowns songs had already proved life-changing ("that music saved me, she says in one clip) and the young Willis found herself tuning into Detroits Black radio stations and on-air personalities such as Martha Jean the Queen. They were experiences that later fueled her own work with R&B artists, many of whom participate in in the documentary, including Patti LaBelle, Verdine White (Earth, Wind & Fire), Ruth Pointer (Pointer Sisters) and Siedah Garrett. Fellow Detroit native and Color Purple collaborator Stephen Bray also prominently features. Detroit is such a big part of her identity as an artist and her ability to work in music, says director Spraic. We asked a lot of the Black artists she worked with about how they got along. Theyd say, Oh, well she was from Detroit. It was like a shorthand. The documentary portrays an enterprising music lover who got her professional start in the New York music industry and later in Los Angeles, where she made her way into some of Hollywoods quirkier corners, her Michigan accent intact well into her final years. Willis was a gifted, prolific lyricist by nature and a self-taught pianist who relied more on her ear than formal technique. Inside her theme park of a pink, kitsch-filled house in Southern California, she became renowned for her lively celebrity parties and close friendships with figures such as Reubens, actor Julie Brown and Detroit-born comic Lily Tomlin, who all appear in the doc. Songwriter Allee Willis in the living room of her California home. The World According to Allee Willis also features a figure perhaps unexpected for many viewers: business magnate and TV personality Mark Cuban. It turns out Cuban and Willis became tight during the internet's public emergence in the early '90s, when the songwriter became enchanted by the idea of an online social world a proto-metaverse concept she called Willisville. That project failed to take hold, and Willis eventually steered her focus back to music. But Cuban, then a rising tech entrepreneur and now an executive producer on the documentary, cites it as an example of Willis' visionary instincts. For her, it was logical, says Spraic. She was a party-thrower, and with the internet, she saw this idea of connecting people who wouldnt normally be in the same room together, now on a mass scale. More: Freep Film Festival lineup: 20-plus feature-length documentaries from Michigan and beyond More: Freep Film Festival to open with documentary on storied River Rouge basketball team The film conveys a poignant sadness underlying parts of Willis life, including her discomfort about coming out as gay and a brief, awkward stint as a live performer in the mid-70s following her one and only solo album, Childstar (Epic Records). Her gender-bending style onstage wasnt well-received by audiences a tough reality captured on an obscure cassette tape uncovered by filmmakers. Willis trailblazing came with moments of struggle masked by the splashy, charismatic personality she offered in public. Allee wanted in her lifetime to present herself as this beacon of self-acceptance and individuality, says Spraic. But I think what she wanted with the film was to go deeper than that and say to people: I made this promise to myself, and it was hard. Spraic hesitates to call Willis a tragic figure. She lived a colorful life and accomplished so much more than most people, the director says. But she was really ahead of her time, which can be lonely. The film features ample B-roll from Willis homecoming visits in her later years, which included honors from the likes of the Motown Museum and Detroit Music Awards. Indeed, the movie ends with a joyful, impromptu moment in downtown Detroit, and while we won't spoil it here, the scene encapsulates Willis infectious life force. Songwriter Allee Willis was known for her eclectic style. "If theres a lesson to learn from her what her persona and image were about it was: Lets look at each other in the present and react to what were putting out there right now in the moment, says Spraic. She was so good about that. And in dressing the way she did, or making her house the way she did, she really forced you to do that. Contact Detroit Free Press music writer Brian McCollum: 313-223-4450 or bmccollum@freepress.com. Freep Film Festival April 10-14 Various venues For information on individual films and tickets, go to freepfilmfestival.com "The World According to Allee Willis" screens at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Michigan Science Center (Toyota Engineering) and 5 p.m. Saturday at the Birmingham 8 Powered by Emagine. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Allee Willis documentary captures joy, sadness of Detroit songwriter Gisele Bundchens Lookalike Daughter Vivian Is Already as Tall as Her Mom at 11 Years Old Now, its been well-established that Gisele Bundchen and her daughter Vivian are lookalikes already. But these new photos show that along with looking almost exactly the same, Vivian is already almost as tall as her mom, at only 11 years old! In photos obtained by Hello Magazine, on April 4, we can see the mother-daughter duo arriving at the Galeao International Airport in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and fans instantly noticed something: Vivians height. More from SheKnows With Bundchen being 511 and Vivians dad, Tom Brady, being 64, its no shocker that shed be a tall gal, but this early?! She truly has her mothers supermodel height genes. Vivian is a lot like her mama, and not just with the lookalike status and height, but its clear that she has ao many of the same loves as her mom, like horseback-riding, traveling, and more. Gisele Bundchen. Kristin Callahan/Everett Collection. For those who dont know, Bundchen shares two children with her ex-husband Brady, with whom she was with from 2006 to 2022, named Benjamin, 14, and Vivian, 11. Shes also the stepmom to the 80s for Bradys stars first son with Bridget Moynahan named Jack, 16. Now, Bundchen has been open about everything that comes with motherhood, including one of our favorite stories she ever told with her and Vivian. Back in 2022, she told the story about Vivian joining her backstage at a show, and her hilarious reaction. In a cover interview for ELLEs back in 2022, she said, She saw me with all these different hairdos and makeupshe didnt understand why. Shes like, Mommy, you look so much prettier without all that! Why are they touching you? Can they stop?' How adorable! Before you go, click here to see which daughters who look just like their famous moms. Ava Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The internet is having a blast with these photos of Melania Trump looking peeved at a fundraiser On Saturday, Melania Trump made a rare appearance, joining husband Donald Trump at a fundraiser in Palm Beach held at the home of billionaire investor John Paulson; and people are having a lot of fun with the resulting photos. Absent at a fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago on Friday, where she was to be honored with a "Child Advocacy Award" which Trump accepted on her behalf her decision to show up for the event the following day prompted some to weigh-in with observations that she appeared less than thrilled about it, as though she was "checking the clock." "Melania looks like shes in a hostage video tonight. Blink twice if you need help," writes Ron Filipkowski, Editor-in Chief of MTN, in a post to X (formerly Twitter) along with a clip from the fundraiser. Melania looks like shes in a hostage video tonight. Blink twice if you need help. pic.twitter.com/IUArSZlvXd Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) April 7, 2024 "Melania Trump looks thrilled as ever to be with Donald Trump at his fundraiser in Florida last night," writes Mike Sington, Senior Executive at NBCUniversal, in a post of his own to social media, sharing a photo of the Trumps from the event. Melania Trump looks thrilled as ever to be with Donald Trump at his fundraiser in Florida last night. pic.twitter.com/ntULQc3H7r Mike Sington (@MikeSington) April 7, 2024 According to ABC News, Saturday's fundraiser was one of only two public appearances made by Melania on Trump's campaign trail this election year, but it seems to have paid off, raking in over $50 million for the Trump campaign. "It took three Democrat presidents to raise $25 million and one president to raise over $50 million, Donald J. Trump," Trump campaign spokesperson Danielle Alvarez said in a statement. Albert Oehlens canvases may look as if they were uproarious fun to paint, but it turns out that thats far from the case. Ive never felt that, the German painter tells me. Maybe I do a little now, after all this time, but when I started, I felt the opposite disgust. Even now, its never a pleasure for me to hold the brush. Oehlen came to prominence in the 1990s, a period during which painting appeared to be in terminal decline in the face of competition from conceptual, installation and video art. Combining free-form use of computers and industrial-scale digital printers with wildly expressive daubing in oils, his works felt like theyd been through the long-predicted death of painting and come out the other side an approach The New Yorker described as post-painting. Yet for all his pioneering use of computers, Oehlen says he just hates the internet. Its dirt. If your life is a building, which floor is the internet? I think anyone would say its the basement. Oehlen, now 69, is no newcomer to contrarianism. In the 1980s, he was part of a group of punkish bad boy artists, whose beer- and amphetamine-fuelled antics turned the staid German art scene on its head. He and his fellow art conspirators, the painter Werner Buttner and the multimedia prankster Martin Kippenberger the nearest thing Germany has had to a Damien Hirst would invade gallery openings and bawl out coal-miners songs. Kippenberger would pose in oversized underpants in homage to his hero Picasso, who was famously photographed painting in such garments. The trio were seen as rebelling against the high seriousness of much postwar German art typified by the heavily symbolic imagery of Joseph Beuys and Anselm Kiefer. Oehlens deliberately cackhanded bad paintings, as he called them, lit up the art market, as a refreshing alternative to the austerity of the then-dominant conceptualism and minimalism. (One sold for 6 million at Sothebys in 2019.) Albert Oehlen at his latest show New Paintings, Gagosian Grosvenor Hill - Rii Schroer Approaching 70, does Oehlen still feel like a bad boy? Cutting a serious, rather shy figure via Zoom from Los Angeles, where hes on holiday with his family, Oehlen chuckles drily at the idea he might ever have been such a thing. Some evenings got a little extended, he says, looking back on those pranks. But the important things for me were sitting together talking and exchanging ideas. Theres an impish humour beneath Oehlens earnestness. Having read that in every interview he gives the opposite answer to the one given in his last interview, Im starting to wonder whether I should take anything he says seriously. Bluffing, after all, is his artistic speciality. When I started painting as a teenager, he says, I was very interested in politics, so it seemed obvious that a painting should convey a message. But it took just two or three paintings for me to realise that I didnt believe in representation. So that meant I must be an abstract painter. But I came to realise that what interested me most were the cliches of abstract painting: the idea that the artist is expressing their emotional identity when they put the brush to canvas. I thought, how can I play with these things? How can I mess them up? The viewers perceptions may feel messed up looking at the paintings in Oehlens new exhibition at Gagosian, in London, in which elements of landscape merge with abstract grids, and strange moustachioed faces peer out of swarms of richly coloured brushstrokes. While he has for the time being abandoned the digital in favour of pure paint, theres a free-Googling randomness to these paintings thats strangely exhilarating. People think of art in terms of originality, he says, but Ive always been interested in its artificiality. "Albert Oehlen: New Paintings," is on view at Gagosian, Grosvenor Hill, London, through May 11: https://t.co/gxOy8I3vVJ pic.twitter.com/kBqBLeFhGP Gagosian (@Gagosian) April 4, 2024 A graphic-designers son from Krefeld, near Dusseldorf, Oehlen studied at Hamburgs University of Fine Arts. While he grew up in the shadow of the Second World War, he and other artists of his generation born in the 1950s have been seen as wanting to shake off the weight of history, and the overpowering sense of guilt evident in the work of many older German artists. We were against the self-important attitudes of some artists, says Oehlen, becoming entirely serious for a moment. They approached history in a way we felt had become bombastic and kitsch. But I didnt want to distance myself from dealing with this history at all. Im German, and when I learnt in school about German history in the 20th century, that was a shock for life. Even if you dont see it in my work, its a project: what can you do after the Holocaust? Still, there must have been fun as well as soul-searching on the Berlin scene. Kippenbergers anarchic spirit was clearly an influence on Oehlen, particularly his bad paintings along with all that beer and speed. He laughs. I drank beer, for sure, but I never needed speed, because I already have it in me. But it was 90 per cent Kippenbergers show, and we went along with it. The larger-than-life Kippenberger mocked the idea of the tragic genius, while feeling obliged to live out the archetype through heavy drinking, contributing to his own death, aged 44, in 1997. Oehlen threw himself into his painting, producing a series of deliberately clunky self-portraits, one of which, Self-Portrait as a Dutch Woman, Kippenberger paid the compliment of claiming that not even he could have painted that badly. 'I drank a lot of beer, but I never needed speed because I have it in me already' - Rii Schroer I was surprised to note that the publicity for Oehlens new London exhibition revives the notion. Oehlen, we are told, champions self-consciously amateurish bad painting, infusing spontaneous and expressive gestures with surrealist attitude. I assumed he would have moved on from that posture in the early 1980s, after bad painting, which was briefly a much-publicised and much-derided phenomenon, seemed to vanish without trace. The term always fascinated me, Oehlen says. Over the years, I thought, what happened to that? Because I liked the contradiction of the idea. So I thought I might produce more examples of it myself. But is it even possible to do a bad painting now? Who would decide what bad painting is, when any sense of a standard in art has become even more diffuse than it was when Oehlen started doing bad paintings in the 1980s? Maybe bad painting could mean being against the rules. Thats a cause I would sign up to right away. We think now there are no rules in art. But still too many people, artists and audiences, believe in them. But what are the rules in art today? I cant put it into words. But you feel it all the time. The recent upsurge in identity-driven art has given rise to an odd sort of cosiness, whereby if an artists work ticks the right boxes, it will be accepted. With this has come a revival in narrative painting, much of it twee, and a world away from Oehlens work. Among the paintings in the Gagosian show are several featuring discernible trees and sky, inspired by a film he has made on Van Gogh, for which he created the paintings though his approach wasnt conventional. I was aware when I was painting them that these paintings were totally worthless. So I was able to ignore the possibility of making art. And thats a fortunate situation to be in. The work gets looser, fresher. Some of these paintings are total crap. But who cares? They could be the source of a good painting. Albert Oehlen: New Paintings is at Gagosian Grosvenor Hill, London W1, until May 11. Info: gagosian.com 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. Prince Andrew and a very lucky dog The day after the release of Netflix drama Scoop, a much-hyped adaptation of how BBC Newsnight secured its newsmaking 2019 Prince Andrew interview, the Sun reports that Andrew almost found himself at the heart of another headline-making incident. The paper said that the prince almost accidentally knocked over a small black dog that ran in front of his Range Rover on Windsors Long Walk on Saturday. The dog had run in front of the vehicle with Andrew oblivious to its presence. Prince Andrew Faces New Jeffrey Epstein Probe, Ordered by Ron DeSantis The witness said: The Long Walk was crowded with people enjoying the warm weather. Andrew's bodyguard saw the people frantically waving in the nick of time. Everyone was laughing when they saw who was driving the Range Rover. The paper reports that Andrew couldnt see the runaway pup, but his bodyguard noticed its owner waving and told Andrew to hit the brakes. A source said Andrew took the kerfuffle in good humor, and laughed as the dog's mortified owner sprinted to retrieve it. What is the scoop in Scoop? The opening scene of Scoop takes place in 2010, nine years before the Newsnight interview, and focuses on the efforts of a tabloid photographer, played by Connor Swindells, to get the now-famous image of Andrew (Rufus Sewell) walking in New York Citys Central Park with his friend, the billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein (Colin Wells). We watch the photographer race to try and get the perfect snap of the pair, perching on a rock, lens trained on its targets. It was on this walk that Andrew allegedly told Epstein their friendship was over, the photograph of which would later became a well-known artefact of Andrews downfalleclipsed by the disputed photograph of the prince with his arm around Virginia Roberts, then underage and being sexually trafficked by Epstein. She alleged Andrew sexually assaulted her three times as a minor; he has always denied that, and ended up paying her a rumored $12 million out of court settlement. Emily Maitlis (Gillian Anderson) Newsnight interviewwhich is dramatized in partial sections to the wordgleaned not only Andrews out-loud denial, but details like his claim he didnt sweat, and his alleged alibi of a pizza night with his daughters, and his beliefs that having sex, as a man, must be a positive act. His general lack of remorse, and his speaking so highly and warmly of Epstein, and his apparent cluelessness of the severity of Epsteins crimes, only added to the self-made car crash. A few days later he stepped back from royal duties, to be soon followed by the stripping of his regal titles. The interview was genuinely explosive, and a brilliant get. In Scoopwhich is former Newsnight talent booker Sam McAlisters (Billie Piper) version of events based on her book Scoopsthe excellent Sewell does the impossible, and makes Andrew seem sympathetic (vain, oafish, but not calculatingly villainous), while the drama majors on how McAlister did most of the work of getting the interview in the bag, while later watching others get the bright lights and plaudits for it, even if (as the drama acknowledges) the program acknowledged her work in a tweet. Sam McAlister, left, and Billie Piper attend the world premiere of "Scoop" at The Curzon Mayfair on March 27, 2024 in London, England. Kate Green/Getty Images The Sunday Times today deconstructs the story behind this story, with questions raised by Newsnight sources about whether McAlister has co-opted too much of the credit for herself. Scoop is ultimately a workoplace drama; it says nothing new about the scandal, nor about Andrew and his alleged misdeeds, or what his chief press fixer Amanda Thirsk (Keeley Hawes), or her palace overlords, or what Queen Elizabeth (Andrews greatest protector), were all thinking. Instead, it is the oldest story in office politicsthe unsung underling reclaiming glory so often denied to them. It has more in common with The Devil Wears Prada than The Crown. For this, on behalf of unsung workers everywhere, McAlister deserves all the fame and attention she is receiving as a result of Scoopif for nothing else for making what is essentially a lot of emails, and some difficult phone calls and meetings, seem as nail-biting as All The Presidents Men. (Also, Gillian Anderson seems puzzlingly to have kept elements of the accent she deployed as Margaret Thatcher in The Crown, while mastering Maitlis bob, head tilt, and physical presence.) Right now, all parties are playing nice publiclyeven if the undertone of Scoop is a determination on the part of McAlister to snatch back the lions share of the credit for landing the exclusive in the first place. In her version, other producers and colleagues, both senior and junior to her, play subsidiary roles to hers as chief fixer. Juicier questions with greater dramatic potential about Prince Andrew go unasked and unanalyzed. We see McAlister scroll through tabloid headlines, and have urgent conversations with the New York photographerbut to no end. What about Andrews relationship with Epstein? What was said in the palace after the interview? How easily was the then-queen convinced to cut her favorite son adrift? When and how did it dawn on Andrew that the interview wasnt such a great idea? Emily Maitlis attends British Vogue's 2023 "Forces For Change" Party at The MAINE Mayfair on November 23, 2023 in London, England. Karwai Tang/WireImage Whatever, the drama about this particular drama isnt over. Maitlis version of events, A Very Royal Scandal, which she is executive-producing for Amazon Prime Video, is coming out later in the year, reportedly with McAlister appearing as a character. Whether she is as central and significant as she was presented in Scoop remains to be seenas does whether it will have anything new to say about Andrew, his alleged misdeeds, and the palace meltdown that followed, right into the present day and his efforts to curry favor once more and insert himself center stage as the cancer struggles of King Charles and Kate Middleton unfold. The key scene in Scoop is less the interview itself than a subsequent scene of newsroom joy of seeing the show rack up lots of likes and frenetic clicks on social media. Does the real story of Andrew, Giuffre, Epstein, and his place in royal life go ignored becausefor all the sweat and pizza banner headlines that Newsnight secured that daywhat Andrew did or didnt do, and where it has left his life now, remains unknown and untold? Charles eyes autumn travel as recovery progresses After shaking hands with 56 members of the public after last weekends Easter Sunday church service, rumors abound that King Charles is planning some ultra-long distance travel, with a previously scheduled trip to Australia still possible in the autumn, according to reports in the Sun and the Telegraph this week. King Charles leaves after attending the Easter Matins Service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Britain March 31, 2024. Hollie Adams/Pool/Reuters Charles, 75, who was diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer in January for which he has been receiving treatment, is due to make a state visit to Australia with a sub-jaunt to New Zealand and Samoa, where the annual Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) meeting is taking place. A source told the Telegraph: It is no great mystery that the King is keen to attend CHOGM if he is able. Treatment continues and things are moving in the right direction. If he is able to go, of course he will go. Plans continue but there are no guarantees, we are still a long way off. The Sun reports that Charles is planning a shorter haul journey in the more immediate future with plans to spend his 19th wedding anniversary on April 9, 2005 with Queen Camilla at the Balmoral estate in Scotland. Partys over Embarrassment for the Middleton family this week as it was revealed that administrators in charge of winding up their failed party-supply firm, Party Pieces, wont make enough from selling off the companys assets to cover their own fees. Few tears will probably be shed for insolvency experts Interpath Advisory, who, according to the The Times charged $800 per hour, as they are left holding a decidedly dud party bag. Michael and Carole Middleton arriving at Westminster Abbey, central London, ahead of the coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Saturday May 6, 2023. Andrew Milligan/Pool via Reuters The Middleton family got rid of their stake in the business a while ago so they are not liable for any further debt, but its a reputational headache the family could have done without. The once successful party business which Kate Middletons parents, Carole and Michael, established from their kitchen table in 1987 was knocked off course by the pandemic and failed to recover. This week in royal history April 9 is one of those dates in royal history with a double-headed significance. On this day in 2005 then-Prince Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles at the Guildhall in Windsor, while in 2021 it was the day Prince Philip died at Windsor Castle, aged 99. Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, pose outside St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, southern England, after the Service of Prayer and Dedication following their marriage, April 9, 2005. Toby Melville/Reuters Unanswered questions What does Prince Andrew think of Scoop? After Kate Middletons cancer-revelation video and King Charles Easter Day church appearance, the royals have had an uncharacteristically quiet, drama-free week. How long will they embrace their desire for privacy-meets-invisibility? 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. Ed Ruscha / Now Then, the sprawling and much-anticipated retrospective of the great American Pop and Conceptual artist, opens Sunday at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. I am happy to report that the exhibition stinks. I mean that in a good way. When it had its debut at the Museum of Modern Art in New York last fall, the otherwise engrossing, beautifully orchestrated presentation suffered only one significant flaw. Chocolate Room, Ruschas 1970 contribution to the Venice Biennale, wasnt installed quite right. A room shingled inside, top to bottom, with hundreds of rectangular sheets of paper screen-printed with warm brown chocolate paste, the sweet environment should have been fragrant in a contradictory way enticing and sickly, indulgent and off-putting, decidedly lovely and vaguely gross. A be-careful-what-you-wish-for moment, in other words, because a world of excessive pleasure would surely attract bugs. Ed Ruscha, "Chocolate Room," 1970, chocolate on paper (Christopher Knight / Los Angeles Times) The room MoMA chose for Ruschas literal box of chocolates, however, was a pass-through gallery, with doorways on two sides. Think flow-through teabag, which lets fluids circulate in this case, air. Unlike a closed space, it couldnt hold the aromatic fragrance of the chocolate. The less than pungent environment felt rather inert. LACMA has installed Chocolate Room correctly, in a contained room with a single door. Thats how it was displayed in Venice, Italy, and again when shown years ago at the Museum of Contemporary Art downtown, where the eccentric piece is part of the permanent collection. Now the installation draws you in, and after lingering a while the scent begins to seem like a disagreeable odor that sooner or later pushes you out. The Ruscha retrospective was jointly organized by MoMA and LACMA, and it traveled to Wilshire Boulevard largely intact. (That doesnt always happen; traveling shows often shrink significantly.) Seventy-six paintings 80 were in New York range in date from 1958 to 2022. They are accompanied by a slew of works on paper, including drawings, photographs, prints and books, all of it filling the BCAM buildings second floor. The show opens with small, tentative forays into drawing and painting, some inspired by the Nebraska-born artists seven-month trip to Europe in 1961, when he was 23, five years after he had moved to Los Angeles. Art barely had a presence in the city then. Ruschas sojourn abroad helped to cement his decision when he returned to become an artist. He had been schooled in graphic design and was working in advertising. Commercial arts ubiquity in L.A. made signs and logos virtually natural as a visual language ripe for artistic use. The exhibitions first three rooms are filled with what we now think of as classic Ruscha from the 1960s single word paintings (Boss, Honk, Oof, Smash, Radio, Annie, Wont and many more); pictures of buildings sporting big signage (Standard gas stations, Norms restaurants, the 20th Century Fox movie studio); and the Hollywood sign up in the hills, tagging the city below. Ruschas Hollywood signs are emblematic of the discombobulating ways in which his art works. Always, what we casually assume to be a realist depiction taken from everyday life, in fact, turns out to be a cleverly stage-managed fiction. Take his narrow screenprint, nearly 4 feet wide, where the word Hollywood rides along the crest of a dark hilly ridge. The sky behind it is aglow with a bright golden hue that rises through orange and red into a warm chestnut brown, suggesting night. Youd never see anything like that looking up from Beachwood Canyon, however, or anywhere else in L.A. The actual Hollywood sign is not on a ridge but sits below it. The light glowing behind it, implying dawn or dusk, is impossible since the real sign faces south, not east or west, where it could be backed by the rising or setting sun. The strict diagonal line made by the top edge of letters that, on the actual hillside, undulate a bit jumps down in Ruschas picture to follow the ridge line disappearing into a ravine Hollywood and the abyss. Is it falling in or climbing out? The overall hellish look of the 1968 print is familiar to any Angeleno who has experienced the spookily resplendent skies during the annual infernos of fire season. Did Ruscha's image have anything to do with the infamous and deadly Canyon fire that year, even though the disaster took place east of Hollywood? Or how about The Day of the Locust, Nathanael Wests landmark novel of American malignancy, in which a painting of the burning of Los Angeles is a hinge that foretells a lethal mob scene outside a star-studded Hollywood movie premiere? Maybe yes, maybe no, to one or both speculations. This Hollywood sign resides in our collective consciousness our minds eye as much as it's a visible presence on the land. Ruschas work always rides a thin line between fact and fiction, a larger cultural memory, smaller daily life and eternal mystery. The dexterity of the prints convincing composition summons the inevitable cliche: The execution is like a surfer skillfully riding a perfect wave. Or like an astronaut preparing for the seeming impossibility of a moon-landing, as it turns out to be elsewhere. The painting Actual Size features a can of Spam rocketing across the canvas, trailing flames amid a shower of splattered blue paint. Made in 1962, the same year Andy Warhol had his solo gallery debut in L.A. with paintings of cans of Campbells soup, Ruschas supermarket can followed John Glenns inaugural Earth orbit in a compact space capsule. Legendary test pilot Chuck Yeager gave the Mercury astronauts the sassy nickname Spam in a can, given their role as relatively passive passengers in a largely automated space flight. Ruschas painting juxtaposes that epic event with a giant yellow and blue product logo for the spiced ham luncheon meat, looming above. Spam is a very funny crack that reduces "meaty painting, high praise for the gestural muscularity recently demanded of Abstract Expressionist art, to a commercially processed product. And it resonates against the actual size cited in the paintings title, since words dont have fixed dimensions. How big is Spam anyway? In postwar America, fights about painting were underway. The supposed death being claimed for easel painting (small) in the face of mural scale (large) appropriate to the nations new and outsize international role, both politically and culturally, is sliced-and-diced by Ruscha. He offers up a canvas just under 6 feet tall and just over 5 feet wide, roughly the same as a person standing before it with arms outstretched. For art, actual size is human. Read more: Sculptor Sargent Claude Johnson's core commitment to self-love was a foundation for collective Black pride Many vitrines in the exhibition contain fascinating sketches, photographic contact sheets, studies, storyboards and mock-ups that reveal how Ruscha assembles his work. Artist-produced photo-books like Thirtyfour Parking Lots in Los Angeles, with its black-and-white aerial views of unpopulated, car-free, white-striped asphalt lots around town, from baroque Dodger Stadium to geometric Universal Studios and beyond, are initially off-putting because they seem quick and easy and, well, anyone-could-do-that dumb. They are anything but. Their eloquence as unprecedented urban landscapes, which reveal nature to be a wholly cultural construction in which lives are lived, turns out to be the product of elaborate, worried-over, carefully composed artistic insight and skill. Details illuminated in the vitrines also attune viewers to connections among seemingly unrelated works among the variety of mediums Ruscha has employed over 60 years. The parking lot designs, rigorous and formal, are enlivened by the accidental stains in the pavement organically left by cars. Stains are a big deal in Ruschas work of the late 1960s and early 1970s, a moment when warring factions in the art world were busy arguing over the prominence of abstraction in new art. Stain painting, made with thinned oil or acrylic pigments soaked into raw canvas, was heralded as abstractions next big advance. Ruschas stains were left by automobiles parked out in the lot ordinary, figurative images recorded by a cameraman the artist hired at a time when photography was a second-class medium for art. So much for progress as a reigning artistic virtue. Then beloved in critical discourse emanating from New York but now a widely dismissed myth, aesthetic progress is supplanted by depth of imagination. L.A., the new horizontal city promoted as a model for the future, couldnt be more different as a place than the old vertical megalopolis across the Hudson River, representing the culmination of the past. Ruschas faith in the power of imagination over progress is among his primary artistic achievements. Ed Ruscha, "Azteca/Azteca in Decline (detail)," 2007, acrylic on canvas (Christopher Knight / Los Angeles Times) Ed Ruscha, "Azteca / Azteca in Decline (detail)," 2007, acrylic on canvas (Christopher Knight / Los Angeles Times) It manifests itself in a wonderfully strange pair of 2007 paintings in the shows last room. Each is a wide, skinny horizontal just 4 feet high but 27 feet wide making the full 55-foot expanse into scenography that one instinctively reads from left to right. Three crisp, sharp triangles in flat primary colors are edged in scalloped yellow. They look oddly like awnings or perhaps pennants. The three meet in a vanishing point at the bottom edge as if a textbook illustration for Renaissance one-point perspective. In the canvas at the right, those same three shapes lie crumpled, twisted and disheveled, as if they were balloons with the air let out. Change happens; progress, not so much. The knockout duo, titled Azteca / Azteca in Decline, is based on a wall mural Ruscha saw out of the corner of his eye while driving through an industrial suburb of Mexico City. From left to right the imagery generates a remarkable one-two punch for a viewer: I dont know what that is but, wow, whatever it is is now in complete collapse! As a narrative of life or ancient history or modern America the paintings mesmerize. Stains, like those in his parking lot pictures, do have metaphoric power for an artist raised Catholic in the Midwest. Theres an inescapable implication of depredation and sin. But the human stain is not without a comic essence, too, which Ruscha drew out in a wonderful group of word-paintings on shiny moire fabric. They have no paint. Instead, People getting ready to do things is spelled out in egg yolk, besmirching the virginal purity of its white satin support; and Its only vanishing cream is translucent shellac disappearing against deathly black. Words and colors bond. These are wild anagrams for a stain on satin, giving material heft to ephemeral language. Another of them, rendered almost invisibly in shellac on deep cobalt blue moire, circles around to give the exhibition its trenchant title: Now then, as I was about to say Ruschas retrospective has plenty on its mind and much to say. Now then, dont miss it. Ed Ruscha, "Now Then, As I Was About to Say...," 1973, shellac on moire rayon (Christopher Knight / Los Angeles Times) Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Patricia Highsmiths 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley has been made into two sterling films: 1960s Plein soleil (Purple Noon) starring Alain Delon, and 1999s The Talented Mr. Ripley headlined by Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Nonetheless, Netflixs new Ripley stands head and shoulders above its predecessors (and most modern TV offerings) as an adaptation par excellence. Over the course of its eight exhilarating episodes, all of them shot in breathtaking black-and-white by Oscar-winning cinematographer Robert Elswit (There Will Be Blood), this stellar thriller exhibits a formal precision, dexterity, and majesty that electrifies its tale of a small-time New York City grifter named Tom Ripley (a phenomenal Andrew Scott) who attempts to remake himself in Italy by slipping into the life of wealthy playboy Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn). Cunning cons and brutal murder ensue, all of them dramatized by the show with a suspenseful elegance and psychological complexity that does justice to its source materialand, in certain cases, adds new, incisive wrinkles to the oft-told tale. Ripley is, quite simply, a small-screen masterpiece, and credit for its triumph goes, first and foremost, to writer/director Steven Zaillian. In the three decades since he won the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for Schindlers List, the 71-year-old has collaborated with a whos who of Hollywood greats, from Brian De Palma (Mission: Impossible) and Sydney Pollack (The Interpreter) to Ridley Scott (Hannibal, American Gangster, Exodus: Gods and Kings), David Fincher (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and Martin Scorsese (Gangs of New York, The Irishman). Along the way, hes additionally penned the excellent Moneyball, helmed three of his own feature scripts (including the fantastic Searching for Bobby Fischer), and spearheaded HBOs acclaimed The Night Of. Even with such a formidable resume, however, Zaillians latest may be his finest achievement to date. Its scintillating style wholly wedded to its storytelling, and its meticulousness central to its simmering undercurrent of sociopathic madness, its a work of controlled Machiavellian malevolence, rife with tension and rich in detail and depth. Andrew Scott Courtesy of Netflix Guided by Zaillians virtuosic hand, Ripley is the rare example of genuine auteurist television, even as it simultaneously stands as a testament to the fact that projects are more likely to be great when theyre made by a collection of great artists. Now available on the streaming platform, its an early contender for end-of-year accolades. Consequently, we were elated to speak with Zaillian about the challenges of making his sensational series, collaborating with Scott and Elswit, and the enduring appeal of Highsmiths famous novel. Ripley is better directed than 99 percent of modern television, to a great degree because its been actually directed, with personality, flair, and guiding motifs and techniques. Was there any pushback to your approach, given that TV generally wants formal style to take a backseat to storytelling? No, there was no pushback. The style that the show became I started with the writing, I cant write anything without imagining it. That being said, things obviously change when youre shooting, and motifs come up and the style gets set at a certain point. But the whole time we were shooting, basically all anybody is seeing are dailies. Its hard to tell from dailies whats going on, you know [laughs]? Most people at the studios didnt see anything until it was edited. So I had this great freedom to do what I wanted in terms of its look, and I spent a lot of time doing it. It was important to me that it looked good and felt good in terms of its tone, and most of the people who came to this come from film, and we approached it as one long movie. Is the writing process different when youre writing for yourself, versus another director? I dont write any differently. As I mentioned, I cant write it without seeing it, so whether Im writing for myself or someone else, its the same process. I dont ever put in, close-up here or wide shot there. However, I do see it, so when Im making my shot lists, Ive already done it once before when I was writing it. But in terms of writing in a different way if someone else is going to direct it, no. Steven Zaillian Frazer Harrison/Getty Images What made you want to tackle The Talented Mr. Ripley, which has been adapted multiple times before? Ive been wanting to do it since I read it, which I think was probably back in the 80s. Certainly after Purple Noon but before The Talented Mr. Ripley movies. I saw it in a certain way and I wanted to try that, so when this opportunity came up, I took it. I just think its one of the great characters and one of the great stories that can be told over and over again. What is it about the novel thats allowed it to endure so powerfully over the past 70 years? Despite its age, it feels extremely relevant in todays socio-political climate. The idea of a character who becomes somebody else is something that happens all the time, today and throughout history. Were strangely fascinated with it. I mean, it comes up all the time! There are articlesone that comes to mind from a few months ago was called The Talented Mr. Santos. I think this particular character is fascinating, certainly to me and I hope to other people. And the style of itand I dont mean the photographic style, but the style of the storycomes from Highsmith, where she finds these kinds of extraordinary things happening in normal circumstances with normal people. Its something shes well known for, and is something which I feel we can all relate to. Its Impossible to Overstate Just How Good Netflixs Ripley Is Youve directed three feature films, but none since 2006. As a director, what compelled you to segue to television? Its the way things go. Its strange to say that its easier to get a television show done than a movie, but it seems to be true, at least with the kinds of movies that I want to make. [TV] is a lot harder and it takes a lot longer, and I long for the days and the chance to make a movie again. Im hoping that thats what Im going to do next, only because it wont consume years and years of my time [laughs]. I can do the same thing and not have it take four or five years. At what point did you decide to shoot the entire series in black and white, and what was your thinking behind that creative decision? It started with the writing; thats how I imagined it. Why, I dont know. Maybe because of the period. I did want it to not feel like a postcard, and Italy, if shot in bright vibrant colors in the summertime with blue skies, can feel that way. I felt that this was a more dark and sinister story, not unlike a film noir story, and so black and white seemed to be the natural choice. Johnny Flynn and Dakota Fanning Courtesy of Netflix Yet despite that monochromatic scheme, you didnt lose the classical beauty and romance of Italy. You cant lose that in Romeits impossible [laughs]. Nor did I want to. But that being said, even a familiar place to peoplelike, well, you dont really see the Coliseum except when hes driving around with a corpse in the carI didnt want those places to be front and center. I wanted the backstreets of Rome more than the boulevards. Naples and Palermo are both really interesting places that photograph wonderfully in black and white. But again, part of the story does take place on the Amalfi Coast, and thats the place thats hard to make sinister in color. When you have the aqua blue water and the bright sun, its tough. Luckily, we were at least filming there in the fall, so we didnt have the brunt of tourism or those postcard shots, which certainly helped. Robert Elswit shot the pilot of The Night Of and the entirety of Ripley. What is it about him as a cinematographer that makes your collaboration work so well? Its many things. Obviously, hes really talented. He shoots beautiful movies. And we get along really well. Hes very intrepidhell do anything, and go anywhere, and work crazy hours. Hes a workhouse in that regard. This took that kind of person. We shot for 160 days in Italy, with a one week break in the middle, and thats tough on anybody. He just loved the idea of shooting it in black and white, and hes a master with lighting, as you can tell when you watch it. Its a great collaboration, we have. The series is dominated by shots of Tom at a distance, framed in long claustrophobic hallways and by constricting architecture (such as the stairs of Dickies home in Atrani). Was it difficult to find the locations you needed for that visual style? Thats one of those things when you talk about motifs yes, I wrote a scene where Tom climbs a lot of steps, but that was a place that [production designer] David Gropman and I found. We drove from Salerno to Sorrento, all the way up the coast, and this little town called Atrani that has 800 people had those stairs, and I was fascinated by them. I said to David, it looks like an M.C. Escher drawing, and I found out much later that [Escher] had actually lived there and had drawn those very stairs. So thats where it started. Then, wherever we went, we encountered stairs, and thats when it started becoming a motif. You shoot Toms two murders (and their aftermaths) in long, methodical sequences. Why was it important to stage those in such detail? I had a little note scribbled on a Post-it when I started this saying, Its easier to kill somebody than it is to get rid of the body. I wanted to show that. Even getting rid of a body thats laying down in a little boat is hard to get rid of. I thought, this could be an opportunity to try something that Id like to, which is showing these things in what feels like real time, and how difficult it is. I thought it was interesting, I thought it was entertaining, and I thought it was something Id wanted to do from the beginning. So in the scripts, in episodes three and five, those sequences are about 35 pages long. Andrew Scott Philippe Antonello/Netflix How did you settle on Andrew Scott for Tom? Id only seen him in three things, and one of them, I didnt even see him; Id only heard himthat was in a movie called Locke in which he did not appear, but he was a voice on the telephone. He created a really interesting character with just his voice. That was the first time I saw anything he was in. Then his Moriarty [in Sherlock] and Fleabag. With those three things, I felt he could do anything. They were so different from each other that I felt, thats Tom. Hes got the range to play Tom. Often in Ripley, the most important aspect of a given scene is whats taking place beneath whats being said aloud. From a writers standpoint, how do you tackle such undercurrents? Thats always been important to me in the writingto know, what is the point of the scene? Is it a piece of dialogue, is it an action, or is it the moments between the dialogue? Often, thats where it is for me. Like you say, someone is lying and the other person knows theyre lying, and they play this kind of game with each otherthat is the point of the scene! So those moments in-between the dialogue are whats important. I spend a lot of time with that, and the actors got that, and theyre smart and theyre good and they like doing that. So in those instances, that was what was going on. Dakota Fanning Courtesy of Netflix John Malkovich makes a late, brief appearance as Reeves, which is both a sly shout-out to Ripleys Game (which he starred in, as Tom) and a tantalizing suggestion of future seasons. Was Malkovichs participation always part of the planand was his cameo designed to keep the door open for a follow-up? Both of those things are true. I wrote to him and explained that Id like him to consider doing this. Its very short, its just a couple of days, but maybe its a fun idea. And he thought it was and came to Venice and did it. Yes, I was also thinking that if theres another season, this character appears in the next two Highsmith books about Ripley, and hes a great character. He does not appear in The Talented Mr. Ripley book; he doesnt appear until the second book. But yeah, if that ever happens, I hope hell do it. Because hes perfect for it. 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. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Were approaching a year since the start of the Barbie press tour . And although we are months past the blockbuster films summer reign, I am still singing along to Dua Lipas Dance the Night. Long live Barbiecore! I say. And so does Selena Gomez, who went full Mattel doll in a monochromatic pink ensemble on Saturday. Cindy Ord - Getty Images The Rare Beauty founder had lots to celebrate last night, as she just launched a new blush collection; she marked the new products release with an event at New York Citys Studio 525. For the occasion, she got decked out in rosy hues. The centerpiece of Gomezs ensemble was a button-up dress that featured a small collar, long sleeves, an A-line skirt, and a built in belt with a shiny silver buckle, all in a cherry-blossom pink shade with an oily jacquard pattern. She accented the darling frock with a long powder-pink wool coat and bubblegum-pink pointed-toe stiletto heels adorned with a bow and center pendant along the toe. Gomez finished everything off with a stack of glittering silver rings and matching star drop earrings. As for beauty, she opted for a pretty, matte makeup, complete with a watermelon-pink lip, and styled her voluminous, straight chestnut locks down behind her with her side-swept bangs slicked back. The Only Murders in the Building stars look is a stark contrast to the monochromatic black outfits she has been serving up. Coming off the heels of her trip to Paris in February, Gomez has been embodying Parisian-chic dressing. Last month , she stepped out to support her co-star and friend Steve Martin at the premiere of his new documentary, Steve! (Martin): A Documentary in 2 Pieces, in a timeless black midi dress that featured a pencil skirt, long sleeves, and an off-the-shoulder construction lined with huge satin bows all around. She kept things all-black with transparent tights, glossy pumps, and a velvet clutch. Before that, while appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live, she looked like a coquette dream in a transparent black lace mock-neck top layered over a matching camisole, all tucked into a flouncy pleated bubble skirt. She added a wide leather belt, knee-high boots, and transparent tights, all in black. You Might Also Like If you take a drive through the countryside in southern Brazil, you won't have to wonder why the Brazilian steakhouse originated there. Cows abound in the region's abundant grasslands, and a culture shaped by rustic, rural traditions still reigns supreme. Brazilian steakhouses serve churrasco, which is often translated as "Brazilian barbecue" but refers specifically to meat cooked on a skewer over an open flame. Brazilian barbecue first made its debut in the United States in the 1990s and has since become a popular option for diners looking to get their fill of quality Brazilian-style meats and sides. To get the inside scoop on what to know before eating at a Brazilian steakhouse, we spoke with Neri Giachini, Director of Operations at Fogo de Chao, one of the most successful chains of Brazilian steakhouses in the U.S. Although Fogo de Chao isn't a traditional Brazilian steakhouse, its food offerings and service model are representative of what you're likely to find at one of these fun, relaxed, meat-forward restaurants. As a former resident of Rio Grande do Sul, I've been to my fair share of Brazilian steakhouses, and I can tell you that dining at one is a culinary adventure you should experience. Although it's certainly a meaty affair, Brazilian steakhouses typically offer a huge variety of regional Brazilian dishes you need to try at least once. So, if you're thinking about eating at a Brazilian steakhouse for the first time, here's what to expect. Read more: Your Guide To The Different Cuts Of Steak Come Hungry Brazilian barbecue aka churrasco - ngoc tran/Shutterstock Planning on going to a Brazilian steakhouse? Then, be sure to come with an appetite. Churrasco restaurants are typically all-you-can-eat affairs. All of the food served at the meal is typically included in a per-person cost that is paid at the end of the experience. Buffets in the United States are sometimes equated with low food quality, but in Brazil, buffets are a common lunchtime option that often serves up delicious, thoughtfully cooked dishes. In some places, the buffet menu shifts during the evening to accommodate dinner. Drawing from this tradition, Fogo de Chao "offers guests differentiated menus for all dayparts, including lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, and group dining," says Neri Giachini. Indeed, many Brazilian steakhouses operate on a similar model, offering all-you-can-eat experiences that reframe the buffet not as an institution driven solely by value but one that affords the diner the opportunity to try new high-quality menu items. If you're ready to taste all the different flavors that a Brazilian steakhouse has to offer, you've got to come hungry. Know Your Meats Different cuts of meat - Bit245/Getty Images You may be familiar with the cuts typically offered at an American steakhouse, like prime rib, New York strip, and filet mignon. But before you waltz your way into a Brazilian steakhouse, you'd be wise to brush up on your Portuguese, specifically words like picanha, fraldinha, and cordeiro, which are cuts of meat commonly offered. Picanha is perhaps the most iconic piece of meat you can find at a Brazilian steakhouse. Typically folded over into a C shape on the skewer with a hefty strip of fat on the outside, picanha is "the prized cut of Brazil," says Neri Giachini. What makes the cut so cherished is its soft, tender composition and intense flavor. Not quite as famous but no less delicious is fraldinha, which Giachini tells us is "bottom sirloin that has one of the most succulent flavors due to its strong marbling characteristics." And although beef is typically the main attraction at a Brazilian steakhouse, you won't want to miss the cordeiro, which is Portuguese for lamb chops. They're charred to perfection over an open flame and expertly carved by the dextrous hands of a true meat connoisseur. Get Ready For Rodizio-Style Dining Knife cutting meat - rocharibeiro/Shutterstock Another Portuguese word you'll want to know before eating at a Brazilian steakhouse for the first time is rodizio. While the word literally translates to "turn" or "rotation," in the context of food, it describes a dining experience wherein servers roam through a restaurant with dishes in hand and serve customers tableside at their request. In Brazil, all sorts of cuisines, from pizza to sushi to rotisserie chicken and pasta, are served rodizio-style, but it's an especially important component of a Brazilian steakhouse. In Brazil, the word gaucho refers either to a South American cowboy or somebody from the state of Rio Grande do Sul. However, the word has been repurposed by some Brazilian steakhouses in the United States to describe the person who carves meat at your table. "As part of Fogo [de Chao]'s service model, our gauchos serve as chef and server taking on not one, but two distinct roles," says Giachini. At Chima Steakhouse, which has five national locations, gauchos also refer to dual roles. Not all Brazilian steakhouses function with gauchos serving two roles as chef and server. However, most steakhouses employ master meat chefs who can cook a perfect steak every time and carvers who know how to cut it. Carving meat is an art that can make the difference between a chewy, tough steak and one that is tender and melts in your mouth; having trained experts makes a Brazilian steakhouse stand out. Communicate With Your Server Brazilian barbecue being served - Giselleflissak/Getty Images Gauchos (the cowboys and the U.S.-based Brazilian steakhouses servers) are usually well-versed in the art of churrasco, and with a connoisseur at your disposal, you'd be wise to chat them up if you have any questions about your meal. Looking for a lean, tender cut? Ask the gaucho, and they'll bring over something suitable or call over one of their colleagues to do it. Have a question about what's in the linguica? A gaucho will be happy to clear it up. Another important piece of information to communicate to the server attending you is how you like your meat cooked. Whether you like your picanha warm and bloody or you're a person who knows they like a well-done steak, the chefs can furnish your request with just the right piece of meat. If you're feeling curious to try something but don't want to commit to a whole plateful, tell the gaucho that you just want a taste, and they'll cut you off a little sliver. This is a great way to try everything at a Brazilian steakhouse without filling up too quickly. Familiarize Yourself With Brazilian Drinks Caipirinha cocktail on table - Luisgs1103/Shutterstock If you're eating at a Brazilian steakhouse for the first time and wondering what libation can stand up to this hearty meal of meats and sides, look no further than the caipirinha. Sweet with sugar, acidic from lime, and made with diabolically potent cachaca, Neri Giachini calls the caipirinha Brazil's national cocktail. Variations on the legendary caipirinha include the caipiroska, which is made with vodka instead of cachaca and gives the drink a slightly sharper taste, and the caipirinha de maracuja, which uses the pulp of a passion fruit instead of lime to give the drink its fruity, tropical flavor. But beware! These cocktails can be deceptively strong. For those of you who prefer wine with dinner, most Brazilian steakhouses offer wine lists. The origins of Brazilian steakhouses stem from Rio Grande do Sul, the Brazilian state that happens to be home to the country's most robust winemaking industry, so pairing wine and meat at a Brazilian steakhouse comes with the territory. If you're looking for a beverage pairing sans alcohol, you can still get the taste of Brazil without the booze. Guarana, a soda made with berries of the same name found in the Amazon region, is a delightfully unique fizzy drink that is wildly popular in Brazil. Remember To Eat Your Greens Fresh veggies on cutting board - Lauripatterson/Getty Images We all know meat is the star of the show at a Brazilian steakhouse, but let's not forget about the supporting cast. One thing you should know is that Brazilian steakhouses typically offer an extensive salad bar as part of the dining experience. They're not unlike American salad bars and include the usual suspects, like lettuce, onions, beets, carrots, tomatoes, other fresh vegetables, and different types of salad dressings to choose from. Brazilian steakhouse salad bars may also include a number of unique flavors, dishes, or ingredients you won't find at other all-you-can-eat experiences think mango salads, pao de queijo, or strips of candied bacon. In Brazil, carb-loaded types of cooked squash, root vegetables, potatoes, and tubers may also grace the salad bar. When dining at a Brazilian steakhouse, the first thing people usually do is head to the salad bar. This custom is based on the science of how your body digests food. Eating a plate of high-fiber, water-dense greens with your main course can help lubricate the digestive tract and prevent glucose spikes. This improves your digestion and can help reduce bloating. It's also a great way to work in your greens and prevent yourself from filling up on carbs. Don't Forget About The Sides Feijoada and sides - gustavomellossa/Shutterstock Despite the name, Brazilian steakhouses aren't just about steak. While the meat is typically the main attraction, most Brazilian steakhouses offer a smattering of other dishes to give you more than steak to chew on. And the side dishes are a great way to get to know plates from around Brazil. At Fogo de Chao, Neri Giachini says, "Guests are encouraged to enjoy a variety of traditional Brazilian side dishes such as pao de queijo (warm cheese bread)." Another dish you need to try at a Brazilian steakhouse is farofa, crunchy yuca flour that is often cooked with bacon to give it a hearty, slightly smoky flavor. It's often eaten with meat and may even coat your rodizio meat. No Brazilian meal would be complete without beans and rice. Feijoada, known as Brazil's national dish, is made of black beans that are stewed with meat, bacon, sausage, and bay leaf. It's commonly found as a side option. Another side that's typical of Brazil's southern region is polenta, which is fried in rectangles and eaten with a dusting of parmesan cheese. Know Your History Gauchos on horseback - Johnnygreig/Getty Images With all the traditions and customs surrounding the Brazilian steakhouse, you might be wondering where exactly this unique dining experience came from. The answer is Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state in Brazil. It's located at the edge of the Pampas, a grassy ecoregion known for its roaming cattle herds. Residents of the state proudly call themselves "gauchos," a name that also refers to the South American cowboys that have inhabited the region for hundreds of years. The region is steeped in tradition, and churrasco, as Brazilians call the practice of cooking meat on a skewer over an open flame, is one of its most robust cultural exports. Credit is sometimes incorrectly given to European settlers for inventing churrasco, the practice has Indigenous roots that predate the arrival of colonists in the region. So next time you're chowing down on tender, succulent cuts of perfectly grilled steak at a Brazilian steakhouse, remember that you're participating in a tradition that dates back hundreds of years. Pace Yourself Churrasco piled on a plate - Gus Gan/Shutterstock It's easy to feel overloaded with options at a Brazilian steakhouse. From salads and sides to meat, drinks, and dessert, there's a lot to keep track of. It's hard not to want to try everything, but part of dining at a Brazilian steakhouse is making difficult choices. To avoid getting too full, you might want to take breaks between courses. Churrasco is an event that's best shared with friends and family, and taking a breather between helpings is a great time to catch up with your fellow diners. Many Brazilian steakhouses have a system where each table is given an object like a disc or cube that is green on one side and red on the other. If the green side is facing up, that indicates to the servers to keep bringing meat to your table. If you're getting too full, flip it over to show the red side, which tells servers they can skip over your table for the time being. And if you don't get a chance to try everything the first time around, you can always go back for more. Save Room For Dessert Pudim de leite - estudiofcx/Shutterstock At a Brazilian steakhouse, the party's not over when you're done eating all those scrumptious slices of succulent steak. As the world's largest exporter of sugar, Brazil knows how to do desserts, and a meal at a Brazilian steakhouse would not be complete without a sweet treat. While dessert menus will vary a bit, most steakhouses will have some classic Brazilian desserts you need to try at least once. Brigadeiro, a chocolatey bite-sized ball made with condensed milk and cocoa powder, is perhaps Brazil's most famous dessert and is a perfect way to round out a hearty, meaty meal of churrasco. And if you've got a sweet tooth, you can't miss the pudim de leite, a flan made with caramel sauce that is rich, creamy, and on offer at most Brazilian steakhouses. So don't get too lost in the steak and sides remember that dessert deserves your attention, too. Enjoy The Whole Experience Guests toasting at a barbecue - Fg Trade/Getty Images Meals at Brazilian steakhouses aren't just for eating, they're for chatting with friends and family and enjoying the company of your loved ones. In Southern Brazil, families will gather for churrasco and stay for hours munching on meats and catching up over a few glasses of wine or a caipirinha. If you're going to a Brazilian steakhouse, you'd be wise to budget some extra time to make the meal a social experience instead of just a way to fuel your busy day. Giachini describes a meal at Fogo de Chao as an "experience that is warm, inviting, and with wide menu optionality." As somebody who's been to more than my fair share of Brazilian steakhouses, I can testify that feeling welcome and invited is just as much a part of the tradition of a Brazilian steakhouse as the meats and sides that grace your plate with their presence. Beyond cooking and carving, part of the role of the employees at a Brazilian steakhouse is to make guests feel like they're right at home. Know The Etiquette Place setting on green background - Tetiana A/Shutterstock You certainly don't need to put on your suit and tie to dine at a Brazilian steakhouse. Brazilian steakhouses typically strike an even balance between formal and comfortable. The Fogo de Chao website indicates, "We do not have a formal dress code in place, but we recommend smart casual attire (jeans are appropriate)." Additionally, if you're thinking about dining at a Brazilian steakhouse, you might want to make a reservation, especially on weekends. Churrasco is traditionally served on Sunday afternoons, and this is a great time to end your weekend with a long, satisfying meal enjoyed with your loved ones. That said, it's probably the most popular time, so be sure to book a table in advance. Although tips in Brazil usually amount to about 10% of the cost of the meal and are included in the bill, if you're dining at a Brazilian steakhouse in the U.S., you should tip your servers 18 to 20% as you would at any other American restaurant. Read the original article on Tasting Table At first glance, couscous seems like a simple, maybe even unexciting, side dish. But scratch its surface, and you'll find layers of historical and cultural significance and a cornucopia of couscous recipes. Descended from the ancient Berber tribes of Northern Africa, couscous traveled the world by means of colonization, immigration, and slave trade, reimagined in every place it arrived to, from Brazil to France. This humble grain (which, in reality, isn't a grain at all) is mostly seen by Westerners through the lens of nutritious salads and is revered for its ease of preparation. However, traditional couscous making is no small feat. In its native Maghreb, which spans several countries like Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, couscous is a dish of utmost importance. To this day, it is often prepared by the hands of women from start to finish, resulting in rich dishes whole communities can gather around. The repeated steaming and fluffing required for authentic couscous gave rise to special equipment, which introduced Europeans to steaming as a cooking technique, then fell out of fashion as industrialized instant couscous took over the market. So, the next time the craving strikes, you'll be armed with these delicious facts, which will help you cook it perfectly while paying respect to its origins. Read more: 20 Popular Canned Soups, Ranked Worst To Best Couscous Is Technically A Pasta, Not A Grain Bowls of couscous - Studio Roux/Shutterstock To understand the versatile nature of couscous, we must first ask ourselves: Is it a grain or a pasta? In short, it straddles both categories without fitting perfectly in either. Couscous certainly looks like a grain, cooks like a grain, and is often served like a grain, but its ingredient list tells us it has more in common with pastina than it does with quinoa. Like pasta, couscous is made from ground durum wheat, which is sprayed with water and tossed until small granules form. Thus, one of the most common couscous mistakes you can make after learning of its pasta lineage is cooking it like one. Using copious amounts of boiling water might fly with pearl couscous, which has larger, pasta-sized morsels ideal for this cooking method. But for the common Moroccan couscous, boiling is a mushy, sticky death sentence. That's why cooking raw couscous the traditional way takes several steams and relentless fluffing. Fortunately, the stuff you'll find on supermarket shelves is most likely to be pre-steamed, meaning all you need to do is rehydrate it in hot water on the counter for a few minutes, then fluff it by hand or with a fork, and you're ready to go. There Are Three Main Varieties Of Couscous Bowl of cooked Israeli couscous - Marta Maziar/Shutterstock Unless you're an avid couscous consumer, the image this word conjures is likely that of a small, fluffy, quick-cooking golden grain. But if you dare to dig deeper, there is more to couscous than you're probably used to. While in some countries, it's made from a variety of grains, the three most commonly available types of couscous are semolina-based Moroccan, Israeli, and Lebanese. The key difference between the three is evident at first glance: Moroccan is made up of very fine granules, whereas Israeli (also known as pearl couscous) is slightly larger, similar to the size of peppercorns or small pasta. Lebanese couscous is the largest of the three, its morsels closer to the size and color of peas. This difference in size brings about distinct flavors, textures, and cooking methods. While you'd normally use a 1-to-1 ratio of grain to water to reconstitute Moroccan couscous off the heat, Israeli and Lebanese call for a 1.5-to-1 and 3-to-1 ratio, respectively. You should cook them like pasta, for 10-15 minutes on the stovetop. The nutty, mildly sweet flavor of Moroccan couscous is intensified in larger varieties, as is the chewiness. All three make an excellent salad base, but larger varieties will shine in soups and stews, as well. It Can Be Made From Different Grains Bowl of corn couscous - RcriStudio/Shutterstock The North African couscous we know and love is, unfortunately, not gluten-free, as the pseudograin is made from wheat. But this wasn't always the case. The Berbers, who are credited with the invention of couscous, initially built it with what was available at the time. Before the 11th or 12th centuries, when wheat farming became more commonplace, these Maghreb natives likely made couscous from acorn flour and barley. Since then, its ingredient list and cooking methods haven't changed much. However, in some places around the world, other grains are still given the couscous treatment. Barley couscous is still enjoyed in Morocco and the Atlas Mountains stretching across the region. Algeria boasts a unique twist on it called m'ziyet, or black couscous, for which barley is fermented underground for years. Brazil and other South American countries had to adapt their couscous dishes to local grains, namely, corn meal, which is steamed in a similar manner to Moroccan couscous. Though rarely found in stores, Senegalese sorghum and millet flour-based couscous blanc, as well as Bulgarian breznitsa couscous made from corn flour, are still prepared in the homes by those willing to preserve local culinary traditions. Couscous Production Was Traditionally Reserved For Women Algerian girls making couscous in 1900s - Apic/Getty Images One deep look at couscous' history is enough to see that it's a true labor of love, and the Maghrebi women are the unsung heroes behind its creation. Since 200 BCE, they have been passing down the tradition of hand-rolling couscous, a process that sometimes kicks off months before the communal dish hits the table. Their technique is as intricate and meticulous as it is backbreaking: they spend hours rubbing semolina to form those tiny, irregular granules, then deftly sift, roll, and sort them until every grain is just right. Each part of the process is a ritual in and of itself, often accompanied by song. Cooking the grains for the whole family or extended community also fell on women's shoulders, and it became their enduring legacy outside of Africa. It wasn't until the 1970s, when French laws allowed North African immigrants to bring their families over, that couscous started to gain traction across the pond. But it's not all tradition and nostalgia; women are carving out new paths for themselves with this ancient craft, running all-female organizations such as Algerian Maison Lahlou, or Moroccan Aboghlo Women's Cooperative. Such initiatives not only preserve a revered culinary tradition, otherwise neglected due to industrialization and lack of interest from younger generations but also help women find empowerment and financial security. Couscous Has Its Own Cooking Vessel Couscoussier pots stacked - Amazon Not many dishes boast a long and storied history intertwined with a unique cooking device, but couscous is one of them. Although its evolution into the modern-day quick-cooking grain made these special pots nearly obsolete in home kitchens, they're still used to make couscous the traditional way. Couscoussier, as it's been known since the 1920s, has two essential parts: a voluminous base pot known as gdra or barma, used to stew meats and vegetables, and an eponymous wide steamer basket, keskes. Additionally, a kaffal -- an extra layer of damp fabric -- can be used between the two to prevent steam from escaping, turning the couscous pot into a water-saving device operating on dry steam. Lids completed the set only in the 20th century. Once, Maghrebi women cooked their couscous in copper or, in rural areas, terracotta pots. The latter were hand-made by female potters not for profit but for personal and communal use. However, with the advent of aluminum in the 1920s, the couscoussier got a European makeover, becoming a modern kitchen tool and introducing the French to the art of steaming. Though its use has dwindled, the couscous pot remains a poignant symbol in the Maghrebi diaspora, preserving cultural traditions and sensory memories for those who cherish its significance. Traditional Couscous Cooking Method Is Quite Laborious Moroccan women making couscous - Thierry Monasse/Getty Images Far from the convenience of instant couscous widely available outside of North Africa, the traditional method, using the special couscoussier takes lots of vigilant effort. As the bottom pot stews meats and vegetables that will later be slathered over the fluffy mound, Maghrebi women prepare the couscous for the top one. They place the raw grains on a large plate and moisten them with salted water and olive oil, gently massaging them between their hands to ensure even coating. The first steam takes 20-25 minutes, after which the grains are returned to the large plate and, still hot, de-clumped by hand with the help of more water and oil. They repeat this process twice more, reducing the steaming sessions to around 15 minutes. The pot's design allows for the creation of dry steam, which cooks couscous efficiently, gently gelatinizing its starches without turning it mushy, and, as an added bonus, it infuses the grains with the aroma of the stew below. While we can all appreciate the five-minute side dish, it reportedly does not yield the same fluffy texture or the mouthfeel of couscous that's been repeatedly steamed and fluffed by hand. So, if you can get your hands on a couscoussier (or substitute with an ordinary cheesecloth-laced steamer), try it for yourself and feel the difference. Couscous Is Not The Same As Tagine Couscous served in a tagine pot - Tbralnina/Getty Images What do you see when you picture "traditional" or "Moroccan" couscous? Is it an inviting, vibrant, steaming-hot dish of meats and vegetables layered over a mound of steamed grains that are revealed once its conical terracotta lid is lifted? If so, you might be confusing it with tagine. The term itself means both the earthenware pan with a dome-shaped lid and the dish that's cooked in it. Thus, you make couscous in a couscoussier, and you make tagine... in a tagine. Both pots were designed to get the most out of a limited water supply, steaming the food inside, but they serve different culinary purposes. The tagine pan is also used to serve food, whereas a couscoussier is confined to the kitchen. The differences between couscous and tagine go beyond cookware, however. While the former makes a complete meal, layering a rich stew over steamed grain, the latter layers vegetables over meat, skipping the starchy side. To make up for it, tagine is traditionally served with round flatbread known as khobz, sans utensils. Of course, there's no rule saying you can't switch things up, but the result won't be strictly authentic, and learning the difference between the two shows respect to the cultures that brought us these unique dishes. It's A TGIF Dish In Morocco Moroccan couscous for family sharing - Moha El-Jaw/Shutterstock Couscous is not only one of the essential ingredients of Moroccan cooking, it's a defining dish of the country's culinary tradition. Not unlike the Christian custom of after-church Sunday dinners, in Morocco, Fridays are for couscous. The whole country hits pause for this meal -- big families, small villages, bustling cities -- everyone's in on it. On this day of prayer, women cook couscous in large quantities and later serve it to their extended family members in communal bowls. For those who don't cook, there's always a local cafe dishing out steaming bowls of couscous. Some joints are so into it they don't bother serving anything else on Fridays. Moroccan couscous can be served with utensils, but traditionally, it's eaten without them. So, should you ever find yourself at a Moroccan communal table, you'll need to remember the ground rules of eating with your hands. First, you should only use your right hand (needless to say, it should be clean). Second, you're not supposed to lick your fingers -- that's essentially double-dipping. It might take some practice, but you should eventually be able to form couscous into bite-sized balls with ease. Finally, you should stick to the side of the communal dish facing you instead of reaching for far corners. Couscous Can Be Served Sweet Or Savory Or Both Couscous with caramelized onions - hadasit/Shutterstock Many of us are used to couscous served as a part of Mediterranean-inspired salads, or served Moroccan style, with a vegetable and meat stew. Pairing it with herbs, spices, and vegetables seems natural to a Western palate, but in its native region, couscous bridges the gap between sweet and savory. For instance, a variation of a Maghrebi dish known as seffa mixes braised meat with sweetened couscous. Raisins are a common couscous addition in Algeria, and during Ramadan, they take center stage in mesfouf b'zbib, a simple raisin-studded steamed couscous dish that can be served sweet or savory. Dates and nuts are added to the sweet version. In Morocco, they love to serve couscous with tfaya, a sweet topping of caramelized onions, raisins, and warming spices. Egyptians, on the other hand, have turned the versatile grain into a full-on dessert, served with sugar, almonds, walnuts, coconut flakes, and sometimes honey or sweetened condensed milk. So, if you want to take a leaf out of their book, try to swap oats for couscous for your morning cereal. Rehydrating it in cinnamon-laced plant-based milk and topping it with fresh or frozen berries, chopped nuts, dried fruit, and a splash of syrup will make a delectable breakfast. Brazil Has A Unique Take On Couscous Sweet Brazilian tapioca couscous - WS-Studio/Shutterstock After being introduced in the 16th century through Portuguese colonizers and the Transatlantic slave trade, couscous became a prominent part of Brazilian cuisine. But if craving ever strikes you in Sao Paulo, prepare to be surprised. For one, cuscuz paulista is made from flaked cornmeal. It also resembles a savory cake, as it's first left to set in a dome-shaped mold, topped with hard-boiled eggs, sardines, and shrimp. In the northeast of the country, it got yet another makeover: Cuscuz nordestino is a breakfast staple in the shape of a steamed cornmeal cake. This vegetarian-friendly Brazilian dish is served hot, topped with butter, and sometimes milk, vegetables, or meats. And if you thought the Egyptian custom of mixing couscous with powdered sugar and dried fruits was something out of the ordinary, then another Brazilian spin on the dish might just knock it out of the park. Introducing: tapioca couscous. Commonly found in Rio de Janeiro, it abandons the traditional couscous image entirely, presenting itself as a sweet pudding made from tapioca pearls, freshly grated coconut, sugar, and different types of milk (coconut, condensed, and whole all make an appearance). It does share one thing with Maghrebi couscous, though: It's believed to be invented and traditionally prepared by women. It's Been Recognized As Intangible Cultural Heritage Traditional couscous on a plate - Moha El-jaw/Getty Images What does couscous have in common with Ukrainian borscht, French baguette, and Korean kimchi? All of the above are on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, which celebrates the cultural significance and traditional practices surrounding a specific dish. Typically, it's not just about the food itself, but the entire ritual and social customs linked to its preparation and consumption. It's like saying, Hey, world, this dish isn't just about flavors -- it's about history, community, and artisanal skills. And it deserves to be celebrated and protected. But unlike these single-origin examples, couscous' appearance on the list was a joint effort of four Maghreb countries: Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia. Couscous has many variations across the region: Algerian and Mauritanian couscous is hearty and modestly spiced, the Tunisian variety rocks a red-hot hue from harissa and tomato paste, whereas Moroccan couscous packs a flavor punch from a generous addition of spices. Despite the political tensions and a certain degree of animosity between these countries, who all claim to own the dish, this cross-Maghreb expression of a shared culinary identity and a deep love for the dish might just reawaken the feeling of unity. After all, couscous has always been deeply imbibed with a sense of community, from production to plate. Couscous Is Choc-Full Of Selenium Tabbouleh salad in bowl - Svetlana Monyakova/Shutterstock Couscous isn't just a carb-fueled dish with a rich history -- it's packing health perks, too. Its key attraction for health-conscious eaters is selenium, the Swiss Army knife of antioxidants. Whether it's damaged cells, inflammation, or oxidative stress, selenium can take care of it. This mighty little nutrient is also capable of keeping your thyroid health in check and giving your hormone production a leg up. As an antioxidant, it can support heart health, preventing the accumulation of unhealthy LDL cholesterol in your blood vessels. And if you eat a mere cup of couscous, you'll be getting 43.2 micrograms of selenium, which is 78% of the recommended daily intake. But the perks don't stop there. While its protein content, at 6 grams per cup, is modest compared to other foods, it's still a welcome boost for plant-based eaters. Plus, when it's tossed into a salad with beans or chickpeas, it turns into a protein-packed meal. Finally, with its high carb content, couscous is a key player in keeping your metabolism, growth, and energy levels in top form. So, while couscous may look like just another grain on your plate, it's secretly working overtime to keep your body in top shape. It Might Be Hard To Get Right On The First Try Woman making couscous salad - Lechatnoir/Getty Images For a dish so deceptively simple, couscous is notoriously finicky. Even if you don't rush out to buy a couscoussier and attempt to prepare it the Moroccan way, there are still plenty of mistakes you can make. But don't fret: once you master the basics, you won't ever have to deal with mushy, burnt, or bland couscous ever again. The first thing you need to remember is that different couscous types cook differently. Instant couscous needs to be rehydrated off the stove, in a 1:1 liquid-to-grain ratio. Raw Moroccan couscous needs to be steamed repeatedly in a couscoussier or a DYI alternative. In turn, Israeli and Lebanese varieties cook longer and require more water, like pasta. Regardless of the type you use, apply one crucial couscous seasoning tip: Salt the water first. Or, better yet, use a flavorful broth to cook the grains in. Once it's done, it is essential you let couscous rest. A well-rested couscous is a tender and flavorful couscous. And finally, you'll need to avoid the fluffing mistake of giving it a couple of prods with a fork and calling it a day. Use lightly oiled hands to rub and break apart grain clusters once they're cooked, and never look back. Read the original article on Tasting Table Rum was born in Barbados many decades ago.Owing to this place of inception, there is an inherent tropical quality -- or at least a predilection towards tropical flavors -- in cocktails crafted with the spirit. Yet rum has established roots many miles from its origin point. Moreover, every major sugar-producing nation now makes its own rum. As a result, rum-based cocktails have changed. In fact, they become more and more innovative by the week, in a huge range of regions. Each place rum has touched has produced a unique portfolio of libations. Local ingredients, influences, and legacies all play a delicious role. Wanna drink rum with a fascinating naval history? You need German grog. What about rum served in a Argentinean monument? Try the Buenos Aires zombie. Whether you're visiting any of these places or just want to take your palate on a world tour, we're here to help. These 15 rum cocktails from across the globe are sure to make you fall in love with this versatile spirit. Read more: The 40 Absolute Best Cocktails That Feature Only 2 Ingredients Rum Martinez - Japan Rum Martinez cocktail with orange - 5PH/Shutterstock When you think of Japan and booze, sake, whiskey, and shochu are probably the first liquors that come to mind. But there's one major reason why rum should be on your radar too when it comes to Japanese drinks. That reason is the Rum Martinez. The mother of the Rum Martinez is the Martinez, which likely originated as a derivation of the Manhattan. The Martinez is largely accepted as the precursor to the martini. All this historical cocktail ping-ponging aside, the classic Martinez typically comprises gin, vermouth, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, and bitters, with an orange twist. The Rum Martinez -- brainchild of celebrated Japanese bartender Takumi Watanabe -- swaps rum for gin, with different variations of bitters, citrus, and garnish recommended in different places. The best thing (or worst, depending on your tastes) about this Japanese rum cocktail? It's traditionally served with a cigar. The Rum Martinez is sippable proof of the benefits of breaking with tradition. Ti' Punch - French Caribbean Ti' Punch cocktail with lime - SergeUWPhoto/Shutterstock Unsurprisingly, there are many delicious and important rum cocktails hailing from tropical destinations. The Ti' Punch cocktail is one such beverage. Ti' Punch comes courtesy of the French Caribbean islands Guadeloupe and Martinique, and is even the islands' national cocktail. But what's in a Ti' Punch? It comes down to three ingredients: rhum agricole, sugar cane, and lime. Rhum agricole simply translates to agricultural rum. Whereas much rum that's consumed is made from molasses, rhum agricole is a type made from fresh sugarcane juice. The flavor of rhum agricole tends to be slightly grassier and fresher than rum made from molasses. Being the national cocktail of Martinique and Guadeloupe, Ti' Punch can certainly be enjoyed in the region. But if you don't have plans to be in the francophone Caribbean islands anytime soon, a healthy crop of spirit-makers produce rhum agricole worldwide, allowing you to bring Ti' Punch to the comforts of your own home. Jungle Bird - Kuala Lumpur Jungle bird cocktail with pineapple garnish - James Yardley/Shutterstock Though somewhat popular stateside, the sweet-sour cocktail Jungle Bird comes from a place almost 10,000 miles away from the U.S. The Jungle Bird calls Malaysia its home, specifically its capital, Kuala Lumpur. It is generally accepted that the Jungle Bird was first served in the Kuala Lumpur Hilton by Jeffery Ong. The drink was purportedly offered inside a porcelain bird vessel, providing us with its memorable name. This was back in the 1970s; the famous rum cocktail has undergone plenty of transformations and fluxes in popularity ever since. But it has never been forgotten. Jungle Birds are made of rum, demerara (sugar cane) syrup, pineapple juice, lime juice, and Campari. How you portion out these ingredients and garnishes and which rum you choose makes all the difference with the Jungle Bird. For example, some recipes call for darker blackstrap rum, while others express a preference for Jamaican rum. As for garnishes, a pineapple wedge is pretty standard. We at Tasting Table, however, think the most delightfully tropical Jungle Bird comes with an Amarena cherry. Coquito - Puerto Rico Two Coquito drinks with cinnamon sticks - Daniela Baumann/Shutterstock A Puerto Rican drink, the Coquito is the next great rum cocktail to add to your repertoire. This cocktail's name translates to "little coconut" in Spanish. But there's nothing little about the impact the Coquito will have on your holidays once you've tasted it. As the translated name suggests, the Coquito is a coconut-based cocktail. Its most inalienable ingredients are coconut milk, coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, and Puerto Rican rum. It's the signature Christmastime drink of Puerto Rico, and other ingredients often help to evoke holiday cheer; these include nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. If you've noticed similarities to another wintry treat, you're not the only one: Coquito is sometimes referred to as Puerto Rican eggnog. While the specific origins of the Coquito are murky, it's a mainstay of Puerto Rican cocktail culture. Winter or not, and whether you're near San Juan or assembling it at home, the Coquito is a perfect way to get a boozy taste of Puerto Rico. Rum Punch - Southern U.S. Three rum punch cocktails - Elena Veselova/Shutterstock Nobody said a regional rum cocktail had to be fussy. Proving this point are the tasty rum punches that hail from the southeastern coast of the United States. This area, which stretches from Louisiana to Florida, is rife with takes on this classic drink. Flora-Bama rum punch delivers drinkers straight to the seashore with its sweet, boozy, tropical composition. After mixing the steadfast elements of light rum, spiced rum, and Malibu or other coconut-flavored rum, it then blends in orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine. Finally, the punch is garnished with a cherry and an orange slice. Gator Bite rum punch takes things to an even more interesting place. Featuring a similar starting point -- spiced and light rum, plus orange and pineapple juices -- this concoction also includes satsuma syrup for a taste of the bayou. The great thing about rum punches from the Southern U.S. is that they're yummy when they're made-to-order or batched. And, given there are so many variations, it's also an easy cocktail to make your own. Poncha - Portugal A glass of poncha outside - dabyki.nadya/Shutterstock Poncha is the frothy cocktail of rum-lovers' dreams. If you haven't yet heard of it, look to a Portuguese island off the northeast coast of Africa called Madeira. Beverage connoisseurs may be more familiar with the island because of its namesake dessert wines, but Poncha gives those famous grapes a run for their money. As with many rum cocktails from around the world, the secret to crafting a perfect cup of Poncha lies in simplicity. It's also another example of a rum cocktail that utilizes rhum agricole, or rum made from sugarcane juice, rather than molasses. Poncha includes that spirit, plus citrus juice, and sugar or honey. This mixture is then whipped to a froth with a wooden bar tool. Once strained, island-lifers are ready to throw back a glass. The kinds of citrus juices used differ depending on who's mixing the cocktail. Lemon tends to be the traditional choice, with orange (or even a mixture of both) in tow. For the non-conformists out there, a passionfruit Poncha is an especially delicious departure. Chinese Fizz - New York City Chinese Fizz cocktail on table - Reddit The Chinese Fizz is an excellent rum-based cocktail to put on your world map. But when pinpointing the Chinese Fizz, don't look to its namesake country, but to New York City. Created by Phil Ward at the East Village's tremendously well-regarded Death & Co bar, the Chinese Fizz has continued to grow in popularity since its 2008 Big Apple introduction. This drink constitutes a new direction within the fizz tradition. The most well-known fizz is the gin fizz, which exploded in popularity in New Orleans in the early 1900s, '20s, and '30s. The Chinese Fizz was inspired by these drinks of the last century, with Ward specifically basing it off of a drink recipe in "The Savoy Cocktail Book" of 1930. It features rum, maraschino liqueur, orange liqueur, simple syrup, egg whites, grenadine, lemon juice, and Angostura bitters. The result is a balanced cherry cocktail in which the "fizz" is really the foam. Getting the drink in New York depends on getting into Death & Co (with its notorious wait times), or grabbing a copy of "Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails." Either option is good. Dark 'N Stormy - Bermuda Dark 'n Stormy drink with lime wedge - Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock Don't let the name fool you -- this rum-based cocktail hails from Bermuda, one of Earth's great, sunshiny paradises. This delicious and refreshing cocktail is the national drink, and many people enjoy it there every single day. It's traveled far from this origin point, however, and earned more and more fans as the years have gone on. The Dark 'n Stormy cocktail is typically composed of the following ingredients: dark rum, ginger beer, lime, and Angostura bitters. This simple setup is the gateway to a delectable cocktail. Technically, there is only one rum you can use to make a proper Dark 'n Stormy: Goslings Black Seal. The Dark 'n Stormy cocktail is, in fact, a trademarked drink of the company. Goslings Black Seal claims that the cocktail was named because of a salty old drinker, who remarked it was the "color of a cloud only a fool or dead man would sail under." A jokester might say that the morning after too many Dark 'n Stormy cocktails also justifies its moniker. Regardless, it's a guaranteed good time. Grog - Germany Two grog glasses with lemon - Buntovskikh Olga/Shutterstock You never know where a particular strain of rum will flourish and develop its own following. Grog is a perfect example of this. A rum drink that's come into its own in Germany, it developed far from tropical beaches but is no less delicious than a classic mojito. Grog probably originated out of the need to keep water potable on long sea voyages, and as such, likely has its roots in the British navy. As far as the cocktails on this list go, it may be the simplest. In Germany, it's made with dark rum, water, and sugar (white or brown), and is served heated. There's even a German adage commemorating it that goes, "Rum must, sugar may, water can." In Northern Germany, it's a staple beverage; elsewhere, it's reserved for the cold winter months. Canchanchara - Cuba Two lime cocktails on counter - Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock The Canchanchara is a classic Cuban cocktail. Its origins are said to lie with guerilla fighters active during Cuba's 19th century war of independence, though some suggest it goes back even further. It's widely agreed to be the oldest Cuban cocktail, and still one of the best. That's seriously saying something, as the decades following its birth gave rise to such iconic drinks as the mojito, the Cuba Libre, and the daiquiri. Given its age, it's not surprising that it has so many variations. But it all comes back to a single simple recipe. The Canchanchara combines white rum, lime, honey, and a splash of club soda. The cocktail can be served chilled or hot and has sometimes been used for minor medicinal purposes. Many recipes encourage customization, citing the simplicity of the drink as a great base. Feel free to experiment with sweeteners, temperature, and garnishes -- pineapple is an especially tasty choice. Planter's Punch - Jamaica Planter's Punch cocktail on table - lhmfoto/Shutterstock In seeking the perfect rum cocktail, it's worth returning to the drinks of yesteryear. Planter's punch is a great example of one such beverage. Its deceptively simple composition and staying power speak to its deliciousness. Planter's punch, like many cocktails, has a lineage that is hard to trace. However, most agree that it likely originated in Jamaica over a century ago -- The New York Times was printing recipes for it all the way back in 1908. The cocktail is comprised of rum, lime juice, and sugar (traditionally, sugarcane juice). This incredibly simple recipe is of course open to customization, as with many of the older cocktails on this list; swapping in dark rum and orange juice are two good starting points. Additions like Angostura bitters, pineapple juice, grenadine, and others are especially popular means of changing this 1800s-era cocktail to suit one's tastes. Whatever you choose, there's no wrong way to enjoy this Jamaican staple. Hurricane - New Orleans Cocktails and Mardi Gras masks - Katia Seniutina/Shutterstock Take a step down Bourbon Street at the height of Mardi Gras season and look at the drinks in the revelers' hands Odds are, a large percentage of them are holding a rum cocktail called the Hurricane. This drink is a bonafide New Orleans classic, developed at Pat O' Brien's bar. If you're ever in the Big Easy, be sure to stop by -- it's still in operation, and it remains one of the best spots in town to snag this classic drink. The Hurricane's basic formula consists of light rum, lime juice, orange juice, passionfruit juice, simple syrup, and grenadine, topped with a floater of dark rum. The best rums for a Hurricane range from flavored spirits to aged treasures, but don't be scared to experiment further when making homemade Hurricanes. Using passionfruit puree is an especially excellent idea, and there's no reason not to try this cocktail frozen instead of on the rocks. Get weird, have some fun, and enjoy. Painkiller - British Virgin Islands Painkiller cocktail with pineapple garnish - Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock As the name suggests, this is one rum cocktail that takes the edge off. The Painkiller is a tropical drink from the British Virgin Islands -- specifically, the island of Saint Thomas. Allegedly created at the Soggy Dollar Bar (named because the only way to approach it was by swimming up to the bar, thus wetting one's bills), the Painkiller typically consists of pineapple juice, coconut, and orange juice. It's a lot like a pina colada, but with a little extra bite. The brand Pusser's Rum lays particular claim to the Painkiller, to the point of naming it their signature drink and trademarking it. It even offers canned versions of the cocktail. These are convenient and tasty, but be sure to try making your own and experimenting with a few variations. Nutmeg gives the painkiller a particularly cozy touch that complements the coconut very well. Corn 'N Oil - Barbados Corn 'n oil cocktail with lime wedge - Bhofack2/Getty Images Corn and oil may not top your list of things you'd like to see in a cocktail. Thankfully, this classic drink contains neither. But it does visually evoke them, while delivering drinkers to its birthplace of Barbados. A Corn 'n Oil cocktail encompasses blackstrap rum, falernum, lime, and bitters. Once properly combined, the drink will look as though it has an oil floater. If you'd like to steer clear of the intense world of blackstrap rums, try a Barbadian rum instead, and consider playing with the lime content. Don't recognize falernum? It's a non-alcoholic syrup and yet another product of the Caribbean. Its spiced, almond-esque flavors mesh beautifully with the richly dark rum and tart lime in this cocktail. Add a simple lime wedge to garnish your glass and you've got a Barbados classic on hand. Buenos Aires Zombie - Argentina Two zombie cocktails on outdoor table - Oksana Mizina/Shutterstock The zombie is a drink that's been deeply ingrained in mixology for years. It's no surprise, then, that it's spawned regional variations. One especially unique offshoot is the Buenos Aires zombie, which is exclusively found in the capital city of Argentina. First, let's establish the zombie. Legendary restaurant Don the Beachcomber birthed the zombie in 1934. This boozy bev includes four kinds of rum, a dash of absinthe, falernum, cinnamon, vanilla, bitters, and citrus juice. It was popularized at the World's Fair in 1939 and eventually made its way to South America. Today, travelers can find the Buenos Aires zombie in the glamorous, old-world Presidente Bar, which makes it with white and golden rum, Patagonian Triple Sec Carajo, Pineral (a local aperitif), lemon, orange, passion fruit, and pineapple, plus a lemongrass garnish. It's served in a replica of the city's famous Obelisco. Read the original article on Tasting Table 9 Parenting Practices From Around The World That May Have You Questioning Your Own One of the benefits of global travel is learning about customs that make our cultures different. Some of these particularities can be a challenge for Americans. Others, however, may have you wondering, Why dont we do things like that here? The following parenting practices are considered totally normal in these countries, often to the shock of American visitors. But if youre willing to shift your perspective slightly, they also have benefits for kids and parents that might cause us to reexamine our assumptions about what good parenting looks like. Japanese children often walk to school without adult supervision. YOSHIKAZU TSUNO via Getty Images 1. Kids in Japan are running errands and walking to school by themselves. Youve likely heard of the television program Old Enough (Hajimete no Otsukai, or My First Errand, in Japanese.) While the show has been a sensation in Japan for decades, only this year did it amass a U.S. following after its Netflix premiere. Its a reality program that follows young children ages 2-5 as they undertake tasks such as going to the store. As in all reality television, there is a great amount of orchestration behind the scenes to keep the children both safe and in sight of the cameras. But the show highlights a real cultural difference between Japan and the U.S. In Japan, its not unusual to see children perhaps not quite as young as those featured on the show, but still elementary-school-aged taking public transportation or walking to school on their own or with other young children, demonstrating a degree of independence virtually unheard of for American children of the same age. Perhaps this has something to do with Japans low crime rate: The incidence of gun homicide there is 350 times less than in the U.S. In safe, enclosed spaces like schools, Japanese children are likewise given significant responsibilities. As young as age 6, children are tasked with cleaning their schools even bathrooms! and serving lunch to their classmates. Maybe its time for us to ask our kids to step it up a little in the chore department. In Scandinavian countries, it's common for babies to take naps outside in their strollers. Tatyana Tomsickova Photography via Getty Images 2. Scandinavian babies take their naps al fresco. In Denmark and other nations known for their long winters, its perfectly normal to see strollers parked outside of cafes with babies still in them, napping contently. A recent TikTok video about the practice went viral, teaching a new generation of astonished Americans, and others, about the Danish custom of leaving babies outdoors in their strollers to sleep. There is a cultural belief about the fresh air helping the babies sleep better and being healthy for them which, given what weve learned these past couple of years about virus transmission in enclosed spaces, makes a lot of sense! In individual homes and daycares, you will see babies snoozing outside tucked inside their strollers, as well as out front of shops, restaurants or bars, where their parents might be inside enjoying a drink and keeping an eye on their little one from a table near the window. While the practice is new to Americans, its been going on in countries like Denmark and Finland for generations. But this is definitely not something youll want to try at home. When Danish mother Annette Sorensen left her baby outside a New York City restaurant back in 1997 while she and her partner went inside to have a drink, Sorensen was subsequently arrested, strip-searched and temporarily lost custody of her daughter. There have been more recent cases of American parents being reported to the authorities for such offenses as briefly leaving a child in the car while shopping or sending them to the local playground by themselves. If its truly not safe to leave a baby outdoors in a stroller for a nap in the U.S., maybe instead of vilifying parents we could focus on how to make public spaces less dangerous. 3. Some Chinese babies dont wear diapers. Traditional Chinese infant potty training, known as elimination communication by Westerners who have adopted the practice, involves babies spending their days diaper-free. Sometimes starting as early as the first weeks of life, babies are held bare-bottomed over the toilet or a trash can or bush, if they happen to be outdoors and caregivers cue them to urinate with a gentle shushing sound that sounds vaguely like running water. Parents say they learn to read babys signals that they are ready to eliminate, such as squirming or gazing off into the distance. Adherents of the practice say that they are able to dramatically reduce the number of diapers they use in a win for both their budgets and the environment. Some do find it helpful to remove any carpeting in their homes, however. Woodworking activities in Reggio Emilia schools begin as early as ages 2-3. Peter Moorhouse 4. Italian preschoolers may do woodwork with hammers and saws. In the Reggio Emilia preschools that were designed in the Italian region of the same name after World War II, children were encouraged to learn through exploration and follow their own interests. The educational philosophy has since spread across the globe, although there is no formal Reggio Emilia certification process, so different schools take inspiration from the approach as they see fit. One sight thats common in a Reggio school and likely not many other places is very young children wielding little hammers to pound nails and saws to cut wood in order to build their own original creations. Reggio Emilia encourage a wide range of media through which children can express themselves, Peter Moorhouse, an expert in early childhood education and woodworking, told HuffPost. Parents, says Moorhouse, are surprised by just how confident and competent their children are working with tools. Enticed by the tactical satisfaction of the wood and tools, children practice creativity and develop problem-solving skills as they work, making this one of the most engaging and memorable parts of their first years at school. Tops are optional for kids of all genders at many European beaches. David De Lossy via Getty Images 5. Swimsuit tops are optional for kids of all genders in Europe. The sight of a little girl running around on the beach or at the pool in only her bathing suit bottom is no big deal to the locals in places like Spain and Germany. While were used to seeing boys playing in and around the water in only their swim trunks, the idea that little girls dont need any additional coverage is completely foreign to Americans. But why do we insist on bikini tops, or one-pieces that complicate trips to the bathroom, for our girls? Because its what we expect of grown women? To state the obvious, little girls dont have breasts yet. What does it say about us that we insist on pretending that they do? Of course, Europeans tend to be much less hung up about nudity in general. Its also not uncommon to see adult women sunbathing topless on beaches, and specific beaches are clothing-optional for all. French kids generally sit at the main table, use the same dishes and eat the same foods as adults. Thomas Barwick via Getty Images 6. French children eat like grown-ups. Youd be hard-pressed to find a kids menu in a restaurant in France. Similarly, you wont find a separate table for kids, with separate dinnerware and food options, at any special events. While lots of American kids are frequent smackers, French children tend to meet most of their nutritional needs through three daily meals and one snack. They sit at the table with their families to eat dinner, often set up with a tablecloth and the kind of nice dishes that many Americans tend to keep away from their kids. Even school lunch tends to involve four courses served restaurant-style at a table, and a minimum of 30 minutes to dine in order to ensure that they eat well. Karen Le Billon, a Canadian who moved with her family to France and wrote a book about her experience, told the BBC that training kids to savor their food this way also limits the phenomenon of picky eaters: The French believe that taste is a skill that can be acquired . . . They believe that children can learn to eat, and like, all kinds of food. Rather than telling a child that a type of food is nutritious or that they have to eat it, says Le Billon, a French parent is more likely to encourage a child to try it because it tastes good. 7. Italian kids tend to go to bed really late. Its not unusual to see a family pushing a stroller around the piazza at 8, 9 or even 10 oclock at night. Italians dine late, and, like their French counterparts, often dine together as a whole family, even when it means some of the younger members end up conked out in their parents laps before the evening is over. American parents spend so much time fretting about their childrens sleep habits that its spawned a whole industry of sleep consultants who promise to help train babies and young kids in order to give parents their nights back. Of course, kids do need a solid amount of sleep for their health and growth. While there is at least one study showing that Italian kids get less sleep overall than kids in other countries up until age 6, researchers also found that the sleep hygiene (routines and an environment conducive to uninterrupted sleep) of Italian teens was significantly better than that of American adolescents. In lots of other countries, it's common for many different relatives to care for young children. Hill Street Studios via Getty Images 8. Its common for Indian children to be cared for by a number of generations within a family. The individualist, every-nuclear-family-to-itself approach to parenting that is so common in America is far from the norm in many other places where there is a more collectivist philosophy to caregiving. In a study of Indian families spanning decades, anthropologist Susan Seymour recognized the practice of multiple childcare, as as opposed to exclusive mothering we see in the United States. Instead of being tended to all day by a nursing mother, the Indian babies Seymour observed would be passed from one relative to another including younger family members so that the mom could attend to her other obligations. Children grow up in extended households, Seymour told HuffPost. She described relatives coming and going, and plenty of people to take care of them. Knowing that this model existed in other parts of the world gave Seymour the confidence to return to work when she had her own children in the U.S. Whether youre leaving a baby with grandmothers and cousins or day care providers and babysitters, theres no reason to think that not staying home with them constantly does any harm to a childs attachment or development. In other words, working moms should drop any guilt theyve been carrying and embrace multiple caregiving as normal and healthy. 9. Fathers from the Aka tribe do nearly half of the caregiving. Across the world, the sight of women tending to the needs of young children is ubiquitous. But, there is precedent for men taking on a significant portion of the child care duties. In the nomadic Aka tribe of central Africa, anthropologists have observed that fathers spend 47% of their time within arms reach of their infants. Roles are interchangeable and flexible. Aka women also hunt while the men do the cooking, and vice versa. Although the tribes top leadership roles go to men, it is also not unusual to catch sight of an Aka baby suckling for comfort (not milk, obviously) at its fathers nipple. Related... A new project is underway to restore the original portal stones that once adorned the western entrance of the Blue Ridge Tunnel connecting Nelson County in the east to Augusta County in the west through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The stones are essentially a large plaque honoring the men who designed and funded the project, which was the longest railroad tunnel in North America at the time of its completion in 1858. That plaque, however, broke upon its original installation. In the 1970s, three decades after the tunnel was decommissioned, Francis Bruner, a retired civil engineer and Virginia Military Institute alumnus, saw the broken plaque and wanted to preserve it. Bruner contacted VMI and the tunnels railway operator Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, a predecessor of CSX Transportation, about getting the plaque to the college for display and preservation. VMI took possession of the stones and planned to do a dedication ceremony in the 1970s, but it never happened. The stones have sat in storage at the school since. According to Dwayne Jones, director of Parks & Recreation in Waynesboro on the western side of the tunnel, VMI has agreed to return the portal stones back to the Blue Ridge Tunnel Foundation and Nelson County, which has owned the tunnel since the CSX railroad sold it in 2007. I had met with the folks from VMI and they had agreed to donate them back to Nelson County and the Crozet Tunnel Foundation in hopes that they will be restored for the public, Jones said. Jones said the cost to restore the stones would be $50,000. According to Jones, the plaque is 7 feet by 6 feet and the foundation hopes that, in addition to having a structure built to hold the plaque pieces, there will also be some panels with information about the history of the portal stone project and who was involved. The plaque pieces were chiseled in the 1800s, so theyre old. Weve had to talk about ways to transport them and whats going to hold them, Jones said. Parks & Recreation plans to use mattresses to move the stone pieces, to keep them padded on their trip from VMI in Lexington. The frame that will hold the pieces will be a welded metal picture frame that is strong enough to hold the stones. Jones said that the tunnel has always been of interest for people in the community, so theyre hoping people will donate to the cause. The project has been a year in the making but officially launched in March. So far, the project has received $4,000 in donations. There are some things people can get if they donate a certain amount like an engraved brick and other things that will help us make this project a reality, Jones said. The foundation plans to have a formal dedication with VMI and county officials once the stone plaque is up. Jones said that the process will take at least a year, if not more. The tunnel reopened to pedestrians in 2020, and Jones said the foundation was instrumental in making that happen. We were instrumental in the early days, since 2011. We were pushing interest and helping with fundraising to assist Nelson County, Jones, who is also a part of the foundation, said. The tunnel originally opened to rail traffic in 1858. Claudius Crozet, who was also a founder of VMI, designed the tunnel, which was considered a feat at the time when boring through solid mountain rock was considered prohibitively expensive. Crozets original plans for the project included three tunnels and manmade embankments. He left the project in 1857 due to pushback over how long the project was taking. Nevertheless, he is honored today: The tunnel is often referred to colloquially as the Crozet Tunnel, and the village of Crozet in western Albemarle County is named after him. Now a third honor, his name on the portal stones, will soon grace the tunnel he designed. Other foundation projects include landscaping, improving accessibility and installing restrooms, shelters and educational signage around the tunnel. Weve learned some different things about the tunnel. Theres water that moves to the tunnel, and we had to see where it was coming from. Theres all sorts of different little pieces and parts that the foundation works on, Jones said. According to Jones, more than 100,000 people visit the tunnel every year. This is a piece of history that we can return to the tunnel. They are waiting for us to put them back in their rightful place, Jones said. This all started when our friend, the Countess of Quahogia (not her real name), stopped by and began regaling us with tales of her latest escapades. She was in the midst of an ambitious project to create a giant driftwood trellis, and soon we were enjoying phone photos of ingeniously woven branches rising toward the sky in her backyard. The Countess and her longtime co-conspirator, Prince Ronaldo (almost his real name), had been scouring Cape Cod National Seashore beaches for the choicest and chunkiest hunks of driftwood. They had acquired a beefy two-wheeled cart with a sizable bucket to expand their range and increase their payload. Driftwood, or perhaps a dinosaur skeleton, on Coast Guard Beach in Eastham. But the Countess was concerned that her activities might be running afoul of Seashore regulations. She had been trying to fly under the radar, but it's kind of tough to conceal a cartful of huge branches on a wide-open beach. She had already been pulled over by police while bringing her woody loot home, because several limbs were jutting way too far out of her pickup truck. As a supporter of art, trellises and goofiness, I told her I would look into the Seashore regs. So let's cue the montage, where I travel to Washington D.C. to consult with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, then acquire a doctoral degree in driftwood studies from the University of Sawdust in northern Maine. Well, none of that happened. But I did find a handy Seashore regulations webpage that addressed the driftwood issue and much more. In the driftwood department, the "collection of driftwood, flotsam and jetsam is determined not to be detrimental to the protection of the beach environment. Driftwood, flotsam and jetsam are considered hazards to navigation and may be collected from beaches below the spring (season) high tide drift line." So, it seems the Countess and Prince Ronaldo are OK! But driftwood isn't the only thing you can collect within the Seashore. Blueberries in a secret Cape Cod patch. They may be the best fruit in the world! Fans of fruits and berries can rejoice, because you are allowed to gather (by hand) one gallon per person of the following for personal use or consumption it's more fun when you say the list out loud: bayberry, beach plum, blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, dewberry, grapes, huckleberry, juneberry, raspberry, salt spray rose hips and teaberry. For those with enough expertise to delve into the mysterious realm of mushrooms, the Seashore is your oyster. Folks are allowed to gather up to five gallons per person per day, but you can't dig or disturb the soil. Collection of mushrooms, fruits and berries is permitted in all park areas, unless they are designated as closed. A mushroom that was harvested along the trails near the Cape Cod National Seashore's Salt Pond Visitor's Center in Eastham. I was amazed to see regulations regarding the "scattering of ashes from cremated human remains." But I guess it makes sense, because the splendor of the Seashore resonates deeply with folks, including me. The idea of somehow being part of it after the final curtain falls is beautiful. But, of course, there are rules. Luckily, they don't seem too onerous. No permit is needed to scatter cremated human ashes in the Seashore under the following conditions I'll quote directly from the regs here: "The remains to be scattered must have been cremated and pulverized. The scattering of remains by persons on the ground is to be performed at least 100 yards from any trail, road, developed facility, or body of water. The scattering of remains from the air is to be performed at a minimum altitude of 2,000 feet above the ground. No scattering of remains from the air is to be performed over developed areas, facilities or bodies of water." But let's not dwell on the inevitable. There are berries to be gathered, pies to make and fantastical driftwood trellises to build. And while this escapade has filled me with a sense of universal love, I'm still not going to share my secret Seashore blueberry spot! Eric Williams, when not solving Curious Cape Cod mysteries, writes about a variety of ways to enjoy the Cape, the weather, wildlife and other subjects. Contact him at ewilliams@capecodonline.com. Follow him on X: @capecast. Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: What you can gather - and scatter - in the Cape Cod National Seashore LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Dozens of lumberjacks hit the streets of Old Town Saturday for the fifth annual Brrs, Beards, and Brews Festival. Weve got yard games, Hammerschlagen, Jenga, a fire pit going, but weve also got a beard competition, said Samantha Benson, who is the executive director for the Old Town Commercial Association. You know, theres a couple of different categories that people compete in. Benson also said the annual festival draws in people from across Michigan. It has fluctuated between the years. We started this in 2018, and then paused for COVID and then brought it back last year, Benson said. We usually see around 1,000-2,000 people. Organizers said the festivitieslike the beard competitionsare all to create fun for those who attend. Visitors filled Old Town for the fifth annual Brrs, Beards, and Brews Festival. (WLNS) Im participating in three categories, said Daniel Leboeuf, whos back for his second year in the beard competition. Im doing the vigor one, where they are actually blindfolded and feel for the softness of your beard, and then Im also doing longest and strongest, which is for beards six inches and over, and Im also in best overall category. Benson said the festivalgoers allow area leaders to keep the community and businesses afloat. All of the proceeds from this festival go back into the Old Town community, said Benson. We do community beautification, community support in resources for our businesses around here too; we just kind of maintain the district. So, everything that people buy today, from beers to merchandise to just even donations, it comes back into the community and, even if you dont pay, were happy to have you here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. The weakening of family structure scaffolding including declining birth and marriage rates and a growing loneliness epidemic has ignited debates around whats contributing to this alarming trend. One of the more controversial questions being raised is the effect that feminism has had on family formation and child rearing. This was the subject of a recent debate in Cambridge, Massachusetts, hosted by the Abigail Adams Institute and the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, both conservative organizations. Erika Bachiochi, American legal scholar, author of The Rights of Women: Reclaiming a Lost Vision and director of the Wollstonecraft Project, sparred with Scott Yenor, a political science professor at Boise State University, over a central question: Does feminism undermine family? It doesnt have to, argued Bachiochi, a Catholic mother of seven. But the pro-family feminism shes defending is not the version prevailing in the modern culture today. What flies under the banner of feminism today is not actually feminism, but a corruption of feminism, born of the abortion-backed contraceptive revolution in the 60s-70s, said Bachiochi, a former self-described Marxist feminist and a convert to Catholicism. This kind of autonomy feminism, as she called it, equates feminism with sexual and reproductive rights. Yenor, on the other side, argued that independence is a pillar of feminism, and by this definition, feminism compromises the mutually dependent community that is a family. If I boil it down to one simple proposition, I would say that feminism is about cultivating a new kind of woman an independent woman, a core of her identity is independent of marriage and family, of tradition; its independent of the country, he said. As she does in her book, Bachiochi laid out a case for a more authentic feminism one that doesnt negate or constrain womens reproductive nature, but instead recognizes the distinctive sexual, reproductive and caregiving needs of women as women. This affirmative version of feminism, she argues, is a return to the origins of the vision espoused by first-wave feminists, who coalesced in the mid-19th century to advocate for womens needs and interests amid increasingly industrialized society. A different kind of feminism Bachiochi is not alone in her advocacy for a reframing of feminism. In her book Feminism Against Progress, British author Mary Harrington writes that a more fitting term to describe modern feminism is bio-libertarianism, the idea that individual freedom can be extended to the realm of the body to the point of altering it and controlling it through various technological means. The endpoint of a three-century struggle for progress, understood as individual separateness, has culminated in a political effort to eliminate all meaningful sex differences through technology, Harrington writes. Harringtons theory of reactionary feminism, as she dubbed it, has resonated with conservative Catholics, radical feminists, and the weird online right, she told The Atlantic. Another British author, Louise Perry, argued in her 2022 book The Case Against the Sexual Revolution for an alternative to the prevailing sexual culture, one that recognizes other human beings as real people. Bachiochi agrees that todays bio-lib feminism is largely defined by its primary quest for freedom from all bodily constraints for a woman. And unfortunately, she said, both progressives and conservatives tend to regard this version of feminism as the only one that exists. Frankly, an authentic feminism is needed to respond not only to the autonomy feminism of the left then, but the growing anti-feminism of the right, she said. Erika Bachiochi, left, American legal scholar and director of the Wollstonecraft Project at the Abigail Adams Institute, and Scott Yenor, right, professor of political science at Boise State University, debated feminism and family at an event in Cambridge, co-hosted by the Abigail Adams Institute and Intercollegiate Studies Institute on Wednesday, March 3, 2024. The event was moderated by Danilo Petranovich, center, director of the Abigail Adams Institute in Cambridge. During the debate, Bachiochi said that the first wave of feminism relied on a few basic principles: that men and women are equally human, rational, responsible, and dependent on God and each other. This earlier vision of feminism also embraced the biologically distinctive nature of men and women and the idea that they experienced their reproductive roles asymmetrically, with the burdens and privileges of reproduction and early caregiving falling disproportionately on women. That generation of feminists were concerned with both the rights and responsibilities of women. They were after opening up opportunity in order for women to carry out their responsibilities, which included certainly education, professions, and economic opportunities. Most early feminists, Bachiochi said, opposed abortion and embraced caring for children as womens responsibility. Women were urged to be physically and intellectually strong to carry out their duties for their own benefit as well as their children. They also called on men to embrace their responsibilities as fathers. But this important history is often lost today, she said, as feminism has become a kind of radical liberalism, asserting the abstract rights of women alongside the abstract rights of men. While the early feminists fought for civil and political rights speaking against slavery and child labor, property and contract rights, custody rights and access to education these efforts were replaced by campaigns for birth control. Offering women pills and surgeries to enable them to imitate irresponsible male behavior or just feed their families has short circuited what early feminism was so clearly seeking, Bachiochi said. We have no children anywhere Many women today are scared to have children, Bachiochi said. We have no children anywhere, she said. Theyre not on college campuses. People are hardly having any of them, so its hard for people to have an affinity for that. Bachiochi herself didnt always see children in a positive light. She grew up in a broken home, and it was only after a conversion to Catholicism that her views on child rearing began to change. Women need to be around children to want them, she said. There has got to be a way to bring the woman to the side of the child, she said. And the only way you can do that is by giving a really beautiful account of what it is to be a woman, what it is to be married, what it is to have children, what it is to have a beautiful collaboration with a man. Feminism stands in the way of this collaboration or reconciliation, Yenor believes. In his view, marriage is a way of reconciling different interests and different characters that men and women have. But the way that men and women reconcile these differences is part of the larger social scaffolding of laws, manners and customs, he said. And when feminism is integrated into the laws and customs, he said, social dysfunction is sure to seep into family life. When we replace the scaffolding with a kind of bizarro world, anti-matter scaffolding, we get less marriage, more misery, less fecundity, more loneliness, Yenor said. Yenor favors family wages with increased pay for men to support families and endorses policies like the one held by the Martin Marietta Corporation, which in the 1960s refused to hire mothers with preschool-aged children, spurring a lawsuit filed by a mother of seven who was denied a job. (The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the mother.) Thats one way that you can have an economy that supports men and women doing different things in the family, and pays a wage that may be different between them, Yenor said. But Bachiochi underscored the context of the the Martin Marietta case: the mother of seven was married to man with an alcohol addiction and her job at a diner did not offer health insurance, plus she had a family member ready to watch her children. She had a duty to take care of her children, Bachiochi argued. In this case and this is very much in line with the principle of the early feminists which was that they were seeking rights in order to carry out duties. One of Bachiochis recent efforts to articulate a more affirmative feminism is an online journal called Fairer Disputations. Her advice for her conservative friends: Dont get trapped in these rigid understandings of masculine and feminine, but think about moral and religious excellence and sanctity, and that thats something men and women do together, she said. A lot of that cannot be stated in legal codes, but its something that we experience together. The Don Harrington Discovery Center (DHDC) is presenting its second installment of "Beyond: Unity in Community," an immersive cultural exhibit featuring the Afghanistan Community of Amarillo and the Afghan lifestyle, food, music, and education, available now for viewing through the summer. "Beyond: Unity in Community" is a cultural exhibit that highlights different refugee communities in Amarillo and celebrates the unique lifestyles and contributions of members of our community. "As a discovery center, we are not limited to science. We also have Wildcat Bluff, and with our 50th anniversary coming up, we are hoping to grow. And this is a way we can offer something new while also allowing our community to feel wanted and seen, and this is that - it's interesting, engaging and fun," Sophia Britto, DHDC marketing coordinator, said. "It's important that we have this series, because we can not only highlight all the different refugees in our community, but it's also for others to see these different cultures, engage with them and truly learn about them with their own eyes rather that just hearing about it," Britto added. The Don Harrington Discovery Center presents its second installment of the "Beyond: Unity in Community" exhibits, highlighting the Afghanistan community including information about the native land, clothing, instruments and more. The Don Harrington Discovery Center presents its second installment of the "Beyond: Unity in Community" exhibits, highlighting the Afghan community, including foods and animals native to Afghanistan. As stated in a news release, the exhibits Afghan installation will feature the traditional housing style of Afghanistan, the foods grown there, native animals, traditional Afghan instruments and music, traditional clothing, pictures of the country, and art from an Afghan artist. Large-scale architectural landmarks of Afghanistan are also highlighted in this exhibit, with a 16 tall vinyl banner of the Minaret of Jam, a 12 tall mural of the Buddha of Bamyan, and a 14 by 20 wide replica of the Arch of Boch Qala. DHDC designed and built this exhibit in-house in collaboration with the Afghan community of Amarillo and the Refugee Language Project. For authenticity and translations, DHDC said they have turn to the community for an added layer of local input and involvement. "For this exhibit, we have worked directly with Afghan refugees in our community, including Malalay Mubariz, who spoke at our Lecture Series. She and her family and friends have played a huge role and have really helped us translate everything correctly and provide gorgeous materials including a rug, a map of Afghanistan and clothing for this exhibit," Britto said. The Don Harrington Discovery Center highlights Afghan instruments in its second installment of the "Beyond: Unity in Community" exhibits, highlighting the Afghanistan community. The Don Harrington Discovery Center showcases traditional Afghan clothing in its second installment of the "Beyond: Unity in Community" exhibits, highlighting the Afghanistan community and their culture. According to U.S. Department of State data, Amarillo has the largest refugee population per capita of any city in Texas and is home to two refugee resettlement agencies that resettled nearly 7,000 refugees in the area between 2007 and 2017. "Beyond: Unity in Community" is a unique and fun, educational exhibit that celebrates refugee communities in the Texas Panhandle while providing learning opportunities for all. DHDC received a federal IMLS grant to create the "Beyond" exhibit. The first "Beyond" installation showcased the Karen community, originating from Myanmar. There are around 5,000 Karen resettled in the Amarillo area, and DHDC designed the "Beyond" exhibit in collaboration with the Karen community of Amarillo and the Refugee Language Project, with support from the Karen Organization of Minnesota. "Following our first installment, we wanted to continue highlighting prominent community members in Amarillo. We have a long history with the Karen community and now wanted to highlight the Afghan community and show the culture what their lifestyle is like, what they have created and discovered. We are excited to continue with this exhibit and future series as well," Britto said. Related: Amarillo celebrates 2023 World Refugee Day DHDC said the "Beyond" exhibit provides culturally relevant learning opportunities to engage refugee youth more effectively with STEM concepts and potential careers in STEM. DHDC has found that culturally relevant educational content will be more engaging for refugee youth in our community due to its personalization to their experiences. This centers these students in the content and learning, and makes clearer connections between STEM and their own world. This exhibit is available for viewing during normal DHDC hours, and normal admission is required. For more information about this exhibit or the Discovery Center, visit DHDC online at https://discoverycentercollective.org/don-harrington-discovery-center/ . This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: DHDC opens 'Beyond: Unity in Community' exhibit on Afghanistan locals In August 1997, I flew across the country to start veterinary school. After years of trying, I finally got that acceptance letter. I had just given birth to my first child, Sierra, six weeks earlier, and I was determined to do it all: be a good mom, nurse my baby until she was at least 18 months old (which was hippie-talk back then), be a good student, become a great vet. I remember thinking, Well, is there really ever going to be a good time to have babies and start a vet career? I was a little worried the school might renege on my acceptance when I showed up with a baby on my hip, but the dean took one look at me and got to work reorganizing a storage room on the top floor into a cozy nursing room. I will never forget her kindness. When Maya arrived 2 years later, between boards and clinical rotations, I was again lucky to have family and school supportand we were getting our moneys worth out of that nursing room. I finished school with honors and flew back to the Yukon Territory to start working at my first clinic job. Focusing on the health and conservation of wild species was always my passion, and after a few contracts, I was hired to be the first wildlife veterinarian for the Yukon Fish & Wildlife Department. I loved my workit was a dream job, working with moose and bears and musk ox and caribou and wolves. But as fulfilling as the work was, it was often extremely remote, and it was rare that I could bring the girls with me in the field. I had my third child, Willow, during this time, and that one year of paid maternity leave (standard in Canada) was one of the happiest years of my life. I realized then how much I had been missing with my girls, and that, as much as I loved my work, I loved being with them more. It was time for a change. Courtesy of the author The next year was a blur as I embarked on starting a mobile vet practice. My patients were spread out in the wild country of the north and the financial impact of bootstrapping my own business was real. When we were weeks away from living on love (a very rosy euphemism), my best friend Karla forwarded me an email request from National Geographic: would I let them film some of the vet work I do for a few days? My instant response: Sure, why not? I had no idea that, for the next 10 years, a NatGeo crew would be joining us, documenting the vet work I did on the rowdy roller coaster of #vetmedlife, complete with long, exhausting days, laughs in the face of tears and very few home-cooked meals, but all the while, finding ways to follow my passion of helping animals and being with my girls. Most of my favorite family memories are the tough cases, where the girls and I helped save an animal together, and along the way I could see them developing skills and passions of their own. The girlsthe women I was raisingworked by my side, and saw me laugh, cry, swear, hug and struggle. They watched me make mistakesand then I hope they saw me forgive myself and try harder the next day. As a mom, I was supposed to be inspiring or leading them, but it has always been the other way around. They were inspiring me through their patience, kindness, hopeful energy, and a silliness I desperately needed to keep laughing and carrying on. The Oakley women and I have since started the Better Wild Foundation, through which we are finding ways to offer animal rescue and vet care wherever in the world it is needed most, providing remote bush medicine in the trenches. Just as importantly, we are working to address bigger issues like causes and prevention of animal injuries, orphaning or diseases, especially in key biodiversity hotspots, from a One Health perspective (the concept of how the health of people, pets, farm animals and wild animals is intricately interwoven). My girls are grownups now, and as it should be, they are going their own ways and finding their own passions. Sierra is now in vet school, with less than two years to go, and hopefully we will be back running bush clinics together. Maya is working part time as a vet tech in a small animal clinic, and Willow is in college studying international business and accounting. If Im lucky, our passions will continue to overlap and intertwine, and we will keep finding ways to work together to make a difference and do the things we love, with the people we love. Courtesy of the author I look back and wonder if it was right to drag them along and spend so much of their time helping me do what I think is important. I dont know if I did it right. There were times I expected Child Protective Services to show up when the girls shared stories with friends of us being nearly attacked by a mountain goat or chased by a bear, or I pulled them out of school for yet another week to help run a remote clinic. Like we all do as parents, most of the time I was doing what had to be done, primarily reacting, but all the while hoping for a balanceone that surely didnt exist. If nothing else, we worked together to do a lot of good, help a lot of vulnerable animals, and maybe even inspire each other and others to keep looking for our own way to make a difference. I know it may not be what you usually hear, but I am so glad that I made my work my life, and my life my work, following my passion to help animals, and especially following my heart to be with my girls. When Prince Harry shared his therapy session with Oprah Winfrey, on his docuseries The Me You Cant See, most of us didnt expect to see him with arms crossed across his chest, tapping alternate shoulders and solemnly stating London is a trigger. It turns out the Duke of Sussex was having eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing, or EMDR, whose other famous advocates include Sandra Bullock, David Beckham and Lady Gaga. EMDR was a relatively unknown mental health treatment until the Dutch psychiatrist Bessel Van Der Kolk published his blockbuster book The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma in 2015, dedicating an entire chapter to EMDRs effectiveness for healing trauma. Suddenly trauma went from therapeutic obscurity to social media shorthand and EMDR became its must-have fix. But, celebrity gushings and 1.6 million Google hits aside, is this another faddy treatment for people with too much money and time? Or, is it a revolutionary therapy technique that succeeds where others fail? The Duke of Sussex is a known proponent of EMDR - Television Stills What is EMDR therapy? EMDR involves guided side-to-side eye movements that people do while thinking of a distressing memory from their past in order to desensitise its traumatic effects and heal it. Since its inception, EMDRs flagship eye movements have evolved into other types of alternating side-to-side sensory inputs. They include tapping alternate sides of the body (as in Harrys case), listening to sounds in alternating ears or holding a vibrating pebble in each hand. EMDR therapists call these forms of bilateral stimulation because they alternately sti mulate different sides of the body, replacing or sometimes working alongside the eye movements in sessions. Originally developed in 1987 to treat trauma and PTSD by the late Francina Shapiro, a senior research fellow emeritus at the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto, California, EMDR is now also used for other problems including depression, anxiety and OCD. Its since been hotly debated, not least because of the not-so-clinical way Shapiro first discovered it. Whilst out walking in the park in her native California, she noticed that certain eye movements reduced her distressing thoughts. At the time, she had a degree in English literature but no psychological training. Shapiro went on to complete psychology training and dedicated the next 35 years to the research and practice of EMDR and its mega-growth. Some 100,000 clinicians have since trained in it and there are currently over 10,000 accredited therapists in the UK. How does it work? EMDR is believed to help people process distressing memories in order to heal trauma. According to the UK EMDR Association, this stops the difficult memories causing so much distress in the present and heals the legacy of past pain. When we have experienced trauma in the past, some of that becomes fragmented and frozen and can then get re-triggered in the present from things like loud noises, crowds, certain bodily states or things people say, explains Matthew Wesson, the president of the UK EMDR Association who practised EMDR on veterans with PTSD in the Ministry of Defence from 1999 to 2013. EMDR allows the brain to re-process those events, leave them in the past and reframe them. Clients first choose a memory or trigger then describe the feelings that come up in their bodies and the beliefs they associate with it. In Harrys case, it was being in London and feeling hunted.Then we add in bilateral stimulation, be that with eyes, body tapping or audio, continues Wesson. Trauma is so distressing, many people avoid thinking about it so that [stimulation] acts like an anchor, keeping people in the present while theyre working on painful past memories. In EMDR theres no need to tell the whole story. We dont need the narrative, just the feelings and beliefs the memory invokes. My military clients liked this as they often couldnt talk about what had happened, says Wesson. Theres often silence during the eye movements, along with check-ins from the therapist. Is EMDR effective? Over 40 randomised controlled trials support EMDRs effectiveness and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the NHS and World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend it for trauma and PTSD. But its no magic bullet. While it may work, EMDR is no better than other treatments currently offered for trauma and PTSD, says Professor Allan Young, the head of the School of Academic Psychiatry at Kings College London. For example, exposure therapy, another standard treatment for PTSD which successfully uses gradual confrontation of traumatic memories to promote healing. But for that clients have to tell detailed stories about their traumatic events and while that can be remarkably effective, the dropout rates are high. Traumatic experiences are often shame-based, says Derek Farrell MBE, a professor of trauma psychology and veterans affairs at Northumbria University and the president of Trauma Aid Europe. Prof Farrell has worked in war zones including Iraq and Myanmar as well as hospital and research settings and the armed forces. The more shame a person feels, the more disturbed they are by the trauma, often to the point where they will choose no treatment over talking about it. EMDR works around silent memories so it takes away shame. EMDR has revolutionised the treatment of PTSD. Our research found that if you use EMDR with a memory that the client doesnt want to disclose, the level of disturbance is around nine out of 10, Prof Farrell continues. But once you process the memory [with EMDR], between 85 and 95 per cent [of clients] will talk about it because it loses its power. How much treatment is recommended? EMDR is also more finite than other talking therapies at least when it comes to PTSD and recovery may take less time, usually involving around six to 12 sessions one to two times a week, according to PTSD UK. The more isolated the traumatic memory, the shorter the EMDR treatment is likely to be, though repeated or complex trauma may take up to 50 sessions. Still, PTSD is seldom a sole predator, says Prof Farrell. It often shows up as depression, anxiety, OCD or even things like social phobia but with a series of traumatic events underpinning it. Why is EMDR so controversial? Scepticism has followed EMDR since it splashed onto the therapeutic scene, not least because no one really knows why it works. Sessions always have eight phases, which include bog-standard therapy tools like history-taking, preparation and assessment as well as replacing negative beliefs with positive ones. Its much more likely these are what make EMDR effective, not the eye movements, explains the clinical therapist Micah Caldwell who investigated EMDR for his YouTube channel Neurotransmissions. Plus, the evidence can contain researcher bias. One 2018 review in Frontiers in Psychology, claimed more controlled and independent studies were needed to prove its effectiveness. Therapists can have brand loyalty which means evaluations may be skewed when its EMDR therapists measuring its effectiveness, says Prof Young. Are there risks and dangers? You may get unexpected memories, even false ones, come up during a session, as well as emotional distress, exhaustion, headaches and more anxiety afterwards. Theres also a risk of dissociation where people feel disconnected from the world around them. Alongside the successes (see box), online horror stories also include nightmares, feeling numb for weeks after treatment and feeling mentally locked-in trauma. But problems like these occur in most types of talking therapies, Prof Young points out, and any PTSD therapy may lead to more vivid dreams, increased fears and avoidance of certain situations. In fact, a 2024 study found that CBT and psychodynamic therapies caused unwanted events and side effects in over a third of cases. Sometimes the trauma will feel worse before it gets better because its been activated, says Wesson. Thats often the point [at which] people drop out, but it usually gets better. It may also be your choice of therapist. With any therapy, therell be people that dont do it properly, says Wesson. Thats why were [the EMDR Association] strict about who comes on our training they have to be qualified psychologists. Still, if trauma isnt the reason theyre struggling in the present, we shouldnt be using EMDR therapy, Wesson asserts. We could be using other [therapeutic] models. Plus, the more complex someones trauma history, the more skilled and experienced the clinician needs to be. Is it for you? If you have symptoms of PTSD or a traumatic past, or your depression or anxiety is related to past trauma, EMDR may help you. If youre not sure, the best way to find out is to talk to a professional therapist. (See below). You can also listen to your body, says Prof Farrell, as trauma comes with visceral signs. From an evolutionary perspective, trauma may store as body memories which are more primitive, he says. You might often get a sudden jerk in your stomach, stop breathing or go a bit tense in certain situations and not know why these are triggers and signs it might be worth getting some help and support. Left alone, trauma can store in the body and cause health problems, according to Prof Farrell. That may sound far-fetched but it was the basis for Van Der Kolks book and a large body of research including a report from John Moores University in conjunction with the WHO, that showed the link between childhood trauma or adversity and increases in cancer, strokes, obesity, self-harm and suicide. This isnt just about body memory, its a health issue too, says Prof Farrell. But remember, EMDR isnt the only thing that can help, says Prof Young. Theres currently no one treatment that stands out as being better than another for PTSD and you should go for whats the most available and accessible to you, he says. Finding a therapist Its possible to get EMDR on the NHS, so talk to your GP. If you go privately, look for an accredited EMDR therapist (ideally with experience in treating the type of problem you have) at The EMDR Association. Do not follow any online DIY videos ever. It was painful and raw but it healed me Gail Murdoch, 61, is a retired high level teaching assistant and lives in Surrey with her husband. They have two grown up children. Gail was initially sceptical about EMDR, but was ready to try anything - Clara Molden for The Daily Telegraph As the ball shifts from side to side, the feeling in my belly is almost unbearable, like a wasps nest. Now Im eight, swinging from the garage door. It collapses on me. It hurts. My mum comes out and says, Wait until your father gets home, leaving me alone. I feel afraid and abandoned This was my first EMDR experience raw and painful. But over a year, it healed me. Ive always felt like a bad person, taking blame during arguments and trying to please everyone. If my husband was tired I would do things for him like mow the lawn as well as work, clean the house and cook. It was exhausting. There were many traumatic events growing up but I never understood their effects on my behaviour. As an adult, I would fly off the handle at the slightest thing, was constantly crying and living with that gurgling stomach. Childrens laughter triggered me, which I now know was a reminder of my fathers constant laughter when I spoke as a child. One of my siblings attempted suicide when I was 10 and I had to call the ambulance while my parents did nothing. At 16, they gave each of us a week to leave home a constant fear during my teens. Initially sceptical about EMDR I thought, What a load of c--p! But having unsuccessfully tried other talking therapies, I was ready to try anything. Each session focused on present feelings and their associated memories, using eye movements or sounds in alternating ears to work through them. Each session tackled a different trigger and memory, which would leave me drained but also feeling lighter. We continued for 50 sessions and, over time, my family noticed how much more relaxed I was; how I regained my sense of humour and had learned to say no. Realising the damage Id experienced from my childhood was shocking, but EMDR, though challenging, was the most effective therapy Ive had. I would do it again tomorrow. 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. Beer is a drink that Europe's always done well. The alcoholic beverage has been an essential part of food cultures around the world for thousands of years, and in many countries in Europe, the moderate climate and soil conditions provide the perfect environment for growing cereals. It's little wonder that these countries have maintained thriving beer scenes to this day. Across Northern, Western, and Central Europe, countries like Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Sweden have well-established beer industries, with specific cities acting as de facto beer ambassadors for their nations, accommodating millions of thirsty tourists per year in search of the perfect craft brew and the busiest bars. With so many places to choose from, picking the perfect European beer destination can be quite daunting. That's where we come in. In this article, we determined the best cities across Europe primarily by the quantity and quality of their beer pubs and bars. We also dove deep into cities that offer their own must-try beer style, locations that have notable breweries, and areas that have an established history when it comes to the world's favorite drink. Sit back, crack open a cold one, and travel with us. Read more: 10 Of The Healthiest Beers You Can Drink Prague, Czech Republic Charles Bridge in Prague at sunset - Den Rozhnovsky/Shutterstock Prague has been a must-visit for beer lovers for generations. The capital of the Czech Republic, it's the epicenter of the country's beer industry, which has been active for more than a millennium. The Czech Republic consumes an average of 156 liters of beer per capita annually, making it the country that consumes the most beer per person on the planet. Take one look at Prague's bustling streets, lined with over 10,000 bars, and you can see why you'll want to be part of the action. Czech beer is well known across Europe, and Pilsner Urquell and Budvar are two of the most famous brands. In Prague, lager is by far the predominant style, although ask around and you may be able to sample a few darker ales, like the Ostrava-produced Velvet or the Guinness-like Kelt. Given that beer is such an essential part of the country's culture and economic output, it's difficult to pick out its best bars, as virtually any establishment you visit will likely provide a premium experience. For an authentic trip into Czech history, though, head to U Fleku, Prague's oldest beer pub, which has been in operation since 1499. Zly casy is another must-try stop, stocked with almost 50 beer taps, all supplying local brews. Munich, Germany pretzel and beers in Munich - r.classen/Shutterstock Countless tourists flock to Germany every year for its beer culture, and Munich is the city that most people head to once there. The Bavarian capital is perhaps best known for Oktoberfest, an enormous two-week-long festival where visitors enjoy soft pretzels washed down with approximately two million gallons of beer yearly. Visit at any other time of the year, however, and you'll still be able to sample Munich's iconic beers, enjoy its brewery scene, and soak up the nightlife. Munich's most revered brewery, Spaten-Brau, was founded in 1397, and a tour of its production facilities is a must when in the city. Its most popular beer, a type of lager called Spaten Munchner Hell, can be found in pubs on every street corner, with other beers like Augustiner Weissbier and Paulaner Pils also commonly found. No visit to Munich would be complete without a trip to its world-famous beer halls, and for a slice of history, the Hofbrauhaus is the place to be. Opened in 1589 under instruction from the royal family, the public was finally allowed access to the Hofbrauhaus in 1828, and since then locals and tourists alike have been rubbing shoulders at its lengthy tables. Bern, Switzerland aerial view of Bern - 4kclips/Shutterstock The de facto capital of Switzerland, Bern has quietly become one of the most attractive destinations for beer aficionados in Europe. The country's beer industry has ballooned in the last few decades, getting over 40 times bigger in just 30 years, and Bern is where the action happens. The city has over 1,000 official breweries and microbreweries, giving it the highest density of breweries in the entire world, and they feed directly into its many bars and beer cafes. The most authentic way to experience Bern's beer culture, however, is by taking a guided tour. Bern's Old City is highly walkable and has bars and breweries nestled next to each other, allowing you to sample multiple different styles along the way. If you want to do your own thing, a few key breweries are must-visit locations. Felsenau, founded in 1881, sells a host of locally-made beers, like its cloudy Barner Muntschi. The Barbiere brewery, meanwhile, was founded in 2014, and stocks an eclectic mix of styles, influenced both by classic Swiss beer culture and from English, American, and Belgian practices. Barcelona, Spain Royal Square in Barcelona - Catarina Belova/Shutterstock Beer probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Spain, but in Barcelona, it's big business. The iconic city is the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia, which has always championed a beer culture in which smaller glasses of beer (designed so the brew can be enjoyed while still cold, despite the fierce Spanish heat) are sipped while dining on what is most certainly the best tapas in the world, and chatting with friends. Unlike the darker ales frequently found in Northern and Western Europe, Spanish beers are usually light, refreshing pilsners, crafted to be gentle on the palette and to pair well with the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. In recent years, beer culture in Barcelona has become even more specialized and intricate, with a host of local breweries popping up and supplying its many tavernas. As well as Estrella Damm and Moritz, both locally-brewed lagers, the Garage Beer Co. and BlackLab offer a host of cutting-edge flavors. Beer lovers will also be keen to check out BierCaB, a craft beer bar that stocks a massive selection of brews, with staff who are as enthusiastic about their tap range as their clientele are. Brussels, Belgium aerial view of Brussels - uslatar/Shutterstock Belgium is renowned for its beer culture, and the drink has huge significance to its national identity. With a lineage that potentially goes back to before The First Crusade, Belgium is especially well-known for its Trappist beer, a style made by Benedictine monks in monastery breweries. These beers were made to be consumed exclusively by the monks themselves (lucky monks, we say), but nowadays, Trappist beer is a thriving market with strict regulations ensuring that profits go directly back into the monastery and contribute to its upkeep. In Brussels, Trappist beers can be found in the bars that line its charming streets, but that's far from the only option. The city is bulging with bars and restaurants at every corner, each with its selection of craft beers. For a touch of class and some art deco style, La Porteuse D'Eau is a sight to behold, with a stained glass ceiling and a selection of Belgian cuisine, allowing you to pair your food and beer seamlessly. Brussels' walkable nature makes it the perfect destination for a few days of bar-hopping, and in the summer, tables and seats line the streets, providing an ideal location to watch the world go by with a cold beer. Dublin, Ireland aerial view of Dublin - Pawel.gaul/Getty Images No list of Europe's best beer destinations would be complete without Dublin, and the main reason to go there is little surprise: Guinness. The quintessential Irish dry stout's home is the Guinness Storehouse. Located in St. James's Gate, the brewery has been producing beer for over 250 years, and today you can traverse virtually every floor of the building, starting with a brewery tour in its depths and ending at its sky-high Gravity Bar. Given that Guinness is one of the healthiest beers you can drink, the combination of cardio and a nutritious beverage is hard to pass down, right? However, although the Guinness Storehouse is a must-see attraction, it's far from the only place to try the beer in Dublin. The city is practically splitting at the seams with pubs and bars, with something for everyone, whether they're looking for a more traditional experience or an up-to-the-minute craft beer joint. Classic Dublin pubs like The Palace Bar and Doheny & Nesbitt showcase the best of the city's architecture, with their Victorian style well-preserved and their coziness intact. For something more modern, try The Big Romance or Fidelity Bar, two craft beer bars that combine premium brews with a constantly changing roster of live music. There's something for everyone in Dublin's winding streets. Edinburgh, Scotland Edinburgh Castle and Ross Fountain - Arcady/Shutterstock Edinburgh may be known for many things its arts festivals, its stunning architecture but being a beer destination hasn't been one of them until relatively recently. In the last few years, however, that's shifted, thanks to a huge boost in the quantity and quality of the city's independent breweries. "The city is absolutely on the up in terms of being a global beer destination for tourists," says Bellfield Brewery's founder and CEO Alistair Brown, whose company took the Brewery of the Year award at the 2023 Scottish Beer Awards (per the Edinburgh Enquirer). Its recent boom has contributed to more and more people discovering their local brewers during the COVID-19 pandemic and now that secret is ready to be shared with the world. In bars like The Stockbridge Tap and Innis & Gunn, you'll find not only local brews but beers from all over the UK. Others match their eclectic mix of beers with funky decors, like Pilgrim Bar, which occupies an ex-cinema built in the 1930s and has an interior made from totally reused materials and furniture pieces. Add to that the picturesque setting and vibrant feel, and the city is the ideal location to wile away a few days, pint in hand. Krakow, Poland View of St. Mary's Basilica in centrak Krakow - Antagain/Getty Images Krakow has been developing as a beer destination for a little while now, with a microbrewery scene bubbling up in the early 2010s. This was in part thanks to the rise of the free market in Poland and nationalized breweries selling off old stock to sole traders. What once was a niche industry is now firmly established. These days, you won't struggle to find a good craft beer in Krakow: The ultra-trendy city has dozens of breweries, craft beer bars, and taprooms, and its rich and exciting architecture means that you get quite the view while trying each one. Omerta, one of the earliest pubs to start stocking craft beers, is a must-visit: With 30 draught taps and premises that keep getting bigger, it's where the action's at. House of Beer has a similar reputation, with literally hundreds of beers available to try (we'd recommend not giving them all a go at once, though). Stroll down the streets of the Kazimierz district, and you'll find new taprooms popping up at the speed of light, each with their own selection. Factor in the average price of beer in Krakow, which is way cheaper than some other places in Europe, and you won't want to go anywhere else. Bucharest, Romania Old Town in Bucharest - Vadym Lavra/Shutterstock Romanian beer culture may not be well-known to folks who live outside of Europe, but that doesn't mean you should write it off. The country has always celebrated the innovation of its beermakers, with a wide variety of styles and techniques popping up throughout the 19th century. In the capital city of Bucharest, and other places around the country, beer is an integral part of everyday life and the number of bars and beer pubs is a testament to this. There's a wealth of craft beer taprooms and breweries in Bucharest, ranging from snug neighborhood outfits to cavernous halls perfect for a big night out. Many of these bars provide a selection of bought-in or imported beers, as well as their own specialties, making for a diverse drinking experience. In Zaganu, located slightly out of the old town, well-regarded beers sit next to cutting-edge styles provided directly by the brewer itself. Of course, no trip to Bucharest would be complete without sampling one of its most famous beers. Timisoreana, named after the city it was founded in, is a lager that's been brewed since 1718 and is renowned for its golden color and lightly sweet taste. Gothenburg, Sweden View of central Gothenberg - Vety Maria/Shutterstock If you like your beer destinations ultra-cool and crammed with craft beer options, head to Gothenburg. The second-largest city in Sweden has a long history of beer production, emerging as one of the biggest porter producers in Europe in the 19th century. "Gothenburg was brewing 6 million liters a year. They were brewing more porter 200 years ago than all the beer craft brewers make now, put together," says Gothenburg Beer Week's founder and beer writer Fredrik Berggren, via The Daily Beast. That beer legacy has continued, with the highest proportion of breweries to its population in the whole of Scandinavia, and nowadays, porters sit next to lagers, pilsners, and ales, as its craft beer scene continues to grow. There's no shortage of bars in Gothenburg that ooze scandi-cool, and have eye-popping decor that matches their menus. Poppels Citybryggeri is a fine example, with its beer tanks housed in a neo-industrial setting offset by pops of warm orange tiles. Elsewhere, you'll find small-scale breweries on side streets, and more traditional pubs offering ales and lagers. Many of its bars are located near the river, too, making them the perfect destination on the city's mild summer days. Bruges, Belgium row of bars in Bruges - Vety Maria/Shutterstock Belgium punches above its weight when it comes to beer virtually every city in this small country offers an impressive selection of brews. The city may only have a population of just over 100,000, but it's got a host of must-try beer bars, with some, like 'T Brugs Beertje, offering hundreds of different styles. This is why, in our opinion, Bruges is the place you need to be. This city is also well-known for its beer festival, which celebrates the Belgian beer industry and its output. A large-scale event, each year thousands of people cram into the city to try the festival's multiple beers, take part in tasting sessions and workshops, and mingle with other beer aficionados while eating the ever-popular Belgian french fries. Heading to Bruges also provides the perfect opportunity to sample Brugse Zot, made in the heart of the city center. This famous Belgian beer, with its iconic jester mascot, is a blond ale: Light in color, easy to drink, and with strong notes of citrus, it's most commonly served in a tulip glass and can be found in most bars around Bruges. Copenhagen, Denmark row of bicycles in Copenhagen Old Town - Arcady/Shutterstock Copenhagen is a quintessentially Nordic city, and its gorgeous architecture and waterside location make it one of the loveliest spots for beer lovers on our list. The Danish capital has always loved beer: In the late 17th century, it had 140 breweries dotted around the city, with its most famous export, Carlsberg, first brewed in 1847. Its popularity ushered in a huge increase in lager production, and for a long time that was the predominant style in Copenhagen, until the craft beer revolution introduced a new world of ales to the modern customer. Nowadays, it's not difficult to find a good beer wherever you go, and for the city's inhabitants, it's serious business. There are approximately 50 craft beer bars dotted around Copenhagen, and Nrrebro and Vesterbro are the two districts you need to head to if you want to sample the cream of the crop. Naturally, you'll also want to check out where the world-famous Carlsberg is made. At the Home Of Carlsberg, you can do just that: Book yourself a brewery tour and take part in a slice of history. Amsterdam, Netherlands canal and buildings in Amsterdam - Dutchphotography/Getty Images People flock to Amsterdam for many different things, but in our view, the capital of the Netherlands' beer scene is one of the most compelling reasons to do so. Amsterdam has been renowned for brewing beer since as early as the 15th century, and for many years a lot of the conversation around the beverage in the city has been dominated by Heineken, the popular beer brand native to the Netherlands. More recently, though, Amsterdam has seen an increase in locally-made craft beers, and with micro-breweries opening up around the city regularly, there are a lot of different styles to try. As far as bars go, step away from the Red Light District and head to Zuid, where the ultra-hip Butcher's Tears sees locals mixing with tourists. Brouwerij 't IJ is also a must-visit location, sitting directly on the waterways and serving flights of craft brews. It's worth remembering, too, that there are a host of breweries on the outskirts of the city, away from the hustle and bustle of its center. Head to Breugem Meeting Point over in Houthavens, see where they make Breugem Bier (which you'll likely find all over Amsterdam), and try it directly from the source. Methodology row of beer steins on table - Henrik A. Jonsson/Shutterstock Figuring out what exactly makes a good beer destination is pretty tricky, but in this article, there were a few determining factors. We focused, first and foremost, on whether the cities discussed had a solid beer culture, contributed to by the number of good craft beer bars and microbreweries. A sizeable number of establishments selling craft beer indicates that the city itself has an appreciation for the beverage and an understanding that both its locals and tourists consider beer highly on their priorities list. History was also an important factor for us when determining the best beer destinations. Many of the cities on our list have acted as the beating heart of their country's beer industry throughout the ages, and this sense of tradition has bled into new practices and informed the brewers of today. It was also important for us to showcase cities that didn't just stick to one solitary beer style although each of them has its specialty and make sure that we were highlighting places that could offer something for everyone, not just folks who love the more niche beers out there. Read the original article on Daily Meal There are few things France takes more seriously than food. They're the country that came up with the five mother sauces, as well as more or less writing the book on master cooking techniques. Heck, McDonald's was only able to hold its own in France after the company began to adopt the French cafe aesthetic and business model. And while the French certainly care about all manner of cooking, bread is particularly integral to the national culture (hence why there are baguette machines in the French wilderness). The same applies to bakeries -- and specifically, what even is allowed to legally call itself a bread bakery in France. You can't just sell "homemade bread" from pre-made dough and declare yourself a bakery; you have to make the bread from scratch, right on the premises. This specifically applies to bread bakeries, called boulangeries, that typically staff a master baker known as a boulanger -- patisseries (pastry shops) and viennoiseries (Viennese breakfast pastry shops) are not subject to this law. But when it comes to bread, the rules are ironclad. While there are places that sell frozen or premade bread in France, they can't use the term "bakery," instead they go by terms like "bread house" or "bread depot." And it's all backed up by an official government decree from 30 years ago. Read more: French Cooking Tricks You Need In Your Life There Was A Literal Bread Decree In 1993 bread being made at a French boulangerie - Pidjoe/Getty Images There may be numerous types of French bread, but all boulangeries are required to adhere to this standard to this day. The French government wasn't joking around about these regulations when it instituted them in 1993 in what was known as "Le Decret Pain" (literally "The Bread Decree"). Working pursuant to earlier laws defining what constituted "fraud or falsification," the decree states: "Only breads that are entirely kneaded, shaped and baked at the point of sale to the final consumer may be offered for sale or sold under the name: 'homemade bread' or an equivalent name." There were actually all sorts of requirements under this decree. Bread had to include only wheat bread flour, cooking salt, a leavening agent, and drinking water, for one thing -- no additives or preservatives allowed. The maximum ratios of various types of flour (bean, soy, and wheat malt) were carefully defined, for another. It also provided several requirements for the definition of sourdough. France Has Instituted A Bunch Of Bread Laws Before baker taking bread out of oven - Sam Tarling/Getty Images This isn't the only instance of French law having a profound effect on the baking industry. A 1920 labor law inadvertently caused the French government to determine a baguette's long, thin shape. Additionally, from 1790 until 2015, half of the bakeries in Paris were required to stay open in July, while the other half were required to stay open in August, to ensure consumers always had access to fresh bread during the months when bakers were most likely to close shop and go on vacation. There was also a law from 1996 to 2019 that required boulangeries to close for at least one day a week. And in 1793, the post-Revolution French government famously decreed the wealthy were not allowed to hoard bread, stating: "There will no longer be a bread of wheat for the rich and a bread of bran for the poor. All bakers will be held, under the penalty of imprisonment, to make only one type of bread: The Bread of Equality." All told, these rules are indicative of a culture and a government that doesn't mess around with its food. Much like how if it isn't from the region of Champagne it isn't technically Champagne (just sparkling wine), if you don't make your bread in-house in France, you're not a boulangerie. Read the original article on Daily Meal From Manitowoc to Morocco: My journey to this exotic and wonderful country, part one Editor's note: Reporter Patti Zarling spent 14 days in Morocco Feb, 8-22. The following is part one of her experience. I was sitting on the couch on a gray day in March 2023 when my phone pinged a message from my friend Jude. Have you ever wanted to go to Morocco? Morocco? I thought, quickly tapping the North African country into a Google search. Why? I pinged back. Turns out a friend of Judes sent her info on a Colors of Morocco trip offered through Collette Travel Agency and the former University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Department of Continuing Education. Did I want to go? To be honest, I hesitated. But after sleeping on the idea, I was fully on board. If life drops the opportunity to ride a camel and sleep in the Sahara Desert, who am I to say no? Reporter Patti Zarling riding a camel in the Sahara Desert, February 2024 A year later, I was on a flight from O'Hare to France and then from France to Casablanca. A year after deciding to join the adventure, on Feb. 8, 2024, it was time to board an Air France flight from Chicago OHare International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in France, and finally to the Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, Morocco. We were part of a group of 22 from Oshkosh, Appleton, Green Bay and Manitowoc. That group oddly included three Tammys, two Debbies and two Pattis. We all bonded, and we all had at least some traveling under our belts. A donkey in Meknes, where we ate lunch with a local family. I was intrigued to visit a part of the world about which I knew so little. Id read the culture was a mix of Arab, African and European influences a Muslim country thats more conservative than the West, but progressive compared to other Arab countries. I knew we couldnt drink the tap water and should dress modestly. It was obvious as we rode a bus from the airport to Rabat, the Moroccan capital, that its an ambitious country. We saw road crews, construction machinery and buildings emerging from piles of dirt, everywhere. I saw palm and olive trees, goats and donkeys. We weren't in Wisconsin anymore. Nory, our tour guide, made the trip special with his love and passion for the country. Jude and Patti posing with some of the friendly staff at the riad in Fes. Our tour guide, Nory, told us the country is making the move from depending on agriculture to focusing on building both the tourism and tech industries. Morocco is an Arab country, and its leadership seems forward-thinking on matters of culture and business. Nory thanked us for choosing to visit Morocco rather than Italy or other more traditional trips abroad. He called it charity wrapped in dignity lending a hand to shop owners, restaurants, hotels and their employees by spending tourism dollars there. Nory made our trip special. He grew up in a small village in the Atlas Mountains, one of eight kids. His father ran a successful bakery until it failed, and the family lived on little. Patti Zarling and her tour pass through the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Norys dream was to be a mountain-climbing guide, but his family lacked the funds to pay the people he needed to to get ahead, he said. He tried for a decade to win the lottery, which would allow him to go to the U.S., but he married and moved to the Netherlands instead. He now serves as a tour guide for Collette giving tours only in Morocco, he said, because he understands the country and its history and culture. Nory speaks Arabic, which is the countrys official language, Berber language and English. His love and passion for the country was apparent throughout our stay. Patti stays at a historic lighthouse: Whats it like to spend a week in a historic Door County island lighthouse? Reporter shares her experience. A visit to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V offered a glimpse of the Moroccan people's love and respect for this king. The outside of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat We kicked off our Rabat tour with a visit to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Mohammed V was a sultan who helped secure Moroccan independence from French colonialism in 1956. He served as king from 1957 until he died in 1961. The inside of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat His grandson, Mohammed VI, has served as king since 1999. In 2011, he sought to curb a growing pro-democracy protest movement part of the Arab Spring by reforming the countrys constitution to give women more rights and the prime minister more power. The mausoleum is ornate and the mosaic tilework beautiful. It is flanked by guards on horses, and we werent supposed to speak within the sanctuary. Moroccans love and respect this king. A guard outside the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat Tagine and pastilla were among the unique Moroccan dishes I tried. Our day in Rabat concluded in a welcome dinner, with a taste of many Moroccan dishes. That included tagine, which we ate a lot of during our stay. The word "tagine" is used for both the food and the vessel in which it is cooked. Its a stew, slow cooked in a clay pot, often with chicken or meat, vegetables, spices and fruit. We stopped at a local restaurant for tagine on our way to the Sahara Desert. We ate a lot of chicken, fresh veggies and couscous on our journey. Im sure we probably had goat at some point, and a few folks tried camel burger (camels are expensive and typically not used for food). I still miss the fresh oranges and giant strawberries served with every meal. We also observed a Moroccan tea ceremony, in which men in traditional Berber robes hold trays of glasses behind their backs and pour tea over their shoulders. Very entertaining, if not practical. Moroccans drink a ton of mint tea, and we did, too. Very tasty, and I am now drinking more tea at home! The most unique Moroccan dish for me was the pastilla, which is basically a pastry stuffed with chicken and seasoned with cinnamon. Its served warm and topped with powdered sugar. It was tasty, if unexpected. Id say Moroccan spices generally were more sweet and less hot than I expected. Patti travels to Germany: I went to Germany for two weeks to see Christmas markets and more. Heres what I learned. Touring a ninth-century medina, a well-preserved Roman ruins and a small country town. Overlooking part of the city of Fes We also visited a kasbah in Rabat, which is a walled-in area of a medina. A "medina" (which means "city" or "town" in Arabic) is usually used to describe a historic old town composed of narrow, winding streets and alleys, walled in and accessed by gates. Wed experience a much larger medina a few days later in the historical city of Fes. There, we took a tour of a ninth-century medina and the stalls of the ancient market. The walls on either side of the medina were tight and winding. The market was filled with stalls selling everything from fresh oranges to clothing to silver. I always felt safe, although we were told not to engage with people who approached wanting to sell us trinkets theyd keep on following if you didnt shut it down. A street vendor in Fes On a warm, sunny day, we visited Volubilis, a well-preserved Roman ruins. After, we climbed on our bus and traveled to a small country town of Meknes, where we parked and then walked through the narrow streets of this colorful town to eat lunch at a local familys home. They spoke little English, but served an abundance of tagine, olive and other vegetable salads, fresh bread and fresh fruit. The Roman ruins of Volubilis On the way back to the bus, I marveled at the site of people in traditional garb conducting their business of the day. Donkeys loaded with wares for sale, water and other items stood quietly in the cobblestone streets. The best part of travel for me is seeing the completely different ways of life and cultures so different from our own. The world is so much bigger than our little slice of northeastern Wisconsin. Stay tuned for part two of my amazing time in Morocco. Contact reporter Patti Zarling at pzarlin@gannett.com or call 920-606-2575. Follow her on X @PGPattiZarling or on Instagram @PGPatti. This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: 15 days in Morocco: Mohammed V mausoleum, Fes, Casablanca, Volubilis Missing Ohio Dog Reunited with Its Owner on Her Birthday After It Was Found 100 Miles Away "It was a beautiful, beautiful reunion, a receptionist at the Toledo Humane Society Clinic said Getty A stock photo of a dog and human holding hands A paw-fect reunion! Earlier this week, a dog owner was reunited with her lost pet Husky on her birthday after the canine was found more than 100 miles away. Missy Landis' dog, named Hines, had been missing for over a week from Columbus, Ohio, before he was found in Toledo, Ohio, WTVG reported. Per the outlet, Toledo resident Neveah Smith found Hines wandering her neighborhood without a collar on and brought him to the Toledo Humane Society Clinic, where an employee discovered he was microchipped and reached out to Landis to let her know her pet was safe. She was like, 'Well, I think I got your dog, and Im like, 'Where at? Im on my way,' " Landis told WTVG. "And shes like, Were in Toledo. And Im like, How did my dog get in Toledo?' " 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. Getty A stock photo of a dog's paw print Related: Dog Owner Who 'Never Lost Hope' Reunites with Missing Pup 10 Years After Pet's Disappearance After learning about her dog's whereabouts, Landis made the two-hour drive to Toledo where WTVG reported she had never visited before. Its the best birthday present to get little Hines-y back, she told the outlet. You guys dont know how much this means to us." In a statement to WTVG, Dianna Nobles, a receptionist at the Toledo Humane Society Clinic, highlighted the importance of having pets microchipped. This is one of the main reasons we want to get everyone microchipped ... [to] be able to get pets back to their owner, should it run away or should someone take it. And in this case it was a beautiful, beautiful reunion, she said. Smith, meanwhile, was just as glad that she found Hines and could get him back to his owner. Im always nervous that they wont [be microchipped] because not many people do it. But Im so glad that he did, she told WTVG. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. This story is from an installment of The Oeno Files, our weekly insider newsletter to the world of fine wine. Sign up here. In a gray knit Carhartt hat and Joe Beef sweatshirt, Patrick Cappiello appears nervous as he glances at the camera and begins to speak: So Im going to get to my point pretty quickly here, but last week I talked to you about being transparent and telling you everything that happens in the winery, and I spent this weekend really struggling with next steps and wanting to be honest. Cappiellos Instagram reel, which at the time of this writing had received over 2,900 likes and more than 400 comments, most of them supportive, went on to explain that after tasting some of the older vintages of his Monte Rio Cellars wine, the sommelier-turned-winemaker found that they were not only not good, but undrinkable, leading him to realize he needed to filter his wines and add sulfur to make them stable. More from Robb Report The former co-owner and wine director of New York Citys Pearl & Ash and Michelin-starred Rebelle, Cappiello headed to Sonoma in 2017, 40 years after beginning his first restaurant job as a dishwasher and busboy at the age of 15. Upon moving to the Big Apple, he rose quickly through the ranks of New York wine professionals, waiting tables and then becoming a sommelier at Tribeca Grill, moving on to Veritas, and then taking the role of wine director at Gilt, which earned two Michelin Stars and a Grand Award during his tenure there. Pearl & Ash, which he opened in 2013, was known for its broad wine list divided between classic listings and low-intervention wines, its raucous soundtrack, and Cappiellos nightly climbs atop the bar to saber bottles of Champagne; Rebelle opened two years later and earned a Michelin star. And Cappiello was crowned sommelier of the year by multiple publications. He says he is still involved with Walnut Street Cafe in Philadelphia, which he opened as a partner in 2017. When his two Lower East Side restaurants closed, he headed west to work his first grape harvest, and began an apprenticeship with Pax Mahle at Pax Wines in Sebastopol. He had traded his suit for T-shirts when he left Gilt to start Pearl & Ash, and he has stuck with that uniform ever since, adding hats as the weather dictates. In a telephone interview, Cappiello describes Mahles winery, where he still produces Monte Rio as well as co-owned Skull Wines, as an incubator that had launched several other successful brands. He says Mahle was driving the car for the first two vintages of Monte Rio, but that since 2020, he has overseen all winemaking decisions at Monte Rio. The sprawling winery. In his Instagram video, Cappiello says he is finally speaking out despite the fear of dogmatic gatekeepers in the sommelier or wine merchant community, which I used to be a part of, that dictate that doing something like this makes your wine unnatural. He explains, I am trying to call out sommeliers who have never made a bottle of wine or risked their life and finances to start a winery. Im not going to be beholden to them anymore. Cappiello talked with us about Monte Rio Cellars and explained his seeming about-face on natural wine. What was the main point you were trying to make with this video? When I go forward and say these things, Im saying this because the dogma about natural wines has gone so deep. There are so many things that are all about the boxes you check as a natural winemaker or as a curator of natural wine at a wine shop or bottle shop or a restaurant. You have to make sure you can say all these things that the winemaker is doing. Theyre all carbonic or theyre zero-zero, [a type of natural winemaking in which nothing is added to or removed from the wine], theyre this, theyre that. Why do you feel the need to be transparent? As Ive grown and I want to be an economically stable company, I had to have larger conversations with less people that were dogmatic and were more concerned about what the flavor was in the glass and having to sell it, for the stability of having a wine [that is] open and served by the glass in the restaurant. And thats when I started to realize it was more important to me to make a wine that people could depend on than a wine that checks boxes of people who had never actually made wine or really even understand what theyre claiming natural wine is. Ive always felt this way, but Ive never been open about it. You know, I have been cross-flowing for a few years now. I think 2021 was the first year that I cross-flowed a white wine. And you know, I did it, and I still remember feeling so dirty after I did it, which is so fucked up. And I felt like I was doing something wrong. A bottle of Monte Rio. What part of the wine community did you think was going to take the most issue with your transparency? My goal was to cause disruption with people who were creating a narrative about natural wine and about what people should be doing. And I think about that the influence they have on other buyers. As a buyer, knowing how intimidating that can be and how bullying that culture can be of not just what is natural wine is but what is cool wine, what is good wine. You know, sommeliers are not always nice to each other, and wine merchants are not always nice to each other. And I think that the bullying and the gatekeeping are passed down. Its like for me growing up in a born-again Christian family, its like dogmatic religious approaches. These things that we hear people tell us, its just word of mouth. Its something passed on, something that God wants us to look at as religion. Religion is so fucking corrupt. And its corrupt because people who think that they know better have gotten involved and gotten in between that and what people should be able to experience in that relationship. And I think that its the same thing with wine. So many people are making these calls for how things are. Do you consider yourself a natural winemaker? My terminology was always that I make wine naturally, not that Im a natural winemaker. Because, first of all, I think that that word has not been defined, and to say something is natural wine is dangerous because there is no set definition of the terminology and its been a long-discussed thing. But also, it was a club that I did not necessarily want to be a part of. Being a natty wine producer, to really bro it down, it just didnt feel right to me. Do I consider myself a natural winemaker? In the end, I dont know. I dont know if I do anymore, but I thought I was. I guess other people will have to make that decision for me. 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. Clouds could block views of the solar eclipse on 8 April in all metro areas across the United States, forecasters have warned. The severe weather advisory could impact the opportunity to witness the total solar eclipse in almost every metro area along the path of totality, meteorologists at AccuWeather Global Weather Center said. The path of totality is the area where the moon will fully block out the sun for approximately five minutes. The risk of clouds is because of a severe thunderstorm set to roll across the western Plains to the Midwest from Monday morning. Paul Pastelok, a long-range forecaster with the center, explained that because the clouds will be both high and low in the atmosphere, some metro areas will be worse affected than others. Large hail and strong, damaging wind gusts will be the biggest threats from the thunderstorm. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, Pastelok said. Large hail can damage vehicles, bring down tents, and cause injuries. These storms could impact areas around Kansas City and Omaha. He added that clouds can break for some sunshine, just in time for the afternoon viewing from Chicago to Cleveland on Monday. Kansas City, St. Louis, and Indianapolis are predicted to have a good views of the solar eclipse. The clearest skies will be across the southwest. Parts of the mid-Atlantic and Southeast are predicted to be ideal viewing spots too, according to the report. Los Angeles, El Paso, New York City, Boston, and Raleigh should all have nice views of the partial eclipse from start to finish, Pastelok said. However, travel may be impacted due to strong cross winds along the major highways, specifically Interstate 80 and Interstate 40. Solar eclipse spectators sitting in the park wearing the proper eclipse glasses (Getty Images) Make sure any loose material, including tents and items on top of cars and campers are securely fastened. Snow can fall heavy at times with blizzard conditions in the central and eastern mountains of Wyoming and Montana this weekend. Travel over this section will be dangerous due to snow and low visibility, the forecaster said. In addition to the clouds, east Texas and lower Mississippi valley should watch out for drenching thunderstorms and showers. These conditions could move up to southern Oklahoma through Monday night. West-central Texas could also experience an aftermath of flash flooding, hail, and brief, yet strong wind gusts from the storms. The April 8, 2024, solar eclipse will be visible in the entire contiguous United States, weather permitting (Nasa) After the eclipse, Pastelok said there is a tornado risk in parts of Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. Pastelok. This year the eclipse will last for four minutes and 28 seconds, twice as long as the solar eclipse in 2017. In that time, the moon will line up perfectly between the Earth and the sun, darkening the sky. The eclipse is passing over a more populated area than it did seven years ago. It will start on the Pacific coast of Mexico, travel up and east to Texas and Oklahoma, and then north to New England before it disappears in Canada. Some 44 million people are estimated to be on the 115-mile-wide path of totality from Mexico to Canada, approximately 32 million in the US. Heres everything you need to know about this years eclipse and how to safely watch it. For more than 40 years, Harry Chapin Food Bank has led the fight against hunger in Southwest Florida, feeding thousands of community members in need each year. Yet our work would not be possible without the generous and tireless efforts of our volunteers willing to unselfishly give of their time and talent to ensure our food bank has the resources needed to fulfill its mission. Volunteers are critical to Harry Chapin Food Bank's mission. In recognition of National Volunteer Month, Harry Chapin Food Bank is celebrating the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. From manning the mobile food pantry to packing and sorting products, volunteers serve as the backbone of our entire organization and provide a critical service that allows us to work toward our vision of a hunger-free Southwest Florida. Stuart Haniff National Volunteer Month is celebrated each April and recognizes the immeasurable impact volunteers have on community organizations, like Harry Chapin Food Bank. According to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps, more than 2.8 million Floridians volunteered 178 million hours of service in 2021, which equates to approximately $4.9 billion toward in-kind services. At Harry Chapin Food Bank, we are honored and grateful to have more than 5,100 active volunteers. In 2023, these dedicated individuals provided nearly 65,000 collective hours of service, which equates to more than $2 million toward in-kind services. Over the past four decades, our devoted volunteers have joined us on the front lines to combat hunger. Their invaluable support has allowed us to grow our organization, expand services and assist even more of our neighbors in need. But as our community grows, so too does that need. We saw historically high numbers in 2023, distributing approximately 35.6 million pounds of food, an equivalent of more than 71 million meals, to Southwest Floridians in need and we expect those number to continue to rise. In 2024, were already experiencing an uptick in demand, now serving an average of 300,000 individuals each month, including approximately 105,000 children. Through it all, our volunteers have stepped up to meet these growing needs. Their commitment allows Harry Chapin Food Bank to purchase more food to be distributed to families across Southwest Florida, directly supporting our mission of ending hunger in our community. In return, our volunteers are seeing the heartwarming and valuable benefits of their efforts. They are not only fostering incredible relationships with each other but have also formed strong bonds with their community and found a renewed sense of purpose. We regularly hear they feel privileged to give back even a few hours of time each week to provide hope for a family, senior or individual in need. As we celebrate volunteerism this month, we encourage individuals, businesses and community groups to consider volunteering their time at Harry Chapin Food Bank. One three-hour shift in a distribution center equates to approximately $93 toward in-kind services, or enough to feed 15 Southwest Florida families. Together, we can bring about transformation and truly make a difference. To join Harry Chapin Food Bank in our mission to end hunger, visit harrychapinfoodbank.org. Stuart Haniff is the chief development officer at Harry Chapin Food Bank, the largest hunger-relief organization in Southwest Florida. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Volunteers step up to end hunger in Southwest Florida DENVER (KDVR) A 12-year-old boy died Saturday in a motor vehicle crash in Clear Creek County, according to law enforcement. The Clear Creek County Sheriffs Office said deputies responded to the incident, which happened on an Interstate 70 off-ramp at Empire Junction around 9 p.m. A truck was found submerged in Clear Creek. Several occupants were outside of the vehicle, according to the sheriffs office. Boeing plane part falls off, strikes wing flap during takeoff in Denver Deputies witnessed two females and one male running up the embankment screaming for help. It was discovered that a 12-year-old boy was trapped inside the submerged vehicle. Several people, including several law enforcement officers from different agencies and a courageous citizen, jumped into the water to get the boy out of the vehicle. Clear Creek said the boy was trapped between a boulder and the vehicle. Clear Creek deputies were able to lift the vehicle enough for another law enforcement officer to remove the victim. Several attempts at resuscitation were made, but the 12-year-old boy was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. 16 year old stabbed and injured during a fight in Clermont A teenage girl was injured in a stabbing Friday night, police say the girl was stabbed in the neck during an argument between two groups. According to Clermont police, there was some dispute that started at a local high school earlier in the week. A school resource officer got wind of a plan to settle the dispute Friday night somewhere in town. When officers arrived they discovered a juvenile female suffering from what appeared to be a wound to her neck caused by a sharp object. The majority of juveniles involved had dispersed prior to police arrival, only the victims friends remained. Read: Solar eclipse 2024: Enter your zip code, see how eclipse will look from your home Officers rendered immediate medical attention, however the victim was transported via helicopter to Orlando Regional Medical Center for an apparent stab wound to her neck. The victim is in stable condition receiving medical attention at ORMC and expected to make a full recovery. Police arrested a 16 year old girl and charged her with with Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery with Great Bodily Harm and Affray. We are encouraged that the victims health continues to improve as she remains in stable condition. We would like to commend our Clermont Police Officers for their quick response as well as our Detectives for their dedication and commitment resulting in the successful identification and arrest of the suspect. We would also like to thank the Groveland Police Department for its assistance. Finally, we would be remiss not to thank the Clermont community and general public for the tremendous amount of support and investigative information provided to our detectives, which resulted in this quick identification and arrest. Stated Chief Broadway Read: SpaceX to launch Falcon 9 rocket tonight Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. CMS student dies, 2 other local teens in ICU after I-40 crash A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools student died and two other local students are in the hospital after a crash in Asheville on Saturday. 16-year-old Sophie Gordon, of Charlotte, and Robert Fox, of Wilmette, Illinois, were killed, according to North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Gordon was a junior at Myers Park High School, the school said on Sunday. We are deeply saddened to inform you that Sophie Gordon, a Junior at MPHS, was one of the passengers who died, the statement read. We are praying for Sophies family & friends during this very difficult time. One of our Myers Park Mustangs was in a car accident on Saturday night in Asheville, NC. We are deeply saddened to inform you that Sophie Gordon, a Junior at MPHS, was one of the passengers who died. We are praying for Sophies family & friends during this very difficult time. pic.twitter.com/uLKSqAMjbu Myers Park High (@MyersParkHS) April 7, 2024 Charlotte Catholic School posted on social media that two juniors, Abby Lyn Robinson and Isabella Tarantelli, are both in the ICU. They are good students, principal Kurt Telford told Channel 9. They are very involved and support everybody. Students need the communitys support, he said. Its difficult times like this, we have to bond together and support each other, Telford said. NCSHP says the crash happened around 11:30 p.m. Saturday. Troopers say six teens were in a 2015 Volvo passenger car driving east on Interstate 40 when the driver attempted to take an exit. The car lost control on the ramp, ran off the left side of the road, and hit a tree. In addition to the two students who were killed, two other teenagers were taken to a local hospital in critical condition. The driver and the sixth passenger were also taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. Troopers say charges havent been filed at this time. Its terrible A Myers Park grandparent told Channel 9s Eli Brand she doesnt know how the community will move forward. Its terrible. I dont know how parents or grandparents or friends get over something like this. iIts just a terrible thing. Its tragic, said Sandra Kates. SEE MORE: Teen charged with having no license after crash that killed CMS student Both schools returned from spring break on Monday. Charlotte Catholic students organized a prayer service Sunday night to pray for the two CCHS juniors involved in the crash. Prayers needed right now please. Charlotte Catholic Juniors: Abby Lyn Robinson and Isabella Tarantelli are currently in ICU at Mission Hospital in Asheville after a serious car accident. Please pray and share and pray again! Charlotte Catholic (@CCHSCougarNews) April 7, 2024 Myers Park had a crisis response team available on Monday for students who needed emotional support. Counselors were highly visible throughout the building as well. Kurt Telford, the principal at Charlotte Catholic, said his students and staff are holding on to hope. Hes asking for prayers for the victims and their loved ones. They still are dealing with the shock of whats happened and are going day-to-day right now, he said. A recent Myers Park graduate told Channel 9s Erika Jackson that losing someone from her school hits close to home. She was just starting her life, Melina Hilton said. She probably had plans for college. I cant imagine how her friends and family and their future is affected by this. This is a developing story; check wsoctv.com for updates. (WATCH: Road rage shooting causes 4-car crash on I-85 in Rowan Co., deputies say) MEMPHIS, Tenn. A woman was severely injured in a crash on I-240 Saturday evening, according to Memphis Police. Officers responded to the two-vehicle crash in the area of I-240 and Lamar Avenue just before 5 p.m. A woman was transported to Regional One Hospital in critical condition. Download the WREG App today and stay up to date with breaking news and weather. Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox. See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South. According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the left three lanes going eastbound, as well as the left shoulder, are currently blocked. This is an ongoing investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Four Washington County men were arrested in an undercover sting and now face child sex charges, the Washington County Sheriffs Office said. The sting took place on April 4 as investigators used multiple dating apps and social media sites to pose as underage children. During the sting, several people immediately ended their conversations when they realized they were talking with a minor. However, officials said, these 4 people continued and were later arrested for luring a minor and first-degree online sexual corruption of a child: Matthew P. Goldman, 30, of Tigard Jesus Rodriguez-Garcia, 27, of Forest Grove. Gerardo Serrano-Garcia, 25, of Hillsboro Ruben Olvera-Gaona, 54, of Forest Grove Authorities said Olvera-Gaona also had an outstanding warrant for giving false information to a peace officer. The investigation is active and ongoing and officials believe there are more victims. Rodriguez-Garcia made statements while chatting with the decoy that he had engaged in sexual contact with other minors, the sheriffs office said in a statement. The Cornelius Police Department helped the sheriffs office with the sting, officials said. Child Abuse Prevention Month April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, one of the reasons for this latest operaton, though detectives with Washington County said they do these missions year-round. The whole point of this is we want to try to get to these children before they actually get victimized by an actual hands-on person. So this is one of the ways we get to it, we try to get these people and get them off the street, Detective Anel Ceric told KOIN 6 News. Theres people that go on there to find children and theyll prey on whatever social media app there is out there to find children to engage sexual conduct. Online predators pose a constant threat. Parents need to remember how important it is to be aware. Parents need to be involved in their childrens phone usage. I mean, thats the biggest thing. We get cases all the time of parents are unaware of what their children are doing, what kind of pictures theyre sending out there, who theyre talking to, Ceric said. So really to be involved in their childrens life. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Growing up in Philadelphias poorest neighborhood, Corem Coreano had gotten used to apartments ravaged by mold and run by slumlords, including one who sold their home without notice. But being awakened in the middle of the night by sharp pains was new for Coreano and their family. Rats had begun to bite them in their sleep. Later that morning, they went to their Kensington school and pretended nothing happened. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Chronicling the life of Corem and two other Puerto Rican students from Philadelphia, author Nikhil Goyal presents harrowing accounts of childhood in his latest book Live to See the Day: Coming of Age in American Poverty. Readers see Corem, Ryan Rivera and Giancarlos Rodriguez grow up overpoliced and underfed. By the time they reached high school, the system threatened to close some 37 schools, and only after continued protests from Giancarlos and many other school community members, shuttered 24. In some cases walking an hour one-way to school without transportation after an eviction left them displaced, Corem, Ryan and Giancarlos give low-income children a human face and serve as a cautionary tale. The Census Bureau has revealed the rate of childhood poverty has doubled, and the country will soon see pandemic-era relief for families, schools and childcare providers come to an end. If we believe that schools should be equitable and humane and child centered, then weve got to be willing to fight for an agenda that will end poverty, said Goyal, who for the last two years served as the senior policy advisor for Senator Bernie Sanders on the Senates Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and Budget Committees. Their stories illuminate exactly how economic instability and harsh discipline policies impact childrens ability to learn safely, making the case for change, particularly as educators nationwide grapple with how best to support students academically after pandemic disruptions. Making economic stimuluses like the Child Tax Credit permanent, Goyal added, would mean the lives of educators and school staff and counselors would be a lot easier. Related Final Push to Save Expanded Child Tax Credit as Senate Hopes Dim Named one of 2023s best books by the New Yorker, Live to See the Day also illuminates how school policies governing students can disproportionately shape entire futures, particularly for students of color who are more often suspended and expelled than their peers. Zero tolerance discipline policies, for instance, put children like Ryan Rivera in juvenile incarceration and harsh schooling isolated from friends for years, after being pushed to light a trashcan on fire at 12 years old. In conversation with The 74, Goyal reflects on school closures, community schooling, chronic absenteeism, and what policies stand to make a difference for the nearly 9 million kids living in poverty nationwide. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. You frame childhood poverty as a crisis to be urgently addressed why release this book now? Whats happening? The Census Bureau released its annual poverty report for 2022 child poverty more than doubled. More than 5 million children are plunged into poverty. It was the single largest increase in poverty in recorded history, just an astonishing development in public policy that I think deserves enormous attention as well as a full-throated response from people in Washington and people in power. The increase in child poverty coincides with the expiration of the expanded Child Tax Credit, economic stimulus payments, expanded unemployment insurance, and a number of other programs that have enormously benefited children and families, whether in terms of food assistance, or housing assistance, or Medicaid access. Related Americas Child Poverty Rate Doubled in 2022. Now States Are Rushing to Step In Were also at this moment where a lot of districts throughout the country are facing dropping enrollments, facing fiscal cliffs with the end of ESSER funds. People are anticipating a lot more consolidations, and possibly something like what happened in Philadelphia where a school system weighed closing dozens of schools. What are some lessons that school leaders might glean from what happened in Philadelphia? In 2013, the school district proposed closing some three dozen. The argument was that the district was bleeding in a major fiscal deficit. In the book I cite a major report by Boston Consulting Group, commissioned by the district to evaluate the fiscal state of schools. One of the recommendations was a mass closure of schools. They also recommended a mass firing of teachers and other school staff and a very market-oriented approach to public education. The key recommendation was taken up by the school district, against the wishes of students and parents and educators and unions, who were an incredibly robust coalition. Pew Research and others have found that school closures havent actually yielded the balance of savings that the architects originally envisioned. They cause a lot of displacement, educational instability. And, and in many instances, students are not actually necessarily attending so-called higher performing schools after their schools shut down. I read about Fairhill School, this extraordinary school in the poorest neighborhood of Philadelphia, which had been serving generations upon generations of children of the working class. This was a school that had been deeply underfunded. And in spite of that, they were still able to provide children with a nurse, a safe environment. Their test scores werent as good as suburban districts, sure. But does that mean that we should necessarily be closing a school like that which has been an anchor of the community? I dont think so. I think if we provide public schools with equitable resources, and the type of respect that they deserve, so many of the issues that folks might point you to in public education, I dont think would exist. The charter movement has capitalized on this. But if you go back to the history of charter schools, and you go back to Minnesota and some of the earliest charter schools, these were laboratories of progressivism. Were gonna bring innovation, bring the best, experiment with interesting ideas in pedagogy and curriculum and instruction and the teaching force. See what works and then bring the best ideas into the public system. That is the model that I would prefer, where charter schools work in tandem with public schools, not as competition. Something I appreciated while reading is that you give these trends and the political events around them a human face, from the war on drugs and no tolerance policies for violence that led to thousands of incarcerated youth. Whats currently underway that you think might be on track to cause more devastation? Particularly for Black and brown children? I think theres a dramatic rise in the privatization movement. Were seeing a dramatic increase in the voucher schemes as well as charter expansion. In Philadelphia alone, nearly 40% of children attend either charter schools or cyber charter schools. Theres cities all over this country where traditional public schools have become dismantled, and were seeing a rise of the private sector intervening in public education. Theres obviously some really amazing organizing and efforts by teachers unions and advocacy groups like Journey for Justice fighting back against those policies all over the country. Whats at stake, if these models are to continue at the scale that they have? What would be the impact for students, based on your research and experience with Philadelphia? If we continue down this path, where more and more charters replace traditional public schools, where voucher programs siphon even more dollars away from the public system into the private system, particularly the religious sector, then I think thats one of the most grave and profound threats to American democracy. I think the foundations of American democracy are found in public education. I think its one of the areas of our society that has not been fully transformed and taken over by the market. Look at health care, look at energy, look at housing. By and large, public education has withstood a number of those assaults over generations, but I think public schools are facing their most serious threats. The pandemic didnt help. We can debate about school closures, the efficacy of that or not, but I think the reality is that they breed a distrust among parents who were rightfully frustrated about making sure that there was a place for their children to be during the day and be educated. One exception to this threat youve identified to the traditional public system is the expansion of 3K and pre-K programs in many cities. The early childhood education space is very fascinating to me. Public dollars might go to both public providers as well as private providers, and youre seeing that theres not a sustained level of federal dollars. A lot of those private providers cannot remain open because their margins are so low. There is a growing interest from states all over this country as well as cities like Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they have poured an enormous amount of money into public pre-K. Were talking about an area of great optimism. I am deeply encouraged by efforts by states and cities to expand early childhood education, because it is not only the right thing to do, it is good for our economy and society. At one point in the book, you say their story is one of survival, where 18th birthdays are not rites of passage, but miracles. That its a story of social contract in tatters. In this reality, where so many children grow up in poverty, what are some best practices for school systems? I think every school should be turned into a community school, where they have wraparound services, social and health supports. Universal free school meals, extended hours, restorative justice, well paid teachers and staff and modernized infrastructure. There are incredible examples of community schools all over this country. I will point to Cincinnati as the gold standard for community schooling, because theyve converted virtually all of their public schools into Community Learning Centers. I am always struck by the fact that they have dentists and mental health professionals and other medical staff and doctors who are literally based in the school itself to provide care to students. We have to recognize that the issues and challenges that young people experience in their homes and in their communities dont get left behind when they go to school every day. It affects their ability to learn. It affects their relationships with their teachers and counselors, and their relationships with their peers. Weve got to really recognize that poverty and economic insecurity is the root cause of many of these educational inequalities. That schools can be places where children can get access to healthcare and all their social support. Im very encouraged by that trend across the country. And the research shows that community schools have a positive impact on absenteeism, on truancy, on graduation rates, and student engagement. Its the idea of, meet people where theyre at, provide them with the basic, basic building blocks for dignified life and you will see many of the social problems that once existed, either be reduced or eliminated. Related To End Child Poverty, We Need to Seed Generational Wealth A third of students were chronically absent by the end of the last school year, and were hearing more and more about school avoidance. What does Corems story reveal about this trend and its links with mental health, which is what some believe to be a root cause right now? Its a great crisis. I would say that Corem has a harrowing, fascinating story with a lot of lessons. Today Corem uses they/them pronouns. When they were growing up, they lived with their mother who was disabled. They endured consistent housing and food insecurity. They would run out of food. They had to endure evictions. They moved in some years, twice or three times, which meant that they had to constantly switch schools and never really settle into one school. That meant Corems academic performance faltered. I know theyve suffered from absenteeism at times, not due to their own failings, but simply because they were deprived of the basic necessities of a decent life. They didnt have the tools and resources that would allow him to get to school on time every day. Theres one moment in the book where the landlord tells their mother that sorry, we just sold the house and you have to leave immediately. That means, in the middle of the school year, they have to walk more than an hour from the new home to the old school. Their mother was able to get them a public transit pass, but it just goes to show homelessness and housing insecurity are huge obstacles to consistent and regular school attendance. Theres a lot of research to show that homeless students in particular make up a significant part of the population that is going to be absent. As emergency rental assistance winds down and now were more than two years since the end of the national eviction moratorium, our families are really suffering through the housing affordability crisis. And I think we see that play out with children. 7-year-old raises nearly $10,000 for mother's headstone with lemonade stand An Alabama girl set up a lemonade stand to raise money for her mother's headstone. After the story went viral, community members and monument companies offered support and donations. The funds raised, totaling nearly $10,000, will cover the headstone and other funeral expenses. The local community of Scottsboro in Jackson County, Alabama, has rallied around seven-year-old Emouree Johnson's lemonade stand for a special reason. Emouree's efforts aren't just about making pocket money: she's attempting to raise funds to pay for her late mother's headstone. Emouree's mother, Karli Bordner, died unexpectedly in March this year at just 29 years of age, the family told WAFF48 news. Emouree began the venture all by herself, her grandmother, Jennifer Bordner, said. She started by charging $1 a cup. But after a social media post about Emouree's cause went viral, people started giving her extra tips over $100 in exchange for the lemonade. "I've just been amazed," Jennifer Bordner told WAFF48. "Cried happy tears." This 7-year-old's strength will move you to tears. After Emouree Johnsons mom, Karli, passed away in March, she decided to start a lemonade stand to pay for her mom's tombstone. Scottsboro has rallied around her in the most touching way. pic.twitter.com/gKINEzQo5s AL.com (@aldotcom) April 6, 2024 According to Emouree's family, they've since raised just shy of $10,000 for the burial. When news about Emouree's venture spread, several monument companies reached out to the family, offering to donate headstones for Karli Bordner. The money Emouree has raised can now be put to use for other expenses. "She knows that mommy is OK now. She knows that she's going to be OK, and everybody cares and loves her," Jennifer Bordner said. "All these people showing all this and trying to help, it's actually helping heal the whole family." Emouree said she thinks her mother would be proud of her business initiative. "She would say I'm doing good," Emouree said. The family's GoFundMe page has already raised a further $3,500 that the family says will go towards funeral expenses. Read the original article on Business Insider These 10 states are voting on abortion in November is yours one? Bans off our bodies protect abortion sign LGBTQ pride parade celebration States with chance to protect abortion during election year These 10 states have the chance to protect abortion this election Bans off our bodies protect abortion sign LGBTQ pride parade celebration States with chance to protect abortion during election year Brooke DiMascio/Shutterstock As the presidential election approaches, abortion remains at the forefront of voters' minds. But there's more than one race that could impact access to the vital care this year. Ten states have the opportunity to protect abortion on their own this November, when voters will decide on constitutional amendments that could permanently enshrine access to the care. Here are the places where abortion is up for vote in 2024, and remember: abortion ballot referendums have been successful in every state where they have appeared so far. Arizona Arizona states with chance to protect abortion during election year Chris Coduto/Getty Images for UltraViolet Arizona for Abortion Access secured enough signatures in April to put a constitutional amendment enshrining the right to abortion on the ballot in the November elections. Florida Florida states with chance to protect abortion during election year Chris_Harris/Shutterstock The Florida Supreme Court, in the same ruling they upheld a 15-week abortion ban, permitted a ballot measure that would let voters decide to enshrine abortion protections in the state constitution. The measure gives voters the chance to directly block Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' 6-week ban, which has been signed but is yet to be enacted. Maryland Maryland states with chance to protect abortion during election year Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock While abortion is not currently at risk under Maryland's Democratic leadership, voters have the chance to permanently protect the care through an amendment that would establish a fundamental right to reproductive freedom. New York New York states with chance to protect abortion during election year Ben Von Klemperer/Shutterstock New Yorkers will vote on the Equal Rights Amendment in November, which protects reproductive care, while also prohibiting discrimination based on a persons ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes. Colorado Colorado states with chance to protect abortion during election year Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images Colorado activists announced in May that they had collected enough signatures for an amendment that would formally recognize the right to abortion." Not only would the government be prohibited from restricting the care, but it would also be prevented from banning health insurance coverage for abortions. Missouri Missouri states with chance to protect abortion during election year Jason Vargas/Shutterstock Missouri, which was the first state to implement a "trigger law" outlawing abortion after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, now has one of the strictest bans in the country. A proposed amendment would instead establish the individual's right to make and carry out decisions about all matters relating to reproductive health care. The state Supreme Court recently ruled that the amendment can appear on the ballot in November. Montana Montana states with chance to protect abortion during election year Lyonstock/Shutterstock The Montana state Supreme Court earlier this year overturned a decision by the Republican state attorney general that would have blocked a ballot initiative to protect abortion, instead allowing it to move forward. The measure reached enough signatures to be put on the ballot in June. Nebraska Nebraska states with chance to protect abortion during election year instagram @ProtectOurRights2024 One year after Republican Gov. Jim Pillen signed a 12-week ban, the Right to Abortion amendment would protect the care until viability. To get on the ballot, activists had to collect signatures from at least 10 percent of registered voters in the state, as well as signatures from 5 percent of the registered voters in 38 of Nebraskas 93 counties. The Nebraska state Supreme Court is currently deciding whether or not to allow the amendment to proceed. A similar fight occurred in Missouri, in which the amendment was ultimately allowed. Nevada Nevada states with chance to protect abortion during election year Trevor Bexon/Shutterstock The Reproductive Rights Amendment in Nevada would establish "a fundamental, individual right to abortion" up until viability, or if the care is necessary for the well-being of a pregnant patient. South Dakota Abortion coat hanger protest Shuttershock The amendment sponsored by Dakotans for Health was validated over the summer, and will certified that the people of South Dakota, not the politicians in Pierre, will be the ones to decide whether to restore Roe v. Wade as the law of South Dakota," according to the organization. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) pushed back on President Bidens argument that the governor is using asylum-seekers as political pawns, instead claiming it is Biden himself who is doing this. So the person whos actually using illegal immigrants as political pawns is Joe Biden, Abbott said during an interview with Fox News Sunday. Joe Biden has created this open border policy that has allowed illegal immigrants into our country to appeal to and to appease the far leftists in the Democrat Party, the people like [Rep. Alexandra] Ocasio-Cortez [D-N.Y.], in hopes of trying to win their support while at the same time destroying the country that hes in charge of. Biden has repeatedly criticized Abbott and other Republican governors attempts to take their own actions at the border, arguing they have used migrants for their own political gains. Instead of working with us on solutions, Republicans are playing politics with human beings, using them as props, Biden said in 2022. Abbott reiterated his argument that Biden is pursuing political games and putting the country at risk because of his border policies. He likened the president to New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D), who has also been a staunch critic of the governors policies. Abbott began sending buses of migrants to New York City and other so-called sanctuary cities for nearly two years, and Adams has repeatedly demanded more federal sources to deal with the influx. And Mayor Adams is just aiding and abetting that by having a sanctuary city status, welcoming in anybody from across the world to live there or stay there in New York City, on the bill of New York City, Abbott said. And what Mayor Adams needs to do, he needs to stop talking boldly about illegal immigration and the migrants that Texas is sending there, and he needs to step up and do his own job because look at the dangers in New York City under his watch. The Hill reached out to Abbott and Bidens office for comment. Tensions between Abbott and the Biden administration were enflamed earlier this year when the Texas National Guard and the Texas Department of Public Safety installed fences and razor wire in a riverside park in Eagle Pass, Texas, and blocked park access to Border Patrol officials. The Biden administration challenged this in what became a showdown at the Supreme Court. Abbott and the Biden administration have also been in a months-long legal saga over a bill that would authorize local law enforcement in Texas to arrest those suspected of entering the country illegally. Late last month, a federal appeals court extended the block on the law, which went into effect for a brief time last month following a Supreme Court ruling. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott defended a program he began nearly two years ago to shuttle migrants out of Texas to cities across the country Sunday, accusing President Joe Biden of using asylum-seekers as political pawns, amid criticism that he has done just that. In New York, one of several cities Abbott has targeted, the influx of migrants has become unsustainable for city services. The citys mayor, Eric Adams, has accused Abbott of playing politics with people's lives. But the person who's actually using illegal immigrants as political pawns is Joe Biden, Abbott said Sunday during an interview on Fox News Sunday, claiming that Bidens border policies are to blame for the program Abbott developed in 2022. Biden has pushed for immigration reform since he arrived in the White House, but congressional Republicans have refused to support legislation, particularly in recent months as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has publicly urged members of his party not to deliver the important policy win for Biden months out from the presidential election. Abbott also took a swing at Adams on Sunday, saying the mayor is just aiding and abetting the migrant crisis in the city by having a sanctuary city status. Dame Andrea Jenkyns has become the second Conservative MP to reveal she was targeted in a suspected Westminster honeytrap - Leon Neal/Getty images Downing Street is under growing pressure to take action against William Wragg after he admitted responding to messages on a gay dating app and sending on phone numbers of MP colleagues after fearing exposure. Dame Andrea Jenkyns accused her Tory colleague of unforgivable behaviour as she became the second Conservative MP to reveal she was targeted in the suspected Westminster honeytrap. Police are investigating reports of a parliamentary honeytrap sexting scam which has targeted more than a dozen Westminster figures. It was later confirmed Mr Wragg would keep the whip amid concerns he was also a victim. While he gave an apology that was applauded by senior figures including Jeremy Hunt, who hailed it as courageous and fulsome, Downing Street was on Sunday under growing pressure to take action as former cabinet minister Lord Goldsmith joined calls to punish Mr Wragg. Responding to a GB News report that included a string of messages purportedly sent to one of the Westminster insiders targeted, Dame Andrea wrote on social media: I too received the WhatsApp and reported it. It was worded identically, mentioning conference. Unlike some MPs I am not happy with Wragg, as a mother with a young child who only recently had threats. Its unforgivable of him to compromise the security of fellow MPs. Action is needed. It has been confirmed that William Wragg will keep the whip amid concerns that he is also a victim Speaking to The Telegraph, Dame Andrea said she received the suspected scam message at the start of this year and has informed her party whips. Why are they protecting Wragg? Its bizarre, she said. I told them that hes compromised MPs, for Gods sake. Im a mother, and he shouldnt be handing out anybodys numbers. How is it brave? The brave thing to do would have been to ignore the blackmail. I really hope to God they can trace whos behind the messages its nauseating. Lord Goldsmith, a Boris Johnson loyalist who quit Rishi Sunaks Government over his net zero policy last year, added that he was perplexed by the wall of protection being offered by the Conservative Party to Mr Wragg. The peer said Mr Wragg had been caught handing sensitive material on fellow MPs to what is potentially a hostile state, to avoid personal embarrassment having sent graphic photos of himself to a stranger. He added: He is no doubt suffering from the embarrassment, but that doesnt make what he did even remotely acceptable. Pleased I blew the whistle On Friday, Dr Luke Evans, the Tory MP for Bosworth, said he had been sent a photo of a naked woman out of the blue over WhatsApp. He received a second message 10 days later and passed the communications on to police. I have put my name up to say, well, I hope others come forward, Dr Evans said in a Facebook video. Im just pleased I blew the whistle, reported it to the authorities and now its being looked into. It is understood the name linked to the WhatsApp account behind the messages he received was Abi the same name identified by others who suspect they were also targeted. Pressure has grown for Mr Wragg to face an investigation by the MPs standards tsar and step aside from his positions as a vice-chairman of the 1922 committee of Tory backbenchers and chairman of the public administration and constitutional affairs committee. Mr Wragg admitted sending the phone numbers of colleagues after reports emerged last week that a minister, special advisers and a journalist were targeted in the honeytrap. Nigel Farage, the honorary president of Reform UK, said it was reprehensible to give out private phone numbers of public figures to people who you know are bad actors. In an article for The Spectator, Eliot Wilson, a former clerk in the House of Commons, accused Mr Wragg of reckless, irresponsible, foolish and ultimately selfish mistakes that had serious consequences for other MPs. Last week, Mr Wragg told The Times he was scared when he ha divulged the numbers of colleagues and that the man who approached him had compromising things on him. Ive hurt people by being weak, he said. I was scared. Im mortified. Im so sorry that my weakness has caused other people hurt. Mr Wragg was 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. Aftermath of Russian attack on Kharkiv: 5 people injured, 13 residential buildings and educational facilities damaged photo The aftermath of the attack on Kharkiv on 7 April. Photo: Prosecutor Generals Office Five civilians have been injured as a result of a Russian attack on the city of Kharkiv on Sunday. Source: the Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine 7 The aftermath of the attack on Kharkiv on 7 April Photo: the Prosecutor Generals Office Quote: "On 7 April at about 11:45, the Armed Forces of Russia struck a residential area of the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kharkiv. Five civilians have been injured. The strikes damaged at least 13 high-rise apartment blocks and private houses, educational institutions, a cafe, student accommodation, a hotel and vehicles." Details: Early reports say the Russians dropped two UMPBs (unified multi-purpose glide bombs) from an aircraft. Background: On the afternoon of 7 April the Russians struck the city of Kharkiv. People have been injured as a result of strikes on the city centre. Support UP or become our patron! The polls are suggesting a huge shift in the electorate. Are they right? Something weird is happening beneath the overall stability of the early 2024 polling and its either a sign of a massive electoral realignment, or that the polls are wrong again. Polls show former President Donald Trump is ascendant with the youngest bloc of the electorate, even leading President Joe Biden in some surveys, as less-engaged young voters spurn Biden. Meanwhile, Biden is stronger with seniors than he was four years ago, even as his personal image is significantly diminished since he was elected last time. That would be a generational shift: For decades, Democratic presidential candidates have overwhelmingly won young voters, and Republicans have done the same with the other end of the electorate. Poll after poll is showing thats flipped this year. If these changes are real, it would have profound effects on the coalitions both campaigns are building for November. No Republican has won young voters since George H.W. Bushs landslide victory in 1988, and no Democrat has carried the senior vote since Al Gore hammered Bushs son, George W. Bush, on Social Security in 2000. Or somethings wrong in the polls and the mirage of an "age inversion" is really a warning sign of a structural problem in the 2024 election polling. That would be a signal that the polls are once again struggling to measure the presidential race accurately after underestimating Trump in the previous two presidential elections. Maybe the young-voter numbers are wrong, and the polls are understating Biden; or maybe the older-voter numbers are wrong, and Trump is even stronger than he appears; or both. Seems like we know how to poll white, middle-aged people really well, said John Della Volpe, the director of polling for the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics and an expert on polling young voters. But if theyre younger, older, Black, Hispanic there seems to be no consensus about whats the best practice these days. Is there a fundamental realignment underway of the American electorate? A systemic error in polling? A little bit of both? The implications are enormous, but so much could change before then. Heres what we know right now. What the polls show Just last week, a new NPR/PBS Newshour/Marist College national poll showed Trump 2 points ahead of Biden among Millennial and Gen-Z voters, while Biden led overall among voters 45 years and older, including those in the Silent and Greatest generations. A Fox News poll last month showed Trump leading Biden among voters under 30 by a whopping 18 points in a head-to-head matchup and by 21 points with independent and third-party candidates included. Not every poll shows a perfect age inversion. Biden is at just 50 percent among voters under 30 in the Wall Street Journals national and swing-state polling. While thats still about 10 points ahead of Trump, its a significant decline compared to the 2020 election and roughly equal to his vote share among seniors, 48 percent. A Quinnipiac University poll released last week had Biden 20 points ahead of Trump among voters under age 35, close to the presidents margin in 2020 according to exit polls and other estimates of voting subgroups. But that survey also had Biden ahead by 8 points among voters 65 and older, which would be a significant reversal from recent elections, when Republicans won older voters. On paper, it might seem like a good trade-off for Biden: Young people turn out to vote at significantly lower rates than seniors. According to census data, 48 percent of voters under age 25 participated in the 2020 election, compared to 73 percent of those between the ages of 65 and 74, and 70 percent of those 75 and older. But winning over older voters doesnt appear to be boosting Biden in the polls, which show him essentially neck-and-neck with Trump, with the Republican narrowly ahead in most swing states. Trumps youth-voter surge? Some polls show Trump actually pulling even with or slightly ahead of Biden among young voters. But is that a shift or an outlier? The evidence is mixed, and polls of the overall electorate contain only a small sample of young voters. And because its become increasingly difficult for pollsters to interview young people, that increases the chances of errors. Traditional phone polling which some media outlets and academic institutions still employ could be difficult for capturing young voters. Even if theyre on a cell phone, theyre much less likely to answer it, said Abby Kiesa, the deputy director of CIRCLE, a nonpartisan research institute on youth engagement based at Tufts University in Massachusetts. That makes it hard when people are trying to use phone surveys to reach a representative sample of young people. But a drop in youth support for Biden keeps showing up in polls using different ways of reaching respondents, a sign that it may not just be methodological error. The electoral analysis website Split Ticket recently conducted a survey of young voters using text-message interviews a mode more familiar to people in that age group. It found Biden (35 percent) ahead of Trump (25 percent) and independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (23 percent), but well short of the 20-plus-point margin the current president enjoyed over Trump in the 2020 election. The gap between Biden and Trump narrows particularly when pollsters also ask about independent and third-party candidates, like Kennedy, Cornel West or Green Party candidate Jill Stein, suggesting young voters leaving Biden arent necessarily flocking to Trump instead. In those polls, young voters are far more likely than other age groups to say they would vote for candidates other than Biden and Trump. Young Americans have voted overwhelmingly Democratic since 2000, peaking with Barack Obamas first election in 2008. Theres no one perfect source of estimates of how subgroups have voted, but exit polls and other surveys generally show Biden beat Trump by more than 20 percentage points in 2020. But they have also voted for third-party candidates at higher rates, including in 2016, when Trump won the presidency despite losing the popular vote. According to estimates from Catalist, the Democratic data firm, 10 percent of voters under 30 chose a third-party candidate eight years ago, compared to 8 percent of voters 30-44, 5 percent of those 45-64 and 3 percent of voters 65 and older. This years polls are clearly picking up broad dissatisfaction with Biden among young voters, even if they dont uniformly show Trump gaining ground. The Split Ticket poll shows both Biden (68 percent) and Trump (70 percent) are viewed unfavorably by more than two-thirds of young voters but, notably, Trumps very unfavorable figure of 61 percent is significantly higher than Bidens 44 percent. The young voters Biden needs to win include the 24 percent who have a somewhat unfavorable view of him. Bidens senior moment While Biden is bleeding support among young voters, the nations oldest-ever president might just be shoring up his standing with seniors. That would be a shift from the general though imperfect trend of political evolution: Voters become more conservative as they age. The latest New York Times/Siena College national poll, conducted in late February, showed Biden with a 9-point lead over Trump among likely voters 65 and older, 51 percent to 42 percent even as Trump led the overall survey by 4 points. And its not just in the horserace with Trump. While traditionally Democratic younger voters are more likely to say they disapprove of Bidens job performance right now, older voters even though they lean more Republican on the whole arent. Weve certainly seen in our older folks that they are leaning a little bit more to Biden, said Don Levy, the director of the Siena College Research Institute. Even on Biden approval, older folks in our most recent national [survey] are break-even on Biden job approval, despite the fact that the country as a whole is 25 points negative, and young people are 38 points negative on Biden approval. Symptoms of a broader realignment The shifts along the opposite ends of the age spectrum could actually be part of a broader realignment along racial, class and gender lines. Polls show Trump running stronger than he did in 2020 among Black and Latino voters, while Biden is holding his own with white voters, who tilted toward Trump last time. Generally speaking, white voters tend to skew older than other groups, particularly Latinos who, especially as a share of the electorate, are younger. Those numbers could be real or they could be artifacts of a polling error that will only be discovered after the election. And the shifts could come from subgroups that intersect with each other, like age, class and race. Della Volpe, the Kennedy School pollster and young voter expert, said the public poll numbers for Hispanic voters, especially young ones, are all over the place. Levy, the Siena pollster, said the entirety of Bidens slippage with Black voters is coming from young Black voters older Black voters continue to overwhelmingly back the Democrat. Theres also the gender gap: Trump is openly courting young men across races and ethnicities, and theres some evidence hes gaining ground there, while young women remain in Bidens camp. The next seven months will offer more data about the continuously shifting coalitions. But dont hold your breath wondering about whether these changes are real. The debate likely wont even end on Nov. 5, even with voter surveys like the network exit polls or AP VoteCast. It will then take weeks, even months, for the gold-standard post-election analyses of voter files or the Cooperative Election Study that will provide some of the answers well after the next president is named or even inaugurated. CORRECTION: A previous version of this report misstated the year of George H.W. Bush's presidential election victory. It was 1988. Agreement on Yukon River chinook salmon called essential, but some still have questions A lone chinook salmon swims by an underwater viewing window at the Whitehorse Fish Ladder in August 2022. A new agreement over chinook salmon, signed by the Canadian government and the State of Alaska earlier this week, sets a new conservation target of 71,000 Canadian-origin fish reaching their spawning grounds, for the next 7 years. Over that period, the governments have agreed to, among other things, observe a moratorium on chinook fishing, reduce bycatch of the species, and restore in-river habitat. (Jackie Hong/CBC - image credit) A new cross-border agreement on Yukon River chinook salmon explicitly states that hydroelectric dams and development are affecting the species and, according to one expert, that will force more scrutiny of the Yukon government. "Those are factors that really need to be addressed here in Yukon because there are no dams on the Yukon River in Alaska," Tim Gerberding, the chair of the Yukon Salmon Subcommittee, an advisory group. Yukon Energy's hydroelectric dam in Whitehorse is currently going through the relicensing process. The company's proposal to renew the licence of another dam, in Mayo, is set to be made public this spring. The seven-year agreement over chinook salmon, signed by the Canadian government and the State of Alaska earlier this week, sets a new conservation target of 71,000 Canadian-origin fish at the border. Over that period, the governments have agreed to, among other things, observe a moratorium on chinook fishing, reduce bycatch of the species, and restore in-river habitat. Gerberding said when it comes to salmon habitat protection in the territory, there's a lot to be desired, in particular, how placer mining affects overwintering habitat. Complicating things, he argues, is that the territory often tries to put the onus on Ottawa to protect salmon habitat. Gerberding says that's wrong, and that while the federal government is responsible for habitat in riparian zones which can include streams, rivers, and wetlands it's the Yukon government that has jurisdiction over territorial land, including that upslope from where the fish spawn. "We're not going to be restoring chinook habitat here in Yukon unless the Yukon government buys in and accepts some responsibility for maintaining salmon habitat," he said. In an email, a Yukon government cabinet spokesperson said the territory will look into how it can "potentially support" the implementation of the new agreement. "We remain committed to working with Yukon First Nations and all stakeholders to address challenges and advocate for sustainable practices to safeguard salmon," wrote spokesperson Laura Seeley. Agreement must not infringe on harvesting rights, Yukon chief says Nicole Tom, the chief of the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation in the Yukon, said when part of the natural world is suffering, citizens know to leave it alone. That makes the agreement on chinook good, she said. "Traditional knowledge and traditional law has all of the solutions for what's happening. You don't mess with the fish." Still, Tom has questions. "I think what needs to be made clear is that this in no way infringes on [Little Salmon Carmacks citizens'] harvesting rights and the self-government agreements," she said. Steve Gotch, senior director with Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the Yukon, said because the international accord seeks to help the recovery of Yukon River chinook, it aligns with Yukon First Nations' final agreements. "Over the coming months, the Government of Canada will obviously be meeting with each of the Yukon First Nations to talk about what implementation looks like to each First Nation," he said. There could still be limited harvest of chinook for ceremonial purposes, the agreement states, but that depends on the health of the run in a given year. If more than 71,000 fish are projected to reach Canada, the governments "may consider providing limited subsistence fishing opportunity," it reads. Gotch said when it comes to harvesting chinook, this is the only flexibility the agreement affords and even then, it's not guaranteed. Last year, roughly 15,000 fish crossed the border into Canada, far below the conservation target of at least 42,500 chinook. According to a 2022 report from the department, 10,000 chinook are needed to meet First Nations subsistence needs. To also meet escapement goals, the run would need to exceed 141,000 salmon. Gotch said it'll take years before that's the case. "There just aren't enough fish to be able to accommodate those needs, those constitutionally protected rights," he said. "It just emphasizes the dire reality, I guess, and seriousness of the situation." Agreement not a panacea Sebastian Jones, with the Yukon Conservation Society, said the agreement is essential to salmon recovery because it concurrently guarantees chinook won't be killed by, for instance, commercial fisheries and ensures consensus between the two jurisdictions. Still, he said the agreement isn't a cure-all. "What happens in the Yukon River isn't the only thing that affects Yukon River salmon. Salmon spend most of their lives out in the sea, and so what happens in the sea is at least as important as what happens in the Yukon River," Jones said. Jones referred to a 2022 United Nations biodiversity framework that, in part, commits to conserve 30 per cent of land and water by the end of the decade. If the Bering Sea secured that level of protection, chinook would greatly benefit, he said. "That's the sort of thing that needs to happen. That's big thinking and we're a long way from that." Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) say that the delay in US aid to Ukraine is having a negative impact on the ability of the Ukrainian Defence Forces to respond to the increasing pace of Russian mechanised attacks in eastern Ukraine. Source: ISW Details: The report notes that long delays in US security assistance are having a particularly negative impact on the ability of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to respond to the increasing pace of Russian mechanised attacks in eastern Ukraine. Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, warned on 6 April that the situation was particularly difficult east of Chasiv Yar and west of Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast, both fronts that have recently seen an intensification of Russian mechanised attacks from platoon to battalion level. Syrskyi also noted that Russian troops have been conducting platoon, company and sometimes battalion-level infantry attacks in certain areas. To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 6 April: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine does not have enough materiel to contest the battlefield initiative. Zelenskyy stressed that additional Western security assistance is necessary for Ukrainian forces to effectively defend Ukraines airspace against the intensified Russian strike campaign and increased Russian aviation operations along the frontline. Zelenskyy cautioned that the arrival of all promised F-16 fighter jets from Ukraines Western partners in 2024 will provide Ukraine with only 10 per cent of the fighter aircraft Ukraine would need to completely defeat Russian aviation and restore Ukraines ability to operate effectively in the air domain . Continued delays in US security assistance are specifically impacting the capabilities that Ukrainian forces need to respond to the increased tempo of Russian mechanised assaults in eastern Ukraine. The Kremlin explicitly threatened its long-term ally Armenia on 5 April over Armenian outreach to the West following Russias failure to prevent Armenias loss of Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023. The Russian MFA also continues to threaten Finland and claimed that Finland has "lost its independence in making foreign policy decisions" since its accession to NATO a narrative that the Kremlin routinely used to falsely claim that NATO was controlling Ukraine and using Ukraine to threaten Russia. Chechen Republic Head Ramzan Kadyrov announced on 5 April that 3,000 former Wagner Group personnel will join the Akhmat Spetsnaz unit following successful negotiations between Akhmat and Wagner commanders. Russian forces recently made confirmed advances near Avdiivka and Donetsk City. Russian President Vladimir Putin passed two laws on 6 April, offering Russian society some concession for its sacrifices to support Russias war in Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine has shot down 17 Russian "Shahed" explosive drones in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Poltava oblasts overnight, the Air Force reported on the morning of April 7. According to the Air Force, the 17 drones departed from a base in the occupied Crimea and were all taken down. At the same time, Kharkiv authorities reported a drone attack that caused damage in the city. It's not clear whether they referred to the same drones, and whether the damage came from the drones hitting the targets or from the falling debris of a shot-down drone. Russian forces continue to attack civilian areas far from the front line, with the recent series of intense bombardments targeting energy infrastructure in what is likely a mission to take out Ukraine's grid. Civilians living in front-line regions in the country's east and south remain, as well as close to the Russian border in the north, remain most vulnerable. Ukraine's second-biggest city Kharkiv was attacked overnight again, the local authorities said, reporting three injuries. Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov said 10 houses, a kindergarten, three five-story buildings, and three cars suffered in the attack. Syniehubov also reported that the "Shahed" drones targeted the areas of Kharkiv and Lozova, the region's second-largest city, about a two-hour drive south of Kharkiv. He said some of the attack drones were downed by the air defense, without disclosing further details. There were no casualties. Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak reported that Russian "Shahed" drones targeted the areas of Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih, as well as Kamianske a city just outside Dnipro. Lysak said that Ukraine's air defense took down seven drones in Kamianske, two in the Dnipro area, and two near Kryvyi Rih. In Kamianske, falling debris damaged a few buildings and cars. The regional governor of central Poltava Oblast, Filip Pronin, has not reported about the drone attack targeting his region as of 10 a.m. Besides the drones, Russian troops also fired a Kh-31 air-to-surface missile from occupied eastern Luhansk Oblast and an Iskander-M ballistic missile from occupied Crimea, according to the Air Force. Their report on Telegram did not disclose which regions of Ukraine the missiles targeted, and didn't say that they were shot down. Ukraine's military in the south reported that an undisclosed site in Odesa was hit by an Iskander-M missile overnight. Read also: Source: Ukraine hits Russias Engels air base. Can it change how Russia attacks? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Bloomberg) -- Peter Pellegrini was elected Slovakias president in a boost to Russia-friendly Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has been a staunch opponent of military aid to Ukraine. Most Read from Bloomberg Pellegrini, parliament speaker and a member of Ficos ruling coalition, won 53.1% of the vote, beating pro-European Union diplomat Ivan Korcok, according to official results published on Sunday. The presidential victory will strengthen forces within the EU that oppose sending more weapons for Kyiv at the time when it appears increasingly outgunned by Russia following two years of fighting. During the campaign, Pellegrini accused Korcok, who advocated supporting Ukraine, of wanting to drag the country into war. The new head of state will now represent Slovakia at the meetings of leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Ill do everything to ensure that Slovakia remains on the side of peace and not war, and let anyone criticize me for it if they want, Pellegrini told reporters in Bratislava after announcing his victory. Hungarys Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto congratulated Pellegrini with a statement calling his election win a boost to pro-sovereignty and pro-peace forces. Russia has recently stepped up the tempo of its ground operations, along with intensified airstrikes, including bombardments of its neighbors energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urged the US to provide more support as Congress remains deadlocked on funding additional military aid to Kyiv. Since returning to power last year, Fico has aligned himself with Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban as the most pro-Russia leader in the region. He has irked the EUs mainstream and its allies by criticizing NATO and saying he intends to normalize ties with Moscow. The Slovak four-time premier has also triggered public protests and scrutiny from the EU for his decisions to curb the fight against corruption and suppress independent media. The presidential victory would ease his path to approving legislation and appointments of key public officials. As a parliament speaker, Pellegrini has played a crucial role in pushing through Ficos contested judicial overhaul, which has raised alarm in the EU. He signaled on Sunday his support for prime ministers agenda will continue. Yes-Man Pellegrini began his political career in 2002 as an assistant to a lawmaker from Ficos Smer party. He was elected a member of parliament in 2006, and since then, his ascent within the political sphere has been notable. He acted as a deputy finance minister, education minister, parliament speaker, deputy prime minister for investment, and prime minister. His trajectory, marked by almost two decades of unwavering allegiance to Robert Fico and Smer party, earned him among his critics the moniker of a yes-man. The government can count on that as long as it fulfills its program it doesnt have to fear that the presidential palace will become an opposition center harming the cabinet, as it was in the past, Pellegrini said in his victory speech. --With assistance from Andras Gergely. (Updates with Hungarian ministers comment in the sixth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his friendly stance towards Russia and firm opposition to providing military aid to Ukraine, is set to consolidate his hold on power following the victory of his ally in the country's presidential election. Peter Pellegrini, Slovakia's former prime minister, garnered 53.85% of the vote, with over 98% of polling stations' ballots counted by the Statistics Office in the April 6 runoff election. A pro-Western opposition candidate Ivan Korcok, a former foreign minister, trailed behind with 46.14%. Pellegrini said in Bratislava that he would "ensure that Slovakia remains on the side of peace and not on the side of war," according to the Guardian. Pellegrini assumes the role of Slovakia's sixth president since the nation's independence following the split of Czechoslovakia in 1993. He will take over from Zuzana Caputova, the country's inaugural female head of state. Caputova, a strong supporter of Ukraine in its resistance against Russia's invasion, opted not to seek re-election in June last year due to receiving threats to her life. In Slovakia, the president selects the prime minister following parliamentary elections, administers the oath of office to the new government, and nominates judges to the constitutional court. The president holds the authority to veto legislation, although parliament can override such vetoes with a simple majority and contest them in the constitutional court. Additionally, the head of state retains the power to grant pardons to convicted individuals. Critics express concerns that Slovakia, under Fico's leadership, could deviate from its pro-Western trajectory and align more closely with Hungary's direction under its populist Prime Minister, Viktor Orban. Read also: Slovak culture minister reverses ban on working with Russia, Belarus Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Atlanta Police Department said theyre investigating an early morning homicide. According to police, officers responded to a shooting call on Myrtle Drive Southwest around 1:36 a.m. Saturday. When police arrived, they found a man with gunshot wounds. He was not alert, conscious or breathing. Medical personnel got to the scene and pronounced him dead there. Now, APD Homicide Unit investigators are working to determine what happened to him. The victim has not been identified yet. Police say the investigation is ongoing. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Smoke and flames rise at the village of Gennadi as powerful winds continued fuelling forest fires on the Greek island of Rhodes, threatening six villages north and west of Lindos. Christoph Reichwein/dpa Fires raging across central Greece and the island of Crete have been brought under control as the country battles the fallout from more than a month without rain, the fire brigade said on Sunday. A man was seriously injured when trying to protect his house near the small port of Ierapetra in Crete against the flames, broadcaster ERT reported. After five dry weeks, Greece has seen countless early forests fires over the weekend. On Saturday alone, 72 fires were recorded on agricultural land by the fire brigade, most of them on Crete as well as on the central mainland. The civil defence agency has issued its second-highest alert level as storms, expected to hit the Aegean region from Sunday evening until Tuesday, could further fan the flames. "Winds with a force of 7 to 8 are expected, which makes the situation extremely dangerous," warned the agency. Last year, forest fires which raged for weeks caused extensive damage in Greece. In the south of the popular holiday island of Rhodes, hotels and holiday resorts had to be evacuated and around 20,000 holidaymakers and locals had to be brought to safety. Huge swathes of land also burned down in the Dadia National Park in the north-east of the country. Experts assume that the forest fire season, which usually begins around May 1, is likely to come earlier every year due to climate change. Self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko signed a law on 3 April that provides for call-up by SMS, stricter penalties for draft dodgers, and allows convicts and prisoners in penal colonies to serve. Source: Belarusian news agency Zerkalo, European Pravda Details: The document appeared in an official publication on the National Legal Internet Portal on 6 April. It includes many important changes regarding military service and mobilisation. According to the amendments, young people will now be registered for military service from the age of 17 instead of 16. Citizens can be called up to military enlistment offices, including during mobilisation, by SMS in addition to the standard paper call-up papers, which can now be sent not only to draftees homes, but anywhere. The law increases liability for evasion of military service and for failure to appear at a military enlistment office. The punishment for evading military service has been changed to three years in prison instead of two, and fines will be increased several times over. Military enlistment officers will have the right to prohibit citizens who "violate their military registration obligations and evade conscription measures" from leaving Belarus. This will now also apply to those who evade, for example, military and special training. In addition, people of all ages, people under investigation, people with outstanding convictions, and prisoners from colonies can be recruited for military service under contract a decision that Lukashenko will be able to make if it is necessary to "ensure the interests of defence and national security". The list of other changes is quite extensive: the age of reserve service for female conscripts has been raised, the list of citizens who are granted deferments during mobilisation has been changed, reinforcement units will be created at military enlistment offices, etc. Almost all provisions of the law come into force on 7 April. Background: In early April, Lukashenko stated that he was preparing Belarus for war, although he claimed he did not want to fight. Support UP or become our patron! Adventures Making Vegemite To non-Australians, Vegemite is one of the strangest food products youre likely to ever encounter. Its a dark brown, almost black, shiny paste with a pungent scent, and a very strong, almost indescribable taste that is strongly umami and very salty. It is a little like soy sauce in solid form. We tend to eat it on toast for breakfast. The trick is not to spread it thickly like peanut butter; instead, you take about a quarter of a teaspoons worth and scrape it thinly over the entire slice. It also goes very nicely in a toasted cheese sandwich. It sounds unique, but perhaps the strangest thing about it is that it is not: the British have Marmite, which tastes similar but is runnier, Australians have a second yeast extract spread called Promite, In my personal opinion, even better than Vegemite. the Germans and Swiss have Cenovits and Vitam-R, I havent tried either of these. and a Latvian friend once gave me a jar of a tan-coloured, honey-consistency thick liquid he told me was like Vegemite and I (sadly) found inedible. This leads to spirited debates about which is best and, like a true Australian, I mock Marmite to the British friend with whom I made Vegemite for this article, Marmite is the inferior product: it is not a solid paste but is runny, and has a slightly less strong taste. even as he keeps Marmite in his cupboard and would never touch Vegemite. Both of us quietly admit theyre very similar and I have many times bought Marmite when Vegemite was not available. When you live overseas, you make do with what you can get. In Australia, youd never admit to eating Marmite. But among fraternity of overseas Aussie citizens, theres an unspoken knowledge that weve all lowered ourselves to Marmite from time to time. But even if thick black pungent salted umami spreads are common, how are they made? And what is such a strange spread really made of? The jar claims to be a yeast extract, and Aussie rumour had it that it was made from leftovers from making beer. Very Australian. Since it was invented in the 1920s, I personally had a mental image of a specific strain of yeast fermenting to produce some precursor substance, Asimov-style. Then my Marmite-loving British friend sent me this video, From the How To Cook That Youtube channel by Ann Reardon. and one afternoon we made it. By we made it, its more that Id casually mentioned Id like to try, and then at the pub the previous evening he said he had all the ingredients and would I like to join him the next afternoon? In other words: his effort, his ingredients, his kitchen, and I took photos. Left to right: Marmite, our spread, our Czech friend's umami stock spread, and some nutritional yeast paste to round out the last slice. Ingredients A homebrewing friend provided: The yeast slurry from the bottom of a batch of beer (from a plain lager) A fermented malt wort made from dry malt mixed with water The malt was very liquid and we boiled it down to a thick syrup. You could likely use supermarket malt. Boiling the skimmed yeast slurry liquid. The yeast slurry in Ann Reardons video was separated into yeast and liquids via a home-made washing-machine centrifuge. But our slurry had been sitting in my friends fridge for a few days, and he simply poured off the top. This liquid, a pale clear tan, we boiled down into a thick, dark brown syrup too. Initially, the kitchen smelled like hot beer, but it soon changed to smell like something recognisable as a Vegemite-like scent. It was not unpleasantif you like Vegemitebut it was strong, and at some point despite the winter outside every window in the apartment was opened. Left: the malt reducing to a syrup; right: the slurry liquid also being boiled down. A good half-liter or more of yeast-slurry-liquid turned into only a couple of tablespoons of dense brown syrup. This is definitely a recipe where large starting volumes are needed, and you wont get a large quantity result. The resulting two syrups: on the left, heavily reduced malt wort to a very dark, sweet, flavourful syrup; on the right, the main Vegemite flavour comes from the boiled-down reduction from the yeast slurry. A good cooking blog would show these two dishes very clean, with no drip remnants, but all this stuff is thick, sticky, and messy. The final major ingredient is nutritional yeast. We mixed several tablespoons with warm water to make a light yellow sludge. The names for the ingredientsslurries, sludgesare as appetizing as many non-Australians claim Vegemite to be. Taste Testing A taste test gave: Boiled slurry liquid: Vegemite or Marmite overtones, but surprisingly bitter (perhaps the result of hops?) Boiled, thick malt: unexpectedly, a strong this taste is not Vegemite but is in Vegemite response. Vegemite does not taste like malt, and you would never eat Vegemite and think of malt, yet boiled-down malt wort syrup distinctly resembles very sweet Vegemite. Mixing Adding malt to the boiled-down slurry liquid, and then adding salt and the nutritional yeast sludge. Drag Drag The Youtube video has no proportions, and even with large quantities of starting liquids we had only teaspoons of boiled-down results. Taking the entire boiled-down yeast slurry runoff liquid, perhaps three teaspoons or a little more, we added about half a teaspoon of malt, a generous dash of salt Vegemite is very salty. and about a teaspoon of nutritional yeast sludge. Some vigorous mixing, some adjustment (a tiny bit more malt, plus a bit more salt) Vegemite is very salty. and we deemed it done. The appetizingly-coloured result! It was not the right colour. Nor did it taste exactly like Vegemite, though it was very close. But the taste was exactly like Marmite! 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 Tennessee, 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. SEE ALSO: Best colleges in Tennessee 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. Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 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 Tennessee. A group of college students having a discussion under a tree on campus. Motortion Films // Shutterstock #10. Southern Adventist University Location: Collegedale, TN Acceptance rate: 75% Net price: $24,127 SAT range: 970-1250 Niche grade: B A student wearing a backpack holding two books as they walk to a college class. mangpor2004 // Shutterstock #9. Lee University Location: Cleveland, TN Acceptance rate: 83% Net price: $19,159 SAT range: 1000-1230 Niche grade: B College students laughing and having fun at a tailgate party. Sean Locke Photography // Shutterstock #8. Lincoln Memorial University Location: Harrogate, TN Acceptance rate: 70% Net price: $23,324 SAT range: 1000-1220 Niche grade: B Bookshelves forming a hallway in a college library. DavidPinoPhotography // Shutterstock #7. Johnson University Location: Knoxville, TN Acceptance rate: 81% Net price: $19,985 SAT range: 980-1190 Niche grade: B+ A student taking notes in a library. Jacob Lund // Shutterstock #6. Milligan University Location: Milligan, TN Acceptance rate: 60% Net price: $20,448 SAT range: 1080-1180 Niche grade: B+ | Check out more lists and rankings from across Tennessee An empty college dorm room with bunkbeds. Canva #5. Rhodes College Location: Memphis, TN Acceptance rate: 57% Net price: $30,525 SAT range: 1330-1490 Niche grade: B+ A college professor giving a lecture. Canva #4. Sewanee The University of the South Location: Sewanee, TN Acceptance rate: 60% Net price: $29,626 SAT range: 1200-1390 Niche grade: B+ A group of college students working together on a group project in a library. Jacob Lund // Shutterstock #3. Lipscomb University Location: Nashville, TN Acceptance rate: 74% Net price: $26,614 SAT range: 1100-1270 Niche grade: A- An empty college classroom. Canva #2. Union University Location: Jackson, TN Acceptance rate: 53% Net price: $27,660 SAT range: 1120-1330 Niche grade: A- A group of college students working on their laptops. Canva #1. Vanderbilt University Location: Nashville, TN Acceptance rate: 7% Net price: $27,553 SAT range: 1480-1570 Niche grade: A+ Read todays top stories on wkrn.com 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 WKRN News 2. Best public high schools in Ohio, according to Niche Best public high schools in Ohio, according to Niche As filmmaker and writer Nora Ephron said during a 96 commencement address at Wellesley College, Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead. If thats the case, high school may be one of the greatest dress rehearsals of all. Its a place where students explore their interests, dive into extracurricular activities, finally get the freedom to choose their own classes, and prepare for college or the workplace. For many of these students and their families, public education is key: 49.4 million students enrolled in public pre-K-12 schools in fall 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Of those, about a third were in high school, enrolled across about 23,500 public secondary schools nationwide. For many anxious parents, getting their kids into the best of these public high schools is of the utmost importance. Some families even move homes to get into better school districts. However, among all of these thousands of schools, a few stand out for their academic excellence, incredible track records, and the future success of their young students. Stacker compiled a list of the 30 best public high schools in Ohio using 2023 rankings from Niche. Niche uses seven weighted factors for its rankings. A majority of the score is based on academics, but other factors include culture and diversity; sports; clubs and activities; resources; and surveys of parents, teachers, and students. School districts are provided when available; otherwise, the city is listed instead. A class of high schoolers as viewed from the rear. 1 / 30 Daniel Hoz // Shutterstock #30. Grandview Heights High School Location: Grandview Heights City School District, OH Enrollment: 336 (13:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A A student filling out a scantron form for a multiple choice test. 2 / 30 Achira22 // Shutterstock #29. Orange High School Location: Orange City School District, OH Enrollment: 678 (14:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A A student talking to a teacher in the hallway. 3 / 30 Ground Picture // Shutterstock #28. Upper Arlington High School Location: Upper Arlington Schools, OH Enrollment: 1,880 (24:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A A student standing next to their backpack as seen from the knee down. 4 / 30 LightField Studios // Shutterstock #27. Columbus Preparatory Academy Location: Columbus, OH Enrollment: 874 (16:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A Students walking down a hallway with their backs facing the camera. 5 / 30 Mircea Moira // Shutterstock #26. Toledo Early College High School Location: Toledo City School District, OH Enrollment: 335 (19:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A A high school student doing a chemical experiment. 6 / 30 LStockStudio // Shutterstock #25. Oakwood High School Location: Oakwood Schools, OH Enrollment: 697 (21:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A A high school student sitting at a desk writing on a piece of paper. 7 / 30 panitanphoto // Shutterstock #24. Orange High School Location: Olentangy Local School District, OH Enrollment: 1,935 (21:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A A student raising their hand in class. 8 / 30 Jacob Lund // Shutterstock #23. Chagrin Falls High School Location: Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District, OH Enrollment: 656 (19:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A An empty school hallway lined with red lockers. 9 / 30 ImageFlow // Shutterstock #22. Aurora High School Location: Aurora City School District, OH Enrollment: 972 (16:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A A student solving a math equation on a whiteboard. 10 / 30 Ground Picture // Shutterstock #21. Ottawa Hills High School Location: Ottawa Hills Local School District, OH Enrollment: 528 (14:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A A row of empty desks with notebooks and pencils on them. 11 / 30 Tyler Olson // Shutterstock #20. Olentangy Liberty High School Location: Olentangy Local School District, OH Enrollment: 1,934 (22:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A A hallway lined with green lockers. 12 / 30 SEALANDSKYPHOTO // Shutterstock #19. Metro Early College High School Location: Columbus, OH Enrollment: 892 (19:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A A side view of a person using a laptop in the school library. 13 / 30 sirtravelalot // Shutterstock #18. Centerville High School Location: Centerville City School District, OH Enrollment: 2,752 (20:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A An empty classroom as viewed from the back. 14 / 30 maroke // Shutterstock #17. Olentangy Berlin High School Location: Olentangy Local School District, OH Enrollment: 1,548 (20:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A A pencil case full of pens, pencils, and highlighters spilling on a table. 15 / 30 Studio KIWI // Shutterstock #16. Rocky River High School Location: Rocky River City School District, OH Enrollment: 873 (16:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A A group of students walking down the hall with their backs facing the camera. 16 / 30 GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock #15. Olentangy High School Location: Olentangy Local School District, OH Enrollment: 1,649 (20:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A+ An overhead view of high school pupils in group study sitting around circular tables. 17 / 30 Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock #14. Beachwood High School Location: Beachwood City School District, OH Enrollment: 594 (15:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A+ Students using microscopes in science class. 18 / 30 Ground Picture // Shutterstock #13. Hudson High School Location: Hudson City School District, OH Enrollment: 1,474 (16:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A+ High school students studying and reading together in their school library. 19 / 30 Joyseulay // Shutterstock #12. New Albany High School Location: New Albany-Plain Local School District, OH Enrollment: 1,667 (17:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A+ Students raising their hands for class participation. 20 / 30 LStockStudio // Shutterstock #11. Dublin Coffman High School Location: Dublin City Schools, OH Enrollment: 1,871 (19:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A+ A stack of textbooks with pens on top of them next to an open notebook. 21 / 30 Canva #10. Bexley High School Location: Bexley City School District, OH Enrollment: 745 (16:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A+ Two students sharing a book. 22 / 30 Canva #9. Dayton Regional STEM School Location: Kettering, OH Enrollment: 726 (18:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A+ A high school student doing classwork on their laptop. 23 / 30 Canva #8. Mariemont High School Location: Mariemont City Schools, OH Enrollment: 458 (14:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A+ A teacher writing an equation on a blackboard using chalk. 24 / 30 Roman Kosolapov // Shutterstock #7. Wyoming High School Location: Wyoming City Schools, OH Enrollment: 619 (15:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A+ Students' backpacks sitting on a hallway floor. 25 / 30 LBeddoe // Shutterstock #6. Walnut Hills High School Location: Cincinnati City School District, OH Enrollment: 2,749 (21:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A+ Bookshelves at a high school's library. 26 / 30 Canva #5. Sycamore High School Location: Sycamore Community School District, OH Enrollment: 1,620 (14:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A+ A stack of spiral noteboooks in front of a wooden background. 27 / 30 DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock #4. William Mason High School Location: Mason City School District, OH Enrollment: 3,460 (23:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A+ Two rows of red lockers. 28 / 30 Canva #3. Solon High School Location: Solon City School District, OH Enrollment: 1,515 (18:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A+ Empty desks in a high school classroom. 29 / 30 Anna Jurkovska // Shutterstock #2. Dublin Jerome High School Location: Dublin City Schools, OH Enrollment: 1,953 (22:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A+ A closeup of a student taking notes in class. 30 / 30 Canva #1. Indian Hill High School Location: Indian Hill Exempted Village School District, OH Enrollment: 648 (13:1 student to teacher ratio) Niche grade: Grade A+ This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. The United States military is one of the largest polluters in the world, as researchers have noted, though it is seldom talked about in those terms. Now, that organization's headquarters are about to become a bit more environmentally friendly as the federal government is set to allocate $104 million in grants to install solar panels on the Pentagon. The solar panels will provide "an uninterrupted power source," assistant secretary of Defense for energy, installations, and environment Brendan Owens said, per the Associated Press. In addition to the solar panels, the Pentagon will also be receiving a heat pump system, as well as thermally efficient windows. The changes are expected to double the amount of carbon-free electricity at federal facilities. With money from the grants, energy upgrades will also be made at naval bases in Georgia and Washington state, in addition to the Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Tennessee. All of these upgrades represent a step in the right direction. However, if the U.S. military is truly interested in reducing the harm it does to our planet, there is still work to be done. According to Oxford University political scientist Neta C. Crawford, who wrote an entire book on the topic, the U.S. Department of Defense is the single largest institutional user of dirty energy in the world. Since 2001, the military has been responsible for 77% to 80% of all federal energy usage, according to Sen. Edward Markey and U.S. Rep. Mondaire Jones in a 2021 letter to President Joe Biden. And that is to say nothing of the extensive environmental damage caused by the military's direct operations, from nuclear testing to dropping bombs to poisoning civilians in the proximity of its bases. "U.S. military emissions are about 51 million metric tons [56 million tons], CO2 equivalent, annually in the last two years [which is] larger than the emissions of most countries," Crawford told Mother Jones in an interview. Although the military's reporting on its own pollution output has been inconsistent, in recent years, some officials have detailed efforts to try to mitigate environmental damage. Now, as the AP noted, these new efforts are in step with Biden's executive order from 2021 that aims to achieve a "65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from federal operations by 2030." "The department is committed to meeting the challenge, by making significant changes in our use of energy and increasing our investments in clean energy technology," Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said in November 2021, per Inside Climate News. "As a nation and a department, we must do our part to mitigate climate change itself." Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. President Biden could face issues getting on the Ohio ballot for the general election over a scheduling conflict related to the timing of the Democratic National Convention. The Ohio secretary of states office sent a letter to Ohio Democratic Chair Liz Walters on Friday asking for clarification of an apparent conflict in the states law regarding the deadline by which the partys presidential nominee must be certified to Ohios secretary of states office and Democratic National Committees (DNC) nominating process. The deadline to certify a partys White House candidate in the state is Aug. 7, almost two weeks before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago slated for Aug. 19, possibly jeopardizing Bidens ability to be on the ballot in the Buckeye State. In the letter, obtained by The Hill, legal counsel Paul Disantis offered two solutions. Therefore, pending further clarification, I am left to conclude that the Democratic National Committee must either move up its nominating convention or the Ohio General Assembly must act by May 9, 2024 (90 days prior to a new laws effective date) to create an exception to this statutory requirement, Disantis said in the letter, asking for a swift response on the matter to ensure compliance with Ohios law. State Sen. Nickie Antonio, the state Senate minority leader, and state Rep. Allison Russo, Ohios House minority leader, were copied on the letter. The Democratic Party usually appears on the ballot in all 50 states. Earlier in the primary, Biden was not on the ballot in New Hampshire since the states primary contest was in conjunction with the DNC schedule that slated South Carolina to host the first primary. Despite not being on the ballot, Biden won in the New Hampshire primary as a write-in candidate. Former President Trump has recently carried Ohio, winning it in both 2016 and 2020. ABC News first obtained and reported on the letter. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Russia's use of North Korean missiles during its offensive in Ukraine presents a unique opportunity for Pyongyang to assess its weaponry in actual combat scenarios, potentially gaining insights to enhance their effectiveness, according to a senior U.S. military official. "I dont believe that in my recent memory the North Korean military has had a battlefield laboratory quite like the Russians are affording them to have in Ukraine," General Charles Flynn, the U.S. Army Pacifics commanding general said, Bloomberg reports. North Korea is emerging as a primary weapons provider for Russia, allegedly furnishing Moscow with comprehensive military provisions, which encompass ballistic missiles and reportedly over 3 million artillery shells. During a visit to the sprawling U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, located approximately 80 kilometers south of Seoul, Flynn emphasized on April 6 that the U.S. will be closely monitoring the unfolding situation. He expressed significant concern that North Korea could acquire insights into their weaponry through the war in Ukraine that they wouldn't have had access to otherwise. The U.S., South Korea, and other nations have accused North Korea of dispatching its latest nuclear-capable ballistic missiles to Russia. These missiles are purportedly designed to be easily concealed, rapidly deployed, and difficult to intercept. Images supplied by the U.S. suggest that these missiles are Hwasong-11s, a broad category of short-range ballistic missiles known for their ability to accurately strike targets with precision, Bloomberg reports, citing weapons experts. There have been at least 10 instances of Russia employing North Korean missiles to attack Ukraine, Jung Pak, the U.S. Senior Official for North Korea said in March. Oleksandr Filchakov, the head of the Kharkiv Oblast prosecutor's office, said on March 14 that Russia had used almost 50 North Korean missiles in its assaults on Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion. This number is five times higher than the count provided by Pak. Read also: Russia uses UN veto to block renewal of North Korea sanctions monitors Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Bloomberg: US warns allies about China's provision of geospatial intelligence to Russia The U.S. is cautioning its allies about China's increased backing of Russia, which includes supplying geospatial intelligence to aid Moscow in its war against Ukraine. Reports suggest ongoing military collaboration between the two countries, with China furnishing Russia with satellite imagery for military applications, along with microelectronics and machine tools for tank production. Additionally, China's support encompasses optics, missile propellants, and expanded space cooperation, according to sources interviewed by Bloomberg. During their recent call, President Joe Biden expressed to Xi Jinping his concerns regarding China's assistance to the Russian defense industrial base, which includes machine tools, optics, nitrocellulose, microelectronics, and turbojet engines. The call between Biden and Xi was the first one-on-one communication between the two leaders since they met in California in November 2023, when they agreed "to keep up more regular communications." Despite attempting to present itself as largely neutral amidst Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has now extended into its third year, Beijing has forged a robust alliance with Moscow. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin have dubbed this relationship a "no limits" friendship, particularly evident preceding the 2022 Winter Olympic Games held in Beijing. Trade between China and Russia soared over $200 billion in 2023, underlining the depth of their partnership. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned Beijing of "significant consequences" if Chinese companies provide support for Russias war against Ukraine during her meetings with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. "Secretary Yellen emphasized that companies, including those in the PRC (People's Republic of China), must not provide material support for Russias war against Ukraine, including support to the Russian defense industrial base, and the significant consequences if they do so," according to a readout published by the U.S. Treasury on April 6. Read also: French FM wants China to send very clear messages to Russia over Ukraine war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Boat takes on water in St. Marys Inlet as multiple agencies assist in rescue On Friday just before 4 p.m., the Camden County Marine Unit and National Park Service (NPS) quickly responded to a boat taking on water in the St. Marys Inlet. Four people were onboard in very rough seas. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Once the vessel was located crews boarded and began pumping out water. Nassau County and Tow Boat US also assisted by providing an additional pump while NPS Rangers kept boat traffic away. A moving escort was formed and the boat was driven to safety at the St. Marys Marina. A moving escort was formed and the boat was driven to safety at the St. Marys Marina. READ: JFRD at scene of apartment fire in Grove Park area Additional units with St. Marys Police, Georgia DNR, and Fire Rescue assisted at the Marina, Camden County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post. The sheriffs office reminds all boaters to check the weather and bilge pumps before heading out this summer on the water. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [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. Boeing plane part falls off, strikes wing flap during takeoff in Denver DENVER (KDVR) A Southwest Airlines flight safely returned to Denver International Airport early Sunday after the engine cowling fell off and struck the wing flap during takeoff, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The Boeing 737-800 plane was headed for William P. Hobby Airport in Houston. It was towed to the gate after landing. The incident occurred at around 8:15 a.m. MDT. If its Boeing, Im not going: Some travelers nervous to fly after recent plane issues The engine cowling is a removable metal covering on the engine. Southwest Airlines told FOX31 that customers on the original plane were transferred to another aircraft that was set to arrive in Houston three hours behind schedule. We apologize for the inconvenience of their delay, but place our highest priority on ultimate safety for our customers and employees, the airline said in a statement. Our maintenance teams are reviewing the aircraft. The exact number of customers and crew on the flight was unknown. The FAA was investigating the incident. This is at least the fourth time a Boeing plane has had to divert to Denver for issues so far this year. On March 29, engine issues forced a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Paris to divert to Denver. Crew members on the Boeing 777-200 plane reported having an issue with one engine. Comparisons give perspective of just how big the Denver International Airport is In February, another United Airlines flight, this time from San Francisco to Boston, safely landed at DIA after issues with the wing were reported mid-flight. The plane was a Boeing 757-200. In January, a United Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Washington, D.C. was diverted to Denver due to a cracked windshield. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Brexit has relegated Britain to just one of many middle powers in the world, David Miliband has said. The former foreign secretary, who served under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, said the UKs wealth, military assets and reputation have all declined relative to other countries in the past decade. And he said Britain needs to understand the realities of our power in todays world and enter new structures and commitments with the European Union on foreign policy. David Miliband was foreign secretary under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Writing in The Observer, Mr Miliband said: Britain still has global reach and global power, and retains hard and soft power. We are one of the richer countries and are privileged in our position on the UN security council. But we have an imperative to understand the realities of our power in todays world. He added: We do not have the finance of Saudi Arabia, the EU anchor of France, the regional activism and risk-appetite of Turkey, or the demographic strength of India or Indonesia. We are one among a number of middle powers in the global system. Our wealth, military assets and reputation have all declined relative to others in the last decade. Mr Miliband said it was a delusion of Brexit to think Britain held all the cards and that the countrys destiny depended only on its own decisions, rather than its ability to engage, incentivise, bargain with and deter others. The danger for British policymakers was exemplified by the Johnson government, with its wishful thinking about our power and position in a world dominated by increasing global risks and muscular, transactional, adroit sometimes predatory nations and non-state actors, all growing in influence by the weakening of the multilateral system, he added. And Mr Miliband, who now runs the humanitarian International Rescue Committee (IRC) charity, said Britain needs to enter new arrangements with the EU on shared foreign policy, defence, security and development policy interests. His comments go further than Labours promises on the EU so far, with the party having promised to forge a closer relationship with our neighbours in the European Union. Sir Keir Starmer is seeking to win over disgruntled Brexit voters (PA Wire) In an appeal to Brexit voters in December, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: I voted Remain. Theres no shame or secret in that. But I know the vote to leave was a vote for change. And change at a much deeper level than our trading relationship with the European Union. It was a vote to say our country has got its priorities wrong. If you voted for Brexit seven years ago, if you voted for the Conservatives four years ago you will not get it from a Tory fifth term. Only a change of government can bring change to our country. Mr Miliband warned that Britains global status could decline further under a second term for former president Donald Trump in the US. And he wrote in The Observer that even if Joe Biden is reelected the warning signs about American willingness, patience and ability to provide active and continuing strategic global leadership are still there. Our position, on critical interests from the economy to the climate crisis, national security and international development, will get worse unless we get our act together. The reason is simple: the world is trending towards an unhealthy disequilibrium, and Britain is on the wrong side of some of the key trends, Mr Miliband said. BROCKTON A 27-year-old man was shot to death inside a Brockton home early Easter morning, according to the Plymouth County district attorney's office. His 20-year-old brother, Jeremiah Abreu, was arrested in Maine on charges that he murdered his brother on Easter morning, prosecutors said. Two men Sirick Amado, 24, also a brother of the victim, and Antonio Dejesus, 26 were charged as accessories to the homicide A female victim has been identified in the apparent murder suicide that happened in a residential neighborhood in Brockton overnight, the DAs office said. A 17-year-old on the State Police Most Wanted list who police say fatally shot another man in Brockton in 2023 has been arrested, officials said. A Bridgewater man who defrauded investors out of more than $500,000, spent money on vacations, casinos, acoording to the Department of Justice. In case you missed it, here are five of the top stories from the past week throughout the Brockton area. 27-year-old man shot to death in Brockton home early Easter morning. What we know A 27-year-old man was shot to death inside a Brockton home early Easter morning, according to the Plymouth County district attorney's office. Massachusetts State Police and Brockton Police are investigating the fatal overnight shooting, according to a written statement from Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz. The victim has been identified as 27 year-old Sederick Abreau, the DA's office said. Man shot to death in Brockton home: 27-year-old man shot to death in Brockton home early Easter morning. What we know Victim's brother held without bail: Victim's brother held without bail in Brockton killing Police search for 3rd brother Man arrested in brother's murder: Man, 20, arrested in Maine on charges he murdered his brother in Brockton Massachusetts State Police investigate a fatal shooting at 36 Hoover Ave. in Brockton on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. Brockton woman shot to death in apparent murder-suicide, DA says. What we know A female victim has been identified in the apparent murder suicide that happened in a residential neighborhood in Brockton overnight, the DAs office said in a statement. Brockton Police received two 911 calls at approximately 12:26 a.m. Tuesday morning, one from a neighbor who reported hearing gunshots and another from someone inside a home, located at 524 Ash St., who reported an unresponsive male, the DAs office said. Upon arrival, first responders located a female with multiple gunshot wounds in the driveway of the residence. Brockton woman shot to death: Update: Brockton woman shot to death in apparent murder-suicide, DA says. What we know Photos from police investigation: Police investigate apparent murder-suicide on Ash Street in Brockton An investigation is underway outside 524 Ash St. in Brockton on Monday, April 2, 2024, following a double shooting investigators believe was a murder-suicide, the DA's office said. Bridgewater man who defrauded investors spent money on vacations, casinos, DOJ says An investment adviser from Bridgewater was sentenced Tuesday in federal court in Boston for defrauding investors out of more than $500,000, Department of Justice Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy District of Massachusetts said in a written statement. Jose Rocha, 38, of Bridgewater, obtained more than $1.2 million in investment funds from his victims, according to Levy. Rocha used a portion of those funds to pay purported investment returns to other investors and misappropriated funds for himself, including to pay for vacations and gambling at casinos, the DOJ said. Bridgewater man sentenced: Bridgewater man who defrauded investors spent money on vacations, casinos, DOJ says gavel - OK Raynham rallies around Mary-Lou Arruda's brother as he battles back from devastating illness After undergoing three years of chemotherapy, radiation and multiple surgeries that led to severe mobility issues, Raynham farmer Tony Arruda has had his entire life turned upside down. Its been a long road and I think we have a very long road still ahead, said Arrudas partner of more than 20 years, Brook Berenger-Leite. Hes got a big heart, he loves animals, but farming is his passion more than anything." "I think the thought of not being able to do that again is a hard pill to swallow," she said of Arruda, who was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in 2021. Raynham rallies arround Tony Arruda: Raynham rallies around Mary-Lou Arruda's brother as he battles back from devastating illness Tony Arruda of Raynham was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in 2021. Authentic Greek gyro heaven is in Taunton. Flavors from Greece are here in Taunton, from marinated gyros, flaky baklava and made-to-order pasta to fresh rice bowls with over 20 toppings you might just find your new favorite here. Grilla Greek Kouzina uses an 80-year-old seasoning recipe passed down from owner George Tambasidiss grandmother. Greek restaurant in Taunton: Authentic Greek gyro heaven is in Taunton. What to order: Brockton Eats with Alisha This beef gyro was made by Jennifer Mendes at Grilla Greek Kouzina, 224 Broadway, Taunton, on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Staff writer Kathy Bossa can be reached by email at kbossa@enterprisenews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today. This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton-area top 5 stories: Fatal shootings, Greek restaurant BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) A Baton Rouge Police Department officer was able to save a two-year-old who was in medical distress on Thursday, April 4. Just before 2 a.m. Thursday, BRPD Cpl. Travis Williams, was on patrol in the vicinity of South I-110 near Evangeline Street in Baton Rouge when he noticed a car moving at a high rate of speed, according to BRPD. Williams pulled the car over and discovered that there was a two-year-old was inside of the car. He learned that the two-year-old was unresponsive and in medical distress, according to BRPD. Bill could change Louisianas public records law if passed Williams quickly contacted EMS and began to perform CPR on the two-year-old. For around 10 minutes, Cpl. Williams performed chest compressions until the child regained consciousness. Due to his quick actions and excellent training, a childs life was saved, said BRPD in a Facebook post. Latest News For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com. Tierra Chess, seen at left in portrait, smiling into camera in front of Statue of Liberty; at right, Tatiana Alvarez smiling in posed photo, wearing black top and laughing; inset of MTA city bus at center Spiraling NYC crime has led to the formation of bus girlies women who ditch the subways and tout the buses as a safer, cleaner and affordable alternative. I just feel safer because of the fact that, if I dont feel comfortable, I can get out anytime, Upper East Side content creator Tatiana Alvarez told The Post. A TikTok video she shared last week urging women to try taking the bus got over 53,000 likes and revealed many fellow bus backers. Content creator Tatiana Alvarez said she opts to take the bus over the subway when headed to Midtown or after a night out. TikTok @lifeby_tatiana Buses are elite, agreed one commenter. Bus girl club!!! Alvarez responded. Even though the bus can tack on an extra 15 to 30 minutes of travel time, Alvarez says its worth it. Shell often choose it over the subway after a late night out with friends. The idea of having to wait until the next subway stop to get off in the case of an emergency like the Brooklyn subway shooting during rush hour on March 14 gives her anxiety. If I can just feel calm and safe on the way to wherever Im going, its better for me, and Im not sitting in fight or flight mode for like 30 or 40 minutes, Alvarez, 26, said. New York is so unpredictable and, especially for women unfortunately, you have to look over your shoulder every few minutes. Influencers are touting buses as a quieter, calmer alternative to subways. J.C. Rice A fight between two men on a Brooklyn subway in March led to gunfire on the crowded, rush hour car. Following a terrifying string of random attacks on women on NYC streets and a surge in high-profile subway crimes, many women are sharing personal safety tips and hopping aboard the bus train. Videos on social media show buses are often empty, and data indicates they are indeed safer, with more than double the amount of crimes on the subway than on the bus for every million rides. It is hard to stay safe while taking public transportation, Tierra Chess, 27, an influencer and content creator from Laurelton, Queens, told The Post. Chess shares tips for taking public transportation in NYC and abroad with her followers. Tierra Chess said shell sometimes opt for the bus over the subway but ultimately prefers the LIRR. Courtesy of Tierra Chess Women in New York City have to constantly remain on guard and pay attention to their surroundings, Alvarez said. Courtesy of Tatiana Alvarez Its not just about crime, she said. Last week, when torrential downpours rocked the northeast, Herald Square station was inundated. It was flooded and stunk, and then all of the homeless people in the station had to get on the train, too. And the numbers show straphangers are fed up with the system, too. Subway customer satisfaction dropped from 58% in September to 52% in February, according to MTA customer satisfaction surveys. Bus satisfaction on the other hand increased from 59% in Sept. to 61% in February. Many women have taken to social media to share their preference for the bus over the subway. TiKTok @ti3rratravels And the bus does prove to be a safer alternative, according to an analysis by The Post. Data from September through February show riders had a more than 50% chance of encountering crimes including assault, sex offenses, disorderly conduct or harassment on the subway than on the bus. In February, the subways had 392 crimes reported a rate of 4.3 crimes per million rides. Buses saw 60 in that same span a rate of just under 2 per million rides, NYPD data show. As for serious violent subway crimes, there were 183 in the first two months of the year, according to the most recent data, compared to 144 in the first two months of 2019. NYPD officials attributed the March transit crime decline to the 1,000 additional officers that have flooded the system daily since February. Michael Nagle Overall transit crime between January through March was only down 1% when compared to the first quarter of 2023, according to the NYPD stats. J.C. Rice But subway crime was down just over 23% in March compared to the same time last year amid an increase in patrols, preliminary data from the NYPD show. Bus data for March has not yet been released. Additional reporting by Matthew Sedacca A total solar eclipse typically occurs in the same place about once every 400 years and has been billed as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But for some workers in the Akron-Canton region, Monday will be just another workday. The path of totality will include all of Summit County and the northwestern portion of Stark County, where the southern limit of the total eclipse is expected to pass through Massillon and just north of Canton. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency expects 150,000 to 575,000 people to visit the state, causing large crowds and traffic delays. According to a poll of Northeast Ohio companies, 24% will conduct "business as usual." Another 37% will continue as normal but allow some or all employees to take a break in the afternoon, according to the poll by ERC, a Highland Heights-based human resources and workplace consulting organization. Overall, 84% of the 180 companies polled in early March 10% of which were located in Summit or Stark counties reported that they would do "something differently" for the eclipse. That ranged from permitting breaks and remote work to closing early (14%) or closing for the entire day (12%). The Akron Beacon Journal and Canton Repository inquired about eclipse plans at more than a dozen regional companies and organizations. Employers most of which will leave eclipse-viewing options to individuals provided a range of responses by email and phone. Patient care a priority at hospitals All Cleveland Clinic operations, including at Akron General and Mercy Hospital locations, will proceed as normal on eclipse day, said spokesman Joe Milicia. There will be no flexible scheduling for Cleveland Clinic employees. "Caregivers who are working April 8 will be focused on caring for patients in our hospitals and outpatient facilities," Milicia said. Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital and other Cleveland Clinic locations are operating business as usual on eclipse day April 8. Aultman Hospital in Canton, which has more than 7,000 employees across its hospital system, also does not have special plans for the solar eclipse. "For employees who are able to take some time to observe the solar eclipse, we encourage them to do so safely in pedestrian areas and walkways around our campuses," spokesman Jason Clevenger said. "However, since some employees will be engaged in patient care and other essential functions during this time, we do not have any organized events planned during the eclipse." The Akron Childrens Hospital system employs about 7,000 workers at multiple locations and is primarily in the eclipses path of totality. Chief Operating Officer Lisa Aurilio said roughly two-thirds of Akron Childrens employees are involved in patient care, which is the hospital systems No. 1 priority and will not be overshadowed by the eclipse. Im assuming if youre working in a patient room and the windows are open, itll get dark, she said. But to be able to actually leave and go outside our staff probably is not going to be able to do that because they're taking care of patients." The hospital system allows flexible scheduling, but health care employees "understand that sometimes you miss moments," Aurilio said. Akron Childrens employees who work from home may take breaks during the eclipse. Summa Health plans to livestream the eclipse for employees who can't step away from patient care to view the event. The full, 8,500-person staff of Summa Health also will perform their usual duties, President and CEO Dr. Cliff Deveny said. Employees will work remotely, if possible, and onsite workers can view the eclipse if their schedule permits. We have plans to distribute protective glasses to employees working onsite during the time of the solar eclipse, Deveny said. We also have designated eclipse viewing areas to ensure those employees who are able to step away and view the eclipse outdoors can do so safely. Because not all Summa employees will be able to leave their work areas, the hospital system also is providing employees with an eclipse livestream, he said. Industry, retail workers given midday break The Timken Co. in Jackson Township, Diebold Nixdorf in North Canton, Stark Industrial in Green, and the Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market will allow employees to watch the eclipse with remote work or midday breaks. "At The Timken Company World Headquarters we have a hybrid work policy, so most employees can choose to work remote to watch the solar eclipse if they so desire," spokesman Scott Schroeder said. The Timken Company in Jackson Township is allowing most employees to work work to watch the eclipse if they want. Diebold Nixdorf manufacturing employees will have time to leave the building and view the eclipse between 3 and 3:30 p.m. Monday, spokesman Mike Jacobsen said. "Our other department groups will be handling it situationally based on individual work needs and required scheduling during the day," he said. "In addition, a few weeks ago we distributed about 500 ISO-certified eclipse glasses that we received from Prevent Blindness Ohio at both our North Canton factory and the office." The glasses were a gift from Prevent Blindness Ohio in exchange for a donation from the Diebold Nixdorf Employee Charitable Fund, Jacobsen said. Diebold Nixdorf manufacturing employees will have time to leave the building and view the eclipse between 3 and 3:30 p.m. Monday. Stark Industrial and the Hartville MarketPlace also reported that workers and shop owners will have the option to step outside during the eclipse. The Hartville Kitchen will pause operations between 3:10 p.m. and 3:25 p.m., and Hartville Hardware will not conduct deliveries or repairs after 1 p.m. Monday. Public services to remain on schedule Stark Area Regional Transit Authority buses "will run as scheduled" on Monday, said Kirt Conrad, SARTA's executive director and CEO. "We are not planning anything special," he said. With Northeast Ohio expecting large numbers of visitors on eclipse day, FirstEnergy plans to respond quickly to any possible outages, said Lauren Siburkis, FirstEnergy supervisor of state and regulatory communications. As for watching the eclipse unfold, many of the company's non-field employees have worked remotely since the pandemic. As a result, many of our employees are not required to be in the office regularly and have more flexible work arrangements during occasions, such as the upcoming eclipse, she said. Several cities are hosting eclipse celebrations and, as a result, will have employees working to assist with the events. The city of Green's 150 employees can take paid time off. Communications Manager Valerie Wolford said city office workers also can choose to assist with the Green Goes Dark event at Central Park. Green Local Schools canceled classes for the day, so the five school resource officers who usually work at the schools will be added to the roster of Summit County Sheriffs Office deputies controlling traffic and crowds and performing other duties at the event, Wolford said. About 100 Cuyahoga Falls employees out of the citys more than 350-person staff will be helping with the EclipseFest 2024 event, said Carrie Snyder, director of the citys Department of Neighborhood Excellence, Communications and Community Outreach. Departments such as police, fire, street and water will be performing their regular duties throughout the city, Snyder said. Because many area schools have closed, some Cuyahoga Falls employees also have scheduled paid time off on April 8 to spend time with their school-aged children. A pedestrian passes a sign advertising the upcoming EclipseFest in Cuyahoga Falls. Kent has an entire weekend of festivities planned for Kent Total Eclipse 2024. That means all hands on deck for the police department, Lt. Michael Lewis said. Duties over the weekend will include ensuring children have their parents contact information in case of separation or cell service interruptions, directing foot and vehicle traffic, and patrolling the rest of the city. Lewis said a couple dozen officers will be working Monday. Were going to be bringing our afternoon shift early, our day shift is going to be working over and we might have to utilize some of the other officers to come in that day, he said. Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.comOn X: @kbyerREP Akron Beacon Journal reporter Patrick Williams contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on The Repository: Business as usual? Area employers prepare for solar eclipse BOULDER, Colo. (KDVR) Tens of thousands of people are being impacted by rolling outages across the Front Range. Xcel Energy said crews are de-energizing lines as a precaution with possibly damaging high winds. Outages could last until noon on Sunday impacting businesses in the heart of Boulder. Where power outages are affecting thousands of Coloradans Saturday There werent many customers along Pearl Street in Boulder on Saturday. Some found their way into a coffee shop, most found signs that stores or restaurants were closed. We were having a really busy day and then the power shut off, Eben Forrest said. Forrest owns Terracotta where they had to shut down business for the day and maybe longer. Losing money from customers not coming in, Forrest said. Possibly the rest of the day and all of tomorrow. Forrests concern is losing inventory if he and his staff cant tend to plants. Were not going to be able to water all the plants that we cant see, Forrest said. Im concerned about possibly losing some plants. Niki, at Twig Hair Salon, took advantage of daylight to get some cuts done. Matthew Jansen at Mateo Restaurant Provencal said his and other businesses in downtown Boulder are typically busy on weekend nights. Saturday is a really packed evening for downtown and so I imagine its going to have a great effect on retail, Jansen said. Their inventory could also be affected by power outages. A lot of perishable items are, unfortunately, going to get lost if this goes on too long, Jansen said. Data: Fastest wind gusts reported across Colorado this weekend Xcel Energy said rolling outages could happen into midday Sunday, they have already impacted tens of thousands of customers. Even street lights were out in parts of Boulder. I think its a real unfortunate situation for a lot of people and hopefully everyone stays safe and sound and we can go back to work as soon as possible, Jansen said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. This article was originally published in CalMatters. Ryan Manriquez opened the door of his second-floor apartment to a blaring fire alarm. It was September 2023, a few weeks into the school year at UC Berkeley, where hes a graduate student studying public policy. Residents descended the staircase, following lighted exit signs. The alarm was getting louder, urging Manriquez to leave. But he couldnt. Sitting in his power wheelchair, he looked at the only way out of the building for him an elevator down the hallway, its doors now shut and inoperable. There was no way out for him. When I stepped into the hallway, I just broke down in tears because I knew finally that I wasnt going to have a place to safely evacuate, he said. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter As a safety measure, elevators shut down to contain a potential fire. Even though the alarm turned out to be false, Manriquez waited four hours before the elevator worked again, causing him to miss his favorite class that afternoon public policy. While Californias public university systems have robust emergency policies and procedures, not all students who are physically disabled have reliable access to equipment to help them evacuate in an emergency. Last summer, when Manriquez toured a unit of The Intersection, an off-campus apartment complex the university operates for graduate students, he noticed there were no disability evacuation chairs in the building. Evacuation chairs allow people who have a mobility disability to evacuate buildings in emergencies. Some chairs require assistance from two people and are typically folded and stored with other emergency supplies or mounted on the wall. Other evacuation chairs can be battery-powered, allowing physically disabled residents to independently transport themselves up or down stairs. According to UC Berkeleys housing policy, evacuation chairs must be provided in all campus buildings. Before he moved in, Manriquez requested a chair from the Berkeley Housing office in July. The evacuation chair was not installed when the school year started the following month. And it still wasnt installed when the fire alarm went off in September. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires at least one accessible exit on every floor, whether it is achieved with an elevator, ramp or lift. The law doesnt require buildings to have evacuation chairs in multi-storied buildings. People with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by disasters and emergencies. Data cited by the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies shows that disabled people are two to four times as likely to die or be injured in emergencies compared to their non-disabled counterparts. It is hard to think that they just werent ready for someone like me to enter into one of the top graduate programs in the country, Manriquez said. The ripple effect A few weeks after he was trapped in his apartment building, still without an evacuation chair on his floor, Manriquez shared his experience during public comment at the University of California Board of Regents meeting. After his speech, UC President Michael Drake offered a personal apology. Drake also asked campus chancellors to prepare an update on the status of emergency exit accessibility on their campuses at a future meeting. The chancellors are here and I know by the time we come back to the November meeting all the chancellors will be able to ensure nothing like this can happen on any of the campuses in the future, Drake said. Shortly after Manriquez spoke to the regents, in October 2023, two folding manual disability evacuation chairs were installed in his building, one of them on his floor. But some students have had to wait longer. Some students still unequipped Less than 24 hours after Manriquezs experience, UC Berkeley student Trisha Nguyen couldnt leave her second-floor, on-campus apartment during a fire drill. Like Manriquez, Nguyen was met with shut elevator doors, blocking people from using it. After the drill was over, Nguyens apartment mates returned to open the elevator doors, so she could leave in her power wheelchair. All undergraduate students and staff evacuated safely except for my personal care attendant (my mom) and me, Nguyen wrote to CalMatters. Before the incident, Nguyen said UC Berkeleys University Housing Department failed to give her an evacuation plan that would meet her needs. It wasnt until after Manriquez shared his experience that the university housing department sent out information on accessible emergency evacuations, Nguyen said. UC Berkeley does not do an excellent job of informing disabled students about emergency protocols for persons with disabilities, Nguyen said. The UC Berkeley Office of Disability and Compliance sent out a self-identification questionnaire after her experience asking whether students with disabilities want a consultation to prepare for emergencies. The responses were then shared with building managers and first responders, said UC Berkeley Chief Accessibility Officer Eva Callow. Nguyen explained that with folding evacuation chairs, individuals with disabilities are expected to simply wait for first responders to assist, hoping they arrive in time before the fire reaches us. Nguyen wants to see the campus install electric evacuation chairs that allow disabled students like her to evacuate safely without relying on first responders or others. She added that as someone who doesnt live on the first floor, she understands there might not be a safe route with an electric wheelchair. The current protocol involves us relying on other people to get us out of the building safely, Nguyen said. But, I also want to have the resources necessary to take the initiative to evacuate myself. In March 2024, nearly six months after the September fire drill, Nguyen said university housing installed a manual evacuation chair on her floor. Attempts to build accessible emergency plans Across UC Berkeleys campus, there are at least 90 places to find an evacuation chair, according to the campus. As of publication, a webpage with exact evacuation chair locationsin each building was still under construction. The UC system does not record how many buildings have evacuation chairs across its 10 campuses, though developing system wide policies on disability accommodations such as emergency exits will be the responsibility of the UCs new Office of Civil Rights. My office is monitoring the progress of this work on our campuses and well keep the board informed, Drake said at the November UC Regents meeting. Within the office, which officially launched in February, there will be a disability rights office dedicated to improving accessibility at UC campuses. In January 2024 the UCs Systemwide Advisory Workgroup on Students with Disabilities provided updated recommendations to better serve disabled students and staff. Developing a systemwide disability-inclusive emergency evacuation plan was the groups main recommendation. Students with disabilities experience an inconsistent campus infrastructure for emergency evacuation and often, downright danger, the report read. Currently, all campuses have emergency protocols for students with disabilities, some more extensive than others. While most campuses have evacuation chairs available, the onus falls on students to think proactively and request them, according to UC Communication Strategist Stett Holbrook. At UC Irvine, for example, students can use the WithUforU app to request a customized evacuation plan by selecting ADA under the Report section. The university is updating its individualized emergency evacuation plan process, so this method will likely change soon, said ADA coordinator Andrew Berk. There are a lot of people with hidden disabilities who choose not to disclose, he said. We do not in any way want to put pressure on someone to disclose their disability. No student has requested an emergency evacuation plan this year, according to Berk. UC Irvines Emergency Management Director Randall Styner said his office is working to better communicate emergency evacuation options and resources available to students with campus posters and programming at orientation. Berk and Styner collaborate to create customized plans for students when requested. Both stressed the importance of including people with disabilities in the planning process. You cannot have accessibility if you do not involve people with disabilities, Berk said, adding he is as a person with a disability. UC Irvine has installed evacuation chairs in 80% of its buildings, according to a 2021-2022 emergency management report. Additionally, newer student housing offers two options: a button with two-way communication alerting first responders of the persons location or a one-way system for guidance during emergencies. This goes beyond people with disabilities because what we do for that population also helps people who are injured and people who might be a little older, Berk said. At UC Davis, representatives from housing, emergency management and the campus fire department are currently revising some emergency protocols, according to UC Davis Crisis Communications Manager Bill Kisliuk. The draft calls for relevant campus units, for example, Student Housing and Dining Services, to train staff in identifying those in their communities who have access needs or functional needs and supporting them in an evacuation or other emergency, Kisliuk wrote to CalMatters. Other higher education emergency plans The 23-campus California State University system requires campuses to have emergency management programs, but not a protocol for accessibility. The Cal State Chancellors Office does not track which buildings at each campus have an evacuation chair. Each campus decides how to maintain evacuation chairs in the buildings, depending on how frequently the building is used or who is using the building, said Cal State spokesperson Amy Bentley-Smith. Like UC students, Cal State students with disabilities have had to navigate campuses not built for them. Cal Poly Humboldt alum Christine diBella sued her campus and the CSU over a lack of accessibility in October 2021. Her complaint outlined a general lack of accessibility on campus, including the lack of an emergency evacuation plan. Despite living on the third floor of her dorm building at the time, like other disabled students she could not get out in her power wheelchair. The case was settled in October 2023. The California Community Colleges Chancellors Office instructs campuses to follow the state-recommended evacuation guides, emphasizing that districts comply with the recommendations. Those include communicating plans on social media or having a local disaster registry a list of individuals who might need additional support during emergencies, said system spokesperson Melissa Villarin. We feel its important that college officials, who have deep and specific knowledge of their campuses, partner with local emergency response officials, said Villarin, who explained each community college district has individualized emergency plans. Their knowledge, combined, can be used to develop plans and policies that protect students, staff and the public. If there is a need for further emergency training, campuses are directed to consult the California Office of Emergency Services. What is happening now at UC? The UC Office for Civil Rights launched Feb. 20 and includes a Title IX office, an office for anti-discrimination and one for disability rights. Catherine Spear will start as executive director of the civil rights office on May 6, reporting directly to Drake. The office will streamline all discrimination and harassment allegations and aims to provide consistency in the reporting process, according to the offices website. In an email sent March 19, Drake required each campus to designate a representative to update on campus evacuation plan changes and to complete a checklist by June 30. Campuses must designate a campus representative, develop individualized emergency evacuation plans and provide evacuation chairs. These new requirements are aimed at ensuring students dont experience the anguish Manriquez felt in his hallway in September. He says hes optimistic about the new protocols and office, something that may not have happened had the UC Regents not heard him from that meeting. I think it is extremely important to have leaders among higher education that are representatives of the students they serve, Manriquez said. I rarely, if ever have, seen a physically disabled person in a position of university leadership at the highest level. For the record: This story has been updated to clarify the process for students to request an individualized evacuation plan at UC Irvine. This story was originally published on CalMatters. In call with Blinken, father of killed aid worker urges tougher US stance on Israel in Gaza This undated photo provided by John Flickinger, Friday, April 5, 2024, shows Sandy Leclerc, left, and Jacob Flickinger with their son Jasper. Flickinger was one of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers unloading food from their vehicles when they were killed by Israeli airstrikes Monday, April 1, in Gaza. (John Flickinger via AP) WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) When America's top diplomat called with condolences over the killing of John Flickinger's son in the Israeli airstrikes on a World Central Kitchen aid convoy in Gaza, Flickinger knew what he wanted to say. The grieving father told Secretary of State Antony Blinken the killings by Israel in the Hamas-run territory must end, and that the United States needs to use its power and leverage over its closest Mideast ally to make that happen. Flickinger's 33-year-old son, Jacob Flickinger, a dual U.S. and Canadian citizen, was among the seven humanitarian workers killed in the April 1 drone strikes. If the United States threatened to suspend aid to Israel, maybe my son would be alive today, John Flickinger told The Associated Press in describing his 30-minute conversation Saturday with Blinken. Flickinger said Blinken did not pledge any new policy actions but said the Biden administration had sent a strong message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the relationship between the United States and Israel may change if the Israeli Defense Forces do not show more care for the fate of civilians in Gaza. I'm hopeful that this is the last straw, that the United States will suspend aid and will take meaningful action to leverage change in the way Israel is conducting this war, John Flickinger said. Flickinger said Blinken also spoke with his son's partner, Sandy Leclerc, who is left to care for their 1-year-old son, Jasper. In addition to Jacob Flickinger, three British nationals, an Australian, a Polish national and a Palestinian were killed in the strikes. John Flickinger described his son as larger than life, a loving son, a devoted dad and new father and a very loving companion to his life partner. Jacob Flickinger was remembered as a lover of the outdoors who ran survival training retreats and was involved in mountaineering, rock climbing and other adventure activities. He spent about 11 years serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, including eight months in Afghanistan. The elder Flickinger said his son knew going to Gaza was risky, but he discussed it with family members and volunteered in hopes of helping Palestinians in Gaza that aide groups say face imminent famine. He died doing what he loved, which was serving and helping others, said Flickinger, whose own nonprofit, Breakthrough Miami, exposes underrepresented students to academic opportunities and prepares them for college. World Central Kitchen representatives have said they informed the Israeli military of their movements and the presence of their convoy. Israeli officials have called the drone strikes a mistake, and on Friday the military said it dismissed two officers and reprimanded three others for their roles. The officers mishandled critical information and violated rules of engagement, the military said. But John Flickinger said that in his view the strike was a deliberate attempt to intimidate aid workers and to stop the flow of humanitarian aid. World Central Kitchen has since ceased food deliveries in Gaza, Flickinger noted, and he said it looks like Israel is using food as a weapon. The Canadian government has been communicating with the family and is offering financial support to move Leclerc and Jasper from Costa Rica, where the family lives, back to Quebec province to be closer to family, Flickinger said. Flickinger said his son's remains are in Cairo pending the issuance of a death certificate by Palestinian authorities. Once that happens, the family has made arrangements for them to be transported to Quebec. David Cameron will urge Mike Johnson, the House of Representatives speaker, to stop his Republican colleagues from continuing to block the support - Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP Lord Cameron will warn that the US is risking the Wests security by holding up a new package of aid for Ukraine when he visits Washington DC next week. During a face-to-face meeting, the Foreign Secretary will urge Mike Johnson, the House of Representatives speaker, to stop his Republican colleagues from continuing to block the support. Earlier this year, the UK announced another 2.5 billion in aid to help Ukraine fight the Russian invasion, while the European Union has pledged a further 50 billion (43 billion). But Joe Bidens $95 billion (75 billion) Bill, which includes security assistance to Ukraine, is being blocked by the US presidents Republican opponents in the House of Representatives, one half of the US Congress. Lord Cameron and Stephane Sejourne, his French counterpart, issued a rallying cry to boost support for Ukraine in a Telegraph article marking Mondays 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale alliance between the nations. They wrote: We are both absolutely clear Ukraine must win this war. If Ukraine loses, we all lose. The costs of failing to support Ukraine now will be far greater than the costs of repelling Putin. But, as discussed during the Paris Conference in February, we must do even more to ensure we defeat Russia. The world is watching and will judge us if we fail. They said it is not for France and Britain alone to solve these challenges and we can rally others to join us in overcoming them. Foreign Office sources said that, during his visit to the US, Lord Cameron will echo a message posted on social media last week in which he said: Britains put forward its money for Ukraine this year. Sos the European Union. America needs to do it. That is blocked in Congress. Speaker Johnson can make it happen in Congress. Im going to go and see him next week and say we need that money, Ukraine needs that money. It is American security, its European security, its Britains security that is on the line in Ukraine, and they need our help. On Sunday, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, warned that his nation would lose unless Congress passed the military assistance package. Mr Zelensky said: It is necessary to specifically tell Congress that if Congress does not help Ukraine, Ukraine will lose the war. If Ukraine loses the war, other states will be attacked. Kyivs forces have been on the back foot since a large-scale offensive last year failed to achieve a major breakthrough. On his previous Washington trip, Lord Cameron likened those blocking aid to the appeasers of Hitler in the 1930s leading Marjorie Taylor Greene, a pro-Donald Trump Congress member, to tell him to kiss my a--. The message could trigger fresh tensions with the Republican Party. Mr Trump, a sceptic on aid for Ukraine, is the partys presidential nominee and could be back in the White House by next January. During his trip, Lord Cameron will meet Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, with the pair also expected to discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict. Both the UK and US governments have not ruled out a suspension of arms exports to Israel as they attempt to press for more humanitarian aid trucks to be let into Gaza. Last week, Israel confirmed that it was behind an unintentional missile strike on Gaza in which seven aid workers, including three Britons, were killed. Lord Cameron wrote in The Sunday Times that the UKs support for Israel was not unconditional and called for more aid to be let into the territory. However, Oliver Dowden, the Deputy Prime Minister, said people were holding Israel to higher standards than other countries, telling Sky News: Of course its right that we try to hold Israel to high standards, but I just think theres a bit of relish from some people about the way in which they are pushing this case against Israel. Tory MPs have noted that Lord Cameron has at times appeared more willing to publicly press Israel for changes to its actions in Gaza than Rishi Sunak and other Cabinet ministers. Foreign Office and Downing Street sources have dismissed any suggestion of splits between the Foreign Secretary and Number 10 on the issue of an arms export suspension. The Government is legally obliged to stop selling arms to a country that is not displaying a commitment to international humanitarian law. A Foreign Office assessment on whether that threshold has been met by Israels actions late last year and earlier this year is with Lord Cameron, but he has not yet decided whether a suspension is needed. On Sunday, Israel announced that it had withdrawn most of its ground troops from the south of the Gaza Strip, leaving only one brigade in the enclave. Yoav Gallant, the Israeli defence minister, said the troops were pulled out to prepare for forthcoming operations, including in the southern city of Rafah. He added: The forces are exiting and preparing for their next missions. We saw examples of such missions in the Shifa operation, and also of their coming mission in the Rafah area. On Monday, France will become the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Members of the Gendarmeries Garde Republicaine will join 40 soldiers from the Scots Guards for a parade celebrating the anniversary of the Entente Cordiale. 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. Canada's Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has said that Canada's support for Ukraine has been an important contribution to strengthening NATO at a time when the United States has been "unable to step up" its assistance to the embattled country. Source: Freeland on CBC Radio Quote: "In March, Canada sent $2 billion in urgent budget financing support to Ukraine at a time [] when the U.S. has been unable to step up and provide support for Ukraine. We were there to fill the gap." Details: Freeland noted that Canadians can be proud because their country "is absolutely doing its part to resist Russia" by supporting Ukraine in "NATO's biggest fight". Background: Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly believes that after the US presidential election, Canada will continue to support Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he supports initiatives involving foreign states sending training or border guard missions to Ukraine, but he cannot encourage other states to send troops to fight. Source: an interview with the president on the national joint 24/7 newscast Quote: "Emmanuel [Macron ed.] has several proposals. I supported publicly and in a private conversation with him the idea of our guys being trained here, and the mission coming from a particular country. I think that would be much faster than sending our brigades away and then they come back and have to get combat experience on the equipment here as well. The second one is to build repair hubs to repair all Western equipment in Ukraine, in certain regions, underground, etc. This works, and we are already doing some things and can see how much faster it is than sending a tank or armoured vehicle away, which takes a month or two or three. With some pieces of equipment, it would be three months before we got them back. So I fully support doing this in Ukraine. As for the border mission, he [Macron ed.] suggested that we could be on the border. How can we refuse? If they come, we will support them." Details: At the same time, Zelenskyy commented on discussions about the possibility of foreign troops being deployed to Ukraine "in the strict sense of the word". He said he had not heard the details of this discussion between Macron and his partners and would like to hear them from the French president. Quote: "But I want to explain my attitude. I cant say publicly today: 'Yes, come on, armies of the world, come to Ukraine and fight.' Because Russia would hype it up all over the world, they would start raising awareness in other countries that they mustnt send their children to fight, that its not their war, and they would start splitting the unity between European and NATO countries. So that would be risky for us. Because if I spoke about such an initiative, Russia would do all it could to stop us from receiving military assistance from other countries. Societies would be divided, they would put pressure on the leaders of their countries, and they would slow down supplies to us. But if there are initiatives from other countries, then let's be frank: we do have some volunteer formations where people who are citizens of other countries come and fight for Ukraine. Ukraine will never object if anyone wants to help Ukraine." Support UP or become our patron! On the Big Island of Hawaii, where the waves roll into Kealakekua Bay, a white obelisk 27 feet tall looms over the shoreline. It's a tribute to the great circumnavigator Captain James Cook. It stands just feet from where he died. Akoni Palacat-Nelsen is a native Hawaiian (or kanaka, as they call themselves) who works for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs advocating for the native population. He says there is a lot of frustration that many people think history began here with Captain Cook. "He brought a lot of diseases, he brought a lot of problems to our society, he introduced westernization," said Palacat-Nelsen. Captain Cook is a controversial figure villain or hero, colonizer or trailblazer, depending on who is telling the story. But what is not in dispute is that in the 1700s the British explorer literally put much of what we now know as the Pacific Ocean on the map, creating detailed diagrams of the places he was the first European to discover, including New Zealand, Australia, the Cook Islands (which still bear his name), and the islands of Hawaii. "Whatever you think about Cook, he's certainly in the pantheon of the greatest explorers of all time," said writer Hampton Sides. "He gave us the contours of the Pacific Ocean." Sides is author of the new book, "The Wide Wide Sea," documenting Cook's final and fateful voyage. "He had three voyages around the world; each one was monumental," said Sides. / Credit: Doubleday Cook's third voyage left England in July of 1776, just as the American Revolution was taking off. His mission was to go around the Cape of Good Hope and then proceed to the west coast of North America, all the way up to Alaska, in pursuit of the elusive, fabled Northwest Passage. On his way, he stumbled upon islands in the Pacific. "He couldn't believe that he had found these islands," Sides said. "These aren't just lowly atolls somewhere out in the Pacific. These are massive volcanic islands with thousands and thousands of people living here, a whole thriving, flourishing civilization. He couldn't believe it. He was astounded." Cook and his men came ashore on the Big Island of Hawaii, warmly welcomed by the islanders at a temple during a religious festival. Sides writes in his book that, unlike many of his contemporary explorers, Cook took a genuine interest in the people he encountered. He treated them with respect, tried to prevent his men from spreading venereal disease, and made little attempt to convert them to Christianity. And yet, "On this third and final voyage, something was wrong with Cook," Sides said. "He was mercurial. He was violent. He was cruel to the native people that he encountered as well. He just was losing it all the time near the end." That end came when Cook and his men overstayed their welcome, attempting to hold the king of Hawaii ransom to get back a rowboat taken by the local people. Sides said, "It turned into a brawl and a melee, and things did not go well for Captain Cook." Cook was killed on the shore of Kealakekua Bay on Valentine's Day 1779. An engraving, published in 1850, depicting the death of Captain James Cook in Hawaii in 1779. / Credit: Bettmann via Getty Images And yet, nearly 250 years later Cook's story is still being told, revisited and revised as the age of imperialism has not aged so well. Statues of Cook have recently been toppled in Canada and Australia, his monument in Hawaii defaced. Cook was the leading edge of what Pacific Islanders call the "fatal impact," and the death and loss of their culture that followed. Sides said, "I get the fact that he's become a symbol of imperialism, because he was the first. It's easy just to assign the blame to one person rather than all the people that came after him." Yet, on the Big Island you still find Cook's name on a post office, roadside stands, and an apartment complex. There is no simple break from this piece of the past. The Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is one of the last places on the Big Island that still looks like what Captain Cook and his crew would have seen centuries ago. It was known as a place of refuge, where if you broke a rule or a law you could get a second chance. It's also a place where Hawaiians get to preserve and share their history, said Keola Awong, the chief of interpretation and education. "It's a second chance for us to get to tell our story, and tell it from our perspective," she said. She wants people to see Hawaii as more than a tourist attraction more than white sands and scarlet sunsets, a place that existed long before it was "discovered" by a Captain named Cook. Awong said she feels most tourists who come to Hawaii don't know much about the true history. "I think they see the history told by the western point of view," she said. "Our culture is very much alive. Our culture carries on and continues." READ AN EXCERPT: "The Wide Wide Sea" by Hampton Sides For more info: "The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook" by Hampton Sides (Doubleday), in Hardcover, Large Print Trade Paperback, eBook and Audio formats, available April 9 via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.orghamptonsides.comPuuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Hawaii Story produced by John Goodwin. Editor: Ben McCormick. NYC officials face criticism for earthquake response Sen. Chris Van Hollen says "I'm not clear" on White House policy toward Israel Israel has told White House that IDF troops will have "rest and refit," NSC's John Kirby says Caravan of cars, motorcycles heads to Iowa City to support kids with cancer Caravan of cars, motorcycles heads to Iowa City to support kids with cancer Iowans are known for their support of kids with cancer. The Hawkeye Wave to Stead Family Childrens Hospital is a long tradition. It sparked the idea for Quad Cities residents to give even more. A group of drivers in cars and on motorcycles drove to Iowa City on Saturday to wave to the kids and drop off donations. The event started early in the day with a free breakfast at the Main Event in Bettendorf. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. What caused a Broward crane to fatally fall during its construction? Experts weigh in When William Neeley saw the photos and video of a heavy crane plummeting hundreds of feet onto cars below, his gut told him a catastrophic failure occurred, he said to the Miami Herald. It wasnt just his 41 years of construction crane operation and training expertise that informed his opinion. He knew that specific crane and the crew that was tasked to help put it together atop a Fort Lauderdale construction site. While he cant say definitively, it is highly likely a freak occurrence involving the integrity of the equipment being used was at fault causing a failure the likes of which he has never seen in his career. On Thursday, part of a cranes heavy metal framework plunged onto the Southeast Third Avenue bridge while a construction crew was putting it together. When it landed, the piece sheared off the front ends of two cars, punching a hole in the bridge. A construction worker, 27-year-old Jorge De La Torre, was killed and three others were injured. READ MORE: 1 dead as Fort Lauderdale building crane fails, crushes cars on bridge A construction worker was killed and two people were taken to the hospital after a portion of a crane dropped onto the Southeast Third Avenue bridge over the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Thursday afternoon, April 4, 2024. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Experienced crew and a crane in perfect condition The crane was in the process of being stepped up or jacked up, meaning sections of it were raised individually to construct it and make it taller, according to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue officials and Neeley. It happens hundreds of times a day across the U.S., said Neeley, referring to the common practice of jacking up a crane. While the work being conducted was routine, he said in the crane industry it is the most treacherous position a worker can be in. That is the most tedious and most dangerous spot that you can ever put yourself in, by far, he said, adding it takes a lot of time and concentration. Neeley doesnt believe the crane operators or the crew tasked with constructing it are to blame for the collapse due to the life-threatening nature of the work. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has opened an investigation into the West Palm Beach-based company Kast Construction; Phoenix Rigging & Erecting LLC of Mableton, Georgia; and Maxim Crane Works LP of Wilder, Kentucky. READ MORE: OSHA investigating construction companies tied to fatal Fort Lauderdale crane incident It has not been officially stated what role each company played, but KAST holds the permit to the $87.9 million project site in Fort Lauderdale where the crane appeared to be located. In Neeleys experience, the most likely relationship is Kast contracted Maxim for crane work, and Maxim, in turn, contracted Phoenix Rigging to assemble their crane. All three companies could not be immediately reached for comment. Before his time at Crane Tech, where he currently trains crane operators around the country for organizations like NASA and Space X, he worked with Phoenix Riggings construction crews. Specifically, he knew De La Torre and the team he was on. Bless his heart and his family, he said. Thats the tragedy here behind this, the loss of life and the injuries on the ground. It is really hard to hear. A construction worker was killed and two people were taken to the hospital after a portion of a crane dropped onto the Southeast Third Avenue bridge over the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Thursday afternoon, April 4, 2024. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Neeley said De La Torres crew was very experienced, spending about the last two decades rigging and constructing cranes. The crew was meticulous with their work and would follow procedures closely, he said. He believes a platform used for placing crane sections on its way up gave way, causing the fall and fatality. Normally, the platform is supported by two cables, and one was missing, according to pictures and video Neeley analyzed after the incident. Its unclear if the cable breakage was the root cause or happened after the piece fell. Regardless, he has never seen a platform fail in such a way. Its odd to me when you look at how [the remaining cable] laterally twisted. It tells me one side of the platform gave way and dumped the [crane section], said Neeley, pointing out metal fatigue could have been a cause of the cable break as well, along with a number of other factors that OSHA is most likely investigating. He assumes De La Torre was on the platform assisting with resting the crane piece. As for why he possibly was not wearing a support harness, Neeley said that under OSHA regulation, as long as a railing system is in place, harnesses are not required. A damaged crane sits atop a tower next to a building under construction at Southeast 3rd Avenue in Fort Lauderdale Thursday, April 4, 2024. Apart from the crew, he is sure that the crane itself was not at fault either. In years past, he had dealt with the exact crane at the heart of the fatal incident. He and a past employer bought the crane at an auction but never assembled it because it had quite a few issues at the time. Another construction company then purchased the crane and spent a large sum of money to get it in safe and perfect working condition, said Neeley, who also witnessed the rebuilding process. I dont think there is any doubt that the crane was functioning properly, he said. All I saw was a platform broken off...in such a way it appears suspicious to me. Florida laws make regulation, litigation difficult In Florida, OSHA is the only agency that can regulate hoisting equipment, such as cranes, according to state statutes. Local governments and their building inspectors are barred from implementing their own regulations and ordinances regarding the equipment that populates most of the downtown skylines of Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The City of Fort Lauderdales Building & Construction Office confirmed to the Herald that they have no regulations for cranes. Attorney Michael Levine, a partner at Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain, P.A., said the lack of regulation and fewer eyes on construction sites can lead to an increase in fatal and harmful incidents. Weve obviously been in this period of rapid overdevelopment throughout South Florida. Theres a ton of cranes that just top the skyline every day, Levine said. Youve got people that want to push projects through, move quickly, and that leads to cutting corners. READ MORE: Several South Florida crane-related incidents have injured workers. Heres what happened Levines office is handling two crane-related accidents, one involving amputation and another where a man was thrown from the sixth floor of a construction site. Apart from tight oversight, he said the practice of contractors hiring subcontractors who then hire sub-subcontractors leads to loosening safety practices, which may have occurred in Thursdays fatal crane incident. Youve got a lot of people coming and going from a job site; many times, nobody knows exactly who theyre working for, he said. From my experience, its apparent that with the shifting of people and contractors and subcontractors, youre not always getting that uniformity in direction, in implementation of policies and procedures, and in workplace safety training. When these safety lapses lead to death or serious injury, Levine said, the aftermath to seek composition or other legal remedies is also a strenuous process. Florida law makes it very difficult to pursue a lawsuit against your employer when youre hurt or killed on the job. he said. Due to Floridas workers compensation law being a no-fault system, he said, while employees can get some of their wages replaced or medical bills covered, they exchange that for their employers receiving more immunity from lawsuits. The law is stacked against the employee who gets hurt or killed on the job due to the negligence of their employer, and theyre going to have to overcome a lot more obstacles, he said. 526 A historic downtown building will welcome a co-working office space in September. The property at 526 Main St., in the city's Theater District, will be the first Central Massachusetts location for Workbar, a co-working space with locations in Greater Boston. Workbar announced the new location, its 12th in Massachusetts, in a news release Monday. The 526-538 Main St. property was originally constructed in 1894 for real estate magnate Ransom F. Taylor. It was the previous home to businesses such as Money Stop pawn shop and The Muse Bar & Kitchen. Tatnuck Meat & Seafood on Pleasant Street has closed after 50 years in business. 50 After 50 years of business inside a one-floor building at 1100A Pleasant St., Tatnuck Meat and Seafoods run has come to an end. The decision to permanently close results from a combination of declining business and health issues for longtime owner and founder Harvey Slarskey, according to his son Michael. Known for a wide array of meats and seafood options, Tatnuck Meat and Seafoods business almost always relied on customers who lived nearby in the Tatnuck area. Harvey Slarskey, now 87, started the store as Tatnuck Meat Market at the same location where it closed, at Pleasant and Mill streets. The end of the Worcester Denny's restaurant was marked by the removal of the signs on Friday. 494 The signs at the Denny's restaurant in Worcester were removed recently, marking the end of a restaurant that has been a Lincoln Street destination for more than three decades. The restaurant, 494 Lincoln St., formally closed March 13, according to the South Carolina-based chain. "Deciding to close a restaurant is never an easy decision, and one that isn't made lightly," the company said in a statement. "Wed like to thank our team members and local community for their love of the Dennys brand. We hope guests can visit nearby locations around Massachusetts." There is a Denny's restaurant in Leominster. An aerial view of the Shrewsbury shopping plaza that includes Christmas Tree Shops. $13.6M Olde Shrewsbury Village, the longtime home of the towns now-defunct Christmas Tree Shops store, has a new owner. According to closing paperwork in the Worcester Registry of Deeds, a Fall River-based entity doing business as 1000 Boston Turnpike LLC bought the parcel for $13.6 million from Yarmouthport-based Shrewsbury Village Limited Partnership. In the transaction, Zi Qian Zhang is listed as manager of 100 Boston Turnpike LLC, while Jeffrey B. Bilezikian is listed as president and treasurer of Shrewsbury Village Limited Partnership. Bilezikians parents, Charles and Doreen Bilezikian, bought The Christmas Tree Gift Shop in Yarmouth Port in 1970 and expanded it into a chain. DErricos Market on East Central Street has been become Vitoria Meat Market. 141 After almost eight decades of business, D'Errico's Market will leave its most recent location at 141 East Central St., with the ownership renting out the space to a small chain of meat markets, according to a statement by DErricos Market. Vitoria Meat Market, a Brazilian-owned business with five locations across the Boston area, took over the space last week. D'Erricos Market, family, staff, and executive team would like to thank all our customers, supporter and friends for their support and patronage throughout our many years at this location, said the statement. The owners did not detail plans in the statement. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Central Mass. by the Numbers WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) Central Texas counties have upped their emergency resources in preparation for thousands of visitors flocking to the region for the April 8 solar eclipse. Travis County and several Hill Country counties issued disaster declarations weeks ahead of the eclipse. KXAN spoke with several of those judges. Travis County Judge Andy Brown said the measure is an attempt to make it easier for emergency vehicles to get around on the day of the eclipse. Eclipse preps: Central Texas judges issuing disaster declarations Williamson County has not issued a disaster declaration for the eclipse. Interim Director of the Office of Emergency Management Shantelle Brannon said a declaration has been drafted and is on standby to be signed if needed. She said starting Sunday, additional Williamson County Sheriffs deputies will be deployed to keep watch on traffic in the area. Just make sure that you plan ahead. We should experience some delays on I-35 and on the service roads here in Williamson County, Brannon said. Monday, Brannon said the office will send out three quick response units made up of first responders to whichever areas are reporting higher call volumes. Were all excited. Weve been preparing for this for well over a year, Brannon said. Brannon said the county has been meeting regularly with agencies like the National Weather Service and local school districts during its eclipse planning. Round Rock ISD Superintendent Dr. Hafedh Azaiez said the district is keeping an eye on potential eclipse interruptions. Round Rock ISD expects low attendance on day of solar eclipse RRISD schools will be operational during the eclipse, Azaiez said its possible that buses may experience delays on the day of the eclipse. [The buses] do the elementary, they have to come back, and do the road for middle school and then come back and do the high schools. The delay may be for the second and possibly a third group of students, Azaiez said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Mike Turner, Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, believes that Russian propaganda gained some ground in the US Congress since the members of the Congress are spreading false narratives about Russias war against Ukraine. Source: European Pravda with reference to The Hill Details: Turner stated that he agreed with congressman Michael McCaul, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Representatives, who had noted that "Russian propaganda has made its way into the United States, unfortunately, and its infected a good chunk of my partys base". "Oh, its absolutely true," Turner told CNN about McCauls remarks. "We see directly coming from Russia attempts to mask communications that are anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia messages, some of which we even hear being uttered on the House floor," he added. "I mean, there are members of Congress today, who still incorrectly say that this conflict between Russia and Ukraine is over NATO, which of course it is not," Turner said. "Vladimir Putin has made it very clear, both publicly and to his own population, that his view is that this is a conflict of a much broader claim of Russia, to Eastern Europe, and including claiming all of Ukraine's territory as Russias," he added. Turner noted that propaganda makes it more difficult to supply Ukraine with aid and to present a clear picture of a battle between democracy and authoritarianism. Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, announced that the aid package for Ukraine would include "some important innovations", including the possibility of extending a US loan to Ukraine. It is expected that when the Chamber of Representatives comes back from the break on 9 April, Johnson will reveal the details of the project on the aid for Ukraine which he will consider acceptable for Republicans, and it will finally be approved in both chambers. Yet the debates between Republicans in the Chamber of Representatives may lead to another postponement of a long-anticipated decision on funding of the support for Ukraine and other allies. Support UP or become our patron! ABC/screengrab Days after seven World Central Kitchen humanitarian workers were killed by Israeli troops, chef Jose Andres condemned Israels war in Gaza as a war against humanity itself as he called for an independent investigation into the attack. Its been six months of targeting anything that seems moves, Andres told ABCs Martha Raddatz in an interview that aired Sunday, the six-month anniversary since Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel that ignited the war. This doesnt seem a war against terror. This doesnt seem anymore a war about defending Israel. This really, at this point, seems a war against humanity itself. A visibly emotional Andres told Raddatz he was still processing the brutal attack on the humanitarian convoy, which had coordinated its route with the Israel Defense Forces before the IDF struck it three times on Tuesday. He said the troupe of workers had followed every proper procedure before their attack, including using marked, armored cars, prompting even more confusion on why they were hit. Who was going to tell me that these protocols will break in such a way? he told Raddatz. The strike killed all seven workers, including a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen, prompting an apology from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a vow to prevent another one. President Joe Biden condemned the attack and said Israel has not done enough to protect citizens and aid workers. The bombing has since led the U.S. to threaten conditions on its aid to Israel should it not do more to curtail its military offensive. Andres compared Israels war effort to Russian President Vladimir Putins bombardment of Ukrainian cities and said that the U.S. cannot continue sending Israel weapons if theyre used to target citizens and humanitarian workers. It is unforgivable, Andres said. I will have to live with this the rest of my life. We all will have to live with this the rest of our lives. I have seen firsthand what has been happening in Ukraine, entire towns and cities being wiped out by Russia, by Putin. What Prime Minister Netanyahu is doing is exactly the same. 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. AI permeates our lives in fascinating ways. Purpose-built models support medical image screenings for breast cancer, wildlife conservation leverages AI to track species populations, and earlier this year Waymo received approval to operate driverless robotaxis for paying passengers in LA and San Francisco. Soon, smart small teams of early adopters of Generative AI will be able to scale businesses beyond revenue reaches that were previously never thought possible. Think $50-$100 Million dollar companies owned and operated by 5-9 people massively leveraging automation and AI to wield power and data to do more frictionlessly. As programmers, employing AI to write code, race to develop sophisticated purpose-built platforms to answer everyday business challenges from customer service to inventory management and content creation, the barrier to enter entrepreneurship is dropping. Never before could individuals build products and services at such accessible rates because of the advancements across tech like 3D printing, cloud computing, and particularly artificial intelligence. Currently, at Botanical Gp, were building what we call Force Multiplier stitched together AI and Automation tools to massively expand the impact individuals and teams can have in their organizations by leveraging tools like Make, Zapier, and ChatGPT. A Human Resources leader at a large hotel management group and I are creating a custom GPT as an internal resource so that thousands of their workers can ask questions about their 401k benefits, time off, and access to dental care whenever they want. Were enabling boutique professional services firms to increase clients and revenue through smarter prospecting on LinkedIn and cold email. Skeptical? You should be, though the results and case studies keep pouring in. Rarely is the why of a business to employ more people. The reason could be human-centric and, in the case of an NGO, strictly humanitarian, but their mission isnt about growing headcount. Artificial intelligence is going to remove task-based routine work from us sooner than we think. Robots are already being deployed at restaurant chains like SweetGreens, and if you arent paying attention at this moment, the skills necessary to be part of the next wave of change will pass you by. AI wont replace you. A person using AI will. -Someone on the internet As large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT continue to be enhanced with more training, future releases will be capable of jobs and tasks weve previously needed teams of people to do. Businesses can dynamically time inventory based on demand, water can be allocated to the right communities ahead of disasters, and we can save loved ones through advanced imaging that only AI can see. So, where should you start? Were going to do a choose-your-own-adventure. Scan the questions below to find relevant circumstances that pertain to you, and then zoom in on what Day 0 action steps you can take to get things started. Where in your organization are employees bogged down by repetitive tasks that could easily be automated, and how might freeing up this time impact your businesss growth and innovation? Example: Implementing Zapier to automate routine data entry tasks could reallocate dozens of hours weekly towards strategic projects, fostering innovation and growth. Day 0 Steps: List all repetitive tasks currently performed manually across different departments. Identify tasks with high automation potential, focusing on those that consume significant time and have clear rules. Create a free Zapier account and explore the Zapier University tutorials to understand how Zapier works and its capabilities. How could AI-powered customer service bots, like ChatGPT, transform your customer satisfaction scores, and what does that mean for customer loyalty and revenue? Example: Deploying ChatGPT for 24/7 customer inquiries can significantly reduce response times and improve satisfaction, potentially increasing customer loyalty and repeat business. Day 0 Steps: Evaluate your current customer service channels and identify areas with high query volumes and delays in response times. Research AI customer service solutions or explore building a custom GPT chatbot Sign up for ChatGPT or similar AI chatbot trials and set up a basic query-response flow to test its efficiency. How can automation tools streamline your supply chain management, and how could this impact your ability to meet customer demands more efficiently? Example: Using Make to automate inventory restocking alerts could minimize stockouts and ensure timely fulfillment of customer orders, enhancing reliability and trust in your brand. Day 0 Steps: Map out your supply chain process, identifying bottlenecks or stages prone to delays. Explore automation platforms like Make (formerly Integromat) for supply chain solutions. Set up alerts for low inventory levels as a pilot project to automate reordering processes. How can AI insights into customer behavior and trends revolutionize your product development or service offerings, and what does that mean for your competitive edge? Example: Leveraging AI to analyze customer feedback and market trends could lead to innovative product features that address unmet needs, distinguishing your offerings in a crowded market. Day 0 Steps: Gather existing customer feedback and sales data for analysis. Explore AI tools capable of processing natural language to extract insights from customer feedback. Start a pilot project to analyze feedback for one product line to identify trends and opportunities. What manual processes could be automated in your marketing or sales process to improve conversion rates and reduce the sales cycle? Example: Automating lead scoring and follow-up emails with Zapier can ensure potential customers are engaged at the right time, increasing the likelihood of conversion. Day 0 Steps: Map your current marketing and sales funnel, identifying stages that require manual input. Explore Zapiers marketing automation solutions and identify potential zaps (automation) that can connect your CRM, email platform, and other tools. Implement simple automation, such as automating email follow-ups for new leads. How might integrating AI and automation in your financial analysis and forecasting improve accuracy and decision-making speed? Example: AI algorithms can quickly analyze vast amounts of financial data to identify trends and predict future performance, helping leaders make informed decisions faster. Day 0 Steps: Identify critical financial metrics crucial for your decision-making but time-consuming to analyze. Research AI financial analysis tools like DataRails and Domo that can integrate with your existing financial software. Test these new AI tools with a subset of your financial data to evaluate their predictive analytics capabilities. How can you enhance personalized customer experiences, and how might this impact customer retention? Example: Using AI to tailor product recommendations based on individual customer behavior can significantly enhance the shopping experience, encouraging repeat business. Day 0 Steps: Identify segments of your customer base that would benefit most from personalized experiences. Investigate AI tools that offer personalization engines for product recommendations. Implement a small-scale personalization test on your website or in email marketing. How can you enhance your teams collaboration and productivity? How could removing friction points affect your company culture and employee satisfaction? Example: Automating workflow approvals with Make can streamline project progress, while AI-driven insights can facilitate more effective team collaborations, potentially boosting morale and productivity. Day 0 Steps: Identify communication bottlenecks within your team or between departments. Explore tools like Make for automating routine approvals or information flows. Set up an automation to notify team members when tasks are completed or pending approval. In what ways can AI and automation help you mitigate risks and comply with regulatory changes more efficiently? Example: AI tools can monitor regulatory updates and automate compliance processes, reducing non-compliance risk and associated penalties. Day 0 Steps: Identify the most pressing regulatory compliance challenges for your business. Research AI tools designed to monitor regulatory changes and automate compliance tasks. Implement a monitoring system for one aspect of your compliance needs as a trial. How could leveraging AI and automation in your business not only improve operational efficiencies but also drive sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility? Example: AI can optimize resource allocation and supply chain routes to reduce waste and emissions, aligning operational efficiency with sustainability goals. Day 0 Steps: Conduct an audit of your business operations to identify areas where waste is generated. Explore AI solutions that optimize resource use, such as route optimization for logistics. Start with a project to reduce energy consumption or waste in one part of your business, using AI for data analysis and monitoring progress. Now is the time to explore purpose-built platforms that can be Force Multipliers for your business. Artificial Intelligence will require us to reflect as a species and determine what we value and how we value it. New business models, rapid innovation, and low barriers to entry will even the playing field that capital constraints have historically created. Carve out time to reflect on the important and non-urgent work (Eisenhower Matrix) that moves your business forward and see where you can build your own Force Multipliers. Join groups like CopyClub.ai that can advance your exposure to new tools, teach you how to create custom GPTs, and are a home where peers share examples of how theyre leveraging these tools. As the next generation of LLMs and AI gets rolled out this summer (like ChatGPT5), curious and determined individuals who learn how to stitch these tools together to add value to the marketplace will do so without needing teams of people. Its an exciting time to be alive, Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. In fact, its the only thing that ever has. -Margaret Mead Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. (Bloomberg) -- A tiny island in the South China Sea symbolizes the struggle and disparity in the Philippines efforts to assert its rights in disputed waters when compared to China, which claims much of the waters. Most Read from Bloomberg Manila is rushing to develop the 33-hectare Thitu Island, with the government planning to pour in billions of pesos to upgrade it. Just over 200 civilians and military personnel currently reside on the island. But just some 27 kilometers (17 miles) southwest of the island, China has built a fully functioning military base on Subi Reef that is an estimated to be 12 times the size of Thitu. That base is just one of Beijings 27 outposts in the South China Sea equipped with ports, runways and other infrastructure aimed at asserting its sweeping claims in the key waterway. In contrast, Manila occupies nine features that have few facilities or structures. Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan also have a presence in the area, and overlapping territorial claims. This disparity explains, in part, the Philippines recent urgency in bolstering its defense alliances, most notably the US. Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has, over the past year, moved to assert his countrys rights in the waters. Hes been backed by unstinting US support. Marcos will meet US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in a trilateral summit at the White House on April 11 aimed at strengthening ties. Both Japan and the Philippines are treaty allies of the US. On a recent visit to Thitu which is also known as Pag-asa, the local word for hope arranged by the Philippine Coast Guard, Bloomberg News saw first hand just how underdeveloped the Philippines largest-occupied feature in the disputed sea is. Much of the island is still unpaved, with phone and internet signals hard to come by. Theres still evidence of the destruction caused by a 2021 typhoon: school buildings with damaged roofs and windows that are unusable. Given its location nearly 450 kilometers away from mainland Palawan province residents sometimes wait days for basic supplies like noodles, coffee and soap to be ferried in. The Coast Guards new monitoring station appears largely rudimentary. Still, the Southeast Asian nation is determined to maintain civilian and military presence on Thitu. Aircraft can now land on its runway after repairs and expansion. A landing dock and a port have also been built, and construction is in full swing to extend the island farther into the sea. There are plans to equip the area with a naval port and radars. Manila also recently sent researchers to check marine resources near Thitu, yet another step to assert its rights in disputed waters. The research initially found dead corals and small species of fish that suggest environmental degradation in the vicinity of the island, but didnt directly attribute the findings to Beijings presence in the area. Our overarching strategy involves continuous enhancement of facilities, modernization efforts, and fortification of assets and capabilities, Philippine military spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said when asked about plans for Thitu. These measures are vital in upholding our sovereignty over Philippine territorial waters. These Philippine attempts are likely to draw opposition from China, which has refused to recognize a 2016 arbitral ruling that dashed its expansive claims. Beijing maintains a constant watch on the island and its coast guard and militia ships regularly patrol close to Thitu. Some of the vessels were involved in a recent tense encounter over nearby sand bars. At first, this was intended to coerce the Philippines into abandoning the upgrades, said Gregory Poling, who directs the Southeast Asia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Now, it seems meant to merely intimidate the Philippines but with little chance of success. --With assistance from Sanjit Das. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. China provides Russia with satellite imagery to help in war against Ukraine Bloomberg China has stepped up its support for Russia amid its war against Ukraine, including providing satellite imagery to the Kremlin for strikes on Ukrainian targets. Source: Bloomberg with reference to sources Quote: "Amid signs of continued military integration between the two nations, China has provided Russia with satellite imagery for military purposes, as well as microelectronics and machine tools for tanks, according to people familiar with the matter." Details: One of the sources said that China's support also includes optics, missile propellants and increased space cooperation. Bloomberg reiterates that Beijing is trying to show itself to be neutral amid Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, the publication notes that in 2023, trade between the two countries reached a record US$240 billion. At the same time, Russia has increased its exports of goods such as coal and oil to China. Quote: "Crucially, China and Hong Kong have also become key gateways for Moscow to access restricted technologies, including chips and integrated circuits, used in weapons or needed to build them. The US and European Union have listed several Chinese firms for enabling those transfers, but the trade shows little sign of dropping off." Background: Allegations have been made that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has provided alarming details to allies regarding the extent of Chinese-Russian cooperation. Additionally, the US Treasury Department issued a warning that US-based companies which supply the Russian Federation with goods and technologies for the military-industrial complex will face dire consequences. Earlier this week, the US State Department warned China against assisting the Russian Federation in the war against Ukraine. Officials recently told Politico that China is attempting to persuade Europe to allow Russia to participate in future peace talks, possibly during a peace summit in Geneva. Otherwise, Beijing has threatened to boycott such meetings. The officials said this message was reinforced during the European tour by Chinese special envoy Li Hui in early March, when he discussed Ukraine's future. Support UP or become our patron! China has ramped up support for the Kremlins war in Ukraine by sending rifle scopes, tank components, rocket fuel and satellite images to Russia, US officials have said. Their warning came on the eve of a two-day mission to China by Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss the Ukraine war. US officials told Bloomberg on condition of anonymity that Antony Blinken, US secretary of state, briefed European allies this week on Chinas increased support for Russia. They also said that China was sending microelectronics, propellants used in missile production and turbojet engines to Russia, sidestepping Western sanctions. Vladimir Putin has courted China heavily since his invasion but Beijing has appeared reluctant to be seen propping up his military. Now, with Russia taking ground in eastern Ukraine, that appears to have changed. Russia is outgunning Ukrainian forces across the front lines because the West has struggled to supply promised ammunition. By contrast, the Kremlin has switched consumer-based factories to arms manufacturing and signed deals with Iran and North Korea for supplies of drones and artillery shells. Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister - Turar Kazangapov/REUTERS Analysts said China may have moved to a policy of quietly supporting the Kremlins war machine because it now views Russia as having the upper hand. Beijing doesnt give arms because it fears US secondary sanctions and wants to develop EU relations, but still silently supplies machinery thats important for Russia to sustain its arms production, said Carl Bildt, co-chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations think tank and a former Swedish prime minister. The Kremlin has previously said that Putin plans to visit China in May. On a trip to Moscow last year, Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping declared a no limits partnership. US-led sanctions on Russia have hit the Kremlins industrial base but they have also been more leaky than planners had hoped. One of the main gateways for products into Russia is through former Soviet states in Central Asia and the South Caucasus, which buy products from the West and then sell them on to Russia, but Hong Kong has also become an important route for vital microchips. Sergei Lavrov shaking hands with Wang Yi, China's foreign minister, in Beijing on Oct 16 2023 - RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY/Shutterstock The US has already slapped secondary sanctions on several Chinese companies and Janet Yellen, US treasury secretary, has warned China of the significant consequences of backing Putin. Weve been clear with China that we see Russia as gaining support from goods that China, Chinese firms are supplying to Russia, she said during a trip to Guangzhou. But Jessica Berlin, a non-resident fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis think tank, said that China may have heard this warning too many times and decided that its hollow. Theyve observed the US response to smaller, discrete support for Russia for two years and conclude that they have little to no consequences to fear, she said. Since Europe cut ties with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin has increasingly looked to China as its main economic partner. China is Russias largest gas client and the Russian Central Bank now keeps most of its international reserves in yuan. It said that last year the yuan became the most traded currency in Russia, whereas before the war it had barely been used. It has also encouraged currency swaps with China to outmanoeuvre Western financial sanctions. 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. Imagine that, rather than retire from Congress, Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Kentucky Republican, ran instead for the U.S. House of Representatives and that McConnell was the Senates majority leader. Then imagine that McConnells plan, if elected to the House, was to pry its gavel from the hand of Speaker Mike Johnson, a fellow Republican, and wrap McConnells fist around it. And in the run up to that attempted coup, imagine what that does to congressional business, to House measures awaiting Senate action, and to Senate measures awaiting House action. From now until January: Deadlock. Thered be no incentive for Johnson to pass bills backed by McConnell, and no incentive for McConnell to pass bills backed by Johnson, no matter how necessary those measures might be. WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 29: U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) departs from a news conference with House Republican leadership on February 29, 2024 in Washington, DC. Following their weekly Republican conference members took questions on a range of topics including legislation to fund the government and U.S. President Joe Biden's upcoming visit to the U.S. Southern Border. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Welcome, Ohioans, to what the Statehouse potentially could look like for the next eight months, while Senate President Matt Huffman, a Lima Republican who will be elected (unopposed) to an Ohio House seat in November, works to unseat and replace with himself Republican House Speaker Jason Stephens, of Lawrence Countys Kitts Hill. If, in Statehouse history, theres ever been such an attempt by the majority leader of one legislative chamber to unseat the majority leader of the other legislative chamber, its lost to memory. Don't expect much to get done in the Statehouse this year But the potential consequences are clear: Statehouse gridlock, with enormous cross-currents among Capitol Square lobbyists, Ohios permanent clique of political contributors, and inside Republican Gov. Mike DeWines administration. (In that connection, students of body language may enjoy watching Huffman and Stephens Wednesday, as they flank each other in the Houses chamber for a joint House-Senate session to hear DeWines annual state-of-the-state address.) For anyone trying to get a bill passed amid such choppy waters, uncertainties abound. What happens to a House bill, backed by Stephens, when it lands in Huffmans Senate? And what happens to a Senate bill, backed by Huffman, when it lands in Stephenss House? The possibilities for logrolling in return for a favor, you pass my bill, and Ill pass yours are enormous. So are the ethical temptations. Why there is such bad blood between Jason Stephens and Matt Huffman Reduced to essentials, Huffmans beef appears to be that hed be a better leader of the Houses Republicans almost certain to retain their majority this November than Stephens has been. Rationale: Stephens was elected speaker with the votes of a 22-member minority of the Houses Republican representatives, not a majority of the 67-member GOP caucus, When the dust settled in January 2023, the Houses 32 Democrats plus 22 of the Houses 67 Republicans voted to make Stephens speaker rather than suburban Toledo Republican Rep. Derek Merrin, who had been the GOP caucuss informal initial choice in what amounted, in the end, to a straw vote. In the January roll-call in which Stephens landed the speakership, 43 House Republicans (of the Houses 67) voted for Merrin for speaker. (Two Republicans were absent.) Because Stephens was elected with the help of votes from House Democrats, he hasnt enjoyed the backing of a united GOP caucus. (Its hard to see how re-splitting the caucus, which Huffmans bid could do, might somehow also reunite it.) Does Ohio General Assembly really need two chambers? The House GOP fracture has arguably led to the passage of fewer measures and to what can be seen as House-Senate deadlocks (Time was when GOP conservatives argued that the fewer bills the General Assembly passed, the better off Ohio would be.) Still, the intra-Republican fight over the speakership doesnt advance the public interest in any discernible way. As previously argued, the real solution to this and other consequences of a two-chambered (i.e., two-tollgate) legislature would be a unicameral (one- chamber) legislature like Nebraskas. In the 1930, Ohio seriously considered it, and good-government groups backed the idea. True, sticking with a 99-seat House, while scrapping the 33-seat Senate, wouldnt save much; the Senates appropriation for the year ending June 30 is $20.5 million. Thomas Suddes The benefit is voter transparency: A unicameral legislature can cut through the two-chamber falderal that hides which General Assembly members wield trowels, and which wield daggers, in writing or blocking legislation in, or against, the public interest. Thomas Suddes is a former legislative reporter with The Plain Dealer in Cleveland and writes from Ohio University. tsuddes@gmail.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Bad blood in Ohio Statehouse reaches monumental height Chris Wallace took a moment on CNNs The Chris Wallace Show on Saturday morning to condemn the deaths of World Central Kitchen aid workers amid the Israel-Hamas war. Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, John Chapman, Jacob Flickinger, Zomi Frankcom, James Henderson, James Kirby and Damian Sobol were killed by Israeli airstrikes on April 1. Officials in Israel later explained that a misidentification led to the deadly attack on their convoy. More from The Hollywood Reporter During his Tell Me Why Im Wrong segment, Wallace stated that he had a personal connection to the aid organization because his daughter previously served as one of its workers. For six months, weve witnessed the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the IDF striking back at Hamas after it killed more than 1,000 Israelis in that savage attack on Oct. 7, he said. For some, thats the collateral damage of war. For others, its a slaughter that violates every rule of humanity. Wallace proceeded to show a clip of World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres, saying, Humanitarians and civilians should never be paying the consequences of war. This is a basic principle of humanity. At the time this looks like its not a war against terrorism anymore, it seems its a war against humanity itself. The CNN anchor added, Now let me be clear. The deaths of seven aid workers are no more tragic than the deaths of thousands of innocent Palestinian men, women, and children, but for me this is personal. Ive known Jose for years. A world-famous chef, hes made it his mission to feed people in need as an act of love, Wallace continued as a photo of several smiling aid workers, including his daughter and Sobol, displayed on the screen. Two years ago, my daughter Catherine volunteered at World Central Kitchen to help feed Ukrainian refugees who fled to Poland shes the woman on the far right. And that man in the center, Damian Sobol who Catherine says, was incredibly kind he is one of the seven World Central Kitchen workers who was killed this week. He concluded, Now Im no military expert, and I know Hamas is hiding in a civilian population, but theres got to be some way Israel can fight this war without killing so many innocents, without killing people like Damian. Sometime over these six months, continuing to fight this war, this way, became unacceptable. The group of World Central Kitchen workers killed in the attack included three British citizens, a Polish citizen, an Australian and a Canadian-American dual citizen, according to the Associated Press. In a statement earlier this week, President Joe Biden expressed outrage over the strikes, saying Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Christian Leaders Slam Donald Trump For 'Cheapening' The Bible And Using It As A 'Political Prop' Christian leaders have expressed their opinions on former president Donald Trump's "God Bless The USA" Bibles, which he launched shortly before Easter. Trump announced the release of the Bibles, named after country music artist Lee Greenwood's patriotic song, on his social media platform, Truth Social. The books were priced at $59.99 and boasted of a "slim design" that "invites you to explore God's Word anywhere, any time." Donald Trump's Bible Sale Branded 'Crass' And 'Commercial' MEGA After Trump was blasted on social media for selling unorthodox Bibles, religious leaders from across the Christian denomination have weighed in on the ex-president's controversial business move. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Daniel Darling, the director of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary's Land Center for Cultural Engagement, branded the former president's decision to hawk Bibles before Easter "crass," noting that even Christians are "wary" of mixing secular documents with the Holy Bible. "Many Christians, even those like me who are very conservative both politically and theologically, thought his approach was a bit crass," Darling said. "While many Christians are deeply patriotic and revere our nation's documents, they are wary of mixing those things too closely inside the pages of a Bible." Darling went on to state that although Trump may not have intended to offend Christians, selling the Bible the way he did came off as "commercial." He also noted that "a Bible endorsed by any politician smacks of syncretism and an over-the-top civil religion that cheapens the Bible when it's used as a political prop." Christian Leaders Find The 'Trump-ification' Of The Holy Bible Disturbing MEGA Another Christian leader, Fr. Brian Graebe, a priest with the Archdiocese of New York, told the news outlet that they were not bothered by Trump's decision to sell the Holy Bible, noting that "the more Bibles that are out there and the more people read it, the better." However, Fr. Graebe found an issue with the Trump-centric "marketing" of the Bible. He said, "I think the troubling aspect here is [] the marketing of it, the Americanization of it, the Trump-ification of it." Fr. Graebe then asked, "Is the Trump Bible more Trump than Bible? I think that's a key question that we need to ask ourselves to see what the ultimate objective here is." When Trump announced the sale of the "God Bless The USA" Bibles, it was billed as the "only bible endorsed by President Trump," a statement that drew a lot of criticism from Christians online. The inclusion of secular documents, such as the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Pledge of Allegiance, in the Bible also raised eyebrows. The Catholic Chuch Is Against Anything 'That Blends The Sacred And The Secular In The Holy Bible' MEGA Fox News Digital also spoke with Joe Heschmeyer, an apologist at Catholic Answers, who felt that the inclusion of secular documents in the Trump-endorsed Bible showed a lack of respect for the holy book. Heschmeyer expressed that the Catholic Church is generally against "patriotic appropriations of Christianity that seek to turn the Gospel into fodder for a political campaign or a social movement." He said, "The Hebrew word for 'holy' is qadosh, which means 'separate' or 'set apart.' The idea is that some places, times, and things belong to God, apart from ordinary worldly use." "We wouldn't put soda in the Chalice from Mass, or use the church as a gymnasium, and it's why we don't want to do anything that blends the sacred and the secular in the Holy Bible," Heschmeyer added. 'Inserting America's Founding Documents Into A Bible Is Not Wrong' MEGA Amid the criticisms and mixed reactions, Dr. Peter Kerr, dean and professor at Colorado Christian University's School of Business and Leadership, told Fox News Digital that Critics of Trump were being unreasonable. Kerr argued that "Inserting America's founding documents into a Bible is not wrong" and that the secular documents included in the "God Bless the USA" bible were written by men who were "followers of God." The dean further stated, "As long as people can differentiate God's words from human words, it doesn't matter if they were published inside the same cover." Donald Trump Raises $50M In Palm Beach Fundraiser MEGA The recent criticism from Christian leaders comes amid Trump's campaign's push to raise money for his re-election. The ex-president and the Republican party officially began their massive general election fundraising operation on Saturday night in Palm Beach, Florida, At the event, prominent donors, including his vocal supporters and newcomers, gathered to lend their support to the party's presumed nominee. Trump's wife, Melania, who has been noticeably absent from the campaign trail, was present for the occasion, which was hosted by billionaire John Paulson. According to the organizers, a staggering $50 million was raised for Trump's campaign and the Republican party. The figure almost doubles the amount raised by President Joe Biden's fundraiser, held in New York last weekend, which reportedly brought in $26 million. The sight and sound of trillions of cicadas surfacing across much of America, a massive invasion of two separate groups called broods emerging at the same time, has scientists buzzing. For the first time in more than 200 years, two broods -- Brood XIX, known as the "Great Southern Brood," and Brood XIII, known as the "Northern Illinois Brood" -- will emerge from the ground simultaneously. While there is not extensive overlap between the two broods, some regions, especially in America's heartland, will experience a double-whammy of cicada occupation, experts told ABC News. PHOTO: Illustration (ABC News / cicadas.uconn.edu) Cicadas will be everywhere -- their nymphs and exoskeletons will litter the ground and adults will be seen on trees and nearby plants throughout suburban areas as well as flying around in the air, Evan Lampert, a professor in the Department of Biology at the University of North Georgia, told ABC News. It will be an "amazing experience" to witness the insects come out of the ground to mate and lay their eggs before they disappear back into the ground, Tamra Reall, an entomologist at the University of Missouri, told ABC News. "It's magical, and that's part of their name," she said. "Their genus name is magicicada, and it's because it's a magical experience." Scientists like Reall believe the solar eclipse will serve to amplify the excitement surrounding this experience. She observed that both events coming so close together will give the public "a chance to see science in action, nature in action, and see them working together. PHOTO: A newly emerged adult cicada dries its wings on a flower in Louisville, Ky., May 20, 2021. (Amira Karaoud/Reuters, FILE) Here's what to expect from this year's historic cicada event: A once-in-a-lifetime cicada emergence Some broods of cicadas emerge every year, which is why residents in regions that experience regular emergences may not immediately understand the significance of this year's event, according to entomologists. The mass emergence that comes when these two broods dig up from beneath the ground will be a far cry from the annual occurrences, David Althoff, a professor at Syracuse University's Department of Biology, told ABC News. Residents in about a dozen states from Maryland to Oklahoma, and from Illinois to as far south as Alabama and Georgia, can expect to see cicadas from these periodical broods, according to the University of Connecticut's Periodical Cicada Information Pages. PHOTO: A periodical cicada, June 3, 2021, in Columbia, Md. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Brood XIX, the largest geographic extent of all periodical broods, surfaces every 13 years, while Brood XIII emerges every 17 years. The last time these two broods emerged together was in 1803 -- when Thomas Jefferson was president of the U.S. -- and the next time they will co-emerge is not expected for another 221 years, until about 2245, forecasts show. When multiple periodical broods surface at once, it's typically in different parts of the country, Keith Clay, a professor at Tulane University's Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, told ABC News. An adjacent emergence of two large broods is rare. "It's just a statistical anomaly, like Halley's Comet," Clay said. Central Illinois will be one of the few regions that will experience the double brood emergence, entomologists predict. The greatest likelihood of contact between the two broods is near Springfield, researchers predict. "I've been looking forward to this for many years," Catherine Dana, an entomologist at the Illinois Natural History Survey, told ABC News. MORE: How the solar eclipse will impact plants and animals When are the cicadas expected to emerge? By mid-April, many residents will begin to see holes appear in their yard as the nymphs come closer to the surface. Entomologists expect cicadas to begin popping out of the ground later in the month, they told ABC News. The slow buildup will continue into May, and people can expect to hear them once the adults begin to surface in synchronicity, Althoff said. PHOTO: Periodical cicadas sit on leaves in Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C., May 25, 2021. (Astrid Riecken for The Washington Post via Getty Images) "Once they come, they come fast," Lampert said. Cicadas spend the majority of their lifespan underground, where they feed on tree roots. Therefore, they will mostly congregate on or around trees when they come up, the researchers said. A few weeks after the unmistakable noise of the male cicadas' call begins, the adults will fall to the ground and the nymphs disappear into the soil once again. MORE: How scientists are tracking mosquitoes that could be carrying deadly diseases Why cicadas emerge in mass numbers Scientists believe the cyclical emergence of the periodical cicadas is a survival mechanism for a species that has no defenses and a high mortality rate. Surfacing only after such long gaps and doing so in such vast numbers ensures that although they are easily preyed upon by other animals, plenty will survive to spawn a new population to return underground for the next 13 or 17 years. PHOTO: A cicada is seen perched on a trash can in Arlington, Va., May 19, 2021. (Will Dunham/Reuters, FILE) Animals such as birds, mice and squirrels eat the cicadas but often get "sick" of them because they eat so many during the feeding frenzy, Althoff added. Ants and wasps sometime eat them as well, Lampert said. Entomologists estimate that the dual emergence could bring trillions of cicadas above ground by late May, at the peak of their periodical breeding time of four to six weeks. "This is a natural wonder of the world. Like there is no other organism, at least, that I know of in North America, that has this sheer amount of biomass," Dana said. The periodical nature of the surfacing events could also be a way to prevent hybridization among species, Althoff said. MORE: CDC confirms case of blood-sucking 'kissing bug' confirmed in Delaware Why cicadas are so loud Cicada populations are an omnipresent source of sound during their time above ground. The flying variety that emerge each summer in many areas provide a familiar buzzing symphony. The high-pitch call of the males can be described as a cross between a rattling sound and the buzzing of bees, Althoff said. But the collective concert of these periodical cicadas, mating calls actually, rising next to one another will be a louder, haunting mix of sizzling noise, buzz-click sounds, and droning that, according to John Cooley, an entomologist at the University of Connecticut, "can be pushing 120 decibels if you're right inside that chorus." He adds, "that's sort of like getting too close to a jet engine." PHOTO: A cicada walks through the grass, May 21, 2021, in Bloomington, Ind. (Cheney Orr/Reuters, FILE) The male cicada anatomy includes a specialized washboard-like structure under their forelegs called a tymbal that they strum with their legs, Clay said. MORE: Cicada invasion: After 17 years underground, billions to emerge this spring How temperatures affect cicada emergence events The general rule of thumb entomologists use for predicting when cicadas will begin to surface is once the topsoil in a region reaches about 64 degrees Fahrenheit, Lampert said. Therefore, the southernmost states experiencing the warmest temperatures will experience the first cicada sightings, Lampert said. Warming global temperatures also present the opportunity for cicadas to emerge sooner in a season, but that remains to be seen, the experts said. PHOTO: A periodical cicada nymph is held in Macon, Ga., March 27, 2024. (Carolyn Kaster/AP) The volume of the cicada calls is also affected by atmospheric temperatures, Clay said. The warmer it is, the more vocal the cicadas are. "If the temperature goes below 75 [degrees], you can immediately hear a drop in the sound level of the adult male cicadas singing," he said. MORE: CDC confirms case of blood-sucking 'kissing bug' confirmed in Delaware Can you eat the cicadas? The sudden, mass emergence of cicadas offers up opportunities for sustainable sustenance, according to experts. Like many bugs, cicadas are packed with protein, and "They feed everybody, including fish, snakes, small mammals, large mammals, birds," Dana said. "I like to think of this event as potentially buffering some of the losses that we've seen in our wildlife [populations]." Humans can also enjoy this bug buffet. "They are indeed edible," Reall confirms. "There's always some adventurous people who get together and have a cicada potluck," said Clay, who has seen cicadas put in soups, bread and brownies. He said they taste "like asparagus." Menus for cicada dishes and cocktails emerge with each emergence of periodical cicadas, evident in the online cookbook devoted to cicada cuisine published by the University of Maryland in 2021 called "Cicada-licious." During another mass emergence several years ago, Sparky's Ice Cream in Columbia, Missouri, featured cicada ice cream. Boiled and candied, the bugs were made into a cold concoction "basically like a butter pecan flavor," manager Tony Layson told ABC News. But the shop pulled it from the menu after only 90 minutes when the state's health department nixed its sale, Layson said. Insectivores interested in trying cicadas should be cautious about where they harvest their meal, avoiding cicadas gathered near where insecticides or other chemicals have been used. They should be properly cooked and devoured before their exoskeleton hardens, "when they are still soft and squishy," Dana said. MORE: 'Super' mosquitoes have now mutated to withstand insecticides, scientists say What humans need to know about dealing with cicadas People who hate bugs will not be able to escape the presence of cicadas, Althoff said. "They'll be noticeable," he said. "There's no doubt you're gonna see them." Cicadas are not poisonous, and they do not bite or sting. Althoff reminds his students at Syracuse to remain calm when the events occur and watch where they're walking, he said. "They really don't do anything to kind of harm humans," Althoff said. "I mean, it might be an annoyance, but people don't have to be afraid in terms of like getting bitten." People may start to see dead branches on trees from where the cicadas fed on the sap, Lampert said. But any harm cicadas cause to plants at the surface is temporary and outweighed by the benefits they provide, experts said. They provide a feast for other species while on the surface. Once the multitudes die and fall to the ground, their decay releases nutrients back into the soil. Lampert advised people to prepare themselves for the "deafening noise," especially if they have never experienced a cicada emergence before. MORE: How scientists are tracking mosquitoes that could be carrying deadly diseases How to help cicada researchers Researchers will be relying heavily on citizen science in their quest to study these periodical cicada broods. Lampert suggested scientific organizations such as Cicada Safari and iNaturalist for people to submit photographs and sightings of the cicadas. The event will be a good reminder to people about the kinds of insects that exist, especially since cicadas aren't always visible, Althoff said. "Most of the time we think about them as being kind of annoying and something that we don't want to interact with and we tend to we tend to ignore them," he said. "But it's pretty fantastic to see this many insects that have been hidden in the ground that emerge all at once." After Eclipse: Nature's next big show cicada double emergence originally appeared on abcnews.go.com City of Spartanburg opens time capsule over 60 years old SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) The City of Spartanburg opened a time capsule from over 60 years ago Wednesday morning. City leaders and residents gathered in the parking lot of the former city hall to look at what was in the time capsule. It has been 63 years since the time capsule was placed in the cornerstone at City Hall by local Freemasons. Its rare that we have an opportunity for the past to reach out to us here in the future from their perspective and today one of those days, said Brad Steinecke, assistant director of local history at Spartanburg Libraries. Cant hide: Driver of Corvette Z06 seen taunting police on social media arrested; car, guns, large amount of drugs seized More than 30 artifacts, including the 1960 city directory, newspapers, coins, and documents were placed in the capsule. Items were individually wrapped, keeping them protected from condensation. To be the mayor here as we are moving forward, its always unique to take a look back, said Mayor Jerome Rice, Spartanburg mayor. Councilwoman Littlejohn found her mothers phone number and the street she used to live on and Councilman Fulmer is looking through it with his son to see his old address and where his family grew up. Officials are hoping to return the favor for future generations and create a time capsule of their own, saying we can always learn from our own history. It will be installed at the joint city-county municipal building once its finished in 2026. There are these times in which its important to think about how we look to the future, said Steinecke. Close to 100 people attended, with many Spartanburg residents acknowledging the memories it brought back for them. I remember riding by this building when it was brand new, said Don Bramblett, Spartanburg resident. Theres good things about our growth and change, especially technology, but also we need to look back at where we were and be grateful that we have come so far. City leaders tell us exposing generations of the present to the past in this kind of way is exciting. Watch: Private tour of record $50 million listing in North Carolina Its an awesome time in Spartanburg as we move forward, its always great to take a look back, said Mayor Rice. All the items found in the time capsule today will be placed in archives at the downtown Spartanburg Library. Some items include: The names of courthouse employees on the payroll as of April 1961 Pictures of county board Financial statement of the courthouse and jail from July 1, 1949 to Jan 31, 1959 Proclamation by Mayor Neville Holcobme from April 29, 1961 dedication of the time capsule Legislative manual from Charles C. Moore, who was a member of the House of Representatives and state senator A copy of a plaque in the lobby of the courthouse Resolution by Spartanburg Legislative Delegation passed in the 1958-1959 Session of the General Assembly Spartanburg County school directory Spartanburg Journal newspaper clips Converse and Wofford College bulletins for 1960-61 Southern Bell telephone directory from 1960 1931 coin, incorporation of the municipality of Spartanburg 1873 coin, first railroad train through Spartanburg 1885 Silver Dollar 1889 coin, founding of Converse College 1927 coin, the year Spartanburg airport opened, the first in the state 1922 Silver Dollar 1930 coin, first commercial radio broadcast in the state at WSPA City Directory from 1960 U.S. news and world report from 1960 Spartanburg map Dollar bill donated by city employee, Joe Box Residents look through items in the time capsule. A Spartanburg Journal newspaper was in the time capsule. Different newspapers in the time capsule. Residents look through items in the time capsule. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. The Clay County Division of Emergency Management has new leadership. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Tim Devin is the new Emergency Management Director. Mike Ladd, the previous Emergency Management Director and former Deputy Emergency Management Director, resigned from the position to spend time with his family. I cannot express my thanks adequately for the support and sense of team during my tenure. Team Clay and Clay EM are comprised of exceptional people who routinely make outcomes better, Ladd said, It was my honor to work with them all. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Devin has been working in the division as the chief of plans and came on board in November. This isnt his first time serving the communities in Clay County. Devin started his career as a volunteer with Clay County Fire Rescue in 1985. After my time in Clay, I started with Jacksonville Fire Rescue, and thats when I really fell in love with emergency management, Devin said, One of my first deployments was for Hurricane Andrew in 1992. That was the start of my experience in working large-scale disasters. Devin was also the captain of the EMS training for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. Read: JSO: 2 men found shot dead inside car in Dinsmore neighborhood After retiring from JFRD, Devin started doing emergency management consulting for large local healthcare facilities. It made me more rounded, seeing the government side and the private sector side, Devin said. He continues to be a member of multiple local and state committees and organizations dedicated to health, public safety, and emergency management. Read: Nice finish to weekend with warmer weather on the way Devin said he is looking forward to continuing the relationships that have been built over the years with the countys law enforcement, health officials and public safety, with one goal in mind: keeping Clay County prepared and safe when our residents need it most. Clay County has a great foundation, he said, Ive worked around its members for 20-plus years. Its expounding that foundation, continuing the partnerships that we have, the sheriffs office, the fire department and the department of health. County leadership officially announced Devins new position on April 3. Read: Clay County Clerk helping residents reinstate their drivers licenses with Operation Green Light The Clay County Division of Emergency Management has new leadership. Tim Devin is the new Emergency Management Director. Mike Ladd, the previous Emergency Management Director and former Deputy Emergency Management Director, resigned from the position to spend time with his young family. Watch the video or read the article linked below as Devin talks about his experience and some of his focus as he steps into this new role. https://bit.ly/43HOH4U Posted by Clay County, Florida Emergency Management on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 [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. Meteorologists are careful to say whether skies will be clear in the Southwest Ohio region for the solar eclipse Monday. Meteorologists are careful to say whether skies will be clear in the Southwest Ohio region for the solar eclipse Monday. Cloud cover is expected in the morning and will gradually clear out, according to the latest National Weather Service forecast Sunday for the Cincinnati area. No rain is in the forecast with a high near 71 degrees. For Cincinnati, the eclipse will begin at 1:52 p.m. and end at 4:24 p.m. But there's more nuance to the cloudy forecast, and that's what makes it uncertain whether the eclipse will be visible to all of Southwest Ohio, according to Nate McGinnis, meteorologist with National Weather Service at Wilmington. Forecasters expect low-level clouds that morning and clearing into the early afternoon. That may not happen in the entire region, however. We're cautiously optimistic viewing will not be obstructed, but the degree of the obstruction is what were trying to figure out," he said. The eclipse will start earlier in the afternoon for other portions of the country as the eclipse shadow moves northeast from Texas. 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. According to USA TODAY, nearly 500 cities in the U.S. are on the path of totality, including Cleveland and Toledo. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Solar eclipse 2024: Cincinnati's weather and visibility outlook An investment consultant will be tried on April 16 for allegedly stealing $3.2 million from an Australian businessman after advising him to purchase a titan mine. Truong Thi Kim Soan, 50, in April 2013 approached Australian businessman John Koon in Ho Chi Minh City and advised him to buy a 360-hectare Sao Mai titan mine in Binh Thuan Province, central Vietnam, according to prosecutors. She told Koon to let her buy the mine on his behalf to reduce the burden of administrative procedures since she was a Vietnamese. She added that prices would be more affordable if she was the only one working directly with the seller, Sao Mai Company. But at the time Sao Mai did not have permits to operate the mine and therefore Soan asked Koon for money so she can acquire operation permits. After receiving money from Koon to buy the mine, Soan established a new company Thien Binh and used it to buy the mine. She owned 95% of Thien Binh and her husband 5%. Koon therefore did not own any stake in the mine and allegedly lost $3.2 million to Soan in the deal. In September 2020 Koon filed a complaint to the police accusing Soan of stealing his money. In August 2021 she was arrested. But Soans lawyer claimed that the $3.2 million she received from Koon was for many projects that they partnered together including the purchase of Son Mai mine. There were emails and receipts to confirm this, the lawyer claimed. Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right U.S. President Donald Trump participates in the final presidential debate against Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden at Belmont University on Oct. 22, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. This is the last debate between the two candidates before the election on Nov. 3. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right Here I am Stuck in the middle with you. Stealers Wheel Stuck In the Middle With You These are lyrics from the song Stuck in the Middle With You, co-written by Garry Rafferty and Joe Eagan and performed by their band in 1972. The 43 percent of voters who are independent (Gallup Poll) would agree the lyrics stuck in the middle speak to them and our 2024 presidential election. On March 12, Joe Biden and Donald Trump locked up their respective political party nomination, starting a 244-day campaign to Nov. 5. Research reveals the vast majority of registered Democrats are committed to vote for Biden despite his octogenarian age (though former Special Counsel Robert Hur told Congress Joe had photographic recall). Likewise, research notes the MAGA Republicans will vote for Trump, regardless of past legal issues (for example, $83.3 million E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse finding, New Yorks $453.5 million Trump Organization litigation, 2005-2021 Trump Organization criminal tax fraud $1.6 million fine, etc.) and pending cases (i.e., 2020 federal election interference, Georgias RICO election interference, stolen national defense classified documents and 2016 porn star hush-money election interference and 34 counts of falsifying business records). Research is also replete that due to Democrat and Republican polarization, independents will determine on Nov. 5 who will be Americas 47th president. A number of Democrat and Republican loyalists are turning against their respective partys designated presidential candidate. Lets explore that issue. Joe Biden Back in the summer of 2022, Politico reported that RootsAction a left-wing activist group who supported Bidens 2020 presidential election, tried to persuade Joe not to run in 2024. Theres sufficient rumbling that some Blacks, Latinos and young people are suspicious of voting for Biden like they did in 2020. However, 15 different and mostly Gen Z (ages 18-27) and young millennials recently endorsed Biden and joined the Students for Biden-Harris coalition citing Joes achievements supersede his age. Gallups annual governance poll reveals 63 percent of voters want a third-party choice. American Bridge, Third Way, MoveOn and Save our Republic PAC all left-of-center groups are worried the centrist group No Labels and political activists Robert F. Kennedy, Cornel West and Jill Stein will take votes away from Biden. Third-party presidential candidates are Bidens biggest re-election threat. Donald Trump Turmoil in Trumps world is more troubling than in the Biden camp. Business Insider reports 40 of Trumps 44 former cabinet members (91%) are not endorsing his 2024 candidacy. Wikipedias List of Republicans who oppose the Donald Trump presidential campaign features 128 individuals from GOP officials to judicial, governors and Congress. Trumps former attorney general Bill Barr testified before Congress that Trump is a troubled man who must face justice. Former vice president Mike Pence announced on Fox News (March 15) his ex-boss has strayed too far from conservative philosophy. Both are not endorsing Trumps campaign. A GOP group who call themselves Republican Voters Against Trump have launched a $50 million ad blitz campaign featuring first-person video testimonials of more than 100 former Trump voters. The Guardian notes Fox News on-air personalities relationship with Trump started eroding with the Jan. 6 insurrection presidential coup attempt and ensuing $1.6 billion lawsuit by Dominion against Fox News Network. Knowing the owner and chair of Fox Corp is Rupert Murdoch, its not surprising that The Wall Street Journal, which he also owns, is no longer kissing Trumps ring. On Jan. 25, The Wall Street Journals editorial board publicly criticized Trump for meddling into congressional talks on border security and his blatant threat to permanently bar Republicans from the MAGA camp who supported Nikki Haleys campaign, calling his actions a high act of self-sabotage and it would be a good reason to vote for someone else. Wall Street Journal and Trump romance has been eroding for years as witnessed by the editorial boards leading op-ed on Nov. 9, 2022 titled Trump is the Republican partys biggest loser. Biden and Trump Turnover of employees is a standard business measure of stability or chaos. Donald Trump had a 35 percent first-year turnover of senior executives while Joe Biden only had an eight percent first-year turnover (Axios, Jan. 20, 2022). On Trumps last day of office, 60 of the 65 senior executives (92%) had left his administration. Currently, Bidens turnover rate is 71 percent (Brookings, Jan. 20). Between now and Nov. 5 continue to do your independent presidential candidate homework versus being a lemming and getting hoodwinked by the respective political partys disinformation, misinformation and propaganda. Lets admit it. We have clowns to the left, jokers to the right and here I am like 43 percent of voters stuck in the middle with you. The post Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right appeared first on Daily Montanan. Columbus' proposed zoning revamp is here -- what you need to know about it Columbus is updating its zoning for the first time in 70 years, and the city is proposing major changes along the city's major corridors, including this area of South High Street north of Greenlawn Avenue. The new rules will allow larger buildings with denser housing and have no parking requirements. The proposed zoning changes that Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther will officially hand off to City Council on Monday could be a game-changer for how major developers negotiate with neighborhood leaders. Among other things, it would do away with the need for developers to go through a review process involving neighborhood area commissions in order to build structures higher than 35 feet and to drop expensive parking space requirements for tenants and customers. How will this simplify zoning? To illustrate what that could mean, take a look back to 2015, when a firm called CA Ventures proposed the demolition of the existing one-story Dollar Tree store at 1398-1400 North High Street, just south of Ohio State University, to construct a six-story, 171,295-square-foot retail and student-apartment complex. By virtue of its size, the project needed a laundry list of code variances or exemptions from the city's zoning rules from the City Council. Among the major ones were variances to increase the height of the building from no more than 35 feet to 72 feet, and to substantially reduce the required 278 off-street parking spaces based on a formula involving the number of "beds" and retail square feet. The parking code necessitated an expensive below-ground parking garage, which the city allowed to be reduced by 32%, to 189 spaces. The University Area Commission gave the project a thumbs down. It advised the owners in October 2015 that it had generally approved of all the variances except one on mandatory "vision clearance" from the parking garage, but that the city Public Service Department's Traffic Management Division "was not supportive of the number of residential parking spaces proposed," documents show. The area commission voted 11-8 to disapprove of the variances. Despite that, City Council approved the variances in December 2015 for the mixed-use project eventually called "Uncommon Columbus." But the city code sets up ground rules for making variances. While they're increasingly common, they're not automatically legal. Council can grant "variation in the yard, height or parking requirements ... only where there are unusual and practical difficulties ... due to irregular shape of lot, topography, or other conditions (that) ... will not seriously affect any adjoining property or the general welfare," city code states. Council can't grant a variance to use a parcel for a purpose not permitted in the zoning if it will "adversely affect the surrounding property," the code adds. Council also must "first determine" that a variance "will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to the adjacent property, unreasonably increase the congestion of public streets," or diminish public safety or even surrounding property values, the code says. But if the proposed new zoning code were in effect, that project would have needed no variances and could be close to three times as tall, with zero parking. The streamlining could takes months if not years off the review process, officials have said. Why is the city zoning being changed? City leaders say the code is dated, largely crafted in the 1950s at a time when the automobile was becoming a more-common luxury to residents and which city planners were attempting to accommodate. Today, leaders would like it to focus more around mass transit. New "urban core" zoning would go up North High Street through the Short North, allowing new buildings of up to 16 stories. "Our citys zoning code is broken," Ginther wrote in an introduction to the plan dated Thursday. "Written more than 70 years ago when racist practices like redlining and slum clearance were part of the urban planning playbook our current code is exacerbating inequity in our community. Its preventing our city from rising upward, and pushing our growth outward. And its making development more expensive than it needs to be." Where is the zoning being changed? To make up for discouraging car use, the changes would initially happen along major corridors served by Central Ohio Transit Authority bus routes, like High and Broad streets, now mostly zoned "commercial." Ginther said at an unveiling ceremony Thursday that within a decade, the zoning changes proposed for 12,300 parcels (or less than 4% of the city's total properties) could generate 88,000 new residential units almost 15 times what could be expected without the changes. Zoning changes in darker brown represent areas of Columbus where buildings of up to 16 stories will be permitted, provided four of the 12 stories are for affordable housing. What would the changes allow? The most intensive of six new zoning districts, "urban core," would allow up to 16-story buildings with no parking on North High from Downtown to and including Lane Avenue, and on East Broad Street between Downtown and Bexley, as well as other spots dotted around the city. The proposal allows for buildings to be 12 stories, but an additional four stories in these districts could be added if they meet city affordability requirements. "Urban center," the name for the next level of zoning intensity, would allow up to seven-story buildings one story taller than the Uncommon Columbus project but again with no "required" off-street parking. The dark brown and medium brown parcels appearing mostly on High and Broad streets represent the most intensive new zoning, where new buildings could be 12- to 16-stories tall, depending on their percentage of affordable units. The orange parcels show where new buildings could be 5- to 7-stories. Will there be parking? Columbus City Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorans noted that just because parking isn't required for apartment buildings by the proposed new zoning plan doesn't mean developers won't provide any. The city assumes some level of parking will be provided in order to make the units sell and rent. But the market will determine how much is needed and who pays for it. Dorans noted at the Thursday event that the Downtown zoning district hasn't required parking for years. However, the city itself picked up the responsibility of providing thousands of parking spaces through the construction of numerous city-owned Downtown parking garages built over the last two decades, some in conjunction with private developments. The city generally pays off the bonds it used to build its garages with revenue from people parking their cars. City officials say housing needs at root of changes The main motivating factor behind the massive zoning overhaul, Ginther and other city officials say, is the ever-increasing price and general lack of housing as tens of thousands of new residents come into Columbus every couple years. City leaders say that if developers can build for less, that savings would get passed on to renters and buyers many of whom don't own cars. "In Columbus today, over 30,000 households don't own a car, for a variety of reasons," according to a city analysis. Because the new rules are being applied to thousands of parcels that already have buildings on them, the projections suggest that many existing structures would need to be torn down and replaced with larger buildings to create a net of 88,000 new residential units, or more than seven new units for each parcel, and four times the number of units that exist today on the rezoned land. But such projects can be controversial in neighborhoods, particularly older neighborhoods. Neighborhood activists were successful in altering a 2016 project on High Street north of Lane Avenue, View on Pavey Square, which was intent on tearing down six century-old houses to build a 251,750-square-foot. 10-story building, with 145 apartments and 400 beds. The project was negotiated down to 115 apartments, almost 300 bedrooms and 230 parking spaces. The historic structures were saved, as the Columbus Board of Zoning Adjustment required the building to be set back from the street, behind the houses. Under Ginther's new zoning proposal, the developer could have gone one story higher, provided it met certain affordable-housing requirements, and provided no off-street parking for its hundreds of new tenants. The area commission wouldn't need to give feedback if the plan already meets the proposed new zoning requirements. What is the timeline for the zoning changes? The zoning proposal was released to the public on Thursday and is scheduled to be introduced to the City Council on Monday. There is expected to be a 60 day comment period, and Dorans said he expected there would be at least two public hearings. Dorans said the final version of the zoning changes could be approved this summer. How can I see the proposed changes and ask questions? Columbus has created a website at www.columbus.gov/zoningupdate where the public can find information about the proposal. The full zoning proposal can be downloaded from the City Council's agenda online. Residents can also email ZoningUpdate@Columbus.gov or call 614-645-5343 for more information. In addition, a public gallery will be available for people to visit six days a week. The Zone in Gallery will be at 141 N. Front St. The gallery will offer open hours for the public, hours for area commissioners and appointments for affected property owners and group tours. wbush@gannett.com @ReporterBush This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What to know about Columbus' massive zoning overhaul Cops looking for migrant accused of stabbing asylum-seeker outside converted NYC hotel Police are combing the Big Apple for a migrant accused of stabbing another asylum seeker during a scuffle outside a hotel shelter in Hells Kitchen, law enforcement sources said. The suspect fled the scene after slashing the 35-year-old victim who is also a migrant during a dispute outside the Watson Hotel on West 57th Street, one of several hotels in the five boroughs that has been converted into a shelter during the migrant crisis. A parking garage attendant who witnessed the stabbing told The Post that the victim appeared to instigate the fight, and chased the suspect with a stick before the stabber turned on him. The attendant said the suspect was trying to avoid a confrontation with the smaller victim whose wife was egging him on during the scuffle, the attendant said. Police said a 35-year-old migrant was stabbed during a dispute with another migrant outside the Watson Hotel in Hells Kitchen on Saturday. Cops are now searching for the suspect. William Miller The guy who got stabbed was the problem, the witness said. The victim was taken to Mount Sinai West Hospital and listed in stable condition. The attendant said police regularly respond to the hotel to break up little fights. The Watson is a one-time three-star hotel that was repurposed to help handle the influx of migrants from the US border with Mexico over the past two years. The Watson Hotel in Hells Kitchen, once a three-star hotel, is now one of several in the city converted into a migrant shelter. G.N.Miller/NYPost Scores of migrants were living in tents outside the hotel for a time when it reached capacity. The hotel was the site of tense standoff with migrants last year who refused to leave the hotel for new living arrangements the city had made for them at the Brooklyn Cruise terminal. It's not often that solar eclipses race across our skies, the moon blotting out the sun to usher in captivating rings of fire like in October or complete and utter darkness such as what will transpire Monday. Though it's only been a matter of six months since the annular solar eclipse, it's more common for years and years to pass between these spectacular celestial events. And when they do occur, they're undeniably beautiful. Because the events are so rare and so mystifying, astronomers say it's no surprise that the years have done little to dampen the awe-inspiring power eclipses hold over us. Whenever one is set to occur, the promise of catching a glimpse of such a dazzling spectacle whether it be a complete eclipse or only a partial one always manages to capture the public's attention. "I think humans have a deep connection with the night sky," Cameron Hummels, director of astrophysics outreach at the California Institute of Technology, previously told USA TODAY. "Astronomical events like eclipses, meteor showers, and the northern lights are a way in which they can experience it first hand." Your guide to the eclipse: What to know before totality hits Monday Total solar eclipse is chance for millions to see totality, corona The phenomenon of an eclipse is rare enough as it is, but the upcoming astral display will quite literally be a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle to behold. Compared to the last total solar eclipse in 2017, this year's even will produce a brighter corona around the sun, a larger moon and a longer totality. Millions of Americans have now long been eagerly awaiting what will be their only chance until 2044 to witness totality, whereby the moon will completely block the sun's disc, ushering in uncharacteristic darkness. The sun begins to peek from behind the moon at the end of the total eclipse in 2017. Americans across the country will flock Monday to eclipse watch parties at libraries, national parks and other venues to catch a glimpse of the phenomenon, which will pass over portions of Mexico, the United States and Canada. Here in the U.S., 13 states fall directly in the path of totality, which will offer the most captivating views. The process and reasons for an eclipse have long been understood by scientists, but it hasn't diminished the excitement that bubbles up anytime an eclipse approaches. Many astronomers, like Christopher Sirola from the University of Southern Mississippi, even view eclipses as an opportunity to harness public captivation to educate about the science behind the phenomenon. "Solar eclipses are very predictable, but their regularities are not obvious," Sirola said. "Such events are awesome, especially total solar eclipses." Eclipses offer scientists a chance to study sun We may think of astronomers and astrophysicists as studious and objective observers of the skies, but solar eclipses are equally exciting for them. And while much of that eager anticipation is purely for the celestial light show that will be on display, there's an academic reason as well. A mother watches the solar eclipse where her two teenage children in 2017 in Massachusetts. The glasses they're wearing are highly recommended for skygazers who want to avoid damaging their retinas during Monday's celestial event. Describing eclipses as "a cosmic masterpiece," Elsayed Talaat of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration told USA TODAY that the celestial events afford scientists an opportunity to study the sun much closer than normal. Total solar eclipses in particular, such as the one that will overtake a large swath of the country in April, allow for scientists to test and improve human understanding of the laws of physics, primarily those of the sun. Veiled by the massive star's bright light, the sun's corona becomes visible during a total eclipse, allowing astronomers to conduct observations normally impossible, said Talaat, director of NOAA's Office of Space Weather Observations. At NASA, for instance, a team of engineering physicists plan to launch three sounding rockets Monday toward the sun to study how a loss of sunlight alters Earth's atmosphere. The corona to this day remains shrouded in mystery, as Talaat said scientists are unsure of just why the outermost layer is able to reach a temperature of 1.8 million degrees Fahrenheit compared to the 10,000 degrees measured on the surface of the sun itself. Scientists at NOAA use a telescopic device called a coronagraph to replicate the effects of an eclipse by blocking out the direct light from the sun in order to measure a corona year-round without relying on the moon's orbit. NOAAs newest geostationary satellite will carry a coronagraph onboard when it launches for deep space next year, while a 2025 mission will also bring another device roughly 1 million miles away from earth to allow for unobstructed observations of the corona. However, Talaat admits there's nothing like seeing an eclipse for yourself. "It's very different to be able to see it with your own eyes from the ground; that's a very powerful experience for me," Talaat said. "It reminds me it reminds us that the sun is powerful in ways we don't fully understand or quite appreciate." Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Solar eclipses never fail to dazzle us. Astronomers aren't surprised. Is it COVID, flu or allergies? California health experts tell how to identify symptoms Congestion? Check. Sneezing? Check. Coughing? Check, check and check. With a number of illnesses currently circulating throughout California and seasonal allergies irritating immune systems this spring, how do you determine what you have? Many respiratory viruses, including influenza, (respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19, can cause cold-like symptoms, the California Department of Public Health wrote in an email statement to The Sacramento Bee on Wednesday morning. Though many respiratory viruses, including the flu, coronavirus, and RSV, peak between October and March, they circulate year-round in California, the departments website says. As of mid-March, influenza, coronavirus, RSV and norovirus were coursing through the state. Unless you are at risk for a serious illness, such as pregnant people, older adults and people with weak immune systems, the state health department said it isnt always necessary to know which virus is causing symptoms. If you want to know what illness is currently attacking your immune system, however, heres what California health officials said to do: Do I have the flu? According to the California Department of Public Healths most recent weekly report, the percentage of influenza detection in California is inching upward. From March 17 to March 23, flu numbers were up by 5.3% compared to the previous week which showed numbers were up by 5%. During this time frame, nine flu-related deaths were reported in California. What are flu symptoms? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu symptoms include: Fever or chills Cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle, head or body aches Tiredness Vomiting and diarrhea, which are more common in children How do I know if my illness is the flu? To determine if your symptoms are being caused by the flu, the California Department of Public Health said you should seek testing by contacting (your) medical provider. According to CDC guidelines, these tests require a health care provider to swab the inside of your nose or back of your throat, and then send the swab for testing. Examples of tests include reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, viral culture and immunofluorescence assays. Flu shots for senior citizens are one good way to prevent the spread of infections among vulnerable people during winter virus season. Staying home from work is another. Washingtons new sick leave law might help. How do I know if I have COVID-19? According to the CDC, possible symptoms of COVID-19 include: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Tiredness Muscle, head or body aches New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus, the CDC website says. Although flu and COVID-19 share common symptoms, the California Department of Public Health said you can use COVID-19 over-the-counter home tests to determine your illness. As of Friday, the latest weekly update by the department shows 2.4% of tests came back positive for COVID-19. In the past week, roughly 800 individuals were hospitalized due to the virus. From Oct. 1 to March 30, a total of 3,145 coronavirus-related deaths were reported in California Is it RSV? RSV infections typically target individuals during late fall, winter and early spring, according to the CDC. RSV detections appeared to be trending upward in California, as of Friday. While roughly 12 cases of RSV were reported in California on March 23, almost 16 cases were reported by March 30, according to the CDCs most recent report. The best defense for fighting illness is a good offense, using tissues when coughing and sneezing. And, nurses remind parents and children alike that the single most important thing everyone can do to stay healthy is to wash their hands with soap and water. Symptoms of RSV can include: Fever Cough Runny nose Wheezing in very young babies Difficulty breathing How to test for RSV: Tests arent usually necessary to diagnose RSV, Mayo Clinic says. However, they can help diagnose complications or rule out other respiratory viruses that can cause similar symptoms. These tests can include chest X-rays, swabbing the inside of the mouth or nose, pulse oximetry to detect levels of oxygen and blood tests. Should I test for norovirus? Unlike COVID-19, flu and RSV, norovirus primarily impacts the digestive system. Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States, the CDC said. People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus, which spreads very easily and quickly. More common symptoms include: Diarrhea Vomiting Nausea Stomach pain However, some individuals could experience fever, headaches and body aches. A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus, the CDC says. Most people with norovirus illness get better within one to three days, but they can still spread the virus for a few days after. To diagnose your illness as norovirus, Mayo Clinic says your health care provider might recommend a stool test. A cyclist rides past flowers blooming at William Land Park on Tuesday. Allergy season has already hit full stride. Is it my allergies? According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, pollen in the warmer seasons can cause cold-like symptoms for people with two common allergic conditions: seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, and allergic asthma. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by seasonal allergies can include: Runny nose Stuffy nose Sneezing Red and watery eyes Itchy nose, eyes, ears or mouth Swelling around the eyes Symptoms of allergic asthma include: Shortness of breath Cough Chest tightness or pain Wheezing Waking at night due to asthma symptoms A drop in lung function Though respiratory viruses and allergic reactions typically share the same cold-like symptoms, people with seasonal allergies almost never have a sore throat or a cough, Mayo Clinic says. With seasonal allergies, individuals will also notice puffy eyelids and dark marks under their eyes. Dr. NaYoung Kim, the chief of allergy and immunology for Kaiser Permanente Sacramento and Roseville, recently told The Sacramento Bee that allergies cannot make you sick. People will complain that they have a sensation of not feeling well ... but its not a direct correlation that just because you have allergies your immune system is worse, Kim said. Youre not more sick because you have allergies. To prevent seasonal allergies, Kim said, Environmental control is key. This includes staying indoors or cleaning your hair and clothes if you have to travel outdoors. Read more: Why are my allergies so bad right now? This Sacramento doctor has tips to help you manage A woman sneezes into a tissue. Allergy levels are predicted to fluctuate in Sacramento this week with looming rain and wind in the forecast. How can I keep from getting sick? According to the California Department of Public Health, here are some tips to lower your chances of getting sick this spring: Stay up to date on vaccines. Stay home when sick. Test and treat your symptoms. Consider wearing a face mask. Wash your hands or sanitize. Shield your cough and sneeze. What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com. DENVER (KDVR) Wildland firefighters battled a blaze in a national forest near Estes Park Saturday night and into Sunday morning. The Forest Service of the Arapaho Roosevelt National Forests said Forest Service firefighters and local agencies responded to a 2-acre fire near U.S. Highway 36 and Big Meadows Road. The Forest Service confirmed that the fire is on National Forest land. Colorado fire departments send warnings, brace for weekend winds High winds made the effort challenging and crews were working to take advantage of rocky topography to slow the spread, according to the Forest Service. As of 10:42 p.m., the Forest Service said the fire had not grown significantly over the last hour and crews have hoses around the perimeter. The Forest Service said the only immediate threat was to power poles. Just after 11 p.m., the Forest Service said the burn was under an acre. No change in size was reported overnight Sunday, and crews worked to cool internal hotspots when the wind died down. U.S. Highway 36 was closed in both directions in Estes Park due to the fire, but was reopened late Saturday night. This is a developing story and this article will be updated as more information becomes available. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) An early morning fire in the Longs area left a 74-year-old woman dead, officials said. Jeanette Livingston was found dead inside her home in the 3000 block of Bombing Range Road about 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, Horry County Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard said. Horry County Fire Rescue crews arrived on scene just before 2 a.m., and a spokesman said two people were sent to the hospital. Authorities said the incident remains under investigation. It was the third structure fire in less than 24 hours that broke out in Horry County, with blazes at a Carolina Forest apartment complex and an area outside of Conway also leading to displacements and property damage. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Vuong Dinh Hue and a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a six-day official visit to China. The visit is made at the invitation of Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Zhao Leji. Accompanying the top Vietnamese legislator are Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of the committees Mass Mobilization Commission Bui Thi Minh Hoai; Senior Lieutenant General Tran Quang Phuong, NA Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Vietnam - China Friendship Parliamentarians Group; Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang; NA General Secretary and Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong; Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai, among other officials. NA Chairman Hues visit is expected to create a strong motivation and momentum for the development of the relations between Vietnam and China. This is the first visit to China by Hue as the NA Chairman, and also the first direct meeting between the heads of the two countries' legislatures after the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China. It is taking place in the context that the two countries celebrated the 73rd anniversary of their diplomatic relations and 15 years of bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in 2023. https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/chrt.fm/track/35917C/d2h6a3ly6ooodw.cloudfront.net/reasontv_audio_8275186.mp3 1x 1.1x 1.25x 1.5x 2x 3x :15 :15 Download "We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue," President Joe Biden implored in his inaugural address, a speech that used the word unity no fewer than 11 times: "Unity is the path forward." It's a familiar tune, one we were hearing from presidents long before it started to feel like the country was coming apart. "A kinder, gentler nation" was George H.W. Bush's formulation. "I'm a uniter, not a divider," the rendering of his feckless son. Barack Obama wouldn't just stop the oceans' rise; through the sheer power of presidential happy-talk, he'd kumbaya us into "one America," beyond red and blue. Given the way things have been heading lately, you can't blame Biden for sounding a bit desperate about it. Donald Trump, who threw out the old playbook on his path to the presidency, takes a different approach: "We will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists, and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country!" "The seal is now broken.""2024 is our final battle." That's really not helping, but neither would it put us on the glide path to national unity if Trump suddenly mellowed his tone. The former president's apocalyptic rhetoric and rageaholic antics aren't what made the presidency itself a central fault line of American polarization. It's the fact that the president, increasingly, has the power to reshape vast swathes of American life. The modern presidency, by its very nature, is a divider, not a uniter. It has become far too powerful to be anything else. Over the past several decades, as our politics took on a quasi-religious fervor, we've been running a dangerous experiment: concentrating vast new powers in the executive branch, making "the most powerful office in the world" even more powerful. Fundamental questions of governance that used to be left to Congress, the states, or the people are now settled, winner-take-all, by whichever party manages to seize the presidency. Worse still, recent presidents have deployed their enhanced powers to impose forced settlements on highly contested, morally charged issues on which Americans should be free to disagree. In the age of identity politics, the modern president has become our culture warrior in chief. Unless and until he's disarmed, we'll have "uncivil war" and American carnage from here to the post-apocalyptic wasteland. Culture Wars Past Culture war has become our go-to umbrella term for practically every dispute in American politics that involves deeply held moral values. The phrase came into common currency three decades ago, thanks to an influential 1991 book, Culture Wars: The Struggle To Define America, by University of Virginiasociologist James Davison Hunterand to Pat Buchanan's infamous"culture war" speech at the Republican National Convention the next year. But while some of the flashpoint issues of the time still persist today (the abortion fight we will always have with us, it seems), others"blasphemous" art, "family values," creationism in the classroom, naughty lyrics from hair-metal bandsnow seem almost quaint. The culture wars of the late 20th century were tied up with the rise of the Christian Right. The battle lines were religious vs. secular"orthodox" vs. "progressive," in Hunter's formulation. Buchanan's 1992 convention speech shocked the pundit class by describing the struggle as "a religious war going on in this country." Yet this particular Thirty Years' War wasn't terribly bloody. The stakes often seemed more symbolic than real. A lot of the fights were literallyabout symbolsdesecration of sacred objects: burning the American flag, or, in the controversy over Andres Serrano's Piss Christ, dunking a crucifix in urine, calling it art, and getting the federal government to write you a check for it. Most significantly, it wasn't fought with the weapons of presidential power. Executive orders and administrative diktat were rarely deployed to settle culture-war fights. Lip Service Is All You'll Ever Get from Me Presidents weighed in, to be sure, but it was largely performative. Theyor their lieutenantsused the bully pulpit to signal support for teaching "the biblical account of creation" in public schools or to bang on about lax values in popular culture. In a much-noted 1992 speech, thenVice President Dan Quayle lit into a sitcom character, Candice Bergen's Murphy Brown, for "mocking the importance of fathers by bearing a child alone and calling it just another lifestyle choice." But culture-war jawboning rarely cashed out into observable policy change. Another favorite tactic was backing long-shot constitutional amendments. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan called on Congress to passan amendment protecting "the simple freedom of our citizens to offer prayer in our public schools and institutions," pronouncing himself "confident that such an amendment will be quickly adopted." It never came to a vote, and the effort was abandoned after the Democrats took back the Senate in 1986. Three years later, when the Supreme Court held that flag-burning was protected speech, President George H.W. Bush promptly demanded a constitutional amendment prohibiting flag desecration: "The law books are full of restrictions on free speech. And we ought to have this be one of them." He got enthusiastic support from the then-chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Joe Biden, who drafted a bill carrying penalties of up to a year in prison for defacing or burning the American flag. That too was struck down by the Supreme Court, and Bush's constitutional amendment never made it across the goal line. Executive orders played a minor role at best. For instance, at a United Nations conference in Mexico City in 1984, Reagan announced a new rule requiring U.S. foreign aid recipients to certify they wouldn't perform or promote abortion as a method of family planning. Two days after being sworn in, the next Democratic president, Bill Clinton, overturned the so-called Mexico City Policy via executive order. Subsequent Republican presidents turned it back on and Democrats turned it off again, the requirement winking in and out of existence each time the office changed parties. The issue was important enough to activists that each new president dutifully flipped the switch in their first days on the job, without meaningfully affecting any American's rights. But as presidential power has grown, the consequences of a shift in party control of the White House have grown far more sweeping. The Imperial Administrative Presidency As a future Supreme Court justice, Elena Kagan, noted in a 2001 Harvard Law Review article, "Presidential Administration," modern presidents have accrued significant power over regulatory policy, "making the regulatory activity of the executive branch agencies more and more an extension of the President's own policy and political agenda." The process began when bright lawyers in the Reagan administration saw increased presidential authority as a way to ride herd on the regulators and lower burdens on business. But what goes down can come back up, and rise to new heights: As Kagan noted, the president's administrative authority works just as well to push "a distinctly activist and pro-regulatory agenda." The original constitutional design required broad consensus for broad policy changes, but as law professors John O. McGinnis and Michael B. Rappaport warned in an important 2021 article in the Ohio State Law Journal,"Presidential Polarization," presidents now "can adopt such changes unilaterally.Domestically, Congress's delegation of policy decisions to the executive branch allows the President's administration to create the most important regulations of our economic and social life. The result is relatively extreme regulations that can shift radically between administrations of different parties." Presidents have become our primary policy makers. Whenever the presidency changes parties, McGinnis and Rappaport note, "rules affecting almost every aspect of American life will pivot 180 degrees." The shift from Obama to Trump, for example, carried with it reversals on net neutrality rules, fuel economy limits on new vehicles, and which immigrants can come to the United States, as well as new rules governing free speech disputes and sexual assault claims on college campuses across the country. What's more, legal changes made by presidential decree may be locked in for as long as the president's party holds the officeeven when there's majority support in Congress to overturn them. Attempts to rein in presidential lawmaking must themselves run the gauntlet of the ordinary legislative process, subject to presidential signature or veto. The default setting of American government has shifted toward presidential unilateralism. The president now enjoys broad power to do as he pleases unless and until Congress can assemble a veto-proof supermajority to stop him. In all the discussion of polarization, McGinnis and Rappaport note, "one important factorhas gone largely undiscussed: the deformation of our federal governing structure." The drift toward one-man rule both intensifies partisan fury and makes it more dangerous. Racial Preferences With the Stroke of a Pen In the first week of his presidential administration, Biden unleashed unilateral edicts at such a blazing death-metal pace that even the New York Times editorial board got nervous, imploring him to "Ease Up on the Executive Actions, Joe." (It took him until week two to remember to reverse the Mexico City Policy on foreign aid for abortion.) By the 100-day mark, Biden had already issued more executive orders than Obama managed in his entire first year. Few issues divide Americans more than race; one of Biden's first acts as president was to issue an executive order guaranteed to divide us further. On his first day in office, the president issued an Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity that makes rooting out "systemic racism" a central organizing principle for the federal government. This isn't the old-fashioned notion of racism as individual prejudice based on skin color. It's an invisible, insidious force that reveals itself in statistical disparities, as Biden had earlier explained at a campaign-trail event hosted by the Rev. Al Sharpton. It's behind higher poverty rates for black Americans, "undervalued" houses, and "car insurance [that] costs more." "Most of us whitesdon't even consciously acknowledge it," Biden added, "but it's been built into every aspect of our system." Under the Biden order, 90-odd federal agencies were tasked with developing "Equity Action Plans" to level those differences. To fulfill that mandate, the Biden Department of Health and Human Services announced in 2021 that it would pay higher Medicare reimbursement rates for doctors who "implement an antiracism plan," on the grounds that "systemic racism is the root cause for differences in health outcomes." Under the theory that where there are racial disparities, there is racism, the administration has mounted a frontal assault on equality before the law. In 2021, for example, the Biden administration began handing out emergency COVID-19 relief fundsdebt relief for farmers, grants to restaurantson an explicitly racial basis. That principle even extended to lifesaving drugs. Minority status alone could move you to the front of the line for COVID antivirals in states following guidelines from Biden's Food and Drug Administration. In December, the president used his first veto to defend a government data-collection mandate that requires lenders to gather and report information on small-business loans, including the race, gender, and sexual preference of the business owners. The president's veto message insists the regulation is a "transparency" measure, enabling "oversight of abusive and predatory lenders." But in the context of other policies, one could be forgiven for suspecting that the ultimate goal is a racial- and gender identitybased spoils system that delivers benefits to citizens according to their rankings on some kind of intersectionality scorecard. Commander in Chief of the Girls' Bathroom When it comes to transgender issues, most Americans are for tolerance and fair treatment. But they're deeply divided on issues like allowing biological males to use girls' restrooms. The president calls such sentiments "hysterical," "prejudiced," and "ugly," but those who share them are unlikely to be harangued into believing that traditional bathroom rules are the new Jim Crow. Here again the country is getting forced settlements through unilateral edict and administrative order. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination "on the basis of sex" in any program receiving federal financial assistance. In an administrative rule that's about to be finalized, Biden interprets that authority to let him make national rules about which kid gets to use which bathroom in practically every public K-12 school or college in America. When it comes to girls' sports, the administration has hedged its bets somewhat, likely because nearly 70 percent of Americans now say only biological females should be allowed to compete in women's sports. But the rule Biden's Education Department has draftedwill prohibit the categorical bans most Americans support in any educational institution receiving federal tax dollars: the vast majority of colleges, universities, and K-12 schools. On trans health care, they're steering a bolder course. The president's June 2022 Executive Order on Advancing Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Individuals proposes sending the Federal Trade Commission after doctors practicing "conversion therapy," which is defined broadly enough ("efforts to suppress or change an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression") that it could include psychologists who do not immediately fork over puberty blockers. Biden's Department of Health and Human Services is moving to implement a rule that requires doctors and hospitals to provide "gender-affirming care," including for minors: puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and "top" and "bottom" surgeries. Private insurersand the taxpayer, via Medicaidwould be required to foot the bill. According to a Center for American Progress analysis of the regulation, "a surgeon may be in violation for denying a transgender man a medically necessary hysterectomy because it is part of a gender-affirming care plan if the surgeon would otherwise provide that service to a cisgender woman." One has to wonder about the selection effects of such a rule: Is it a good idea to limit the future pool of gynecological surgeons to people who will cut the uterus out of a healthy teenager? Even if it was, is making those sorts of calls what we hire presidents to do? A Federal Bookmobile Czar Maybe so, in the president's viewit seems that there's no social issue too narrow or local not to cry out for intervention by the culture warrior in chief. Lately, Biden has been hell-bent on making a federal case out of how local school districts curate their grammar-school library shelves. The president has made the fight against so-called "book bans" a key part of his reelection bid. In the video ad launching his 2024 campaign, the president rhapsodizes about "freedom": "There's nothing more important, nothing more sacred." But "around the country, MAGA extremists are lining up to take on those bedrock freedoms"even "banning books," the president laments as the camera cuts to a stack of titles with Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird at the top. "Banning books in schools!" Biden wailed at a campaign event later that summer, "I mean, this the United States of America, for God's sake. The United States of America!" Ray Bradbury weeps. Actually, we're a far cry from Fahrenheit 451. It's not Atticus Finch in the dock either, unless you count such notorious MAGA strongholds as Los Angeles and Seattle, where To Kill a Mockingbird has been pulled from the curriculum for its insensitive "white savior" storyline. What the president's calling "book bans" usually involves local taxpayers deciding that Maia Kobabe's graphic memoir Gender Queer may be too graphic for fourth-graders, or opting to pass on Juno Dawson's This Book Is Gay, which includes advice on mutual masturbation"something they don't teach you in school"and using Grindr to find sex partners. Reports of a nationwide wave of book-banning Babbittry have been overhyped by activist groups like PEN America, which defines the term "ban" broadly enough to include "any action taken against a book" that leads to "restricted" or "diminished" access for any period of time. Moved from the middle-school library to the high-school shelves? "Banned." Removed from a recommended reading list but still on the library shelves? "Banned." Do "concerned parents," or red-state politicians claiming to speak for them, ever go overboard and make nuisances of themselves? Sure: This is a big, crazy country with over 13,000 school districts. And PEN America documents some serious cases of legislative overreach, like a 2022 Missouri law making it a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail, for librarians to provide "explicit sexual material" to students. Decisions about what goes on school library shelves should be made at the local level, not forcibly dictated from the state house. Still less should those decisions be dictated from Washington, D.C. That's not stopping the Biden administration from bringing the full force of the federal government down on local school districts that aren't keen on cartoon porn. "We're taking on these civil rights violations, because that's what they are," Biden told the crowd at the White House Pride Celebration in June. He announced the appointment of a "coordinator" in the Education Department's Office for Civil Rights, tasked with fighting the alleged bans. The administration's legal theory, as explained by the president, is that "book bans may violate the federal civil rights laws when they target LGBTQ students or students of color and create hostile classroom environments." They took that theory for a successful test drive last year, when they threw the proverbial book at a suburban Atlanta school district for removing All Boys Aren't Blue from its library shelves. The offending tome contains some pretty spicy descriptions of underage cousin-incestsome of which you may even have heard if you caughtthe viral video of Sen. John Kennedy (RLa.) reading them aloud in a deadpan Southern drawl at a 2023 congressional hearing: "He asked me to turn over while he slipped a condom on himself. This was my ass.He got on top and slowly inserted himself into me. It was the worst pain I think I have ever felt in my life. Eventually, I felt a mix of pleasure with the pain." After it removed that book, the Forsyth County Schools found itself subject to a federal civil rights investigation into whether it had created a "racially and sexually hostile environment for students." The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) conceded the district wasn't engaged in an anti-gay book purge: It had "limited its book screening process to sexually explicit material." Nonetheless, OCR was troubled by "negative comments about diversity and inclusion" from parents at a school board meeting. As reported in the local press, those comments included statements like, "Do you think it's healthy for 8year-olds to be exposed to books which encourage transgenderism, sexualization, and masturbation?" To get the feds off their back, Forsyth County had to agree toa number of humiliating terms. OCR required the district to publicly post notice of its fealty to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) thought ("the District strives to provide a global perspective and promote diversity" in its school libraries), circulate information on how aggrieved students can file federal civil rights complaints, and conduct a district-wide harassment audit. As the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression notes, OCR's strong-arm tactics succeeded here despite the fact that "there is no legal authority that [says] failure to 'promote diversity' violates federal anti-discrimination law. If OCR thinks it can require schools to affirmatively 'promote diversity'a term left undefinedwhat else does the agency think it can get away with?" We'll find out as Biden's new school library czar gets to work. Culture War on the Conan Principle Strap in, because it's about to get worse. The increasingly influential "national conservatives" have nothing but scorn for those who want to limit government power and force the feds to mind their own business. Their aim is to seize power and wield it against their cultural enemies, waging war on the Conan Principle: Crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of their transwomen. Trump is coming down that escalator again, on a mission of vengeance. He'll take OCR off the "book ban" beatand instead sic them on teachers who cover critical race theory, transgender issues, or "other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content." They'll face "severe consequences" under federal civil rights law. As recently as 1996, the Republican Party platform acknowledged that "the federal government has no constitutional authority to be involved in school curricula" and called for abolishing the Department of Education. Now their standard-bearer wants to use $79 billion in federal education funds to work his will on thousands of local school districts. The federal government has no constitutional authority to set qualifications for teachers either, but Trump promises to "create a new credentialing body to certify teachers who embrace patriotic values and the American way of life." On transgender issues, Trump promises another 180-degree turn. What Biden deems "gender-affirming care," Trump calls "child sexual mutilation"; he promises to use federal health care dollars to dictate the proper treatments for gender dysphoria from the White House. He'll have the Justice Department investigate pharmaceutical companies that make puberty blockers, and he'll push for a law "prohibiting child sexual mutilation in all 50 states." Maybe he'll discover that there's already a federal female genital mutilation law and encourage some creative prosecutions. Is This Any Way To Run a Country? Alexander Hamilton supposed that "energy in the executive" would lead to "steady administration of the laws." But there are no permanent victories in politics, so that energy can mean whipsawing between radically different policies based on the vagaries of the Electoral College. Puberty blockers and drag queen story hours go from compulsory to forbidden every four to eight years, depending on which political party wins the presidency. At some point you have to ask yourself: Is this any way to run a country? It's not just stupid; it's dangerous. About 60 percent to 70 percent of Democrats and Republicans now view their political opponents as "a serious threat to the United States and its people," while 42 percent say the other team is "not just worse for politicsthey are downright evil." As McGinnis and Rappaport note: "The imperial administrative presidency raises the stakes of any presidential election, making each side fear that the other will enjoy largely unchecked and substantial power in many areas of policy." Partisans have long declared that next November's is the "most important election in history." We used to take that with the requisite grain of salt. In 2000, only 45 percent of Americans told pollsters it really mattered who won that year's presidential election. It went up from there: 63 percent in 2012, 74 percent in 2016, 83 percent in 2020. Maybe Americans think it matters because, increasingly, it matters. If everything from what books go on school library shelves to who gets to use the girls' locker room becomes a matter of presidential policy, good luck convincing people to put an electoral loss in perspective. Every election becomes a Flight 93 election: Charge the cockpit, do or die. We should be heading in the opposite direction: limiting the damage presidents can do, lowering the stakes of presidential elections, and reining in the president's ability to make law with the stroke of a pen. One hopes that Americans will rediscover the "better angels of our nature," put politics in perspective, and rediscover what unites us. Pending that moral awakening, our more pressing need is for structural reforms that limit the harm we might do to each other amid the fog of partisan war. Chief among those is reining in the powers of the culture warrior in chief. The post Culture Warrior in Chief appeared first on Reason.com. DA: Man charged with murder after striking, killing pedestrian with car in Brockton A man is being charged with murder after striking and killing a pedestrian with his car in Brockton on Saturday morning. According to the Plymouth County District Attorneys office, on Saturday around 8:53 a.m., Brockton Police received several 911 calls for reports of a motor vehicle versus pedestrian crash at 65 North Main Street. Upon arrival, Brockton Police located the operator of the motor vehicle who was identified as Vasco Semedo, 45, of Brockton, being detained by people at the scene. Police located a male victim, unresponsive on the pavement in front of the motor vehicle. He was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital before being med-flighted to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead around 10:34 p.m. The victim was identified as 50-year-old Stuart Smith. According to authorities, Semedo was driving a Toyota Rav 4 when he struck Smith with his vehicle, then backed up and drove into the victim a second time before getting out of the vehicle and repeatedly striking Smith with a brick on the ground. Semedo will be arraigned on murder charges in Brockton District Court on Monday. The investigation into this incident is ongoing. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW KOIN 6 News contacted candidates who are running for Oregon secretary of state in 2024, asking them to respond to these four questions: Why are you running for secretary of state? If elected, what would be your top priorities? What is your prior government/civic experience? Sometimes, the secretary of state has to decide whether to remove candidates from the ballot. How would you have handled the decision whether to remove former President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot and the decision to remove 2022 gubernatorial candidate Nick Kristoff? In 2023, Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade joined the nationwide #TrustedInfo2024 campaign to increase trust in election officials amid the spread of misinformation surrounding elections and voter information. If elected, how would you build trust in Oregon elections? A Reed College study, published in 2023, found county election offices in Oregon are struggling to retain and recruit workers amid a toxic political landscape, inadequate funding, and a rapidly changing workload. How will you support Oregon election workers? What do you think is going right in the secretary of states office? How would you build on it? What changes do you want to bring to the Oregon Secretary of States office? Dave Stauffer is running as a Democrat. Here are his responses: Why are you running for secretary of state? If elected, what would be your top priorities? The Secretary of State is also the Chair of the Board of Sustainability and Environment. See ORS 184.421 et seq. I am the best person to fulfill this role because I have five practical, workable, affordable, profit-making, politically correct patented inventions that can greatly improve Oregons environment. One of my inventions can heat your house, and air condition your house (or building) and heat your water so that you can have hot running waterall without burning fossil fuels that pollute the air. If thousands of houses and buildings quit polluting the air, we would have fewer environmental problems with global warming, breathing illnesses, and air pollution. I have one patented invention that can generate electricity from pollution-free (and inexpensive) wind power and another to generate electricity by pollution-free (and inexpensive) wave power. I also have a solution to greatly decrease the air pollution from the morning and evening rush hours for traffic going into Oregon cities in the morning and out of the cities in the evenings. You may find these environmental solutions spelled out in the videos on the Facebook site of Dave Stauffer for Secretary of State. What is your prior government/civic experience? I was the Securities Analyst for the State of Oregon, Division of Finance and Corporate Securities. I am a retired attorney that practiced law in Oregon and dealt with the state, county, and local governments. Sometimes, the secretary of state has to decide whether to remove candidates from the ballot. How would you have handled the decision whether to remove former President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot and the decision to remove 2022 gubernatorial candidate Nick Kristoff? I would follow the courts decision to keep Donald Trump on the ballot and to keep Nicholas Kristoff off of the ballot. In 2023, Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade joined the nationwide #TrustedInfo2024 campaign to increase trust in election officials amid the spread of misinformation surrounding elections and voter information. If elected, how would you build trust in Oregon elections? I would ensure that all the county voting places have adequate physical security and that the vote-counting electronic programs are safe from any malware. A Reed College study, published in 2023, found county election offices in Oregon are struggling to retain and recruit workers amid a toxic political landscape, inadequate funding, and a rapidly changing workload. How will you support Oregon election workers? I will be happy to recommend pay increases for all workers that are in line with the current minimum wage laws. What do you think is going right in the secretary of states office? How would you build on it? The Secretary of States Office is very active in auditing all the governments programs to ensure that funds are being spent in accordance with the legislatures intent. I will bring my legal and accounting experience to continue the good work of the Office of the Secretary of State. What changes do you want to bring to the Oregon Secretary of States office? As stated above, the Secretary of State is also the Chair of the Board of Sustainability and Environment. Oregon, and the United States as a whole, are facing significant environmental problems that are so large that most people cannot think large enough to solve those problems. The State of Oregon must implement my five large environmental inventions to solve Oregons environmental problems and be an example to the rest of the States. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Packs of dogs were documented intimidating massive sea lions back into the water. Sir David Attenborough's new series Mammals documented an unexpected battle between dogs and sea lions. (BBC Studios) What did you miss? David Attenborough's latest nature docuseries Mammals aired its second episode on BBC One this evening (7 April), with cameras traversing 'The New Wild'. The film opened with audacious sea lions helping themselves to some easy meals at Chilean fish markets, but their tranquility was quickly challenged by the local stray dogs that patrol the beaches. In this surprising footage, the packs of dogs (Chile has approximately 2 million strays, according to Attenborough) drove these humongous aquatic mammals back into the waves by sheer relentless intimidation. It was an odd sight to see these two species going hell for leather at each other. (BBC Studios) What, how and why? With the oceans being progressively overfished, narrator Attenborough informed viewers that the sea lions were on land in search of new hunger-quenching avenues. After they'd had their fill of the fishermen's catch, the animals crowded together on the beach. Usually on the lookout for underwater predators such as sharks and killer whales, the sea lions were then bizarrely confronted by barking dogs in their faces. With most of the sea lions being triple their size, it was a fascinating fight to watch unfold, but the aggressive canines were too quick and frankly too mean to let the sea lions relax in their territory. Having had chunks taken out of them by the stray dogs, the sea lions retreated into the sea. All was not lost, though, as the fish market leftovers get cast back into the water from the end of a pier, straight into the mammals' gaping gobs. Chilean fishermen are happy to feed the hungry mammals. (BBC Studios) What did social media users think about it? Over on social media site X (formerly Twitter), Attenborough fans couldn't quite wrap their heads around sea lions being attacked by Man's Best Friend completely unprovoked. One individual went on to label it "a battle no one was expecting". Bleeding dogs. Take em out sea lions. #mammals Steve (@stevebristoluk) April 7, 2024 Jesus those poor sea lions, bad doggies! #mammals Pickle (@FlopsyPickle) April 7, 2024 #Mammals I really wanted to see a sealion slap one of those dogs real hard pic.twitter.com/e4zOzPMC1B (@__wetpaint__) April 7, 2024 #bbc #mammals #DavidAttenborough @BBCiPlayer Fantastic episode! New, fascinating and even hopeful stories! The images of the dogs harassing sea lions are (even though stressful to watch) just amazing! Earonn (@EaronnScot) April 7, 2024 Mammals continues next Sunday (14 April) on BBC One at 7pm. Read more: Watch: Sir David Attenborough earned over '7,000 a minute' for his latest shows David Trone bows out of Senate debate in Dundalk due to hospitalization David Trone, the Maryland Congressman seeking to succeed U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, said he would skip an anticipated debate against Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks after being hospitalized late Saturday. In a statement posted to social media, Trones campaign said he had sought medical treatment due to dehydration and fever, and would cancel his Sunday scheduled activities. Out of an abundance of caution Davids doctor encouraged him to seek further testing at a hospital, the statement reads. David is feeling well and expected to return home this afternoon. Trone was expected to face his Democratic primary opponent at a debate in Dundalk on Sunday afternoon hosted by the Baltimore County and Baltimore City Democratic Central committees. Kim Ross, a District 8 representative for the county central committee, said the event would go forward without Trones participation, and Alsobrooks would instead respond to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge that occurred on March 26. Cardin announced last May that he wouldnt seek reelection after nearly six decades in Maryland politics. The Republican frontrunner in the Senate race is Larry Hogan, the former governor of Maryland. A Syrian man mourns over the bodies of children April 8, 2018, a day after an alleged chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Douma in Syria. File Photo by Mohammed Hassan/UPI April 7 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1862, Union forces under the command of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant defeated the Confederates at Shiloh, Tenn. In 1922, under the direction Secretary of the Interior Albert Bacon Fall, petroleum reserves at Wyoming's Teapot Dome Oil Field were leased without competitive bidding to private companies. A Senate investigation ensued, leading to a bribery case that would become known as the Teapot Dome scandal. In 1933, less than a month after President Franklin Roosevelt asked Congress to permit the manufacture and sale of beer, the Volstead Act was modified to allow for this request. In 1947, auto pioneer Henry Ford died in Detroit at the age of 83. In 1896, he built his first self-propelled, gas-engine vehicle, and in 1903 incorporated the Ford Motor Company. He is credited for developing the first affordable, mass-produced car, the Model T, and pioneering the assembly line. Harry F. Sinclair, multimillionaire oil magnate (L) appears with his counsel Martin W. Littleton during hearing on the Teapot Dome scandal in 1924. On April 7, 1922, petroleum reserves in Wyoming were leased without competitive bidding to private companies, resulting in the Teapot Dome scandal. File Photo by Library of Congress/UPI File Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress In 1990, suspected arson fires aboard the ferry Scandinavian Star killed at least 75 people in Scandinavia's worst post-war maritime disaster. People gather outside the public school Tasso da Silveira, located in the Realengo neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, where 12 children were killed in a shooting April 7, 2011. File Photo by Antonio Lacerda/EPA In 2009, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il was re-elected to a third five-year term despite failing health since a reported stroke in August 2008. He died in 2011. In 2011, a 23-year-old former student returned to his public elementary school in Rio de Janeiro and opened fire with two revolvers, killing 12 children and injuring 12 others before shooting himself in the head as police closed in. China's state television shows footage of Kim Jong Il's state funeral December 29, 2011. On April 7, 2009, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il was re-elected to a third five-year term despite failing health since a reported stroke in August 2008. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI In 2012, broadcast journalist Mike Wallace, the CBS 60 Minutes icon, died in New Canaan, Conn. He was 93. File Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI The vault that contains the remains of President Ulysses S. Grant rests in a well for visitors to see at Grant's Tomb. On April 7, 1862, Union forces under the command of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant defeated the Confederates at Shiloh, Tenn. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI In 2017, the United States fired 59 Tomahawk missiles into a west Syrian airfield from where it was believed President Bashar al-Assad's regime launched a deadly chemical attack that killed and injured hundreds of civilians. In 2018, forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad launched a gas attack in the town of Douma, killing some 40 people. In 2022, the Senate voted to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman to serve as justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. File Photo by Joshua Roberts/UPI A response by ChatGPT, an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, is seen on its website in this illustration picture taken Feb. 9, 2023. Photo by Reuters/Florence Lo Thao Nguyen heard prompt engineering was going to be the next big thing in the age of AI. She signed up for a class to learn about the new concept with hopes of improving her income. But disappointment was all she got. The woman is among a group of Vietnamese youths excited to catch up with the new technology trend, only to find out the market is not really in need of their skills. Nguyen, 24, an accountant at an export and import business in the southern province of Binh Duong, which neighbors Vietnams financial hub Ho Chi Minh City, enrolled in an AI prompt engineering class for VND500,000 ($20.18). "The teachers only introduced us to some popular generative AI models, taught us how to sign up for accounts, then provided us with an array of prompt templates," she told VnExpress. Nguyen added that she did learn how to instruct AI to make financial reports and update tax profiles, among other tasks, which helped to speed up completion of her work tasks considerably. Nguyen was then able to land freelance jobs and was ready to become a full-time prompt engineer. However, on recruitment websites and social media pages, there were almost no companies looking for prompt engineers. Nguyen Thanh, an architect in Hanoi, said he also spent time learning how to prompt the AI generated images as he wanted. He said he wanted to improve his income using AI, but he found no employers in need of such services, and he could not sell the art he generated by AI either. "If you can learn it, others can as well. When anyone can learn it, it is simply a skill, not a job," Thanh said. In 2023, when ChatGPT made its rounds around the world, analysts predicted that generative AI would bring forth a new career path: prompt engineers. Such professional specialists in this new field would not necessarily have to code or program their job would simply be to create text prompts to make the AI do what they ask. They would keep asking questions and responding to the chatbot until it meets their needs. In Vietnam, prompt engineering was a hotly debated topic on several forums last year. On recruitment platform TopCV, certain businesses provided job postings for prompt experts for effective work with AI. However, a TopCV representative told VnExpress the system no longer posts for such positions anymore. Hoang Phuong, the HR director of a major software company in Vietnam, said the firm's AI project is still looking for engineers, but not prompt engineers. She said that while many Vietnamese may believe that prompt engineering is the next big thing, global tech companies pay hundreds of thousands of U.S. dollars for such positions to more qualified international candidates: so the reality in Vietnam is gloomier than it looks to local applicants. Already obsolete? "In the IT environment, prompting is simply a skill, and most personnel at a company can handle it after a few days of training. As such, a separate position for prompt engineers is not necessary," Phuong said. Quan Nguyen, a former engineer at OpenAI, said prompt engineering is unlikely to become a long-term career path like many people had hoped. In the early stages, large language models were needed to optimized prompts to bring out the best results. But now, anyone can do searches on the Internet for an hour to figure out the best ways to give basic prompts to AIs, he said. Additionally, prompt engineers can be easily replaced as models change. In the earlier stages, models like GPT-3 were not capable enough to understand natural language processing. To prompt it, users would need to use many commas. The job of a prompt engineer was then to streamline such sentences so that the machine could understand them. However, as generative AIs keeps getting better, users no longer need to input detailed and complex prompts. The AIs themselves are making prompt engineers obsolete. For example, Quan said that previously a local Vietnamese law firm had only one personnel in charge of technical aspects, and this employee in charge of AI prompts could hire an outside contractor for efficiency. "But after just a month, the technical personnel of the law firm has been able to learn all the prompts. This is why such a career path is rendered obsolete very quickly," he said. Quan said the rise of AI is similar to how the Internet era took the world by storm a few decades prior. Everyone would go online and learn how to search for information, and there was no job position for "search engineers" or the likes. As such, the rise of prompt engineers is also unlikely to come to fruition. A study by the Harvard Business Review also pointed out that prompt engineering is but an ephemeral trend, as future AI systems will be more intuitive and better at understanding natural languages. New AI models like the GPT-4 have been optimized in creating their own prompts, rendering engineers obsolete. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) Police from the Decatur Park District are seeking the location of an artifact that was taken from the 9/11 Memorial by Lake Decatur. Surveillance imagery suggests that part of a metal filing cabinet, which was donated from the World Trade Center site, was removed from the Memorial near 9 p.m. on February 15. Authorities were not alerted until March 29. UPDATE: Decatur Police share more details in deadly teen shooting The Park Districts Park Watch Facebook page posted a couple surveillance images: Based on the evidence, police believed there was a strong chance that the artifact was thrown into Lake Decatur. Officials spent the next week diving, magnet fishing, and conducting sonar sweeps to try locating and recovering the artifact. Unfortunately, these attempts were unsuccessful. The Decatur Park Police would like to thank the City of Decatur Lake Services employees, the Decatur Fire Department, and Perry Twins Outdoors (Doug and Darrell Perry, and Andy Harper) for their interest, willingness, and efforts in conducting the search for this artifact, Park District officials said in the social media post. New details in Decatur substitute teacher sexual assault investigation; students family hires attorney Now, the Decatur Park District and Park Police Department are urging anyone with any information on this incident including the artifacts location and the involved suspects to contact the Decatur Park District offices at 217-422-5911 during business hours. After hours, you may instead call the Central Illinois Regional Dispatch Center at 217-424-2711. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. The debate within the Democratic Party over Israel could come to a head this summer at its convention as it faces a significant intraparty divide on how to approach the ongoing conflict. Members of the party critical of U.S. support for Israel amid its war with Hamas have rallied around a movement to buck President Biden in the Democratic primaries and vote uncommitted as a protest vote against him. The movement has seen moderate success and attained some delegates to be sent to the convention, which will be held in Chicago in August. Some Democrats are concerned that the divisions on display will just grow worse ahead of the quadrennial process of approving the partys official platform this summer. I do think at the convention, for sure, I would be really surprised if there werent significant protests on this issue, and unfortunately, I dont think theres a lot that Biden can do between now and then to change that, said Heather Gautney, a member of the 2020 Democratic platform drafting committee. Each party drafts its platform every four years ahead of the nominating conventions after an extensive process to set its policies on all the key issues facing the country. In 2020, then-candidate Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) agreed to form a series of task forces to bridge the divide between two factions of the Democratic Party following a serious primary battle between the two of them. From the task forces that developed policy positions on the most critical issues, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) created a drafting committee composed of some Biden and Sanders supporters to draft the exact language of the platform. The committee was mostly comprised of Biden supporters, but Sanders supporters did make up a decent-sized minority. The committee held a few public hearings featuring testimony on its proposals and eventually submitted the platform to the DNC for final approval at the convention. But former members of the drafting committee from past years said that extensive process may not happen in 2024 since Biden isnt facing serious opposition to the nomination. Gautney, who is also a professor of sociology at Fordham University, said the Biden campaign may seek to avoid a public performance of the dissent within the party over the situation in Gaza but may provide an opportunity for a soft debate on the issue that wont harm Biden politically. Im not really sure about this year because there is no Bernie Sanders wing at the table this time, she said. Hes running uncontested, and so there isnt that pressure for him. But she noted that Biden has been and will likely continue to be in a difficult position with the partys divide over the war in Gaza. Biden has had to walk a careful wire for months as the death toll has risen in Gaza amid Israels offensive in response to the Oct. 7 attack from Hamas that killed 1,200 people. In a sign of how the intraparty criticism is becoming a political headache for him, he issued his sharpest critique yet of the Israeli governments handling of the war to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call the two leaders had Thursday. Biden told Netanyahu that U.S. policy on the war would depend on Israel better protecting civilians and humanitarian workers. The call came after an Israeli airstrike killed seven World Central Kitchen workers who were providing food to people in Gaza. Numerous congressional Democrats have called for placing conditions on additional aid to Israel depending on protecting civilians and allowing humanitarian relief to get through. The internal divisions facing the party could present a difficult challenge for crafting an official policy acceptable across the spectrum of Democrats. The 2020 Democratic platform declared the partys commitment to Israels security and right to defend itself while calling for a two-state solution to the conflict and recognizing the worth of every Israeli and every Palestinian. It also stated that the party was opposed to any unilateral steps by either side that undermine prospects for two states. Gautney said the 2024 platform may look similar to the 2020 one because Biden has not strayed much from that language, but the focus may be more so on the state of the divide than the platform itself. I dont think it will focus on the language of the platform but certainly at the convention I think thats where people are going to express their dissent, she said. Jim Zogby, who has been involved in drafting numerous platforms in past election years, said he is unsure what the platform point on Israel will look like but expects it will be largely cooked as it usually is on the Middle East. Zogby, who is the president of the Arab American Institute, a civil rights advocacy group that advises on policies affecting the Arab American community, said the administration has not had meetings with the community about policy positions. He said they have had meetings with Secretary of State Antony Blinken but not the White House. Im going to continue to hope to change the policy, change in language, change in outreach, a sincere effort to understand what our concerns are and try to accommodate them, he said. I think its critical for November. I think its critical just for sound policy. But they havent shown an inclination to do that to date. Zogby noted that the administration has reached out to Arab American leaders in various states, but the meetings have been more focused on getting their support than discussing policy. People have come away from those meetings pretty frustrated, that they wanted to talk policy, they wanted to talk about cease-fire, they wanted to talk about aid to Israel. There was no discussion about any of those issues, he said. Zogby said he considers himself in the change Biden group rather than the abandon Biden group, but the abandon Biden movement is getting ammunition every day in turning against the president, citing the recent sale of F-35 fighter jets to Israel. All of this could culminate in the platform feeling like another slap in the face to those frustrated with the administration and lead to protests at the convention, he said. The odds are better that [protests] will happen, and I dont think anyone is in a position to stop that. I think its a pretty dangerous environment, Zogby said, referring to the anti-Vietnam War protests that rocked the 1968 Democratic convention. We could very well get a replay of 68 in Chicago, which is not going to be pretty. Democratic strategist Jon Reinish said the intensity of the protests will depend on where the war stands at the moment, but Biden has changed his tone in the past few days with the deaths of the World Central Kitchen workers. The current strategy has gone on for too long and nobodys winning, he said. So [Biden] is absolutely correct, and I think that the party is absolutely correct, to recognize that and to not only push our ally but also show their own voters that they recognize the deterioration of the facts on the ground. He said he expects Biden will let the protests proceed as he has not argued that members of the party shouldnt vocalize their point of view. He said protests happening at the convention are not necessarily harmful, but he views Bidens response to the deaths of those workers as a major turning point to usher in a new phase of the war. I think meaningful facts on the ground, provided they are seen adequately and communicated adequately, that will mean something, Reinish said. Is that going to make every person whos currently protesting on the issue, sit back and say, Im gonna put my bullhorn down? No, but if people see changing facts on the ground toward a more acceptable situation, I think that that does alter the facts and levels of protests. Laura Kelly contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. KOIN 6 News contacted candidates who are running for Oregon secretary of state in 2024, asking them to respond to these four questions: Why are you running for secretary of state? If elected, what would be your top priorities? What is your prior government/civic experience? Sometimes, the secretary of state has to decide whether to remove candidates from the ballot. How would you have handled the decision whether to remove former President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot and the decision to remove 2022 gubernatorial candidate Nick Kristoff? In 2023, Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade joined the nationwide #TrustedInfo2024 campaign to increase trust in election officials amid the spread of misinformation surrounding elections and voter information. If elected, how would you build trust in Oregon elections? A Reed College study, published in 2023, found county election offices in Oregon are struggling to retain and recruit workers amid a toxic political landscape, inadequate funding, and a rapidly changing workload. How will you support Oregon election workers? What do you think is going right in the secretary of states office? How would you build on it? What changes do you want to bring to the Oregon Secretary of States office? Dennis Linthicum is running as a Republican. Here are his responses. Why are you running for secretary of state? If elected, what would be your top priorities? The Secretary of States office fulfills four essential services. Firstly, it oversees elections and ensures their integrity, a duty that I believe has suffered under a prevailing single-sided mindset within the office. Repairing this tarnished image will be a primary focus, as public perception and trust in the electoral process has been severely impacted. Transparency and genuine empathy for divergent perspectives is lacking because the office seems to prioritize the majority partys narrative over its own fiduciary responsibility. This needs to be corrected to ensure fair and open access to voters. Secondly, the office is responsible for auditing executive branch offices and departments. The auditing function is a proficiency test for these executive agencies. Like proficiency standards for high school graduates, audits provide a metric to measure performance and identify areas for improvement. Timely, accurate, and comprehensive audits are necessary to enhance departmental efficiency and service. The Secretary of State also serves two other major roles, one as a member of the State Land Board and the other, as the chair of the Oregon Sustainability Board. My rural lifestyle, having lived off-the-grid for 30 years, plus my deep background in the agricultural and ranching communities provides me with strategic insight into issues facing all Oregonians. I bring a well-rounded understanding of the issues facing sustainable land use and the symbiotic relationship needed for private sector productivity which is a major contributor to Oregons economy and represents a majority of Oregons forest, agriculture, and mineral resources. What is your prior government/civic experience? I have been the State Senator for District 28, including parts of No. Eastern Jackson County, Southern Deschutes, and all of Klamath County for eight years. Before the last redistricting effort, Senate District 28 included all of Lake and all of Crook Counties. Prior to becoming a Senator, I served as a Klamath County Commissioner. With a background as a trained economist and being a large-scale information-systems manager, a former Oregon Construction Contractor Board license holder, and rancher deeply engaged in land management and sustainability issues, I bring a wealth of technical and managerial expertise to the table. My extensive experience uniquely positions me to unlock the full potential of individuals and seize service opportunities to achieve positive outcomes for all Oregonians. Sometimes, the secretary of state has to decide whether to remove candidates from the ballot. How would you have handled the decision whether to remove former President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot and the decision to remove 2022 gubernatorial candidate Nick Kristoff? I would not keep Trump off the ballot given the facts as I currently understand them. In particular, these various state secretaries identified Trump as the leader of an insurrection. If this were true, their actions might be justified. However, not one person, not even President Donald Trump was ever charged with insurrection with connection to the [January 6] events in Washington, DC. Since the claim of insurrection is not supported by any formal, adjudicated response from the courts, the respective secretaries crossed the line for unbiased decision making and their decisions represent unacceptable behavior. With Nick Kristoff the same fair and even-handed enforcement mechanisms should be applied. Did the candidate meet the residency rules or not? Given the details as I know them today, I would have also removed Mr. Kristoff because of noncompliance with the residency requirements for his gubernatorial bid. In 2023, Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade joined the nationwide #TrustedInfo2024 campaign to increase trust in election officials amid the spread of misinformation surrounding elections and voter information. If elected, how would you build trust in Oregon elections? This hashtag was not an accidental, impulse driven, public interest effort by Oregons Secretary of State. Rather the hashtag was developed as a nationwide attempt by the Democrat party to defend against obvious problems stemming from the 2020 election. Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade joined the nationwide hashtag stunt and contributed to the growing cloud of suspicion and distrust that has plagued the Democrat party. Oregons two previous secretaries should have avoided following the PR mistakes made by the single-party mindset and focused on serving the people with dignity, transparency and integrity. Changing the focus of the secretarys office toward serving the public interests across all voters, in every situation and circumstance would build trust in the office. Increasing election integrity, transparency and accountability is precisely what the Secretary of States office needs. It is well known that confidence in elections directly corresponds to individual freedom. When the public is confident that election processes generate fair outcomes, citizens sense freedom because they govern themselves. On the other hand, when elections are widely understood as pre-ordained and staged (such as in Iran or Venezuela), citizens realize they do not govern themselves and they are not free. This despite any number of PR stunts or hashtags promoted by the office. A Reed College study, published in 2023, found county election offices in Oregon are struggling to retain and recruit workers amid a toxic political landscape, inadequate funding, and a rapidly changing workload. How will you support Oregon election workers? Performing ones job with enthusiasm is always challenging when integrity issues linger unresolved. Partisan problems contribute to this challenge as division and then tribalism often erupts. The best answer to the problems highlighted in the Reed College study will come from a new office executive who will provide fair and balanced, non-partisan leadership. Internal offices and their respective duties would be realigned to meet immediate priorities with an even-hand and avoid politically tainted biases. In fostering an environment of appreciation, organizations can cultivate a culture where genuine pride in ones work flourishes naturally. Leaders play a crucial role in modeling appreciation, providing regular feedback, and ensuring that employees feel valued and motivated to excel. This alone will change public perception. Just as individuals in the private sector value transparent information exchange, so too the public sector benefits from openness and collaboration rather than resorting to the defensive posture of an information gate keeper. The information censorship issues that plague Oregon politics can be resolved by my leadership style. What do you think is going right in the secretary of states office? How would you build on it? As can be seen on the home webpage for the Secretary of State, the office has pledged to focus on integrity grounded in transparency, accountability and fairness. I would stress these principles and ensure follow-up within the office to improve on all three of aspects of integrity. Transparency and openness are the most relevant issues needing to be addressed. As an illustration, I participated in 2022, with a request for ballot images in Jackson County, one of the counties in my Senate District. These images are kept for two years and are supposed to be available for public perusal. The county clerk responded with cost estimate of $982,896.17. This is not illustrative of a system that is transparent, fair, or accountable. As citizens we were interested in investigating the question of voter fraud. Did fraud exist; was it widespread or insignificant? The public still does not know. The public was essentially denied access by the exorbitant one-million-dollar fee. The rule that created this charge came from the Secretary of State not the legislature and is a policy that deserves a thorough review. People become fearful and start looking for, or imagining, fraudulent manipulations because legitimate questions have been raised and not appropriately addressed. The information hidden behind the unconscionable price tag rightly belongs to the public and the public should be able to audit any election for their precinct and county alike. What changes do you want to bring to the Oregon Secretary of States office? I would focus on election integrity issues and steer the office toward fulfilling its obligation to the taxpayers. Oregonians also deserve timely and accurate departmental and process audits. Conducting comprehensive reviews of various high-level agencies ensures their efficient operations and effective delivery of statutory services. Moreover, maintaining public visibility and transparency throughout the auditing process fosters trust and confidence in government operations while adhering to statutory guidelines. I would begin with a focus on departments and agencies that have a statewide impact. Departments such as Education, Environmental Quality, Water Resources, Transportation, and Justice. This would be a sensible approach to ensure effective governance and accountability. These departments typically handle significant budgets and have a direct impact on citizens daily lives. Conducting regular audits in these areas helps identify areas for improvement, ensure compliance with regulations, and optimize resource allocation. Furthermore, addressing unique circumstances and shifting resources based on risk assessment, legislative requirements, and organizational priorities is essential for adapting audit strategies to evolving needs. Flexibility in resource allocation allows for targeted audits where they are most needed and ensures that audits remain relevant and effective over time. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Deputies: Coweta man fires warning shot, threatens to kill teens he thought were on his property A Coweta County man is facing charges after deputies say he threatened to kill some teenagers earlier this week. According to police reports, a pair of teenagers told deputies that they were walking through the neighborhood when Marcus Kinney, 52, began yelling at them and told them to get off of his property. The teens say they told Kinney they did not think they were on his property. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] They say he then told them he would kill them and that he had killed many people before. As they were walking away, they say they heard a gunshot. When investigators spoke with Kinney, he told them he thought the teens were drug dealers and had reported them to the authorities several times, but nothing had been done about it. Kinney went on to say that he asked his friend from the FBI to come to town to sort them out. TRENDING STORIES: He told deputies that he fired a warning shot. Deputies told him that there is no justification for a warning shot in the state of Georgia and he should call them in the future. He replied that he will definitely deal with it differently next time and he will shoot them the next time they come on the property. He reiterated that he served in Iraq and has killed more than 100 people. Kinney was arrested and charged with reckless conduct. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Oliver Dowden warned that the world was 'going to get more dangerous as time goes on' because of hostile states - Jordan Pettitt/PA Oliver Dowden has insisted that former defence ministers are wrong to say Britain is not prepared for war. Mr Dowden, the Deputy Prime Minister, said the Government was making good progress against rising threats in response to warnings from James Heappey and Ben Wallace that provisions for the outbreak of conflict were inadequate. Writing for The Telegraph, Mr Heappey, the former Armed Forces minister, said only Whitehall officials from the Ministry of Defence had turned up to an exercise about how the UK would be governed from a wartime bunker. Mr Wallace, the defence secretary until last year, said too many people were relying on hoping that current tensions would ease. Asked about their remarks, Mr Dowden told the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: I think theyre wrong. Theyre absolutely right [that] were in a more hostile situation than weve been in certainly since the end of the Cold War, possibly even before that. And weve seen threats rise across a range of vectors, not just conventional Armed Forces but cyber security, economic security, where the Prime Minister has established an economic security committee of the National Security Council, which I chair. We are taking action across the board, weve set up the National Cyber Security Centre in respect of cyber. I now take dozens of decisions daily about investment to protect our economic security. James Heappey has said Britain's preparedness for conflict does not match the scale of the threat - Jeff Gilbert Mr Dowden warned the world was going to get more dangerous as time goes on because of hostile states including Russia, Iran, North Korea and China. We need to be taking action across those areas, he said. Of course, theres always more to do, but I believe we are making good progress against rising threats. Tobias Ellwood, a third former defence minister, told Camilla Tominey on GB News that there was a 1937 feel to our world now, urging Britain to conduct a comprehensive defence review and brace itself for some very difficult years ahead . Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, last week urged Nato allies to accept that we are now in a pre-war world and warned that those who did not spend two per cent of GDP on defence spending were playing Russian roulette with the future of the West. At the start of the year, Downing Street was forced to rule out conscription after Gen Sir Patrick Sanders, the head of the Army, said British civilians would need to fight Russia to in a future war. The British Army has shrunk to its smallest size in centuries and is predicted to have just 72,500 fully trained soldiers by 2025. Lord Sedwill, the head of the civil service under Theresa May and Boris Johnson, told Ms Kuenssberg the world faced its most dangerous period since the end of the Cold War. I think what people are finding overwhelming is not just that but the sheer complexity of the international environment, he said. We have the war in Ukraine, the crisis in Gaza, much less reported conflicts all across sub-Saharan Africa and the Sahel, tensions elsewhere, risks around Taiwan, other issues in the Middle East To handle all of that, to deal with climate change, to regulate AI, to deal with all of these other issues that were facing, we need the international community to be able to cooperate but were at a time of the most acute geopolitical tensions. The UK currently spends 2.27 per cent of GDP on defence but pleas for extra cash from ministers and Tory MPs fell on deaf ears at the Budget last month. Mr Shapps has called on the Government to spend three per cent of GDP on defence but said any rise would be an issue for a future manifesto, while Tom Tugendhat, the security minister, and Anne-Marie Trevelyan, a Foreign Office minister, recently broke ranks to call for an increase to 2.5 per cent. 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. Ron DeSantis declared Florida is a Republican state Sunday, emphasizing the prevailing dominance of conservative values within its borders. In an interview on Foxs Sunday Morning Futures with host Maria Bartiromo, DeSantis said the state is close to having 900,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats. Florida is off the board. It is a Republican state. Youve covered politics. We used to be a one-point state, every election hung on how would Florida go; that is not true anymore. And I think thats a good thing for the party, DeSantis told Bartiromo. DeSantis attributed the shift in voter registration to individuals already living in the state switching parties and to newcomers to the state. I do think that migration has skewed amongst people who come to Florida not because they want to change the policies to reflect in Illinois or California or New York, but because they appreciate how Florida has done it differently from where theyre coming, he said. Bartiromo also questioned DeSantis on the Biden administrations immigration policies and their impact on Florida. Weve had examples of people that had been deported multiple times, came in under Bidens open border, find their way to Florida and then commit criminal offenses, DeSantis said. Bartiromo asked DeSantis if he intended to run for president again in 2028, to which he said, I dont have any plans for the future. I think were focused a lot on all the great things were doing in Florida. I am very, very confident that Florida is going to be a strong performance for Republicans up and down the ticket and weve worked very hard to bring it to this point. And Im excited about that, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Its been nine months since Seminole officials promised the county would be more transparent to its residents about the amount of 1,4-dioxane a suspected carcinogen in their drinking water. But in that time, theyve done almost nothing to communicate what their regular tests of drinking water wells, some of which are known to have been previously tainted, have found. Finally that seems about to change. County officials on Friday provided the Orlando Sentinel with months of data showing that the water from one of its five treatment plants continues to contain significant levels of 1,4-dioxane, but at only about half the federally recommended level, which the officials insist is safe. Measurements at the other four plants mostly showed negligible contamination. County officials also said they will begin posting those test results online, which would fulfill a promise first made last July. They acknowledged questions from the Sentinel spurred that decision. Why the stalling? Officials say they have been working on a plan to incorporate water quality data on an interactive map they believe will be more understandable to the public. Seminole Commissioner Lee Constantine said he wishes the data had been posted on the countys website sooner, but he supports the effort to create a simple and clear way to communicate the information. We are going to get it done, he said Friday. But we want to do it right. Broad concerns about the presence of 1,4-dioxane in Seminole County water stem from a Sentinel investigation, Toxic Secret, published in July, 2023. The investigation revealed that for decades, tens of thousands of people in northwest Seminole have been drinking water containing 1,4-dioxane, and that in some areas in Lake Mary, Sanford and unincorporated Seminole County the concentration exceeded recommended levels for significant periods of time. The 1,4-dioxane has been linked to a long-shuttered telecommunications factory, once operated by Siemens, between Interstate 4 and Rinehart Road in west Lake Mary. The pollution from the factory seeped hundreds of feet underground into the Floridan Aquifer, the regions source of drinking water. Officials in the three jurisdictions learned of the 1,4-dioxane contamination through federally-mandated testing in 2013, but did not clearly alert the public. Once the Sentinels series published, they promised to do better. But for Seminole County in particular, change has come slowly. Last summer, the county placed a one-sentence statement on its website about the amount of the industrial chemical in drinking water: In May 2023, internal sampling of all potable water systems at the point of entry confirmed minimal-to-no-detection of the contaminate. The statement has not been updated since then, even as new the results of new tests rolled in. The county website refers to 1,4-dioxane only as a contaminant of concern, without mentioning possible cancer risk. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been much more explicit, deeming 1,4-dioxane likely to cause liver and kidney cancer and other illnesses. Nevertheless, the EPA does not regulate 1,4-dioxane, meaning notification and cleanup is not required. The state and federal governments have established recommended health advisory limits for the presence of the chemical in drinking water of 0.35 parts per billion or ppb. An attempt to establish a firmer statewide limit failed in the state legislature earlier this year. Seminole county officials did begin regular testing of drinking water in mid-2023, and they have now provided those results to the Sentinel. The tests show that the Markham Regional Water Treatment Plant which receives water from about half-a-dozen wells in the northwest quadrant of the county distributes water with concentrations of 1,4-dioxane ranging from less than 0.04 ppb in September to 0.187 ppb in November. The other four water treatment plants have shown levels consistently less than 0.04 ppb. On Friday, county officials defended the countys delayed response in making the data available to the public. They said the county has been working with several consultants in gathering and analyzing the testing data. They also have been meeting with representatives from the cities of Sanford and Lake Mary and the states Department of Health to compile all the information. In the coming weeks, likely by mid-May, the county said it plans to post all the data into an interactive map on the countys website where the public can click on a spot and learn about their water provider, information about the source of the water and testing results for that specific area. Weve been compiling lots of information, and now were to the point of OK, we need to start putting this repository of stuff and making it available in a format that makes senseThat is easy to read, said Kristian Swenson, assistant county manager. But just piling a bunch of things on the website in a cluttered fashion would probably make things more confusing than not. Swenson acknowledged the county has indeed received calls about the lack of test results on the countys website. But he added that this is a much larger topic than just doing tests. He noted, for example, that the groundwater tests at the Siemens site show contamination of ten times more polluted than tests from the countys wells. Consultants with the county and Sanford and Lake Mary are looking into that. That was a bit shocking to us, Swenson said. So what does that mean long term? What are the depths of things? What are our partners seeing? Things like that. Constantine said the county is moving in the right direction in regards to the contamination. Seminole also recently hired GrayRobinson law firm, and the county is working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in regard to going after the polluters and continuing the testing of the wells in northwest Seminole. The important thing is that the dioxane is below the health advisory levels, Constantine said. Commissioner Andria Herr, who represents northwest Seminole and who last July called on the county to provide a dashboard of water quality test results for its residents, did not respond to requests for comment. A Herr aide said Friday that any questions would have to go through county staff because of the legality. But she did not elaborate. Seminole spokesperson Chris Patton said Friday that the ultimate goal is to get a dynamic map the public can click on to get data from all sources. Youll be able to see a directory of whats going on closer to your home rather than test results from the water treatment plants that may be farther from your home, he said. While thick clouds and rainfall obscured most of the Chicago area Sunday, experts said weather conditions will not hinder those looking to see the total solar eclipse Monday in Illinois. Skies should be mostly clear, with little to no clouds obstructing the view in the Chicago metro area, Rafal Ogorek, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Chicago, said. Rainfall is expected to end in the evening. While Chicagoans will experience about 94% eclipse coverage, parts of southern Illinois and central Indiana will be in the path of totality, where the moon will completely block the sun. Between Chicago and the path of totality there shouldnt be any really notable weather impacts, Ogorek said. There might be a few more clouds down south, closer to the path of totality. Related Articles Justin Gibbs, a forecaster at the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky, said while clouds are expected in southern Illinois, it is likely to be high-level cloud cover. These atmospheric clouds are generally less opaque and are not expected to obstruct the view of the eclipse. They are harder to predict than lower-level clouds, Gibbs said, but should not pose a weather-related impediment on the ground. They should be pretty thin, Gibbs said. We may get by with more clear skies than not, but we havent really seen anything to make us feel like there could be a miss in southern Illinois. Bryan Basher, a project manager at The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Space Weather Prediction Center, said one collection of sun spots may be visible through eclipse glasses Monday. He said there is low chance of a coronal mass ejection a large expulsion of plasma and magnetic field from the corona and solar activity generally is expected to be at very low to low levels through Monday. Its that time of year again: National Library Week! A time to celebrate the endless adventures that children can experience in books that are free and accessible to all, and the safe spaces that libraries provide for learning and creating a sense of community. Or, its a time to reflect on how we got to a place where librarians are living in constant fear. They have become the targets of Republican politicians and far-right groups like Moms for Liberty that are hellbent on banning books about LGBTQ+ people, people of color and racism. Some librarians are quitting their jobs because of constant harassment; others are getting fired for refusing to clear shelves of books that conservatives dont like. More recently, and perhaps most alarmingly, the GOPs censorship campaign has shifted from book bans to legislation threatening librarians with jail time. The Idaho state House in 2022 passed a bill that would send librarians to jail for a year for checking out books to a minor that some might consider harmful. That bill never became law. But this month, the Idaho Legislature sent another bill to the governor requiring librarians to move harmful materials out of reach from minors or face lawsuits. Those include books that mention any act of homosexuality. In West Virginia, the state House passed a bill in February that would make librarians criminally liable if a minor comes across content that some might consider obscene. Critics of this bill warned it could result in challenges to even classic books, and lead to criminal charges being levied against librarians over books with any descriptions of sex. HuffPost recently caught up with American Library Association President Emily Drabinski to talk about what is going on with these attacks, if the nations librarians are doing OK (everywhere I go, the story is the same: library workers are afraid), and how she and others who care about kids having access to a diversity of books are pushing back. Drabinski also described the personal attacks shes faced after tweeting and then deleting that she identifies as a Marxist lesbian. Several state libraries have cut ties with ALA in part because of her self-identification. In Georgia, the state Senate recently passed legislation that would ban libraries from spending money on services offered by ALA, which a Republican state legislator called Marxist and socialist. It turns out theres an algorithm for those two words in conjunction, she told HuffPost. It has become a bludgeon people have been using to attack libraries and library workers. Its been devastating. ... I ran for this office because I love libraries and I love library workers. This Q&A has been lightly edited for brevity. Emily Drabinski, the president of the American Library Association. Paul Morigi via Getty Images What is going on with these attacks on libraries? Its intense out here. As president, I have been traveling all over the country talking to librarians and visiting libraries in all kinds of places. Everywhere I go, the story is the same: library workers are afraid. They have a lot of anxiety. Even in places where theyre not seeing censorship in their own community, the threat of it is weighing heavily on library workers. For example, I was just in South Carolina. For librarians here, having me come and visit is even challenging. The weaponization of libraries that weve seen since 2021 when Ive really seen this starting, then the attacks on ALA and now me personally is a bludgeon thats scaring people everywhere. I hear that everywhere I go. It gets in the way of doing a job that everyone feels is important. People should agree: Kids should be able to read. Schools and public libraries are institutions that make reading possible for people, regardless of their needs and identity. So what Im seeing are a lot of people sort of bending themselves to accommodate and try to be not a lesbian or whatever. But that doesnt seem to stop the attacks. Librarians are in a really difficult political spot. Were committed to a space for everyone. Were committed to giving kids books that they want to read. Its what libraries do. That job gets harder and harder. Youll see in Florida, for example, where librarians are pulling books off the shelf and not even putting them on the shelf because the legislation there is so broad. The degree to which we comply with that, I think, is a question for everybody. Are people coming for your federal funding? I dont think thats at risk. Most libraries are funded locally. Federal funding is pretty small. But state-level people are facing attempts to gut funding. For example, in Iowa, they have the largest number of bills attacking libraries and library workers right to read. One of the bills this session would have changed language that mandates library funding, for some amount of county money going to public libraries, it would change it from must to may. This language change would have made it elective if Iowa supports libraries. Iowa has a robust and rich network of libraries because of its state requirements. There are 500 public libraries in Iowa. There are 99 in West Virginia. You can guess which state has a state requirement that counties fund their libraries. When you fund libraries, you have more things that the library funds in the community. What gets lost in conversations about book banning is that its really about eliminating the institution of the library, period. Its not about the books. Well, it is about the books, but the books are the way in to gut one of the last public institutions that serves everyone. Are people really trying to wipe out public libraries? I dont know that they would say this, but I think that is the way you see it playing out. There was a library in Michigan a few years ago where the attempts to ban LGBTQ+ materials were so intense, the staff resigned en masse. Thats one way that a library has closed. In Texas, a [conservative] library board in effect lost their effort to ban books. So a county decided to limit funding for the library overall. There was a lawsuit and now its running. But when they cant control a handful of books, they want to close the library altogether. Or run it completely in their image. In northern Idaho, Boundary County, the attacks on the library staff there were so intense and so violent. People would follow librarians home from work with guys standing outside their houses. Public libraries are having difficulty getting insurance. The insurance agencies that insure public libraries are saying its not worth the risk for them. The endgame is attacks on public education, attacks on teachers, and libraries are sort of the next frontier. The library is the heart of a community. Thats what theyre attacking right now. Its such a bummer. What have the personal attacks on you been like? ALA is one of the biggest voices opposing this kind of censorship. Of course they were going to attack ALA. For me personally, there have been multiple state libraries that canceled memberships with ALA. In Montana, that was explicitly because of me. The language said it was because, when I was elected, I tweeted I couldnt believe a Marxist lesbian was president. So now its a liberal organization and they elected a Marxist. It turns out theres an algorithm for those two words in conjunction. It has followed me, dogged me. It has become a bludgeon people have been using to attack libraries and library workers. Its been devastating to hear from library workers who are getting calls from community members asking, are they Marxist? I ran for this office because I love libraries and I love library workers. I also have a union background. So, to see my identity weaponized against the people I care the most about has been very emotionally difficult. Its especially challenging in Montana. They were the first state to withdraw from ALA because they said it was against the Constitution of the United States to be affiliated with a Marxist organization. But when I went to the hearing and listened, it wasnt about me being Marxist at all. It was about me being a lesbian. The attacks were around my gender and sexuality. We know attacks on LGBTQ+ books and reading materials have been alongside efforts to ban trans-affirming health care for kids, and efforts to limit gay content in the classroom. You cant even say the word gay in Florida. I see attacks on me as another piece of this assault on LGBTQ+ people, particularly trans lives. Far-right groups like Moms for Liberty are trying to ban books that talk about LGBTQ+ people, people of color and racism. Baltimore Sun via Getty Images Does this make you reluctant to stay in this role? Im a volunteer-elected leader. My day job is at Queens College in New York. I teach library science. My job is fine. Theyve been very supportive. So, no, at ALA Im the president. I was elected by a big margin of our membership who wanted to see me in this role. As much as we might disagree about how the world came to be, the big bang, God, capital and labor, what we agree about is that libraries are important. Access to information is important. Access to broadband is important. Think about when you got your first library card. Was it exciting? For most of us, we have a memory of what that meant. It opened up a world to us. To try to eliminate that for young people is so devastating. When we put conditions on who people can be as readers, what were really doing is putting conditions on who they can be as people. I dont want this moment to be about fights over libraries. Instead, we can celebrate. More people are talking about libraries than they have in my entire career. There are so many more stories about what libraries do to bring together the community. A tiny minority of people have taken control of the narrative about libraries and what they do. Is it really a small minority? Yes. But in a lot of states, they have power. In Georgia, they have a bill that would prohibit any public funds from being spent on any ALA services. That bill moved out of the Senate and will be considered by the House. I think in any other iteration of American history it would have been a nonstarter. When did somebody, anybody, know who the president of the American Library Association is? Much less a senator from Georgia. Why is he thinking about who I am? Because they have power, if that explains it. The Washington Post did a good story where they analyzed where these 1,000 school book complaints came from. They came from five people. Wait, what? Yeah. What they do is challenge a book. They say a book is not good to have in a collection. We have mechanisms to allow people to weigh in. But its not in good faith. They are challenging huge numbers of books at a time. Books they have clearly not read. These attacks are unrelated to whats actually happening in a library. Survey after survey shows that people love libraries. ALA did a survey about librarians being trusted to decide what books they have in their collections. [Seventy-five percent said that they have confidence in librarians to do this.] Michigan ran a similar survey a year later. That number was even higher. So when people hear about these kinds of attacks, very few people find that it is resonant. I think its about eliminating the universal access to the stuff of imagination, which is what libraries provide.Emily Drabinski, president of the American Library Association. Where is this heading? I dont know. I wake up every morning thinking it has to be over because it doesnt make any sense. But its not over. I dont know if youve read any of these banned books. Flamer is my favorite of the top 10 banned books. Its a graphic novel about a boy at Boy Scout camp grappling with his sexuality. A quiet, intimate, kind story about how even when were different and we feel alone, there is a flame inside of us that glows. In fact, its quite a Christian story theres a light inside of you, no matter who you are. I met the author and asked him, Tell me about your readers. He was telling me, even though the book is for youth, he hears a lot from adults who say they needed this book when they were younger. You read it and its such a beautiful book. You think about how much effort is being put into stamping it out. It is just devastating. I wish I knew the endgame. We live in an upside-down world where a person is against a kid reading. My fear is were heading to a dark world where people dont have access to books unless they have the means to buy things for themselves. I think its about eliminating the universal access to the stuff of imagination, which is what libraries provide. The idea that imagination is something that not everyone can have. This is why the conversation needs to be larger than book bans. If we only focus on books, were gone. I think were in a bigger fight than that. If you walk into a library, you cant be against it. You walk in and every time you see something that blows your mind. I was recently on vacation with my family in Tahoe. I was late to turning in my grades, so I went to the library to use Wi-Fi. I uploaded them; it was free to use. Then you could check out the librarys snowshoes. You could use them on the trails by the entrance to the library. Amazing. Libraries are hyperlocal institutions that meet the needs of your community. I could tell you millions of stories about what libraries do. We all want this. How we found ourselves in a place where its up for debate, I dont know how we got here. But I know how we get out of here, and we need to talk about how libraries are amazing. Is there any final message you have for people concerned about this? The first thing you should do, if you have a library card, use it. If you dont have one, go get one. If you have a friend who doesnt have one, bring them with you. We need people to see our libraries, because I think when you see them, you will appreciate their value and you will want to defend them. We have a campaign, Unite Against Book Bans. I urge your readers to check it out. We have all kinds of resources for fighting back against organized censorship in our communities. It advocates taking action when you see things happening. Recently, a library in New Jersey was being challenged again for having a book about puberty in their high school collection, which is entirely appropriate. That platform activated 40 local people to come out. Its an advocacy platform. ALA was able to mobilize advocates through it for this event. These are people who are very interested in their kids being able to read the books they choose. We have masters degrees in building library collections. I dont cut my own hair. I dont paint my own house. People dont think theres something to selecting books. The idea that [far-right groups] would know better than we would? DENVER (KDVR) The Denver Police Department confirmed to FOX31 late Saturday that there were reports of windows blowing out at the Four Seasons Hotel in Denver. Police said DPD had a unit helping to block off roads. Data: Fastest wind gusts reported across Colorado this weekend so far DFD said callers reported glass falling from a high-rise building. FOX31 was on the scene to take photos. The Denver Police Department confirmed to FOX31 late Saturday that there were reports of glass falling from the Four Seasons Hotel in Denver. (KDVR) The Denver Police Department confirmed to FOX31 late Saturday that there were reports of glass falling from the Four Seasons Hotel in Denver. (KDVR) The Denver Police Department confirmed to FOX31 late Saturday that there were reports of glass falling from the Four Seasons Hotel in Denver. (KDVR) The Denver Police Department confirmed to FOX31 late Saturday that there were reports of glass falling from the Four Seasons Hotel in Denver. (KDVR) The Denver Fire Department told FOX31 that crews were on the scene investigating, and were still trying to locate where the glass was coming from. As of 10:41 p.m. they hadnt found anything. After investigating, DFD said it believed that broken patio furniture caused the glass to fall to the streets below. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. An illustration of hackers working on their computer. Photo by Reuters A group of hackers from Vietnam is suspected of operating a scheme to steal the business data of financial organizations in Asia through social media. The CoralRaider group has been targeting victims in India, China, South Korea, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Vietnam since May 2023, said Cisco Talos, a unit of U.S. technology giant Cisco. This group focuses on stealing victims' credentials, financial data, and social media accounts, including business and advertisement accounts, the researchers said in a report on The Hacker News. The hackers used Telegram to infiltrate the stolen information from victim's machines, which is then traded in underground markets to generate illicit revenues. CoralRaider operators are likely based in Vietnam because its their language preference is Vietnamese and its code include Vietnamese words. They siphon data from victims' Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube accounts, gathering details about the payment methods and permissions associated with their business and advertising accounts. DENVER (KDVR) A building that was under construction in Westminster collapsed amid high winds Saturday. Dispatchers with the Westminster Police Department told FOX31 that the upper areas of the site on 92nd Avenue and Fenton Street had collapsed inward. Data: Fastest wind gusts reported across Colorado this weekend WPD confirmed that the collapse was related to high wind, and some streets were closed in the area due to flying debris. Several roads were closed for hours, with 91st Place remaining closed as of Sunday morning. It was unknown when it would reopen. No construction crews were on site or working when it collapsed, and the dispatcher said a passerby notified police of the collapse. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. A dog went missing in San Diego. She was found more than 2,000 miles away in Detroit. A dog that vanished in San Diego over the summer was reunited with her owner after she was found more than 2,300 miles away in a Detroit suburb. "This is a tale that Hollywood would love to tell," the Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society wrote in a post about the reunion. In a video, the group said it quickly discovered that a stray dog picked up by police in Harper Woods, Michigan, has been missing from her "forever home" since July. The dog, a terrier mix named Mishka, was Elizabeth Houman's beloved family pet. "My daughter and I were traveling for a month out of town, and Mishka went everywhere with me. She's definitely a mama's girl," Houman told USA TODAY. "So my husband would bring her to his mechanic shop for company, and she got out and he thinks that she was looking for me." Houman said Mishka, who is microchipped and wore a collar with the couple's phone number, had gotten out before but had returned within minutes. For two weeks, the couple hopeful Mishka would be found didn't tell their then-4-year-old daughter that she was missing. Houman said they instead told her the dog was at the vet getting checked out, but eventually they had to come clean. Houman believes Mishka was most likely taken. "It was the most horrifying thing to go through that someone intentionally took your dog and kept it for themselves. I was so worried about her well-being if she was being treated kindly and not neglected," Houman said. Elizabeth and Mehrad Houman's dog Mishka went missing from San Diego in July. She was found in a suburb of Detroit last week, more than 2,300 miles away. She then got to work searching for the pup. Houman said her sister flew out from Minneapolis to help her post more than 1,000 flyers of Mishka. We will do anything to get our baby back, Elizabeth Houman said in a Facebook post in July. Houman had a flyer placed on the back of her car, she posted on social media sites, and she even paid for a premium plan with the pet recovery service Home Again. "I always carried her leash with me in the front seat of the car. And then I wore her leash in case I saw her on the street," she said. Owner drives 12 hours to get Mishka back Houman said the family was getting ready to fly to Minneapolis to celebrate Easter when they received a call that Mishka was found. "I just started sobbing for like 10 minutes on the phone and can't thank the team at the shelter (enough). They've been so amazing," she said. After landing in Minneapolis late Thursday night, Houman said they had planned on figuring out a plan to get Mishka the next morning, but her husband couldn't wait. "He took off in the middle of the night and drove. It was actually a 12-hour drive to outside of Detroit," Houman said. "He drove all night on no sleep, just adrenaline and energy drinks." Elizabeth and Mehrad Houman's dog Mishka went missing from San Diego in July. Mishka immediately recognized him and began jumping up and down in her cage, Houman said. He drove Mishka back to Minneapolis to be reunited with the rest of the family before they all got on a flight home. "She was sitting in the back seat. He pulled up to my mom's house. We started running. We were calling to her and then she jumped into the front seat and basically tried to jump out of the window," Houman said of the moment she and her daughter were reunited with Mishka. Mishka settling back in at home According to the Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society, Mishka was identified thanks to a microchip. She was checked out by a vet before flying home, and Houman said she was healthy. After several months away from home, however, the pup was tired and a lot thinner. The family is overjoyed to have Mishka back home again. "She's definitely suffering from PTSD. So whenever I leave the house she whines and barks and cries, and she's never done that before," Houman said. Houman said she plans to get Mishka certified as a therapy dog so she can go to children's hospitals and nursing homes. "She's such a friendly dog. I mean, that's why someone took her. She's so sweet and will snuggle with you. I just want to share the love that she's giving out to other people, especially people that need it." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dog that went missing in California found over 2,000 miles away Former President Donald Trump likened himself to the late South African leader Nelson Mandela as he ranted on social media about his various court cases on Saturday. The presumptive GOP presidential nominee took aim at Judge Juan Merchan, whos overseeing Trumps New York hush money case, writing that itd be a GREAT HONOR to go to jail for violating a gag order against him in the upcoming trial. If this Partisan Hack wants to put me in the clink for speaking the open and obvious TRUTH, I will gladly become a Modern Day Nelson Mandela It will be my GREAT HONOR, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He continued, We have to Save our Country from these Political Operatives masquerading as Prosecutors and Judges, and I am willing to sacrifice my Freedom for that worthy cause. The former president has previously compared himself to Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison over his anti-apartheid activism. Trump told a New Hampshire crowd in October that he wouldnt mind being Nelson Mandela while declaring himself to be a victim of political persecution. Last month, the former president attacked Merchan and his daughter on Truth Social after Merchan imposed a gag order on Trump that prevented him from speaking about the case. On Monday, the judge expanded the gag order amid Trumps attacks against Merchan and his family. Page 3: Now, we have Merchan, who is not allowing me to talk, thereby violating the Law and the Constitution, all at once. It is so bad what he is trying to get away with - How was he even chosen for this case??? I heard he fought like hell to get it, and all of the rest of them Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) April 6, 2024 Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. attorney and currently a law professor at the University of Michigan, told MSNBCs Jonathan Capehart that Trumps recent posts could lead to a stricter gag order, but its the kind of stuff the judge is allowing him to say. If it is simply sort of political speech that isnt targeting anybody in particular, I think the judge is going to give him a lot of leeway to say this, McQuade said on Saturday. What the gag order specifically tries to preclude is doing anything that might intimidate witnesses, threaten witnesses or call into question the motives of the parties here. I think this kind of thing is probably going to be allowed to pass, she added. Related... Donald Trump's plan to end war is to force Ukraine to give up territory WP Donald Trump, former US president and current candidate for presidency, has claimed in private conversations that he can stop Russias war against Ukraine by forcing Ukraine to give up occupied Crimea and Donbas. Source: The Washington Post with reference to sources Details: People familiar with Trumps plans state that he had claimed that he could end the war by forcing Ukraine to cede some of its territories. Trumps proposal consists of pushing Ukraine to cede Crimea and the Donbas border region to Russia, according to people who discussed it with Trump or his advisers and spoke on the condition of anonymity because those conversations were confidential. The person who discussed this issue directly with Trump revealed that the former president stated in private conversations that both Russia and Ukraine "want to save face, they want a way out," and that people in parts of Ukraine would allegedly be okay with being part of Russia. The WP states that accepting Russian control over parts of Ukraine would expand the reach of Putins dictatorship after what has been the biggest land war in Europe since World War II. Some of Trumps supporters have been trying to persuade him against such an outcome. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham states that he spends "100 percent of (his) time talking to Trump about Ukraine". "He (Putin ed.) has to pay a price. He cant win at the end of this," Graham added. He revealed that he advised Trump against letting Russia have the land it wants and would like Trump to support Ukraines path towards NATO membership. "The way you end this war to me is you make sure Ukraine gets into NATO and the EU," Graham said. "He (Trump ed.) doesnt say much about that. I dont know if hes thought too much about it." The Trump campaign declined to directly address questions for this article. "Any speculation about President Trumps plan is coming from unnamed and uninformed sources who have no idea what is going on or what will happen," campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. She added that "President Trump is the only one talking about stopping the killing". WP adds that the information about Trumps plan concerning Ukraine emerged in Washington last November during the meeting in Heritage Foundation between centre-rightists and the European Council Delegation on Foreign Relations which arrived on a visit. According to "multiple people present for the meeting", Michael Anton, Trump's former aide in the White House, described the expected contours of Trumps peace plan as Ukraine ceding territory in Crimea and Donbas, limiting NATO expansion and enticing Putin to loosen his growing reliance on China. In March Anton, who WP contacted by phone, said he hadnt spoken with Trump in 18 to 24 months and denied knowing anything about Trumps plan for Ukraine. He did not respond to further questions. Background: Earlier Trump often boasted that in case he was chosen the president, he would end the war between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours, but provided no details. Support UP or become our patron! Drug Task Force search warrant leads to rescue of 27 cats in Wisconsin, one in custody SAUK CITY, Wis. (WFRV) A 34-year-old man is in police custody after a search warrant was carried out at his southcentral Wisconsin residence where authorities found drugs, firearms, and rescued 27 cats. A Facebook post from the Sauk Prairie Police Department states that with help from the Sauk County Drug Task Force, a search warrant was executed in the 400 block of Dallas Street in Sauk City on April 5. This embedded content is not available in your region. Body recovered, found floating in Lake Butte Des Morts in Oshkosh prompting active investigation During the search warrant, officers say illegal drugs and two firearms were found and seized by law enforcement. Twenty-seven cats were also rescued from the residence and taken to the Sauk County Humane Society. A 34-year-old Sauk City resident was taken into custody as a result of the investigation on charges of: Maintaining a Drug Dwelling Manufacture/Delivery of Methamphetamine Possession of Methamphetamine Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Money Laundering Bail Jumping The Sauk Prairie Police Department was assisted by the Sauk County Sheriffs Office, Baraboo Police Department, Reedsburg Police Department, and the Sauk County Humane Society. The incident remains under investigation by the Sauk Prairie Police Department and the Sauk County Drug Task Force. No other details were provided. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Travis Dickson struck the back of the vehicle Angel Salas, 9, was traveling in, killing the boy. A Brooklyn man who was drunk, high and driving at speeds of up to 119 miles per hour when he crashed into the back of a car, killing a 9-year-old boy, will serve up to 13.5 years in prison, officials said. Travis Dickson was driving his 2018 BMW 540i west on the Long Island Expressway in Farmingville around 1:49 a.m. on Aug. 22 when he hit the back of a 2019 Toyota Corolla, making no attempt to stop, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said in a news release. Angel Salas on a beach in an undated photo. Juliana Salas/Facebook Travis Dickson, 32, admitted to being drunk and high when he hit the other vehicle, cops said. Suffolk County DA The boy, Angel Salas of Deer Park, was in a booster seat in the back of the car while his dad drove. Angel was critically injured, officials said. As this case clearly illustrates, drunk and drug-impaired drivers are a danger to our communities and often times cause collisions which turn fatal for innocent victims, Tierney said. A child lost their life because of the selfish actions of the defendant. I hope that this prison sentence brings some small degree of solace to the victims family who are undoubtedly still grieving his loss. Angel Salas, 9, in an undated photo over the holidays. Juliana Salas/Facebook Angel Salas, 9, was killed in the crash on the Long Island Expressway in 2022. Juliana Salas/Facebook Dickson, 32, pleaded guilty in February and was sentenced Friday. The child was rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital but was declared brain dead two days later. He was eventually removed from life support and his organs were donated to others, officials said. Dickson exhibited signs of intoxication after the crash, admitted to smoking pot and had marijuana on him, cops said. The crash on the Long Island Expressway in 2022 killed the 9-year-old who was in a booster seat in the rear. NBC4 New York Emergency vehicles responded to the early morning crash. NBC4 New York His blood was drawn about three hours after the crash and revealed an alcohol level of .14%, officials said. The legal limit for driving is .08%. Dickson, who was also driving with a revoked license, pleaded guilty to the top charges of manslaughter in the second degree and vehicular manslaughter in the second degree, officials said. Yarkpa Town stands out in the surrounding rainforest in Rivercess County, Southeast Liberia, Wednesday, March 6, 2024. In the past year, the Liberian government has agreed to sell about 10% of the West African country's land equivalent to 10,931 square kilometers (4,220 square miles) to Dubai-based company Blue Carbon to preserve forests that might otherwise be logged and used for farming, the primary livelihood for many communities. (AP Photo/Derick Snyder) ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) Matthew Walley's eyes sweep over the large forest that has sustained his Indigenous community in Liberia for generations. Even as the morning sun casts a golden hue over the canopy, a sense of unease lingers. Their use of the land is being threatened, and they have organized to resist the possibility of losing their livelihood. In the past year, the Liberian government has agreed to sell about 10% of the West African countrys land equivalent to 10,931 square kilometers (4,220 square miles) to Dubai-based company Blue Carbon to preserve forests that might otherwise be logged and used for farming, the primary livelihood for many communities. Blue Carbon, which did not respond to repeated emails and calls seeking comment, plans to make money from this conservation by selling carbon credits to polluters to offset their emissions as they burn fossil fuels. Some experts argue that the model offers little climate benefit, while activists label it carbon colonialism." Activists say the government has no legal right over the land and that Liberian law acknowledges Indigenous land ownership. The government and Blue Carbon reached an agreement in March 2023 months after the company's launch without consulting local communities, which are concerned about a lack of protections. There is no legal framework on carbon credits in Liberia, and so we dont have rules and regulations to fight for ourselves as a community, said Walley, whose community, Neezuin, could see about 573 square kilometers signed away to Blue Carbon. A raft of agreements between at least five African countries and Blue Carbon could give the company control over large swaths of land on the continent. In Kenya, Indigenous populations already have been evicted to make way for other carbon credits projects, according to rights groups like Amnesty International and Survival International. They have criticized the projects as culturally destructive," lacking transparency and threatening the livelihoods and food security of rural African populations. Many such projects are associated with appalling human rights abuses against local communities at the hands of park rangers, said Simon Counsell, an independent researcher of conservation projects in Kenya, Congo, Cameroon and other countries. The majority had involved evictions, most were involved in conflict with local people, and almost none had ever sought or gained the landholders consent, said Counsell, former director of Rainforest Foundation UK, a nonprofit that supports both human rights and environmental protection. Africa contributes the least to greenhouse gas emissions, but its vast natural resources, such as forests, are crucial in the fight against climate change. Indigenous populations traditionally rely on forests for their livelihoods, highlighting the tension between climate goals and economic realities. Cash-strapped governments in Africa are attracted to these kinds of conservation initiatives because they generate badly needed income despite concerns about human rights abuses and transparency. Blue Carbon has only one project under development in Zimbabwe, which involves approximately 20% of the countrys land, according to the company's website. However, through opaque agreements, the company has potentially secured staggering amounts of land across other countries, including Kenya, Liberia, Tanzania and Zambia, since forming in late 2022. In Liberia, the government is required to obtain prior, informed consent from communities before using their land for such deals. However, former President George Weah's government moved forward without it, according to activists and communities. Communities only became aware after activists mobilized against the deal following a leak through a network of nongovernmental organizations. Although the agreement said talks with communities would be done last November, locals and activists reported that they did not happen. There is no opposition to fighting climate change, but it has to be done in a way that respects peoples rights and does not breach the law, said Ambulah Mamey, a Liberian activist who has helped galvanize opposition to the Blue Carbon deal. After protests from communities and activists, Weahs government halted the deal before the presidential vote last year, but he still lost the election. We resolved to vote the George Weah government out to stop the deal, which will devastatingly affect communities, but we dont know if the new government will restart it, said Walley, the community leader. We are waiting for them. The new director of Liberia's Environmental Protection Agency, Emmanuel Yarkpawolo, said the Blue Carbon deal was rushed through "a quick process that does not lend itself to a good level of transparency." He confirmed the deal is on hold and said Liberia is now developing rules for selling carbon credits, which will emphasize balance between environmental goals and economic well-being of our people and take care of concerns about Indigenous people's rights, including alternative livelihood means." Blue Carbon in March sent out invitations to developers, asking for proposals for carbon offset projects. The company document, which activists shared with The Associated Press, does not say which countries it is targeting, just that basic land information will be shared with applicants. The process seems extraordinarily opaque given the significant amount of some countries land involved, said Counsell, the conservation researcher. He raised concerns about whether governments understand it, let alone the people living in those areas. They are precisely the kind of opaque and inequitable arrangements that the U.N. should very specifically be guarding against as it continues to develop the rules for a global carbon market, Counsell said in an email. Blue Carbon was founded by Emirati royal Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, whose private holdings include fossil fuel operations. It has not disclosed the governments or companies that will buy the credits generated from its carbon projects. The effectiveness of carbon offsetting itself is debated. One concern is the concept of additionality, or the amount of carbon that a project claims it reduces through preventing deforestation. In many cases, it's possible those reductions could have happened anyway. A study by Counsell and Survival International on one carbon credit initiative, called the Northern Kenya Grassland Carbon Project, says livestock farmers whose livelihoods were upended by the project had operated within broadly sustainable limits. This, Walley said, is similar to the practice of communities in Liberia, where they have a duty to conserve forests under government rules. In addition, 40% of Liberias forestland is already protected. "This means that the project, in climate terms, has no additionality,' and any carbon credits generated do not represent genuine new savings of carbon," Counsell said. Plus, over time, trees release the carbon they're storing back into the atmosphere through natural aging, forest fires or commercial use, which undermines the idea of forests absorbing carbon permanently, Counsell said. There is also the problem of a zero benefit to the climate. Protecting forests in one area may result in deforestation elsewhere as communities affected by conservation projects move to earn a living. ___ The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) The Sullivan County Volunteer Firemans Association hosted its 15th annual East Tennessee Fire Rescue Conference over the weekend. Several agencies gathered at Northeast State Community College in Blountville to take part in the conference, which featured dozens of workshops and training programs. Some topics taught and discussed include arson investigation, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials, mental health and pumper apparatuses. TBI issues Silver Alert for missing Kingsport man Warriors Path Volunteer Fire Departments Chief Ben Wexler is the associations training director. He told News Channel 11 that classes offered were for junior firefighters, as wellpeople under 18 who are interested in volunteering one day. Volunteerism as a whole has decreased, so were always needing volunteers, he said. I mean we remain steady, we get out the door to answer calls, we get everything done; its just, we just have to rely on the same core group that are hard workers. (WJHL) Wexler said more than 125 trainees took part in the conference. Organizers said training new and prospective volunteer firefighters locally saves time and money, and it keeps agency leaders from traveling out of town in case theyre needed in a pinch. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. (Bloomberg) -- Mexico broke off diplomatic relations with Ecuador after police stormed its embassy in Quito and arrested former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had sheltered at the mission since December. Most Read from Bloomberg Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena announced the immediate breaking of ties on Saturday, citing a flagrant violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The embassys Mexican personnel suffered injuries, she said. Ecuador raided the embassy hours after Mexico granted political asylum to Glas. An arrest warrant for him was pending since the Ecuadorian Prosecutor Generals Office released chat messages suggesting that a drug trafficker bribed a judge to obtain Glas early release from a prison sentence for graft. The dramatic arrest and mutual accusations of breaching diplomatic protocol are inflaming tensions that date back to Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboas election last year. Noboa, 36, defeated a candidate backed by former President Rafael Correa, an ally of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Noboa campaigned on a crackdown against violent gangs in Ecuador that security experts have linked to Mexican crime syndicates. Hes seeking to shore up his standing in a referendum on April 21 that will seek tough anti-crime measures and economic reforms, including allowing temporary work contracts and increased international arbitration of contract disputes between companies and the Ecuadorian state. Noboa is touring the country to campaign for the proposals as polls suggest the economic measures will be a tough sell. Read more: Cocaine Crackdown Turns Ecuadors Young Leader Into a Superstar After the embassy raid, Glas was transferred to a prison in Guayaquil, the Ecuadorian government said Saturday. Mexico earlier criticized the buildup of Ecuadorian police outside the embassy and asked that its sovereignty be respected. The dispute calls into question diplomatic standards that have been in place since the Vienna Convention in 1963. Ecuador and Mexico are among the 182 countries that have signed the treaty, which forbids host countries from entering the premises of a foreign diplomatic mission without permission. Mexico will bring the matter before the International Court of Justice, Barcena said. The Ecuadorian government said that Mexico had granted political asylum contrary to the conventional legal framework, without going into detail. Ecuador is a sovereign country and we will not allow any criminal to go unpunished. Brazil and Chile condemned the embassy raid in statements, while the Organization of American States said all countries in the region have an obligation to abide by the Vienna Convention. Correa, who lives in Belgium after avoiding arrest on a graft conviction in 2020, said on X that Noboa has lost his mind. Ecuador had declared Mexicos ambassador to the country, Raquel Serur Smeke, persona non grata on Thursday. The Ecuadorian foreign ministry said the move was a result of Lopez Obradors recent and very unfortunate comments on Ecuadors 2023 election. Lopez Obrador told reporters that his friend Correas preferred candidate would have won if not for the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, whose death turned the tide of public opinion. Some candidates exploited the tragedy for political gain, he said. In late 2022, AMLO, as the president is known, expressed support for Perus former leader Pedro Castillo, who he said was the victim of a coup, and granted asylum to his family. That sparked tensions with Perus President Dina Boluarte, who took office after Castillo was ousted and arrested for illegally trying to dissolve Congress and rule by decree. Under the Correa administration, Ecuador famously hosted WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange in its London embassy for seven years after he sought asylum to avoid extradition to Sweden on a rape allegation he denied. --With assistance from Dale Quinn, Stephan Kueffner and Jose Orozco. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Ecuador is facing outrage after storming the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, a controversial figure who had been seeking asylum there. Mexico said it will file a case against Ecuador at the International Court of Justice on Monday after the late Friday night arrest of Glas prompted Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to order the immediate suspension of diplomatic ties with Quito. In a post on X, Obrador called the act a flagrant violation of international law and the sovereignty of Mexico. The breach of diplomatic convention has sent shockwaves through the region, with Latin American leaders from across the political spectrum condemning the incident. Under diplomatic norms, embassies are considered protected spaces. It marks the culmination of a series of diplomatic provocations between Mexico and Ecuador this week. Glas, 54, has since been transferred to a maximum-security prison in Guayaquil known as La Roca, Ecuadorean authorities said. His lawyers have filed an appeal for his release on the grounds of unlawful detention, according to court records, though it is unclear when a judge may rule on the request. The Ecuadorian Prosecutors Office declined to comment on the appeal presented by Glas defense. The diplomatic staff of the Mexican embassy in Quito and their families arrived in Mexico City on Sunday after leaving Ecuador, according to the Mexican Foreign Ministry. The group of 18 people boarded a commercial flight earlier Sunday. Officials from what Mexico called friendly and allied countries accompanied them to the airport in Quito. We thank the ambassadors of Germany, Panama, Cuba, Honduras, the president of the Ecuador-Mexico Chamber and the rest of the diplomatic staff for their solidarity with the people of Mexico! the Mexican Foreign Ministry said. Mexico added that its embassy in Ecuador will remain closed indefinitely, as will its consular services. Mexicans in Ecuador can still get help through a communications system for nationals abroad and from the Mexican embassies in Chile, Colombia and Peru. Police detain Glas in Quito, Ecuador on April 6. - National Police of Ecuador/Handout/Anadolu/Getty Images Diplomatic spat Glas, who has been convicted twice on corruption charges, served under leftist ex-President Rafael Correa between 2013 and 2017. He has been accused by Ecuadorian authorities of embezzling government funds meant to help rebuild after a devastating 2016 earthquake. Glas defense has rejected the allegations and he says he is the subject of political persecution. Following his arrest, a host of Latin American countries including regional giants Brazil and Argentina rallied around Mexico to condemn Ecuador. Several pointed to a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the international treaty that defines a framework for relations between countries. Some also pointed to a breach of Glass right to asylum. Nicaragua has joined Mexico in severing diplomatic ties with Ecuador. The right-wing Argentinian government called for full observance of the provisions of that international instrument as well as the obligations arising from the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Ecuador's Chancellor Gabriela Sommerfeld during a press conference on April 6 in Quito, Ecuador. - Agencia Press South/Getty Images Left-wing Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Glass right to asylum was barbarically violated, while Honduras President Xiomara Castro said the assault on the embassy constitutes an intolerable act for the international community. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was alarmed by the raid, his spokesperson said. Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said Guterres reaffirmed the cardinal principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel. Video from the scene of Glas arrest last Friday showed police officers massing around the Mexican embassy, some armed. At a news conference Saturday, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld defended the raid, saying the action was taken in the face of a real risk of imminent escape. Sommerfeld also accused Mexico of violating the principle of non-intervention by letting Glas stay in the embassy and evade an order to appear regularly before authorities in a corruption probe. She dismissed Mexicos claim that Glas was being politically prosecuted, saying: For Ecuador, no criminal can be considered a politically persecuted person when he has been convicted with an enforceable sentence and with an arrest warrant issued by the judicial authorities. This story has been updated with additional developments. Additional reporting by CNNs Fidel Gutierrez, David Shortell, Marlon Sorto, Ana Maria Canizares and Heather Chen. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Border inspection agencies across China handled nearly 5.19 million entry and exit trips during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday that ended Saturday, data from the National Immigration Administration (NIA) showed Sunday. The daily average of entry and exit trips soared to 1.73 million, an increase of 69.6 percent compared with the same period of 2023, according to the NIA. Among the total trips, about 2.27 million entry and exit trips were made by residents from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, marking an increase of 35.9 percent year on year. Residents from the Chinese mainland made over 2.42 million inbound and outbound trips, up 101.7 percent over the same period last year. The number of entry and exit trips by foreigners reached 500,000, an increase of 163.2 percent compared to the same period in 2023. Border ports undertook various initiatives to streamline customs clearance, such as providing timely updates on entry and exit passenger flow to assist travelers in planning their trips effectively, opening sufficient inspection channels to ensure swift and smooth customs clearance, and strictly ensuring that the queue-up time for Chinese citizens does not exceed 30 minutes. Considering the significant influx of people, particularly elderly individuals, from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan returning to their ancestral homes on the mainland to pay tribute to their ancestors during the holiday, special inspection channels have been set up to expedite entry and exit procedures. Assistance is also available for the elderly, children and other passengers facing difficulties or those requiring special care. (Bloomberg) -- Ecuadors government drew condemnation across Latin America for storming the Mexican embassy to arrest a former vice president, a breach of diplomatic protocol that President Daniel Noboa linked to his fight against criminal gangs and cartels. Most Read from Bloomberg Mexico broke off diplomatic ties after Ecuadorian police raided the embassy late Friday. Governments including Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru and Honduras denounced the storming and the Organization of American States called for a meeting. Nicaraguas government accused Ecuador of neofascist political barbarism and said its ending relations. The raid inflames tensions that began soon after Noboas inauguration last year, after he defeated a candidate backed by former President Rafael Correa, an ally of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Noboa, 36, campaigned on a crackdown against violent gangs in Ecuador that security experts have linked to Mexican crime syndicates. Police moved hours after Mexico granted political asylum to former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had been sheltering at the embassy since December. Ecuadorian judicial authorities had issued an arrest warrant for him after the Prosecutor Generals Office released chat messages suggesting that a drug trafficker bribed a judge to obtain Glas early release in November from a prison sentence for graft. Glas has said the cases against him are political persecution. He was transferred to a prison in Guayaquil after the raid. Ecuadors presidential office accused Mexico of granting asylum contrary to the conventional legal framework and abusing the privileges of a diplomatic mission. Ecuador is facing a non-international armed conflict, whose repercussions on democracy and citizen peace will only increase if acts that interfere with the rule of law, national sovereignty or interference in the internal affairs of the country continue or are condoned, Noboas office said in a statement. Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena called the raid a flagrant violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and announced an immediate halt to diplomatic relations. Diplomatic staff are returning to Mexico from Quito, she said on X. The ministry said late Saturday it will address the press Sunday when the plane carrying the staff arrives from Ecuador. AMLO, as the Mexican president is known, called for restraint in a statement. Read more: Cocaine Crackdown Turns Ecuadors Young Leader Into a Superstar The US State Department, saying that it values both countries as partners, condemned the raid for violating the Vienna Convention and added that it takes very seriously respect for diplomatic missions. It called on Mexico and Ecuador to resolve the matter following international norms, according to a statement by spokesman Matthew Miller. Noboa, who hails from a fruit-exporting dynasty and was the favored candidate of investors in last years election, is seeking to shore up his standing in a referendum on April 21. Hes asking voters to back new anti-crime measures as well as economic reforms, including allowing temporary work contracts and increased international arbitration of contract disputes between companies and the Ecuadorian state. Polls suggest the economic measures will be a tough sell. The dispute calls into question diplomatic standards that have been in place since the Vienna Convention in 1963, which Ecuador and Mexico have signed. It forbids host countries from entering the premises of a foreign diplomatic mission without permission. Mexico will bring the matter before the International Court of Justice, Barcena said. Lopez Obrador previously granted asylum to the family of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo after calling him the victim of a coup. That sparked tension with his successor Dina Boluarte, who took office after Castillo was ousted and arrested for illegally trying to dissolve Congress and rule by decree. Under the Correa administration, Ecuador famously hosted WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange in its London embassy for seven years after he sought asylum to avoid extradition to Sweden on a rape allegation he denied. (Updates with US State Department comments in 10th paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. First response officers inspect the damage after a Russian air attack in Kyiv on March 25. Five people were injured in the strike at Pechersk district of Kyiv, two were hospitalized. (Vadim Ghirda / Associated Press) When House members return to Washington this week, their first priority should be to approve desperately needed aid for Ukraine as that country continues to resist Russian aggression. To ensure quick action, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) shouldnt waste time trying to appease hard-liners in his conference. As Johnson seems to realize, he will likely need Democratic votes to ensure passage. Like his deposed predecessor Kevin McCarthy, Johnson has been willing to rely on Democrats to protect the national interest, most recently when the House in March approved a spending package to avoid a partial government shutdown. Read more: Calmes: Is this the worst Congress ever? Let's count the ways But, also like McCarthy, Johnson must reckon with the obstructionist antics of fringe figures in his party. Last month the ever-disruptive Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) announced that she had filed a motion to vacate the chair, the same maneuver that resulted in McCarthys ouster. CNN reported last week that Greene said that if the speaker moved ahead with an aid package for Ukraine it would be one of the most egregious things he could do. In recent days Johnson has indicated that he would do just that when the House returns. The cleanest and quickest way to achieve that end is for the House to approve a bipartisan package passed by the Senate in February, which includes an additional $60.1 billion for Ukraine as well as aid for Israel and humanitarian assistance for Palestinians and other civilians caught in war zones. Read more: Opinion: Republicans blocking Ukraine aid should consider this hero and hang their heads in shame Yet Johnson has muddied the picture by floating various innovations including converting aid for Ukraine into a loan an approach to foreign aid that he noted even President Trump has talked about and adding a measure that would seize Russian assets that could be used to finance aid to Ukraine. Johnson might also seek to have the House vote on aid for Ukraine separately from assistance to Israel and Taiwan, a problematic option because some representatives who support aid for Israel might balk at backing a Ukraine-only measure. He also has suggested that aid to Ukraine might be linked to undoing the Biden administrations pause in approvals for exports of liquefied natural gas. A modified proposal for aid to Ukraine would be preferable to no action at all. The Biden administration may find it necessary to make further concessions to smooth House passage. But such tinkering would waste precious time. Ukraine has mounted a valiant defense against unprovoked Russian aggression. But its struggling to keep up the fight. Last month the Biden administration announced that it would be sending an additional $300 million in weapons to Ukraine, a stopgap measure made possible by savings on some Pentagon contracts. But that was a temporary and inadequate lifeline. Biden proposed new funding for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan along with more resources for security at Americas southern border last October. It is unconscionable that Congress has dithered for so long on providing additional aid to Ukraine. Johnson should insist that the House promptly atone for that disgraceful delay. 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. Eileen ONeill Burke: How she won and what it might mean for the office of Cook Countys top prosecutor going forward After days of uncertainty, Eileen ONeill Burke emerged as the choice of voters to be the Democratic nominee for Cook County states attorney, with the former prosecutor turned defense lawyer, circuit court judge and appellate judge squeaking out a win by less than 1,600 votes. ONeill Burke bested Clayton Harris III, a former prosecutor himself who wound through City Hall and state government, academia and corporate lobbying. She will now face Republican Bob Fioretti in the November general election. While any Republican is perceived as a long shot to win the post, whichever candidate comes out ahead is poised to transition the states attorneys office into a new era after a period of unprecedented and sometimes contentious reforms implemented by outgoing top prosecutor Kim Foxx. Should ONeill Burke ultimately win, she would quickly face formulating her own reform agenda, making cases to tamp down Chicagos persistent gun violence, and running an office struggling with morale issues. As much as numbers have gone down, the amount of street crime is extraordinarily high and has a tremendous impact on the community, said Richard Kling, a clinical professor of law at Chicago-Kent College of Law. Based on the final hair-splitting results which included 10 days of ballot counting following the March 19 primary Democratic voters appeared evenly divided on whether more strident prosecutions or prioritization of diversion and prosecutorial discretion were the solution, said Jeremy Custer, the political director for Operating Engineers Local 150, which supported ONeill Burke. You talk to every voter, whether perception was reality, crime was the No. 1 issue, Custer said. What this race boiled down to is, within the Democratic Party, theres still a reckoning of: Is it root causes? Or do we need stronger law enforcement in holding criminals accountable? Whats next? Transitions from one Cook County states attorney to the next are always fraught, said Alan Spellberg, a former assistant states attorney under multiple administrations, including Foxx and her predecessor, Anita Alvarez. ONeill Burke and Foxx spoke by the phone this week a cordial call, both sides confirmed. The offices next prosecutor will enter during a period of particularly low morale among assistant states attorneys, said Spellberg, supervisor of the criminal appeals division until 2021. He applauded Foxxs reform-minded approach, but said prosecutors were excluded from the process. We were very much in support of the notion of reform, but wanted to be partners, he said, adding that there can be disagreements on what reform is. If (assistant states attorneys) in a courtroom know what works and what doesnt and youre not even asking us what we think about the ideas, the ideas arent going to be well thought out and well executed, Spellberg said. ONeill Burke ran a campaign more typical of a politician with a prosecutor background, less reform-focused than Foxx, Chicago-Kents Kling said. ONeill Burkes stump positions included across-the-board requests for detention for certain crimes, for example. We will seek detention each and every time someone is found with an assault weapon, threatens someone with a gun or commits a violent crime happens on the CTA, she told reporters Monday. A blanket policy would be a departure from Foxx, who said the office weighs several factors when deciding detention requests under the new guidelines set by the SAFE-T Act. Though prosecutors commonly file detention petitions on offenses similar to those described by ONeill Burke, they examine case-specific factors and request a defendant be held if they are considered a flight risk or pose a threat to public safety. Ultimately, the decision is up to the judge. Another departure: ONeill Burke pledged to reverse Foxxs policy of raising the threshold for prosecuting felony retail theft from $300 to $1,000 a key call from the business community, who said smash-and-grabs were threatening their bottom lines and customers feeling of safety. Though he noted the impact of theft on stores and community members, Kling said he doesnt know if there is the appetite to prosecute more (retail) felonies. I think Eileen ONeill Burke or any states attorney needs to direct primary forces to street crime, he said. Foxx launched the policy as one of many ways her office would move away from harsh prosecution of low-level crimes, noting that neighboring states like Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana all had higher thresholds. Legal observers said the next top prosecutor will step in at a critical time for Chicago as it battles persistent violent crime and reckons with large volumes of potential wrongful-conviction cases. It is unclear to what extent ONeill Burke will change directions of Foxxs lodestar Conviction Integrity Unit which has overturned at least 250 cases though ONeill Burke did pledge to maintain it. Joshua Tepfer, an attorney with the Exoneration Project who handles wrongful convictions, said the incoming states attorney will have to grapple with Chicagos history of systemic police abuse by officers like Reynaldo Guevara and Jon Burge. Im hopeful that shell be interested in speaking with people like me and my colleagues to talk about what sort of issues we have in the pipeline, what sort of cases, he said. Going forward, Tepfer said he hopes to see the units looking at post-conviction matters staffed with people willing to scrutinize any case that comes before it. ONeill Burkes campaign platform called for creation of a dedicated restorative justice bureau where juvenile, veterans, drug and mental health courts will work with government agencies to get people help, let them cross-pollinate with various social service agencies and bring people back to society instead of being stuck in a life of crime. In an interview with the Tribune last month, ONeill Burke also suggested she would seek to change the current restorative justice courts, located at three neighborhood sites in Chicago, arguing they had largely become gun deferral courts rather than dealing with juveniles, veterans or those dealing with drug addiction or mental health issues. Converting them to gun deferral isnt contributing to restorative justice its detracting, and its not making anyone safer, ONeill Burke said, pitching a dedicated courtroom for gun cases instead. Such a change, though, was criticized by advocates at the Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts, who described it as a misdirected waste of resources and contended that framing the courts as drug courts is a misunderstanding of their purpose. Appleseed put out a report earlier this year that recommended reforms, writing that the courts are overseeing cases that would be better off dismissed from traditional prosecution at the outset, such as low-level drug cases. The experimental courts located in Lawndale, Englewood and Avondale seek to provide a fairer version of justice than would be found at the countys bustling courthouses. The tenets of restorative justice focus on participants making amends for the harm done to victims or the community. Programming for the restorative justice courts in recent years has intentionally moved away from drugs (the county also has drug, mental health and veterans courts that are distinct programs) because the victimless nature of drug offenses makes them less well-suited for restorative justice principles. Still, the program only accepts low-level and nonviolent crimes, and many of the gun offenses are faced by defendants who didnt have proper licensing. Restorative justice models are uniquely positioned to address instances where harm has been done to another person or people which is not the case with drug use or with simple gun possession, an Appleseed spokeswoman said in a statement. We look forward to working with whoever is elected as the next Cook County States Attorney to expand the eligibility criteria of the (courts) to include more charges that involve individual victims, so that the true healing power of restorative justice can be realized. The courts are under the auspices of the chief judge, but prosecutors decide which cases to defer to the restorative justice courts. Matt Fakhoury, a defense attorney and former prosecutor, said its important for the next states attorney to also improve relations with the Chicago Police Department and rebuild morale in the office. The return of ONeill Burke, a former prosecutor, if she prevails in the general election, would be like a homecoming, he said. Once you leave that office, youre always a prosecutor and your hearts always there, he said. How ONeill Burke won Some experts argued that the campaign was more nuanced than simply a tough-on-crime candidate facing off against a progressive reformer. Harris and ONeill Burke both supported the landmark SAFE-T Act eliminating the use of cash bail and Foxxs nonviolent offender diversion, wrongful conviction unit and restorative justice efforts. Both spoke about a need to reset relationships with police. ONeill Burke, though, hewed closer to a hard-charging message and became increasingly critical of Foxx. Harris campaign argued ONeill Burkes messaging allowed a more conservative support base to rally around her. If you think things are going just fine right now, Im not your candidate, she said during the sole televised debate of the primary campaign. She also took a more hard-line stance on the offices approach to gun crimes, carjackings and retail theft. The deterrence for crime is not the severity of punishment, its the certainty of a consequence, she told the Tribune in June. People have to be held accountable. Harris was more vocally supportive of Foxxs policies, but argued the office had to do a better job highlighting the cases it was already prosecuting and the victims it helped. A university lecturer on race and policing, he warned reactive or hard and fast prosecutorial policies could have unintended consequences in communities of color. Historically, what weve seen is when people say Safety, safety, safety and everyone gets behind it, what it looks like is they start rounding up people like me. They start rounding up Black and brown bodies or people that they dont agree with, Harris told supporters just before Election Day. Harris and allies also repeatedly attacked ONeill Burke for her handling of the 1994 prosecution of an 11-year-old Black boy in the slaying of his elderly white neighbor, and her response to it decades later. Years later, the case was overturned. ONeill Burke said she was never accused of any wrongdoing by a higher court and had no knowledge the boys confession was coerced. Critics said her lack of regret over the case or a fulsome apology for describing the boy known as A.M. as part of a new breed of criminal at the time was a troubling reflection of how she could take the office backward on its efforts to overturn wrongful convictions. Voters of every background, especially voters of color, should find this irresponsible and reckless lack of judgment gravely concerning, a January open letter from two dozen Black current and former elected officials read. Weeks later, ONeill Burke told WGN it was a terrible phrase. The case became a focus of Harris ads in the closing weeks of the campaign. But his ability to spread the message was dwarfed by ONeill Burkes campaign coffers, which close watchers consistently cited as a key advantage. The 2020 primary was a big money race as well: Foxx faced a political newcomer Bill Conway, a former prosecutor and Navy veteran who received a total of $10.5 million from his father, William E. Conway Jr., as well as $250,000 from Citadel founder Ken Griffin. Foxx was still equipped to play defense. She received $1 million each from local Democrats Michael Sacks and Fred Eychaner, as well as a combined $850,000 from affiliates of SEIU, the Chicago Teachers Union, the Chicago Federation of Labor and other public sector unions like AFSCME. National liberal megadonor George Soros also steered $2 million to a political action committee to defend her. Those same forces did not materialize for Harris. SEIU affiliates and the CTU did contribute to him, but their $200,000 was not close to the support Foxx garnered in 2020. CTU, one of the most vaunted political field operations in the city, also put more focus on the Bring Chicago Home referendum and the Illinois Senate race between Graciela Guzman and Natalie Toro, political operatives said. While Eychaner gave Harris $157,000, Sacks who had worked with Foxx when she was Preckwinkles chief of staff has not made major campaign outlays since joining the host committee for the Democratic National Convention. Soros and other national progressive prosecutorial donors and organizations also stayed out. Other high-profile progressive prosecutor races in Los Angeles, Houston and Austin, Texas, had taken a lot of energy, Foxx said. I think this race did not rise to the same level of attention that those races did. ONeill Burkes contributions from business interests local restaurateurs and investment firm leaders alike included those who have given to both Democrats and Republicans. Between July and April, she raised $3.4 million, according to state records. Harris raised $1.3 million in the same span, cash that came in late and at a much lower rate, making it more difficult to respond to attacks, spokeswoman Joanna Klonsky said. Taken with the lack of engagement from national criminal justice reform organizations with a differential this small, that lack of support was a missed opportunity to make a substantial impact here. There are 2,700 precincts in the county and we lost by less than one vote per precinct, said Cook County Democratic Party Chair Toni Preckwinkle, an early Harris supporter. We got outspent by $2 million, and it was a lot of Republican money that came in at the very end. Those funds allowed ONeill Burke to fill airwaves and mailboxes with ads about her courtroom credentials and status as a departure from Foxx, while portraying Harris as a corporate lobbyist and political insider aligned against workers rights and abortion access. In the waning days of the campaign, Harris and surrogates said they had to work to knock down those attacks as misleading. The abortion rights group Personal PAC echoed their concern, saying the ads about choice were disheartening given abortion access is under attack all across the country. The states attorneys office rarely intersects with abortion issues. ONeill Burkes pro-abortion-rights promises that she would defend the county, patients and providers against attacks were likely effective with women, said ONeill Burke campaign spokeswoman Aviva Bowen, but just one in a constellation of factors that swayed voters. John Catanzara, the controversial head of the local Fraternal Order of Police, also took credit for pushing ONeill Burke over the line. He encouraged union members to pull Democratic rather than Republican primary ballots to support her. To what extent Republicans crossed over wont be clear to the campaigns until voter files are updated, operatives said. ONeill Burke rejected Catanzaras endorsement as professionally improper last month, but told reporters Monday that if anybody went out and voted for me, feel free to take credit for it because each and every vote mattered in this one. Some of ONeill Burkes heaviest areas of support were in Chicago wards typically home to first responders. She also dominated across much of the northwest and southwest suburbs and outperformed expectations in progressive bastions, Bowen said. She won the 47th Ward, New Trier, garnered significant shares of the vote in the 1st, 22nd, 40th and 46th wards, Oak Park and Evanston. I also think she did respectably in Black communities.A WBEZ analysis of demographic data from precincts across the county found Harris won 76.6% of majority-Black precincts, short of Foxxs 83.5% take in 2020. I think that people everywhere are concerned about violence and crime in their communities. And I think it was a question of messaging, ONeill Burke told reporters Monday when asked about low support for her on the South and West sides. I think a lot of the concern was unfair, that I was going to be very hard on crime. I want to be effective. That doesnt mean were going to lock everybody up. That means were going to implement programs that get people turned around. Thats my goal. Foxx said the demographic breakdown of the vote was unsurprising, but suggested those most affected by crime support a more nuanced and less rigid approach. I look at the wards and see where (Harris) carried in the city, those Black wards that have direct contact with the criminal justice system, who have high incidences of violence in their community, that those wards with all the noise and rhetoric still came out and said this is our candidate, it does say something, Foxx said. Scroll through the maps to see Democratic primary race results for Cook County states attorney in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 elections. Search by precinct or click on the map to see the vote share there. Even so, Foxx told the Tribune she was frustrated that the racial impacts of tough-on-crime policies like low retail-theft thresholds were not fully addressed in the campaign, adding that her frank discussions of both concentrated violence and wrongful convictions resonated with Black voters. When we pretend race in the system is not a thing, we go backwards, she said. Though Fioretti faces long odds in a county that has not elected a Republican to the office in more than two decades, he has already gone on the attack, describing his opponent as duplicitous. An attorney and former alderman, Fioretti previously ran for states attorney, Cook County Board president and state Senate as a Democrat. In a Monday release, he said ONeill Burke both praised law enforcement or rejected their support, pretended to be a law-and-order candidate or a Kim Foxx Lite candidate. I guess Elon Musk wanted to get ahead of being corrected by X's community notes, so he decided to correct himself. On Friday, Reuters reported that Tesla is axing the entry-level Model 2 in favor of self-driving robotaxis, to which Musk claimed "Reuters is lying (again)," without any specifics. However, only about five hours later, Musk then posted "Tesla Robotaxi unveil on 8/8." Community notes crisis averted. In Musk's defense, his denial of Reuters' story could have been referring to the claim that the entry-level Model 2 was being scrapped and that the Robotaxis would instead be sold alongside it. However, the timeline is interesting, as Musk told investors back in January that the Model 2 would begin production in late 2025 . If that were to happen, an August 2024 reveal for the Model 2 would make sense. But instead, the August reveal will be for a Robotaxi. Reuters reportedly laid eyes on internal Tesla documents in which a program manager for the Model 2 seemingly closed the book on the entry-level EV by thanking their team. "Id like to thank everyone for all your hard work and dedication to pushing boundaries and executing the best design possible given the aggressive constraints we had to work within," said the manager in the company messages. "We would not want all our hard work to go to waste, so its important that we tie things off and document things properly." This sounds a lot like a colossal goal post-shift. Given Tesla's usually glacial production pace, a 2025 release date for the Model 2 seemed overly ambitious. However, switching it to a Robotaxi buys Musk a nearly infinite amount of time with investors and customers alike. Robotaxis aren't even close to being possible on a large scale and are barely possible on a small scale, as both Waymo and Cruise have recently proven. So shifting gears toward a Robotaxi gives Tesla and Musk a carrot to indefinitely dangle. With a Robotaxi, Tesla can push the release date back over and over again, as it has with truly full self-driving, and won't have to actually build anything anytime soon. Semiannual "updates" on its technology, will keep customers and investors on the hook while also providing Tesla with little stock price bumps when needed. After Musk's Robotaxi announcement, Tesla's stock jumped 3%, following its 5% dip after Reuter's initial story. A new Tesla Model 3 "Highland" is on display at the China International Import Expo in November 2023. This also isn't the first time Musk talked about a fully driverless robotaxi, devoid of a steering wheel and pedals. "It's fundamentally optimized for trying to achieve the lowest fully considered cost per mile, cost per kilometer, accounting everything," he told investors in Q1 2022 . "I think that that really will be a massive driver of Tesla's growth." However, during that same earnings call, he also said he expected volume production by 2024. Could the entry-level Model 2 have been a Robotaxi all along, which is why Musk denied Reuters' report? That's possible, considering the Model 2 was supposed to start at around $25,000 and Musk already said a Robotaxi would be the most cost-effective vehicle possible. However, it's also possible that Reuters reported something Elon didn't want public and decided to put out the media fire by announcing the Robotaxi himself. Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com Engine cover comes off and hits wing, forcing Southwest flight to land, video shows A Southwest Airlines flight to Houston, Texas, was forced to make an emergency landing in Denver after a piece of the airplane came off and hit the wing, according to aviation officials. Video of the April 7 emergency landing shared to social media shows the torn metal flapping wildly against the wing. The captain can be heard speaking calmly over a PA system while passengers speak nervously in the background. The plane returned safely to Denver International Airport at about 8:15 a.m. and nobody was injured, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The crew reported the engine cowling fell off during takeoff and struck the wing flap, according to an FAA news release. The aircraft, which officials say was a Boeing 737-800, was towed back to the gate. The flight was bound for William P. Hobby Airport in Houston. The FAA says it is investigating the incident. Southwest Airlines says it has maintenance teams reviewing the aircraft. Southwest Flight 3695 returned to Denver International Airport this morning and landed safely after experiencing a mechanical issue, Southwest said in a statement. Our Customers arrived at Houston Hobby on another aircraft, approximately three hours behind schedule. We apologize for the inconvenience of their delay, but place our highest priority on ultimate Safety for our Customers and Employees. United plane flying from Texas to Florida catches fire midair, video shows Mom, other passengers intervene when woman rubs 14-year-olds leg on flight, feds say Pilot sexually abused teen student in-flight, feds say. Hope Im not grooming you A Southwest Airlines flight returned to Denver after an engine cover ripped off mid-flight. The 737-800 aircraft involved is a previous-generation variant, not the recently scrutinized Max 9. Southwest's maintenance team is reviewing the aircraft while the FAA investigates. A Boeing 737 operated by Southwest Airlines had to turn around mid-flight after an engine cover ripped off on Sunday. Southwest Airlines told Business Insider in a statement that Flight 3695 returned to the Denver International Airport and landed safely after experiencing a "mechanical issue." The airline said its maintenance team is reviewing the aircraft. "Our Customers will arrive at Houston Hobby on another aircraft, approximately three hours behind schedule," Southwest said in the statement. "We apologize for the inconvenience of their delay, but place our highest priority on ultimate safety for our customers and employees." Video of the incident shared online shows a section of the plane's engine cowling a panel that covers the engine tearing away from the aircraft. Scary moments for passengers on a Southwest flight from Denver to Houston when the engine cover ripped off during flight , forcing the plane to return to Denver Sunday morning. pic.twitter.com/BBpCBXpTsl Sam Sweeney (@SweeneyABC) April 7, 2024 In January, the Federal Aviation Administration grounded 171 Boeing 737 Max 9 planes after a section of an Alaska Airlines fuselage a plug over what was previously a door ripped away mid-flight. The FAA said in a statement at the time that each plane would have to undergo an eight-hour safety inspection before it's allowed to carry passengers again. Boeing Chairman Steve Mollenkopf has reached out directly to several airlines following the company's recent struggles, Bloomberg reported. Mollenkpf's move came after Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said that Boeing showed a "lack of attention to detail." "In 2022 and 2023, we were finding little things like spanners under the floorboards, in some cases, seat handles missing, things like that," O'Leary told CNN in March. The FAA told Business Insider that it is investigating the incident. Boeing referred BI to Southwest Airlines when reached for comment on Sunday. The Alaska Airlines blowout in January has brought increased scrutiny around Boeing's quality control in the following months. Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration announced it would investigate Boeing's manufacturing process. The FAA revealed in March that its probe found "multiple instances where the companies allegedly failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements." The agency also noted that it had found 27 areas in Boeing's safety procedures that were insufficient. After the Alaska Airlines incident, several key executives, including Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun, announced that they would resign. In a press release, the plane manufacturer also vowed to implement more inspections on the production line and change its quality practices. Correction: April 8, 2024 An earlier version of this story failed to identify the plane model involved in the incident, it is a 737-800, which is different than a 737 Max 9 or other variants. Also, the door plug that fell off of an Alaska Airlines plane was not covering where a previous door had been; it is where a door could be. It is sealed at the factory. Read the original article on Business Insider Part of an engine covering has fallen off a Boeing airplane in the US during takeoff and struck the wing flap. Southwest flight 3695 was leaving Denver International Airport on Sunday morning at 8.15am when the engines cowling detached and hit the wing, according to Reuters. A video posted to social media, the engine cowling can be seen flapping in the wind before it detaches completely and bangs against the aircrafts wing. The Houston-bound flight, carrying 135 passengers, returned to the Colorado airport without incident. No injuries were reported. Southwest said the plane landed safely after experiencing a mechanical issue, according to ABC News. The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Sunday that it will investigate the incident on the Boeing 737-800, the latest involving the aircraft manufacturer. A passenger, who gave the name Lisa C, told ABC News said the cowling detached approximately 10 minutes after boarding was completed. "We all felt kind of a bump, a jolt, and I looked out the window because I love window seats, and there it was," she told the outlet. Another passenger, Cooper Glass, told ABC News that the incident was "frightening," but that the pilot did an excellent job returning to the airport. Southwest Airlines said its maintenance teams were examining the aircraft. The affected passengers were flown on another flight to Houston about three hours behind their scheduled arrival time. The incident is the latest in a string of issues to plague Boeing. The engine cover on a Southwest-operated Boeing aircraft detaches as it leaves Denver International Airport on 7 April, 2024 (@SweeneyABC/X/Twitter) On 5 January, a door plug panel on a new Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft tore off while it was cruising at 16,000 feet. The FAA subsequently grounded 171 of the company's MAX 9 aircrafts for review. It has also prohibited the company from increasing production of the MAX series aircraft, and has ordered it to develop a comprehensive plan to address "systemic quality-control issues". The Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into the Alaska Airlines incident. The investigation will centre on whether Boeing complied with a 2021 settlement it agreed to after a pair of deadly crashes that were attributed to faults in its 737 MAX Maneuvering Characterists Augmentation System, Forbes reports. The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. "Sunday Morning" also streams on the CBS News app beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET. (Download it here.) Hosted by Jane Pauley The total solar eclipse of 2017, as viewed at Grand Tetons National Park in Wyoming. / Credit: VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images COVER STORY: The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: What to expect, from the awe-inspiring to the "very strange" | Watch Video On Monday, April 8, a rare total eclipse of the sun will be viewable across a swath of 13 states. Correspondent David Pogue talks with amateur astronomer Ed Ting about what to expect during the minutes of totality; and with Cari White, chairman of the Eclipse Oversight Committee for Jonesboro, Arkansas, where the town is expecting to temporarily double in size due to eclipse tourism traffic. For more info: Visit Jonesboro Tourism & Visitor's Bureau websiteFollow amateur astronomer Ed Ting on YouTube ALMANAC: April 7 (Video) "Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date. Ellen Dolgen leads a gathering of Menopause Mondays, where women share information on menopause, which Dolgen calls HEALTH: Flash: Menopause is no longer stigmatized | Watch Video It's a topic that for generations was just whispered about: the challenges for women undergoing "the change." But today more and more women are speaking openly about the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, the treatments, and the lingering stigma. Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with experts about the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy, and the difficulties of underfunded research in women's health. She also visits a gathering of women called Menopause Mondays; and talks with the producers of the show "Menopause: The Musical," which takes a lighthearted look at the challenges of the change, from hot flashes to weight gain. READ AN EXCERPT: "Grown Woman Talk" by Sharon Malone, M.D. For more info: Ellen DolgenMenopause Mondays BlogFearless Vagina: Ellen Dolgen's Guide to Menopause"Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy" by Sharon Malone M.D. (Crown), in Hardcover, eBook and Audio formats, available April 9 via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.orgDr. Sharon MaloneJennifer Weiss-Wolf, Brennan Center for Justice, New York University Law SchoolWomen's Health Initiative"Menopause: The Musical" | Tour and ticket info Stumpy the cherry tree draws fans at the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. / Credit: Courtesy Washington Nationals Baseball Club U.S.: Stumpy, the Washington, D.C. Tidal Basin's "celebri-tree" (Video) A homely, hollowed-out husk of a cherry tree in Washington, D.C., is not the prettiest or the healthiest. Still, tourists and locals alike can't get enough of "Stumpy." Correspondent Faith Salie pays tribute to an underdog of a tree that one photographer calls "so ugly, it's beautiful." For more info: Photographer Kevin Ambrose (DC Storm Chaser)"Seasons of Stumpy" 2024 wall calendarNational Mall and Memorial Parks, Washington, D.C. (National Park Service) Washington, D.C., is a war zone in MOVIES: An America fighting itself in "Civil War": "It's a warning" | Watch Video "Civil War," the latest film by writer-director Alex Garland ("Ex Machina"), imagines an America divided, in which rebel forces from breakaway states try to depose an autocratic president. Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz talks with Garland about the hot-button film, told through the eyes of journalists covering a domestic war. Stars Kirsten Dunst, Nick Offerman, Wagner Moura and Cailee Spaeny also discuss what the movie says about a polarized America today, and whether the collapse of democracy could happen here. To watch a trailer for "Civil War," click on the video player below: For more info: "Civil War" opens in theaters and Imax April 12 PASSAGE: In memoriam (Video) "Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including British writer Lynne Reid Banks, author of the classic children's book "The Indian in the Cupboard." An engraving, published in 1850, depicting the death of Captain James Cook in Hawaii in 1779. / Credit: Bettmann via Getty Images HISTORY: Captain James Cook and the controversial legacy of Western exploration | Watch Video The British explorer Captain James Cook, who sailed the uncharted Pacific Ocean in the 1700s, created detailed maps of places he was the first European to visit, including New Zealand, Australia, the Cook Islands (which still bear his name), and the islands of Hawaii. But Cook's legacy initiating a period of colonization that obscured the histories of Native Islanders is being reexamined today. Correspondent Ben Tracy looks back on Cook's voyages and imperial ambitions with historian Hampton Sides, author of a new book, "The Wide Wide Sea." He also visits the Big Island of Hawaii, and talks with native islanders about efforts to teach the history of Pacific island cultures. READ AN EXCERPT: "The Wide Wide Sea" by Hampton Sides For more info: "The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook" by Hampton Sides (Doubleday), in Hardcover, Large Print Trade Paperback, eBook and Audio formats, available April 9 via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.orghamptonsides.comPuuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Hawaii Wayne Brady stars in the Broadway revival of STAGE: "The Wiz" eases on down to Broadway (Video) The '70s Tony Award-winning musical "The Wiz," a soulful retelling of L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," is back on Broadway. Contributor Kelefa Sanneh talks with members of the cast (including Wayne Brady, who is stepping into the shoes of the Wiz), and with director Schele Williams and writer Amber Ruffin, who are revising the show for today's audience. For more info: "The Wiz," at the Marquis Theatre, New York City | Ticket infoThanks to Starchild Rooftop, New York City MUSIC: Country music milestones (Video) "Sunday Morning" looks back at some landmarks in country music, from Victor and Okeh, to Beyonce. Don't miss the 23rd CMT Music Awards, Sunday, April 7 on CBS and Paramount+. U.S.: Foster children deprived of benefits: How a loophole affects the most vulnerable | Watch Video In many states, young people in foster care who are entitled to survivor and disability benefits are having those benefits taken by state agencies that apply for the benefits themselves without giving notice to the child or his or her relatives. More than 25,000 children nationwide are affected by this practice. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty talks with young people who were denied tens of thousands of dollars; and with experts and officials trying to correct a situation which, though not illegal, is depriving those in foster care of their rightful benefits. For more info: Amy Harfeld, national policy director, Children's Advocacy Institute, University of San Diego School of LawPreserving federal benefits of foster youth (Children's Advocacy Institute)Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.)Martin O'Malley, commissioner, Social Security AdministrationSarah Pauter, founder and CEO, Phenomenal Families HARTMAN: A young eclipse fan ready for a cosmic show (Video) Correspondent Steve Hartman's son, George, has long been an astronomy buff, and thrilled at witnessing the solar eclipse in 2017. So, it's no surprise that he's anxious to see Monday's spectacle in its totality. NATURE: Prairie chickens in South Dakota (Extended Video) We leave you this Sunday among prairie chickens doing their dance in South Dakota. Videographer: Kevin Kjergaard. WEB EXCLUSIVES: FROM THE ARCHIVES: Writers on writing IV (YouTube Video) Enjoy a look back at "Sunday Morning" conversations with some of the most celebrated writers of our time. Featured: From 1994, Patrick O'Brian talks with David Culhane about his series of Napoleonic-era naval adventures featuring Captain Jack Aubrey; from 1997, "The Color Purple" author Alice Walker talks about literature and activism with Jerry Bowen; from 1979, William Styron discusses the writing of "Sophie's Choice" with Heywood Hale Broun; from 1995, Barbara Kingsolver talks about her novels, and her collection of essays, "High Tide In Tucson," with Anthony Mason; from 1990, Bill Geist joins counter-culture author Ken Kesey and some Merry Pranksters aboard a replica of the celebrated "magic bus" of the 1960s; and from 2010, Serena Altschul visits fantasy and comic author Neil Gaiman for a conversation about his novel "Coraline," recently made into an Oscar-nominated animated film. EXTENDED INTERVIEW: Steve Martin and director Morgan Neville (YouTube Video) Comedian Steve Martin's career has spanned standup, TV, albums, movies, novels, music, plays and now, a documentary film, "STEVE (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces." In this extended interview, correspondent Tracy Smith sat down with Martin and the film's director, Morgan Neville, to talk about what Martin learned doing standup, and what his father thought about his line of work; making a documentary and the difficulties of looking back on one's career; and how Martin's current live shows with Martin Short continue to evolve. GALLERY: Notable deaths in 2024 A look back at the esteemed personalities who left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity. The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. Executive producer is Rand Morrison. DVR Alert! Find out when "Sunday Morning" airs in your city "Sunday Morning" also streams on the CBS News app beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET. (Download it here.) Full episodes of "Sunday Morning" are now available to watch on demand on CBSNews.com, CBS.com and Paramount+, including via Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon FireTV/FireTV stick and Xbox. Follow us on Twitter; Facebook; Instagram; YouTube; TikTok; and at cbssundaymorning.com. You can also download the free "Sunday Morning" audio podcast at iTunes and at Play.it. Now you'll never miss the trumpet! "Civil War": Depicting an America at war with itself NYC officials face criticism for earthquake response "All the parties at the table have failed" to free those held by Hamas, mother of hostage says This epic slice of Arizona feeds their souls but lacks a basic necessity: Water Oljato-Monument Valley, UT - December 12: A bird takes flight over Monument Valley in the Navajo Nation on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 in Oljato-Monument Valley, UT. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Gilarya Begaye looks out across the brush-blanketed pastures, red-dirt plains and flat-topped mesas that surround her home in the Navajo Nation. Everywhere Ive ever moved, it never felt like home, says Begaye, 36. My hearts always been here. But for all the ways that living on the reservation feeds the soul, one basic necessity has been sorely lacking for Begaye, her six children and other Navajos: water. Leland Interpreter turns the valve at a community well next to the Dennehotso Chapter House in northeast Arizona. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Shanna Yazzie looks over water jugs while completing a survey at the rural home of Alfreda Manheimer in December. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) The Navajos live in the same 1,400-mile-long Colorado River Basin that brings fresh water to millions in Southern California, yet about 30% of homes on the reservation were built without indoor plumbing. With the absence of pipes connecting homes to a water source in this isolated corner of the reservation, many Navajos must spend hours each week driving to a community center in the tribal settlement of Dennehotso to refill portable tanks. While California wrangles with other Western states over the drought-stricken Colorado Rivers water supply, Navajo water rights advocates estimate that the 175,000 members who live on the reservation subsist on average on just 5 to 10 gallons a day per person. Compare that to the 76 to 100 gallons of water the Environmental Protection Agency says most Californians use daily. Read more: Their stolen land in Orange County was given back. Now they're ready to heal Some see hope in a proposed landmark agreement that would settle all outstanding water rights disputes between the Navajo, Hopi and San Juan Southern Paiute tribes and the state of Arizona. If the final terms of the agreement are approved by the tribal government, the Navajos will ask Congress for $5 billion in federal funding to expand the reservations water delivery infrastructure, says Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley. In the past, weve tried to get all of the parties to the table to secure water rights, which since time immemorial weve had to fight for, Curley says. The Navajos arent the only ones whove been left behind. According to researchers from the University of Arizona and Kings College London, in 2021 nearly half a million American households nationwide did not have running water , with people of color and renters among the hardest hit. The failure to extend water service to all Indigenous Americans is especially galling given their traditional role as natures caretakers, says Heather Whiteman Runs Him, associate clinical professor and director of the Tribal Justice Clinic at the University of Arizona in Tucson. We respect water in ways that many other Americans dont, says Whiteman Runs Him, a Crow tribal member from Montana. The vast majority of Americans take water access for granted. You pay a water bill but dont think about what youre paying for. With no running water at home, Begaye, a single mother, devised a system. Water barrels lie empty at Gilarya Begaye's Navajo Nation home after a new water system was installed. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) I have some 55-gallon water barrels also some 5-gallon water barrels, she says. The smaller ones, wed usually take down to my moms house down the hill and refill them, because she has a 250-gallon water tank. Begayes mother would drive to her daughters house in her flatbed truck to refill the larger barrels before making the trek into town to replenish her own tank. Recently, Begaye and about 200 other homeowners in Northeast Arizona near the Four Corners, where Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado meet, received free water systems, including cisterns, pipes and kitchen sinks with functioning cold-water taps, through a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, the DigDeep Right to Water Project. In the previous years, tasks such as cooking, cleaning and bathing were complicated; they required the family kids included to venture out in the bracing chill of winter and scorching heat of summer to siphon water into jugs to bring indoors. Gilarya Begaye, with daughter Mia Etsitty, 6 months, carries a 5-gallon water jug she no longer needs after indoor plumbing was installed. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) In winter, Begaye was careful to leave the small jugs slightly open to prevent them from cracking in freezing temperatures. Summer brought another hazard snakes that took shelter under the larger containers. Some of Begayes neighbors collect water from vessels meant for livestock boiling and adding purification tablets to make it safe to use. The lack of sewer lines means outhouses are a common sight. The Navajos take this hardship in stride. Water may be scarce, and climate change may be ushering in more extreme droughts, but this landscape fortifies them. Dennehotso, where Begaye lives, lies an hour away from the red-rock formations of Monument Valley, which were shaped by eons of water and wind erosion but resemble artworks chiseled by a sculptor. According to their creation story, Navajos were born out of the same earth and stone. :: The disparity in water access between Navajo tribal members and other Americans at large was dramatized in a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Brushing aside a host of treaties and legal precedents dating to the formation of the reservation on a fraction of Navajo ancestral territory in 1868, the court determined that the federal government is not obligated to help the tribe get more access to water from natural sources such as the Colorado River Basin. That disregard for the humanity and human rights of people who live in the Navajo Nation it should be disturbing to every American that these conditions persist, Whiteman Runs Him says. DigDeep employees excavate for a new water system at Everett Blackwater's Navajo Nation home in December in Dennehotso, Ariz. Nathaniel Sneddy seals a tank lid with silicone as he helps install the water system. Donovan Smallcanyon fits new drainage pipes in a ditch. Whiteman Runs Him filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case on behalf of a coalition of Navajo supporters, arguing that water access is not just critical for public health and sanitation, but that it is also a universal human right. The Biden administration appeared to support this view when it announced on Tuesday that the Department of Interiors Bureau of Reclamation would make $320 million available to federally recognized tribes in the western U.S. to help restore and revitalize their water infrastructure and expand access to clean drinking water. The U.S. government hasnt always been a benign presence in Indian country. It has a long track record of threatening the Navajos existence. Thousands of tribal members were removed from their lands during the Long Walk a brutal, 400-mile journey to an internment camp in central New Mexico that was part of Kit Carsons scorched-earth campaign of 1863. To make their homeland unlivable, he poisoned the tribes wells. Later, coal and uranium companies tainted the water with runoff and toxic spills. Homeowners in Dennehotso seem more keen to talk about their will to persevere than relive the indignities that have scarred their land and oppressed their people. Living here, Begaye says, makes her feel closer to her late grandmother, who used to herd sheep among windmills that dot the landscape. All around, horses and cows roam in pastures crisscrossed by nameless dirt roads. Read more: Stolen lands, justice deferred: An Indigenous Californian dreams of a united front on reparations Begaye purchased her small plot three years ago, partly with savings earned from weaving traditional Navajo rugs, sewing, carpentry jobs and baking. The home, which she converted from a storage shed, has a small kitchen with a propane stove. That opens to a living room and an area for beds in the back. Space is tight, but she appreciates that her children ages 6 months to 16 can play in the fields that stretch beneath the startlingly blue sky. As her baby, Mia, coos in her rocker, Begaye recounts her 4-year-old son Alexs excitement when he turned on the tap for the first time. It was as if he had performed magic. Just seeing the look on his face, it made me really happy, she says. Alex Etsitty, 4, washes his hands in his family's home, which recently got indoor plumbing for the first time. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) On this day, Shanna Yazzie, DigDeeps regional project manager, has come with a gift a stepladder to allow the smaller children to use the sink. Alex steps up, turns on the tap and watches as water swirls down the drain. Begaye looks just as charmed. Begaye holds up a blue, 5-gallon jug. A vessel this size would provide two or three showers for her family. The average American uses the equivalent of three of these jugs for a single shower. :: A 15-minute drive along dirt and gravel roads leads to the home of one of Begayes uncles, where a DigDeep crew is at work. Sunlight drenches one of the organizations water trucks. Printed on the side is a saying in the tribal language: To ei iina ate Water is life. DigDeep employee Arvin Holiday fills a new cistern from a water tanker at Everett Blackwater's Navajo Nation home. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) It takes a few minutes before Everett Blackwater, 63, feels comfortable opening up to a non-Native stranger about how his own life has been shaped by the difficulty of accessing water. Dressed in a hoodie and knit cap, he watches a backhoe operator dig a pit for a cistern, which will connect to the new sink that will be installed in the kitchen. Blackwater, his wife and his adult son the only one of seven siblings who still lives at home had been hauling water from Dennehotso each month, making the half-hour trek to fill a 225-gallon tank. Read more: Black farmer looks to ancestors to help Californians battle climate change Indoor plumbing was unheard of when Blackwater was growing up. He points toward an old windmill and says he and other family members resorted to collecting their drinking water from a livestock well each weekend. The pickup truck he uses today is a massive improvement. Back then, when I was a kid, he says, it was a donkey. Other residents share stories of resolve at the Navajo Chapter House, the community center in Dennehotso where they come to load up on water. Tribe members pay a sliding fee to siphon water, depending on the size of their barrels less than $10 for most customers. Each week, 100 to 200 customers arrive to refill their water vessels, says Maricelyn Smith-Williams, the centers manager. Public showers are available for residents who lack indoor plumbing $3 per visit, with the elderly welcome to bathe for free. Five-gallon water jugs are also given to those who need them. Outside, Leland Interpreter, the grandson of a World War II Navajo Code Talker, fills a 425-gallon tank in his trucks flatbed. He drives here every three or four days. Interpreter, 40, says most of the water goes to his livestock three dozen cows, a dozen sheep and three horses. They say that livestock is more important to us than people, he says. Read more: In the land of wine bars and super-rich, street art reminds Santa Barbara of its Latino roots Next to pull in is Irene Yazzie, 71. It took over an hour to drive from her home 10 miles away in the outback. Her late husband used to make these water runs. Now its my job, says Yazzie, no relation to Shanna. She comes to fill her 250-gallon tank about once a week twice a week when her grandchildren visit. The wear-and-tear on the truck is the biggest downside, she says. And she must be careful to plan her trips to avoid the occasional rains that can wash out dirt roads. Speaking in both Navajo and English, Yazzie says no one has running water around where she lives. Clouds gather over a rural home on the Arizona side of Navajo Nation near Monument Valley. The Navajo believe their people emerged from this sweeping land of desert plains and red rocks. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Smith-Williams says this lack of indoor plumbing reflects a broader socioeconomic crisis. Poverty is widespread in Dennehotso and jobs are as lacking as indoor taps, she says. Families cant afford to install plumbing on their own or replace deteriorated cisterns. Permits needed for any water pipe construction require navigating the tribes cumbersome bureaucracy. With so many obstacles, Smith-Williams says, its a challenge to build a better life while remaining on the reservation. Back at Begayes house, she says she is more focused than ever on the future. Her home loan is paid off and shes about to get free internet service installed so her older children can do homework online. She plans to go back to school in the fall to learn a trade. Begaye stands by a loom where shes weaving a rug that will depict the Navajo Tree of Life a corn stalk with radiating leaves and sturdy roots. Water runs across Navajo Nation in Tuba City, Ariz. A severe drought in the Southwest has brought new urgency to the Navajo's long fight to secure access to drinking water for all of their people. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) The tree represents the Navajo's emergence from the lower realms of the earth after a great flood. It also signifies something that inspires Begaye in her own life her peoples unbreakable connection to this land. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. EU official sparks anger by saying Gibraltar is Spanish in Brexit talks An EU commissioner has riled up long-running tensions by saying that Gibraltar is Spanish while disregarding hopes for a Brexit deal ahead of a June deadline. Gibraltar espanol, Margaritis Schinas said, when asked about the issue at a briefing in Seville. The slogan means Gibraltar is Spanish and goes back to the Franco era, and is often said by those who claim the territory belongs to Spain. Known as the Rock, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and city located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. It was surrendered to Britain in 1712 under the Treaty of Utrecht and has not been part of Spain since then. Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and city located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The UK and EU are negotiating to secure a deal for a post-Brexit common travel area between Spain and Gibraltar before the European Parliament elections in June. If the deal is not struck before June, Gibraltar could face full border controls on movement to and from Spain. However, as Spain has not demanded sovereignty over Gibraltar as part of Brexit negotiations, Commissioner Schinass comments have been widely criticised. Margaritis Schinas stirred up tensions when he said Gibraltar is Spanish at a briefing in Seville (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Jose Manuel Albares, Spains foreign minister, said the remarks are very unfortunate and incomprehensible. He added that Commissioner Schinas is not at all involved in the dossier of the withdrawal agreement concerning Gibraltar. It is Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, with whom I have also had a conversation about it, and we both, both the commissioner who knows and handles that negotiation and myself, agree that the negotiations are progressing at a good pace, he said. And I have also conveyed to Commissioner Schinas that, besides his statements being unfortunate, I hope that in the future only the commissioner in charge of that negotiation, which is Maros Sefcovic, will be the one to comment on it. Speaking to Spains state broadcaster RTVE on Thursday night, he said: Mr Albares and Maros Sefcovic, the European Commission vice-president who is leading the Gibraltar talks, issued a joint statement condemning the remarks. The negotiations between the EU and the United Kingdom regarding Gibraltar are progressing as planned, it said. We are entering a sensitive stage of the negotiations. Mr Albares said that Commissioner Schinass reaction told the foreign minister it was not his intention and he regretted it. This photo taken on Jan. 15, 2024 shows the load-transfer yard of the Horgos Port in Horgos, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Bai Fengliang/Xinhua) According to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd., by the end of February 2024, the railway service connects 120 Chinese cities with 219 cities across 25 European countries. The China-Europe Express Rail is also less vulnerable to extreme weather or geopolitical tensions, thus better ensuring the unimpeded flow of international industrial and supply chains. A freight train loaded with containers of goods was departing from China's northern city of Shijiazhuang to the European city of Belgrade, capital of Serbia, in late March. The train marks the launch of a new route of the China-Europe Railway Express, also the first direct rail line connecting the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region with Serbia. The China-Europe Express Rail transport service has witnessed tremendous expansion since its launch in 2011 and has provided transport and logistics support for Belt and Road cooperation over the years. What has contributed to its evident growth? REMARKABLE PROGRESS The China-Europe Express Rail served as a safe and reliable rail line linking Asia and Europe, transporting over 50,000 types of goods, including automobiles, spare parts, clothing, cereals, wine, coffee beans, and timber. According to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd., by the end of February 2024, the railway service connects 120 Chinese cities with 219 cities across 25 European countries, making it one of the main transport arteries between China and Europe. The service has expanded steadily in the first two months of this year, with the number of trains reaching 2,928 in January and February, a year-on-year increase of 9 percent. It also transported approximately 317,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of goods during the first two months of this year, up 10 percent from last year. SAFE SOLUTION During the COVID-19 pandemic, the China-Europe Railway Express has proven itself to be a more secure and stable way of cargo transportation as it was less affected compared with other transportation solutions like ships and planes. Businesses have preferred to choose the railway to transport large quantities of goods and cross-border e-commerce parcels. Metrans, a major logistics company in Europe, launched its first China-Europe train service in 2017. It now has 20 container terminals across Europe. "We see the significant importance of cargo going from China by rail, that is why we bought the terminal in Malaszewicze, Poland in January 2022, which is very much connected to the Silk Road and we started to boost the connection to China via Malaszewicze," said Martin Koubek, director of the Silk Road and CIS division of Metrans. The China-Europe Express Rail is also less vulnerable to extreme weather or geopolitical tensions, thus better ensuring the unimpeded flow of international industrial and supply chains. "The railway to Europe is a viable alternative and we are seeing increased demand for that route," Marco Forgione, director general at the Institute of Export & International Trade told South China Morning Post in an interview. Michael Aldwell, head of sea logistics at Kuehne & Nagel, told the Financial Times in March that there was "more demand" to move goods from Asia to Europe by rail under current circumstances, adding that "high-value cargo has always been popular on that route." INCREASED EFFICIENCY In recent years, the China-Europe Express Rail service has continued to be more efficient. Today, it takes only about 10 days for a train to travel from China's northwestern city of Xi'an to Duisburg in Germany, two days less than the time it took in 2023. Julija Sciglaite, RailGate Europe's chief business development officer, told CNBC in February that the company uses the China-Europe Express Rail to transport its products as the journey time is "significantly better" than the sea route. "Along the routes of China-Europe Express Rail, customs clearance and inspection have become increasingly convenient, the business environment at entry ports has been continuously improved, and rules and regulations related to cross-border transport have become more standardized," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a press conference on Feb. 29. The Alataw Pass and Horgos Port, two major railway ports in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwestern China, have optimized the procedures and expanded port capacity to promote transport efficiency along the route. In 2023, the stopover time of China-Europe freight trains at these ports was reduced to 6 or 8 hours, said Yan Huapeng, an official at the Alataw Pass. The China-Europe Express Rail service is also developing beyond rail, with the introduction of integrated sea-rail transport routes. A shipment of electric water heaters was delivered from Thailand to Germany about a month ago through multiple transport solutions, passing through Laos, Vietnam, and China. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), of which the China-Europe Express Rail is a flagship project, is a blueprint that every nation needs in an age of "uncertainty and disruption," said an article published in January in American magazine Foreign Policy, adding that the BRI represents what all countries should do in their own national interest. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) A former Kern County sheriffs deputy accused of sexual misconduct while on duty is scheduled to go to trial later this month. Michael Everett Clark had a hearing on Friday in which attorneys said theyre ready for trial, according to the District Attorneys Office. Theyll return to the downtown courthouse on April 15 to see if a courtroom is available to begin pretrial motions and jury selection. The charges against Clark stem from alleged conduct reported in 2019, when he worked as a deputy. The alleged victims include two women who worked at a Fastrip near sheriffs headquarters, a woman arrested by Clark and a fourth woman who spoke with Clark at her home after she reported a case of identity theft. Each woman reported inappropriate behavior; some said Clark touched them against their will. A fifth alleged victim told investigators she accepted an offer of a ride home from Clark, who was on duty at the time. When he parked at her home he began kissing and touching her, and exposed himself, the woman said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17. Explosions occurred in the city of Odesa on the morning of 7 April, media reports have indicated. Source: Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne; Ukraine's Air Force Details: No air-raid warning has been issued in the oblast. Air defence operations against Russian reconnaissance drones are likely underway. Meanwhile, air-raid warnings have been issued in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk oblasts as there is a threat of ballistic missile attacks. Support UP or become our patron! Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide at the BK arena in Kigali Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide at the BK arena in Kigali (Reuters) - Following are some details about the genocide in Rwanda in 1994 that killed more than 1 million people. Rwanda marked the 30th anniversary on Sunday. WAR: * In 1990, rebels of the Tutsi-dominated Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) invaded northern Rwanda from neighbouring Uganda. The RPF's success prompted President Juvenal Habyarimana, a Hutu, to speed up political reforms. * In August 1993, Rwanda and the RPF signed a deal to end years of civil war, allowing for power-sharing and the return of refugees. Habyarimana was slow in implementing the agreement, and a transitional government failed to take off. THE SPARK: * On April 6, 1994, Habyarimana and neighbouring Burundi's president, Cyprien Ntaryamira - both Hutus - were killed in a rocket attack on their plane over the capital Kigali. * The next day, presidential guards killed moderate Hutu Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana who had tried to calm tensions. GENOCIDE: * Habyarimana's death triggered 100 days of violence in the tiny country, perpetrated mainly by Hutus against Tutsis and moderate Hutus. More than a million people were killed, many butchered with machetes by militia known as Interahamwe. * The RPF advanced and seized control of Rwanda after driving the 40,000-strong Hutu army and more than 2 million civilian Hutus into exile in Burundi, Tanzania and the former Zaire, now Democratic Republic of Congo. * In July 1994 a new government was sworn in with Pasteur Bizimungu, a Hutu, named president and RPF commander Paul Kagame as vice president. Kagame was elected president in April 2000 and remains in the office. TRIALS: * In December 1996, Rwanda's first genocide trial opened at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in Arusha, northern Tanzania. * It ultimately heard from more than 3,000 witnesses, indicted 96 people, and sentenced 61 of them including ex-prime minister Jean Kambanda and former Colonel Theoneste Bagosora, who was accused of being in charge of the troops and Interahamwe which carried out the massacres. Both were given life sentences. * Most people convicted in connection with the genocide were tried in community-based "gacaca" courts in Rwanda. REGIONAL FALLOUT: * Rwandan troops invaded Congo twice during the 1990s to try to hunt down perpetrators of the genocide. Conflict there is estimated to have killed several million people, mostly through hunger and disease. Luis Moreno-Ocampo, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) until 2012, described the 1998-2003 war in Congo as "the greatest armed conflict after the Second World War." (Writing by Daniel Wallis; Editing by George Obulutsa and Ros Russell) Faith schools could be allowed to exclude children who do not follow their religion Gillian Keegan is reported to be playing a significant role in the discussions - Danny Lawson/PA Faith schools will be able to exclude children who do not follow their religion from applying under plans being considered by the Government, it has been reported. Senior officials are said to be considering repealing the 50 per cent rule, which says religious schools must make half their places open to children of differing faiths. Will Tanner, Rishi Sunaks deputy chief of staff, and James Nation, the deputy head of the Number 10 policy unit, are said to be involved in the consultation, according to The Sunday Times. It reported that Gillian Keegan, the Education Secretary, is also believed to be in favour of the repeal and is playing a significant role in the discussions. David Cameron who has described himself as evangelical about his own Christian faith introduced the cap while in the coalition government with the Liberal Democrats. An estimated 850,000 children are educated in Catholic schools across England and Wales, making them the largest provider of secondary education and the second-largest provider of primary education in England. Most types of faith schools in England qualify for exemptions from the Equality Act 2010, enabling them to prioritise children from families who share their faith if they are oversubscribed. This can include requirements for parents and children to regularly attend a local place of worship or to provide evidence of baptism. As a result, some parents are unable to send their children to their local state school. UN called for ban In August, the United Nations called for a ban on religion being used to select pupils in England in what MPs described as a secular-inspired attack on faith schools. The UN committee on the rights of the child published a report on child rights in Britain, which concluded that preventing the use of religion as a selection criterion for schools admissions in England was a priority. It also recommended repealing legal provisions for compulsory attendance in collective worship and called on the Government to establish statutory guidance to ensure that children have the right to withdraw from religious classes without parental consent. The report sparked a backlash from MPs, religious leaders and faith school providers, who claimed it would be illiberal to deny religious families the basic right of a religious education and said it was inaccurate to claim that collective worship attendance was compulsory. Nick Fletcher, the Conservative MP for Don Valley and a member of the education select committee, described it as an attack on people and institutions of faith. It does not seem to come from a position of tolerance but rather one of intolerance, he said. I have confidence that here in the UK we will continue to respect Christianity and the other great faiths and to recognise the huge benefit they and the institutions they run bring to our society. A Department for Education spokesman said: The diversity of schools in this country is one of our education systems most valuable assets, and faith schools play a pivotal role in that. As we continue to uphold diversity and quality education for all, we keep all policies under review to ensure that this countrys education system is world-leading. 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. LAWRENCE (KSNT) Family and others are responding to the death of actor Cole Brings Plenty in Kansas. Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence issued a social media statement following the discovery of Brings Plentys body in northeast Kansas last Friday. Brings Plenty was a student at the university. Dear Haskell community, It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Cole Brings Plenty, a valued member of our university family. Our thoughts are with Coles loved ones during this difficult time, and we ask for empathy, compassion, and respect for the family. Information about counseling services for anyone in need of support will be shared soon, and we have been in contact with services to be in place on campus as soon as possible. Haskell Indian Nations University President Dr. Frank Arpan Women hospitalized after 75 Highway crash in Osage County Arpan followed up this statement with another offering mental health support for students, staff and faculty at the university. Walk-in appointments are being offered on April 8 and 9 to help people manage feelings of grief and loss. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe also issued a statement shortly after Brings Plentys body was found. He was a citizen of the tribe, which is based out of South Dakota. The tribe says it demands a full and thorough investigation into Coles disappearance and subsequent death. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe offers its deepest sympathy and support to Coles family and friends. He was an exemplary example of what it means to be a good relative and we stand with you in your grief. We respectfully request that Coles family be given their privacy as they mourn the loss of their son, brother, grandson, nephew and uncle. Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe statement $150,000 Kansas lottery ticket waits for winner to claim it The tribe went on to say it will provide more information and counseling services to relatives and students living in Lawrence in the coming days. Brings Plentys father, Joe, issued a statement Friday saying he is grateful for everyone for their prayers and positive thoughts you sent for Cole, according to a report from The Associated Press. I learned this week how many people knew the goodness in Coles heart and loved him, Joe Brings Plenty Sr. said. Brings Plenty was an actor who appeared in three TV series. These included Into the Wild Frontier, The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger and the Yellowstone spin-off series 1923, according to his IMDB page. He is also the nephew of Mo Brings Plenty, an actor in the Yellowstone TV series. The Lawrence Police Department had previously issued a statement the actor was involved in an alleged domestic violence investigation on Sunday, March 31. Brings Plenty was declared missing and a search ensued by law enforcement and family. Threats left on doorsteps of Lawrence city leaders homes Brings Plenty was found dead on Friday, April 5 in Johnson County, Kansas. Deputies with the Johnson County Sheriffs Office received a call of an unoccupied vehicle in the area of 200th and Homestead Lane. Searching the nearby surroundings, they found Brings Plentys body in a wooded area. He was 27-years-old. The investigation into his death is ongoing. If you have any information to share regarding this case, call the Johnson County Sheriffs Office at 913-782-0720. 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 The Associated Press contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Bhaskar Rao, a farm worker, sprays natural pesticide at a multi-crop farm belonging to Meerabi Chunduru, an avid practitioner and advocate of natural farming techniques, in Aremanda village in Guntur district of southern India's Andhra Pradesh state, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. The area has become a positive example of the benefits of natural farming, a process of using organic matter as fertilizers and pesticides that makes crops more resilient to bad weather. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) GUNTUR, India (AP) There's a pungent odor on Ratna Raju's farm that he says is protecting his crops from the unpredictable and extreme weather that's become more frequent with human-caused climate change. The smell comes from a concoction of cow urine, an unrefined sugar known as jaggery, and other organic materials that act as fertilizers, pesticides and bad weather barriers for his corn, rice, leafy greens and other vegetables on his farm in Guntur in India's southern Andhra Pradesh state. The region is frequently hit by cyclones and extreme heat, and farmers say that so-called natural farming protects their crops because the soil can hold more water, and their more robust roots help the plants withstand strong winds. Andhra Pradesh has become a positive example of the benefits of natural farming, and advocates say active government support is the primary driver for the states success. Experts say these methods should be expanded across India's vast agricultural lands as climate change and decreasing profits have led to multiple farmers' protests this year. But fledgling government support across the country for these methods means most farmers still use chemical pesticides and fertilizers, making them more vulnerable when extreme weather hits. Many farmers are calling for greater federal and state investment to help farms switch to more climate change-proof practices. For many, the benefits of greater investment in natural farming are already obvious: In December, Cyclone Michaung, a storm moving up to 110 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) brought heavy rainfall across India's southeastern coast, flooding towns and fields. A preliminary assessment conducted a few weeks later found that 600,000 acres of crops were destroyed in Andhra Pradesh state. On Raju's natural farm, however, where he was growing paddy at the time, the rainwater on our farms seeped into the ground in one day, he said. The soil can absorb more water because it's more porous than pesticide-laden soil which is crusty and dry. Planting different kinds of crops throughout the year as opposed to the more standard single crop farms also helps keep the soil healthy, he said. But neighboring farmer Srikanth Kanapala's fields, that rely on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, were flooded for four days after the cyclone. He said seeing Raju's crops hold firm while his failed has made him curious about alternative farming methods. I incurred huge losses, said Kanapala, who estimates he lost up to $600 because of the cyclone, a substantial sum for a small farmer in India. For the next planting season, I plan to use natural farming methods too. Local and federal government initiatives have resulted in an estimated 700,000 farmers shifting to natural farming in the state according to Rythu Sadhikara Samstha, a government-backed not-for-profit launched in 2016 to promote natural farming. The state of Andhra Pradesh hopes to inspire all of its six million farmers to take up natural farming by the end of the decade. The Indian federal governments agriculture ministry has spent upwards of $8 million to promote natural farming and says farmers tilling nearly a million acres across the country have shifted to the practice. In March last year, Indias junior minister for agriculture said he hoped at least 25% of farms across India would use organic and natural farming techniques. But farmers like Meerabi Chunduru, one of the first in the region to switch to natural farming, said more government and political support is needed. Chunduru said she switched to the practice after her husbands health deteriorated, which she believes is because of prolonged exposure to some harmful pesticides. While the health effects of various pesticides have not yet been studied in detail, farm workers around the world have long claimed extended exposure has caused health problems. In February, a Philadelphia jury awarded $2.25 billion in damages in a case where a weed killer with Glyphosate restricted in India since just 2022 was linked to a resident's blood cancer. In India, 63 farmers died in the western state of Maharashtra in 2017, believed to be linked to a pesticide containing the chemical Diafenthiuron, which is currently banned in the European Union, but not in India. Right now, not many politicians are talking about natural farming. There is some support but we need more, said Chunduru. She called for more subsidies for seeds such as groundnuts, black gram, sorghum, vegetable crops and maize that can help farmers make the switch. Farmers' rights activists said skepticism about natural farming among political leaders, government bureaucrats and scientists is still pervasive because they still trust the existing farming models that use fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides to achieve maximum productivity. In the short-term, chemical alternatives can be cheaper and more effective, but in the long term they take a toll on the soil's health, meaning larger quantities of chemicals are needed to maintain crops, causing a cycle of greater costs and poorer soil, natural farming advocates say. Agroecological initiatives are not getting adequate attention or budgetary outlays, said Kavitha Kuruganti, an activist who has advocated for sustainable farming practices for nearly three decades. The Indian government spends less than three percent of its total budget on agriculture. It has earmarked nearly $20 billion in fertilizer subsidies this year, but only $55 million has been allocated by the federal government to encourage natural farming. Kuruganti said there are a handful of politicians who support the practice but scaling it up remains a challenge in India. A lack of national standards and guidelines or a viable supply chain that farmers can sell their produce through is also keeping natural farming relatively niche, said NS Suresh, a research scientist at the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy, a Bengaluru-based think-tank. But because the practice helps keep the plants and the soil healthy across various soil types and all kinds of unpredictable weather conditions, it's beneficial for farmers all around India, from its mountains to its coasts, experts say. And the practice of planting different crops year-round means farmers have produce to harvest at any given time, giving an extra boost to their soil and their wallets. Chunduru, who's been practicing natural farming for four years now, hopes that prioritizing natural farming in the country can have benefits for producers and consumers of crops alike, and other farmers avoid the kind of harms her husband has faced. We can provide nutrient-rich food, soil and physical health to future generations, she said. ___ Arasu reported from Bengaluru, India. ___ The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Fear of Ukrainian strikes may be behind Russian friendly fire incidents, UK intelligence says Fear of Ukrainian strikes may be behind Russian friendly fire incidents, UK intelligence says Ukrainian strikes have increased pressure on Russian air defense operators, UK intelligence said. Fear of more attacks is possibly leading to Russian friendly fire incidents. There have been numerous unconfirmed reports of Russian forces shooting down friendly planes. Recent Ukrainian strikes have increased pressure on Russian air defense systems and may be leading to Russian forces shooting down their own planes, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in an update on the conflict on Saturday. In the report, the MoD noted an incident on March 28 where a Crimean Telegram channel reported that a Russian Sukhoi Su-27 jet had crashed over occupied Crimea after being shot down by its own forces. Following the incident, Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk confirmed the claim, saying : "We confirm that this aircraft belonged to the Russian Federation and that it was destroyed by their own forces." "They were on alert, on combat readiness," he added. "The human factor was at work one of the operators was eager to get a medal and didn't bother to find out whose plane it was." The Moscow-installed governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, confirmed that a Russian warplane had "crashed" off the Crimean coast but added that the pilot had ejected safely and "was picked up by rescue services." Russian Telegram channels shared footage they claimed showed the fighter jet burning as it fell. The Crimean Wind Telegram channel claimed the plane was accidentally shot down by Russian forces after taking off from the Belbek airfield in Crimea. Ukraine has been carrying out extensive drone strikes against Russian forces, as well as targeting factories and oil refineries, and such attacks have put Russian air defense operators on high alert. The MoD report said that Ukrainian attacks on Russia's Black Sea Fleet in late March had "almost certainly led to local Russian air defense being at a heightened readiness." It also noted that "the increased pressure and tension amongst Russian air defense operators induced by the fear of further Ukrainian action leads to them inadvertently engaging their own pilots and aircraft." The MoD added that the downing of the Su-27 and other similar events, if confirmed, "likely highlights the lack of situational awareness and coordination" among some Russian forces, while also highlighting the "second-order impact" of Ukrainian strikes. Read the original article on Business Insider I feel really lucky: 12-year-old hospitalized after car hits him while riding electric bike I feel really lucky: 12-year-old hospitalized after car hits him while riding electric bike TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A 12-year-old boy is lucky to be alive after he was struck by a car while riding his electric bike. According to NBC affiliate WPTV, the crash happened along Military Trail in Jupiter on Good Friday, when the boy and his friends were riding bikes to get lunch. Stranded couple, 4 dogs on motorboat rescued in Everglades The woman coming out did stop at the stop sign and then came forward to make a right-hand turn, and she did not see Ryan because of the bushes and Ryan did not see her, Diana Gural, Ryans mother told WPTV. Gural said the boys head took the brunt of the car as he tried to swerve out of the way. Ryan suffered a fractured skull, broken jaw, and brain bleeding, among other injuries. He has since undergone three surgeries at the hospital. NBC affiliate WPTV According to WPTV, Ryan only remembers going to grab food and then waking up two days later. But thankfully, he was wearing a helmet. VIDEO: Pilot hospitalized after helicopter crashes off South Florida barrier island Its important because if I wasnt wearing it, I probably wouldnt be here, Ryan told WPTV. I feel really lucky because it could have turned out otherwise. Four years ago, Ryans father was involved in a similar crash while riding a bike, but sadly, he passed. NBC affiliate WPTV He did triathlons for years, so bicycles was just something that he did, and he was hit by a car on his bicycle but died on impact, Diana said. We lost him in June of 2020, so its me and my two boys. But Diana is optimistic and hopes this reminds others to share the road and to always pay attention. Ryan is expected to remain in the hospital for another week and looks forward to getting his food at Raising Canes. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Fernandina Beach man sentenced to over a year in prison for threatening a Supreme Court Justice A Fernandina Beach man has been sentenced to a year and 2 months in federal prison after he sent threatening voicemails to Washington threatening to kill a Supreme Court Justice. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Neal Brij Sidhwaney pleaded guilty to all charges on Dec. 15 of last year. According to court documents, on July 31, 2023, Sidhwaney placed a telephone call from Florida to the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C., and left an expletive-laden, threatening voicemail message. On the voicemail message, Sidhwaney identified himself by name and repeatedly threatened to kill Chief Justice John Roberts. This case was investigated by the Supreme Court of the United States Police Protective Intelligence Unit with assistance from the United States Capitol Police Threat Assessment Section. Read: Fernandina Beach man pleads guilty to threatening to kill a Supreme Court Justice [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. Tourists join Lao people celebrating Bunpimay festival in 2023. (Photo: VNA) According to head of the traffic police department of Vientiane Sangkhom Phommalat, the Traffic Police Department under the ministry is expected to work with district police in Vientiane to improve road safety and reduce traffic accidents during the celebration. Lao authorities will focus on raising public awareness on road safety and related laws, ensuring smooth road traffic with less parking offences, and speeding and alcohol control. A total of 342 traffic accidents were reported during last years celebration, killing 35 people, injuring 589 others and damaging 589 vehicles. The Bunpimay festival is observed from April 14-16 annually to pray for good weather, health, abundant harvests and prosperity. During the celebration, Lao people conduct traditional rituals such as Buddha statue bathing and thread tying./. Finnish president believes it is right to keep border with Russia closed Finnish President Alexander Stubb believes that the Finnish government's decision to keep the border with Russia closed was correct, as it helped prevent escalation. Source: Stubb on Finnish public broadcaster Yle on Saturday (6 April), as reported by European Pravda Details: Stubb noted that he believes the decision to close the Russian border was right. The Finnish president believes that Russia is playing a double game. "The first is that Russia, Putin, is using people as a tool, a weapon in the war, which is ruthless, cynical and fundamentally wrong. Many people from Iraq, Yemen, Ethiopia and Syria have been involved about 1,300 to 1,500. The other side of the issue is Russia's fear that the mobilisation will lead to Russian men fleeing the country via Finland," Stubb said. The president expressed hope that the government would be able to pass a new law on border procedures in parliament. When asked if the law contradicts international conventions and human rights, the Finnish president stressed that the issue is not about ordinary refugees. "The purpose of the law is to avoid having to apply it. The situation (at the border) remains quite calm, so we are on the right track," Stubb said. "From the point of view of international law, I have been thinking a lot about whether this (the adoption of the law on the border procedure) will be a turning point. We are not talking about ordinary refugees and migrants here but rather about the use of people as a tool of influence. And here, international law needs to keep up with the times," Stubb said. When announcing the extension of the land border closure, Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen noted that there are hundreds to thousands of migrants in Russia near the Finnish border who may be used as an instrument of pressure on Finland. It has also been reported that the Finnish Border Guard has launched an investigation into about two dozen cases related to the organisation of illegal entry into Finland through the border with Russia. Since last autumn, Russia has been gathering asylum seekers on Finland's eastern border, which means that it is turning people seeking asylum or a better life into a "tool" to achieve its own goals. The Finnish government has decided that the land border crossings between Finland and Russia will not be reopened on 14 April, when the current closure expires. Support UP or become our patron! Britains new flexible working rules risk turning the country into a couch potato nation, critics have claimed, as they say it will allow thousands more people to work from home. New measures introduced over the weekend mean employees have the right to ask for flexible working from their first day in a new job. This could include requests for remote working, staggered hours or job sharing. While many have supported the move, for some it has fuelled fears that it could increase red tape for companies as they receive an avalanche of requests. Jacob Rees-Mogg, a former business secretary, said it represented another bureaucratic burden for business which is unnecessary. The new rules will force managers to give detailed reasons why they have rejected a flexible working request but do not require them to agree to any changes. Donal Blaney, the founder of Griffin Law, said the change could turn Britain into a couch potato nation, not to mention placing an absurd burden on hard-pressed businesses. He added: The Government should be legislating for growth, instead of encouraging workers to sit at home all day. Tightened labour rules could also lead to an increase in employment claims, lawyers have said. James Davies, an employment lawyer for Lewis Silkin, said that even though the new measures are essentially just a right to ask a question, it could sharpen peoples minds and lead to more claims indirectly. Christine Young, a partner in Herbert Smith Freehills employment practice, agreed that possible rejection of flexible working requests could pave the way for an indirect discrimination claim on the basis of sex, age, disability or religion. She said: This may arise where refusing the request would particularly disadvantage a group sharing a particular protected characteristic so that an employer would have to objectively justify its decision to defend a claim. Of course, its a risk that applies even where an employee doesnt follow the statutory request regime. As of Saturday, all employees will be able to make up two requests each year to work flexibly, including new starters. Prior to the rule change, employees needed to have 26 weeks of continuous service to be eligible and could only make one request a year. Emma Bartlett, a partner at CM Murray, said that if an agreement isnt reached the first time a request is made, an employer may be forced to deal with it more than once and will need to seriously consider it each time rather than rely on the initial reasons given. Supporters of the rule change, including business and trade minister Kevin Hollinrake, said it will benefit millions of workers. Mr Hollinrake said: Whether youre a new parent trying to juggle work commitments with a newborn or a pregnant woman balancing the pressures of work and life, or looking after a disabled or elderly family member while working, these new laws will give families greater security and flexibility. From childcare commitments to hospital appointments, the measures coming in means more flexibility over where and when you work, supporting workers across the UK. These measures are good business sense too, helping firms to attract more talent, increase retention and improve workforce diversity. 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 volunteer holds an endangered Kemp's ridley turtle before it is released into the ocean at Jekyll Island. Moving payloads is at the heart of Steven Bernstein's business. His company, Newark, New Jersey-based Interport, supplies the ubiquitous shipping containers that rise like multicolored walls of building blocks on freighters serving the busiest East Coast ports, including those in Savannah and Brunswick. But while Bernstein focuses professionally on hauling goods by land and by sea, for nearly a decade he has taken a personal interest in transporting precious cargo through the air. It was in that role that Bernstein and another pilot with the organization Turtles Fly Too this week carried nearly three-dozen rehabilitated Testudines from the Northeast to Georgias Jekyll Island, where they were reintroduced to the Atlantic Ocean in what organizers say was the largest-ever operation of its kind in the state. I fly as an avocation, he explained. Certain shelled reptiles, however, turn Bernstein and other volunteers into unwavering advocates for endangered species such as the 33 Kemps ridley turtles and a single green turtle released into the Jekyll surf Wednesday. "Were going to keep doing it as long as we have the opportunity, added Bernstein, who estimated that the flight from Massachusetts to Georgia in his Pilatus PC-12 single-engine plane brought his total TFT transports to about a dozen. One other passenger made Wednesdays flight even more special for the amateur pilot: his 14-year-old son Owen. I think its really special to see what everybodys doing here but to do it with my dad makes it an even cooler experience, said Owen, who was making his fourth turtle transfer. The reptile passengers made the flights after spending up to five months in one of four facilities: the Mystic Aquarium in Stonington, Connecticut; New England Aquarium in Boston; Atlantic Marine Conservation Society in Hampton Bays, New York; and New York Marine Rescue Center on Long Island. All were treated for conditions related to cold-stunning, which is the turtle version of hypothermia. Steven Bernstein, a volunteer pilot with Turtles Fly Too, shares a moment with his 14-year-old son Owen after 35 turtles were released into the ocean from Jekyll Island. Endangered death: 'Catastrophic' injuries from vessel strike killed whale spotted near Georgia Fins of freedom As they waited for the flights to arrive at the airport about 4 miles away, more than a dozen staff members from the six agencies assisting in the release swatted incessantly at swarms of stinging sand gnats and sidestepped jellyfish scattered like loose stones in the wet sand. The pests were largely forgotten, though, as TFT volunteers in their signature blue shirts carried plastic bins and cardboard boxes across the dunes and placed them on the beach in sets of four above the high-tide line. In waves, quartets of volunteers reached into the containers and carefully lifted the turtles typically about 2 feet long and weighing 70 pounds or more and carried them into the surf. One by one, each person placed a turtle just under the waters surface and gave it a gentle push. In some cases, the flurry of front fins allowed for easy early tracking as the freed creatures made a frantic dash for the open ocean. Some were not so visible and chose more of an underwater escape. But all 34 releases were successful, said Rachel Overmeyer, rehabilitation program manager at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which coordinated the effort. Their destinations are not so certain. They can go up and down the coast, north and south, Overmeyer explained. We have no idea where theyre going from here. However, each has been equipped with a radio transponder and an identification number etched on its shell. What's important in the short term is that they are starting out in ocean water that is above 60 degrees. A volunteer releases an endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle into the ocean from Jekyll Island. Heartstrings and ocean health Rehabilitating endangered species makes releases like Wednesdays especially meaningful, Overmeyer added. Every one that we can save is one more that gets a second chance. The few dozen onlookers who gathered on Jekylls beach to observe the operation epitomized the human fascination with sea turtles and the extensive efforts to protect them. Kemp's ridleys once flourished in the Gulf of Mexico, where tens of thousands would nest annually. That number plummeted to the hundreds in the 1980s, a decline that landed the Kemp's ridley on the endangered species list, where it remains today. With the introduction of intensive conservation actions, the species began to slowly rebound during the 1990s, with the number of nests increasing about 15 percent each year through 2009, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. However, in 2010, the rapid increase abruptly ended and the number of nests has fluctuated since then. The Kemp's ridley population faces ongoing threats including entanglement in fishing gear, climate change, ocean pollution and degradation of habitat. That makes the relative handful of Kemp's ridley's that make their way into colder Atlantic waters all the more precious, Overmeyer explained. But sea turtles are more than just loveable creatures whose annual beach nesting ritual has become a pop sensation of sorts. Kemp's ridleys, loggerheads and other coastal species are considered bioindicators whose overall condition provides clues to the health of the broader ecosystem, Overmeyer noted. Theyre super-important to our hearts, she said, "and to the ocean. John Deem covers climate change and the environment in coastal Georgia. He can be reached at jdeem@gannett.com Volunteers prepare to release rehabilitated sea turtles into the ocean from Jekyll Island. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Endangered sea turtles get second chance with Georgia release It is undeniable that the proliferation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs on college campuses and in the workplace has contributed to a censorious atmosphere throughout U.S. culture. Some employees fear reprisal for speaking about certain issues in the office while college faculty and guest speakers have been shouted down, condemned, disinvited, or denied employment opportunities for questioning DEI policies. Jacob Mchangama In 2022, Florida passed the Individual Freedom Act, better known as the Stop WOKE Act, aimed at rooting out critical race theory, or discussions about the impact of systemic or institutional racism in American society, from mandatory employee training and curriculum at public universities. But did Florida lawmakers move the needle too far in the direction of state-enforced censorship in its attempts to prevent the excesses of DEI programs? Recent federal court decisions have found that Floridas law creates an environment hostile to free speech. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower courts injunction, barring the state from punishing employers who require diversity and inclusion training. The court argued that the law commits the greatest First Amendment sin that by limiting restrictions to a list of ideas designated as offensive, the Act targets speech based on its content and penalizes certain viewpoints. In another ruling, affirmed by the 11th Circuit, U.S. District Judge Mark Walker called the laws provisions related to public universities positively dystopian, since it officially bans professors from expressing disfavored viewpoints in university classrooms while permitting unfettered expression of the opposite viewpoint. While the laws may have been well-intentioned, the courts consistently find that Floridas attempts to curtail the excesses of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives abandoned the free speech concerns that drove those criticisms in the first place. Floridas legislative actions were a direct response to the fact the willingness of some universities to trade academic freedom and free speech in favor of intolerant DEI policies. In September, for instance, The New York Times reported that close to half of all major colleges in America require job applicants to submit diversity statements, or descriptions of how new hires would contribute to campus diversity and foster an inclusive or antiracist learning environment. Some DEI proponents have argued that free speech is anathema to combatting racism. Historian and author of "How to Be an Antiracist" Ibram X Kendi has argued that the First Amendment has been abused to safeguard the right to incite racism. Kendi has also called for an anti-racist amendment to the Constitution that would establish a Department of Anti-racism tasked with adopting public policies and disciplining policymakers and public officials who do not voluntarily change their racist policy and ideas. These are dangerously illiberal proposals that would punish viewpoints held by many liberal and conservative Americans. Christopher Rufo, a vocal supporter of and advisor to Floridas anti-woke laws, rightly argued that Kendis proposed Department of Anti-Racism would obliterate constitutional speech protections and create bureaucratic tyranny. What is our country without the 14th Amendment and the First Amendment? Rufo questioned. In Florida, however, Rufo and Governor Ron DeSantis support of punitive laws to prohibit wokeism is merely the distorted mirror image of illiberal DEI policies. Last year, DeSantis appointed Rufo to the board of trustees at Floridas New College. After a New College visiting professor criticized Rufo and DeSantis takeover of their university in Teen Vogue, Rufo proudly posted on X that they let his contract expire. In August, Rufo posted, Public universities are not a free marketplace of ideas and The public gets to decide the mission and priorities of the public institutions otherwise, its bureaucratic tyranny. He has also argued that state legislators and boards of trustees have the right the duty to redirect, curtail, or close down academic programs in public universities that do not align with the mandate of the taxpayers who generously support them. This view transforms the First Amendment into an instrument of majoritarian intolerance, likely to hurt Americans of all stripes. Regardless of the merits of DEI or anti-racism teachings, DeSantis and Rufo have abandoned free speech principles by prohibiting specific viewpoints in academia and the workplace. As Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis wrote, If there be time to expose through discussion the falsehood and fallacies, to avert the evil by processes of education, the remedy to be applied is more speech, not enforced silence. Florida policymakers would do well to remember these principles and embrace a culture of free speech going forward. Jacob Mchangama is the CEO of The Future of Free Speech at Vanderbilt University, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, and the author of "Free Speech: A History From Socrates to Social Media." He recently spoke in Naples. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida abandons free speech principles to combat DEI excesses Reproductive rights advocates gather in front of Floridas old Capitol building to protest an abortion bill. Oct. 2, 2021. Credit: Danielle J. Brown Quality Journalism for Critical Times On April 1, the Florida Supreme Court in a 4-3 vote cleared the way for the public to decide an abortion-rights ballot that would amend the Florida Constitution to protect access to abortions in November. But in a 6-1 separate ruling, justices allowed for a 6-week abortion ban across Florida starting May 1. That timetable further endangers women of childbearing age in disastrous ways. Florida has been a critical access point for women seeking abortions, but no more. With the upcoming more restrictive ban, the state will become part of the solid swathe of the South, an abortion desert of states hostile to womens sovereignty over their bodies. These are the women enduring precarious talks of having to sit in their vehicles in parking lots waiting for indications that they are close to death before doctors can save their lives. Others have been sent home by their doctors unable by law to aid their patients and children, teenagers and women who have been raped and have been forced to have babies they dont want. Meanwhile, those who are able, can try to travel to states where they can get an abortion. In an anguished story last year, Lakeland mother Deborah Dorbert was unable to get an abortion in Florida. The baby had no kidneys. Her doctors told her it was too late to terminate the pregnancy in Florida, which (currently) bans nearly all abortions after 15 weeks. The only options were to go out of state to get an abortion or to carry the baby to full term, and Dorbert and her husband didnt have the money to travel, according to a CNN report. What followed was an agonizing 13 weeks of carrying a baby she knew would die and worrying about her own health. Her son Milo died March 3, 2023. Elsewhere, in Ohio in 2022, a 10-year-old girl, who was raped and became pregnant, had to travel to Indiana to get an abortion because Ohios draconian anti-abortion law has no exception for incest or rape. Protests in response to Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization ruling at the U.S. Supreme Court, June 24, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Yet, even as Gov. Ron DeSantis, his anti-abortion allies and the Republican supermajority legislature celebrate this victory on the 6-week ban, they should be very worried because as William Shakespeare reminds us, past is prologue. Since the U.S. Supreme Court tossed away almost 50 years of precedent by overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade, when it comes to abortions and reproductive justice, Republicans can find no safe political harbor. For reasons many cant fathom, far-right, socially conservative Republicans and most of their allies assumed that in the aftermath of the contentious and divisive ruling, it would be smooth sailing. Nothing could be further from the truth. Their confidence has cracked Republicans are facing a reckoning, one of their own making. They are flailing about, putting on a brave face, pretending to be cool as theyve watched as voters in several states from the Bluest blue to the deepest Red reject Republican lawmakers attempts to impose their will on those they purportedly serve. For as long as Roe was the law of the land, social conservatives, evangelicals and others schemed, devised and clamored for the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse it. They got their wish when Donald Trump became president and he and then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell followed through on their Machiavellian plan to ignore then-President Barack Obamas Supreme Court pick and pack the high court with three conservatives they knew would eviscerate Roe v. Wade. Despite the absolute seriousness of reproductive justice, the GOP reaction has been interesting to watch. Their confidence has cracked. And their arrogance, duplicity and cruelty has been replaced by panic and raw fear creeping down their backs as they have lost election after election since July of 2022. According to an NBC story written in 2023, abortion has been on the ballot in seven states since that landmark court decision one year ago and in each instance, in red states and blue states, anti-abortion advocates have lost. Americans have made it clear that they want to preserve or restore the protections Roe offered. Even Fox News polls show widespread support for abortion access. Pro-choice advocates, buoyed by their victories, have been relentless in their pursuit of justice. The Womens March leads a crowd around the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix, Arizona on Jan. 20, 2024. Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Arizona Mirror In addition to Floridas ballot initiative in November, the Arizona Mirror reported on April 2 that the effort to guarantee abortion access in Arizona has now surpassed the number of signatures it needs to qualify for the ballot. And the campaign announced on Tuesday that it has so far gathered more than 500,000 signatures. Several more states are pursuing ballot initiatives or proposals that may be considered in November, according to Axios. In the aftermath of Floridas bombshell rulings, President Joe Biden declared that Florida will be in play in Novembers presidential election. Other political pundits concur, saying that the issue has energized and motivated women and men of all ages, classes and political persuasions. Deeply unpopular anti-abortion laws Republicans have failed the women in this country. This tyrannical minority is drunk with power and control. Yet rather than pulling back, acknowledging that they mucked up and changing direction, this confederacy of dunces have doubled down on their cruelty, and are locked into their dismissiveness of female voices and continue to find ways to pump their poisonous toxins into Americas veins. DeSantis and his buddies must surely be aware that between 60% to 70% of Americans oppose their efforts to implement deeply unpopular anti-abortion laws but they continue to power forward, seemingly unconcerned about the repulsive and reprehensible policies they champion. Republican politicians and policymakers thought that they were safe in their deeply gerrymandered districts and judges believed they were sheltered from any consequences for their rulings. But no one is safe. While GOP politicians are ducking and dodging this stormy and pungent issue, DeSantis and now-former president Trump have no choice but own it all because their fingerprints are all over everything. The governor and his advisors very cynically figured when he was running for president they could bolster his arch-conservative cred and box in Trump. Gov. Ron DeSantis signs the six-week abortion ban into law late at night on April 13, 2023. Credit: Governors office As has become customary, DeSantis signed the 6-week ban in the dead of night. Trump has tried to dance around the issue, but it is so demanding, potent and divisive, he has been forced to offer his policy position, such as it is. He settled on a 15-week ban which pleased and offended his allies in equal measure. Recently, the ex-president promised a national abortion ban, which the Biden campaign highlights in a new ad. Trump, inexplicably, continues to run his mouth, proudly telling anyone within earshot hes the reason why Roe v. Wade was overturned. Im pretty sure that most Republicans wish he would shut his mouth but being guarded and restrained has never been his strong suit. Im no pundit but I predict that his party will pay and pay dearly in November, given the anti-abortion crews dismal record on reproductive healthcare, and all the Democratic wins in the midterms, primaries and special elections. The confederacy of dunces will have no one else to blame but themselves if they get their butts handed to them. Pundits more dialed in than I argue that the only way to force Republicans to change is if they lose early and often. May Republicans therefore be beaten at the polls, frequently and brutally, until someone in the party other than Trump and the far-right dimwits steer whats left of the Republican Party towards governing commonsense and humanity. And if that doesnt work, theyll have no choice but to break the entity all the way to its foundation and rebuild it brick-by-brick. The post Floridas high-court abortion ruling just added to GOP heartburn appeared first on Florida Phoenix. Florida Police Complete Grocery Delivery After Arresting Delivery Driver "Were happy to complete the delivery of paid groceries to a valued community member," the Titusville Police Department shared in a statement to PEOPLE A homeowner in Florida got the surprise of a lifetime when police showed up at his door. The incident occurred on Tuesday, March 26, when delivery driver Richard Robertson, wanted on felony charges in Florida and Texas, was spotted by officers from the Titusville Police Department, reported FOX35. Online jail records reviewed by PEOPLE show that Robertson, 40, was arrested on two felony counts for failing to register as a sex offender, one felony count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one misdemeanor count of driving with a suspended license. According to ring camera footage posted by homeowner Joe Neu on Facebook, after Robertson's arrest, officers fulfilled his pending delivery order. Brevard County Sheriff's Office Richard Robertson booking photo Related: Thieves Steal $30 Million in Cash in L.A. on Easter Sunday, Suspects Still at Large The footage shows an officer approaching Neu's home asking, "Hello, uh, you ordered groceries?" After Neu's wife opens the door and says yes, the female officer explains, "Your driver got arrested, so were delivering your groceries." Although Neu's wife isn't seen in the footage, she is heard responding, "Wow, I haven't had that before," which makes the officer smile and say, "No, but we didnt want your groceries to go to waste so we have all your groceries and were going to bring them in for you." Getty Stock image of police car sirens Related: Okla. Senior Facing Eviction Lit Himself on Fire, Tried to Torch Deputies Before They Rescued Wife from Blaze After the officer said that they wanted to make sure they were home, she and another officer were seen carrying grocery bags from their patrol car inside the home. Neu's wife joked, "I'll make sure you get his tip," and the officers wished her well as they departed the property. In a statement to PEOPLE about the experience, the department said they were "successful in the arrest of a wanted felon off the city streets." "However, we remain compassionate and appreciative of our citizens, and were happy to complete the delivery of paid groceries to a valued community member," the statement continued. Neu told FOX35 that the department "definitely went above and beyond and did a wonderful job." 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. "My dad was a police officer when I was growing up, so I have the utmost respect for them, so when I saw that, it was wonderful to see," Neu added. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Following program cuts, new West Virginia University student union says fight is not over FILE - West Virginia University students lead a protest against cuts to programs in world languages, creative writing and more amid a $45 million budget deficit, Aug. 21, 2023, outside Stewart Hall in Morgantown, W.Va. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham, File) CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) Sophomore Christian Adams expected he would be studying Chinese when he enrolled at West Virginia University, with a dream of working in labor or immigration law. He didnt foresee switching his major to politics, a change he made after West Virginias flagship university in September cut its world language department and dozens of other programs in subjects such as English, math and music amid a $45 million budget shortfall. And he certainly didnt expect to be studying or teaching fellow students about community organizing. But the cuts, denounced as draconian and catastrophic" by the American Federation of Teachers, catalyzed a different kind of education: Adams is co-founder of The West Virginia United Students Union. The leading oppositional force against the cuts, the union organized protests, circulated petitions and helped save a handful of teaching positions before 143 faculty and 28 majors ultimately were cut. Disappointed, they say their work is far from done. Led by many first-generation college students and those receiving financial aid in the state with the fewest college graduates, members say they want to usher in a new era of student involvement in university political life. Really, what it is for WVU is a new era of student politics, Adams said. The movement is part of a wave of student organizing at U.S. colleges and universities centering around everything from the affordability of higher education and representation to who has access to a diverse array of course offerings and workplace safety concerns. The university in Morgantown had been weighed down financially by enrollment declines, revenue lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and an increasing debt load for new building projects. Other U.S. universities and colleges have faced similar decisions, but WVU's is among the most extreme examples of a flagship university turning to such dramatic cuts, particularly to foreign languages. The union called the move to eliminate 8% of majors and 5% of faculty a failure of university leadership to uphold its mission as a land-grant institution, charged since the 1800s with educating rural students who historically had been excluded from higher education. A quarter of all children in West Virginia live in poverty, and many public K-12 schools don't offer robust language programs at a time when language knowledge is becoming increasingly important in the global jobs market. As the school continues to evaluate its finances, the union plans to keep a close eye on its budget, mobilize against any additional proposed cuts and prepare alternative proposals to keep curriculum and faculty positions in place. Another key goal is monitoring and influencing the school's search for its new president after university head E. Gordon Gee retires next year. Gee, the subject of symbolic motions from a faculty group that expressed no confidence in his leadership, said last year the curriculum cuts came at a time of change in higher education, and that WVU was leading that change rather than being its victim. Higher education nationwide has become "arrogant" and isolated, he said, warning that without change, schools face a very bleak future. Union Assembly of Delegates President and Co-Founder Matthew Kolb, a senior math major, said his group doesn't want a new president who believes running the school as a corporate or business entity is the only option for getting things done properly. We know, when push comes to shove, the results of that are 143 faculty getting shoved off a cliff with one vote," he said. Adams, a north central West Virginia native who was the first in his family to attend college immediately after high school, said he could transfer to another institution and continue his studies in Chinese. But much of the reason he chose WVU was because of a commitment to the state and a desire to improve its socioeconomic outlook. A lot of West Virginians feel trapped in West Virginia and feel like they have to leave not a lot of people choose to stay here," Adams said. I made the conscious decision to go to WVU to stay here to help improve my state. The cuts meant reaffirming that commitment, despite basically being told by my state's flagship university that, Your major is irrelevant, it doesnt matter, its not worth our time or money to teach. Student union organizations have existed for hundreds of years worldwide. Commonly associated in the U.S. with on-campus hubs where students access dining halls, club offices and social events, in the United Kingdom the union also takes on the form of a university-independent advocacy arm lobbying at the institutional and national level. Members say they envision the West Virginia United Students Union similar to those in the U.K., and its a concept they want to help grow. That has meant a lot of work behind the scenes, strategizing to keep students interested and engaged and building relationships with the university campus workers union, student government and other organizations. That work with the union helped keep up student morale as they watched faculty scramble to find new jobs and rewrite curriculum, student Felicia Carrara said. An international studies and Russian studies double major from North Carolina, Carrara said she and many of her peers chose West Virginia University because it was affordable. The fact that we would now have to pivot to try and find the scholarships and other money to be able to afford an education anywhere else, or just not get a degree at all or get a degree thats really bare bones. Its just really disheartening," she said. When you come to higher ed, you think things are going to be better than they were in high school and in middle school, she said. And its very sad finding out that theyre not. Andrew Ross, a senior German and political science double major, will be the last graduate to major in the language. A 31-year-old nontraditional student who transferred to WVU in 2022 after earning an associate's degree, Ross learned about the proposed cuts days after he returned home from a summer program in Germany he attended with the help of a departmental scholarship. Ross, now the student union's assembly of delegates vice president, said the cuts felt like getting slapped in the face. The university told him to drop the German major. He's proud of his effort to finish the degree after twists and turns, but it's bittersweet. In some ways and it makes me sad because I hope there isnt someone who is still growing up that cant have this experience we all deserve it, he said. This university isnt just failing me, its failing the state. CCC President Im Chhun Lim (second, right) presents a gift to Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang. (Photo: VNA) On April 5, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang led a delegation to visit and extend greetings to Im Chhun Lim, President of the Constitutional Council of Cambodia (CCC), at the CCC headquarters in Phnom Penh. Tang briefed the host about Vietnamese enterprises' investment and business activities in Cambodia in 2023, saying that 16 member units of the Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) contributed significantly to creating jobs and developing Cambodia's rubber industry. These projects have positioned Cambodia as a major rubber producer globally. Im Chhun Lim expressed his hope that the VRGs member units investing in Cambodia will keep growing and achieve more positive results in their production and trade activities./. Jeane Freeman said that excluding women from the laws had been a blunder - PA/Jane Barlow A former SNP cabinet minister has accused Humza Yousafs government of botching the introduction of hate crime laws as a poll indicated they are supported by just one in five Scots. Jeane Freeman, who was health secretary when the controversial laws were passed three years ago, claimed the scale of the backlash had shocked ministers and criticised the government for not effectively explaining the scope of the legislation to the public. She said that excluding women from the laws, which offer new protections to males who identify as women and crossdressers, had been a blunder that exposed a lack of political nouse. Her stinging intervention came as it emerged that Police Scotland had been swamped with 8,000 hate crime complaints since the new laws were introduced just a week ago. These do not include a small number of hate crime reports that were made during Sundays Rangers vs Celtic Old Firm game. Meanwhile, a new poll found that just 21 per cent of Scots wanted to retain the legislation, with more than twice as many, 45 per cent, believing it should be abolished. Almost one in three SNP voters (31 per cent) are among those who believe the law should be repealed. Ahead of the legislation coming into force, the SNP government and Police Scotland launched a controversial campaign urging members of the public to report instances of hate and emphasising the hurt feelings words could cause. SNP politicians also repeatedly refused to clearly clarify to what extent misgendering a trans person, meaning to refer to them as a member of their biological sex rather than self-proclaimed gender identity, would become illegal. Deliberately provocative Police took no action against the author JK Rowling when she called a series of high-profile trans women men in a deliberately provocative social media post on the first day that the legislation came into force. Ms Freeman, who stepped down from Holyrood at the 2021 election, said she had huge frustration at how the introduction of the new laws had gone. While she accused the media and some commentators of spreading misinformation Ms Freeman also criticised the governments handling of the issue. My impression is that the furore, nonsense and genuine concerns, because its been a mix, that weve seen over the last week has caught the Scottish government by surprise, she told BBC Radio Scotland. I really do not think it is beyond the wit to plan for and prepare, that this particular piece of legislation, coming at this particular point in the electoral cycle, will be used if you leave loopholes in it, and dont set out clearly what it does and doesnt do, by those who oppose your political stance overall as a government. Ms Freeman said the refusal to include misogyny in the legislation had been one such loophole, which was wide open to be exploited by opponents and insisted she had argued against the omission at the time. The Hate Crime Bill was steered through Holyrood by Humza Yousaf while Nicola Sturgeon was first minister in March 2021, but enforcement began last week. I have two sets of conflicting frustrations, Ms Freeman, who voted for the law, added. One, about how this has been handled, prepared for and presented, and the other being how it has been mishandled and misinformed in a lot of the presentation and comment. Im getting a bit tired of reading stuff that says we consulted with stakeholders. Thats great. But thats not the same as wider consultation. Its not beyond the wit of any government to do that well and do it properly. Protecting women Russell Findlay, justice spokesman for the Scottish Tories, said Ms Freeman was correct to say the law should have protected women but that people might wonder why she still voted for it. He added: Her scathing attack on the incompetence of her former SNP government colleagues is welcome but will be cold comfort for womens rights campaigners and police officers who are left having to deal with the deluge of complaints. The new poll, showing only one in five voters wanted to retain the law, was carried out by the polling firm FindOutNow, after being commissioned by Alex Salmonds Alba Party. When undecided Scots were removed from the figures, 68 per cent wanted the new law to be scrapped, just days after its introduction. When the legislation was passing through Holyrood, Police Scotland said that it expected the number of new offences reported would be likely to be minimal and could be accommodated within the [forces] normal day-to-day activities. However, David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, which represents officers, said the new law had been a disaster and officers are swamped under a deluge of complaints. Meanwhile, Jack McConnell, the former Labour first minister, described the new laws as unworkable. Writing in the Sunday Mail, he said officers would be left to deal with many simply spurious complaints amid tight police budgets. The arguments between feminist and transgender campaigners excluding crimes against women from the act has inflamed the situation with many women feeling their concerns are ignored, he wrote. This is exactly what good legislation should seek to avoid. A Scottish government spokesperson said: The Hate Crime Act will help to tackle the harm caused by hatred and prejudice and provide greater protections for victims and communities. The legislation does not prevent people expressing controversial, challenging or offensive views, nor does it seek to stifle criticism or rigorous debate in any way, and the right to freedom of expression is specifically built into the Act. The Act has a high threshold for criminality. For the new offences in the legislation, it has to be proven that the behaviour is threatening and/or abusive and that it is intended to stir up hatred. We know the impact on those on the receiving end of such behaviour, whether its physical, verbal or online attacks, can be traumatic and life-changing and we want to protect those affected. 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. Tony Wied, a former Wisconsin gas station chain owner, is expected to announce a run for Rep. Mike Gallaghers (R-Wis.) seat Monday, two sources familiar told The Hill. Wied, who previously owned six Dino Stop gas station and convenience stores, is expected to announce a run for Wisconsins 8th Congressional District, which covers the northeastern corner of the Badger State. Trump-aligned GOP consultant Alex Bruesewitz, whom The Hill first reported was mulling a run for Gallaghers seat, is expected to opt against running and instead back Wied. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported last week that Wied was weighing a run of his own, with Bruesewitz likely backing him. I feel that in this time that Tony Wied is the strongest candidate to win. Despite me being up 21 points, Tony Wied is the strongest candidate to win this race in the primary and the general election, Bruesewitz told The Hill. A part of putting America first is not putting yourself first, he added. Bruesewitz was referring to a Cygnal poll released last month that showed him leading the GOP primary field for Gallaghers seat at 36 percent, followed by state Sen. Andre Jacque (R) at 15 percent and former state Sen. Roger Roth (R) at 12 percent. About 37 percent were undecided. A source close to former President Trumps family told The Hill that the Trump orbit encouraged Bruesewitz to run in the district. Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Trump adviser and fiancee to Donald Trump Jr., told The Hill that Bruesewitz is selfless and always puts whats best for President Trump and the MAGA movement as a whole ahead of whats best for himself. We will be behind whatever decision he makes 100%, she added. Meanwhile, a source close to Wied told The Hill that there was a big announcement coming Monday. Tony is humbled by the outpouring of support from patriots in the district encouraging him to run for this seat and [hes] grateful for Alex Bruesewitzs friendship and desire to get WI-8 the America First representation they deserve, the source said. The announcement is set to take place at an event hosted by Bruesewitz in Green Bay, according to a source familiar. Ahead of Wieds expected announcement, Trump announced on his Truth Social media platform that he would be endorsing the former Wisconsin gas station chain owner. After selling his highly successful Oil and Gas Business, Tony Wied has decided to run for Congress in Wisconsins 8th Congressional District. Tony is running against RINO Roger Roth, who is a clone of Paul Ryan, and no friend to MAGA He should drop out of the Race NOW, Trump wrote. As your next Congressman, Tony will work hard to Unleash American Energy, Stop Inflation, Secure our Border, Support our Military / Vets, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Tony Wied has my Complete and Total Endorsement He will not let you down! Gallagher, a rising star within the GOP, announced earlier this year he would not be seeking another term in the House. But he sped up that retirement last month when he said he would resign April 19. the Framers intended citizens to serve in Congress for a season and then return to their private lives, Gallagher said in his initial statement in February. Electoral politics was never supposed to be a career, and trust me, Congress is no place to grow old. Gallagher made the statement just days after he and two other House Republicans voted against impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, blocking House Republicans efforts to oust the Biden administration official. Roughly a week later, House Republicans impeached Mayorkas in a second attempt. Gallaghers early retirement means that his spot will be vacant. Jacque and Roth are also running in the GOP primary, while OB-GYN Kristin Lyerly is running on the Democratic side. Trump won the district in 2020 by more than 15 points, meaning whoever wins the GOP primary is considered the heavy favorite to represent the district. A source familiar with the Trump-aligned GOP consultant noted that among the people slated to be in attendance include CEO of AmeriLux International Kurt Voss, furniture retailer Jim Greene, and one of the executives of Plexus Corp. Updated at 8:00 pm. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Forsyth County clinic set to receive funding after passage of bill in U.S. Congress Are you an uninsured adult in Forsyth County? Help is on the way after the United States Congress passed an appropriations bill put forth by Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Forsyth Community Clinic (FCC), a free clinic providing healthcare to uninsured adults in Forsyth County recently learned it will receive funding support from the State of Georgia Labor, Health and Human Services, and related agencies. Although it is a privately funded nonprofit, the FCC asked Sen. Warnock for assistance in helping to increase access to healthcare by launching a mobile health clinic in the county. After a six month process of identifying areas of need and securing partnerships with county officials, funding was approved, however, fundraising efforts continue to find a mobile unit to meet the communitys current healthcare needs. TRENDING STORIES: The State earmarked $11,000 to buy equipment to be utilized to help the mobile clinic come to fruition. We are both humbled and excited to receive this recognition. The financial gift certainly makes a significant impact on the clinic and our patients but even more importantly, it shows us that others see the need for access to free healthcare and want to help us address it, says Evan Shoemake, Executive Director of the clinic. Being able to take critical healthcare into the countys smaller communities inside is a huge step forward for the clinic and we are thankful for the belief in our mission to be a medical home for the uninsured. The clinic owes Senator Warnock a sincere thank you. To learn more about the endeavor, click here. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Doctors received seven-figure incomes according to figures obtained via a Freedom of Information request - iStockphoto At least four GPs were paid more than 1 million a year during the Covid pandemic, it has been revealed. The doctors received seven-figure incomes according to figures obtained via a Freedom of Information request. The NHS did not reveal the number of GPs paid 1 million or more, claiming it may identify them, but confirmed it was under five. The figures, first published by The Sun, also revealed that at least two doctors received between 800,000 to 850,000, and another two between 850,000 and 900,000. In all, 8,593 GPs in England received more than 100,000 in the year 2021-2022. It is thought extra demand during the pandemic and a rise in the number of chains of surgeries fuelled doctors wages. Jonathan Eida, of TaxPayers Alliance, said: Patients will be shocked by the bumper pay for some local doctors, yet the data on most is unavailable. Health bosses claim to be committed to transparency in how taxpayers money is spent, yet a huge black hole has been allowed to open up. The Department of Health and Social Care said: General Practices are self-employed contractors to the NHS who independently set staff pay. Taxpayers rightly expect transparency and value for money, and the NHS is already required to publish earnings and expenses information. Figures published last year showed that on average, GPs earnings rose by 23 per cent in a decade to a record 118,000. The average GPs income before tax in England was 118,100 in the 2021-22 financial year, up from 95,700 a decade ago in 2011-12. On Friday it was announced that NHS consultants would end strike action after accepting a new pay deal worth up to 20,000 a year. The senior NHS doctors have voted 83 per cent in favour of an improved offer after the first deal put to members was narrowly defeated earlier this year. The British Medical Association had paused strikes while negotiations took place after an initial pay offer was voted against by 51 per cent to 49 per cent in January. Consultants had been in a pay dispute for almost a year and first went on strike in July contributing to the 1.4 million cancelled NHS appointments along with junior doctors, who remain in a dispute. Junior doctors are seeking a pay rise worth up to 35 per cent a year. 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 previous report can be seen in the video player above. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) An east Columbus homicide that occurred nearly four years ago remains unsolved with law enforcement asking for public assistance in the case. On Dec. 11, 2019, Columbus police sent a missing adult alert for 39-year-old Ricardo Vallejo-Truss, who hadnt been seen since Dec. 5, 2019 on the east side of the city. On Dec. 19 just before 9:45 a.m., a 911 caller reported a vehicle that was parked on the 2900 block of East Moreland Drive had not moved for some time. Police arrived and found the body of Vallejo-Truss in the vehicle and ruled the case a homicide. Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for anyone that has information that could lead to the arrest of a possible suspect in Vallejo-Truss death. You can call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477 or submit a tip at stopcrime.org. All tips made to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. A general view of the destruction in the vicinity of al-Shifa Hospital, following a two-week military operation by the Israeli army in Gaza City. Omar Ishaq/dpa With the war between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza reaching the six-month mark after tens of thousands of deaths, there is no immediate end in sight to the hostilities. Negotiations on a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas are continuing in Cairo, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is coming under increasing pressure both internationally and at home. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities on Saturday evening to protest against Netanyahu's government and demand more concerted efforts to secure the release of the hostages abducted by Hamas. An airstrike by Israeli forces on an aid convoy in the past week provoked outrage from some of Israel's most solid international allies. A delegation from the Palestinian militant group Hamas plans to travel to Cairo on Sunday for negotiations over a possible ceasefire, but these talks have faltered in recent weeks. The war began on October 7 last year, when hundreds of terrorists, mainly from Hamas but also from other militant groups based in Gaza, flooded across the heavily guarded border and massacred people in nearby communities and at a music festival. Some 1,200 people in Israel were killed, and 250 people were taken hostage back to Gaza. Since then, dozens have been released, and a few others have been found dead or freed by the Israeli army. The unprecedented attack triggered a massive campaign of Israeli airstrikes, followed by a military ground offensive that began just weeks later in the north and has moved through every major town except Rafah in the very south. According to Hamas authorities in Gaza, more than 32,500 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks so far. Palestinians inspect the damage at al-Shifa Hospital complex, following a two-week military operation by the Israeli army in Gaza City. Omar Ishaq/dpa Palestinians, injured during an Israeli bombing, receive treatment while laying on the floor of the Nasser Hospital. Ahmed Zakot/dpa Students of the U.S. Supreme Court were enthusiastic to note Justice Amy Coney Barretts surprising concurring opinion in the Colorado presidential disqualification case. (Trump v. Anderson). Barrett agreed that states lack the power to enforce Sec. 3 of the 14thAmendment against presidential candidates. But, she concluded, that principle is sufficient to resolve the case. She would do no more. Barrett thus distanced herself from the majoritys broader conclusion that detailed federal legislation is required to give force to Sec. 3. Well and good. I was taken aback, though, by another of her comments. After chastising her three concurring female colleagues for stridency, Barrett said: All nine justices agree on the outcome of this case. That is the message Americans should take home. Thanks for the pat on the head. Maybe its because I grew up Catholic and even as a teenager didnt like being told by priests, when asked about the most crushing questions of life: Youre not meant to understand that. Dont ask questions. Ill tell you what you need to know. Really? There is an odd arrogance in members of the Supreme Court telling us what we ought to think about their opinions. Frankly, Im not much interested in their instruction. Gene Nichol Justice Samuel Alito famously wrote the Dobbs opinion, overruling Roe v. Wade. He adopted a theory of constitutional review requiring a deeply held historical tradition to validate a constitutional right that would also do in Griswold (contraception access), Lawrence (gay sexual autonomy) and Obergefell (gay marriage). But he protested, somewhat angrily, in Dobbs that to ensure that our decision is not misunderstood or mischaracterized, we emphasize our decision does not cast doubt on other precedents. Take our word for it, he insisted, we adopt a rule only for abortion cases. (Some concession that.) Justice Brett Kavanaugh echoed the sentiment in his Dobbs concurrence. I emphasize what the Court today states, overruling Roe does not threaten or cast doubt on those precedents. Even if all the world, and the English language itself, suggests it does. Their claims put me in mind of Donald Trumps rationale for believing Putin instead of the U.S. intelligence community about Russian interference with elections. President Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial, Trump reported. This is the Kavanaugh who said during his Senate confirmation hearing that Roe v. Wade is settled precedent of the Supreme Court. And, he continued, one of the most important things to keep in mind about Roe is that it has been reconfirmed many times over the past 45 years most pointedly in Casey v. Population Services. It is precedent on precedent. Then, of course, he overruled both Roe and Casey the first chance he got. No wonder he doesnt want his bona fides questioned. Justice Alito has explained that we regular folk are only allowed to make limited criticisms of the most partisan Supreme Court in American history. Everyone is free to disagree with our decisions, he claims, but to say the Court exhibits a lack of integrity ... crosses an important line. Thats deemed unacceptable as they roll back vital civil liberties and intervene to protect Donald Trumps campaign to end American democracy. The theory of such justices, as they crush the viability of our most important judicial institution, seems to be that they made it to the high court by hook or crook and now the rest of us are supposed to simply accept whatever they tell us and smile. They rule, they write, we remain in thrall. Forgive me if I resist the invitation to pretend that they are actually judges. Contributing columnist Gene Nichol is a professor of law at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Georgia university student charged with battery after disrupting speech on Israel-Hamas war A Mercer University student has been arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge after arguing with a person giving a speech about the Israel-Hamas war. The student was arrested by university police after making physical contact with Jennifer Grossman, CEO of the conservative group the Atlas Society. The student was booked into the Bibb County jail on Friday and released on $650 bail. The Atlas Society, which promotes the ideology of Conservative writer Ayn Rand, posted video Friday of the argument. The student was arrested while criticizing Grossmans stance on the Israel-Hamas War and her previous work with the fruit and vegetable company Dole. The student had come to the front of the auditorium to interrupt and confront Grossman. The student then criticized Doles business practices, which is when the person is accused of putting their hands on Grossman. TRENDING STORIES: In the video, a Mercer University police officer escorts the student from the room. The university said in a statement that its reviewing the incident and will take action as warranted. Disrupting and invading the personal space of a speaker is not acceptable, the statement said. It is our hope this will ultimately prove to be a positive learning experience for the student. Demonstrations and disruptions over the Israel-Hamas war have been widespread at American colleges, creating concerns over free speech and student safety. The Atlas Society posted the video on its page and said, America used to be better than this. The Associated Press contributed to this article. IN OTHER NEWS: National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue. (Photo: VNA) The visit is made at the invitation of Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China Zhao Leji. Accompanying the top Vietnamese legislator are Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of the committees Mass Mobilization Commission Bui Thi Minh Hoai; Senior Lieutenant General Tran Quang Phuong, NA Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Vietnam - China Friendship Parliamentarians Group; Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang; NA General Secretary and Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong; Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai, among other officials. NA Chairman Hues visit is expected to create a strong motivation and momentum for the development of the relations between Vietnam and China. This is the first visit to China by Hue as the NA Chairman, and also the first direct meeting between the heads of the two countries' legislatures after the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is taking place in the context that the two countries celebrated the 73rd anniversary of their diplomatic relations and 15 years of bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in 2023./. The opposition in Georgia intends to submit a bill to the countrys parliament to protect against Russian influence on the same day that the leading party, Georgian Dream, plans to introduce its controversial foreign agents law. Source: European Pravda, citing Georgian media SOVA The initiators of the alternative bill "On protection from influence from the occupying country the Russian Federation" are opposition MPs Beqa Liluashvili, Ana Buchukuri, Mikheil Daushvili, Shalva Kereselidze, and Teona Akubardia. Parliamentary regulations foresee that the draft law on protection from Russian influence will be considered at the sitting of the parliaments Bureau on 8 April. The bill defines the occupying country, the agent of influence of the occupying country, and prohibits activities aimed at harming Georgia's national interests, such as full integration into the European Union and NATO. The draft law indicates that activities by agents of influence from the occupying country (Russia) shall be prohibited and punishable by imprisonment for 4 to 8 years. The same draft law stipulates that actions resulting in serious consequences for Georgia's interests are punishable by imprisonment for 6 to 12 years. Georgias ruling party, Georgian Dream, intends to bring back a bill that has been compared to the Russian law on foreign agents. These plans have sparked sharp criticism from the Georgian opposition, NGOs, the media in Georgia, and representatives of Western countries. At the same time, the party stated that they "do not understand" the criticism from Western partners and intend to proceed as planned. Additionally, Georgian Dream has officially proposed amendments to the constitution to ban "LGBT propaganda". Support UP or become our patron! German fighter jets scrambled to intercept Russian Il-20 aircraft over Baltic Sea. Photo: German Air Force on Twitter () The German Air Force scrambled their fighter jets over the Baltic Sea on Saturday to intercept a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft. Source: European Pravda, citing German Air Force (Luftwaffe) on Twitter () The German aircraft were forced to take off from the base in Lielvarde, Latvia. "Our European fighter jets from VAPB took off from Lielvarde today on a defensive mission to intercept a Russian Il-20 over the Baltic Sea, which was flying without a transponder," the statement reads. This is not the first such incident involving the interception of a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft. 24/7 bedeutet auch am Wochenende. Unsere Eurofighter von #VAPB sind heute in Lielvarde zu einem Schutzflug gestartet um eine COOT-A (Il-20) uber der baltischen See abzufangen, die ohne Transponder unterwegs war. @gaisa_speki @NATO @GermanyNATO #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/p9wzXKMmn5 Team Luftwaffe (@Team_Luftwaffe) April 6, 2024 Background: In February, a French Mirage 2000 fighter jet intercepted a Russian Il-20 aircraft near the coast of Estonia. In January, Germany scrambled fighter jets from the Laage airbase in northeastern Germany to intercept a Russian reconnaissance aircraft spotted over the Baltic Sea near its shores. Support UP or become our patron! Germany's far-right AfD gets almost half of its funding by the state A banner with the AfD logo and the words "Havelland" hangs in the Wiesenhalle at the state party conference of the AfD Brandenburg. Monika Skolimowska/dpa Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has been classified as suspected right-wing extremist by the domestic intelligence agency, receives almost 50% of its funding from state coffers, according to new figures. In 2022, public funding accounted for almost 45% of the AfD's total income, compared to just under 30% for the Social Democrats of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, according to party accounts published by the Bundestag, or lower house of parliament. This means that the AfD receives the highest proportion of public funding among all parties represented in the Bundestag. In absolute terms, the AfD received the lowest level of state funding of all parties in 2022, at 10.4 million ($11.3 million). However, mainly due to very low income from membership fees of around 3.8 million, this amounted to a 44.9% share of total income. By comparison, the Social Democrats received around 47.7 million in state funding. However, this only accounted for 29.8% of its total income, with membership fees of 54.5 million accounting for 34% of the party's income. The AfD was founded in 2013 as a primarily Eurosceptic party but has since become known for its far-right positions on immigration. It has been riding high in the polls in recent months amid discontent over quarrelling within the three-party coalition led by Scholz, with polls suggesting it might emerge the strongest force in three state elections in eastern Germany later this year. It is also profiting from increased concern among many German voters over rising numbers of immigrants seeking asylum in the country. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party logo is projected onto a curtain at the federal party conference. Sina Schuldt/dpa Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has been classified as suspected right-wing extremist by the domestic intelligence agency, receives almost 50% of its funding from state coffers, according to new figures. In 2022, public funding accounted for almost 45% of the AfD's total income, compared to just under 30% for the Social Democrats of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, according to party accounts published by the Bundestag, or lower house of parliament. This means that the AfD receives the highest proportion of public funding among all parties represented in the Bundestag. In absolute terms, the AfD received the lowest level of state funding of all parties in 2022, at 10.4 million ($11.3 million). However, mainly due to very low income from membership fees of around 3.8 million, this amounted to a 44.9% share of total income. By comparison, the Social Democrats received around 47.7 million in state funding. However, this only accounted for 29.8% of its total income, with membership fees of 54.5 million accounting for 34% of the party's income. The AfD was founded in 2013 as a primarily Eurosceptic party but has since become known for its far-right positions on immigration. It has been riding high in the polls in recent months amid discontent over quarrelling within the three-party coalition led by Scholz, with polls suggesting it might emerge the strongest force in three state elections in eastern Germany later this year. It is also profiting from increased concern among many German voters over rising numbers of immigrants seeking asylum in the country. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Germany after it emerged that some of its members, including a senior official, attended a meeting in November last year where far-right extremists discussed plans to force immigrants - including some with German citizenship - out of the country. The revelations also sparked a debate about potentially banning the AfD. Germany's intelligence services classified the AfD as a suspected right-wing extremist party in March 2021. The party has taken legal steps against that decision. According to the 2022 figures, Germany's other main opposition party, the centre-right Christian Democrats, received state funding equivalent of 32.6% of total income. For the liberal Free Democrats, a junior partner in Scholz's governing coalition, that figure stood at 36.9%, while the Greens - the third party in government - received 35.4%. Partial state funding is based on the valid votes obtained by a party in the last state, federal and European elections. However, there is an absolute and a relative upper limit. The total amount set annually for the state funding of political parties forms the absolute upper limit. In 2023, this was around 187.6 million. The Political Parties Act also stipulates that the state funding of each party may not exceed the sum of its annual self-generated income - the relative upper limit. This is intended to prevent parties from being predominantly financed by the state. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A 22-year-old man was arrested for criminal mischief after allegedly Oregon City damaging an Oregon City municipal elevator by kicking its door late Friday morning. Police are asking the publics help in finding a man who they say kicked and damaged an elevator door on Apr. 5, 2024. (Courtesy: Oregon City Police Dept.) Evan Bettencourt was arrested Saturday after police asked for help identifying the suspect seen on surveillance video. Bettencourt is being held at the Clackamas County Jail. Officials say the elevator, located at 300 7th Street, was rendered inoperable as a result and the damage is estimated to be over $1,000. The City of Oregon City offered a $500 reward for any information in this case that leads to an arrest. The case remains under investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Brown water, scorching summer heat with no air conditioning, one visitation day per week. Those incarcerated in Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater didnt expect prison life would be easy living, but no one told them it would be like this. We filtered the water with socks, former Stillwater inmate Jesse Curry said. It was medieval. Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater was the first prison established in the state in 1853. Its current, second facility in Bayport opened in 1914. The building has no central air, and in September, roughly 100 inmates protested conditions with a sit-in, sending the prison into lockdown for over a day. The state departments of Corrections and Health later launched an investigation into the water quality at the prison and promised to develop a water management plan that would include hiring outside plumbers. Kent Jones, a Stillwater inmate of over 24 years, said a reduction in visitation days to just one a week began out of COVID-19 concerns but have not returned to normal since then. Even at one day a week, he said cancellations happen often. The DOC talk about the importance of family but they are not family-friendly, said Jones, who was convicted of a 1992 rape and murder in Sherburne County. Prison conditions and family visits are about more than just inmate comfort. Its about public safety. A 2011 Department of Corrections study found that visitations from friends and family helped reduce the rate of prisoner recidivism by at least 13 percent. The more often prisoners were visited, the less likely they were to reoffend within five years of release. Other studies have found that the condition of prisons have an effect on recidivism. Less reconviction means a smaller burden on the taxpayer. The Council of State Governments Justice Center, using data from 41 states, found in 2021 that supervision violations and revocations cost taxpayers nationwide over $8 billion. Recidivism cost Minnesotans specifically over $91 million. More inmates, fewer staff The source of the problems go back further than last summers protest. The Stillwater prisons infrastructure has been exacerbated by overpopulation and understaffing. From 2018 to the start of 2022, the state Department of Corrections lost over 400 staff, according to data from the prison system. While these drops were offset by prison population decreases during the pandemic, staffing continued to decline when the prison population rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. Data from the Department of Corrections project the prison population will continue to rise to 9,057 by 2025; the department currently is funded for fewer than 8,000. A 2020 evaluation report by the states Office of the Legislative Auditor found that several conditions at the state prisons reduce safety, including persistent staffing shortages, heavy overtime use, suspensions of prisoner activities, unprofessional workplace relationships, limited oversight and outdated infrastructure. That report surveyed prison staff, and over half said that they did not believe the prison had enough resources to provide helpful programming to prisoners. The report also found that staff turnover is over 11 percent since 2019, and that Stillwater turnover specifically jumped to 15 percent in 2019, nearly 5 percentage points higher than the previous five years. These staffing issues are cited by inmates, former staff and Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell, who said staff retention is at the heart of many of the problems incarcerated people experience. Nothing happens at a prison without staffing, security staffing in particular, so this becomes one of the driving factors, Schnell said. Jones complained about health concerns inside Stillwater prison and said he had difficulties getting staff to take his issues seriously. Jones specifically cited a persistent rash or acne he has had for years. Curry, who was convicted of first-degree sexual misconduct, had been incarcerated at Stillwater since 1993. He also complained of issues regarding health treatment. During his incarceration, he developed intestinal cancer, which he said he had immense difficulty receiving treatment for due to prison staff being unwilling to facilitate travel to outside hospitals that would have the resources to treat him. Curry also suffers from other health issues including diabetes and a weak heart. I have doctors notes saying that I need exercise to get my heart going, Curry said. But I was barely let outside. Jones said that inmates who participated in a sit-in protest about discolored drinking water at the prison were denied showers for a week or more, as well as meals. They use hygiene as a weapon against us, Jones said. Employment and education opportunities inside prison are slim, too. Stillwater used to have more programming for education and employment in trades and industry, but after an inmate used a hammer to murder Stillwater corrections officer Joseph Gomm in a metal shop in 2018, that programming went away and never returned. Now Jones folds balloons for $3 an hour, a skill that would not transfer well to outside employment upon his potential release in 2030. Im not anti-DOC or anti-guard by any means, Jones said, but the treatment is simply not fair. Former staff say action needed Antonio Espinosa worked as a corrections officer at Stillwater for nearly two decades. Gomm was his friend. Espinosa said the treatment of prisoners in response to incidents like Gomms murder is often unfair. Everyone had to pay for one persons actions, Espinosa said, referring to how education in trades and employment in industry jobs disappeared after Gomms murder. Those jobs still have not returned or been replaced in any significant way, according to Espinosa, who has been recognized for his Art from the Inside exhibits of inmate artwork. Gomms murder was mentioned in the 2020 evaluation report, which said the DOC tracks whether prisoners are assigned to programming or not, but this tracking does not change based on whether that programming is actually available: For example, prison administrators told us that the Stillwater facility stopped offering programming for weeks following the death of Officer Joseph Gomm in July 2018. However, in August 2018, Stillwaters idleness rate was similar to that in months prior, and over half of the facilitys prisoners were still assigned to some program. Espinosa said that not only was Gomms murder a blow to morale for prisoners who lost those opportunities as a consequence, it was also a blow to staff, many of whom Espinosa noted became more withdrawn at work. Some quit entirely. Related Articles Staff retention has always been difficult. Espinosa knows more than anyone that its a difficult job that requires a certain kind of personality: You think that just because you have a uniform and some power, you can treat these people (prisoners) however you want; thats not going to work. Corrections officers often have to deal with interpersonal issues that go far beyond the physical confrontations seen in movies. Espinosa said that a guard has to wear a lot of hats and has to be empathetic. One moment, youre security. One moment, youre a therapist. One moment, youre a pastor for these people, Espinosa said. He believes that many of the people who end up in prison are broken, or hurt and are in need of healing. I had to take a step backwards and see how I could help the system and help people, Espinosa said, and encouraged people outside of prisons to involve themselves by talking to representatives and getting involved with activist work. We cant forget these people; we cant leave them behind. Newer prisons, too Stillwater isnt the only prison in the state facing these issues. Brandon Bacchus, who is out of prison under the Intensive Supervised Release program after an assault conviction, was incarcerated at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Rush City. A contrast to the states oldest prison, Rush City is its newest, constructed in 2000, but Bacchus complaints mirror many of those about Stillwater: inmates having to eat meals in cells instead of in a cafeteria, a lack of visitation days and only two days a week where he was allowed out for recreation. They only let us outside here and there, he said. Bacchus particularly recalled a day where after being let out into the yard, he and other inmates were not let back inside for hours while it was raining. Medical care was also an issue shared with Stillwater. Bacchus said he suffered from an intestinal infection during his time in Rush City and experienced cold sweats, vomiting and other symptoms of stomach-related sickness. He said it took months to see a doctor for the infection. I felt like I was in a third-world country, Bacchus said. Possible solutions Schnell said creating new programming during the pandemic was difficult. Some prisoners were released during the pandemic to create more space for social distancing inside facilities. Courts started to work through a backload of cases as the pandemic eased, which caused the prison population to quickly rise again, at a rate that staffing could not keep up with. An aging workforce and a lack of competitive pay and benefits also contribute to staffing shortages and poor staff retention, Schnell said. Video chat access can help ease the lack of visitation days, though Schnell acknowledged that its certainly not the same as in person. Schnell sees a solution for many prison issues in a bill that passed the state Legislature last year, which would reallocate current resources and funding within the Department of Corrections to foster individualized case plans and programming tailored to each prisoner. The idea is that the better prisoners respond to programming, the sooner they can be released. Under current policy, such programs are usually implemented toward the end of a sentence, but under the Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act they instead will be implemented from the beginning. Most Minnesota prison inmates would be eligible to participate in this programming. Those who are serving life sentences or given indeterminate sentences would not be eligible. What we want to do is incentivize people to take advantage of and participate and maximize their involvement in evidence-based programming contact, Schnell said. We know that cognitive behavioral intervention, how people think, how they see themselves, how they define themselves those types of things that we need to address, theres a variety of ways to do that. His examples of programming that would address behaviors and help to reintroduce incarcerated people back into society included cognitive group therapy, substance abuse treatment, vocational programs, connections with family and leadership opportunities for prisoners who showed particular growth. But for there to be programming, there needs to be the infrastructure for it. This includes not just the staffing issues, but the physical space itself. Stillwater is over a century old and Rush City, Schnell says, currently only has a portable classroom on its grounds for such programming. We address a crumbling facade or water but second is one of the biggest priority projects that we want to be looking at, or at least exploring, is programming space at Rush City and some other facilities, he said. Reinvesting resources A more tailored approach that would allow some prisoners to be released earlier based on response to treatment and programming, rather than the current one-size-fits-all approach, Schnell said, would allow for a more efficient use of resources by focusing on prisoners most in need of them. Savings from a more effective use of resources would then be redistributed in quarters, Schnell said: 25 percent would be invested into transitional services, such as temporary housing for those just released from prison, and another 25 percent would be invested in primary prevention and fighting root causes of crime such as poverty. Not all of these funds would go straight back into corrections: 25 percent would go back to the states general fund as a dividend to taxpayers, and a final 25 percent would be for victim services: healing for survivors of the crimes perpetrated by prisoners benefitting from corrections programs. The corrections bill was passed about a year ago and was supposed to begin implementation in August, but in a memo last year Schnell said full implementation could take until early 2025. Schnell said he has the power to release more prisoners now, which would reduce strain on the staff and system, but he was concerned that releasing prisoners without proper support sets them up for failure. If we had the kind of safety net and structure that could support that in the community, that would be a viable opportunity that does not exist today, Schnell said. Curry, who is currently released on intensive supervised release, now volunteers with the Ramsey County sheriffs office to rehabilitate former gang members. He said there needs to be more understanding from law enforcement and prison staff, as well as more staff members at all levels who have experienced incarceration. A lot of us are going to get out eventually, he said, noting that while he was in prison, he couldnt pay bills for his car or house, both of which he lost, leaving him homeless once he saw the outside. That was something that affected more than just him. We are still human beings, we still have families. As an answer to the philosophical question of What are prisons truly for? Schnell said that holding people responsible and punitive actions are only pieces of a bigger picture. And yet, we know that if all were going to be in the business of, if thats the essence of criminal justice response to wrongdoing, were going to fail our history here is to simply lock people up, and to try and hold them accountable and believe that putting two grown adults in effectively a bathroom together, and expecting that experience itself is going to keep them from engaging in future misconduct when they get out. Its just not. Related Articles The Republican representative who chairs the House Intelligence Committee said its absolutely true that Russian propaganda has influenced some of the GOPs own members of Congress. Appearing on CNNs State of the Union Sunday morning, Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) affirmed a fellow Republican colleagues statement that pro-Russia and anti-Ukraine messaging had penetrated the party base in Congress. That colleague, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Mike McCaul (R-TX), criticized conservative news outlets when he said, Russian propaganda has made its way into the United States, unfortunately, and its infected a good chunk of my partys base. Turner agreed. Oh, its absolutely true, the Ohio Republican told CNNs Jake Tapper. We see directly coming from Russia attempts to mask communications that are anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia messages, some of which we even hear being uttered on the House floor. .@RepMikeTurner tells me it's "absolutely true" that Russian propaganda has "infected" a portion of the GOP base, calling out "anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia messages, some of which we even hear being uttered on the House floor." pic.twitter.com/CXhHhpUHmR Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) April 7, 2024 I mean, there are members of Congress today who still incorrectly say that this conflict between Russia and Ukraine is over NATO, which of course it is not. Vladimir Putin having made it very clear, both publicly and to his own population, that his view is that this is a conflict of a much broader claim of Russia, to Eastern Europe, and including claiming all of Ukraine territory as Russias, he added. The effectiveness of the propaganda, Turner said, made it much harder to pass Ukraine aid and understand the conflict as necessary in the struggle between democracy and authoritarianism. House Republicans have opposed aid for months and have frequently blocked or stalled its passage through the House, and some GOP politicians have long held concerns about Russias influence on the party. Turner ended his Sunday remarks on Ukraine by calling on Republicans to step up in the Eastern European countrys hour of need. We need to stand up for democracy, he said. Ukraine needs our help and assistance now and this is a very critical time for the U.S. Congress to step up and provide that aid. Is Russias New U.S. Propaganda Star Wanted on Child Porn Charges in Rhode Island? 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. GOP Reps. Mike Turner and Mike McCaul say Russian propaganda is being repeated by Republicans GOP Rep. Mike Turner said Sunday that Russian propaganda has taken hold among some of his House Republican colleagues and is even "being uttered on the House floor." "We see directly coming from Russia ... communications that are anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia messages, some of which we even hear being uttered on the House floor," Turner, chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said in an interview on CNN's "State of the Union." "There are members of Congress today who still incorrectly say that this conflict between Russia and Ukraine is over NATO, which of course it is not," he added. Turner's office did not immediately respond to NBC News' request for clarification about which members of Congress he was referring to. His comments come on the heels of remarks House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul made this week about how Russian propaganda has taken root among the GOP. McCaul, a Texas Republican, told Puck News that he thinks "Russian propaganda has made its way into the United States, unfortunately, and its infected a good chunk of my partys base." Turner and McCaul each tied Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin, to other authoritarian leaders, including President Xi Jinping of China and Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea. "[The propaganda] makes it more difficult for us to really see this as an authoritarian versus democracy battle, which is what it is," Turner told CNN, adding, "President Xi of China, Vladimir Putin himself have identified as such." McCaul described explaining to colleagues that the threat of Russian propaganda is similar to threats made by other U.S. adversaries. "I have to explain to them whats at stake, why Ukraine is in our national security interest," he said. "By the way, you dont like Communist China? Well, guess what? Theyre aligned [with Russia], along with the ayatollah [of Iran]. So when you explain it that way, they kind of start understanding it." The committee chairs' remarks about Russian propaganda came as they spoke about the need for Congress to approve more military aid to Ukraine. "Ukraine needs our help and assistance now, and this is a very critical time for the U.S. Congress to step up and provide that aid," Turner told CNN. The House in recent months has stalled on efforts to pass Ukraine aid, with Speaker Mike Johnson refusing to put an aid package the Senate passed in February that would provide resources to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan on the House floor. Last week, Rep. Don Bacon said on NBC News' "Meet the Press" that he had commitments from Johnson and McCaul that they would allow a bipartisan Ukraine military aid package to advance to a vote. Rep. French Hill echoed this point on CBS' "Face the Nation" Sunday morning, saying he believes Johnson will bring Ukraine aid to the floor "immediately after completing the work on [the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act] and FISA's extension that deadline of April 19 makes it a priority for the first few days we're back." "I believe he's fully committed to bringing it up to the floor immediately thereafter," Hill added. But Bacon, R-Neb., also warned that Johnson could face a vote to oust him from the speakership if he moves forward with Ukraine aid. On Sunday, Turner downplayed the notion that Johnson's position was at risk over Ukraine aid. "I don't think he's at any risk," Turner said. "I think that what people have been referring to as the 'chaos caucus,' those individuals who are seeking attention for themselves and trying to stop all of the important work in Congress, are now seen as merely disruptive." Democrats have signaled that they could join several Republicans in helping to save Johnson's speakership if a motion to vacate, such as the one filed by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene just before the House left for a two-week Easter recess, were brought to a vote. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai (Photo: VOV) Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai sheds light on the significance of the coming visit to China by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue. Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue is scheduled to pay an official visit to China from April 7 to 12 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Zhao Leji. Developing relations with China is Vietnams top priority and strategic choice in its foreign policy, while China also considers Vietnam a priority in its neighbouring diplomacy, said Mai in an interview granted to the media ahead of Hues visit. According to the diplomat, Hues visit is to concritise six major cooperation orientations, with a view to promoting political trust and consolidating firm social foundation, helping to elevate the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Vietnam and China, in the interest of the two peoples and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world at large. The visit will also help to deepen and improve the effectiveness of cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries. In his opinions, both Vietnam and China are neighbouring countries that share many similarities in terms of culture, political regime, and development path. Bilateral relations have in recent times developed positively and reaped important gains in all areas, through regular visit exchanges, including the China visit in October 2022 by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and the Vietnam visit in December 2023 by Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping. Economic, trade and investment cooperation is a bright spot in bilateral relations. China is Vietnams largest trading partner and second largest export market, while Vietnam is Chinas largest trading partner in ASEAN and fifth largest partner in the world, after the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Russia. Two-way trade turnover between the two countries last year hit US$171.9 billion (Vietnam statistics) and US$229.8 billion (China statistics). The first two months of 2024 saw two-way trade rise 28% to US$27.3 billion, of which Vietnamese exports inched up 7.6% to US$8 billion and its imports climbed 38.8% to US$19.3 billion. Last year, China invested US$4.47 billion in Vietnam, up 77.5% year on year, ranking fourth among foreign investors in terms of capital value and first in terms of project number in the Southeast Asian country. In the first quarter of 2024, China also took the lead in terms of the number of investment projects, making up 27.8% of the total. The two sides are positively working closely to address pending issues, including obstacles, for previous economic cooperation projects. Bilateral cooperation in culture, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges also reaps fruitful results, contributing to consolidating social foundation in the two countries. To date, nearly 60 Vietnamese localities have established friendly cooperative ties with Chinese localities. China has already resumed commercial flights to Vietnam, with more than 200 flights flying back and forth between the two countries every week. China has also resumed granting visas to students and workers of Vietnam. Tourism is one of the industries that receives great attention from the two countries. Vietnam welcomed more than 1.7 million Chinese arrivals last year, and nearly 890,000 arrivals in the first quarter of 2024, up 634.5% year on year. The two sides have recorded important gains in building the Vietnam - China land border of peace, friendship and cooperation, contributing to the socio-economic development of border localities. They have also strived to maintain exchanges and control disagreements at sea, in accordance with the provisions of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The two sides have actively deployed negotiation mechanisms on maritime issues, and promoted full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), while striving to build a substantive, effective and efficient Code of Conduct (COC), contributing to ensuring peace and stability in the East Sea and the region. Ambassador Mai expected that through Hues coming visit, the relations between the two Parties, states and legislative bodies will develop more practically, positively and substantively, helping to concretise the new connotation of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The two sides will increase the sharing of experience in legislation and monitoring the deployment of the signed agreements between the two governments. They will increase close coordination and mutual support at regional and global inter-parliamentary forums, and at the same time support each other in guaranteeing the deployment of international treaties to which both countries are signatories, for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world./. Gov. Moore says Bidens timeline is realistic to get Port of Baltimore operational by end of May Correction: This article was updated to clarify the timeline as it applies to the opening of the Port of Baltimore. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said Sunday that President Bidens timeline is realistic of having the Port of Baltimore, which was compromised by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, fully functioning again by the end of May. However, in an interview on CBS Newss Face the Nation, he added that it would require work around the clock. Its realistic, Moore said, when asked about Bidens recent commitment to the speedy end-of-May timeline. And I think that its going to take some time. Its going to be a 24/7 operation to have full functioning. And that means being able to not just continue the maritime operations that we have. Moore pledged to do everything he can to support workers affected by the bridges collapse and to meet the aggressive timeline. We are going to do everything in our power to make sure were bringing closure and comfort to these families, to be able to reopen this channel, to be able to support our workers and support families who have been impacted by it, and also begin the process of the rebuild of the bridge, he said. It is an aggressive timeline, but we are going to work around the clock to make sure that we hit this timeline. Biden on Friday visited the damage from the collapse of the bridge and pledged to move heaven and Earth to rebuild the structure. Im here to say, your nation has your back. And I mean it. Your nation has your back, Biden said, speaking with the wreckage of the collapsed bridge in the backdrop. The damage is devastating, and our hearts are still breaking. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, on Interstate 695, collapsed into the water after it was hit in late March by the cargo ship Dali, which was headed to Sri Lanka. Six people died in the collapse. The president said his administrations priority was to reopen the Baltimore Port, which is typically among the most active in the country and is key to commerce across the East Coast. He said officials expect the full channel to be reopened by the end of May. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Editor's note: This item has been updated to include additional information. Multiple Russian strikes on the residential area in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, injured five people on April 7, the regional prosecutor's office reported. The Russian attack struck an industrial zone and a central park in the city. Kharkiv, roughly 40 kilometers (24 miles) south of the Russian border, faces near-daily attacks, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. The proximity to the border often prevents air defense systems from detecting launches of Russian missiles toward Kharkiv on time, with some missiles hitting Kharkiv at least 40 seconds after the launch. As a result of the strikes, at least 13 multi-story buildings and private houses, educational institutions, cafes, dormitories, a hotel, and cars were damaged, the prosecutors said. According to preliminary data, the Russian forces used two guided bombs against the city. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on April 1 that more than $10 billion is needed to rebuild everything that Russian forces have damaged or destroyed in the city. The day before, President Volodymyr Zelensky called on international partners to provide Ukraine with modern air defense systems to defend against Russian attacks. I can say that, to cover Ukraine completely in the future, it is preferable to have 25 Patriot systems, with six to eight batteries each, Zelensky said. Overnight, Kharkiv Oblast was targeted by Russian drones. On April 6, Russian forces launched a so-called double-tap attack on Kharkiv, luring emergency workers after the initial attack and then launching another one just as the rescue operation began. More than 20,000 buildings have been destroyed in Kharkiv since Feb. 24, 2022, according to Ukrainian officials. Read also: Russias new guided bombs pose increasingly serious threat to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Grandmother was likely killed by fellow Israelis firing on Hamas militants abducting her on October 7, says report Efrat Katz was likely killed when a helicopter opened fire on the car abducting her. The car held several Hamas fighters. The Israeli airforce chief said he "did not find fault in the operation by the helicopter crew." Efrat Katz, an Israeli grandmother, was likely killed by the IDF when Hamas militants infiltrated her kibbutz on October 7, the Israeli media reports. Hamas gunmen attempted to abduct Israeli hostages, including 68-year-old Katz, alongside other Israeli hostages from the Kibbutz Nir Oz. An Israeli Air Force (IAF) helicopter gunship opened fire on a car as battles were waged in southern Israel. The car held several Hamas fighters, but a probe found that it also contained Israeli hostages. "As a result of the shooting, most of the terrorists in the vehicle were killed, and apparently the late Efrat Katz," the IDF said, per the Times of Israel. The chief of the IAF, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, said that he "did not find fault in the operation by the helicopter crew, who operated in compliance with the orders in a complex reality of war." Incidents of friendly fire on October 7 The remains of a family home, following a deadly infiltration by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip, in Kibbutz Beeri in southern Israel October 17, 2023. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun On October 7, 2023, exactly six months ago today, Hamas militants infiltrated the Gaza border and launched a coordinated terrorist attack on Israeli communities. A previous police investigation indicated that the IDF had mistakenly shot Nova festival attendees on October 7, Haaretz reported in November. Hamas militants targeted the psychedelic trance festival near Kibbutz Re'im after they penetrated the border. They killed 364 attendees and abducted 40. A source told Haaretz that an IDF combat helicopter had accidentally hit festivalgoers while firing at Hamas militants. Israeli police pushed back against the Haaretz report, saying that the "actions of the IDF were beyond the remit of the investigation the source was speaking about," per the Times of Israel. Another incident of friendly fire is being investigated in Kibbutz Be'eri in which a house was shelled by a tank, killing 12 Israeli hostages held by Hamas gunmen. The October 7 incursions into Israel resulted in around 1,200 casualties, the worst loss of life in a single day since Israel's founding in 1948, per Reuters. More than 240 people were abducted and taken captive. Since the Hamas-led attack, Israel's retaliatory war campaign on Gaza has incurred a death toll of over 30,000 Palestinians, the UNRWA reports. UN chief Antonio Guterres said he was "appalled by the tragic human toll of the conflict in Gaza" and has called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire and unconditional release of all the hostages. Business Insider contacted the Israeli Ministry of Defense for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider Each April during Community College Month, we shed light on the immense contributions of community colleges. The essence of community colleges is not only in imparting knowledge but also in nurturing entire communities, embracing diversity and igniting the flames of possibility in every student they touch. They embody accessibility, affordability and inclusivity, and bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement for countless individuals. Community colleges embody the spirit of inclusivity, opening doors and welcoming learners from all walks of life, and serve as the cornerstone of educational empowerment for diverse communities. They offer support services unique in higher education such as food and parenting resources. They are places where single parents can pursue their dreams of a better future for themselves and their families, veterans can transition seamlessly into civilian life, people can take courses to upskill or reskill, and where first-generation students can defy the odds and soar to new heights. They are places where barriers dissolve and where a sense of belonging and hope flourishes. They provide a nurturing environment where students can embark on their educational journey, regardless of their starting point, and realize a future with limitless possibilities. Moreover, community colleges serve as engines of economic mobility, offering specialized workforce training programs tailored to the needs of area industries. By equipping students with practical skills, certifications or direct pathways to further their education, these institutions empower individuals to secure gainful employment and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Quinsigamond Community College is a prime example of the power and impact of a community college. Our alumni span the gamut from legislators, entrepreneurs, scientists, doctors, nurses, police officers, firefighters, first responders and educators to hospitality workers, manufacturers, retailers and caregivers who help our region thrive. However, despite their immense contributions, community colleges often face systemic barriers that hinder their ability to fulfill their potential. Financial constraints can pose significant obstacles for students, deterring many from pursuing higher education altogether. In previous columns, Ive referenced certain programs that help with the financial burdens of higher education such as: MassReconnect, a state program that offers free associate degrees and certificates to Massachusetts residents 25 and older who have earned a high school diploma or equivalent but who have not completed a postsecondary degree. The MassGrant Plus Extension program, which provides additional financial assistance to students under 25 who do not already have a degree and who meet certain requirements that include Massachusetts residency. A community college nursing scholarship to fund free community college for students who do not already have a college degree and who are pursuing certain nursing and pre-nursing programs. The states tuition equity law is also now making higher education accessible for undocumented students who attend high school in the commonwealth, enabling them to have access to in-state tuition and state financial aid when they graduate. And speaking of financial aid, the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid now makes federal student aid accessible to more students. While this is all great news, there are still those who cannot afford college and whose dreams of a higher education remain out of reach. This is where the concept of free community college comes into play. By investing in the infinite potential of everyone in our communities through free community college, we can empower individuals to write their own stories of success, to lift themselves and their loved ones to new heights of prosperity and fulfillment, while creating a better economic future for our region. Currently there are deep discussions in the Legislature regarding the potential for free community college in Massachusetts. This initiative, if passed, will help even more students have access to higher education especially those who might see college as unaffordable and unreachable for them. Research indicates that similar initiatives in other states not only increase enrollment in community colleges but also transfer into four-year institutions and strengthen the workforce by providing more trained, skilled workers. Investing in community college students through these initiatives is an investment in the future of the commonwealth. Of course, by increasing access we also need to increase the resources of our community colleges to strengthen our support for students and the faculty and staff who will serve them. In closing, let us reaffirm our commitment to the heart of education the community colleges that serve as beacons of hope for a brighter future. One where every voice is heard, every dream is honored and every life is valued. Luis G. Pedraja is president of Quinsigamond Community College. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Luis Pedraja Quinsigamond Community College on giving to community Hancock & Kelley: U.S. Justice Dept. takes note of STL crime, Israel admits fault in aid worker bombing ST. LOUIS It was another Sunday morning of sometimes heated but always civil political debate on Hancock and Kelley for Sunday, April 6, 2024. Republican consultant John Hancock and Democratic consultant Michael Kelley discuss the following topics: We begin with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland taking note of violent crime in St. Louis and pledging to do something about it. The rise of the write-in candidates and the fall of right-wing school board candidates in Tuesdays local elections. Were keeping up with former President Donald Trumps courtroom battles and a big endorsement in a key Missouri congressional race. Democrats go all-in on the abortion issue for the November elections. Can it turn red states like Missouri and Florida blue? Israel admits fault for a bombing that killed World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza, as a rift between President Joe Biden and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gets wider. Is independent presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. fanning the flames of the January 6 Capitol riot? Its our quote of the week. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) Following a review, a Hays County grand jury concluded the Hays County Sheriffs deputies involved in a Jan. 5 shooting incident were justified under Texas law. According to the county, the Texas Rangers investigated the shooting with the assistance of detectives from the Hays County Sheriffs Office. The Hays County Criminal District Attorneys Office presented the results of the investigation to the Grand Jury. After hearing the evidence, the Grand Jury determined that the conduct of the officers was justified under the law and voted not to indict, Higgins said. This matter is now closed. PAST COVERAGE: 1 person dead after Buda shooting involving Hays County deputies On Jan. 5, HCSO deputies responded to reports of a man, later identified as 35-year-old Kenny Lee Estrada, armed with two knives trying to break into a house on Hunter Creek Cove. At the scene, deputies found Estrada armed with two knives and gave him several commands to drop them. HCSO said he did not comply and continued to approach the deputies, so he was shot. Two deputies were involved in the shooting, and Estrada died at the scene. No officers were injured during the incident, according to HCSO. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Have you heard about 'Baby Olivia'? It's how Republicans are lying to kids about abortion. Who is "Baby Olivia," and why is she giving students inaccurate information? That's what I had to find out Meet Baby Olivia, a three-minute video produced by the anti-abortion group Live Action, is the foundation of the latest bill that some states are considering to further dissuade people from having the procedure. The bills would have students watch the video in health class. In Tennessee, the legislation is a Senate vote away from landing on the governors desk. In Missouri, the bill would require the video be shown by the time students reach third grade. It is also being considered in Iowa and Kentucky. Instead of getting information based in science, the "Baby Olivia" videos purpose is to dissuade viewers from choosing an option that is already heavily stigmatized. That will only hurt students. What is the 'Baby Olivia' video? Meet Baby Olivia features an animated video of fetal development inside a uterus during pregnancy while a womans voice details whats happening on screen. Medical experts say the videos timeline is about two weeks earlier than what doctors agree on. Its also inaccurate in the way it depicts the range of movement for a fetus, showing Olivia moving much more than the average fetus would during the early stages of development. Meet Baby Olivia, a three-minute video produced by the anti-abortion group Live Action, is the foundation of the latest bill that some states are considering to further dissuade people from having the procedure. The bills would have students watch the video in health class. Medical experts say the videos timeline is about two weeks earlier than what doctors agree on. Its also inaccurate in the way it depicts the range of movement for a fetus, showing Olivia moving much more than the average fetus would during the early stages of development. These concerns havent stopped legislators from considering it. Proposed legislation about the video depicting pregnancy inaccurately has been filed in six state legislatures. North Dakota was the first state to pass a Baby Olivia" bill last year. West Virginias version failed to advance before the end of the legislative session. In five of these six states Kentucky, Missouri, North Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia abortion is banned with with very limited exceptions. Iowa has a 22-week ban, with a six-week ban tied up in the states Supreme Court. "Whats the worst that can happen?" Iowa Rep. Luana Stoltenberg told The Associated Press. "Maybe a young child learns how they are developed and grow and so if they become pregnant, they decide maybe I dont want an abortion? Is that a horrible thing?" Abortion pill discussion: Dobbs was just the beginning. Supreme Court abortion pill case reminds us GOP isn't done. The worst that can happen, which Republicans don't want to acknowledge, is that we would be giving kids inaccurate information to further limit how much control they have over their own bodies while also limiting their access to birth control information. States would rather scare kids than offer actual sex education Why not focus on sex education instead? Sex education in the United States is lackluster to begin with. Only 39 states and Washington, D.C., require sex ed and/or HIV to be taught in schools, and fewer than half of them require it to be medically accurate. Thirty-seven states require abstinence to be part of the curriculum. You can see the effects of this in our teenage pregnancy rate, which is higher than many other developed nations. Why are we upset? US plummeted in world happiness ranking because of young people like me. I'll tell you why. Meet Baby Olivia is just another hindrance to getting teenagers the comprehensive sexual health information they need and it is something they need. States that do have comprehensive sex education programs have a lower rate of teen pregnancy. One study found that when comprehensive sex education is federally funded, the teen pregnancy birth rate falls by 3%. 'Baby Olivia' shows how much misinformation there is about pregnancy and abortion Videos and literature dissuading patients from terminating a pregnancy are already part of many states standard abortion procedures. The Guttmacher Institute found that 33 states require counseling before undergoing an abortion. While not all of the information relayed is biased toward the pro-life movement, some of these states already give out inaccurate information. Five states require patients to be told that life begins at conception. Eight states require inaccurate information about when a medication abortion can be stopped. Five states include inaccurate information about the risk of breast cancer after having an abortion. 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. Theres also the risk of ending up at "crisis pregnancy centers," which can be unlicensed facilities that provide disinformation on pregnancy and abortion. Every state has some version of these care centers, which often dont have any licensed physicians on site. Baby Olivia Act is just another attack on abortion The Baby Olivia Act is just another attack on abortion access meant to further stigmatize the procedure and the patients who choose it while doing nothing to help spread useful information or actually help families. It might feel like just another piece of disinformation, but the video is designed in a way to make teenagers feel guilty for something they should not feel guilty about. A woman votes at the polls in Florida. Florida's Supreme Court made a ruling that allows a six-week abortion ban to go into effect, but voters get to weigh in on the issue on the ballot. For the people living in these states, one option is to vote with this bill in mind come November. Missouri is considering several ballot measures on abortion. Kentucky voters already made it clear in 2022 that they do not want an abortion ban in their constitution, even though the states complete ban is still in effect. While these other states wont have a vote directly on abortion rights, its still possible to hold legislators accountable by voting them out. Follow USA TODAY elections columnist Sara Pequeno on X, formerly Twitter, @sara__pequeno and Facebook facebook.com/PequenoWrites 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: What is the Baby Olivia video? Another Republican lie about abortion At its April 4 meeting, Hendersonville City Council unanimously approved rezoning for a parcel of land on the corner of Chadwick Avenue and Greenville Highway for developers to build an affordable housing complex for seniors called The Lofts at Chadwick. The red marker shows the site where an affordable senior housing complex will be built on the corner of Chadwick Avenue and Greenville Highway in Hendersonville. The vote came after the Planning Board's March meeting where members voted 4-2 to recommend City Council to deny the project. The three-story complex at 904 Greenville Highway will consist of 60 units in an L-shaped multi-family structure with a proposed footprint of 24,500 square feet and a gross floor area of 73,500 square feet on 2.25 acres. The current property owner is Brett Barry of Gordon Dooley Holdings LLC. The applicant, Stephen Drake of BroadCraft Construction & Development in Mills River, proposed 70 parking spaces in the latest site plan. "We voted to support a senior affordable housing project across the street from the YMCA. Every time I drive past that development, I'm actually happy that we supported something like that for this community," council member Jennifer Hensley said. "The waitlist for senior housing is insane." Lynne Williams, who lives off Chadwick Avenue, spoke during public comment and told council members they had the opportunity to vote no on the project and should consider more of the residents' feedback. "The Tree Board previously deemed this property to be incompatible with this type of development. Your Planning Board twice denied this type of density on this particular spot," she said. Mayor Pro Team Lyndsey Simpson pointed out that there was only a limited number of properties left in the city that would qualify for low-income tax credit. "If we were to deny a project like this, then it's possible there will be a 70-unit project that doesn't have any right of way and is going to cause more issues and create more of an impact on all the things you all have mentioned," she said. Next steps The Lofts at Chadwick still must receive funding allocation from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, Drake said. "But it is our belief that the project as presented has a very good chance of being funded. We will know the outcome in mid to late August of this year," Drake told the Times-News on April 5. "If awarded, we will start final plan development and engage additionally needed due diligence immediately with the hopes of closing and starting construction about February 2025." Drake said The Lofts at Chadwick will be a diverse community providing housing for those making at or less than 30%, 50%, 60%, and 80% of Henderson County's average median income. "The apartment homes will be well appointed and have their own kitchens and patios or balconies. The building and grounds will be ADA compliant throughout," he said. Drake said the developers wanted to thank the Community Development Planning Staff. "They were very helpful in guiding us with a project design plan that fit our developments specific site constraints. This is not at all any easy task. They were very detailed and cooperative during the entire process," he said. Dean Hensley is the news editor for the Hendersonville Times-News. Email him with tips, questions and comments at DHensley@gannett.com. Please help support this kind of local journalism with a subscription to the Hendersonville Times-News. This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Greenville Highway senior housing project approved by City Council Chongqing subway line caters to farmers selling vegetables downtown People's Daily Online) 09:16, April 07, 2024 A subway line in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality has dedicated carriages for farmers to transport baskets of vegetables from rural areas to sell downtown. Staff members help farmers carrying baskets of vegetables enter Shichuan Station on Chongqing Rail Transit Line 4. (People's Daily Online/Liu Yi) As early as 6:20 a.m., the platform of Shichuan Station was already crowded with farmers carrying baskets of fresh produce. Shichuan township is located over 40 kilometers away from downtown Chongqing. These farmers arrive before dawn to catch the first subway train, which transports them and their vegetables to various markets in the city center. The entrance gates opened five minutes earlier than scheduled to accommodate elderly farmers. Station staff assisted them in entering the station and navigating their way. Farmers carrying baskets of vegetables board the first subway train at Shichuan Station on Chongqing Rail Transit Line 4 in Chongqing, southwest China. (People's Daily Online/Liu Yi) Once on board the train, the farmers placed their baskets in the middle of the carriage and found nearby seats. During the journey, they engaged in conversations or took naps. "These vegetables are grown by myself, and thanks to this subway line, it has become much more convenient for us to sell our produce," said Ye Shanju, who was carrying over 15 kilograms of vegetables. Ye was heading to a market in Jiangbei district that day. Vegetable grower Ye Shanju chats with a farmer on a subway train on Chongqing Rail Transit Line 4 in Chongqing, southwest China. (People's Daily Online/Liu Yi) "In the past, I would only sell my vegetables in nearby towns. Now, I can sell them downtown where prices are higher, and they sell faster," Ye explained. Farmers with vegetable-filled baskets sit in a subway carriage on Chongqing Rail Transit Line 4 in Chongqing, southwest China. (People's Daily Online/Liu Yi) At Sanbanxi Station, a woman surnamed Shi boarded the subway train. She takes this train every day at 6:49 a.m. to commute to work. Seeing the carriage filled with baskets, Shi wasn't surprised. "I see these farmers almost every day, and it feels very familiar and touching," Shi said. Despite the carriage's slightly messy appearance, she understood the farmers' hardships and didn't mind. "Many elderly people in rural areas are used to leading busy lives and find it difficult to sit idle at home. For them, engaging in activities like growing vegetables and taking the subway to sell them at a good price can provide an opportunity to earn some extra money," said a man surnamed Deng, who boarded the same train at Yuzui Station. Previously, some netizens had suggested banning passengers from carrying large items, such as vegetable baskets, during peak hours. In response, the local rail transit authorities emphasized their people-oriented service philosophy and commitment to serving the public. They stated that as long as passengers' behavior and items comply with regulations, there will be no interference. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Vietnamese Foreign Ministrys Spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang. (Photo: VNA) So said Vietnamese Foreign Ministrys Spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang on April 6 while answering journalists question on Vietnams reaction to the attack. Vietnam calls on the sides concerned to practice restraint, refrain from the use of violence, settle differences by peaceful measures, avoid escalating tension in the region, and abide by international law, including the Vienna Convention 1961 on ensuring the life, security, and safety for the people, members of the representative offices and their families, the official stressed./. Former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan passed on a bid for a Maryland Senate seat last cycle, insisting he had no ambitions to serve in higher office. And even up until early this year, Hogan was still signaling he wasnt interested. But after years of entreaties from Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell and other top Republicans and even a direct sales pitch from former President George W. Bush Hogan finally relented in February, jumping into the Senate race at the very last minute and widening the GOPs path to the majority this fall. I still dont have any burning desire to be a senator. I wasnt looking for a title. I dont need a job. But Im just so frustrated with how broken our political system is, Hogan said in an interview with CNN during a campaign stop at a food market in Baltimore last week. George Bush was a pretty good salesperson trying to convince me that the party and the country needed me, and I would have had an important voice that I can make a difference. The surprise entrance of Hogan, a popular former governor and prized recruit for Republican leaders, has shaken up race to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin this November, when control for the Senate is up for grabs. The longtime safe blue seat, in a state President Joe Biden carried by over 30 points in 2020, is now suddenly competitive, complicating the calculus for Democrats as they look to defend around half a dozen more vulnerable seats in order to retain their slim Senate majority. Meanwhile, Democrats remain divided over who to select as their nominee in the May 14 primary. Its become an increasingly contentious two-way contest between Rep. David Trone, a three-term congressman and founder of the beverage retailer Total Wine & More, and Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, a former state attorney for the county. With the contours of the race are still taking shape, Democrats are already signaling they plan to nationalize the race and tie Hogan to the most extreme elements of his party, even as Hogan tries to run as an independent-minded candidate and keep his distance from former President Donald Trump. Hes going to vote and caucus with Republicans. So lets get that idea that hes some sort of, you know, bipartisan individual thats just not true, Trone told CNN during an interview at his campaign headquarters. Hes Mitch McConnells prized recruit. Hogan told CNN he will not vote for either Trump or Biden. But he still views himself as the underdog and acknowledges hes facing a difficult path to victory. And being a well-liked governor doesnt always translate into a successful bid for the Senate. Its a very hard thing to do, Hogan said. This is even harder because its in a presidential year; Donald Trump is on top of the ticket. He lost by 33 points, so Ive got to overcome that challenge. Still, the race is poised to be far more competitive - and expensive than Democrats had initially anticipated. Democratic sources said the party is watching the contest closely, but cautioned its too early to say whether the campaign arm will divert precious resources to the state. And senior Republicans view Maryland as an important race on their expanding battleground map. The national party, from Leader (Chuck) Schumer on down, everybodys taking this very, very serious, Trone told CNN.They understand who Larry Hogan is but governor is a whole nother race than going to Washington. The race has already become one of the most expensive in the country, largely fueled by Trones personal wealth. As of the end of last year, which is the most recently available data, Trone had plowed $23 million of his own money into the primary. Overall, his campaign has spent nearly $30 million on advertising, while Alsobrooks has spent $1 million and Hogan has spent only about $26,000 so far. Trone, whose platform includes advocating for getting money out of politics, argued its a huge asset that he doesnt have to rely on corporations for cash, and signaled theres no limit to how much he will invest: Were going to spend what it takes, Trone said. Trones ability to self-fund could make him more competitive against Hogan and therefore, a more attractive candidate in the eyes of Democratic leadership, which is not picking sides in the primary. But his opponents have criticized the congressmans eagerness to pour his personal fortune into the race. It goes against what we expect in terms of democracy. Its gross, Alsobrooks told CNN during a phone banking event at the University of Maryland. And what I know is that money cant buy Maryland. Democratic candidates compete for congressional endorsements As Trone and Alsobrooks fight for the nomination, theyve also been battling over congressional endorsements. Trone who has touted his business background and bipartisan record, even as he paints himself as the most progressive candidate in the race has secured high-profile endorsements from House Democratic leadership, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Were absolutely the front runner, Trone said. I think were gonna be able to bring it home, and then after that, take Larry Hogan down. Alsobrooks disputed the idea Trone is the favorite, calling their match-up a neck and neck race. I think the people will decide who the front runner is in the race, she said. Alsobrooks has backing from all but two members of the Maryland House delegation besides Trone, as well as Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen. And five members of the Congressional Black Caucus announced they were endorsing Alsobrooks not long after Trone accidently used a racial slur during a recent congressional hearing. The people who have endorsed me have done so because they know both of us, she said. And they have decided that I have the best experience and the best track record to deliver for Marylanders. Trone said he intended to use the word bugaboo but accidentally mispronounced the term, resulting in one that was offensive. We apologized immediately, once we went back and realized we had said that, Trone said. Alsobrooks, who has focused on turning out grassroots support, is one of just two Black women running to serve in the US Senate. She has positioned herself as a champion for change, arguing she is a more inspirational candidate than Trone and noting the Maryland delegation currently has no women. Some Democrats have privately expressed frustration that not more is being done to pave the way for her candidacy. Its important to America to have people of every gender and every race and every background, Alsobrooks said. Hogan goes hyper-local, but faces questions on abortion and Trump As Democrats duke it out, Hogan is trying to run a hyper-local campaign, launching a 10-day bus tour across the state and touting his willingness to work across the aisle. Were gonna be in every corner of the state. Its really how Ive won connecting with real voters who dont think like people inside the beltway, Hogan said. Theyre just concerned about somebody telling it to them straight and going down there to represent their interests, and I think they like the fact that Im nonpartisan. But with abortion rights on the ballot in Maryland this fall, hes facing questions from voters about his record as governor, which includes vetoing a bill a move that was ultimately overridden by the Democratic legislature to expand access to abortion in the state by lifting a restriction that only physicians can perform the procedure. One Maryland resident, who said she was undecided and described herself an independent, approached Hogan during his campaign stop in Baltimore and asked Hogan about his views on abortion. Afterwards, she told CNN Hogan gave her a generic answer. Hogan maintains he would not support a federal abortion ban, but dodged a question about whether he would vote to codify Roe v. Wade. Im not going to talk about speculation over specific wording of a specific bill, but well talk about that during the election, Hogan told CNN. Trone criticized Hogan for not answering directly. You think on an issue like that, you might know what youre going to do, he said And while Hogan is running as an anti-Trump Republican, its still an open question of whether he can successfully keep Trump at an arms length or whether there would even be room for someone like Hogan in todays Senate GOP. We had a former governor who voted for a person whos deceased, rather than do the right thing and cast his vote for Biden, Alsobrooks said, referring to Hogan writing in Ronald Reagans name in the 2020 presidential election. So why would we expect that he would operate in a bipartisan fashion? Well, he didnt in the most important moment of all, which was to make sure that Donald Trump was not reelected. CNNs Kristin Wilson, Sheden Tesfaldet, David Wright and Haley Talbot contributed. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Investigators at the burial site of Shafelia Ahmed, 17. Shafelia went missing from her home in Sept 2003. Her body was found in a shallow grave on the banks of the River Kent. She had confided in school friends that she was terrified of being forced into an arranged marriage - Ashley Cooper/The Image Bank RF The number of honour based crimes being committed is increasing, lawyers have warned, with backlogs in the family court system partly to blame. Figures show the number of such offences recorded by police rose by more than 60 per cent in two years. Honour-based abuse is defined as any crime or incident committed to protect or defend the honour of a family or community. People who carry out honour-based abuse are often close family members but are also regularly extended family or members of the wider community. Data from 26 out of 39 constabularies approached showed that there were 2,594 cases of honour-based abuse which includes forced marriage, rape, death threats and assault in 2022, compared with 1,599 in 2020. Imran Khodabocus, a director at the Family Law Company, which sourced the figures, told the Guardian the data reflected his experience that honour based offences were not just rising, but getting more severe. The Metropolitan Police, West Midlands and Greater Manchester forces recorded the highest rates of honour-based abuse in 2021 and 2022. Met recorded 310 forced marriages Across the two years, the Met recorded 1,213 cases, including 514 cases of violence. There were two attempted murders, 32 rapes, 310 cases of forced marriage and 49 cases of female genital mutilation. Greater Manchester Polices tally of 729 cases included 42 of rape, 65 assaults causing actual bodily harm, 56 forced marriage offences, 104 of assault and battery and 153 instances of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship. West Midlands recorded 729 cases, including 115 of coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, 27 of rape, 19 forced marriages and 90 threats to kill. Mr Khodabocus said that delays in the family courts were exacerbating the problem. There is not the same drive to clear chronic backlogs in these courts as we have seen recently in the criminal courts, he said. This means many cases I act in are taking at least nine to 12 months to be resolved, leaving families and particularly children in a vulnerable position. For many of the cases I act in, a lack of court interpreters is also creating significant delays to cases. Mr Khodabocus also expressed surprise that he was seeing more forced marriage cases, given that just over a year ago the legal age of marriage increased in the UK from 16 to 18 in an attempt to address the problem. 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. Rob Simonson lives minutes from a dozen Twin Cities emergency rooms that could provide the real-life experiences he needs to graduate from Anoka Technical College as a licensed paramedic, but few hospitals are opening their doors to him or his classmates. Instead, the 27-year-old recently missed work and drove an hour north to Welia Health in Mora to observe overnight shifts at the rural hospital. He is lucky. Four classmates need 16 ER shifts to graduate this spring, but local hospitals have offered only six. "How the heck are we going to get all that done?" he said. "The math isn't mathing." Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Twin Cities hospitals have cut training opportunities for paramedic students, delaying their education because they can't graduate without observing medical situations such as childbirths, strokes, drug overdoses and asthma attacks. Hospital leaders said they have lost the manpower to supervise these students on a voluntary basis, but college instructors countered that they are contributing to Minnesota's worsening shortage of ambulance crews. "It seems like paramedic students have been pushed to the side," said Benjamin Feldkamp, an emergency medical services instructor at Inver Hills Community College. "Places that were open to us no longer wanted to make room for us." Paramedics are a step beyond emergency medical technicians (EMTs), capable of intubating patients who are struggling to breathe, administering emergency medications and interpreting heart monitors at emergency scenes. To reach that level, students must take courses at accredited programs such as Anoka and Inver Hills, and gain first-hand exposure to a checklist of pediatric, adult and geriatric medical emergencies. Some requirements are almost impossible to meet without access to hospitals, because students can't count on observing certain medical events just by tagging along on ambulances, Feldkamp said. "Some medics spend an entire career without seeing a live childbirth." Hospitals helped paramedic students in the past, even though they weren't paid for it and were busy training their own nurses and caregivers and making sure they were ready to treat patients. Turnover and staffing shortages increased during the pandemic, though, leaving hospitals with more new workers to train in and fewer veteran workers to do the training. "In the past, the hospital systems have been good players," said Jeff Morgan, associate director of Anoka's paramedic program. But he said he hasn't been able to send any students since the pandemic into the trauma centers at North Memorial in Robbinsdale or Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Students also must observe pediatric care, making the lack of hours at Children's Minnesota problematic, he added. Morgan said he asked Allina Health for 10 students to receive 800 hours of training in the ER at United Hospital in St. Paul this summer. The request would have attached a student to a nurse for 1% of the ER's shifts, but Allina declined. Hours at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis and Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids have been scarce as well. Observation of real-life emergency medicine is vital for new first responders, said Jeff Czyson, workforce director for Allina's EMS department. National training standards loosened during the pandemic, allowing medics to graduate after observing simulated situations such as childbirths rather than real ones, and the difference in their readiness was noticeable, he said. "There's a little more urgency when it's something real," he said. Allina responded last year by adding two weeks of pre-training so that its newly hired EMTs could acclimate to the stress of emergency scenes if they hadn't faced it already. New paramedics don't receive that additional exposure because most already worked as EMTs, but Czyson said they still benefit from real-life training opportunities during college. He hoped Allina and others would be able to let more paramedic students back into their hospitals soon. Allina is confronting its own shortage of ambulance crews by offering stipends to EMTs so they can afford to work part-time while pursuing paramedic education. "All of us are short," he said. "Ask any ambulance service." North Memorial in a statement said it remains "committed to supporting as many students as possible," but that staffing shortages have limited the paramedic students from 21 training programs that it rotates through its ER and operating rooms. Burnout is causing paramedics to quit in their prime. More than half who allowed their certifications to expire last year were younger than 40, according to Minnesota's EMS licensing agency. Only 2,857 first-responders at all levels were newly certified last year, compared to 4,213 who let their state certifications lapse. Lawmakers responded last year with $3 million to fund $5,000 scholarships for up to 600 paramedic students. That could increase enrollment at local colleges, starting this fall, but instructors said they won't be able to turn students out into the profession any faster unless hospitals increase their training opportunities. Simonson was selling furniture when he sought a change and trained to become an EMT in 2022. The loosened standards during the pandemic made it easy, but he quickly realized he wanted to become a paramedic. Being an EMT "drives you insane," he said, on occasions when you know what patients need but don't have the licensed authority to provide it. Simonson said he has been in enough metro emergency rooms to believe they could take more paramedic students. Many like him are EMTs, he said, and could help nurses rather than slow them down. "I get that they're busy," he said of local ERs. "But the more hands you have to do things, the more it frees up your nurses." Houthi spokesman Brigadier Yahya Saree has claimed responsibility for the attacks - MOHAMMED HUWAIS/AFP via Getty Images British, Israeli and US vessels have come under fire from rocket and drone attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia off the coast of Yemen. The latest assaults took place over the last three days and come amid a maritime blockade by the terror group, which it says is in support of Palestinians in Gaza. In a televised statement, Yahya Saree, a Houthi spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attacks that targeted a British ship and two Israeli vessels heading to Israeli ports, as well as a number of US frigates in the Red Sea. Calling it a response to the American British aggression against our country, he said five military operations had been carried out in the past 72 hours by naval and air forces. He claimed there was a direct hit on the British container ship Hope Island, which has not been confirmed, and that other vessels were attacked with ballistic missiles and drones. The Houthis, who control Yemens most populous areas, including the capital, have attacked international shipping in the Red Sea region since November. Oil tanker Marlin Luanda on fire in the Red Sea after a Houthi attack in January - AP The militia said the attacks were 'a response to the American British aggression against our country' - YAHYA ARHAB/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock That has sparked a US-led coalition of over 20 nations attempting to counter the attacks, which have disrupted global shipping, forced firms to re-route to longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa, and stoked fears that the Israel-Hamas war could destabilise the wider Middle East. Around 424 US and British airstrikes on targets in Yemen since February have killed 37 people and wounded 30, according to Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the Houthi leader, in a bid to quash the blockade on one of the worlds most critical trade routes. While the Houthis claimed its blockade was designed to target Israeli-linked shipping, it has in fact had a global reach. In March, three seamen on a Greek-owned, Barbados-flagged ship were killed by Houthi missile fire. Meanwhile, 25 hostages from countries including Romania and Mexico remain captive since November, taken by the terror group after the hijacking of the Galaxy Leader. 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. Not ruling here: Whatever some on the Left may imagine, Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nigel Farage are not today's power elite - Jack Taylor/Getty It is one of the oddities of modern culture that the strong seek advantage by claiming to be weak, and the most privileged do so by denying their own good fortune. It plays out across the whole of society, but we saw it on the political stage last week during an extraordinary media debate about the nature of elites. Like many debates it was in fact no such thing: more a conversation between two journalists very much in agreement with one another. Ian Hislop, editor of Private Eye and star of Have I Got News For You, mocked the presentation of outsiders, insisting that politicians on the Right who present themselves as anti-elites are frauds. Lewis Goodall, former policy editor of the BBCs Newsnight and these days co-presenter of LBCs The News Agents, agreed and said, in the journalistic world, we have failed, havent we? Because in allowing them that narrative, which has become very deeply embedded, and many people find it very, very hard to challenge. And these people have used it tremendously. But as you say its ridiculous. On one level, the two have a point. Almost by definition any politician with a national profile, and any journalist too, can be called a member of the elite. One dictionary definition of the term is the richest, most powerful, best-educated, or best- trained group in a society. Having gone to private school and then Magdalen College, Oxford, before editing the Eye and being paid a reported 20,000 per appearance by the BBC, Hislop meets that definition. It was difficult not to discern a little bad faith in Hislops arguments. Ignoring the deliberate and obvious irony of the statement, he complained that Jacob Rees-Mogg literally says Vox Populi, Vox Dei, attempting to convince you of his credentials as a popular voice in Latin! Mocking Nigel Farage as a lovely prep school boy rather like himself, then Hislop continued, Outsider? Working-class hero? These are bogus representations of the self. But Farage does not pretend to be working class. It was easier to sympathise with Goodalls complaint that Rees-Mogg had accused him of forming part of a media political elite. Goodall pointed out that while Rees-Moggs father had edited The Times, his father had been a welder. It is obviously jarring to the working-class son of a teenage mother from Birmingham to be called an elitist by an Old Etonian. And yet even this misses the point. Rees-Mogg is unquestionably the product of an elite, privileged upbringing in an elite, wealthy family. He could hardly deny that he is. But there is no singular elite in a complex society like ours, and while wealth inequality and class divides persist, those elites that do exist are more porous than many accept. How else would Goodall a top journalist who undoubtedly had to work harder to earn his success than more fortunate contemporaries appear alongside the likes of Hislop? The more fundamental truth is that self-evidently there are different kinds of elites, with different kinds of power in different contexts and institutions. It is reductive to the point of absurdity to pretend that power only resides among elected ministers, those in big business and the privately educated and to suggest that politicians, for example, cannot legitimately refer to the power enjoyed by others. It is normal, in a liberal democracy, for power to be dispersed, and normal, too, for there to be debates and disagreements about whether the balance within the state itself and beyond it is a sensible one. Since the radical expansion in the interpretation of human rights and administrative law, our legal frameworks have put far more power into the hands of judges than ever before. What that means for the future of our judicial system is a legitimate debate. Other examples abound. Our universities, dependent on taxpayer guarantees, are entrusted to effectively oversee the student visa system and determine to a large extent the skills mix of the country. Last week the Sentencing Council announced it was changing its guidelines to tell judges and magistrates to take into account social disadvantage when sentencing criminals. While the online Left fulminate about GB News, little has ever been done about the blatant partisanship of Channel 4 News, and many broadcast journalists have switched from news reporting to campaigning and open advocacy. It was the BBC taking the decision to finally enforce its editorial guidelines that contributed to Emily Maitlis to leaving the BBC and with Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall establishing The News Agents. Maitlis was reprimanded twice: once for editorialising on screen and once for attacking the Government on social media. This is another way in which elites can be identified: the use of high-profile and powerful positions in society to disseminate consensus ideology. And across many different professions and institutions, that ideology is ultra-liberal. Whether it is because these positions are adopted by true believers or by leaders too afraid or too lacking in confidence to do otherwise, the result is clear: schools that allow children to socially transition to another gender without informing parents; taxpayer-funded research programmes pushing critical race theory; businesses accepting and even imposing woke ideology in the workplace; broadcast media interviews where the critique only ever comes from the Left. This is why Rees-Mogg said what he did about media political elites; it is why Farage is often accepted by the public as an outsider. It has little to do with where he went to school or how much money he has, and much more to do with the fact that he is challenging an orthodoxy from a political perspective that is often ignored. To deny this to pretend that all the power in Britain resides in a kind of conservative caricature is as silly as claiming the opposite. Perhaps the denial is a conscious tactic; perhaps it is sincerely believed. Regardless, it is a symptom of an intellectual rot in which it is easier to complain than to set out a prospectus for change. We can and must do better. 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 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 Hundreds of people were evacuated on Sunday from unsafe locations in the Taroko National Park in eastern Taiwan, which was seriously affected by Wednesday's 7.2-magnitude earthquake. The national park, the world's largest marble canyon, is located in the eastern city of Hualien, near the epicentre of the quake. Roads in mountainous areas were damaged by multiple landslides. Several sections have since been rapidly repaired in order to evacuate hundreds of tourists and residents stuck in the park. On Saturday and Sunday, more than 400 stranded people were taken out by helicopter or road. Only 38 people have been allowed to stay to carry out duties at the park, including at a hotel, an activity centre, a power station, and a Catholic church, the National Fire Agency (NFA) said on Sunday. The disaster claimed at least 13 lives, and injured 1,140 people. Six people are still unaccounted for. Interior Minister Lin Yu-chang, who chairs the Central Emergency Operation Centre, said on Sunday that rescuers will carry out a comprehensive search along the route of a trail in the park. A special rescue team from Turkey on Sunday joined the mission to help search the park for missing people using drones. The Central Weather Administration said on Sunday that there had been 699 aftershocks since the quake on Wednesday, including two exceeding a magnitude of 6 on Wednesday and 24 ranging from magnitude 5 to 6. Numerous people take part in a rally on Julius-Mosen-Platz in Oldenburg's city center to show their solidarity with the city's Jewish community, following an arson attack on a synagogue on April 5. Hauke-Christian Dittrich/dpa Hundreds of people took to the streets in Oldenburg to show solidarity with the German northern city's Jewish community following an attack on a local synagogue earlier this week. Police are investigating after an unidentified perpetrator threw an incendiary device against the synagogue's door on Friday afternoon. A fire broke out but was quickly discovered by caretaker staff of a neighbouring cultural centre who put out the flames. No one was injured, but police are still searching for suspects. Some 400 people took part in Sunday's rally organized by an Oldenburg alliance against anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism, according to police estimates. They gathered at Julius Mosen square only some 100 metres from the synagogue. Participants waved Israeli flags and held placards with slogans against anti-Semitism. The chairwoman of the Jewish community group in Oldenburg, Claire Schaub-Moore, thanked citizens in a speech for the great support the Jewish community had received following the attack. "We are deeply impressed by this solidarity," she said. "We feel this strength and it is much greater than what happened on our doorstep, on the doorstep of the synagogue." Hungarian PM calls election of anti-Ukrainian president in Slovakia "a big win" for "advocates of peace" Peter Pellegrini on the right. Stock photo: Pellegrini on Twitter (X) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban congratulated newly-elected Slovak President Peter Pellegrini on his victory. Pellegrini is a coalition partner of the anti-Ukrainian Prime Minister Robert Fico. Source: European Pravda, Viktor Orban on Twitter (X) Details: Orban expressed "heartfelt congratulations" to Pellegrini on his victory in the presidential elections in Slovakia on Saturday. "A big win for the people of Slovakia and a big win for the advocates of peace all around Europe!" Orban wrote. In the second round of the Slovak presidential elections, Pellegrini defeated Ivan Korcok, a pro-Western diplomat and pro-Ukrainian former foreign minister, with 53.12% of the votes. After Pellegrini's victory, Fico and his allies will consolidate power and control the parliament, government, and presidential office of Slovakia. After the current Slovak President Zuzana Caputova resigns in June, Slovakia will no longer have any high-ranking official who unreservedly supports military assistance for Kyiv and its efforts in defending itself against Russian aggression. Viktor Orban and Robert Fico oppose weapons support for Ukraine and instead advocate for negotiations with Russia as a way to resolve the war. In the first round of elections, Pellegrini came in second, while Korcok came in first. However, research data published just days before the second round predicted Pellegrini's victory. Support UP or become our patron! It wasnt so long ago that the House Freedom Caucus was known, essentially, as a loyalist organization for Donald Trump. During Trumps White House reign, the Freedom Caucus was frequently the first line of defense for the embattled president, so much so that two HFC foundersthen-Reps. Mick Mulvaney (R-SC) and Mark Meadows (R-NC)became Trumps last two chiefs of staff. Of course, it wasnt always like that. The Freedom Caucus has gone through a number of iterations in its nine years of existence, and in that time, the organization has changed just as dramaticallyperhaps even more dramaticallythan the GOP itself. In fact, in its first days, the Freedom Caucus was more concerned with House procedure than anything else. You were more likely to hear Freedom Caucus members yelling about open rules than Donald Trump. But that changed quickly once Trump took the White House and Meadows took the HFC chairmanship. Dems Think They Can Send the Freedom Caucus Chair Packing While the Freedom Caucus had its early disagreements with the then-presidentmost notably over the first versions of a health-care overhaulthe organization quickly found itself in lockstep with Trump, both because the members themselves were terrified of crossing the president and because Trump actually took the Freedom Caucus counsel. But now, as Trump prepares himself to take back the White House and Republicans ready for another chaotic administration, the HFC is in one of its most complicated relationships with the leader of the GOP. And theres an oversimplified reason things are so tricky: Rep. Bob Good (R-VA). Good is the current chairman of the Freedom Caucus, and unlike his predecessorsRep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Meadows, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), and Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA)he has a tortured relationship with Trump. The biggest reason is simply that Good was one of fewer than a dozen House Republicans who endorsed someone not named Trump in the 2024 presidential primary. (Good went for Florida governor Ron DeSantis, another Freedom Caucus founder back when he was in the House.) Trump and his team, famous for holding a grudge, are already telegraphing that Good isnt going to be making amends any time soon. Bob Good wont be electable when we get done with him, Chris LaCivita, a senior adviser on Trumps presidential campaign, told a local Virginia news outlet recently. (The Trump campaign didnt respond to a request for comment.) Donald Trump shakes hands with Jim Jordan as he disembarks from Air Force One. Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty But a Trumpworld source told The Daily Beast that its not just Good who has set off alarm bells for Trump and his allies; other figures, like Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX)another DeSantis endorser who has taken a prominent role in the Freedom Caucusare a sign that the HFC wont have the same relationship it once had with Trump should he win the White House. Theyve been elevating the people who arent Trump fans, and thats definitely caught the eye of people at Mar-a-Lago, this Trumpworld source told The Daily Beast, adding that the former presidents orbit was pissed when the Freedom Caucus made Good its next chairman. While this source said the Freedom Caucus has always been split between people who like Trump and people who deep down really dislike him, that overstates the division. Yes, there were always some members who had reservations about Trump. Yes, the HFC has always had disagreements with Trump. But during his presidency, defending Trump became a primary function of the group. Its why one of the groups founders, Rep. Justin Amash (R-MI), mutually agreed to leave the group when he decided to support Trumps impeachment. USA-CONGRESS/ Rep. Bob Good (R-VA), chair of the Freedom Caucus, speaks to reporters before attending a meeting in the offices of Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA). Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters The Freedom Caucus used to be Trumps biggest allies in the House when he was president. But it has since changed over, said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), one of Trumps most ardent supporters in the House and a former Freedom Caucus member until she was kicked out last year. Greene called the Freedom Caucus under Good one of the most dangerous things to Trumps next administration, contending that the group used to be stacked with Trumps biggest supporters and is now led by someone who didnt want him to be president. Naturally, Greene isnt inclined to be kind to the HFC or Good. Her removal from the group has left her highly critical of the conservative faction, as well as Goods participation in ousting Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from the speakershipa close ally of hersshrank her own influence. And while Greene may try to exacerbate the tension between Trump and the Freedom Caucus, she wont be the only one. Other sources in Trumps orbit were clear with The Daily Beast that, as long as Good is the HFC chairman, the HFC will have a problem with Trump. Hes an ill-fitted leader for the Freedom Caucus, especially while Trump is running, a source close to the former president told The Daily Beast. If you endorsed Ron DeSantis it suggests youre not in tune with the voters, and if youre the head of the Freedom Caucus, you should be in touch with the voters. And if youre somebody who never saw Trump coming the first time, let alone the second time, you lack touch with the voters. Of course, there were Freedom Caucus members who saw these problems before Good was elected chairman of the group. HFC veteran Warren Davidson (R-OH) wrote a letter to his Freedom Caucus colleagues in December warning that Good could be a problem. I ask that we consider how to best increase our influence while preserving our power to move policy in the right direction. I strongly feel that Bob Good as Chairman will impair that objective, Davidson (R-OH) wrote. Later that day, Good won the internal election. Rep. Bob Good Teases Rival to Kevin McCarthy for House Speaker Sources close to the Freedom Caucus acknowledged to The Daily Beast that Good and the HFC have to repair the relationship with Trumpand these sources said Good has been trying to do just that. Bob Good wants a good relationship with President Trump, is desiring to repair some of the damage that is there, but realizes that some of the people advising the president may not let that happen, one source close to the HFC said. This source continued that the poor relationship with Trump is a real concern, and that a number of Freedom Caucus members needed to repair the relationship with the former president. Theyre willing and wanting to do that, this person said. The question is whether theres so much [history] that those around the former president will stop that from happening. As with most things in Trumps orbit of influence, those around the former president look at influencing him as a zero sum game. Ensuring that the Freedom Caucus doesnt have the same relationship it once had with Trump means others can sway him. In that sense, its in the interest of those currently on the inside to lock down access to Trump and make sure those on the outside remain far away. Which is perhaps why sources around Trump were so eager to point out how Bob Goods ascent to HFC chairman had complicated thingsand how the HFC is just going through more general growing pains. The HFC has an identity crisis, a second Trumpworld source said. Some want to be Trumpy, some want to oppose the speaker, some want to make deals. Theres no identity. All of that may be true, but inside the Freedom Caucus, Good has drawn plaudits for addressing internal concerns that some members are simply part of the group just so they can advertise that credential to voters. One Freedom Caucus member, granted anonymity to speak candidly, said Good has been taking steps to ensure that HFC members are actually advancing the groups interests. Weve had some real conversations about people who had been kind of riding along, not necessarily pulling their weight, not showing up to meetings, not engaging, and you know, its not an organization that you get to just come and affiliate with, go back home and run on your conservative bonafides to your base, this member said. Thats not why we exist. MTG Scorns Ultraconservative Ex-Pals as the Burn-It-All-Down Caucus Internally, some HFC members saw Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) as a natural fit to take the chairmanship this year. But Norman decided against running. Still, Norman told The Daily Beast that Good has been doing a great job. He gets consensus. He's a good speaker and somebody whose meetings are well-attended. He's a leader, Norman said. But the fact remains that, for many members, if Trump actually becomes president, something will have to change: Either Good will have to fix his relationship, or hell have to step down. Or there may be a third option. Good is locked in a Republican primary battle with pro-Trump challenger John McGuire, a Virginia state senator. The race has turned into a perfect example of the modern Republican Party, as two staunchly conservative candidates fight over who is the Trumpiest. In that contest, Good is starting from behind, though he is clearly trying to catch up. The day DeSantis dropped out of the race, Good announced he was endorsing Trump. Hes additionally taken to showing up at campaign events wearing a MAGA hat, has TRUMP/GOOD plastered on his campaign signs, and has the support of MAGA stalwarts like Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Meadows. But it might not be enough. A PAC backing McGuire had a mobile billboard follow Good around on the campaign trail blasting his praise of DeSantis. And McGuire, a former Navy SEAL, has also received a lot of help from Goods own colleagues. The Republican Main Street Partnershipthe political arm of a pro-business caucus in Congressis supporting McGuire. McGuire even had a good meeting with Trump recently at Mar-a-Lago, according to the source close to Trump. On top of that, he has gained the support of Rudy Giuliani and delivered the pledge of allegiance at a Trump rally in Virginia earlier this year. Ive been with President Trump since the beginning, since he came down the escalator, McGuire said at the rally, referring to Trumps June 2015 presidential campaign announcement. But Trump seems wary of playing favorites in the race. He didnt call out McGuire or Good during that rallyboth were in attendanceand according to two sources familiar with Trumps thinking on the race, Trump is unlikely to weigh in on the primary. Theyre not helping Good, but theyre also not going to engage, one Trumpworld source told The Daily Beast. But Trump wouldnt care if he lost, which is a big problem for Good. How does the Freedom Caucus chairman oppose Trump in the primary, not get his support, and then expect to lead in a Trump-led Republican party? One of the sources close to Trump said the former president realizes Good begged him for an endorsement, and then turned around and endorsed DeSantis. John McGuire greets delegates at the 2020 7th District Republican Convention in Doswell, VA. Bill Clark/Getty Predictably, Greene was all-too-happy to point out the contrasts between Good and McGuire. First of all, hes a Navy SEAL, Greene said of McGuire. So thats incredible. That speaks for itself of what kind of person he is and how much he loves our country [that hes] willing to die for it. The second part is hes an unwavering Trump supporter. He never wavered. He never turned. He never even questioned, Greene said, drawing a contrast with Good. Of course, Goods campaign tried to draw its own contrasts with McGuire, with Diana Shores, Goods campaign manager, telling The Daily Beast that McGuire is just running because hes a career candidate who has run six races in seven years. Meanwhile, McGuires campaign put Goods disloyalty to the former president front and center in its statement. A spokesperson for the Virginia state senator told The Daily Beast that on the day Donald Trump was wrongfully indicted, Good decided to endorse DeSantis and that his pivot towards supporting Trump was proof that he will say whatever is needed to save himself. But Goods race isnt the only one that could decide his political future. Another one is a much more important race: Trumps. The source close to Trump was clear that Good wouldnt survive in any kind of leadership position if Trump won. I believe confidently no, this person 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. At the Go Mongolia Roadshow 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City on April 5 (Photo: VNA) Organised by Mongolias Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Tourism Association, the programme featured representatives from over 10 Mongolian and approximately 40 Vietnamese travel companies. Speaking at the event, Javzandulam Tumuruya, third secretary at the Mongolian Embassy, noted that during Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukhs state visit to Vietnam last November, the two governments signed a mutual visa exemption agreement, facilitating bilateral tourism cooperation. She expressed her hope that through the roadshow, Vietnamese citizens will gain more information about the Mongolian history, culture, art, and tourism, and that cooperation between the sides tourism organisations will continue to thrive. At the programme, representatives from Mongolian Airlines announced a plan to open an Ulaanbaatar-Ho Chi Minh City flight route in November. Vietnamese and Mongolian tourism enterprises, meanwhile, discussed opportunities for partnerships and the opening of tourism routes between the two countries. The event also featured traditional music performances, cuisine and beverages of Mongolia. According to Nguyen Xuan Hanh, Honorary Consul of Mongolia in the city, this year, the mutual visa exemption agreement came into effect, with the establishment of direct flights creating significant opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. As per the embassy, there were 1,500 Vietnamese tourists visiting Mongolia in 2002, rising to over 2,000 in 2023. The respective figures for the numbers of Mongolians coming to Vietnam in the years were over 2,000 and over 15,000./. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) This week on Inside Utah Politics, we continue our series on Utahs Senate candidates. We talk with independent candidate Brent Hatch, son of the late Senator Orrin Hatch. With his trademark bowtie, Hatch discusses his experience in the government and private sectors. He weighs in on Americas hefty national debt while addressing immigration and border security concerns. Jeanetta Williams is also our guest this week. Williams is the president of the Salt Lake City chapter of the NAACP. A civil rights leader for decades, Williams is running to represent District 26 in the Utah House of Representatives. Williams discusses her ideas to tackle Utahs affordable housing crisis, air pollution and connecting disadvantaged communities with education and career resources. Murray student meets Dr. Jane Goodall after winning essay contest We also turn our attention to Washington, to the growing concern over the H5N1 strain of avian flu. The virus has infected growing numbers of cattle and other mammals. A man in Texas contracted a mild case of the virus after coming into contact with infected cattle. Health officials say the virus does not spread easily to humans, but the possibility exists for the highly pathogenic virus to mutate and make human infection easier. A major earthquake hit the island nation of Taiwan this week, collapsing buildings and injuring dozens. While the quake was the strongest to shake Taiwan in 25 years, authorities say it could have been much worse had it not been for widespread preparedness levels and strong building codes. Inside Utah Politics airs Sunday mornings at 8 a.m. on ABC4. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Police stand guard at the entrance of the penitentiary where former Vice President Jorge Glas is being held, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ecuadorian police broke through the external doors of the Mexican Embassy in Quito, Friday evening, to arrest Glas, who had been residing there since December. (AP Photo/Cesar Munoz) QUITO, Ecuador (AP) The global condemnation of Ecuador's government for its decision to break into the Mexican Embassy snowballed Sunday with more presidents and other leaders expressing disapproval, shock and dismay. The criticism came as Mexico's ambassador and other personnel arrived in Mexico City on Sunday afternoon after departing Ecuador's capital, Quito, on a commercial flight. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador severed diplomatic ties with Ecuador immediately after Friday's raid, which international law experts, presidents and diplomats have deemed a violation of long-established international accords. Alicia Barcena, Mexicos secretary of foreign relations, thanked the returning diplomats for defending our embassy in Quito even at the risk of their own physical well-being." Not even the dictator Pinochet had dared to enter the Mexican embassy in Chile," she said Sunday, referring to the late Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. "They entered violently and without authorization, physically assaulting (diplomats). We energetically condemn it. Police broke through the external doors of the embassy to arrest Jorge Glas, a former vice president who had been residing there since December. He had sought asylum after being indicted on corruption charges. Barcena said Mexico plans to challenge the raid on Monday at the World Court in The Hague. She added that 18 countries in Latin America, 20 in Europe and the Organization of American States have backed Mexico. The Spanish foreign ministry in a statement Sunday said, The entry by force into the Embassy of Mexico in Quito constitutes a violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. We call for respect for international law and harmony between Mexico and Ecuador, brotherly countries to Spain and members of the Ibero-American community. A day earlier, the OAS in a statement reminded its members, which include Ecuador and Mexico, of their obligation not to invoke norms of domestic law to justify non-compliance with their international obligations. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the United States condemns any violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and takes very seriously the obligation of host countries under international law to respect the inviolability of diplomatic missions. He called on the two countries to resolve their differences. Diplomatic premises are considered foreign soil and inviolable under the Vienna treaties and host country law enforcement agencies are not allowed to enter without the permission of the ambassador. People seeking asylum have lived anywhere from days to years at embassies around the world, including at Ecuadors in London, which housed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for seven years as British police could not enter to arrest him. Glas on Saturday was taken from the attorney generals office in Quito to the port city of Guayaquil, where he is being housed at a maximum-security prison. Glas attorney, Sonia Vera, told The Associated Press that officers broke into his room in the Mexican embassy and he resisted when they attempted to put his hands behind his back. She said the officers then knocked him to the floor, kicked him in the head, in the spine, in the legs, the hands, and when he couldnt walk, they dragged him out. Vera on Sunday said the defense team had not been allowed to speak with Glas since his arrest. Authorities are investigating Glas over alleged irregularities during his management of reconstruction efforts following a powerful earthquake in 2016 that killed hundreds of people. He was previously convicted on two separate bribery and corruption cases. President Daniel Noboa had not spoken publicly about the raid as of Sunday. On Saturday, Ecuadors Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld told reporters that the decision to enter the embassy was made by Noboa after considering Glas imminent flight risk and exhausting all possibilities for diplomatic dialogue with Mexico. Mexico granted Glas asylum hours before the raid. Sommerfeld said it is not legal to grant asylum to people convicted of common crimes and by competent courts. Noboa became Ecuadors president last year as the nation battled unprecedented crime tied to drug trafficking. He declared the country in an internal armed conflict in January and designated 20 drug-trafficking gangs as terrorist groups that the military had authorization to neutralize within the bounds of international humanitarian law. Noboa's tenure ends in 2025 as he was only elected to finish the term of former President Guillermo Lasso. Maria Dolores Mino, director of Ecuador's independent Law and Justice Observatory and a law professor at the International University of Ecuador, said the raid was not only extremely embarrassing for Ecuador but also opens up the possibility of serious repercussions. The scope of a political sanction and its impact should not be underestimated, Mino said. She added that although the process that Mexico will initiate before the World Court will take time there will come a time when we have that sentence, which will include economic reparations that will have to be paid with Ecuadorians' money. ___ Garcia Cano reported from Mexico City. Associated Press writer Megan Janetsky contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america International partners allocate over US$700 million for humanitarian mine clearance in Ukraine Ukraine's international partners have allocated more than US$700 million for humanitarian mine clearance. Source: Ukraine's Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories on Telegram, European Pravda reports These funds are provided for humanitarian mine clearance projects in Ukraine for 2022-2027. Key contributors include the United States, Switzerland, Norway, EU countries, Japan, the Netherlands, Germany, and others. In the future, to strengthen the mine clearance system in Ukraine, the government will deepen cooperation with the international and expertise community. Such coordination will be carried out through a sectoral working group launched in 2023, which brings together all of Ukraine's aid providers in this regard. It will also be implemented through the Mine Action Cluster, which was re-established in March 2024 and has become a platform for programme coordination of relevant parties. Previously: In December, Lithuania presented an updated concept of the coalition for mine clearance in Ukraine. The mine clearance coalition includes both elements of humanitarian mine clearance of liberated occupied territories and combat mine clearance on the line of contact with Russian troops. The first working meeting of the coalition took place in Lithuania in January. Support UP or become our patron! Emergency and security personnel extinguish a fire at the site of strikes which hit a building annexed to the Iranian embassy in Syria's capital Damascus The primary purpose of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, which was hit by an Israeli air strike this week, has likely never been the dispensing of visas for those wishing to visit the Islamic Republic. Its real function has seemingly been to act as a command and control centre for Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), enabling Tehran to operate its terrorist network throughout the Middle East from the heart of Damascus. Since Hamas launched its deadly attacks against Israel on October 7, the consulate has served as Tehrans main regional command centre, helping to supervise the activities of the Irans so-called axis of resistance, a diverse group of terrorist organisations including Hezbollah, Hamas and Yemens Houthi rebels that have vouchsafed their commitment to Israels destruction. Given this, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) were entirely justified in launching Mondays missile strike on the base, which succeeded in killing several senior IRGC commanders. The attack needs to be seen in the context of an escalating proxy war between Tehran and Jerusalem that has intensified in recent months. Prior to October 7, Israeli warplanes were regularly in action attacking Iranian and Hezbollah targets in Syria in an attempt to disrupt the IRGCs efforts to expand its military presence along the Syrian border with Israel. Israeli military activity has increased significantly since then, not least because Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed militias have used their bases in Syria and southern Lebanon to launch a series of rocket attacks against the Jewish state. This constant bombardment has left large swathes of northern Israel desolate with many Israelis forced to abandon their homes and seek shelter in the main urban areas further south. The IDFs response has been to launch a series of air strikes in Syria targeting key IRGC commanders, including Decembers assassination of Razi Mousavi. A key calculation in its willingness to attack Iranian targets in Syria has been that, for all Tehrans bluster about supporting Hamas, the Islamic Republic has little appetite for a direct confrontation with Israel, preferring to use its proxies, such as Yemens Houthis, to do its dirty work. Concerns that Israels latest attack could finally provoke Tehran to retaliate are certainly being taken seriously in Jerusalem after senior IRGC officials warned that the Israeli action will not go unanswered. The IDF has cancelled leave for all combat units while mobilising more reservists for air defence units in anticipation of an Iranian attack. Just how much Iran will want to escalate tensions in the region, though, is a moot point. The last time the IRGC suffered a major setback, when the Trump administration assassinated another Quds Force chief, Qassem Soleimani, at Baghdad airport in 2020. The Iranian Supreme Leader vowed tough revenge in response, but ultimately there was no follow through. Similarly, Iran will be wary about becoming involved in a direct military confrontation, not least because the Israelis have made it abundantly clear that, in the event of an Iranian attack, it will respond by destroying Hezbollahs terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon and Syria, just as it is doing to Hamass in Gaza. For all their grand-standing about wiping Israel off the map of the Middle East, the ayatollahs are well aware that, if it came to direct hostilities, they would be no match for the Israeliss superior firepower. Con Coughlins new book, Assad: The Triumph of Tyranny, is published by Picador 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. Israel is pulling some troops from southern Gaza. Now the plan is to clear Hamas from Rafah JERUSALEM (AP) Israel's military announced Sunday it had withdrawn its forces from the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, wrapping up a key phase in its ground offensive against the Hamas militant group and bringing its troop presence in the territory to one of the lowest levels since the six-month war began. But defense officials said troops were merely regrouping as the army prepares to move into Hamas last stronghold, Rafah. The war in Gaza continues, and we are far from stopping, said the military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi. Local broadcaster Channel 13 TV reported that Israel was preparing to begin evacuating Rafah within one week and the process could take several months. Still, the withdrawal was a milestone as Israel and Hamas marked six months of fighting. Military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity under army policy, said a significant force remained in Gaza to continue targeted operations including in Khan Younis, hometown of the Hamas leader, Yehya Sinwar. AP video in Khan Younis showed some people returning to a landscape marked by shattered multistory buildings and climbing over debris. Cars were overturned and charred. Southern Gaza's main hospital, Nasser, was in shambles. Its all just rubble, a dejected Ahmad Abu al-Rish said. Animals cant live here, so how is a human supposed to? Israel for weeks has vowed a ground offensive in nearby Rafah. But the city shelters some 1.4 million people more than half of Gaza's population. The prospect of an offensive has raised global alarm, including from Israel's top ally, the U.S., which has demanded to see a credible plan to protect civilians. Allowing people to return to nearby Khan Younis could relieve some pressure on Rafah. White House national security spokesman John Kirby repeated on Sunday the U.S. opposition to a Rafah offensive and told ABC the U.S. believes that the partial Israeli withdrawal is really just about rest and refit for these troops that have been on the ground for four months and not necessarily, that we can tell, indicative of some coming new operation for these troops." Israel's military quietly drew down troops in devastated northern Gaza earlier in the war. But it has continued to carry out airstrikes and raids in areas where it says Hamas has resurfaced, including Gaza's largest hospital, Shifa, leaving what the head of the World Health Organization called an empty shell." The six-month mark has been met with growing frustration in Israel, where anti-government protests have swelled and anger is mounting over what some see as government inaction to help free about 130 remaining hostages, about a quarter of whom Israel says are dead. Hamas-led militants took about 250 captives when they crossed from Gaza into Israel on Oct. 7 and killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Several thousand protesters called for a hostage deal now at a rally outside the Knesset in Jerusalem, organized by hostages' families. In southern Israel, weeping relatives gathered at the site of a music festival where more than 300 people were killed on Oct. 7. Its an impossible reality for us, its an impossible reality for the Gazans and the people of this country. We just want to live, said one protester, Talia Ezrahi. I would agree to anything to return the hostages and stop the mass killings in Gaza, said another protester, Michal Fruchtman. Negotiations in pursuit of a cease-fire in exchange for the hostages release were expected to resume in Cairo on Sunday. An Israeli delegation led by the head of the Mossad intelligence agency was going to Cairo, according to an Israeli official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter with the media. Pressure rose for action now. This doesnt seem a war against terror. This doesnt seem anymore a war about defending Israel. This really, at this point, seems its a war against humanity itself," chef Jose Andres told ABC, days after an Israeli airstrike killed seven of his World Central Kitchen colleagues in Gaza. Aid deliveries on a crucial new sea route to the territory were suspended. Humanity has been all but abandoned in Gaza, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said in a statement. The U.N. and partners now warn of imminent famine for more than 1 million people in Gaza as humanitarian workers urge Israel to loosen restrictions on the delivery of aid overland, the only way to meet soaring needs as some Palestinians forage for weeds to eat. Thousands of aid trucks have been waiting to enter Gaza. Its a slow-motion massacre of people to subject them to the kind of deprivation of food and water that they have been subjected to for the last six months, Doctors Without Borders USA executive director Avril Benoit told CBS. Mothers who have given birth in Gaza since the war began are especially vulnerable. The Health Ministry in Gaza said the bodies of 38 people killed in Israels bombardment had been brought to the territorys remaining functional hospitals in the past 24 hours. It said 33,175 have been killed since the war began. It doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants but says two-thirds of the dead are children and women. Israels military continued to suffer losses, including in Khan Younis, where the military said four soldiers were killed. Over 600 Israeli soldiers have been killed since Oct. 7, according to Israels government. Concerns about a wider regional conflict continued as a top Iranian military adviser warned Israel that none of its embassies were safe following last weeks strike in Damascus blamed on Israel that killed two elite Iranian generals and flattened an Iranian consular building. Israel has not directly acknowledged its involvement. None of the embassies of the (Israeli) regime are safe anymore, Gen. Rahim Safavi, a military adviser to Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was quoted as saying by the semi-official Tasnim agency. ___ Goldenberg reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Pamela Sampson and Natalie Melzer in Jerusalem and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut contributed. ___ Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Israel pulls troops from southern Gaza but says war far from over A general view of destruction after Israeli forces' withdrawal from parts of Khan Yunis. Mohammed Talatene/dpa The Israeli military chief of staff said on Sunday that even though troops are being withdrawn from the southern Gaza Strip, the six-month-old war in the Palestinian territory is far from over. "The war in Gaza continues, and we are far from stopping," said Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who serves as chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). "Senior Hamas officials are still in hiding. We will get to them sooner or later," he said. "We will not leave Hamas brigades active in any part of the Strip." The IDF said earlier Sunday that it had withdrawn all of its forces from the devastated city of Khan Younis, the biggest in the southern Gaza Strip, in what could mark a turning point in the war that started on October 7. The troops with the 98th commando mission had left Khan Younis "in order to recuperate and prepare for future operations," a statement said, while emphasizing that Israel would still have a "significant force" presence in Gaza. Israeli media reported that the IDF now has only one brigade stationed in Gaza. It was initially unclear whether the withdrawal from Khan Younis was a major change in Israel's war strategy - after coming under immense pressure from frustrated allies like the United States - or a new intermediate stage on the way to the operation in the city of Rafah on the border with Egypt. Despite strong international opposition, Israel has been maintaining for weeks that it is planning a large-scale incursion into Rafah, the last major population centre in Gaza that has yet see ground forces. The White House national security spokesman said it was told that Israel's drawdown from southern Gaza was "largely" due to the need for troops to have time to "rest and refit." "They need a chance to come out. Now what they'll do with those troops after their rest and refit I can't speak too," John Kirby told ABC News. Kirby reiterated President Joe Biden's opposition to a ground invasion of Rafah. Halevi, the IDF chief of staff, admitted that not all the goals had been achieved as the war enters its seventh month, including "returning all the hostages home" and "dismantling Hamas throughout the Gaza Strip." The Palestinian militant group Hamas, which ruled the Gaza Strip, launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostage. Israel initially retaliated with an aerial onslaught before also launching a major ground offensive that swept from north to south. The Hamas-run Health Ministry puts the death toll in Gaza at over 33,000. More than 1 million Palestinians are sheltering in Rafah from fighting elsewhere in the sealed-off coastal area. Much of Gaza lies in ruins as warnings of famine grow and Israel faces blistering condemnation of its actions, including for attacks on health facilities and the recent airstrike that killed seven aid workers from the charity World Central Kitchen. There are increasing calls in the United States and Britain to stop arms deliveries to Israel. Many people in Israel are also frustrated by the government's efforts to bring back the hostages kidnapped by Hamas. Over the weekend, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Israeli cities against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government. On Sunday evening, organizers said around 50,000 people attended the demonstration in Jerusalem. Relatives of those abducted accuse Netanyahu of standing in the way of a new ceasefire deal that would facilitate an exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. During a week-long ceasefire at the end of November, Hamas released 105 hostages. In return, Israel released 240 Palestinian prisoners from its facilities. According to Israel, 133 hostages are still being held in Gaza today, almost a hundred of whom are believed to be alive. Over the weekend, the director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), William Burns, and a delegation from Hamas arrived in Cairo to resume indirect talks on deal, sources at the airport told dpa. Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also arrived for a visit to Cairo that lasted several hours, the sources said. According to Israeli reports, the head of the Israeli foreign intelligence service Mossad, David Barnea, was also due to arrive following a decision by the war Cabinet. Weeks of negotiations - brokered by the US, Qatar and Egypt - with Israel and Hamas have so far failed to achieve a breakthrough. A general view of destruction after Israeli forces' withdrawal from parts of Khan Yunis. Mohammed Talatene/dpa A general view of destruction after Israeli forces' withdrawal from parts of Khan Yunis. Mohammed Talatene/dpa Israel says Gaza war far from over after partial troop withdrawal A general view of destruction after Israeli forces' withdrawal from parts of Khan Yunis. Mohammed Talatene/dpa The Israeli military chief of staff said on Sunday that even though some troops are being withdrawn from the Gaza Strip, the six-month-old war in the Palestinian territory is far from over. "The war in Gaza continues, and we are far from stopping," said Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who serves as chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). "Senior Hamas officials are still in hiding. We will get to them sooner or later," he said. "We will not leave Hamas brigades active in any part of the Strip." He said he felt personally responsible for returning all hostages held in Gaza "as quickly as possible." He admitted that, despite military progress in Gaza over the past half-year, not all the goals had been achieved, including "returning all the hostages home" and "dismantling Hamas throughout the Gaza Strip." The IDF said earlier Sunday that it had withdrawn its forces from the city of Khan Younis, the biggest in the southern Gaza Strip, in what could mark a turning point in the war that started on October 7. But Israel would still have a "significant force" presence in Gaza, it said. The Palestinian militant group Hamas, which ruled the Gaza Strip, launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7. The massacre left some 1,200 people dead and more than 200 taken hostage. Israel initially retaliated with an aerial onslaught before also launching a major ground offensive that swept from north to south. Despite strong international opposition, Israel has been maintaining for weeks that it is planning a large-scale incursion into Rafah, the last major population centre in Gaza that has yet see ground forces. More than 1 million Palestinians are sheltering in Rafah from fighting elsewhere in the sealed-off coastal area. Much of Gaza lies in ruins as warnings grow of famine. The Hamas-run Health Ministry puts the death toll at over 33,000. A general view of destruction after Israeli forces' withdrawal from parts of Khan Yunis. Mohammed Talatene/dpa A general view of destruction after Israeli forces' withdrawal from parts of Khan Yunis. Mohammed Talatene/dpa Israel withdrawing troops to rest them, says US The Israeli militarys troop reduction in the southern Gaza Strip appears to be a rest and refit and not necessarily indicative of any new operations, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby has said. Israel says it has withdrawn all ground troops from the southern Gaza Strip, including from the city of Khan Younis, except for one brigade. As we understand it, and through their public announcements, it is really just about rest and refit for these troops ... and not necessarily that we can tell indicative of some coming new operation for these troops, Mr Kirby told ABC News. The Israeli Defence Forces said a significant force will continue to operate in the rest of Gaza. The move comes six months after the start of the Israeli offensive following Palestinian Islamist group Hamas Oct 7 attack on Israel. 05:01 PM BST Thats all for today Thank you for following our coverage. The latest updates were: Israel says it has withdrawn all ground troops from the southern Gaza Strip, including from the city of Khan Younis, except for one brigade. It added that a significant force will continue to operate in the rest of the besieged Gaza Strip. The Israeli militarys troop reduction in the southern Gaza Strip appears to be a rest and refit and not necessarily indicative of any new operations, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said. A senior Iranian official said that none of Israels embassies were safe anymore. Israels defence minister has said that the country was ready to handle any scenario after Iran threatened to retaliate for the killing of Iranian generals on April 1. The Israeli military said that it has completed another stage in preparing for possible war on its northern front with Lebanon and Syria. An Israeli delegation will take part in the latest round of negotiations in Cairo aimed at reaching a truce in the Gaza conflict and a hostage release deal, an Israeli government official said. Israel still has a right to defend itself from Hamas but the terrible conflict in Gaza must come to an end, Rishi Sunak said. 04:24 PM BST Israeli military says it has completed another phase of the northern commands readiness for war The Israeli military said that it has completed another stage in preparing for possible war on its northern front with Lebanon and Syria. Over the past few days, another phase of the Northern Commands readiness for war was completed, centring on operational emergency storages for a broad mobilization of IDF troops when required, the military said in a statement titled: Readiness for the Transition from Defense to Offense. 04:04 PM BST Pictures from Khan Younis as IDF withdraws troops Palestinian families return their homes in Khan Younis as troops withdraw - Palestinian families return their homes in Khan Younis A destroyed building in Khan Younis - AFP via Getty Images Graffiti left by Israeli forces inside a building - /AFP via Getty Images People walk near the ravaged building of al-Salam hospital - AFP via Getty Images 03:37 PM BST Israel prepared to handle any Iran scenario, defence chief says Israels defence minister has said that the country was ready to handle any scenario after Iran threatened to retaliate for the killing of Iranian generals on April 1. An Iranian official said earlier today that Israeli embassies were not safe, and a semi-official news agency published a graphic showing weapons that it said would be capable of striking Israel. Iranians attend the funeral procession for seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members killed in a strike in Syria, which Iran blamed on Israel - ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallants office made the statement about preparedness after he held an operational situation assessment with senior military officers. Upon completing the assessment, Minister Gallant emphasized that the defense establishment has completed preparations for responses in the event of any scenario that may develop vis-a-vis Iran, his office said. Israel has not confirmed it was behind the strike on Damascus. Its leaders have said in more general terms that they are operating against Iran, which backs militant groups Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both of which have been in combat with Israel for the past six months. 03:22 PM BST Situation in Gaza desperate, says IFRC The chief of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has described the situation in Gaza as desperate, and worsening. Since the beginning of the conflict, the IFRC has lost 18 members of our network, he said. It's been six months since the terrible day of violence in Israel. It's been almost six months of ever-escalating violence in Gaza, where the situation is desperate, and worsening. We @IFRC take no side other than the side of humanity. Six months on, I reiterate my call for: Jagan Chapagain (@jagan_chapagain) April 7, 2024 02:58 PM BST US says Israeli military troop reduction in south Gaza seems a rest and refit The Israeli militarys troop reduction in the southern Gaza Strip appears to be a rest and refit and not necessarily indicative of any new operations, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said in an ABC News interview on Sunday. As we understand it, and through their public announcements, it is really just about rest and refit for these troops ... and not necessarily that we can tell indicative of some coming new operation for these troops, Kirby said when asked about the step. The Israeli military said earlier its troop reduction in south Gaza leaves just one brigade there six months after the start of the Israeli offensive following Palestinian Islamist group Hamas Oct 7 attack on Israel. 02:32 PM BST World Central Kitchen founder questions Israeli report on deadly strike World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres has raised questions over the Israeli probe into a strike that killed seven of his staff in Gaza, and warned that the conflict had become a war against humanity itself. I want to thank, obviously, the IDF, for doing such a quick investigation, the head of the US-based charity told ABCs This Week. At the same time, I would say with something so complicated, the investigation should be much more deeper, he added. And I would say that the perpetrator cannot be investigating himself. The Israeli Defence Forces have insisted that their killing on Monday of the World Central Kitchen workers in Gaza was a tragic mistake. Three Britons, a US-Canadian dual national, a Pole, an Australian and a Palestinian were killed when their convoy, whose route was cleared with the IDF, was repeatedly struck. In its investigation, the Israeli military said an armed man climbed on the roof of one of the trucks and started firing his weapon, leading to suspicions that the convoy had been hijacked by Hamas. When asked about the Israeli report, Andres questioned the narrative, adding this is not anymore about the seven men and women of World Central Kitchen that perished in this unfortunate event. He charged that Israel was targeting anything that seems to move, and has been doing so for too long. This doesnt seem like a war against terror. This doesnt seem anymore like a war about defending Israel, he said. It really, at this point, seems like a war against humanity itself. 02:21 PM BST Yemens Houthis say they launched missiles at Western ships in Red Sea Houthi forces in Yemen said on Sunday they had launched rockets and drones targeting a British ship and two Israeli vessels that were heading to Israeli ports, and also at a number of U.S. frigates in the Red Sea. The operations took place during the last 72 hours, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said in a televised statement, reported by Reuters. 01:43 PM BST Israel to join Cairo talks on Gaza truce and hostage release, Israeli official says An Israeli delegation will take part in the latest round of negotiations in Cairo aimed at reaching a truce in the Gaza conflict and a hostage release deal, an Israeli government official said. 01:19 PM BST Netanyahu says Israel one step from victory in Gaza Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Irsrael was just one step from victory in the Gaza war and vowed there would be no ceasefire until Hamas releases all hostages. We are one step away from victory. But the price we paid is painful and heartbreaking, he said in a cabinet address marking six months of the war that broke out on October 7 after an unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas militants. There will be no ceasefire without the return of hostages. It just wont happen, he added. 01:12 PM BST Pictures from April 7 A Palestinian man sells fresh vegetables in front of a building destroyed in Israeli strikes - MOHAMMED ABED/AFP via Getty Images Friends and family mourn Israeli soldier Sergeant Amitai Even Shoshan at his funeral in Tel Mond. Shoshan, 20, was killed in the Gaza Strip on Saturday - REUTERS/Hannah McKay 12:55 PM BST IDF says significant force will continue in rest of Gaza Strip The IDF has said a significant force will continue to operate in the rest of the besieged Gaza Strip, after pulling most of its troops out of southern Gaza. The 98th commando division has concluded its mission in Khan Yunis, the army said in a statement to AFP. The division left the Gaza Strip in order to recuperate and prepare for future operations. A significant force led by the 162nd division and the Nahal brigade continues to operate in the Gaza Strip and will preserve the IDFs freedom of action and its ability to conduct precise intelligence based operations, the statement said. 12:41 PM BST UK support for Israel is not unconditional, Lord Cameron says Britains support for Israel depends on it abiding by international humanitarian law, foreign minister David Cameron said in a newspaper column on Sunday, days after an Israeli airstrike killed seven aid workers, including three Britons. Our backing is not unconditional, Cameron wrote in The Sunday Times. We expect such a proud and successful democracy to abide by international humanitarian law, even when challenged. 12:30 PM BST Israel pulls troops out of southern Gaza Israel on Sunday pulled all its troops out of southern Gaza, including from the city of Khan Yunis, the military and an army official said, after months of fierce fighting with Hamas militants left the area devastated. Today, Sunday April 7th, the IDFs 98th commando division has concluded its mission in Khan Yunis. The division left the Gaza Strip in order to recuperate and prepare for future operations, the army said in a statement to AFP. Asked by AFP whether this meant all troops have left south Gaza, he said: Yes. 11:37 AM BST Israeli soldier badly wounded in West Bank shooting An Israeli soldier has been badly wounded in a gun attack on a highway in the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military said. They said a gunman left a car and opened fire on vehicles at the Nabi Elias Junction on Highway 55 before fleeing. Troops and an Israeli Air Force aircraft... are encircling the area and are continuing to pursue the terrorist, the military said in a statement. The soldier who the Israeli media said was a woman aged 19 was severely injured and a civilian lightly hurt, the military added. Violence has surged in the West Bank since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip in October. At least 459 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops or settlers in the West Bank since the war broke out, according to the Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah. At least 17 Israeli soldiers and civilians have been killed in attacks there over the same period, say the Israeli authorities. 11:22 AM BST Pictured: Refugee camps in Gaza Palestinian children receive hot meals in Gaza City - TURKISH RED CRESCENT / HANDOUT A drone view shows displaced Palestinians gathering to have their Iftar (breaking of the fast) during the holy month of Ramadan - REUTERS/Shadi Tabatibi A refugee camp in Deir Al-Balah in the Gaza Strip - Ashraf Amra/Anadolu via Getty Images 11:17 AM BST 33,175 Palestinians killed in six months of Gaza war, health ministry says Israels military offensive in the Gaza Strip has killed at least 33,175 Palestinians and wounded 75,886 since Oct 7, the Palestinian enclaves health ministry said on Sunday. There have been 38 Palestinians killed and 71 injured in the past 24 hours, the ministry statement added. 11:17 AM BST Iranian official says Israeli embassies are no longer safe A senior Iranian official has said that none of Israels embassies were safe anymore, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. The official, an adviser to Supreme Leader Yahya Rahim Safavi, was speaking following a suspected Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1 for which Tehran has vowed retaliation. 10:21 AM BST Israeli military withdraws most ground troops from southern Gaza, spokesperson says The Israeli military has withdrawn all ground troops from the southern Gaza Strip except for one brigade, a military spokesperson said on Sunday. The military did not immediately provide further details. 10:06 AM BST Israel says four soldiers killed The Israeli military published the names of four soldiers killed in the Gaza Strip, bringing to 604 its losses in ground fighting there as the war against Hamas reached the half-year mark. The four commandos died on Saturday in southern Gaza, the military said in a statement that followed weeks of relatively low Israeli casualties. Hamas had claimed an ambush against Israeli forces in the southern town of Khan Younis on Saturday. 09:49 AM BST Dowden: UK would stop arms sales to Israel if found in breach of international law The UK would stop arms sales to Israel if it was found in breach of international law, Oliver Dowden suggested. Asked by the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg asked the Deputy Prime Minister if the Government would stop arms sales if the UK Government received legal advice that Israel was in breach of international humanitarian law. Mr Dowden replied: We will of course act in accordance with our obligations under law in respect of arms sales and the way that that works is there is legal advice, the Foreign Secretary reaches a judgement and he gives that advice to the Business Secretary. If it is the case that we cant lawfully in accordance with the act do so, of course we wont supply those arms, but that is precisely the position for example even in respect of the United States or any other country around the world. We rightly hold ourselves to a high standard, and we hold the countries to whom we export arms to a high standard, and I think that is what you would expect. 09:46 AM BST Israel prepared to handle any developments with Iran, defence chief says Israels defence minister said on Sunday that preparations have been completed to handle any scenario that may develop with its foe Iran. Defence minister Yoav Gallants office made the statement after he held an operational situation assessment with senior military officers. Upon completing the assessment, Minister Gallant emphasised that the defence establishment has completed preparations for responses in the event of any scenario that may develop vis-a-vis Iran, his office said. Iran has threatened to respond to a suspected Israeli strike in Damascus that killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps members, among them a senior commander. Israel has not confirmed it was behind the strike. Though its leaders have said in more general terms that they are operating against Iran, which backs militant groups Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both of which have been in combat with Israel for the past six months. 09:37 AM BST Pictured: Israelis protest in Tel Aviv Family and supporters of hostages held in the Gaza Strip mark six months since the Hamas attacks on Oct 7 - AP Photo/Ariel Schalit People protest against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in Tel Aviv on Saturday, April 6 - AP Photo/Ariel Schalit 09:31 AM BST Lord Cameron accused of hiding from scrutiny over UKs arms sales to Israel Lord David Cameron has faced accusations of hiding from scrutiny amid questions about the UKs arms sales to Israel. MPs from across the political spectrum have suggested the UK should stop selling weapons to Israel for fear of breaching international humanitarian law. The Foreign Secretarys Labour counterpart, David Lammy, has called for Lord Cameron to appear in the House of Commons and answer MPs directly on arms export licences. In a letter to Lord Cameron, the shadow foreign secretary accuses the senior Government figure of having gone silent after claiming new counsel had been sought on the matter at the start of March. We cannot have a foreign secretary dodging scrutiny on arms sales, which is a matter of enormous legal and diplomatic importance, Mr Lammy wrote. He urged Lord Cameron to publish any legal advice the Government had received, and to reveal whether Downing Street had instructed him not to do so. A UK Government spokesperson said: As part of the Governments robust arms export control regime we periodically review advice on Israels commitment to international humanitarian law, and ministers act in accordance with that advice. The content of this advice and related assessments is confidential. 09:21 AM BST Dowden insists UK not giving Israel carte blanche Oliver Dowden, Mr Sunaks deputy, insisted the UK was not giving Israel carte blanche and the Government was having robust conversations with Benjamin Netanyahus country. Of course Israel has made mistakes, and made big mistakes, and we should hold them to account for that but we are holding them to a very high standard, he told Sky News. He later added: The manner in which some people are seizing on this issue and trying to hold Israel to incredibly high standards, of course it is right that we hold Israel to high standards, but I just think there is a bit of relish from some people about the way in which they are pushing this case against Israel. Mr Dowden said he would not go so far as to suggest this was coded antisemitism, but said people needed to remember the trauma Israelis are suffering. Of course Israel has made mistakes, and made big mistakes, and we should hold them to account for that, but we are holding them to a very high standard, he added. 09:13 AM BST Terrible conflict in Gaza must end, says Sunak Israel still has a right to defend itself from Hamas but the terrible conflict in Gaza must come to an end, Rishi Sunak has said. The Prime Minister used a statement six months on from the Oct 7 terror attacks in which around 1,200 Israelis were massacred to call for peace in the region for the good of both Israelis and Palestinians. Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Sunak said: We continue to stand by Israels right to defeat the threat from Hamas terrorists and defend their security. But the whole of the UK is shocked by the bloodshed, and appalled by the killing of brave British heroes who were bringing food to those in need. This terrible conflict must end. The hostages must be released. The aid, which we have been straining every sinew to deliver by land, air and sea, must be flooded in. The children of Gaza need a humanitarian pause immediately, leading to a long-term sustainable ceasefire. Today marks six months since the terrorist outrage of 7th October. pic.twitter.com/Glw84US12O Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) April 7, 2024 09:12 AM BST Israel says it hit Hezbollah sites in eastern Lebanon Israels military said its warplanes had struck Hezbollah sites in eastern Lebanon, where the Iran-backed group has a strong presence, in retaliation for one of its drones being downed. A source close to Hezbollah told AFP that the strikes targeted Janta and Sifri in the Bekaa Valley. The Israeli military said on Telegram that fighter jets struck a military complex and three other terrorist infrastructure sites belonging to Hezbollahs air defense network in the region. It said the strikes were in retaliation for the attack in which an army drone was shot down by a surface-to-air missile on Saturday. Sifri is in the Bekaa Valley plain, while nearby Janta is an arid mountainous region closer to the border with Syria. A source from Lebanons civil defence said there were no casualties. 09:06 AM BST Two vessels targeted southwest of Yemens Aden British security firm Ambrey said it had received information indicating that a vessel was attacked on Sunday in the Gulf of Aden about 102 nautical miles southwest of Mukalla in Yemen. Vessels in the vicinity were advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity, the firm said. It did not say who was responsible for the attack or give further details. Separately, a missile landed near a vessel in the Gulf of Aden on Sunday but there was no damage to the ship or injuries to crew in the incident, 59 nautical miles southwest of the Yemeni port of Aden, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said. The Master of the vessel reports a missile impacted the water in close proximity to the vessels port quarter, UKMTO said in an advisory note. No damage to the vessel reported and crew reported safe, it added. It did not say who fired the missile or give further details. Yemens Iran-aligned Houthi militants have staged months of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea region in support of Palestinians in the Gaza war. The attacks have disrupted global shipping through the Suez Canal, forcing firms to re-route to longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa. The United States and Britain have launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. 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. Israeli tanks are deployed as Palestinians flee Khan Yunis to safer areas further South in Gaza Strip. The Israeli army says it has withdrawn its forces from the city of Khan Younis, the biggest in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa The Israeli army says it has withdrawn its forces from the city of Khan Younis, the biggest in the southern Gaza Strip, as its war against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas hits the six-month mark. "The IDF's 98th commando division has concluded its mission in Khan Yunis. The division left the Gaza Strip in order to recuperate and prepare for future operations," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Sunday. A significant number of Israeli troops "continues to operate in the Gaza Strip, and will preserve the IDF's freedom of action and its ability to conduct precise intelligence based operations," it said. It was initially unclear whether the withdrawal from Khan Younis marked a turning point in Israel's strategy in the ongoing Gaza war or a new intermediate stage on the way to a possible operation in the city of Rafah on the border with Egypt. Despite strong international opposition, Israel has been maintaining for weeks that it is planning a large-scale ground incursion into Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians are currently sheltering from fighting elsewhere in the sealed-off coastal area. After tens of thousands of deaths, the vast majority among Palestinians, there is no immediate end in sight to the hostilities. The war began on October 7 last year, when hundreds of terrorists, mainly from Hamas but also from other militant groups based in Gaza, flooded across the heavily guarded border and massacred people in nearby Israeli communities and at a music festival. Some 1,200 people in Israel were killed, and 250 people were taken hostage back to Gaza. Since then, dozens have been released, and a few others have been found dead or freed by the Israeli army. The unprecedented attack triggered a massive campaign of Israeli airstrikes, followed by a military ground offensive that began just weeks later in the north and has moved through every major town except Rafah in the very south. According to Hamas authorities in Gaza, more than 32,500 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks so far. Negotiations on a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas are continuing in Cairo, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is coming under increasing pressure both internationally and at home. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities on Saturday evening to protest against Netanyahu's government and demand more concerted efforts to secure the release of the hostages abducted by Hamas. An airstrike by Israeli forces on an aid convoy in the past week provoked outrage from some of Israel's most solid international allies. A delegation from the Palestinian militant group Hamas plans to travel to Cairo on Sunday for negotiations over a possible ceasefire, but these talks have faltered in recent weeks. Representatives of Vietnamese and Chinese firms at a networking session as part of the conference (Photo: VNA) Attending the conference were representatives from 15 Chinese enterprises and 60 Vietnamese firms operating in various sectors such as manufacturing, import-export, agriculture, pharmaceutical materials, food processing, logistics, construction, and investment. In his opening speech, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade Le Hoang Tai described the event as one of the concrete activities to implement Vietnamese and Chinese high-ranking leaders' directions on deepening practical cooperation. Tai noted economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and the Chinese province of Sichuan has yet to fully reflect the potential of both sides. Official statistics showed that last year, trade between the two sides only reached 11 billion USD, accounting for a very modest proportion of the two countries total value. Lei Xuejie, Vice President of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Sichuan Council, said the provincial delegation's current visit to Vietnam mainly aims to participate in an international trade fair held in Hanoi, which features over 30 professionally organised sessions covering such fields as electronics, healthcare, food, and biotechnological infrastructure. Sichuan will continue to enhance related promotion, connectivity, and cooperation based on the two sides mutual needs, she said. Lei noted the conference was an opportunity for both sides to achieve their economic goals./. The Israeli military said Sunday it has withdrawn most ground troops from the Gaza Strip after completing a withering offensive in the southern city of Khan Younis, leaving just one brigade in the battered enclave six months after the war began. The military has been reducing numbers in Gaza since the start of the year under growing global pressure to ease the impact of the war on civilians. The drawdown also has provided relief for reservists, many of whom have been away from their homes and jobs since Israel's offensive was launched within hours of the Oct. 7 Hamas-led assault on Israel. And it comes as global outrage intensifies over the tens of thousands of deaths in Gaza from the Israel military campaign to rout out Hamas. The remaining Nahal Brigade includes a few thousand soldiers tasked with preventing Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza and conducting "precision" strikes across the territory, the military said. It was not clear what impact, if any, the withdrawal would have on the long-threatened incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah. White House national security spokesman John Kirby told ABC News the withdrawal was "about rest and refit for these troops ... and not necessarily that we can tell indicative of some coming new operation." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the planned assault on Rafah is needed to eliminate Hamas. President Joe Biden and most of the world have urged Israel to jettison the plan, saying it would threaten the lives of too many of the more than 1 million Palestinian civilians who have fled to Rafah from fighting elsewhere in Gaza. Israel's offensive, launched after the shocking attack by Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7, initially focused on northern Gaza, which has been left in ruins. In recent weeks the focus has been on southern Gaza, with similar results. More than 250 hostages were seized and almost 1,200 people killed during the Oct. 7 attack, Israel says. More than 33,100 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, according to the health ministry in Gaza. This picture taken on April 7, 2024, shows a view of the ravaged building of al-Salam hospital in Khan Younis after Israel pulled its ground forces out of the southern Gaza Strip. Developments: Egypt said it is preparing to host a new round of talks aimed at reaching a cease-fire and hostage-release deal, which both Israel and Hamas said they would attend. Hamas leaders issued a statement saying they met with an Egyptian official in Cairo on Sunday and reiterated their position that no hostages will be freed until Israel agrees to a permanent cease-fire and removes all its troops from Gaza, the Times of Israel reported. Pope Francis will meet Monday with families of some of the hostages, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said. Netanyahu, at the start of his weekly Cabinet meeting, said any deal must include the release of what Israel believes are 133 hostages still being held in Gaza, and he said Hamas' "extreme demands" were the obstacle. Gaza war tests interfaith bonds in US: Some find ways to mend relationships Cindy McCain: 'Children are dying as we speak' Cindy McCain, director of the World Food Program, warned in a new interview that children are dying as we speak in Gaza and called for greater access for aid workers while the war rages on. CNNs Jake Tapper on Sunday asked McCain whether Israel approving the opening of an area known as the Erez crossing would help get food and other critical resources to Palestinians in Gaza. McCain called the move very important, but she still warned that humanitarian workers must be able to bring resources to the area. Children are dying as we speak, and those that are not dying or havent died yet are so emaciated and lacking so much in the way of important nutrients at this particular time in their life cycles, McCain said. Marina Pitofsky Former hostage buried; sister rips Israeli government Thousands of Israelis gathered Sunday for the funeral of Elad Katzir, one of the hostages seized by militants Oct. 7. The Israeli military said Katzir was murdered in captivity and that its commandos "rescued" his body from Gaza on Saturday. His mother, Hana, was also kidnapped but was released on Nov. 24 as part of a cease-fire deal. His father, Avraham, was murdered in their kibbutz. Katzirs sister, Carmit Palty Katzir, blasted the Israeli government in a Facebook post. "He could have been saved if a deal would have happened on time," she wrote. "Our leadership is cowardly and devoid of political considerations and therefore it didn't happen." British government warns Israel that support is 'not unconditional' The British government's firm support for Israel showed further signs of wavering Sunday as Foreign Minister David Cameron warned that support "is not unconditional" and depends on Israel abiding by international humanitarian law. Cameron wrote in London's The Sunday Times, days after an Israeli airstrike killed seven aid workers, including three Britons, that mass starvation was a serious risk unless Israel allows more aid into the beleaguered territory. "Our backing is not unconditional," Cameron wrote. "We expect such a proud and successful democracy to abide by international humanitarian law, even when challenged." Andres dismisses Israeli explanation for deadly attack on aid team Chef and philanthropist Jose Andres says Israeli attacks in Gaza that have killed civilians including seven volunteers in his World Central Kitchen aid convoy amount to an ongoing "crime against humanity" that has been allowed to continue for too long. The aid workers were killed in an Israeli airstrike last week as their convoy was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse. They had previously coordinated movements with the Israeli military, and they were traveling in armored cars bearing the World Central Kitchen logo. "This doesn't seem anymore a war about defending Israel," Andres said through tears in an interview broadcast Sunday on ABC's "This Week." "This really, at this point, seems (like) a war against humanity itself." Israel called the attack a "grave mistake," saying the Israel Defense Forces misidentified a World Central Kitchen worker as a Hamas gunman. The Israeli military fired two officers for their role in the attack. Andres dismissed Israel's explanation in his interview, telling ABC News: "Every time something happens, we cannot just be bringing Hamas into the equation." David Jackson Some US Jewish and Muslim leaders try to bridge divide The wars brutality and seven decades of acrimony between Israel and Palestinians have exacerbated tensions among communities in the United States. And thats why Shariq Ghani, a Muslim interfaith leader, and Steven Gross, a Reform Jewish rabbi, were among several dozen imams, pastors, rabbis, ministers and others gathered at Ghanis house in suburban Houston last week at a Ramadan iftar dinner for friends and family. Trust remains an issue. In Houston, the Minaret Foundation, an interfaith social justice organization led by Ghani, and the Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism scrapped their annual Muslim-Jewish Christmas potluck. The Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations withdrew its support of the citys annual Ramadan dinner because Mayor John Whitmire, the events keynote speaker, had not called for a cease-fire in Gaza. Still, Ghani and Gross are hopeful. We can overcome our differences, Ghani said. And people have to know that. Marc Ramirez Pregnant women in Gaza face starvation: No anesthesia after 6 months of war Pregnant women face unrelenting hardships in Gaza The U.N. estimates that about 50,000 pregnant women are living in Gaza, and there are more than 180 births every day. Islamic Relief Worldwide, an aid group, has characterized the catalog of difficulties and indignities pregnant women in Gaza are facing as "like a hundred years ago." In addition to the stress of constant bombardment, they are enduring cesarean sections without pain relief. They have no access to scans or checkups, no safe way to travel to hospitals or medical centers, most of which are no longer functional. Many are being forced to give birth on the floors of hospitals, in tents, in public restrooms. "They live in absolutely horrible conditions," said Mustafa Barghouti, a Palestinian doctor and politician based in Ramallah in the West Bank. "They are very cold. If it's raining, there is no protection. ... Most, if not all, of them don't have access to enough vitamins essential for their babies' health." Kim Hjelmgaard Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: War updates: Israel removes most troops from Gaza, to talk with Hamas Humanitarian aid parachutes drop down over the northern Gaza Strip as seen from inside southern Israel on Monday, marking the six-month anniversary of Israel's war on Hamas. Photo by Jim Hollander/UPI April 7 (UPI) -- The Israel Defense Forces said Sunday it has withdrawn all of its troops from southern Gaza following fierce fighting against Hamas militants in the city of Khan Younis. The IDF said in a statement issued to media outlets it has withdrawn its 98th Commando Division from Gaza after the unit had "concluded its mission" in the southern city. The division is leaving to "recuperate and prepare for future operations." the statement read, leaving only two Israeli divisions -- the Nahal Brigade and the 162nd Division -- remaining in other parts of the Gaza Strip. The IDF described those remaining troops as "a significant force" allowing it to preserve its "freedom of action and its ability to conduct precise intelligence-based operations." The announcement came after the military said its commando teams battled Hamas elements in the Al Amal neighborhood of Khan Yunis during fierce weekend fighting, carrying out building-to-building raids while looking for weapons and alleged "terrorist infrastructure" in the area. The IDF claimed it located a 900-meter tunnel route, inside of which it found "living rooms and many weapons." Four Israeli soldiers died in the operation. The troop withdrawal from southern Gaza was implemented as international pressure mounted on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a humanitarian cease-fire in the wake of last week's deaths of seven humanitarian workers in an IDF airstrike. According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, at least 33,137 people have been killed and 75,000 others injured while 75% of the population has been forcibly displaced during the six-month-old war in Gaza, which Israel launched in response to the Oct. 7 surprise attack by Hamas that took the lives of 1,200 Israelis and saw hundreds more taken hostage. Netanyahu's stated plans to launch a ground offensive against Hamas in southern Gaza's refugee haven of Rafah have also drawn strong international criticism. The Swiss delegate to the United Nations Security Council warned Friday that "catastrophic humanitarian consequences" would result from a large-scale operation in Rafah while urging an immediate cease-fire as "the only way to ensure that no more civilian lives are lost." Long-stalled cease-fire talks were expected to resume late Sunday in Egypt involving U.S. Central Intelligence Director Bill Burns, Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani. Israel confirmed Sunday it would send a delegation to the latest attempt to negotiate a cease-fire, the Times of Israel reported; Hamas said Saturday it would also be sending a delegation. It remained unclear Sunday if the withdrawal of IDF forces from southern Gaza signaled a long-term shift in Israel's strategy. Netantayhu said at a Cabinet meeting Sunday that the "war remains ongoing" and the goal of achieving "total victory" over Hamas unchanged even amid domestic and international protests. "Citizens of Israel, there is no war more just than this one, and we are determined to achieve total victory, to return all of our hostages, to complete the elimination of Hamas in the entire Gaza Strip including Rafah and to ensure that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel," he declared. Israeli American Hostage's Family 'Not Sure' Netanyahu's 'Priorities Are Right' The family of Israel American hostage Omer Neutra have questioned if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government are focused on securing the release of hostages held by Hamas. On Sunday, Ronen, Daniel and Orna Neutra spoke to CNNs Jake Tapper to mark the six months since the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, telling viewers why freeing the captives should be a top priority. Everyone looking for de-escalation in the region should be opening the sentence saying, release the hostages, Omers mother, Orna Neutra, said. You know, any sentence of any demand of cease-fire without release of hostages is a death sentence to them. An estimated 250 people were abducted and 1,163 killed on Oct. 7, 2023. An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson told Newsweek that, as of Sunday, 134 hostages were still being detained by Hamas. Omers father, Ronen Neutra said he was shocked at the lack of progress that has been made in hostage negotiations, telling Tapper, I cant believe were sitting here six months later, and having to experience the terror every day. Asked if the family agreed with criticism that Netanyahu and the government arent doing enough, Ronen said, Were not sure the priorities are right. Theres no question the war must be won and Hamas must be eradicated, he continued. But the hostages are running out of time. The family of Israel American hostage Omer Neutra appeared on "State of the Union" on Sunday to mark the six months since the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. CNN And six months in, yesterday, it was just announced that one additional hostage was announced dead, and his body was brought back to Israel. We are constantly under that fear and the urgency, Ronen went on. Its not clear whether the Israeli administration has the priority right. Orna told Tapper she sees a broad range of Israelis asking for more action from their government. As far as whats going on in Israel, theres a broad range, she said. Everyone feels that more needs to be done. Everyone is demanding more from the government. As the war meets its half-year mark, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels. Last month, a report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, the worlds authority on combating hunger, warned that 70% of Palestinians displaced by the war are on the brink of famine. The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict since Israeli began its bombardment after Oct. 7. Watch the full interview with the Neutra family on CNN. Related... Orna Neutra, the mother of Israeli American hostage Omer Neutra, said Sunday that bringing home the hostages should be included in every cease-fire demand, warning that the alternative would be a death sentence for them. Bringing the hostages back should be the top priority. It should be the worlds top priority, Orna Neutra said in an interview on CNNs State of the Union with Jake Tapper, alongside Omers father and brother. Everyone looking for de-escalation in the region should be opening the sentence saying, you know, Release the hostages, she continued. Any demand of cease-fire without release of hostages is a death sentence to them. In the interview, the three family members hesitated to criticize Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government specifically, but they said its clear more needs to be done. As far as whats going on in Israel, you know, theres a broad range. Everyone feels that more needs to be done. Everyone is demanding more from the government. You know people and different families have different perspectives on how to achieve that. And thats what were seeing, Orna Neutra continued. Omer Neutra was born on Long Island, N.Y., and is a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen. He took a gap year to serve in the Israeli army and was kidnapped on Oct. 7 by Hamas, exactly six months ago. Ronen Neutra, Omers father, said he was not sure enough was being done to prioritize the hostages. Were not sure the priorities are right. Theres no question the war must be won. And Hamas must be eradicated but the hostages are running out of time, he said. And six months in, yesterday, it was just announced that one additional hostage was announced dead and his body was brought back to Israel. We are constantly under that fear and the urgency; its not clear whether the Israeli administration has the priority right, he continued. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Ari Rabinovitch and Nidal al-Mughrabi JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel said on Sunday it had withdrawn more soldiers from southern Gaza, leaving just one brigade, as it and Hamas sent teams to Egypt for fresh talks on a potential ceasefire in the six-month conflict. Israel has been reducing numbers in Gaza since the start of the year to relieve reservists and is under growing pressure from its ally Washington to improve the humanitarian situation, especially after last week's killing of seven aid workers. The military spokesperson did not give details on reasons for withdrawing soldiers or numbers involved. But Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said the troops will be preparing for future operations in Gaza. Both Israel and Hamas, the Islamist movement that controls Gaza, confirmed they were sending delegations to Egypt. Hamas wants any deal to bring about an end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli forces. Israel has said that, after any truce, it would topple Hamas, which is sworn to its destruction. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would be no deal without a hostage release and that he would not cave to international pressure. Hamas says an agreement must include freedom of movement of residents across the Gaza Strip. More than 250 hostages were seized and some 1,200 people killed during Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, according to Israeli tallies. More than 33,100 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, according to the health ministry in Gaza. Around 130 hostages are still being held in Gaza. Asked about troop withdrawals from the enclave, Israel's Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi told reporters that the military was adapting its methods to what has been and will be a long war. Gallant said Israel will press on with the war until Hamas no longer controls Gaza or threatens Israel as a military group. "The forces are exiting and preparing for their next missions," Gallant said at a meeting with military officials, according to a statement from his office, and "also their coming mission in the Rafah area". PALESTINIAN HOPES Israel says an incursion into the Rafah area, near the border with Egypt, is needed to eliminate Hamas but anxious foreign powers have said it could exact an unacceptable toll on civilians, with more than a million people sheltering there. Israel says it will evacuate civilians before launching an incursion. Palestinian residents of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, which has come under Israeli bombardment in recent months, said they had seen Israeli forces leaving the centre of the city and retreating to eastern districts. Medics said they found at least 12 Palestinian bodies in the area. Some residents from Khan Younis, who have been sheltering in Rafah, began returning to their neighbourhoods after the Israeli troops left. "It seems at the end it may be a happy Eid," said Imad Joudat, 55, who lives with his eight-member family in a tent in Rafah, referring to the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday that starts mid-week. "The occupation withdrew forces from Khan Younis, the Americans are pressuring after some foreigners were killed and Egypt is holding a big round with the Americans, the Israelis, Hamas and Qatar. This time we are hopeful," Joudat told Reuters via a chat app. Israel is under increased pressure from the United States, with President Joe Biden demanding that it improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza and work towards a ceasefire, and saying that U.S. support could depend on that. It was the first time Biden, a staunch supporter of Israel, has sought to leverage U.S. backing to influence Israeli military behaviour. The U.S. is a major supplier of arms to Israel. Biden has also urged the leaders of Egypt and Qatar to pressure Hamas to agree to a ceasefire and hostage deal ahead of a fresh round of talks in Cairo. Israel is also on alert for a possible retaliatory attack from Iran in reaction to the killing of Iranian generals on April 1. (Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch, Maayan Lubell, Nidal al-Mughrabi; Editing by Angus MacSwan, Andrew Heavens, Andrew Cawthorne and Giles Elgood) JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel would not agree to a ceasefire after six months of war against Hamas in Gaza until the hostages being held in Gaza are released. His comments made at the start of a weekly cabinet meeting came as a new round of truce talks in Egypt are set to begin. Netanyahu said that despite growing international pressure, Israel would not give in to "extreme" demands from Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas, which sparked the war on Oct. 7 with its deadly attack on southern Israel. (Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch. Editing by Jane Merriman) Israel's 'Where's Daddy?' AI system helps target suspected Hamas militants when they're at home with their families, report says An Israeli AI system called "Where's Daddy?" tracks suspected Hamas militants to their homes. Civilians are often "collateral damage" in the following strikes, one unnamed officer told +972 Magazine and Local Call. The IDF has said it "makes various efforts to reduce harm to civilians to the extent feasible." As civilian casualties continue to mount in the wartorn Gaza Strip, reports of Israel's use of artificial intelligence (AI) in its targeting of Hamas militants are facing increasing scrutiny. A report by the Israeli outlets +972 Magazine and Local Call earlier this month said that Israeli forces had relied heavily on two AI tools so far in the conflict "Lavender" and "Where's Daddy." While "Lavender" identifies suspected Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militants and their homes, "Where's Daddy" tracks these targets and informs Israeli forces when they return home, per the report, which cites six Israeli intelligence officers who had used AI systems for operations in Gaza, including "Where's Daddy?" "We were not interested in killing [Hamas] operatives only when they were in a military building or engaged in a military activity," one of the officers told +972 and Local Call. "On the contrary, the IDF bombed them in homes without hesitation, as a first option. It's much easier to bomb a family's home. The system is built to look for them in these situations," they added. Another source told the publications that this method had often led to the deaths of civilians, describing them as "collateral damage." The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement: "The IDF outright rejects the claim regarding any policy to kill tens of thousands of people in their homes." Misidentification The "Lavender" system is also known sometimes to identify targets with tenuous or no links to militant groups, the sources said, adding that it made "errors" in around 10% of cases. Smoke rises after Israeli bombings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis on Feb. 14, 2024. Xinhua News Agency (Getty Images) Those erroneous identifications have included people with the same name or nickname as a militant or who were in possession of devices previously used by a militant, the sources added. Brianna Rosen, a senior fellow at Just Security and a strategy and policy fellow at the University of Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government, estimates the margin of error to be even higher. "Israel's permissive targeting criteria and errors in AI output are likely compounding" the risks to civilians, Rosen said, adding that those risks to civilians increase "as war speeds up." "So target verification and other precautionary obligations required under international law are much harder to fulfill, implying more civilians will be misidentified and mistakenly killed," she continued. Officers also told +972 Magazine and Local Call report that human input in the target identification process was minimal, with one saying they essentially "rubber stamp" the machine's picks after little more than "20 seconds" of consideration which was largely to double-check the target is male. Heidy Khlaaf, who has worked as a director of engineering of machine learning assurance at the cybersecurity firm Trail of Bits, told Politico that "imprecisely and biasedly automating targets is really not far from indiscriminate targeting." 'Dumb' bombs The IDF tries to conserve its more expensive munitions by using unguided "dumb" bombs against junior Hamas operatives, per the sources. CNN reported in December that nearly half of the Israeli munitions used to strike Gaza had been "dumb" bombs, citing a report by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. President Joe Biden, despite having continued to send arms to Israel, warned the country at the time that it may lose international support due to its "indiscriminate bombing" of the Gaza Strip. Civilian death toll The use of such bombs, combined with Israel's seemingly hands-off target identification methods, has seen the civilian death toll climb in Gaza. Some have called into question whether Israel has been adhering to international law and the principle of proportionality, which is intended to prohibit attacks that are "expected to cause incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians, damage to civilian objects, or a combination thereof, which would be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated." Brianna Rosen told BI that Israel had taken a "very permissive interpretation" of international law and the "need for precautions." One officer told +972 Magazine and Local Call that "in practice, the principle of proportionality did not exist." "Every person who wore a Hamas uniform in the past year or two could be bombed with 20 [civilians killed as] collateral damage, even without special permission," they added. IDF reaction Israeli tanks move near the Gaza border as the Israeli army deploys military vehicles around the Gaza Strip, Israel, on October 12, 2023. Anadolu (Getty Images) In a previous statement to Business Insider, representatives for the IDF said the report was "misleading and has numerous false claims." "Analysts must conduct independent examinations, in which they verify that the identified targets meet the relevant definitions in accordance with international law and additional restrictions stipulated in the IDF directives," they added. The IDF also released a statement online following the investigation, saying: "Contrary to claims, the IDF does not use an artificial intelligence system that identifies terrorist operatives or tries to predict whether a person is a terrorist." It also noted that "the IDF makes various efforts to reduce harm to civilians to the extent feasible in the operational circumstances ruling at the time of the strike." Brianna Rosen called the IDF's statement "anodyne," adding that it "didn't say very much at all." While the +972 Magazine and Local Call may shed some light on how Israel is implementing AI into its operations, much remains unknown. Sarah Yager, the Washington Director at Human Rights Watch, told Politico that in terms of proportionality and Israel's use of technology, "we just have no idea. It's like a black box." Since Hamas' October 7 attacks, which killed around 1,200 people in Israel and saw around 240 others taken hostage, the Gazan health ministry has said that more than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in the territory. Read the original article on Business Insider The March jobs report may have exceeded economists expectations, but because some jobs went to migrants, it inevitably became Fox News fodder for Maria Bartiromo and Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH). Vance appeared on Sunday Morning Futures on Sunday, where he railed at the idea that foreign-born workers are taking a lot of that net job growth from Americans. He then said, in the same breath, it was a disgraceful commentary that President Joe Biden could commend an economy that was benefiting illegal immigrants more than American citizens. JD Vance and Maria Bartiromo downplays the historically strong jobs market by pointing out that some of the jobs are going to immigrants pic.twitter.com/zIX6B38Bup Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 7, 2024 That is just astounding, Senator, Bartiromo told Vance. Bartiromo did not push back on Vances equation of foreign-born peoplewhich could include U.S. citizens through naturalization, legal migrants, foreign students, and refugees, according to the U.S. Census Bureau to undocumented immigrants. Vances statement moves slightly away from his declaration in a Fox News interview last month that foreign-born workers accounted for 100% of net job creation under the Biden administration. That statement was labeled mostly false by the fact-checking website Politifact because it lacked important context and relied on a data set that began before Biden took office. 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 First Amendment to our Constitution states that Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech or of the press Justice Katanji Brown Jackson raised some eyebrows when she said, in an oral argument in Murthy v. Missouri: My biggest concern is that your view has the First Amendment hamstringing the federal government in significant ways in the most important time periods. She was suggesting that there are limits on the First Amendment based on the national interest. Objections arose. One commentator said that hamstringing the government is literally the point of the First Amendment. Congress shall make no law means no law. The Bill of Rights was supposed to hamstring the federal government. Not so. The rights of the Bill of Rights are not absolute. They can be limited by a sufficient national interest. James W. Pfister We can posit three levels of national interest from low to high: an ordinary governmental interest, a compelling governmental interest, and an extraordinary exacting governmental interest. A compelling governmental interest is part of the strict scrutiny test. In that test, the governmental interest must be compelling and the means chosen to pursue it (the governmental action) must be necessary (that there is no alternative that is less restrictive). The exacting governmental interest is an interest advocated by those who want to give more protection to the First Amendment. These issues were raised in a recent appeal to the Supreme Court that was denied: X Corp., fka Twitter, Inc., Petitioner v. Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General, et. al., cert. denied, Jan. 8, 2024. The issue was prior restraint of speech by the government. The government won in the Ninth Circuit. X Corp. appealed to the Supreme Court; the court let the Ninth Circuit governmental suppression of speech stand. In the X Corp. case, the FBI issued a national security letter to X Corp. not to disclose certain information to its subscribers for national security reasons. The Ninth Circuit agreed with the District Court that the governmental interest here was compelling and that the FBI letter was necessary. The strict scrutiny test here allowed the government to suppress the speech. Those who appealed wanted the Supreme Court to adopt a more stringent test in prior restraint cases than the strict scrutiny test: the extraordinary exacting scrutiny test. Their Brief stated: the Ninth Circuit has established its own precedent where prior restraints are given the same weight as post hoc speech restrictions. Given that First Amendment jurisprudence has consistently found prior restraints to be a greater encroachment than regular content-based restrictions, this ruling should not be allowed to stand. The petitioners cited the Pentagon Papers case (New York Times Co. v. United States, 1971) where the Supreme Court upheld the right of the New York Times to publish sensitive information regarding Vietnam against the wishes of the government. Justice Potter Stewart wrote in concurrence to this joint opinion that prior restraint would be justified only if disclosure would surely result in direct, immediate, and irreparable damage to our Nation or its people. Petitioners believed that standard was more stringent than strict scrutiny. Our Solicitor General, Elizabeth Prelogar, disagreed in her Brief and argued that the strict scrutiny test applied to the Pentagon Papers case and that a more stringent test was not needed. The Solicitor General would uphold the Ninth Circuits First Amendment limitation for the sake of the national interest. Either way, whether using strict scrutiny or an extraordinary exacting scrutiny test, the government can limit the First Amendment right for a sufficient national interest and that was what Justice Katanji Brown Jackson was referencing in her comment. The current TikTok debate involves the issue of the First Amendments right to receive information versus the national interest in preventing China from accessing private data from 170 million American users and preventing China from influencing their political, economic and social beliefs. Perhaps, in the Murthy v. Missouri case, where the government sought to suppress information on the 2020 election, origins of COVID-19, and the efficacy of vaccines and masks, the Supreme Court will clarify what standard of review is appropriate in prior restraint First Amendment cases. One thing is certain: First Amendment rights are not absolute. Protection of the vital national interest is the highest power of government. James W. Pfister, J.D. University of Toledo, Ph.D. University of Michigan (political science), retired after 46 years in the Political Science Department at Eastern Michigan University. He lives at Devils Lake and can be reached at jpfister@emich.edu. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: James Pfister: First Amendment versus national interest Many large US chip manufacturers are interested in investing in Vietnam. Meanwhile, industrial production continues to prosper, trade surplus reached USD8.08 billion, and FDI attraction hit more than USD6.17 billion. These are bright spots in Vietnam's economic picture in the first quarter of 2024. Import and export report continued strong growth The statistical agency emphasized that in the first quarter, import and export activities prospered. Accordingly, total import-export turnover was estimated to reach more than USD178 billion in the past 3 months. This level increased by 15.5% over the same period last year, of which exports increased by 17% (reaching USD93.06 billion), imports increased by nearly 14%. The trade balance of goods reported a surplus of USD8.08 billion. Talking about export highlights, Mr. Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said that the good production recovery had contributed to the recovery of export growth. In particular, many major export markets recovered and overcame the recession. To continue the export momentum, according to Mr. Hai, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will deploy many solutions, including expanding negotiations on free trade agreements (FTAs), realizing incentives from FTAs, innovating trade promotion activities, help businesses facilitate export of goods, and simplifying import and export procedures. Foreign investment reported in 17 of 21 national economic sectors According to statistics announced by the Foreign Investment Agency, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, as of March 20, the total newly registered capital, adjustments and capital contributions, share purchases, and capital contributions of foreign investors reached more than USD6.17 billion, an increase of 13.4% over the same period in 2023. Foreign investors invested in 17 out of 21 national economic sectors; of which, the processing and manufacturing industry led with a total investment capital of nearly USD3.93 billion, accounting for nearly 63.6% of total registered investment capital, a slight decrease of 1.3% from the same period. In the first 3 months of 2024, realized capital of foreign direct investment (FDI) projects reached about USD4.63 billion, an increase of 7.1% over the same period in 2023. This is a signal showing that this year's foreign investment disbursement tends to continue the positive trend. Total FDI capital into Vietnam increases by 13.4%. (Illustration photo: VTV) Number of US businesses to Vietnam expected to reach record in 2024 Another bright spot of the economy this year was that representatives from 50 technology, energy, aviation, defense, agriculture and food businesses from the United States, the world's No. 1 power, concluded a trip on researching for expanding investment in Vietnam. This was the second year that Vietnam welcomed a large number of American business delegations to visit and seek investment opportunities and expand the market. This is an annual activity organized by the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC). According to Mr. Ted Osius, President and CEO of USABC, Vietnam and the US have many commitments to strengthen bilateral economic relations after the two countries officially upgraded relations last year. Therefore, this year, USABC will break a record in the number of American businesses coming to Vietnam to seek and realize investment and trade opportunities between the two sides. This delegation of businesses applied a more comprehensive approach to both the public and private sectors, to best support businesses investing in Vietnam. Representing the US banking sector in the delegation, Ms. Reta Jo Lewis, President of the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM), affirmed that she will continue to increase support for financial transactions between the US and Vietnam. On this occasion, EXIM signed a memorandum of understanding worth USD500 million with Vietnamese partners. A representative of Atmo, an American enterprise specializing in providing multinational weather forecasting services with technology based on artificial intelligence, said he was very confident in the investment potential in Vietnam, a country that is being affected by climate change. A representative of Meta (Facebook's parent company) revealed that it will bring many new products and services to Vietnam, with confidence in Vietnam's potential to become a bright spot in Asia in the field of artificial intelligence. According to the Foreign Investment Department under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, last year, American businesses invested in more than 1,340 projects in Vietnam with a total capital of over USD11.8 billion, ranking 11th in investment value. Leading American corporations, such as Intel, CocaCola and Cargill, have poured billions of dollars of investment capital into Vietnam. In 2024, Vietnam sets a growth target of 6% - 6.5%. To achieve this goal, the Government needs to continue to effectively implement fiscal policy, effectively use public investment capital, and promote the internal strength of the market with a population of more than 100 million people stimulating consumption./. Church President Russell M. Nelson, center; President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, left; and President Henry B. Erying, second counselor in the First Presidency, stand during the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 2024. | CRISTY POWELL Leaders urged listeners to anchor themselves in Jesus Christ, be one with him and his church, and include others in their circle of oneness during seven talks delivered in the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City. President Russell M. Nelson, who watched the morning session from home, attended the afternoon session. Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles conducted the session. President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, center, and his counselors, President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, left, and President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, take their seats for the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attends the second session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, leave the afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Church President Russell M. Nelson, center; President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, left, and President Henry B. Erying, second counselor in the First Presidency, stand during the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 2024. | CRISTY POWELL Elder Quentin L. Cook, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks during the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. People look out at the waterfall at the Conference Center during the afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. A combined choir from BYU-Idaho sings during the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. A combined choir from BYU-Idaho sings during the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Audience members stand and join a combined choir from BYU-Idaho in singing a hymn during the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Audience members stand and join a combined choir from BYU-Idaho in singing a hymn during the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Elder Gerrit W. Gong, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks during the afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Elder Gerrit W. Gong, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks during the afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Pete Horsley, of Lehi, looks out a window up at the Salt Lake Temple and the Angel Moroni during the afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Michael Gibson, talks with his daughter Sydney Gibson as they sit near a Christus statue during the afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Audience members stand and join a combined choir from BYU-Idaho in singing a hymn during the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. A combined choir from BYU-Idaho sings during the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Conferencegoers file in before the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Sister Milica Paukovic of Serbia scans the tickets of conferencegoers before the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Someone holds a sign to try and get a ticket before the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Conferencegoers file in while it snows before the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Elder Gary E. Stevenson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, conducts the afternoon session at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Conferencegoers file in before the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Elder Gary E. Stevenson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, conducts the afternoon session at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Sister Milica Paukovic of Serbia scans the tickets of conferencegoers before the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Elder David A. Bednar, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, our Mediator and our Advocate with the Eternal Father and the rock upon which we should build the spiritual foundation of our lives, said Elder Bednar, who spoke about finding stillness in a chaotic world through faith in Jesus Christ. True faith is always focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ in him as the Divine and Only Begotten Son of the Eternal Father and on him and the redemptive mission he fulfilled. He said Latter-day Saints should build on Christs foundation as buildings are built on foundations that provide a strong and reliable connection to the ground and help them remain sturdy and stable over time. In some construction, anchor pins and steel rods attach a foundation to bedrock below soil and gravel. The sacred covenants and ordinances of the Saviors restored gospel can be compared to the anchor pins and steel rods used to connect a building to bedrock. Every time we faithfully receive, review, remember and renew sacred covenants, our spiritual anchors are secured ever more firmly and steadfastly to the rock of Jesus Christ. Today I repeat a principle I previously have emphasized. Our homes should be the ultimate combination of both sacred time and holy place wherein individuals and families can be still and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are his children and Jesus Christ is our Savior. Elder Quentin L. Cook, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks during the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Elder Quentin L. Cook, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Elder Cook urged the church to be one with Christ, which he said is the essence of belonging, and to strive to include others in our circle of oneness. He noted that qualifications for baptism into Gods kingdom are simple and universal humility, repentance, taking the name of Jesus Christ, enduring to the end. It is significant that all the qualifications for baptism are spiritual. No economic or social attainment is necessary. The poor and the rich have the same spiritual requirements, he said. Oneness with Christ and our Heavenly Father can be obtained through the Saviors Atonement. The Lords saving mercy is not dependent on lineage, education, economic status or race. It is based on being one with Christ and his commandments. Given our likeness before God, it makes little sense to emphasize our differences. Some have wrongly encouraged us to imagine people to be much more different from ourselves and from each other than they actually are. (Some) take real, but small differences, and magnify them into chasms, he said, quoting Peter Wood. The most significant choices can be made by almost everyone regardless of talents, abilities, opportunities or economic circumstances. An emphasis on putting family choices first is essential. Conferencegoers file in before the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Elder Gong said the Easter season is a time to joyfully testify of Jesus Christs perfect life, atoning sacrifice and glorious Resurrection, which can provide hope and relief amid lifes most difficult challenges. When we trust God and his love for us, even our greatest heartbreaks can in the end work together for our good, he said, sharing the examples of loss and struggle of several church members. When trials come, often what we most want is for someone to listen and be with us. In the moment, cliche answers can be unhelpful, however comforting their intent. Sometimes we yearn for someone who will grieve, ache and weep with us; let us express pain, frustration, even anger; and acknowledge with us there are things we do not know. When we are still, open and reverent, we may feel the beauty, purpose and serenity of the covenant belonging the Lord offers. In sacred moments, he may let us glimpse the larger eternal reality of which our daily lives are part, where small and simple things work together for the good of givers and receivers. Jesus Christs atonement can deliver and redeem us from sin. But Jesus Christ also intimately understands our every pain, affliction, sickness, sorrow, separation. In time and eternity, his triumph over death and hell can make all things right. He helps heal the broken and disparaged, reconcile the angry and divided, comfort the lonely and isolated, encourage the uncertain and imperfect, and bring forth miracles possible only with God. We increase faith and trust in the Lord that all things can work together for our good as we: gain eternal perspective; understand our trials may be but for a small moment; recognize affliction can be consecrated for our gain; acknowledge accidents, untimely death, debilitating illness and disease are part of mortality; and, trust loving Heavenly Father does not give trials to punish or judge. Elder Brent H. Nielson, Presidency of the Seventy Elder Nielson began his work career with a firm specializing in trial law. He said he found that the terms he used as a lawyer were the same as those in gospel conversations. Witness and testimony are terms that we use as we share our knowledge and feelings about the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He referred to scripture when he was called to the Seventy: The Seventy are also called ... to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world. As you can imagine, he said, my eyes were drawn to the term especial witness. It became clear to me that I had a responsibility to bear my witness; to testify of the name of Jesus Christ wherever I traveled in the world. Elder Nielson will receive emeritus status on Aug. 1. He said that in his travels as an especial witness he has seen church growth across the globe. He said there now are 71,000 young missionaries baptizing 20,000 people a month. I am an eyewitness to the ongoing restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the fulfilling of the prophecy of Joseph Smith that the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country and sounded in every ear. I testify that I have seen with my own eyes what Nephi saw: You, the covenant Saints in every land, armed with righteousness and the power of God. Sister Milica Paukovic of Serbia scans the tickets of conferencegoers before the Saturday afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Elder Massimo De Feo, General Authority Seventy Elder De Feo said he learned a few months ago he would lose his eyesight if he didnt receive intravitreal injections shots into his wide-open eye every four weeks for the rest of his life. He shared three principles he learned about clear spiritual vision from the biblical story of Bartimaeus. The first principle we learn is, we keep a clear spiritual vision when we focus on Jesus Christ and stay true to what we know to be true. The second principle: We keep a clear spiritual vision when we leave the natural man behind, repent and begin a new life in Christ. The third principle: We keep a clear spiritual vision when we hear the voice of the Lord and allow him to guide us. May we cry our testimony of Him, louder than the voices around us, in a world that needs to hear more of Jesus Christ and not less. Elder Jose L. Alonso, General Authority Seventy Elder Alonso said people can find joy by putting Jesus Christ at the center of their lives. He said joy is a gift available to all who reach out with faith and embrace the peace and redemption he freely offers. The profound questions of the soul, those that surface in our darkest hours and highest trials, are addressed through the unwavering love of Jesus Christ. ... It is through his infinite Atonement that we are offered a gift beyond measure one of hope, healing and the assurance of his constant, enduring presence in our lives. As we diligently seek spiritual guidance, we embark on a deeply transformative odyssey that strengthens our testimony. Comprehending the vastness of our Heavenly Fathers and Jesus Christs perfect love, our hearts are filled with gratitude, humility and a renewed desire to pursue the path of discipleship. President Russell M. Nelson taught that when the focus of our lives is on Gods plan of salvation ... and Jesus Christ and his gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening or not happening in our lives. Joy comes from and because of him. People look out at the waterfall at the Conference Center during the afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Brother Michael T. Nelson, second counselor in the Young Men Presidency Brother Nelson taught that Christs church assists parents to raise children. He said young people can be blessed by the relationships sought with them by parents, local church leaders and the members of their stakes, wards and branches. The entire ward will be blessed and strengthened as members focus on the rising generation, he said. Despite our imperfections and shortcomings, Heavenly Father invites each of us, through the companionship of his Spirit, to reach out to others. Acting on promptings from the Lord builds relationships of love and trust. It is relationships in the lives of the youth that have the greatest influence on their choices. We can be powerful examples to the youth of how disciples of Christ live today. Faithful parents are praying for these examples in the lives of their children. No program can replace the influence of loving, covenant-keeping adults. Music for the session was provided by a BYU-Idaho student choir. Prayers were provided by Elder Ryan K. Olsen of the Seventy and President Emily Belle Freeman, the Young Women general president. The morning session was attended by 15,032. Afternoon attendance was 15,629. The church reintroduced the standby line for seating in the Conference Center on Saturday. The standby line had not been employed since October 2019 because of the pandemic and the extensive renovation of the Salt Lake Temple, which took up space on Temple Square where the standby line was. The standby line provides access both to overflow seating on Temple Square and for potential access into the Conference Center. The line begins at the Tabernacle on Temple Square. U.S. government officials, including the president, were in Maryland on Friday to commit federal government support to the state. In the wake of the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster in Baltimore, a tragic event precipitated by a collision with the container ship Dali on March 26, which claimed six lives, President Joe Biden and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg gathered at the site along with Maryland officials, including the states Democratic Gov. Wes Moore. They promised a swift and multifaceted response to address both the immediate aftermath and the broader implications for the local and national supply chain. Related: Pete Buttigieg commits federal resources to Baltimore bridge collapse recovery Buttigieg detailed the Department of Transportations actions, focusing on rapid resource allocation and support. Helping Maryland get the bridge back up and dealing with the surface traffic implications has been our top priority, Buttigieg said. He highlighted steps taken to maintain commerce flow and increase capacity at key facilities, including executing a revised grant agreement to enhance operational capacities at the nearby Sparrows Point Trade Point facility as part of the governments proactive measures to support Baltimores economic infrastructure in light of the ports disruption. Within a mere 24 hours of Moore's request, the Department of Transportation, spearheaded by Buttigieg, released $60 million in emergency funds to aid Maryland. Buttigieg said the federal response includes additional funding measures and efforts to streamline regulatory processes, aiming to expedite the recovery and rebuilding efforts. Maryland U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, a Democrat, commended Buttigieg for his swift and decisive actions. Secretary Buttigieg was here in Baltimore within hours, bringing the full resources of the Department of Transportation to our aid, Cardin said. Biden highlighted the crucial role of Congress in the recovery efforts. He emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation and legislative support to secure the funding and authorization necessary for rebuilding the bridge and restoring the Port of Baltimores operations. Biden called on Congress to act swiftly to provide the support needed, stressing the importance of such action for the citys recovery and the resilience of its critical infrastructure. I stand hereI call on Congress to authorize this effort as soon as possible, Biden said. He also offered condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and reaffirmed the nations resolve to support Maryland throughout the recovery process. To all the families and loved ones who are grieving, Ive come here to grieve with you, Biden said. Im here to say your nation has your back, Biden said. Buttigieg also underscored the Port of Baltimores strategic importance to the nations economy, particularly its role in vehicle handling. He pointed to the administrations efforts to redirect traffic and enhance capacity at alternate locations as examples of measures implemented to mitigate the collapses impact on national commerce. Biden committed to the reconstruction efforts reliance on high-quality materials and labor. He assured comprehensive federal coverage of the rebuilding costs to alleviate Marylands financial burden. We fully intend to have the federal government cover the cost of building this entire bridge, he promised. Joe Biden 'Vows To Not Rest Until The Cement Has Dried' On New Baltimore Bridge President Joe Biden has made a vow to the city of Baltimore following the Francis Scott Key Bridge tragedy, which left six dead. On the morning of March 26, 2024, a cargo ship crashed into the bridge shortly after it left the Port of Baltimore. Following the tragedy, the city of Baltimore and the White House are planning to rebuild the bridge, but it's going to take some time. President Joe Biden Addresses The Importance Of The Bridge MEGA In a recent press conference, the President of the United States addressed how important the bridge from Delaware to Washington, D.C. is for commuters. "Every day, over 30,000 vehicles traveled across this bridge, and I was one of those people," he said. "I commuted every day from Delaware for 36 years to Washington, D.C., back and forth, and about one-fourth of that time by automobile. Ive been to every part of this port." "Folks, we now face a question no American should ever have to ask: How will I get to work? How will I go to school? How will I get to a hospital?' he continued. Adding, "A response in response, everyone, including Congress, should be asking only one question, and theyre going to be asked the question by your delegation: How can we help? How can we solve that problem?" 'The Damage Is Devastating' MEGA "The damage is devastating, and our hearts are still breaking," Biden said at the press conference. "Eight, eight construction workers were under the water when the bridge fell. Six lost their lives," he continued. "Most were immigrants, but all were Marylanders." Officials have previously confirmed that a total of eight people were working on the bridge at the time of the crash. Two of them were rescued from the water, one of whom was unhurt. The other was treated at the University of Maryland Medical Center and released. The men were originally from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, per CBS. Joe Biden Says 'We're Waiting For The Cement To Dry' MEGA "After pulling a night shift fixing potholes, they were on a break when the ship struck," Biden stated. "Just seconds before [the tragedy], one of the men, named Carlos, who was only 24, left a message for his girlfriend. Here's what it said: 'We just poured cement, we're waiting for it to dry,' he said." While acknowledging "it's not the same," Biden shared that he knows "a little bit about what its like to lose a piece of your soul to get that phone call in the middle of the night to say family members are gone. Ive been there." Adding, "Its feeling like having a black hole in your chest, like youre being sucked in, unable to breathe. The anger, the pain, the depth of the loss is so profound." President Joe Biden Makes A Vow To The City Of Baltimore MEGA The President of the United States went on to say, "And we know its hard to believe, and youre probably not going to believe me, but I can tell you now from personal experience: The day is going to come when the memory of your loved one, as you walk by that park or the church or something that you shared together, its going to bring a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eye." He then made a promise, "Its going to happen. Its going to take a while, but I promise you, it will happen." "Also never forget the contributions these men made to this city. We're going to keep working hard to recover each of them," the President continued before vowing, "We will not rest, as Carlos said, until the cement has dried and the entirety of a new bridge, a new bridge, [is complete]." Rebuilding The Bridge Is Going 'To Take Time' MEGA According to BBC, officials hope to "open a limited access channel 280ft (80m) wide and 35ft (10m) deep" by the end of April "to allow one-way traffic for barge containers and some other vessels that carry cars and equipment." President Biden says the rebuild is "going to take time." "Folks, this is going to take time, but Governor Moore, Senator Cardin, Senator Van Hollen, Congressman Mfume, Mayor Scott, County Executive Johnny O., and others are going to rebuild this bridge as rapidly as possible," Biden told the crowd, "And, folks, were determined to come back even stronger." Joe Biden said they approved $60 million in emergency federal funding. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) You can get up on your feet and help support animals this May with the Humane Society for Southwest Washingtons Walk Run for the Animals! Happening May 4 along the Vancouver waterfront, donations to the walk and run go to support the humane society and all the animals cared for there. KOIN 6 News will have its own team, KOIN 6 News Unleashed: Walking Out For You, participating in the event and you can help us raise $1000 for the humane society. You can donate to support our team online. Hope to see you there! For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Celebrity chef and humanitarian Jose Andres argued Israel is committing a war against humanity itself, after an Israeli drone strike last week killed seven aid workers with his charity group, World Central Kitchen. This is not anymore about the seven men and women of World Central Kitchen that perished on this unfortunate event. This is happening for way too long. Its been six months of targeting anything that seems moves, Andres said in an interview airing Sunday on ABCs This Week. This doesnt seem a war against terror. This doesnt seem anymore a war about defending Israel. This really, at this point, seems its a war against humanity itself, he continued. He said he was thankful to the Israeli military for quickly investigating the incident but believes a deeper, more independent probe is necessary. I will say something so complicated the investigation should be much more deeper, Andres said. And I would say that the perpetrator cannot be investigating himself. Six workers with the World Central Kitchen and their Palestinian driver were killed last Monday as they were leaving a warehouse in central Gaza. Their deaths sparked immediate scrutiny over Israels wartime campaign in Gaza and the level of precautions taken to avoid civilian and humanitarian workers deaths. Days later, the Israeli military released a preliminary investigation that found the military mistakenly thought a convoy carrying the workers, who had communicated their movements to the military, were armed Hamas fighters. It dismissed two officers and reprimanded others. The strike on the aid vehicles is a grave mistake stemming from a serious failure due to a mistaken identification, errors in decision-making, and an attack contrary to the Standard Operating Procedures, the Israeli military said last week. Andres argued the army cannot just immediately point to Hamas. Every time something happens, we cannot just be bringing Hamas into the equation, he said. The war between Israel and Hamas a U.S.-designated terrorist organization has raged on for nearly six months following the groups surprise incursion in southern Israel on Oct. 7. Hamass attacks killed more than 1,100 people in Israel, while around 250 others were taken hostage. About 100 of these hostages were returned in a weeklong cease-fire late last year, and an estimated 100 others are believed to still be alive in Gaza. Israel quickly launched a military campaign in October to destroy Hamas, and more than 32,700 people have been killed in Gaza since early October. Updated at 9:49 a.m. EDT For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Renowned chef Jose Andres, founder of the food charity World Central Kitchen (WCK), said the deaths of several aid workers last week in Gaza is unforgivable and called on Israel to improve its military communications and do more to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers. It is unforgivable. I will have to live with this the rest of my life. We all will have to live with this for the rest of our lives, Andres said Sunday. Six workers with the World Central Kitchen and their Palestinian driver were killed last Monday as they were leaving a warehouse in central Gaza. The workers were in a deconflicted zone in two armored and labeled cars when the strike hit, World Central Kitchen said. The Israeli military released a preliminary investigation last week that found the military mistakenly thought the convoy carrying the workers were armed Hamas fighters. The charity said it previously communicated the groups movements to the military. The Israeli military dismissed two officers and reprimanded others involved, it said last week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week said the Israeli military will do everything to make sure nothing like that happens again. Asked if he believes Netanyahu, Andres said, Its a first step. We know that leaders of the world and politicians they give speeches that they never follow, he added. These declarations of intentions need to go alongside with real change of the people with boots on the ground. In its investigation, the Israeli military said it could not see the WCK logo on top of the vehicle at night. Pressed over whether he buys this explanation, Andres said, Obviously, I would like to see high quality of the video, high quality of the images. Im very sure that probably, those logos were visible, they were white cars, that logo is very colorful. Even in a dark night, I guarantee you that those rooms could be seen. He said he was thankful to the Israeli military for quickly investigating the incident but called for a deeper, more independent probe. I will say something so complicated the investigation should be much more deeper, Andres said. And I would say that the perpetrator cannot be investigating himself. The war between Israel and Hamas a U.S.-designated terrorist organization has raged on for nearly six months following the groups surprise incursion in southern Israel on Oct. 7. Hamass attacks killed more than 1,100 people in Israel, while around 250 others were taken hostage. Around 100 of these hostages were returned in a weeklong cease-fire late last year, and an estimated 100 others are believed to still be alive in Gaza. Israels military campaign to destroy Hamas has killed more than 32,700 people in Gaza since early October, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Judge who allegedly let gun-toting squatting migrant off hook despite DAs bail plea previously let cop beaters go Judge Eugene Bowen released a migrant who was busted on gun and drug charges while squatting in a basement apartment in the Bronx a year after freeing two men who beat up a police officer. A Venezuelan migrant busted on gun and drug charges while squatting with seven others in a Bronx home was sprung by a judge who previously released two men who beat a cop, The Post has learned. Bronx Criminal Court Judge Eugene Bowen, a Democrat who ran unopposed in 2023, freed Hector Desousa-Villalta despite prosecutors asking the jurist to set bail in the case, records show. He was arrested after someone called 911 to report that he allegedly flashed a gun at another man outside the home last week. In November, Bowen, 48, released two men allegedly caught on video beating a cop whod asked them to put out their cigarettes inside a Bronx subway station. Bronx Criminal Court Judge Eugene Bowen released a migrant who was squatting at a Bronx home despite a prosecutors bail request. ballotpedia.org Hector Desousa-Villalta, 24, was among the migrants from Venezuela arrested at a Bronx basement apartment last week. Obtained by NY Post Kaream McClary, 23, and Izayiah Jessamy, 20, were hit with assault charges for allegedly beating up Officer John Hernandez at the Freeman Street station Nov. 13, according to court documents and the NYPD. Bronx prosecutors requested bail set at $10,000 cash or $30,000 bond for them but Bowen set them free with zero bail, according to court records. Our failing criminal justice system is creating an incredibly dangerous environment for both cops and the communities we protect, Police Benevolent Association President Pat Hendry told The Post. Judges have the authority to keep criminals who attack cops or carry illegal guns off the streets, he added. They are finding every excuse not to use it. New York City police officers are doing our job. Judges need to start doing theirs. Bowen wrote in a survey at BallotPedia.org that as a public defender with the Legal Aid Society of NYC he won the dismissals of hundreds of cases, reversals of convictions obtained unlawfully, and I negotiated countless favorable dispositions that spared my clients jail, onerous probation or parole requirements, and the potential loss of employment, immigration status, parental rights or housing. Police responding to a 911 call that someone was threatening another man with a gun outside 3259 Hull Ave., Bronx, found firearms and drugs inside a basement apartment. Matthew McDermott Most importantly, I made certain that my clients voices and concerns were heard, and their rights respected and protected, he wrote. The call about Desousa-Villalta allegedly flashing a gun at 3259 Hull Avenue on March 27 led to the arrest of eight migrants who were in possession of four guns, ammo and drugs, cops said. Desousa-Villalta was cut loose on supervised release despite the district attorneys request that Bowen set bail at $150,000 cash or $450,000 bond, records show. Charges against him were still pending. Federal agents raid the the home where illegal migrant squatters were living and arrested two men and one woman. Matthew McDermott Prosecutors argued in court that Desousa-Villalta had a loaded firearm in hand at the time of arrest in the Bronx and an open attempted murder case against him in Yonkers. But the defense argued that he was released after three months of being in jail and no new court date was set in Yonkers. NYPD officials said the victim in that case declined to participate. Office of Court Administration spokesman Al Baker said his office doesnt comment on bail decisions and that judges have discretion in making bail decisions in accordance with the law and based solely on an individualized assessment of a defendants risk of flight. Desousa-Villalta, 24, was picked up at the house again on Wednesday this time by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with two other migrants and is facing deportation, federal officials said. Judge Eugene Bowen previously released two repeat offenders who beat up an NYPD officer on camera. Also arrested at the home, Javier Alborno, 22, was allegedly in possession of a semi-automatic pistol, cops said. Alborno had been arrested in September on a weapons possession charge and was cut free with no bail, police said. This time, he was sent to Rikers Island jail on $100,000 bail with charges pending, records show. But NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell was angry that his cops were confronted by the gun-toting migrants just a week after Police Officer Jonathan Diller, posthumously promoted to detective, was shot by an armed repeat-offender. Cops who responded to the Hull Avenue home found drugs and guns inside a basement apartment where seven men and a woman were living. NYPD The two suspects in that case alleged shooter 34-year-old Guy Rivera and accomplice 41-year-old Lindy Jones had long lists of priors. Why are we confronting people with guns again that shouldnt have them? Chell fumed at a news conference Wednesday. Why is a person locked up for a firearm out on the street? It wasnt clear how the men got the guns and the drugs or if they were involved in a gang, cops said. A federal judge tossed Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhans $4.8 billion lawsuit against the Anti-Defamation League accusing the civil rights group of falsely smearing him as an antisemite. Farrakhan who over the years has said Hitler was a great man, repeatedly claimed Satanic Jews control the government and Hollywood and compared Jews to termites sued the ADL and the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Manhattan Federal Court in October, insisting the groups had harmed him and the Nation of Islam by pushing the false narrative that he is an antisemite. In dismissing the suit Friday, Manhattan federal court Judge Denise Cote wrote Farrakhan had failed to provide any evidence demonstrably linking the groups actions and writings to injuries sustained by him or his religious organization. Farrakhan sued the ADL and the Simon Wiesenthal Center in October. Getty Images Regarding Farrakhans claim that Morgan State University barred him from speaking at the school in 2023 due to pressure from the ADL, Cote wrote he did not prove there was an injury fairly traceable to the ADL. Cote also noted in her decision the ADLs writings on Farrakhan and his comments about the Jewish people were not defamatory because they constitute non-actionable opinions and that Farrakhan has not pled actual malice. The Anti-Defamation League cheered the judges decision on X and linked to a blog post listing a selection of Farrakhans hateful and conspiratorial statements. Truth is a defense and no, we will not stop calling out antisemitism wherever and whenever we see it, the ADL wrote. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other delegates at the groundbreaking ceremony for Chan May Ports No. 4 and 5 (Photo: VNA) At the ceremony to launch the construction of Hue Vsico port (Ports No.4 and 5), PM Chinh presented gifts to investors and contractors. The project is part of the Chan May port cluster which handled 4.5 million tonnes of cargo and 68,700 passengers in 2023. The cluster is considered the closest and most convenient gateway to the East Sea for the East-West economic corridor, connecting Central Vietnam with Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, and linking with Asian countries and the world. Besides, it is also located in the centre of Vietnam, between the two largest cities in the central region - Hue and Da Nang. The project to build Ports No.4 and 5 is invested by Vsico Maritime Joint Stock Company with a total capital of more than 1.67 trillion VND (66.89 million USD). It covers a total area of 20.4 hectares, with a total length of the two ports of 540m, capable of accommodating cargo ships of up to 70,000 tonnes and container ships of up to 4,000 TEUS. The project is scheduled to complete in the second quarter of 2025 and put into operations in early 2026. It is designed to receive 5 million tonnes of goods each year. It is expected to handle container ships with 80,000 to 100,000 TEUS per year. Meanwhile, the Phu Son waste-to-power plant in Phu Son commune of Huong Thuy township has a total area of 11,234 hectares, and an investment of about 74.55 million USD. Its operation duration is 25 years. The plant is equipped with a mechanical furnace with a capacity of 500 tonnes per day and a 12MW high-pressure steam turbine generator set. The project was launched in November 2021, with the testing operation period ending in December 2023. It received its operation licence on February 7, 2024, enabling it to switch to commercial operation. Currently, the plant processes about 220,000 tonnes of household waste and can provide about 93 million kWh of green electricity per year. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets workers at the construction site of a bridge crossing Huong River (Photo: VNA) The project to construct Nguyen Hoang road and a bridge crossing Huong River, which belong to Belt Road No.3 of Thua Thien-Hue, has a total investment of over 2.28 trillion VND from the central and local budgets. Construction of the project started in late 2022 and is scheduled to finish in December 2025. The bridge crossing Huong River is expected to open to traffic in December 2024. PM Chinh hailed the efforts of relevant parties and contractors, especially workers at the site. He asked them to speed up the construction to ensure its progress, contributing to promoting the night-time economy of the province. The same day, Chinh visited doctors, officials and patients at the Hue Central Hospital where an organ transplant operation was conducted within 48 hours, a new record of the hospital so far. He asked the Ministry of Health and Thua Thien-Hue province to continue paying attention to the hospital's development, expressing his hope that the hospital will strengthen the application of high technologies for better performance, meeting the demands of patients. Earlier the same day, PM Chinh attended a groundbreaking ceremony for Hue International Central Hospital No.2 under the Hue Central Hospital./. King Charles has had a tough start to 2024, health-wise. After he was treated for an enlarged prostate in January, doctors discovered cancer, and he is currently undergoing treatment. After sharing the news of the King's diagnosis, Buckingham Palace said they will not be sharing regular updates on his health or treatment. Here, a complete timeline of what the Palace and other members of the royal family have said about Charles's health and recovery: January 17: Buckingham Palace announces the King is receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate. On the same day Kensington Palace announced Kate Middleton had underwent abdominal surgery, Buckingham Palace also shared that King Charles would be undergoing treatment. "In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate," Buckingham Palace said. "His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure. The Kings public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation." It is understood that King Charles wanted to share the specific details of his diagnosis so as to encourage others who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked. January 26: King Charles is admitted to the hospital. The King was admitted to the London Clinic for his procedure, and upon his admittance, he visited Kate, who was also a patient there. "The King was this morning admitted to a London hospital for scheduled treatment," Buckingham Palace said in a statement. "His Majesty would like to thank all those who have sent their good wishes over the past week and is delighted to learn that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness." (NHS officials said that Internet searches for his condition, a benign enlarged prostate, soared.) January 29: The King is discharged from the London Clinic. PETER NICHOLLS - Getty Images After spending three nights at the London Clinic, Charles left the hospital on January 29. He was photographed leaving through the front doors with his wife, Queen Camilla. (Camilla had visited him daily during his hospitalization.) "The King was this afternoon discharged from hospital following planned medical treatment and has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation. He would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days," the Palace said in a statement. February 5: The Palace announces Charles has cancer. One week after the hospital discharged King Charles, Buckingham Palace announced the King was diagnosed with cancer. Before the news was shared with the public, the King personally told his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, and his siblings (Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward). "During The Kings recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer," the Palace said in a statement. "His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual." The Palace continued, "The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer." The Palace noted that King Charles does not have prostate cancer, but they will not be sharing what type of cancer he has. February 6: Prince Harry flies to the UK to visit his father. The Duke of Sussex made a quick trip to London to see his father. He stayed for just over 24 hours, reportedly spending between 30 to 45 minutes at Clarence House with his father, before Charles departed for Buckingham Palace to take a helicopter to Sandringham. February 10: King Charles shares first personal message. The weekend after his diagnosis was made public, the King shared a personal message. "I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days," he wrote. "As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement." He continued, "It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organizations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world. My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience." February 21: Charles holds his first in-person meeting with the Prime Minister, and reads get well cards. Pool - Getty Images While the King has stepped back from public duties amid his cancer treatment, on February 21, he held an in-person meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. During their conversation, Charles told Prime Minister Sunak, "I have had so many wonderful messages and cards. Its reduced me to tears most of the time." Later that day, Charles read get-well cards that were sent to the Palace, and a photo and video of him reading the cards was shared two days later: The King has had a chance to read a wide selection of the thousands of Get Well cards and letters that have been sent to Buckingham Palace since his diagnosis. Thank you to all those who have written in. pic.twitter.com/Ok7YGMb3h7 The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 23, 2024 March 22: King Charles reacts to his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis. After the Princess of Wales announced she too is being treated for cancer, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson shared that King Charles said he is "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did." The 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." March 24: Peter Phillips gives an update on his uncle. Charles's nephew, Peter Phillips (the son of his sister, Princess Anne) spoke about the king's health during an interview with Sky News Australia. Phillips said that Charles is in "good spirits," but "ultimately, he's hugely frustrated. He's frustrated that he can't get on and do everything that he wants to be able to do. But he is very pragmatic, he understands that there's a period of time that he really needs to focus on himself." He added, "But at the same time, he is always pushing, his staff and everybody and his doctors and nurses to be able to say, 'Actually, can I do this? Can I do that?' So the overriding message would be that he's obviously very keen to get back to a form of normality. And he's probably frustrated that, recovery is taking a little longer than probably he would want it to." March 31: The King attends Easter Services in Windsor. Samir Hussein - Getty Images The King joined a small group of royals for Easter Sunday service in Windsor, his first major public appearance since January. "His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis," Buckingham Palace said in a statement. To mark his return, he and Queen Camilla will visit a cancer treatment center next week. And, the Palace announced, King Charles and Queen Camilla will host the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state visit in June (though no. specific date has been set yet). "His Majesty's treatment programme will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties," a Palace spokesperson said. "Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majestys continued recovery." April 30: King Charles carries out his first engagement since his cancer diagnosis. Samir Hussein - Getty Images King Charles looked cheerful as he returned to public engagements, visiting a cancer center with Queen Camilla. When asked how he was doing and he replied, "I'm alright thank you, not too bad." June 15: King Charles attends his second Trooping the Colour as monarch. John Phillips - Getty Images King Charles was at Trooping the Colour 2024, but owing to his health, instead of riding on a horseback, he rode in a carriage alongside Queen Camilla. His daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, made her first appearance of 2024 at Trooping amid her own cancer treatment. After Kensington Palace announced the Princess of Wales would be in attendance, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said, the King is "delighted" she "is able to attend," and that he is "very much looking forward to all elements of the day." We'll update this timeline with as news becomes available King Charles's cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. You Might Also Like John Kirby, White House national security communications adviser, said there is a growing frustration in the Biden administration over the way the Israeli military is conducting its wartime operations. In an interview on ABC Newss This Week, co-anchor Martha Raddatz laid out a timeline of statements from President Biden and other Cabinet officials that indicate a gradually changing view on Israels actions in Gaza, which has been ruled by Hamas since 2007. Im glad you brought that timeline up because it shows the degree the growing degree of frustration that weve had with the way these operations are being prosecuted and the way that Israelis are acting on the ground in terms of civilian casualties, Kirby told Raddatz. So we have been increasingly frustrated. And again, that was a core message that the president delivered to Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu in their phone call this past week that theyve got to do more, theyve got to make changes, he continued. Scrutiny over Israels military campaign was brought to the forefront last week after an Israeli airstrike killed six workers with the World Central Kitchen (WCK) and their Palestinian driver as they were leaving a warehouse in central Gaza. The workers had just delivered about 100 tons of food aid to the warehouse and were driving in a deconflicted zone in armored and labeled cars when the strike hit. Biden spoke with Netanyahu days later and urged the Israeli leader toward a cease-fire deal that would see the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza and pause fighting in the war-torn enclave. Biden warned the U.S.s policy on the war will depend on Israels ability to better protect civilians and humanitarian workers following the WCK workers deaths. It marked a notable change from Biden and his team since the war broke out last October when Hamas killed nearly 1,200 in a surprise attack. Kirby said Sunday that Netanyahu assured Biden he would make changes to Israels military operations. Weve seen some announcements in those early hours, thats welcome, Kirby said. Weve got to see more. Weve got to see it over time. Shortly after the deadly airstrike, the Israeli military released a preliminary investigation that stated the military mistakenly thought he convoy carrying the workers were armed Hamas fighters. The charity group said its movements were previously relayed to the military. The Israeli military dismissed two officers and reprimanded others involved, it said last week, and Netanyahu vowed the Israeli military will work to ensure a similar incident does not happen again. Kirby said Sunday the U.S. is also looking at the investigation and has not come to any conclusions one way or another. This was an investigation that was done sort of akin to like an inspector general, he said. So, it was outside the chain of command. But again, were working our way through that. Renowned chef Jose Andres, founder of the food charity World Central Kitchen, spoke with Raddatz last week and told her he has questions over Israels claim that the drones could not see the WCK logo at the top of the car in the dark. When asked if Andres is right to question the claim, Kirby said he does not know. We havent also seen as far as I know I havent seen any, any of the specific video evidence so its hard to know what their sight picture was at night, Kirby said. Now, certainly operations at night can be more difficult. Theres technology, though, that can allow you to burn through the darkness, to see bedrooms and drones, and different infrared technology. But I dont know what they were using in terms of technology to look at this, but clearly, and theyve admitted that they obviously made a mistake here. What really matters is that they take steps going forward to make sure it cant happen again, and that theyre transparent about those steps, he added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Kirby says US looking to hold in-person meeting with Israel in next week or so White House national security communications adviser John Kirby said Sunday the United States is looking to set an in-person meeting with Israeli officials in the next week or so after a virtual meeting took place this past week. The meeting comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled an initial plan for an Israeli delegation to travel to the U.S. to meet with counterparts about the operation in Rafah. We had a virtual meeting last week. We expect to have an in-person meeting with Israeli counterparts in the next week or so. Were still narrowing down the schedule, Kirby said in an interview with CBS Newss Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation. Netanyahu canceled the delegation after the U.S. abstained from a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a Gaza cease-fire during Ramadan, leading to a lasting sustainable cease-fire. The resolution also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Israeli and U.S. officials subsequently held a virtual meeting this past week, and a U.S. official said at the time, We anticipate follow up meetings in person following additional work by expert teams. On Sunday, Kirby referenced the plan for the forthcoming meeting, saying, We hope to be able to present in more detail, our thinking, some of our alternatives, the kinds of things that we want them to learn from our own experiences, about how to do operations of this regard. When Israeli officials canceled the planned delegation to the U.S., Kirby responded at the time by saying the White House was perplexed by that decision. He said the White Houses abstention to the U.N. resolution was not a shift in its policy. A couple of points that need to be stated and in fact, restated. No. 1, its a nonbinding resolution. So, theres no impact at all on Israel and Israels ability to continue to go after Hamas, Kirby said at the time. No. 2 it does not represent a change at all in our policy. Its very consistent with everything that weve been saying we want to get done here. And, we get to decide what our policy is. The prime ministers office seems to be indicating through public statements that we somehow changed here. We havent, and we get to decide what our policy is. It seems like the prime ministers office is choosing to create a perception of daylight here when they dont need to do that, he added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Kansas state Sen. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, criticizes a 93% pay increase for Kansas legislators that is due to take effect next year as the Senate debates a proposed spending bill, Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kan. Olson is upset because the bill does not contain a provision that he supports to delay the pay raise at least a year. (AP Photo/John Hanna) TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Kansas legislators approved on Friday another year's worth of funding for most state agencies and services after a few lawmakers staged a last-minute public protest over a 93% pay increase for themselves coming next year. The Republican-controlled Senate approved, 26-12, a bill with about $19 billion in spending for the state's 2025 budget year, which begins July 1. It covers most of the spending outside of aid to the state's public schools, which is in a separate measure that has stalled. The Senate's action came hours after the GOP-controlled House approved the bill, 78-44, so the measure goes next to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. She's likely to sign the bill, but the state constitution allows her to veto individual spending items, which she has done regularly in the past. The bill would provide a 5% pay increase for all state government workers, plus larger increases for public safety workers and workers whose pay has lagged behind their counterparts in the private sector. But those increases are far short of the pay raise for lawmakers taking effect at the start of 2025 under a law enacted last year that didn't require them to vote on the increase. Critics of the pay raise managed to get the Senate to include in its version of the next state budget a provision delaying the pay raise at least another year. House and Senate negotiators didn't include it in the final version of Friday's spending bill, prompting opponents to complain about the gap between the 93% raise for lawmakers and the 5% raise for most state workers. People don't trust politicians, said Sen. Rob Olson, a Kansas City-area Republican. This is why. Legislators planned to adjourn by early Saturday morning for a spring break and return April 25 for a final five days in session. For three years, Kansas has been flush with revenues, and under the spending approved Friday, the state still would have more than $3.7 billion in excess funds at the end of June 2025. Kelly and lawmakers want to cut taxes, but a compromise plan from her and GOP leaders failed Thursday. House and Senate negotiators drafted a new plan Friday evening to cut income, sales and property taxes by more than $1.5 billion over three years, but Kelly's chief of staff, Will Lawrence, said it far exceeds what she deems affordable. Legislators also haven't approved a bill with $6 billion in spending for the K-12 public school system. The state's 286 districts will see an increase in aid between $240 million and $320 million, or between 4.9% and 6.5%. However, disagreements over special education policies led the Senate to reject one bill Thursday, 12-26, forcing lawmakers to try to draft a new version. The bill funding other parts of the budget included provisions from GOP senators aimed at forcing Kelly to provide help to Texas in its border security fight with the Biden administration and restrict diversity programs on college campuses. House and Senate negotiators decided not to delay the legislative pay raise. A bipartisan commission of mostly former legislators concluded last year that lawmakers are underpaid and that low pay keeps younger and less wealthy people and people of color out of the Legislature. The law creating the commission allowed the raise to take effect unless both chambers rejected it by early February, which they didn't. The increase will be nearly $28,000 a year for rank-and-file legislators, boosting their total compensation from $30,000 to nearly $58,000, including daily expense reimbursements in session. Legislative leaders get additional payments because of their duties, and the House speaker and Senate president will make more than $85,000 a year, up from $44,000. During the House's debate, Republican Rep. Chuck Smith, of southeastern Kansas, backed the pay raise by praising the work of the chairs of the House budget committee and a committee on K-12 spending. We ought to be thanking these people for what they do, Smith said. It's unbelievable, the quality of people we have in here. The tone was far different in the Senate. Facing a barrage of questions from Olson and Sen. Dennis Pyle, a northeastern Kansas Republican, Billinger acknowledged that he doesn't think the big pay raise is appropriate. Something's very, very wrong, Pyle said. It's a sad day for Kansas. Pay for lawmakers varies widely by state, according to National Conference of State Legislatures data. New Hampshires salary is $100 a year the same as in 1889 while New Mexico pays $202 to cover lawmakers expenses in session but no salary. Alaska lawmakers salaries rose by 67% from $50,400 to $84,000 at the start of their annual session this year, and New Jersey legislators will see their pay increase in 2026, also by 67%, from $49,000 to $82,000. New York lawmakers received a 29% raise at the start of 2023, making their pay the highest in the nation at $142,000 a year. Salmon are a cornerstone of my Karuk culture and the loss of salmon for my people cannot be overstated. Salmon are intertwined with our cultural identity and religion what it means to be Karuk. Our ceremonies celebrate the annual migrations of salmon, and the harvest and preservation of salmon is central to community activities that have persisted for generations. In late January, Gov. Gavin Newsom released a strategic plan aimed at helping restore Californias dwindling salmon population. For Tribal Nations like the Karuk, the Salmon-Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future is a multi-year plan to help recover native salmon and steelhead. It includes removing obsolete dams, restoring riparian habitat and increasing flows to provide more water when fish need it most, and is a welcomed step toward species recovery. But absent common-sense legislation that deters harmful water use, the strategy is likely to fail. Opinion We have worked tirelessly for years to restore and protect water quality and habitat in the Klamath Basin, where the Karuk calls home. Thanks in part to an outdated water rights system, this is an uphill battle: When Californias water rights framework was established in the early 1900s, new settlers in the basin stole land and water rights from Tribal nations, and over time, dramatically altered, poisoned, drained and dammed its free-flowing rivers. For more than a century, two important cold-water Klamath River tributaries that provide critical spawning habitat for salmon the Scott and Shasta Rivers have been pumped dry during salmon migratory periods to grow alfalfa and graze cattle. Salmon have paid the price: Pink and chum salmon no longer swim in the Klamath; spring-run Chinook and coho are on the edge of extinction; and coho and Chinook the last remaining salmon runs on these rivers are in danger of extirpation. Despite these overwhelming challenges, the Karuk Tribe remains focused on restoring healthy salmon runs. But we cant do it alone. In 2021, during a declared drought emergency, we filed a formal petition with the State Water Resources Control Board requesting it use temporary powers granted by the drought declaration to curtail water use in the Scott and Shasta Rivers to prevent the extinction of federally-listed coho and at-risk Chinook salmon. The Water Board ordered upstream users to temporarily stop diverting water to protect the flows for fish and people who depend on them. The emergency drought declaration will expire this year, and a longer-term solution is urgently needed. The Karuk have again petitioned the Water Board to issue flow protections in these rivers. Newsoms salmon strategy acknowledges that adequate cold-water flows will help protect salmon when they are most at risk. The plan directs the Water Board to work with local partners to establish minimum regulatory in-stream flows in the Scott and Shasta rivers and to consider options for incentivizing reduced diversions and groundwater pumping. These curtailments are essential, but only if they can be properly enforced. While the Water Board can levy fines to punish those who disregard curtailment orders, these fines are so low that they have become a cost of doing business rather than a deterrent to illegal activity. Two bills making their way through the State House in Sacramento aim to fix this. Assembly Bill 460, by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, D-Orinda, would grant the Water Board the ability to act more swiftly with respect to enforcement during periods of water shortage. It would also increase fines as to actually deter bad actors from violating curtailment orders. Meanwhile, AB 1337, by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, would clarify that the Water Board has clear authority to curtail water use among senior (pre-1914) rights holders during times of shortage. When California doesnt have enough water to go around, everyone should have to play their part. California has a unique opportunity to reverse the downward trend in salmon populations and improve the health of our waterways. Were calling on the legislature and the governor to provide the necessary funding to establish permanent flows on the Scott and Shasta Rivers and to pass AB 460 and AB 1337. They must act swiftly. Russell Buster Attebery is chairman of the Karuk Tribal Council, a federally recognized Indian tribe with more than one million acres of aboriginal lands in Humboldt and Siskiyou Counties along the Klamath River. On April 8, the moon will slide between Earth and the sun to make a solar eclipse. And for many people at the right place and time in Mexico, the United States and Canada, they will experience the greatest show in the universe, a total solar eclipse. The moons shadow will sweep across the United States at around 2,000 miles per hour. It will travel from Dallas to Cleveland in 33 minutes. This alignment between the sun, moon and Earth is so rare that, on average, any one spot in the northern hemisphere experiences a total solar eclipse every 330 years. But for places like Cincinnati, which has not had a total solar eclipse since 1395, this is a once in a millennium astronomical event. Especially when you consider that Cincinnati proper still won't see full totality until the year 3046. So continue reading to figure out where to go (and when) to experience this rare totality. Cincinnati partial solar eclipse timeline In the city of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, there will not be a total solar eclipse. Many places in the area will experience 98-99% of the sun blocked by the moon. Although the sky will likely darken and the temperature will drop a little, people outside the path of totality will not experience the full dazzling effects of the total solar eclipse. Partial eclipse begins: 1:52 p.m. Maximum eclipse: 3:09-3:10 p.m. Partial eclipse ends: 4:24 p.m. Find eclipse totality near you The eclipse's narrow path of totality will cross over 13 states, entering in Texas and exiting in Maine. Areas outside the path of totality will experience a partial solar eclipse. The narrow path of totality looks like a ribbon arcing through Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and Maine. The closer you are to the path of totality, the greater your partial eclipse will be. But getting into totality should be your ultimate goal. With many schools and businesses in Cincinnati closed for the eclipse, here are nearby locations to view various amounts of totality. Downtown Cincinnati: 0:00 (no totality at all). Jungle Jim's, Fairfield: 35 seconds. Harrison, Ohio: 1 minute, 30 seconds. Hamilton, Ohio: 1 minute, 41 seconds. Middletown, Ohio: 1 minute, 57 seconds. Dayton, Ohio: 2 minutes, 42 seconds. Oxford, Ohio: 2 minutes, 50 seconds. Batesville, Indiana: 2 minutes, 59 seconds. Richmond, Indiana: 3 minutes, 49 seconds. Wapakoneta, Ohio: 3 minutes, 57 seconds. Here's what the total solar eclipse will look like The solar eclipse begins when the leading edge of the moon appears in silhouette in front of the sun. For most locations in the United States, the moon will first cover the bottom right section of the sun and appear to slowly move up and to the left. This is called the partial solar eclipse stage. The moon will continue to cover more of the sun over the next hour, slowly building toward the total eclipse. During the partial eclipse stages, if even a slim crescent of sunlight is shining, you need to use certified safe solar viewing methods like eclipse glasses. Even 1% of the sun shining around the moon could still cause eye damage. What a total solar eclipse looks like moments before totality Just before totality, the last rays of sunlight trickle around the mountains of the moon. The dazzling effect is called the diamond ring because you can see the outline of the moon in front of a ghostly white light. Solar activity has ramped up lately and you may be able to see solar prominences. These extreme eruptions on the sun, if large enough, may be visible as tiny pink protuberances peaking around the edge of the moon. Then, at totality, the wispy, ethereal tendrils of the corona of the sun extend in various directions. While the moon is completely covering the sun, that is the only time when the sky is dark enough for you to see this outer atmosphere of the sun. For people with specially filtered binoculars or telescopes, you can zoom in seconds before or after totality to witness Bailey's Beads: the beads of sunlight coming through the valleys and around the mountains of the moon. Annular vs. total solar eclipses Cincinnati astronomer Dean Regas chased the Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse to Roswell, New Mexico. For totality to take place, everything must be lined up perfectly. The moon, at around 240,000 miles from Earth, must move directly in front of the sun, which is 93,000,000 miles away. But the moon varies its distance from us. When it is farther from Earth, it does not appear large enough in the sky to block out the entire sun. This is called an annular solar eclipse or ring of fire eclipse since the moon appears to be nestled completely inside the disc of the sun with a ring of bright sunlight surrounding it. This last happened on Oct. 14, 2023. In order to create a total solar eclipse, the moon must be close enough to the Earth to block out the entire sun. And even under the most perfect alignment, the moons shadow barely reaches the Earths surface to be visible along a swath of the planet 80-120 miles wide. This is called the path of totality. The maximum amount of time that the moon can totally eclipse the sun is 7 1/2 minutes, while the eclipse on April 8 will last one second at the edge of the shadow to a maximum of 4 minutes, 28 seconds in Mexico. It all starts as the moon appears to take a chunk out of the sun. Dont miss it: Next total solar eclipses by state Ohio: Sept. 14, 2099. Kentucky: Oct. 17, 2153. Indiana: Sept. 14, 2099. Texas: May 11, 2078. Arkansas: Aug. 12, 2045. Missouri: Aug. 12, 2045. Illinois: Sept. 14, 2099. Pennsylvania: May 1, 2079. New York: May 1, 2079. Vermont: May 1, 2079. New Hampshire: May 1, 2079. Maine: May 1, 2079. Dean Regas is an astronomer, host of the Looking Up podcast, and author of six books including "100 Things to See in the Night Sky." He can be reached at astrodean.com Eclipse Chasing: Online Astronomy Class What: The total solar eclipse is coming Monday, April 8, and you do not want to miss it! Astronomy expert and eclipse chaser, Dean Regas, shares his tips on where to go, what to look for, and how to view it safely. Plus, he will give you tools to watch the weather forecast to make sure you go to a place with clear skies. When: Recorded April 4, your ticket allows you to watch the class at your convenience. Tickets: $10 per household. Register: astrodean.com/shop. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati's last total solar eclipse was in 1395. The next one? 3046 SIR Peter Stanford is the latest columnist to describe the numerous woes of the Church of England (Features, March 31). Many readers will simply say to themselves: What does it matter if the former leading religion in the country fades into oblivion? A tour of the villages of England will provide an answer: in every part of the country, parish churches occupy a central position. Prior to the establishment of parish councils in 1894, the local church not only provided spiritual guidance to the population, but also acted as the first tier of the civil administration. Parish church records (if they are still available) make fascinating reading. To arrest the further decline of the Church, the Government needs to intervene to review the situation and should be prepared to pass legislation that instigates change. The repeal of the Act of Supremacy would remove the obligation for the sovereign to fill the role of Supreme Governor of the Church of England. The Church could also lose the right to incorporate its General Synod measures into law, and to retain 26 seats for bishops in the House of Lords. The reformed church could then focus on its core role of supporting parishes, rather than acting as an unelected political lobby. A central agency supported by the taxpayer could play a leading role in maintaining the many church buildings. These changes would provide a framework to revitalise an important institution and maintain our Christian heritage in this country. Ian Graham Carlisle, Cumbria SIR Although there are social and demographic reasons for the Church of Englands decline, a major contributory factor must be finance. The wasteful pursuit of woke causes by both the central Church and dioceses, as well as the unnecessarily large number of bishops, are putting huge burdens on the parishes. There is no sign of the promised support fund being distributed in my part of the world. In addition to a more urgent release of those funds, the archbishops should set in motion a review of the dioceses. It is not clear to me why there are nearly twice as many now as there were 200 years ago, and four times as many bishops, while the number of parish clergy has fallen by three quarters. A drastic reduction in dioceses, bishops and their overheads would have the valuable result of releasing these experienced, dedicated and articulate people into the parishes, which are desperately short of clergy and the income necessary to support them. Donald R Clarke Tunbridge Wells, Kent The Brexit failure SIR Daniel Hannan (Comment, March 31) thinks the downfall of the Conservatives started when they booted out Boris Johnson. On the contrary, it started when the country voted for Brexit. Brexiteers are furious about Brexit, as it is a disaster that hasnt delivered. Remainers are furious about Brexit as it is a disaster that hasnt delivered. Lord Hannan may think its madness to change leader, and he could be right. However, its all but certain the Tories will lose under Rishi Sunak, so Id bring back Boris Johnson anyway, and it can be the next disaster he owns. Lord Hannan previously complained that there is no money for pensions. Little wonder when the signature policy of this Government, specifically Brexit, is costing the country an estimated 40 billion per year in lost tax revenue. Gemma Wright London SW15 SIR Boris Johnson may have been a matchless communicator, but he was supposed to be implementing the benefits of Brexit not throwing money at vanity projects like HS2 or virtue-signalling on uncosted net zero nonsense. Lord Sumption once summed him up: Hes never prepared to put in the work that would make him utterly confident of his own position ... He simply does not have the intellectual capacity to follow it through. Its not because hes stupid. He clearly isnt. Its because hes intellectually idle. Robert Sare Chigwell, Essex SIR Daniel Hannan seems oblivious to the effect of Boris Johnsons cultivated Covid panic and the resentment that festers as its effects are still felt. A great many businesses are struggling to survive, thanks to being cut off from suppliers and customers while incurring ongoing costs to remain operational yet unable to trade. The effective abandonment of primary healthcare still takes a considerable toll. The imposition of lockdowns, masks and social distancing can never be forgiven, nor can the partying in Downing Street when the public were effectively imprisoned. Mr Johnsons position in office and in the party was untenable. The party lacked the awareness to appoint an appropriate successor. Hamish Hossick Dundee Birth before the NHS SIR James Bartholomews review of healthcare pre-1948 (Comment, March 31) focuses on the role of hospitals. However, general practice played a serious part. Only the grindingly poor had babies in hospital. In March 1933 my mother engaged our very young GP to be present at my birth, her third pregnancy. The fee was 25. The average weekly wage for a working man was 5 a week. After an uneventful delivery the placenta failed to come away. This could have caused a serious loss of blood. As there was no blood transfusion service it was a major cause of death. The GP turned her on her side, administered chloroform and then manually removed the placenta. He remained our family doctor for the next 25 years. How many present-day GPs would have coped? Dr J H Wright Glossop, Derbyshire Putin on the brink SIR I agree with David Platts (Letters, March 31) that the threat from Russia is real and we must spend more on defence. However it is worth pointing out that it has taken Vladimir Putin two years just to make a dent in Ukraine. He has lost billions of pounds in military equipment and hundreds of thousands of military personnel have been killed or wounded. He has only managed to retain credibility in Russia by spreading lies and murdering opponents. It is a position that cannot last and he must know it. Mick Ferrie Mawnan Smith, Cornwall Exploited racehorses SIR Your correspondents who defend horse racing are overlooking some uncomfortable facts (Letters, March 31). Racehorses are whipped in an attempt to make them run faster, for a maximum of six times per horse per race on the flat and seven times in jump races. Even this is not enough for some jockeys: in the first half of 2023, there were 370 breaches of the rules. Horses have been selectively bred for speed, not strength, which is one reason why so many die on the racetrack from injuries such as broken limbs and severe tendon or spinal damage. This brutal sport is largely funded by betting, so I would urge people not to bet on horse racing. In addition, Animal Aid calls upon the BBC to stop encouraging gambling and animal cruelty by its continued offering of racing tips on Radio 4s Today programme. Iain Green Director, Animal Aid Tonbridge, Kent SIR As the owner and rider of horses over many years I can honestly say that you cant make a horse do something it doesnt want to do. Successful racehorses love their job, as do successful show jumpers, dressage horses, and eventers. Anyone who has experienced a horse steadfastly refusing to do as its asked will agree. Gail Cornish Glastonbury, Somerset Britain and slavery SIR It seems to me that Britain has already paid any possible reparation for slavery (Letters, March 31). Thousands of Britons have given their working lives to help developing nations since the abolition of slavery, through the Colonial service, charities, Voluntary Services Overseas and government aid programmes. British people still donate most generously to many overseas charities, like the Zambia Society Trust or Unicef. We should be proud of those like my uncle, who worked tirelessly to prepare Jamaica for independence, and the many thousands who continue this work. John Blackburne North Pickenham, Norfolk SIR Who is going to pay reparations for the enslavement of local people in South Devon by Barbary pirates many years ago? I am descended from John Prettejohn, who lived at Stokenham in 1530. Most of his descendants were farmers and fisherman in the area between Salcombe and Dartmouth and it is quite likely that some ended up in North Africa as slaves. Is anybody in North Africa offering compensation? I doubt it. Philip Venner Stalbridge Weston, Dorset The death of opera SIR In Britain, the elites are winning in their battle to cancel opera (Letters, March 31). We have the astonishing Arts Council cuts. We have productions that hector us with their faddish assumptions. We have radio stations like Classic FM, which limit opera to a short list of pop tunes. In their Hall of Fame relay, the presenters proudly announce these tunes as the opera. In fact, the operatic music is generally an overture, a transcription, or other adaptation for orchestral instruments. Oratorio is barely acknowledged except through two or three numbers like the Dies Irae. When BBC television can barely stand to show even an annual opera or operetta, it is no wonder that our superb classical music tradition is being wiped out. Linda Hughes Newton Abbot, Devon Paper promises SIR I have received three election leaflets for the local and general elections, all full of promises to fight for jobs and keep services local. However all three leaflets were printed hundreds of miles away, instead of using local firms. Bernard Powell Southport, Lancashire SIR I was sorry to read the news of the Green Party candidate Danica Priest, who had her fingertip bitten off by a dog while leafleting (report, March 31). As an old, seasoned canvasser, I use a wooden spoon when stuffing political leaflets through letterboxes. My husband prefers an ice scraper. Christine Schwick Ashwell, Hertfordshire A final stop to antisocial behaviour on trains Welcome aboard: On a Journey to Beautiful Countryside (1892), by Adolph Menzel - Alamy SIR When I was training to be a primary school teacher, I went into a school where the level of discipline and behaviour was impeccable. I asked the headteacher how he achieved this, and he said that, if you pull the children up on even the smallest instance of bad behaviour for example, not tucking a chair in they dont even think about doing anything worse than that, because they understand the level of expectation. I frequently travel on trains in London and the South East, and I have often seen members of staff (who are checking tickets) completely ignore passengers who have their feet on the seats, or who are vaping on the train. It is human nature for people who choose not to follow the rules to get away with as much as they can. By ignoring bad behaviour, railway staff invite unpleasant treatment. The only way to reverse this trend is to adopt a Rudy Giuliani-style zero-tolerance policy on any transgression, and this needs to be consistent across the networks. Lester Purdue Colchester, Essex Letters to the Editor We accept letters by email and post. Please include name, address, work and home telephone numbers. ADDRESS: 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0DT EMAIL: stletters@telegraph.co.uk FOLLOW: Telegraph Letters on Twitter @LettersDesk NEWSLETTER: sign up to receive Letters to the Editor 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. LI driver shoots at cops from mini-van during wild Hollywood-style chase: police Suffolk police shot a fleeing suspect after he began shooting at them. A Long Island man fleeing an arrest hit a cop with his minivan then shot at officers from his car during a Hollywood-worthy chase that only ended when he slammed his vehicle into a tree, authorities say. Suffolk County cops were trying to arrest Brandon Scanlon, 33, of Middle Island during a confidential investigation Wednesday evening in Bohemia when the suspect suddenly took off in his van, according to a department press release. As he drove away, he whacked an officer with the vehicle, pitching him to the ground, the release said. Cops engaged in a gun battle with a driver who fled an arrest, Suffolk County Police say. News12 Connecticut Brandon Scanlon, 33, took off after Suffolk cops tried to arrest him, police said. News12 Connecticut Cops pursued Scanlon and thats when a gun battle allegedly started. Scanlon started shooting from his car, while the cops returned fire, as the officers chased him for 25 minutes from Bohemia through Brentwood and ended up in Bay Shore, according to Newsday. Finally, around 7:20 p.m., Scanlon slammed into a tree on North Sunrise Highway Service Road just east of the Robert Moses Causeway, police said. Cops found Scanlon with a gunshot wound that came from one of their service weapons, the release said. They also allegedly discovered a ghost gun inside the car. The 25-minute car chase was punctuated with bursts of gunfire, police said. News12 Connecticut Authorities brought Scanlon to a local hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to News12 Connecticut. Five cops also went to the hospital for evaluation, the release added. Authorities charged Scanlon with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree assault. Police did not say why they were originally investigating Scanlon. The chase ended in Bay Shore when the wounded suspect slammed into a tree. News12 Connecticut Police havent said why they were originally investigating Scanlon. News12 Connecticut Acting Suffolk County Police Commissioner Robert Waring told Newsday that the ordeal was another example of the dangers police face every day. This suspect struck an officer with his car and fired at police, Waring said. It is imperative for our officers to stop this dangerous individual. Local community holds fundraiser in Greensburg to help families impacted by deadly Jeannette fire Some Westmoreland County residents came together to hold a fundraiser for the surviving family members of a deadly fire that happened in Jeannette in March. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 4 children, father killed in Westmoreland County house fire PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> PHOTOS: 5 people, including 4 children, killed in Westmoreland County house fire Organizers held the fundraiser at the Z&M Harley-Davidson dealership in Greensburg from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The fundraiser included three food trucks, a 50/50 raffle, a peoples choice contest and an entry fee to raise money. Proceeds will be given to Miranda John and her two surviving children. The event was also a way for Westmoreland County community members to show that they will always help their neighbors. Every little bit helps. These families are starting completely over from scratch. Whatever you can do to help both families and support in any way you can, its greatly appreciated from everyone involved, said organizer Kayla Golack. If you would like to help the families impacted by the tragedy, click here to learn more. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: 2 arrested, including teen, in Allegheny County car break-in investigation Woman hit, killed by vehicle while walking in Carrick roadway $1M Mega Millions ticket sold in Pennsylvania VIDEO: Downtown T line between Gateway Station, Steel Plaza shut down for next 2 months DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Local nonprofit celebrated for their work advocating for people living with Type 1 diabetes A gala celebrating the progress one nonprofit has made in the diabetes community was held in Boston on Saturday. Boston 25 News Anchors Vanessa Welch and Mark Ockerbloom emceed the event, celebrating JDRF. Honorees for the event included Lisa and Neil Wallack, whose familys multi-generational involvement with the nonprofit began more than 50 years ago. Lisas parents, Marilyn and Dr. Gerald Fishbone, were founding members of what was then known as JDF. JDRF is the largest nonprofit funder of Type 1 diabetes research, advocating for government support, ensuring that new therapies come to market, and connecting, engaging, and educating the Type 1 diabetes community. Lisa and Neil became involved with JDRF after their son, Harris, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 5. The JDRF New England Chapter provides support for more than 70,000 people impacted by the disease. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW 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) Editor: JYZ SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Honor Flight San Diego is getting ready for their next Honor Flight on April 26, which will honor fallen Navy Seals and Naval Special Warfare Operators from the Vietnam War. The organization teamed up with the military community to fold flags that will go on the flight to serve as a remembrance for each fallen service member. Navy Commander honored after 50 years at San Diego Air & Space Museum ceremony Everybody gives some, these men gave all in service of their country, said Holly Shaffner, director of public relations with Honor Flight San Diego. The ultimate sacrifice was made with an Honor Flight in return. The flight from San Diego to D.C is done by Honor Flight San Diego. The flight will honor 55 fallen Navy Seals, boat crewmen, and Naval Special Warfare Operators from the Vietnam War. The servicemen were all killed in action or in training. On the flight will be 90 Naval Special Warfare Operators from the Korean and Vietnam wars. Navy to name future Destroyer for WWII hero Charles French Nowhere in the history of the Honor Flight network has a flight of Navy Seals and Naval Special Warfare Operators happened, so its going to be a historic flight, Shaffner said. Before takeoff on April 26, Honor Flight San Diego, along with military community members, folded 55 American flags one for each member. The flags and a photo of the servicemen will go on the Honor Flight as a remembrance. This is amazing, to have the community support, to come out and do this, and giving back to their fellow brothers and the ones that came before them, this is huge, Shaffner said. Military hero takes flight for 98th birthday Being able to honor a fellow veteran and letting them know they did a job well done, that they are part of a fraternity of brothers that understand what they did, the hard work that they performed, Im just proud, said Charlie Inot, Army veteran. Inot is a volunteer on the Board of Directors for the Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation. Inot served 22 years in the Army, including one tour in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. He also took part in an Honor Flight in 2022. Inot said the flight allows veterans to open up to each other. They are going to be able to talk about their experiences with fellow vets who understand what they are talking about, Inlot said. Navy SEAL museum coming to downtown San Diego To the military service members who continue to give all, every day, We can never repay the gratitude of what these men have given to their country. So today is huge for honoring our Naval Special Warfare Operators that gave everything, Shaffner said. The Honor Flight homecoming into the San Diego International Airport will take place on Sunday, April 28 at 1:15 p.m. The event is open to the public, with recommendations to arrive early by noon. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. The Long Beach Police Department arrested a juvenile male that they say is responsible for four separate shooting incidents in the city. The suspect is a 17-year-old Long Beach resident. His identity is being withheld due to his age. Authorities say the first incident occurred on Feb. 27. Shots were fired in the 2300 block of Baltic Avenue. No one was injured, and police were unable to locate the suspect. The juvenile male is the primary suspect in three other shootings that occurred in recent days, authorities said. The suspect is accused of two separate shootings that happened in the city on April 5. First, officers received a call about shots fired around 11:27 p.m. in the 1500 block of West 20th Street. Then, at roughly 11:50 p.m., officers received reports of a second shooting in the 2900 block of Webster Avenue. No one was injured in both incidents. Less than two hours later, another shooting took place in the 2400 block of Baltic Avenue early Saturday morning. When emergency responders arrived, they found a male suffering from a gunshot wound to his lower body. The victim was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The officers who arrived on the scene were able to locate the juvenile suspect. During the investigation, detectives determined the youth was allegedly responsible for the Feb. 27 shooting. The Long Beach Police SWAT Team served two search warrants at homes in two different locations Saturday morning and recovered the firearms that were believed to have been used in the four shootings. The juvenile suspect remains in custody. Residents of Long Beach spoke out in recent weeks after a wave of violence has hit the community. A shooting took place in a crowded area on March 16, but no one was injured. The no-hit shooting occurred just blocks away from where a food truck vendor was almost stabbed to death while defending an elderly woman being robbed on March 11. On March 3, another man who was said to have gotten into an argument while defending a group of people was fatally stabbed at a Daves Hot Chicken restaurant in the Long Beach neighborhood of Belmont Shore. The suspect in that stabbing was arrested days later at LAX, police confirmed; the restaurant has since started closing earlier every night. Anyone with information regarding the series of shootings is urged to contact the LBPD Gangs Detail at 562-570-7370. Anonymous tips may be submitted through LA Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-8477 or at lacrimestoppers.org. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Detectives recovered firearms on Saturday that are believed to have been used in the recent West Long Beach shootings. (Long Beach Police Department) Long Beach police have arrested a male juvenile they suspect was responsible for three shooting incidents in the city on Friday and Saturday, and one in February. The suspect, whose name was not released because he is a minor, was arrested early Saturday shortly after officers arrived at the 2400 block of Baltic Avenue around 1:41 a.m. and found a 16-year-old male victim with a gunshot wound to his lower body, police said. A couple of hours earlier, around 11:27 p.m. Friday, officers responded to a report that there had been a shooting in the 1500 block of West 20th Street; no one was injured. Then around 11:50 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2900 block of Webster Avenue after receiving a call about a shooting. No injuries were reported. The Police Department said that after the suspect was detained near the scene of the Saturday morning shooting, detectives identified him as the same person who was wanted for a shooting that occurred on Feb. 27 in the 2300 block of Baltic Avenue. No injuries were reported in that incident. Later Saturday, the Police Department's SWAT team served two search warrants in the 2400 block of Baltic Avenue and 2500 block of Adriatic Avenue, recovering firearms that were believed to have been used in the shootings. The suspect remains in custody. Police said they were investigating him and the motive. The shooting victim was transported to a hospital in stable condition. 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. Major US lake expected to completely fill after years of historic drought: 'We're feeling very good' California's largest reservoir is expected to reach its maximum capacity this year, to likely reach a full or nearly full level for the second consecutive time following several years of historically low water levels. Lake Shasta rose 12 feet from March 1-26 and needs another 17 feet to reach its limit, the Redding Record Searchlight reported. "We're expecting it to creep right up to the top," said Don Bader, area manager for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, per the news outlet. As of March 27, the lake was 90% full and 115% of the average for this time of year. However, Bader noted the difficulty for it to completely fill since the lake is narrow at the bottom and gets wider at the top. In March, the bureau began limiting the water released from the Shasta Dam to allow the lake to fill, per the Record Searchlight. On March 13, it was releasing 14,000 cubic feet per second equivalent to 377 million gallons an hour. It had reduced the release rate to 3,569 cubic feet per second two weeks later, as more than three times that amount flowed into the lake. "The rain right now is perfect for us to just top it off by the end of April," Bader told the newspaper. The lake is one of the state's most crucial freshwater sources, sending water as far south as Bakersfield for drinking, agricultural irrigation, and wildlife habitat through the Central Valley Water Project. According to a previous Record Searchlight report, Lake Shasta was 24% full and 175 feet from the top of the dam in late 2021. However, atmospheric rivers have inundated the region, reviving several bodies of water like Lake Shasta and Lake Tulare. The full Lake Shasta will benefit the entire state, but the local economy will also likely see its most profitable summer season since before the COVID-19 pandemic. "We're feeling very good. We had a great lake last year, a full lake level, and it was fantastic. Not only just cabin tours, our dinner cruises were record-breaking. This year, we're expecting the same but on an even better, positive note," Matt Doyle, general manager of Lake Shasta Caverns, said. "This is going to be finally the year where it seems COVID is almost a distant memory. The employees are coming back, lake levels are up, and businesses is looking good." Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Man arrested, charged with murder in shooting at Red Sands last year Man arrested, charged with murder in shooting at Red Sands last year EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A man has been arrested and charged with murder in the shooting death of another man late last year at the Red Sands off-road recreation site, the El Paso County Sheriffs Office said. Angel Gallardo, age 19, was successfully located and arrested Saturday, April 6 by deputies and charged with murder in the Nov. 24 shooting death of 19-year-old Mauricio Elias at Red Sands over Thanksgiving weekend, according to the Sheriffs Office. EPCSO: 1 dead, 2 injured after shooting at Red Sands Gallardo was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility with a bond of $1 million, according to the Sheriffs Office. Sheriffs Deputies were dispatched to Red Sands (15600 block of Montana Ave.) at about 9:15 p.m. on Nov. 24. Upon arrival, they found Texas Rescue Patrol paramedics administering CPR to the victim, Elias. He was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit investigated and identified Gallardo as the person responsible for the shooting death of Elias, the Sheriffs Office said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. The man who barricaded himself inside of a home in Marietta is dead, along with a woman, Marietta Police say. The Marietta Police Department responded to Amy Drive just before 4 p.m. after a flock camera alerted law enforcement officials they located a vehicle with a stolen license plate parked on the street. Charles McPhilamy, public information officer for MPD said officers began searching the area based on the alert. They made contact with suspect Michael Allen Reno, 37, and he fled from them inside the residence at 258 Amy Drive. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As their investigation began, police learned Reno was a person of interest in connection with theft of a large amount of guns and cash from a residence in Paulding County. Because Reno refused to exit the home, MPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was activated, along with the assistance of the Cobb County Sheriffs Office. Information about Reno continued to be uncovered over the course of his refusal to surrender to police. According to the Paulding County Sheriffs Office, Reno is accused of taking over $18,000 in cash and approximately $20,000 in handguns and rifles from his brothers residence. TRENDING STORIES: As police continued to attempt to negotiate Renos surrender, a gun could be seen from outside the house, according to police. Law enforcement officials entered the home just after 10 p.m. with drones, and at 10:40 p.m., the SWAT team entered the home where they found Renos body barricaded in a back room with multiple weapons. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] An adult woman was also lying on the ground near him, both dead on the scene. The investigation is ongoing, police said. IN OTHER NEWS: Mans dying words lead to arrest of friend accused of gunning him down, Texas cops say An 18-year-old man is accused of gunning down a lifelong friend after meeting with him to buy shoes, according to Texas officials. Deputies responded to a call about a shooting at roughly 1 a.m. April 6 at a home on San Antonios south side, and arrived to find a man with multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said at a news briefing. He was badly injured and would soon be pronounced dead at an area hospital, but he spoke to a deputy at the scene and named the person who he said shot him, Salazar said. His dying words led to the arrest of Daniel Hernandez, who police say met the victim at his home in order to try on and possibly buy a pair of shoes. Investigators dont what may have motivated Hernandez to kill the man. Salazar said Hernandez and the victim had known each other since they were very young and were friends. These guys were so tight that they used to share each others GPS (locations) on their phones, Salazar said. Its kind of a mystery at this point what would drive this young man to kill what was probably one of his best friends, lifelong, in cold blood like that. He initially told deputies that he killed his friend in self-defense, but investigators say theres no evidence to support that, according to Salazar. Hernandez was taken into custody on a charge of murder. His bond is set at $150,000, jail records show. Man kidnaps, sexually assaults and robs woman working out with friends, Texas cops say Gunmen open fire at Texas gas station, killing foreign politicians son, officials say Tearful boy missing pieces of hair reveals abuse at home to teachers, Texas cops say Armed husband clings to hood of car as kidnapped wife makes bold escape, Texas cops say Man kidnaps, sexually assaults and robs woman working out with friends, Texas cops say A Texas man is accused of kidnapping a woman at a park, then robbing and sexually assaulting her at gunpoint, according to police and news outlets. The woman was working out with a group of friends at Clark Park, on Houstons north side, when they were approached by an armed man who police say ordered them to empty their pockets, KPRC reported. Court records show the assault happened on March 26. He then forced one of the group, a woman, to leave with him, officials told KHOU. He forced her to drive to an ATM and made the woman take out money, then went to another park in the city where he forced her to get naked and sexually assaulted her at gunpoint, investigators said. The womans friends tracked the location of one of their phones stolen by the man, helping lead police to him and the victim, KHOU reported. Authorities say the man was caught in the act, as responding officers observed the defendant sexually assaulting complainant, KHOU reported. He was later identified as 42-year-old Josue Carranza, court records show. Carranza was arrested and is facing numerous charges including aggravated sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping and robbery with a deadly weapon. Carranza was previously convicted of aggravated assault in 2007, records show, and in 2021 he was convicted of evading in a motor vehicle. McClatchy News reached out to an attorney listed for Carranza but did not immediately receive a response. Armed husband clings to hood of car as kidnapped wife makes bold escape, Texas cops say Tearful boy missing pieces of hair reveals abuse at home to teachers, Texas cops say Road rage chase ends in crash, killing newlywed on way to pick up wife, Texas cops say Man enters wrong home, beats 80-year-old neighbor he thought was intruder, TX cops say Man receives 5-year sentence after pleading guilty to 2022 offense AUSTIN (KXAN) According to Travis County court documents, a man was sentenced March 19 after pleading guilty to tampering with evidence with intent to impaira third-degree felony. Records showed 21-year-old John Wiley Bagwell received a prison sentence of five years in connection with a June 2022 offense. Bagwell was originally charged with murder; however, the charge was later dismissed, according to documents. Toward his sentence, Bagwell received a jail credit of 562 days. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) One person is dead and other has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a deadly shooting in Chula Vista Saturday night, authorities said. According to the Chula Vista Police Department, officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 200 Block of Center Street just after 11 p.m. Witnesses flagged down police next to a parked vehicle near Third Avenue. A 36-year-old San Diego man was found inside a truck with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body, police said. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Man shot dead in East County; police search for suspect Homicide detectives were called in to investigate. Based on initial witness statements, the suspects reportedly fled the scene in an older, white pickup truck with distinct markings, police explained. Shortly after midnight, a vehicle matching that description was spotted on H Street in Chula Vista, the department confirmed. Officers stopped the vehicle and detained its two occupants who police said matched descriptions given by the witnesses. One of the individuals 32-year-old Christian Benavides of San Diego was in possession of a firearm, police said. He was placed under arrest and booked into San Diego County Jail on suspicion of murder. An investigation into the deadly shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are working to gather evidence and speak with witnesses to determine the circumstances that led up to the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 or submit tips anonymously online or through the P3tips mobile application. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Officers of Qinzhou Port Customs check imported mangosteens at the Qinzhou Port in Qinzhou City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2024. (Photo by Li Fuyang/Xinhua) NANNING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- After an eight-day voyage, a cargo ship loaded with 68 tonnes of mangosteens docked at the port of Qinzhou in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Having cleared customs swiftly, the fruits imported from Indonesia were transported to nearby provinces, as well as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta. As a pivotal hub along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, the port of Qinzhou witnesses a daily hustle and bustle of rail-sea intermodal trains delivering cargo from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries to China's inland regions. Launched in 2017, the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor is a trade and logistics passage jointly built by provincial-level regions in western China and ASEAN members. Today, thanks to the corridor, more and more fruits from Southeast Asia can reach the Chinese market and meet the growing and diversified needs of Chinese consumers. "In the past, our imported fruits were disembarked at Nansha District of Guangzhou," said Huang Liangsong, a staff member of Guangxi Zhengfan International Logistics Co., Ltd., adding that nowadays the import logistics of the port of Qinzhou are faster and more cost-effective thanks to the continuous expansion of foreign trade routes. "With the arrival of the fruit season, an assortment of ASEAN fruits will be shipped to the port this year," he said. To further spur the flow of agricultural products from ASEAN countries to the Chinese market, the port of Qinzhou has established several tropical fruit express lines as well as optimized cold chain, cold storage, and other supporting infrastructure. "We launched an express line from Laem Chabang of Thailand to Qinzhou which runs four times a week, and the fruits can reach China within three days," said Zuo Kongtian, an official with the Qinzhou Port area of the Guangxi Free Trade Zone. According to customs statistics, from January to February this year, fruit imports through Qinzhou Port -- mostly longan, coconut, mango and mangosteen -- totaled more than 3,300 tonnes, with a total value of 25.43 million yuan (about 3.51 million U.S. dollars), up 178.4 percent and 292.5 percent year on year, respectively. In addition, the establishment of a fruit trade center in collaboration with ASEAN countries in Qinzhou has also contributed to the efficiency customs clearance. "We have set up an inbound fruit 'green channel' to largely reduce the waiting time and to ensure streamlined customs clearance processes," said Cao Teng, an officer at Qinzhou Port Customs. Youyi Pass, over 200 kilometers from Qinzhou Port, is nestled on the China-Vietnam border in Guangxi. It saw 23.88 billion yuan worth of fruits imported in 2023, reflecting a 262.3 percent year-on-year increase, according to local customs statistics. Early April marks the first peak of the massive influx of tropical fruits via Youyi Pass, China's major land route to Vietnam and Southeast Asia, where trucks loaded with ripe durians and jackfruit form queues for customs clearance at this time of year. According to Wang Zhengbo, president of a Guangxi-based supply chain management company, business collaboration opportunities between China and ASEAN have continued to grow in recent years, boosting the demand for and the quantity and variety of goods in cross-border trade, as well as seeing continuous increases in freight volume. The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor is also an economic corridor featuring in-depth integration of transportation, logistics, commerce and industry, thereby creating significant opportunities for industrial cooperation among countries. "With the effective implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the acceleration of the construction of the land-sea trade corridor, economic and trade cooperation between China and the ASEAN will bring about new opportunities," said Zuo. Vendors transport packaged durians at Haijixing Market, a large wholesale fruit market, in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhao Huan) Editor: JYZ WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating after a man was shot in Northeast D.C. on Saturday afternoon. A spokesman for MPD said they received a call just after 4:05 p.m. about a shooting in the 4000 block of Minnesota Ave. NE. There, a man was found shot. Weather Flash: What can you expect from this years eclipse in the DMV? He was unconscious but breathing. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or (202) 727-9099. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Families with children may be forcibly evacuated from the northern part of Kharkiv Oblast. Source: Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on the national joint 24/7 newscast Quote: "We have just completed the mandatory evacuation of 18 settlements on the Kupiansk front. Currently, we have announced mandatory evacuation from 47 more settlements in four hromadas (a hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories ed.). We are considering the issue in the north[ern part of the oblast]. These are Kharkiv district and Bohodukhiv district, the so-called Zolochiv front. Following our information, the National Police reported that there are no more children on the very border, where settlements are constantly under enemy fire. However, we will monitor this situation again and will probably make a decision. Even those settlements that are located further from the border are still under fire. Because the enemy has started hitting the settlements that were not under attack a month ago. So now we will consider this issue at the [session of] the Oblast Defence Council." Background: In August 2023, the authorities started the mandatory evacuation of 37 settlements in the Kupiansk district, Kharkiv Oblast, due to the increased intensity of Russian attacks. In January, the mandatory evacuation zone for families with children in Kharkiv Oblast was expanded. Support UP or become our patron! Mark Zuckerberg owns over 1,200 acres of land. Here's a look at his properties across the US, from a Hawaiian doomsday bunker to Lake Tahoe estates. Mark Zuckerberg has been quietly snapping up massive chunks of real estate for years. The tech billionaire has bought hundreds of acres of Hawaiian land. He's also splashed out on large homes in California's Silicon Valley and Lake Tahoe. Mark Zuckerberg is one of the world's richest people, and his multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio reflects that. The man responsible for Facebook is worth around an estimated $180 billion, Forbes reported, and part of that fortune includes assets like a sprawling California compound and acres of lush land on a Hawaiian island. Zuckerberg's real-estate dealings are often shrouded in privacy, including the use of limited-liability companies and addresses linked to the investment management firm Iconiq Capital. Over the years, he's bought and sold homes all over the country. He's also reportedly built some a Hawaiian doomsday ranch that has had many scratching their heads, for example. Zuckerberg's real estate portfolio has an assessed value of around $200 million, according to Business Insider calculations based on property assessments. However, the assessed value of properties can be lower than reported purchase prices (or current market value), so Zuckerberg's holdings are likely worth significantly more. Representatives for Zuckerberg didn't immediately respond to BI's request for comment. Here's what we know about his real estate. Zuckerberg owns a residential compound in Palo Alto. The five homes have a total assessed value of over $36.2 million, according to tax records. Google Maps It's no surprise that a tech titan has more than one property in Silicon Valley. The Meta CEO owns five homes in the Crescent Park neighborhood of Palo Alto. He gave viewers a rare peek inside one of them in 2016; the house is even tricked out with a "custom-made artificially intelligent assistant," according to CNBC . The home is only a 10-minute drive from the Meta HQ in Menlo Park. He bought the first Crescent Park property in May 2011 for $7 million. Zuckerberg's main residence is just a short drive to the Meta HQ (pictured) in Menlo Park. Tayfun Coskun / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Architectural Digest described it as a "'no frills abode" that chooses function over extravagance. Zuckerberg then spent over $43 million on the four homes surrounding his original residence in Crescent Park, The Wall Street Journal reported. He sold his San Francisco townhouse in 2022 for a reported $31 million. The 9,800-square-foot lot has a home that dates back to 1928 and is located near Dolores Park (pictured). Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home is located near San Francisco's Dolores Park. He and his wife, Priscilla Chan, reportedly spent $10 million to purchase the townhouse in 2010. At the time of the sale in 2022, it was the largest residential real estate deal in the city. He bought two adjacent estates on the shore of Lake Tahoe around 2019. Carousel Estate has an assessed value of over $16.4 million, according to tax records. Google Maps Lake Tahoe is a popular vacation destination for wealthy Californians in both summer and winter, and Zuckerberg and his family are no exception. The tax records of the two properties known as Carousel Estate and Brushwood Estate display the same address as tax records of other properties linked to Zuckerberg, according to documents viewed by BI. Zuckerberg reportedly paid $59 million for both properties. Brushwood Estate has an assessed value of over $39,681,000, according to tax records. Google Maps At 5,322 square feet, the Brushwood Estate features six bedrooms, five baths, and two half baths, according to SF Gate . Inside are high-beamed ceilings and picture windows; outside are lush trees, a private dock, and a hot tub. There's also a 2,293-square-foot guesthouse. The Meta exec owns over 1,200 acres of land in Hawaii. Over the years, Zuckerberg has added huge plots of Hawaiian land to his portfolio. Google Maps It's unclear exactly how many acres of land Zuckerberg currently owns on Kauai, but he began buying up a region of the island back in 2014. BI tracked down at least 1,200 acres between 17 parcels of land that have the same tax address as other properties mentioned above, but are owned by LLCs including Kahu'aina Holdings LLC and Pila'a International LLC. The 1,200 acres include about 750 acres he reportedly paid $100 million in 2014 for. That encompasses a more than 350-acre span of land on Pila'a Beach. His plans for Koolau Ranch seem to be in preparation for the worst case scenario. His real estate in Hawaii has an assessed value of over $41 million, but Zuckerberg paid much more to buy and build on the land. Google Maps Another part of Zuckerberg's Hawaii holdings is the nearly 600 acres of land on Kauai's North Shore that reportedly cost him around $53 million in 2021. On one of his Hawaiian parcels, Zuckerberg is reportedly building a huge compound that's said to include a 5,000-square-foot underground bunker with an escape hatch. It's been dubbed Koolau Ranch, and Wired reported that buying the land and creating the compound cost the executive an estimated $270 million. Hillary Hoffower contributed to an earlier version of this story. Read the original article on Business Insider MCPHERSON, Kan. (KSNW) The McPherson Police Department arrested a man after chasing him through Walmart. According to the MPD, officers responded around 8 a.m. to the report of a person walking away from a vehicle in a ditch in the area of Kansas Highway 61 and 14th Avenue. This embedded content is not available in your region. Upon arrival at the scene, the vehicle was discovered to be stolen. The person was not at the scene. Newton man arrested after police chase through Sedgwick, Harvey Counties Later, at 10:40 a.m., the MPD received the report of a vehicle burglary in the 2100 block of E. Kansas Ave. Witnesses were able to tell officers a description of the suspect, a man from McPherson, which matched the description of the person from earlier. Officers with the MPD and deputies with the McPherson County Sheriffs Office canvased the area and were able to get multiple reports of the man going in and out of stores in the area. At 11:20 a.m., officers were notified that the man was in Walmart. When officers confronted him, he ran through the store and out an emergency exit. Officers chased him on foot and apprehended him in the 2200 block of E. Kansas Ave. The MPD says the man was arrested for outstanding warrants. Additional charges will be filed with the McPherson County Attorneys Office. KSN does not identify suspects unless charges are filed in their case. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has privately said he could end Russias war by pressuring Ukraine to cede Crimea and Donbas to Moscow, the Washington Post reported on April 7, citing sources. Trump has repeatedly said he could end Russias war within 24 hours if elected president, without specifying the steps for reaching a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow. The presumptive Republican nominee has also reportedly said he thinks both Moscow and Kyiv want to save face, they want a way out, claiming that Ukrainians in Russian-occupied territories would be okay with being part of Russia. Read also: Ukrainians under occupation face deportation, loss of property after Putins new order Russia illegally annexed Crimea and invaded the Donbas in 2014. In 2022, Russia also occupied parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts and claimed to annex the regions along with the Donbas. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly said Kyiv would not cede territories in exchange for peace. It looks as if Donald Trump had already these 24 hours once in his time. We were at war, not a full-scale war, but we were at war and as I assume he had that time at his disposal, but he must have had some other priorities, Zelensky told ABC News on June 9. Zelensky introduced Ukraines 10-point peace plan at a G20 summit in November 2022. The peace plan includes the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops, establishing a tribunal for Russian war crimes, the release of all prisoners of war and deported Ukrainians, and the prevention of ecocide. Trump is set to become the Republican nominee in the U.S. presidential election after former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley exited the presidential race on March 6. He said in May that he would not commit to providing Ukraine with defense assistance if he won the 2024 election. In mid-March, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin dismissed the idea of starting negotiations with Ukraine just because its ammunition stocks are dwindling, calling the notion ridiculous. Kyiv faces increasingly critical ammunition shortages as $60 billion in support from the U.S., a key military donor, remains stalled by disputes in Congress. A document from unsuccessful peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv in 2022, seen by the Wall Street Journal, indicates that Russian peace terms include severe restrictions on Ukraine's Armed Forces and a ban on joining military blocs like NATO. This would make the country permanently vulnerable to Russian aggression. Read also: Alexander Khrebet: Dont write off Ukrainians living under Russian occupation Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. In a statement provided to Ukrainska Pravda, a spokesperson for Ukraine's military intelligence agency said Ukraine was not involved in the explosion of a drone at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) on April 7. "Ukraine is not involved in any armed provocations on the territory of the illegally occupied nuclear plant," the spokesperson Andrii Yusov said, adding that Russian false flag strikes were a frequent occurrence. "The aggressor state once again endangers the nuclear facility," Yusov said. "Russian strikes, in particular false flag strikes, on the territory of the Ukrainian nuclear power plant, as well as the deployment of troops and weapons there and mining of ZNPP facilities, have long been a well-known and constant criminal practice." "Russia should withdraw troops from all ZNPP facilities, only this will allow to restore compliance with all necessary international norms and control over an important nuclear energy facility." Earlier in the day, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that a drone detonated on its site, according to the IAEA. The IAEA did not specify who had launched the drone. A detonation is consistent with IAEA observations, the IAEA wrote in its post on X. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear plant in Europe, has been under Russian occupation since March 2022. Read also: IAEA: Drone detonated at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Men arrested in Seattles International District after firing shots from car Two men were arrested after shots were fired from a car in Seattles Chinatown-International District Wednesday. Officers were near Seventh Avenue South and South Main Street at 10:46 p.m. when they heard gunshots. Police spoke with a man in the area who said he heard the shots coming from a parking lot and then saw a car leave the area heading west on South King Street near Fifth Avenue South. Though Seattle officers found seven shell casings in the parking lot, there was no sign of the car. After speaking to more citizens, officers had a description of the car. About 90 minutes later, officers spotted the car in question near Pike Street and Fourth Avenue. After pulling over the car, police identified a 22-year-old man driving the car and a 21-year-old man in the passenger seat. During the traffic stop, officers were able to see a gun and shell casings inside the car. Police arrested the driver for investigation of drive-by shooting and DUI drugs. Investigators said they also found a loaded gun, brass knuckles, drugs, and cash on the driver. According to police, the gun the driver had was a ghost gun that was partially made with a 3D printer. Also recovered were 14.5 grams of powdered fentanyl, dozens of pills, and 30 grams of methamphetamine. Police requested more charges for sale and delivery of methamphetamine, possession of unlawful firearm, unlawful carry pistol and furtively carry a dangerous weapon, Seattle Police said in a blotter post. During the traffic stop, the passenger was also taken into custody on unrelated charges. Officers recovered dozens of pills, 6.7 grams of powdered fentanyl, and 0.3 grams of methamphetamine and cash. Both suspects were booked in the King County Jail. Mexico cut diplomatic ties with Ecuador after law enforcement entered the Mexican Embassy Friday and arrested the former Ecuadorian vice president who had been living on the premises since late last year. The Ecuadorean police raided the Mexican Embassy in Quito, Ecuadors capital, and arrested Jorge Glas, Eduadors former vice president who sought asylum at the diplomatic building. Glas had been sheltered at the embassy since December. Glas had been sentenced to prison for alleged corruption and a warrant was issued for his arrest, according to Ecuadors presidential office. Mexico granted Glas asylum earlier Friday. Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena announced the suspension of diplomatic relations with Ecuador, stating the move violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. She said the Mexican diplomats at the embassy sustained injuries during the raid. The arrest comes as tensions between the two countries have been simmering for months. On Thursday, Ecuadors government said the Mexican ambassador was unwanted following Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors comments about Ecuadors election that took place last year. After the Friday arrest, Glas was taken to the attorney generals office Saturday and later flown to Guayaquil, a city 265 miles south of Quito where he will be in custody, according to The Associated Press. Glas was Ecuadors vice president from 2013 to 2017. He amassed corruption charges during his tenure, eventually being found guilty of getting bribes from construction behemoth Odebrecht, according to The New York Times. He was sentenced to jail for six years. In 2020, he was convicted in another corruption case and was sentenced to eight years in prison, according to the Times. He got an early release from prison in November 2022 but was hit with another embezzlement charge. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Mexico City residents struggle for access to water: 'They must understand that water is vital for everyone' Mexico City residents face water shortages as taps run dry in one of Latin America's largest cities. What's happening? Mexico City is struggling to supply water to the 21 million residents within its metro area, and some people are reporting they've gone without water in their homes for over a month. The shortages are being blamed on rising global temperatures, which has led to less precipitation, as well as poorly planned urban growth and outdated infrastructure. Frustrated residents have been protesting for weeks one group forced open the gates of an office of Mexico's National Water Commission (Conagua), breaking windows and ripping shingles, according to Reuters, which cited local media outlets. Meanwhile, residents of the Azcapotzalco neighborhood recently lined up to fill buckets and trash cans with water piped from a truck. "I think they should be empathetic," one resident said of government officials, per Reuters. "We understand there was a serious water problem, but they must understand that water is vital for everyone." Why is Mexico City's water shortage concerning? Everyone needs drinking water to stay alive, but it's also vitally important for sanitation, agriculture, and business. Shortages like the one in Mexico City and other cities worldwide such as Bengaluru, India, could also lead to mass migrations. Normally, Mexico City gets at least half of its rainfall from the North American monsoon between May and August. That means there is little chance for the city's reservoirs to rebound until this summer. When, and if, the rain comes, it could be more bad news for the city as it becomes susceptible to "whiplash effect." This rapid change to wet conditions could result in flash flooding. "The swings are getting more extreme due to climate change," said Andreas Prein, an atmospheric scientist for the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, per Reuters. "This is what we see on a global scale." While disasters like flooding and droughts have always occurred, global heating is like "steroids" for these events, making them more frequent and intense. For instance, in the past year alone, many parts of the globe have suffered from devastating droughts: in the Amazon, this has led to a shortage of drinkable water; in Spain, it has led to severe water restrictions; and in Southern Africa, Central America, and northern South America, droughts threaten food security. What is being done to combat water shortages? Mexico City's water utility SACMEX is asking residents to change their habits to conserve as much water as possible, but otherwise, it's a long wait for the rainy season. While we can't control the weather and make it rain, we can do our part to curb the overheating of our planet. This includes voting for pro-environment candidates who will take a stand on climate issues and changing how we get around, opting for modes of transport like bicycles and public transit. Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. On April 7, 2024, an officer of the Azerbaijani Army, Lieutenant Baghirov Ulvi, who was seriously wounded during the anti-terrorist operation in Karabakh on September 19-20, 2023, died in a medical institution, Trend reports referring to Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense. The leadership of the Ministry of Defense expresses deep condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased officer. Mexican embassy staff return to Mexico after the embassy in Quito was raided by Ecuadorian police Mexican embassy staff return to Mexico after the embassy in Quito was raided by Ecuadorian police By David Alire Garcia MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico welcomed the return of its Ecuador embassy personnel on Sunday, two days after police raided the facility in an act that triggered an abrupt diplomatic break while provoking global shock and condemnation of the South American nation. Ecuadorean police and soldiers forced their way into Mexico's embassy in Quito late Friday night to arrest former Vice President Jorge Glas who had for months taken refuge there, after Mexican officials offered him formal asylum protection earlier in the day. Ecuador argued it was unlawful to grant asylum to Glas, who had been convicted twice on graft charges. Glas, 54, who had a preventive arrest warrant out on another corruption case, had been holed up in the embassy in Quito since seeking political asylum in December. At the Mexican capital's main airport, Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena hailed the solidarity shown with Mexico from 18 Latin American governments - nearly the entire region and spanning its ideological divides - in addition to 10 European nations, plus the United States and Canada. While welcoming about a couple dozen embassy personnel who were flown back to Mexico, the diplomat also lashed out at Ecuador's "physical aggression" on the embassy. She also reiterated plans to seek further international rebukes for the government of President Daniel Noboa over the incident. Earlier on Sunday, Britain became the latest country to condemn Ecuador's incursion into the embassy, according to a foreign office statement. Mexico's ambassador to Ecuador, Raquel Serur, flanked Barcena at the ceremony. "President Noboa made a mistake by taking a decision that didn't just break with all established international conventions, but it also showed ignorance of the reality of his country," said Serur, adding that the president "doesn't understand" that individuals can be provided with asylum protections without judging their innocence or guilt. Ecuadorean police arrested Glas, who served as vice president to leftist former President Rafael Correa, due to the ongoing corruption charges. Last week, Noboa's government declared Serur persona non grata due to what it called "unfortunate" comments by Mexico's president, who had weighed in on last year's presidential race in Ecuador claiming that media manipulation following a candidate assassination led to his fellow leftist's loss. (Reporting by David Alire Garcia in Mexico City; Additional reporting by Urvi Dugar in Bengaluru; Editing by Diane Craft) Miami-Dades Dolphin Mall clear of danger after reports of active shooter, police say Dolphin Mall was deemed clear of a security threat that briefly prompted a manhunt, evacuations and panic inside one of Miami-Dade Countys largest shopping centers following reports of an active shooter Sunday afternoon. Only In Dade video captured shoppers pouring out of the Sweetwater mall at 11401 N.W. 12th St. sometime Sunday afternoon after false reports of shots fired and a person inside with a gun. Several law enforcement agencies, including Miami-Dade and Sweetwater police, converged on the shopping center, according to authorities Shoppers and store employees can be seen on social media taking cover after hearing a fight break out at the mall. A little before 5:30 p.m., the city of Sweetwaters police department announced it was in the clear. We are aware of reports of shots fired at Dolphin Mall. After further investigation, no evidence was found to corroborate such reports. The mall has been deemed safe, Sweetwaters police department wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. #OiDNews: Reports of a possible suspect with a gun at Dolphin Mall. Sources say an altercation occurred at Dolphin Mall where a man allegedly pulled out a firearm, however no shots have been reported fired. Police are actively in search of gunman. We will update as the story pic.twitter.com/mZ3tV49ovE ONLY in DADE (@ONLYinDADE) April 7, 2024 Detective Alvaro Zabaleta, a Miami-Dade police spokesman, told the Miami Herald it remains unknown what exactly happened to have caused such a high level of concern. Sundays reports of a shooting at Dolphin Mall come a day after people were shaken up while hanging out at another Miami-Dade shopping center this weekend. On Saturday morning, a gunman and security guard were shot dead in a shootout that left seven more people injured at CityPlace Doral. The mall reopened by Sunday, except for the Martini Bar where the shootout occurred. Ukraine requires advanced air defense systems to safeguard its energy infrastructure from Russian missile and drone attacks, aiming to prevent power outages as electricity demand nears winter peak levels this summer, Energy Minister German Galushchenko said on April 6. Russia has intensified its missile and drone strikes against Ukraine's critical infrastructure, launching large-scale attacks on energy facilities across the country. Among Moscow's targets were the Kaniv Hydroelectric Power Plant in Cherkasy Oblast, the Dniester Hydroelectric Power Plant in Chernivtsi Oblast, and Zaporizhzhia's Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant. The destruction was significant in power generation and in electricity transmission. The situation is difficult, Galushchenko told Bloomberg. We still do not understand the scale of damage as many facilities are still in rubble, and we cant reach them. In an interview with national television on April 6, President Volodymyr Zelensky called on international partners to provide Ukraine with modern air defense systems to defend against Russian attacks. As Moscow increased its attacks, the shortage of air defense systems in Ukraine became more tangible, particularly in the territories near the front line. I will not tell you how many Patriot systems we have. I can say that, to cover Ukraine completely in the future, it is preferable to have 25 Patriot systems, with six to eight batteries each, Zelensky said. Official estimates for the total energy losses have not yet been determined, but the magnitude of the damage could potentially amount to billions of dollars, the minister said. Russian attacks have damaged or completely destroyed 80% of the thermal generating capacity of Ukraine's largest private energy company, DTEK. Ukraine is seeking energy equipment to replace its damaged machinery. Depending upon the situation in July and August, we will ask people to save as much as possible, Galushchenko said. The Russians cant cause a repeat of the blackouts of 2022 and 2023. Even in the case of huge damage, well have basic generation that covers 30% to 50% of our needs. Read also: Russia aims to knock out Ukraines power grid in new wave of attacks Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A 4-year-old Washington boy has been found after an Amber Alert was issued when his biological mother allegedly kidnapped him from his Bremerton home Sunday morning. Just before 11 a.m., authorities reported that 4-year-old Teddy Templeton was likely traveling with his non-custodial mother, 39-year-old Shannon Isbell, in an unknown direction. Nevada man sentenced for stealing $163K in COVID-19 relief funds while in Oregon Officials said the pair were last seen near Bremerton at 12 a.m., when Isbell grabbed Templeton from his bed and proceeded to make threats to harm herself and the child. WSP reported that Isbell was driving a blue 2005 Kia Spectra sedan with Washington license plate BER2466, or a silver 2006 Ford Escape with license plate ANF0721. No other details have been released at this time. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean has branded the reports by the authorities of unrecognised Transnistria about a recent "drone attack" on a military unit as another provocation [Transnistria is an unrecognised breakaway state, internationally considered to be part of Moldova ed.]. Source: Moldovan news outlet Newsmaker, citing Recean, as reported by European Pravda Details: Recean stressed that this is "another typical provocation" that "can no longer cause panic or fear" in society. "We are facing another typical provocation. Let's pay attention to the reaction of society, which is already aware of the reality. These provocations can no longer cause panic or fear," the Moldovan prime minister said, noting that Russia supports such provocations. Background: Earlier on Friday, the so-called Ministry of State Security of unrecognised Transnistria claimed that a drone had supposedly attacked a military unit in the region. In response, Moldova's Reintegration Bureau emphasised that it was analysing all images and information and that "a series of provocations are ongoing in the region to attract attention". On 17 March, Transnistrian media reported an explosion and fire on the territory of a military unit in Tiraspol. Transnistrian media claimed that the explosion resulted from a UAV attack. However, the Moldovan authorities analysed the video footage of the incident and concluded that the video of the "terrorist attack" contained obvious elements of video editing. Support UP or become our patron! A fire broke out at Viola Spells' home in North Carolina on April 4 while she was running errands West Buncombe Fire Department/WLOS Woman's house catches fire in Asheville, North Carolina A North Carolina mother came home to a nightmare scene after a quick trip running errands. On April 4, Viola Spells was on her way home when she noticed a large amount of firetrucks and emergency crews in the area near her house. I saw these firetrucks and I was like, Whats going on down there? And I kept getting this sinking feeling because it was, like, close to my house, she told local outlet WLOS. She then arrived at her house to a still-raging fire, and her first thought was of her daughter, who was still at home. A firefighter told her that her daughter had managed to escape, and her child later told her mother that she jumped from the window to escape the blaze, per WLOS. That was the only way she could get out, Spells told the outlet. Her daughter was taken to the hospital to be evaluated, but she is "physically okay," WLOS 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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Spells home is expected to be a total loss, West Buncombe Fire Chief Dennis Fagnant told the outlet. We had to rely heavily on our mutual aid partners and, in fact, had to call in two additional alarms, which brought in four additional engines and two additional tankers, just to be able to bring this fire under control," he explained. Spells added of the loss, "When you see thats wiped away all your memories, everything you own, everything gone, I was just devastated." She has since started a GoFundMe page to fundraise, writing, "Anything you could donate would be most appreciated. The funds will be used to recover my home." In the description, Spells also shared that she grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, and is an artist in the area. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. More than 150k patients wait at least 24 hours for bed after arrival at A&E, data shows More than 150,000 patients were forced to wait at least 24 hours for a bed in NHS emergency departments last year, according to new figures. The number waiting a full day for a bed in a hospital after arriving to accident and emergency (A&E) has risen tenfold since 2019. It comes after the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) said delays in A&E were responsible for around 14,000 deaths last year, or more than 250 each week. The new figures, released under freedom of information (FOI) laws and compiled by the Liberal Democrats, revealed a huge number of people were forced to wait beyond a full day despite being sick enough to require treatment. The FOI responses from 73 hospital trusts, about half the total, showed that 153,000 patients waited more than 24 hours in A&E before a bed could be found for them, with the true figure likely to be higher. The data only includes those patients ill enough to need a hospital bed rather than those who were seen, treated and sent home without being admitted. Up 17 per cent in a year The figure is up 17 per cent in a year and considerably higher than in 2019 when the equivalent figure for 24-hour waits was less than 15,000. About two thirds of the patients are over 65. It is appalling that so many elderly and vulnerable people are being forced to put up with these terrifying waits as our health service teeters on the brink, Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, told The Times. Behind each one of these figures is a story of someone waiting in pain, worried sick about getting the care they need. He added: We desperately need more hospital beds and a long-term solution to the social care crisis to end these devastating A&E delays. There was variation across the country, with East Kent Hospitals faring the worst of trusts that responded to the FOI, with 14,400 patients waiting more than a day. Some of the trusts did not record any 24-hour waits while 10 of them said they had fewer than 100. Adrian Boyle, the president of the RCEM, said that these patients were always people who are sick who need to be admitted to hospital. The majority are those who have general medical problems and are elderly with multiple conditions. Quite a lot also have mental health problems. He added: We know that staying 12 hours is harmful for people so staying longer certainly wont be good for people, Boyle said. For every 72 stays of 12 hours [in A&E], there will be one excess death. There was also a study in France showing that if people over 75 spend more than 12 hours in the emergency department they had a 5 per cent increased risk of death in the subsequent admission. Deep-seated lack of capacity Mr Boyle told The Times the NHS was short of 10,000 beds. This is a deep-seated lack of capacity in our hospitals. We still have the least number of beds per head of any European country apart from Sweden. The pandemic will definitely have disrupted and accelerated things but the problems were set in stone beforehand. An NHS spokeswoman said: Last year NHS staff contended with significant demand 393,000 more A&E attendances and 217,000 more emergency admissions compared with 2022 on top of unprecedented industrial action, high bed occupancy and the usual pressure caused by seasonal illness including Covid and flu. But she insisted there had been significant progress for patients alongside increasing capacity including extra beds and ambulances, the NHS has expanded the use of innovative measures like same-day emergency care to help avoid overnight admissions from A&E, and treating people closer to home. A Department of Health spokeswoman said: We are committed to ensuring people get the emergency care they need. A&E four-hour performance improved in February compared with January, despite the highest number of A&E attendances on record and the impact of industrial action. Our urgent care recovery plan, backed by 1 billion in 2023-24, has added an extra 5,000 hospital beds and rolled out 10,000 hospital at home wards to help people be treated in the comfort of their own homes. 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. 'It will be the most closely watched court in Mississippi.' Group to collect data on CCID Even as attorney Cliff Johnson made arguments to the Mississippi Supreme Court in 2023 challenging the constitutionality of state-appointed judges in a new municipal court in downtown Jackson, he knew a watch dog for the court might be needed. Months later, the supreme court satisfied Johnson and several others' arguments by stating the new court would function just like others, and after a federal court ruled it was in fact constitutional, Johnson's resolve for monitoring the new court was set in stone. "We have expressed our concern about the ways in which (this would) undermine elected leaders in Jackson and in many ways worked as an end around the democratic process in Jackson in Hinds County," Johnson said. "We're keeping a close eye on how this plays out." Johnson, University of Mississippi professor and director for the Roderick and Solange MacArthur Justice Center, told the Clarion Ledger he is gathering a group of more than 50 dedicated participants from partnering organizations and Ole Miss to sit in and monitor the CCID municipal court and report back to the public on cases that come before it, dubbed the CCIDcourtwatch.com. The War Memorial Building will serve as a temporary home for the Capitol Complex Improvement District Municipal Court in Jackson seen on Thursday, Apr. 4, 2024. Cliff Johnson, the director for Roderick and Solange MacArthur Justice Center, is gathering a group of more than 50 people to watch and report data about the new court, which is slated to open later this year. The CCID municipal court was established with the passage of House Bill 1020 in the 2023 legislative session. It also expanded parts of the CCID, featuring Downtown Jackson and goes all the way to Jackson State University. The CCID will expand this summer to include the west bank of the Pearl River all the way to Northside Drive and continue to encompass most of downtown. The municipal court itself would feature four judges appointed by Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Randolph, four prosecuting attorneys appointed by Attorney General Lynn Fitch, and the court would send defendants to state prison instead of county jail. The bill also did not feature specific language on whether defendants could appeal decisions made by judges. The court was slated to open in January, but several lawsuits were filed seeking to dismantle it or block it before it was ever established. Johnson served as an attorney arguing that state-appointed judges working alongside elected ones, as well as the court not having a process for making appeals, was unconstitutional. MSC ruled late last summer that the court would have appeals. Other federal lawsuits filed by the NAACP sought to block the court's existence, but Judge Henry Wingate stopped those blocks, and the court is now slated to open later this year. Read about CCID lawsuits Wingate rejects NAACP motion for emergency injunction against separate Jackson CCID Court Johnson said he has spent the time between last fall and now gathering colleagues and students to monitor the court for transparency with the public. So far, he has partnered with Ole Miss, American Civil Liberties Union, the Mississippi Poor People's Campaign, the Mississippi Center for Justice and the People's Advocacy Institute, to name a few. Those monitors will use the website to file data collected on each individual case that comes through the court. It will include information such as defendants' identity and race, whether the Jackson Police Department or Capitol Police handled the arrest, the nature of proceedings, if defendants are granted bail, if fees and fines are issued that consider a defendant's income and if payment plans are allowed for low-income defendants. The database will also include information about whether defendants are sent to county jail or state prison. "Recognizing the uniqueness of this CCID court, I believe it is particularly important to keep a very close watch on what this one-of-a-kind court is doing, how the leadership of that court carries out their duties and responsibilities and the extent to which there are outcomes that are improper or inconsistent with the law," Johnson said. "My hope is that a CCID court will be the most fair, most unbiased court in the state of Mississippi. I don't go into this monitoring effort with a hope that terrible things happen in the CCID court, but it will be the most closely watched court in Mississippi." Johnson even intends to send several of his own Ole Miss students to Jackson and watch the court, and he will also make the trip a few times per month to contribute to the database. "My plan is to be in that courtroom on the first day CCID court opens," Johnson said. "I will monitor that day myself." Gail Wright-Lowery, a Hinds County public defender, told the Clarion Ledger she thinks the monitors could prove helpful to her and colleagues in the public defender's office as they represent clients in the court later this year. "Because the concept as it has been introduced to us in Hinds County and in Jackson, I think that that is a good idea just to keep data so that we can see exactly what is going on and whether or not the court is actually living out what the intent was when it was created," Lowery said. As for information about how the court will work or when it will open, who Judge Randolph is considering to preside over the court or who Fitch will appoint to prosecute, Lowery said she and her colleagues have been kept in the dark. "We are still in a wait and see," Lowery said. "We have reached out to make sure that everybody knows that we are ready to sit and meet in the event that we are a part of the organizational process. We are poised to walk in court when they tell us it's up and ready and running. Because that's what we do every day." Fitch did not respond to multiple Clarion Ledger requests for comment on this story pertaining to when she expects to announce prosecutor appointments. MSC Public Information Officer Beverly Kraft told the Clarion Ledger the court's opening is being delayed while lawmakers consider House Bill 822, which will establish clear guidelines for an appeals process in the CCID Court. "The court is waiting on the outcome of pending legislation, which could affect the number of CCID judges to be appointed," Kraft said. Kraft said Randolph, who did not respond to questions about where he is at in that process or who the candidates are, has yet to make any final decision on judge appointments. Once those appointments are made, the court will set up shop in the War Memorial building at 120 State St. N., before renovations are complete to the Wright and Ferguson building on the corner of West and High Street, which will also house the Capitol Police headquarters. The Mississippi Department of Finance Administration is overseeing the renovation project, but representatives did not respond to questions about when the project is supposed to be completed. See what lawmakers are up to this week MS lawmaker narrow down bills to consider in 2024 legislative session 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: Jackson CCID court to be watched, reported on by group of court monitors BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. On April 7, at around 17:15, units of the Armenian armed forces from their positions located in the direction of the settlement of Sultanbey, Pashali region, opened fire on the positions of the Azerbaijani Army in the direction of the settlement of Shada, Shahbuz region, Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Trend reports referring to Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense. The units of the Azerbaijani Army have taken adequate response measures. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) A person was injured in a two-vehicle crash in Montgomery County on Saturday night. Montgomery County officers arrived at the crash just after 8 p.m. at the intersection of Georgia Ave. and Shorefield Rd. A spokesperson for the police department said that a motorcyclist was hurt in the collision. The person was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police identify man killed in Northwest DC stabbing Georgia Ave. was closed to drivers at Shorefield Rd. Commuters were advised to seek a different route and expect delays. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Lily Peterson, a 7th-grader at Mountain Heights Academy, met Dr. Jane Goodall DBE founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace after winning an essay contest. Dr. Goodall is known for her legacy in science and conservation, and Peterson said she is a huge inspiration to her. Lily Peterson, a 7th grade student from Murray, Utah, meeting Dr. Jane Goodall. (Eliza Petersen, Natural History Museum of Utah) READ NEXT: Tulip Festival returning to Thanksgiving Point next week Shes been a big inspiration for me, especially when I learned about how she always had wanted to go to Africa and learn all about the animals there, Peterson said in a video produced by NHMU. She worked very hard to get there and her just persevering, thats taught a lot to me. The Inspired by Jane essay contest that Peterson won was inspired by Dr. Goodalls 90th birthday, which was on April 3, as a way to celebrate Goodalls inspiration for youth and vision for change. More than 280 other Utah students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade participated in the contest. Peterson won the contest which was hosted by the Natural History Museum of Utah, the Jane Goodall Institute and my529 Utahs Educational Savings Plan and received an all-expenses-paid trip to a public lecture hosted by Dr. Goodall in Seattle. After the lecture, Peterson was able to meet Dr. Goodall, wish her a happy birthday and give her a gift that she made. The prompt for the essay was as follows: Knowing all that Dr. Jane Goodall has accomplished in her life so far, tell us what positive impact you hope to make in the world by your 90th birthday. In her essay, Peterson advocated for the protection of wild horses in the Mountain West. After winning, Peterson said it was exciting to be able to meet Dr. Goodall, and said she was grateful that Goodall had proven animals have emotions, too. Being given the opportunity to meet Dr. Jane Goodall has been an incredible experience, Peterson said. It was so special to meet someone who worked so hard to make their own big childhood dreams come true. It is a moment I will never forget, and for which I am very thankful. The Natural History Museum of Utah is also hosting the exhibit Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall, which runs through May 27. The exhibit is included with the cost of admission but completely free to museum members; children younger than two years old; and University of Utah students, faculty and staff. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Michael Gove named the Muslim Association of Britain and Muslim Engagement and Development as among those to be assessed as to whether they meet the new definition of extremism - THOMAS KRYCH/ZUMA PRESS WIRE/SHUTTERSTOCK A campaign to get Muslim voters to back pro-Palestine candidates is supported by two groups under investigation over extremism fears, The Telegraph can reveal. The Muslim Vote (TMV) is a nationwide group attempting to coordinate voters to punish candidates that they believe have not been sufficiently supportive of Palestine at the ballot box. But among the list of its two dozen backers are the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB) and Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend). Michael Gove, the Communities Secretary, named the two organisations earlier this month as among those to be assessed as to whether they meet the new definition of extremism. Mr Gove said in Parliament that MAB, which he described as the British affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood, was a group that gave rise to concern for their Islamist orientation and views. He also said that Mend, which promotes participation by British Muslims in voluntary bodies and institutions, would also be assessed against the new definition. Both groups strongly condemned the Governments announcement, with MAB accusing Mr Gove of trying to politicise anti-extremism and Mend challenged him to repeat his claims outside of Parliament. But Tory MPs have questioned whether the TMV website should be investigated or even be allowed to stay online because of its associations with the two groups. Sir John Hayes, a former Home Office minister, said Its very important that first of all, where possible these sites are taken down, and any organisations associated with them are blacklisted. The website provides a list of constituencies where there is a greater than 10 per cent proportion of Muslim voters, alongside how their current MP voted in the November Gaza ceasefire vote. The campaign reads: 2024 is the first time the Muslim community is organising and this alone is a big victory for future elections. Ultimately success is that the Muslim vote acts as one and emphatically supports those who backed the ceasefire and protests against those who did not. Advisory candidates TMV promises to add a list of advisory candidates for Muslims to vote for at the next election based on recommendations from local groups. It also recommends that if voters are not able to vote for a pro-Palestine, pro-peace candidate, they should spoil their ballot. Our philosophy is really simple: if none of the candidates are pro-Palestine, pro-peace, then spoil your ballot. At least register your dissatisfaction, the FAQ section of the website says. Among the constituencies listed on the website is Leicester South, where Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow paymaster general, is standing, and Ilford North, whose MP is Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary. Labour faced a fierce backlash over its stance on the conflict in Gaza since the Hamas attacks on Oct 7. The partys current stance, as of mid-February, is that there should be an immediate ceasefire, along with the release of all the hostages and full humanitarian access in Gaza. But before its shift in position, Labour MPs were consistently targeted by pro-Palestine protesters, with Mr Streeting and Sir Keir Starmer both to be challenged at the next election by pro-Palestine activists. The campaign has 25 organisations listed as its supporters, and claims to have a reach of more than 20 million monthly visitors. TMV states that it is not a religious campaign, but a political one, adding: Of course, all of us are inspired by our Islamic faith in being good citizens and standing up for our community (Muslim and non-Muslim), but the TMV is simply a campaign to effect political change on issues that affect Muslims. Extremism definition Alongside peace in Palestine, it includes pledges on finance, education and Islamophobia. It also states its belief that the new extremism definition should be removed. A spokesman for Mend said the organisation was one of dozens of Muslim organisations endorsing the Muslim vote campaign. No one would expect anything less than the largest Muslim civil society organisation in the UK fighting Islamophobia (Mend) to support the biggest grassroots Muslim political movement in a generation (TMV). Mend is a force for good in society, working with faith and non-faith organisations to ensure community cohesion. They added: The governments attempt to put us on an extremism list, to distract us from shining a light on their complicity in the Gaza genocide, will not distract us from our work to empower communities. TMV is a democratic project of empowerment, we support it. The list of groups that meet the Governments new definition of extremism will be published in the next few weeks after officials carry out a robust process of assessment. Mr Gove and James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, will then make a final decision. It comes after a poll commissioned by the Henry Jackson Society, a counter-extremism think tank, showed only one in four British Muslims believe Hamas committed murder and rape in Israel on Oct 7. A third (32 per cent) said they wanted to see Shariah law implemented in the UK, while just over half (52 per cent) would like to make it illegal to show a picture of the Prophet Mohammed. TMV has been approached 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. NASA funds these research projects to be conducted during the eclipse SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) Its almost go-time for celestial dwellers who are ready to have their eyes on the sky for the April 8 solar eclipse. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is also gearing up for the rare event. In fact, NASA has funded several research projects the will be conducted during the sun blocking moments to come. Heres a breakdown of some of those projects and why they are of significance: Chasing the eclipse with NASAs high-altitude research planes According to NASA, these research planes will capture images of the eclipse from an altitude of 50,000 feet above the Earths surface. The photos will be taken with a camera that images in infrared and visible light at high resolution and high speed. This project could help researchers study a dust ring around the Sun, as well as search for asteroids that may orbit near the Sun, according to NASA. Additionally, NASA said the research jets will carry instruments that can help learn more about the temperature and chemical composition of the corona and coronal mass ejections, or large bursts of solar material. Lastly, the charged layer of Earths upper atmosphere called the ionosphere will be studied from NASAs research planes. The ionosphere is affected by the Suns radiation and the eclipse serves as a chance to study their connection in a controlled manner, NASA explained. Put simply, this project is meant to measure how charged the ionosphere is. The Super Dual Auroral Radar Network Also called SuperDarn, this refers to a collection of radars located at sites around the world. As explained by NASA, the darkest part of this eclipses shadow passes across several locations equipped with these. SuperDarn monitors space weather conditions in upper layers of the Earths atmosphere. The eclipse, according to NASA, offers a unique opportunity to study the impact of solar radiation on those layers during the celestial event. The ionosphere will, again, be studied during this project as well. Researchers are aiming to see exactly how the ionosphere reacts to a solar eclipse. Sounding Rockets On Monday during the eclipse, NASA will launch three rockets to study how the sudden drop in sunlight affects the Earths upper atmosphere. The rockets will hit the skies from Daytona Beach, Florida. NASA said one will launch about 35 minutes before the local peak eclipse, one during the peak eclipse, and one 35 minutes after. Four small scientific instruments will be deployed with each rocket. NASA said they will measure changes in electric and magnetic fields, density, as well as temperature. The purpose is to find out how widespread the effects of the eclipse are. Trying to figure out what time is the eclipse will happen where you are? Check out NASAs Eclipse Explorer page for an interactive map. Dont forget your safety glasses! For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. WASHINGTON In addition to articles already covered by Native News Online, here is a roundup of other news released from Washington, D.C. that impacts Indian Country recently. Biden-Harris Administration Invests Nearly $755,000 to Support Tribal Nations Engagement in Regional Ocean Partnerships On Monday, the Department of Commerce and NOAA announced $754,953 in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to support federally recognized Indian tribes participation with regional ocean partnerships as part of President Bidens Investing in America agenda. These funds will support activities of three federally recognized Indian tribes on the East and West Coasts to manage ocean and coastal resources and data, and build resilience for future challenges. The projects will also further the Biden-Harris Administrations priorities to tackle the climate crisis and support underserved communities. 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. We remain committed to using these unprecedented resources to ensure that tribal community participation in regional ocean partnerships remains a steadfast priority, National Ocean Service Assistant Administrator Nicole LeBoeuf said. With the constant goal of being prepared for future challenges, todays investment is another step forward in our mission to secure a prosperous and sustainable tomorrow. The three awardees are: HHS Observes National Minority Health Month this April This annual observance builds awareness about the health disparities that persist among racial and ethnic minority and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations and encourages everyone to take action to end these inequities. This year's theme, Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Connections , is about understanding how the unique social determinants of health of minority populations impact their overall health. Resources for public involvement in National Minority Health Month are available here. ACF New Head Start Eligibility for Children in Tribal and Agricultural Programs On March 23, President Biden signed into law provisions giving Head Start programs additional flexibility to serve children in Tribal communities and children of farm workers. These provisions ensure Head Start programs can more effectively serve the families for which they were designed. Tribes that operate a Head Start program will be able to prioritize enrolling children who are Tribal members or children who have family or household members who are part of a Tribe. The law also makes any child who has at least one family member primarily engaged in agricultural employment eligible for Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs. The new policies are effective immediately. ACF will issue more policy guidance for programs to support swift implementation. Find out more about Head Start eligibility on the ACF at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ohs. Legislation to Empower Tribal Nations in the Face of Climate Challenges Introduced U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Mike Simpson (ID-02), and Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez (WA-03) introduced the Tribal Environmental Risk and Resilience Act (TERRA Act) to streamline the process for Tribal Nations to respond to environmental threats, including extreme weather events, natural disasters, and other climate-induced challenges. Tribal communities are on the frontline of the climate crisis, facing threats that jeopardize their safety, cultural heritage, and way of life. It is imperative that the federal government provides streamlined, effective support for these communities to adapt and thrive, Rep. Kilmer said. The TERRA Act embodies a commitment to respecting Tribal sovereignty while enhancing their resilience against the harsh realities of our changing climate. The TERRA Act is endorsed by the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI), Alaska Native Health Board, DOI Self-Governance Tribes, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), National Indian Health Board (NIHB), Passamaquoddy Tribe, Pleasant Point Tribal Government, Shoalwater Bay Tribe, and United South and Eastern Tribes Sovereign Protection Fund (USET SPF). About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) Abortion providers across the state are preparing for an increase in patients when a six-week abortion ban takes effect in Florida. North Carolinas 12-week ban is still less restrictive than most southern states. A Womans Choice operates abortion clinics in North Carolina, Florida, and Virginia. Next month, a ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy is set to take effect in Florida. I suspect that were going to see a much higher increase in patients coming from our Florida location to our North Carolina locations, predicted Kelly Flynn, President and CEO of A Womans Choice. Most people dont know that theyre even pregnant at six weeks. Watch: Private tour of record $50 million listing in North Carolina Flynn said North Carolina clinics are already preparing to see more patients. We are having conversations with our physicians with other physicians who may be willing to come and provide care on days maybe we wouldnt ordinarily see patients, she said. According to Planned Parenthood, Florida provided about one-twelfth of all abortions nationwide last year. After the six-week ban takes effect, many patients may look for clinics in other states. Dr. Erica Pettigrew, a primary care and reproductive health physician in Hillsborough, said that some people will likely turn to telehealth for medication abortions, and others, who can afford to travel, will likely find states where they can legally receive an abortion. People dont stop having abortions. They just simply find other means most of the time, she said. She added that Floridas stricter ban will affect people across many southern states. It doesnt just affect Floridians, she noted. Florida, even though it has its own abortion bans and restrictions prior to the six-week ban, did serve as a place for people in more restrictive states like Alabama or Georgia or Mississippi to go down to Florida and get their care, and now theyre going to be unable to do that. The next closest state that allows abortions past six weeks of pregnancy is North Carolina. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic President and CEO Jenny Black released a statement saying, in part, Planned Parenthood health center staff in North Carolina are doing their level best to quickly expand capacity and increase appointment availability. Man accused of killing Charlotte mom, 2 kids transferred from CA to NC Flynn added that A Womans Choice can assist patients if they choose to travel. If they wanted to go to North Carolina, we would work closely with them on logistics, we would help pay for their travel, said Flynn. If patients are past 12 weeks of pregnancy, she said A Womans choice will refer them to their clinic in Virginia. That clinic opened in response to North Carolinas law banning most abortions after 12 weeks. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Tal Heinrich, a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasized Israel is not seeking a war with Iran but will do whatever it takes to defend itself after Tehran vowed revenge for an alleged Israeli strike on the Iranian Embassy in Syria. An alleged Israeli strike on the Iranian Consulate next to Tehrans Embassy in Damascus, Syria, killed a senior commander overseeing Iranian military activity in Syria and Lebanon, along with another top general and five officers. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed revenge in a speech this week, stating they will be slapped for these acts. Heinrich, in an interview with NewsNations The Hill Sunday, echoed Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari, who said the strike on the consulate building was not a diplomatic mission of any sort of kind. The building that was struck, according to our intelligence, was in fact a military base in disguise, she said. Iran has a record of attacking embassies. Let me remind the viewers here if its the U.S. embassy in Tehran taking Americans hostage, if its the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires killing many, many people, youre the big state of the United States, were the small state in Israel. This is how they view us because we are standing in their way of expanding their sick ideology and the Islamic revolution around the world, she continued. We will defend ourselves, whenever it takes, whatever it takes. We dont seek wars, but if somebody is hurting us, if somebody is threatening to hurt us further, we will do whatever it takes to defend ourselves. Israel said last week it is on high alert amid the threats from Iran and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. would stand by Israel in the face of these threats. Israels war with Palestinian militant group Hamas has lasted six months since the terrorist organization launched a surprise assault on the country that killed about 1,200 people. About 250 others were taken hostage and about 100 are believed to still be alive in captivity in Gaza. Israel quickly launched a retaliatory bombardment of Gaza, which has been ruled by the Gaza Strip since 2007, in a vow to destroy Hamas. More than 32,700 people have died in Gaza, per the Health Ministry in the enclave, which does not distinguish between civilian and militant fighter casualties. NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Nevada man sentenced for stealing $163K in COVID-19 relief funds while in Oregon PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Nevada man has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for stealing about $163,000 in COVID-19 relief funds in Oregon. Former Las Vegas resident Justin David Goulet was sentenced to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release on Thursday. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Oregon, the 36-year-old man has a lengthy criminal history. Stubborn low pressure spins showers, cool temps in PNW Goulet was released from Oregon State Prison in late December 2020, after serving time for felony forgery and theft. Later in April 2021, he concocted a plan to steal money that Congress had allocated toward the Small Business Administration for companies affected by the pandemic. Officials said he applied for two Economic Injury Disaster Loans and was approved for one, receiving $163,100. Goulet supported his applications by registering a straw company named Statement Venture Group, LLC, claiming he worked as an independent contractor in 2019 when he was incarcerated. He also falsified the tax filings he sent to the SBA, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. $1.33 billion Powerball jackpot won by single ticket in Oregon Goulet used most of the $163,000 he obtained on travel, living expenses, cars, and illegal drugs, USAO said. In early February 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland indicted Goulet for wire fraud and he pleaded guilty in August. In addition to his prison sentence and supervised release, Goulet has been ordered to return the money he received from the Economic Injury Disaster Loan. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. Azerbaijani army serviceman Amrakhov Imran Rahim oglu died in a medical facility from acute cardiovascular respiratory failure, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan told Trend. The leadership of the Ministry of Defense expressed deep condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased serviceman. CAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) The Concord Volunteer Fire Department reports responding to two overturned vehicles in Campbell County early morning on Sunday, April 7. According to the fire department, crews were dispatched at 2:44 a.m. to Village Highway on a report of an overturned vehicle. Crews arrived on scene to find on vehicle in the roadway on its side and report the occupant was no longer in the vehicle. Overturned vehicle on Village Highway (courtesy, Concord Vol. FD) Overturned vehicle on Village Highway (courtesy, Concord Vol. FD) Crews closed one lane on Village Highway to block traffic and allow personnel to clear debris from the roadway. Two hospitalized after E-Scooter sparks fire in Bedford County While clearing the roadway on Village Highway, the fire department reports they were dispatched to a separate rollover at 3:25 a.m. for another overturned vehicle at the intersection of Lyle Thomas Rd and Porter House Road. Units arrived to find one vehicle off the road on its side with the driver out and injured. Crews were able to quickly clear the scene. Units remained on both scenes until the vehicles were fully removed. (courtesy, Concord Vol. FD) (courtesy, Concord Vol. FD) For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. An advisor to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says Israeli diplomatic missions around the world could become targets of retaliatory attacks in response to the bombing of the Iranian embassy in Syria blamed on Israel. "The [anti-Israeli] resistance front is ready for all possible retaliation scenarios and no Israeli embassy worldwide is safe from it," General Yahya Rahim Safavi, a former commander of Iran's elite army forces, said on Sunday, according to state broadcaster Al-Alam. Two generals and five officers of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) were killed last Monday in an airstrike on the Iranian embassy compound in the Syrian capital Damascus. Iran's leadership promptly blamed its arch-enemy Israel for the attack and threatened to retaliate. Israel's military has not claimed responsibility for the strike, but says the compound was not a civilian embassy. Safavi, a senior aide and advisor to Khamenei, was commander of the IRGC from 1997 to 2007. Despite having little political sway in the country, conservative media in Iran regularly quote his anti-Israeli remarks. Analysts in Iran consider an Iranian attack on Israeli embassies to be unlikely. The government of President Ebrahim Raisi has also distanced itself from such a threat. However, an Iranian attack on Israeli or US positions and facilities via pro-Iranian groups in Lebanon, Yemen or Iraq is seen as a distinct possibility. Northeast expected to have some of the best views of the solar eclipse Image of eclipse happening behind statue of liberty, left; eclipse glasses being sold at right The forecast is looking bright for the moment the skies go dark in the Northeast. Those hoping to catch a glimpse of Mondays solar eclipse in New York City are in luck, as the forecast shapes up for the rare event. Storms descending on Texas, however, will likely put a damper on the historic day. Chances of heavy cloud cover in the Big Apple for Monday dissipated and temperatures will reach just above 60, making for a good afternoon to view the moon as it passes over the sun 91% of which will be visible from the city around 3:25 p.m. New York City will be able to see the moon cover 90 percent of the sun at 3:25 p.m. on Monday. Getty Images You really cant ask for better weather here for this time of year, said Fox Weather meteorologist Dax Clark. Instead of spring showers and overcast skies, there will only be about 10% cloud coverage in the five boroughs and some passing clouds near the Great Lakes though eclipse glasses are needed regardless. Totality, or the full coverage of the sun, will be visible from Buffalo, where a previously gloomy forecast is also improving. The trend is your friend if youre looking to view this in New York, Clark said. Previous forecasts for cloudy skies in the Northeast are clearing up for Mondays eclipse but safety glasses are needed clouds or no clouds. TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK The path of totality for Mondays eclipse will cut through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Federal Highway Administration The path of totality also covers parts of the Finger Lakes and the Adirondack Mountains, which fall along the 15-state span reaching from Texas to Maine. Over 31 million people live within the path, according to NASA, and an additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of it. Maine could very well end up being the best place to watch, said Clark, which is surprising for this time of year for the region. Vermont and New Hampshire will also have stellar views of the spectacle. Around a million tourists are set to head to Texas to view the eclipse as several counties there fall on the path of totality. AP Texas, Clark noted, which typically has clearer skies in April, may end up being the worst place to view the eclipse because almost complete cloud coverage is predicted. As the moon crosses the sun, a severe thunderstorm system will roll into the Lone Star state, bringing multi-day storms and flooding. More than 400,000 people were set to flock to Dallas for the event, and at least 1 million tourists overall were expected to head to the state, which has several counties in the zone of the eclipse totality. In NYC, the solar sight will give way to even warmer springtime weather, with Tuesday reaching 70 degrees. Madeline and Nicholas Feliciano, left; on the right the sign for rikers island The city has agreed to pay $28.7 million to the family of a Rikers Island inmate left severely brain damaged during a suicide attempt he made while jail guards watched, court records show. The incident left Nicholas Feliciano needing a lifetime of care, sparked criminal charges against four of the guards and prompted his family to sue the city, the Health and Hospitals Corporation and others. While a judge still needs to sign off on the proposed deal, the settlement would rank as one of the largest payouts the city has made to a person in a civil rights case, according to The New York Times, which first reported on the deal. Nicholas Feliciano (R), the Rikers Island inmate who tried to commit suicide. Feliciano was 18 when he ended up on Rikers in November 2019 for an alleged parole violation, according to a report from the citys Board of Correction and the lawsuit. The Queens man had a documented history of metal illness and suicide attempts, and nine days after he was sent to jail, he tried to hang himself from inside his cell, his family contended in their Manhattan Federal Court lawsuit. Guards allegedly watched Feliciano dangle from a garment he hung on a hook from the ceiling for seven minutes but did nothing, his family alleged in court papers. Feliciano was finally saved by a jail captain who saw what happened on a surveillance camera and went to cut him down from the makeshift noose, according to the legal papers. Now 22, Feliciano needs constant care, has limited vocal functions, cannot stand independently or feed himself, the family said in the litigation which originally sought unspecified damages. He also has short-term memory loss, and remembers very little from before the suicide attempt, his grandmother, Madeline Feliciano told The Times, adding the proposed settlement would help cover the costs for Felicianos lifetime of care. It is not going to bring Nicholas back to who he was, Madeline, 57, said. He has to live with this injury for rest of his life. Two of the guards pleaded guilty last year to official misconduct, with the others still have pending criminal cases. A corrections officer watches monitors at a security post in an enhanced supervision jail unit on Rikers Island in New York. AP A bus pulls into Rikers Island. Corbis via Getty Images The settlement of this tragic case was in the best interest of all parties, a Law Department spokesman told The Post. The DOC is working to ensure the safety of all on Rikers, including those afflicted with serious mental illness. Feliciano had been attacked twice while in Rikers and should not have been placed with the general jail population due to his mental health issues, the familys lawyer, David B. Rankin, told The Times. Rankin could not immediately be reached for comment. composite image left a pigeon, upper right david rose holds up his pigeon poop summons; lower right, furniture storefront in the bronx The citys Health Department isnt taking crap anymore when it comes to pigeon poop socking landlords with 29% more summonses in 2023 compared to the previous year, data reviewed By The Post shows. The agency issued 295 summonses last year to property owners who failed to clean up unsanitary pigeon conditions compared to 228 dished out in 2022, records show. Inspectors also issued 76 summonses through the first two months of this year putting them on pace to double 2022s totals. Property owners are typically first handed a Commissioners Order to Abate, allowing at least 5 days to clean up the mess before a follow-up inspection or risk being slammed with a summons carrying a whopping $1,000 fine. The feathered fowl responsible for the pigeon poop. Helayne Seidman Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens) hailed the unofficial crackdown, saying property owners ignoring pigeon poop is a big problem in her district, which includes Ozone Park and Rockaway Park. Its unhealthy and unsightly, and has a direct negative impact on New Yorkers quality of life, she said. Exposure to pigeon dropping in rare cases could spur respiratory problems and other health issues, according to Health Department. But David Rose, chairman of the Fordham Road Business Improvement District in The Bronx ripped the $1,000 nuisance condition summons he received Feb. 8 as unfair and unnecessary, especially since more serious issues like rat infestation only carry $300 fines for first-offender property owners. Rose, who plans to fight the ticket before an administrative law judge, also accused the city of not having its priorities straight. He noted street vendors are routinely breaking all sorts of laws in plain sight. The city is focusing on what they describe as a public nuisance of less than one square foot of pigeon poop at a time when business corridors are dealing with significant quality of life issues and as elected officials consider legislation that would further cram our already overcrowded sidewalks, said Rose, referring to a controversial proposal that would allow street vendors to put pushcarts in the middle of sidewalks. Some property owners got hefty fine for pigeon poop. J.C. Rice Ive seen a lot of crap over the years, but this one is really for the birds, he added. The citys 311 hotline received 1,060 complaints about pigeon poop last year, up nearly 10 percent from 969 a year earlier, records show. In 2023, the Health Department acting on the complaints issued 604 warnings to property owners bombarded by bird droppings, a 39% increase from 435 in 2022. During the first two months of this year, the agency issued 106 warnings, including Rose on Jan. 31. Councilman Robert Holden (D-Queens) said property owners play a big role in keeping neighborhoods vibrant but believes a $1,000 fine especially for a first offense is too harsh. The former Vice President of Ecuador, Jorge Glas, sits in front of the national flag in his office. Daniel Tapia/dpa The Organization of American States (OAS) has criticized the arrest of Ecuador's former vice president Jorge Glas at the Mexican embassy in Quito. The general secretariat of the OAS "rejects any action that violates or puts at risk the inviolability of the premises of diplomatic missions and reiterates the obligation that all States have not to invoke norms of domestic law to justify non-compliance with their international obligations," the body said in a statement issued on Saturday. "In this context, it expresses solidarity with those who were victims of the inappropriate actions that affected the Mexican Embassy in Ecuador." Security forces in Ecuador forced their way into the Mexican embassy in Quito and arrested former Ecuadorian vice president Jorge Glas, prompting Mexico to suspend bilateral ties. Mexico is breaking off diplomatic relations with Ecuador with immediate effect and will bring a case before the International Court of Justice, Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena said on Friday evening. Glas, who is wanted for corruption, had been residing for months in Mexico's embassy in the Ecuadorian capital. The Mexican Foreign Ministry announced earlier Friday it would grant Glas asylum, enraging Ecuador. Ecuador's presidency said Mexico was violating international agreements, and said that Glas was the subject of an arrest warrant for embezzlement that needed to be acted upon and would not be authorized to leave Ecuador. Foreign Minister Barcena accused Mexico of committing a "flagrant and serious violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations" by forcibly entering the Mexican embassy to get Glas. Glas was vice president of Ecuador during the second term of office of left-wing president Rafael Correa, who left the post in 2017. Correa was convicted in absentia in 2020 as part of a sweeping political corruption investigation and now lives in Belgium. Glas was already found guilty in late 2017 of accepting bribes in exchange for awarding public contracts to the Brazilian conglomerate Odebrecht. He was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison, but was released early two years ago due to the poor security situation in Ecuador's prisons. For the past several months he has been ensnared in a separate embezzlement case for which an arrest warrant was issued. Relations between Mexico and Ecuador have soured over the past week. On Thursday, Ecuador's conservative government under President Daniel Noboa declared the Mexican ambassador persona non grata. This was prompted by left-wing Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador saying that the murder of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in Ecuador last August had contributed to Noboa's election victory in October. Washington said it encouraged Mexico and Ecuador "to resolve their differences in accord with international norms." "The United States condemns any violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and takes very seriously the obligation of host countries under international law to respect the inviolability of diplomatic missions," US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. The former Vice President of Ecuador, Jorge Glas, sits in front of the national flag in his office. Daniel Tapia/dpa The Organization of American States (OAS) has criticized the arrest of Ecuador's former vice president Jorge Glas at the Mexican embassy in Quito. The general secretariat of the OAS "rejects any action that violates or puts at risk the inviolability of the premises of diplomatic missions and reiterates the obligation that all States have not to invoke norms of domestic law to justify non-compliance with their international obligations," the body said in a statement issued on Saturday. "In this context, it expresses solidarity with those who were victims of the inappropriate actions that affected the Mexican Embassy in Ecuador." Security forces in Ecuador forced their way into the Mexican embassy in Quito and arrested former Ecuadorian vice president Jorge Glas, prompting Mexico to suspend bilateral ties. Mexico is breaking off diplomatic relations with Ecuador with immediate effect and will bring a case before the International Court of Justice, Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena said on Friday evening. Glas, who is wanted for corruption, had been residing for months in Mexico's embassy in the Ecuadorian capital. The Mexican Foreign Ministry announced earlier Friday it would grant Glas asylum, enraging Ecuador. Ecuador's presidency said Mexico was violating international agreements, and said that Glas was the subject of an arrest warrant for embezzlement that needed to be acted upon and would not be authorized to leave Ecuador. Foreign Minister Barcena accused Mexico of committing a "flagrant and serious violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations" by forcibly entering the Mexican embassy to get Glas. Glas was vice president of Ecuador during the second term of office of left-wing president Rafael Correa, who left the post in 2017. Correa was convicted in absentia in 2020 as part of a sweeping political corruption investigation and now lives in Belgium. Glas was already found guilty in late 2017 of accepting bribes in exchange for awarding public contracts to the Brazilian conglomerate Odebrecht. He was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison, but was released early two years ago due to the poor security situation in Ecuador's prisons. For the past several months he has been ensnared in a separate embezzlement case for which an arrest warrant was issued. Relations between Mexico and Ecuador have soured over the past week. On Thursday, Ecuador's conservative government under President Daniel Noboa declared the Mexican ambassador persona non grata. This was prompted by left-wing Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador saying that the murder of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in Ecuador last August had contributed to Noboa's election victory in October. The Odesa regional military enlistment office is looking into reports by local media of a 14-year-old boy detained by men in military uniforms, the office said on April 7. "Regarding the accusations of employees (of military enlistment) detaining a minor in the Izmail district, an official review is being carried out," the enlistment office wrote in a Facebook post. "All circumstances of the event are being carefully studied." The publication Bessarabia Inform reported of a 14-year-old boy who was taken off the street by men with machine guns and thrown into a bus, before being released when they realized his age, according to the Pryozerne village council's Department of Social Protection. The incident took place on April 2, according to Bessarabia Inform. The boy was an orphan and had been walking in his village of Pryozerne when he was taken off the street by three armed men, with a fourth man as a driver, the article explained. He was then restrained and beaten on the bus. The men reportedly did not initially believe he was 14, then released him after seeing his passport. The men threatened the boy not to reveal what had happened, according to Bessarabia Inform. The Odesa regional military enlistment office said it had provided information to law enforcement agencies conducting the investigation. Mobilization has been a key concern throughout the full-scale war, but has become increasingly pressing as Ukraine seeks to replenish the ranks after the battles of 2023. Ukraine is currently trying to pass a new draft law on mobilization. The push to mobilize is a contentious topic in Ukrainian society, and videos regularly emerge on social media of Ukrainian men being packed into minibuses by armed, uniformed enlistment officers. Last August, Ukraine's Security Service announced that more than 112 cases of abuse by military recruitment officers had been brought to investigation since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. Many of the cases involved corruption, with officers using their positions for personal enrichment. Read also: Ukraine struggles to ramp up mobilization as Russias war enters 3rd year Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Old maps, new dispute: Man is losing his land access battle with On Top of the World Robbie Delli-Veneri stands on what he believes to be an easement road near his property on March 11. He claims he has been land locked due to a chain-link fence put up by developer On Top of the World. Ive just been thrown into a 10-acre prison cell, Delli-Veneri said. His property is located at 10495 SW 105th St in Ocala. On Top of the World installed the fence on its property, closing off access to his driveway. According to the Marion County Property Appraiser's Office, OTOW did nothing wrong and the driveway that hes been using since 2018, when he bought the property, was a dirt road created by other people and was located on OTOW property. Delli-Veneri does have access to his property from SW 105th Avenue and SW 100th Street, but those passages are heavily wooded and will cost him thousands of dollars to clear, according to Delli-Veneri. Robbie Delli-Veneri feels like a prisoner on his own property in southwest Marion County, but officials say he has a path out. There is a dirt path that runs from the pavement of Southwest 105th Street along the west side of his 9.48-acre parcel at 10495 SW 105th St in Ocala. Dellli-Veneri, 41, has used that path for six years to get to an entry gate that opened onto his property. But use of the dirt path ended March 8. That's when On Top of the World had a chain-link fence installed an estimated 3,400 feet parallel to the western border of Delli-Veneris property. This embedded content is not available in your region. The parcel immediately adjacent to the west of Delli-Veneris property is owned by OTOW Communities LLC and is the site of OTOWs Longleaf Ridge Phase VIII, where pre-construction site work is ongoing. According to mapping on the Marion County Property Appraisers Office website, upwards of 74 individual sites are shown in the vicinity of Southwest 106th Circle, which is within the OTOW parcel under development. I have a gut feeling (the developer) wants to run me off my property, he said. Delli-Veneri said a crew removed an entry gate to his property as it installed the chain-link fence. The Star Banner wrote about this dispute in October 2022, but a resolution still has not been reached. Steve Vancore, with VancoreJones Communications, LLC of Tallahassee, representing OTOW, confirmed in a text message that OTOW installed the new fence and Delli-Veneris former entry gate was taken down but put onto his property, as it was improperly placed on property that is not his. Delli-Veneris property is surrounded by privately owned parcels on the south and east sides. Theres an apparent access road to the north, and farther north is another OTOW development. To clear a path from Delli-Veneris property on the north side to the access road would require land clearing. Don't call it an easement OTOW Director of Land Development Robert Stepp provided a statement to the Star Banner. He stated the dirt path Delli-Veneri had been using up to now is not an easement. On Top of the World erected this chain-link fence on the border with Robbie Delli-Veneri's land. To be clear, the land he has been using is privately owned and not an easement, Stepp stated. During the past two years, we have repeatedly attempted to accommodate this neighbor, even offering to clear land for him at our expense to facilitate his access to his property, Stepp stated. He has repeatedly refused and has insisted on only wanting to use our land to drive across. We have also given him repeated notices that we will be building on the property, so he wasnt caught off guard, Stepp wrote. Delli-Veneri believes the dirt path, now on the OTOW Communities, Inc. property side of the chain-link fence, is actually a 15-foot-wide easement as indicated on property maps dating back decades. But public records on file with the Marion County Property Appraiser's Office indicate otherwise. Parcel records at that office indicate that the chain-link fence actually is on OTOW property. The dirt path Delli-Veneri was using was a right-of-way path in the 1930s per Plat Book D Page 72 of the Plat of Southeastern Tung Land Company. But after a replat that occurred in 1977, the west 15 feet of the 30-foot right-of-way where the dirt path was located was added to the parcel now owned by OTOW. The dirt path is located on the west side of Delli-Veneris property, which he purchased 2018. That path has been on the property now owned by OTOW for 47 years, the public records reflect, and was simply a convenient way to get to adjoining properties. Robbie Delli-Veneri uses a ladder on March 11 to access his property. He said clearing a path north to Southwest 100th Street or south to 105th Street would be prohibitively expensive. Diana Cauthen, director of ownership with the Marion County Property Appraiser's Office, explained the property change made in 1977 as shown in public records. Marion County public records indicate the west 15 feet of the 30-foot easement was vacated in Official Records Book 851 Page 28, Nov. 15, 1977 to add the west 15 feet to the Circle Square Ranch. The parcel is now the OTOW property adjacent to Delli-Veneris property. The property owner has two choices Delli-Veneri evidently has two choices on an easement. Delli-Veneri contends he will need to pay land clearers to cut a 15-foot swatch through wooded property, perhaps half the length of the chain-link fence line, so he can have access to Southwest 105th Street to the south or cut a heavily wooded path to the north to get access to Southwest 100th Street. Delli-Veneri said there have been meetings with representatives of family owned Colen Built Development, the umbrella corporation for projects including OTOW, Calesa Township, The Lodge and Circle Square Commons. The corporation says it is is the oldest, privately owned developer in Florida. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences website, edis.ifas.ufl.edu, discusses easements in its Handbook of Florida Fence and Property Law: Easement and Rights of Way. The website lists prescriptive and conservation easements as some of the types seen. One aspect of a prescriptive easement involves actual, continuous, and uninterrupted use (not possession) for twenty years, and a conservation easement is an express easement created to limit further development of property. Delli-Veneri contends other property owners in the vicinity have used the dirt path for over 20 years. The heroes under your feet: Discover the benefits of groundcovers (OTOW) never blocked or stopped use of easement, and per Florida statutes any easement that has stayed open for a period of 20 years or longer may not be closed off or blocked, Delli-Veneri contends. The Star Banner did not seek independent legal opinions regarding easement guidelines or Delli-Veneris specific claim. A significant expense The way (out to) Southwest 100th Street (will take) way too much money and trees to be moved, Delli-Veneri wrote in a text. The description of Delli-Veneris property on public property records includes Southeastern Tungland Co. and the land data refers in part to Southeastern Tung Oil. A Jan. 4, 2014 Star Banner article by Marion County historian David Cook discusses the start of tung tree farming here in the early 1930s. He said Midwest speculators purchased 5,000 acres, for roughly a $1.5 million investment, in southwest Marion County to be broken up and offered for sale as 10-acre tung tree farms. Tung tree nuts produce oil used in certain paints and the product was once touted as The Souths liquid gold, according to the article. UF IFAS warns parts of the trees blooms are poisonous to humans. The area would be dubbed "Tung City but the article indicates the overall industry had declined by the 1960s. Meanwhile, Delli-Ventri made improvements to the property in the last six years including a shed. He was issued a Marion County building permit in May 2023 for family/residential construction. It expires in August. The slab for the house is completed and ready for construction. As the access matter gets resolved, Delli-Ventri is getting on and off his property the best he can. This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: On Top of the World prevailing in odd land dispute with Ocala man Things had been tense on the Wentworth Police District Council for a while by the time Ephraim Lee walked out of the groups December meeting. He apologized to the room for the councils dysfunction and said: If you want to see this (unprofessionalism), then you can just go down to City Hall. Then he left. Lee had only served on the brand-new civilian council for the 2nd Police District for seven months, which was meant to represent the civilian voices of Hyde Park and Kenwood residents in the affairs of the Chicago Police Department. But rifts among council members over workload and meeting attendance quickly deteriorated into accusations of lying, public condemnation and rumors of resignation. An attempted no-confidence vote was one of the flashpoints punctuating an early meeting. The Wentworth Police District Council is just one of 22 newly elected three-member bodies that went into office last year after the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance in July 2021 meant to create a new model for police oversight, accountability, and public safety. Besides the sweeping federal consent decree meant to reform Chicagos embattled Police Department, the councils are the product of the broadest push for civilian oversight of police the city itself has ever undertaken. But citywide, many of the 66 councilors, who took office last May, are struggling to find their footing. One of the councils serving Chicagos Loop had a vacancy until March and struggled to function. A council on the West Side has to file a public information request with the police command staff to get any information. Other councils are beset with interpersonal conflicts and frosty relationships among members and the police districts they represent, with at least one council dogged with racist accusations between members. Even members of a North Side council considered the valedictorians of district councils with their frequent meetings, a newsletter and solid relationships said they dont feel they have what they need to be effective in their new roles. The district councils tasked with nominating the members of the new, citywide Community Commission on Public Safety and Accountability, which is meant to play a central part in selecting and removing the police superintendent and other general orders of the Police Department, on March 8 sent a list of 15 names for Mayor Brandon Johnson to select permanent commission members. But Johnson was poised to blow a Sunday deadline to select names from the list. Eric Russell, council chair of the Gresham District (6th), is so disappointed in his role that he plans to resign at the end of the month. The only thing they wanted us to do as district council members was to be goodwill ambassadors, he said. They should have just called us goodwill ambassadors if thats all they really wanted. Friction in Wentworth Frank Chapman, an activist who helped lead the yearslong fight to establish the district councils, calls the council members, who are paid $500 a month, the eyes and ears for the Community Commission on Public Safety and Accountability. The district councils are meant to be a conduit between residents and law enforcement. The more unified the leadership is of a district, the more effective that district is going to be in holding the police accountable, he said. University of Chicago law professor Craig Futterman said it is still in the early days for Chicagos latest attempt at police oversight and accountability. To him, the fact that the district councils and the community commission exist at all is a significant step forward. Even getting it off the ground and running is meaningful, he said. But exactly what makes a district council successful in its work and how a council fulfills the ideal of community oversight of law enforcement is not yet completely clear, he said. Theres a lot that isnt defined and a lot of ambiguity and competing visions, he said. In Wentworth, the councils dynamic had been strained before Lee walked out in December. Council member Julia Kline, who is white, had called a Black city staffer a clever monkey while addressing the staffer shortly after being elected in May 2023, according to emails obtained by the Tribune in a Freedom of Information Act request. That remark prompted a group of the citys newly elected council members to attend the districts July 2023 meeting to comment on racially insensitive comments the councilor had made and hopes for accountability and apology, according to minutes from the meeting. In a lengthy written statement to the Tribune, Kline said she had apologized to the staffer in July 2023. Im deeply, deeply sorry for the harm I know I caused, she wrote. I remain committed to continuing to learn to do better, as well as restoring any remaining unresolved harm from this incident. Her email had enraged council Chair Alexander Perez, whose feud with Kline began when they ran for office. Records show the councilors arguing over Klines meeting attendance and whether she was fulfilling her assigned duties in the weeks following the July meeting. A discussion about the agenda at the councils December meeting exploded into an argument about the accuracy of minutes from a previous meeting and whether agenda items were being appropriately considered. Thats when Lee walked out. Lee said he left because he was not going to look like a fool and was frustrated with the conflict that had beset his council since they were seated. (Perez) really has an issue with (Kline), and she being who she is, does not know how to back down and only seems to fight fire with fire, he said of his colleagues. He said the acrimony keeps the council from achieving its goal of helping citizens and police reach common ground. Our infighting has allowed the 2nd District to continue to function in a manner where weve been dismissed, he said. For Perez, every minute spent arguing and condemning one another is time lost for building connections between residents and police. Were going into year two with a majority of our community still not knowing who we are, what we are, why we are, he said. We should be ashamed of that. Albany Park: Facing an empty room District council members from across the city said attendance at their monthly meetings has varied dramatically in the first year theyve operated. A meeting of the Morgan Park 22nd District Council on the Far South Side drew dozens of people in the wake of a well-publicized carjacking, but most other meetings only draw a handful of people. Chapman, who advocated for the ordinance that established the district councils, observed that some of the districts have as many as 75,000 constituents, but only 10 to 15 people attend meetings every month. Its not unusual for public meetings to draw thin crowds, but Chapman said it was disappointing anyway. Thats not exactly how we saw this working out in terms of the democratic process, he said. At a recent meeting in Albany Park, 17th District Council member Beth Rochford exhaled as she stared out at a sea of empty chairs. Only three people showed up for the March 19 council meeting in the multipurpose room of Linne Elementary School. Even her fellow council members were no-shows. Rochfords two co-councilors had told her via email late the day before they wouldnt be attending, she said. It was election night. While she couldnt conduct official business as the only councilor present, she didnt want members of the public to walk into an empty room without explanation, so the meeting went on unofficially. We passed out flyers all over the community, she said. You cant un-flyer somebodys house. I couldnt not come. It was not just that Rochford felt a sense of duty. As a member of the group ONE Northside, shed helped write the 2021 ordinance that shaped the commission and police councils, often joking that she was going to run for one of those district council seats if we ever passed this crazy thing. It did pass. She did run, drawing on her upbringing in a police family and her work as a nurse as anchors in her campaign. She won a council seat alongside Steve Spagnolo and Anthony Tamez. And then she was looking out at the empty chairs at Linne Elementary, jaw clenched. Other frustrations besides turnout have dogged Rochfords first months in office. Minutes from the councils August meeting show she publicly apologized to her Tamez for telling other district councilors he wasnt doing anything. Tamez said he and Rochford have a bit of a disagreement about what community engagement looks like in their district. I want to engage (residents) on things that are meaningful, and I believe that that comes from policy, he said. I cant really speak for what my co-councilor believes in, but I believe that it goes further than just getting people to show up to these monthly community meetings. Tamez said the Community Commission on Public Safety and Accountability, which operates with interim members, has done phenomenal work. But he did not feel the Albany Park council had been effective since they were seated almost a year ago. I wouldnt put that blame on any of us, he said. It should have been the job of the city to educate people on what they were voting for and why these positions were important. Andrea Dantus who works with the district council members as a staff counsel with Impact for Equity, said many of the challenges district council members have faced so far are related to establishing themselves and their roles. Theyre doing really well with the resources that theyve been given, she said. Political differences and distrust In Deering, political divisions about law enforcement have made the work of the council overseeing the 9th Police District challenging. Minutes from the groups first meeting show the gathering was laced with profanity and slurs from people who would like to defund the police directed at Councilor Denise McBroom. This meeting was unproductive, in my opinion, McBroom wrote in the minutes of the first gathering in May 2023. Councilor Erin Vogel is a self-described police abolitionist, and minutes show frequent public comments from residents who question whether they can work with (her) to make change when she makes statements about wanting to abolish police. Some of the comments have been very personal. Someone had accused me of being the reason why police officers take their own lives, Vogel said of the councils December meeting. However, Vogel said she has connected with residents even in the conservative parts of the district, which sprawls from Chinatown and Bridgeport to Englewood and Back of the Yards. Those inroads, she said, dont always show up in the meeting minutes. Whatever her constituents political bent, she said she tries to remind them that her goal is to improve public safety. My interpretation of what safety looks like can be different than theirs, but I have been able to build common ground with folks, she said. On the Near West Side, the council is still trying to earn trust but with the police themselves. At the March meeting of the 12th District Council in the Union Park field house, two city workers wrangled a balloting machine at the back of the room. The council members and invited speakers had to raise their voices over the rattle and crash so the six attendees could hear them. They had to vacate the building at 7 p.m. Michelle Page, Leonardo Quintero and Chloe Vitale, who ran together on a slate they described as pro-accountability, are happy with their working relationship. Its their relationship with the districts police command staff thats the problem. When the group needs information from Near West District police, they said, they have to file a Freedom of Information Act request. The CCPSA was intended to be a police accountability system, Vitale added. And unfortunately, its sort of panning out that we dont really have mechanisms for accountability. Andrea Dantus, the lawyer who has been working with the district councils, said there isnt currently a policy requiring communication between district council members and command staff members. Dantus organization, Impact for Equity, was a signatory to a December letter to the Community Commission on Public Safety and Accountability asking it to work with police Superintendent Larry Snelling on a policy requiring communication between the police and district councils. Chicago Police Department representatives did not return a request for comment. The future Adam Gross, executive director of the Community Commission on Public Safety and Accountability, said district councils are conduits of information and a filter for selecting members of the body that ultimately weighs in on the workings of the Police Department, as well as a guide for that body, he said. This is a totally new form of accountability that has never existed in Chicago, and that, to a significant extent, doesnt exist anyplace else, he said. Gross said the district council members have significant' power under the ordinance, but because the approach is new, staffers and council members are still figuring out how best to wield that power. The district councils are the first time that there is a democratically elected body within each police district that is supposed to be playing a role in determining what public safety looks like in that district, he said. Rochford, of the Albany Park District Council, feels that the councils work is off to a slow start. But she was encouraged by the nomination process, which she described as collaborative. As Chicago works to implement the consent decree, Rochford believes leaders wont reach the root causes of issues unless everybody whos involved in this thing has a seat at the table. Rochford has one of 66 seats, but even more important than her having a seat was the seven members of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability being involved in the governance of the Police Department. They hold the power really, she said. We are their boots on the ground. The public just needs to know that theyre there. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. The community of Aghdaban and representatives of Azerbaijani NGOs have appealed to the international community with an open letter, Trend reports. We, peaceful Azerbaijanis who were subjected to the genocide by Armenian military units in the village of Aghdaban of the Kalbajar district on April 7-8, 1992, including live witnesses of the massacre, those who lost their family members, relatives, and homes, as well as representatives of Azerbaijans civil society, are appealing to you with an open letter and demanding justice! Hot on the heels of the Khojaly genocide, more than 130 houses were burned, and 779 villagers were killed during the massacre committed by Armenia against the civilian population in the village of Aghdaban of the Kalbajar district in the early hours of April 8, 1992. During the tragedy, 32 people were murdered, eight elderly people, two kids, and seven women were burned alive. Two people went missing and five were taken prisoner. During the tragedy, the manuscripts and collections of Ashiq Shamshir and his father, the native of Aghdaban poet Gurban, both prominent representatives of Azerbaijans Ashiq art, were destroyed. Ashiq Shamshir's grandson was burned alive. Today, we are in our native land of Aghdaban. We are addressing you from a village that was completely destroyed by Armenia during the occupation. Here, all graves in the village cemetery were desecrated, including the grave of Ashiq Shamshir, and mined. During the occupation, Armenia blew up mosques in the territory of Azerbaijan, kept pigs and cattle in them, and razed dozens of mosques to the ground. This is an act of vandalism that does not befit any religion or spirituality. As a result of the acts of genocide and crimes committed in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, dozens of mass graves are still being discovered in liberated territories. We are outraged by the arming of Armenia by France and the European Union under the guise of a European peace mechanism, as well as all kinds of support for the re-emergence of revengeful trends in Armenia. We reject all such actions and double standard approaches to the issue of territorial integrity, and consider these steps as actions against the people and state of Azerbaijan! We know perfectly well that the Aghdaban genocide, and indeed the genocide committed in Khojaly, Meshali, Gushchular, Malibayli, Garadaghli, Balligaya, Bashlibel, was committed in order to break the resolve of our people who stood up for the defense of their native land during Armenias aggression against Azerbaijan, to undermine their determination to fight, and to carry out ethnic cleansing. The past period, the 44-day war in 2020, the anti-terror operation on September 19-20, 2023 also showed that all this could not break the unwavering determination of the Azerbaijani people. We, representatives of the Aghdaban community and civil society of Azerbaijan, are proud of Victorious Commander-in-Chief and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. As a result of his resolute policy and wise leadership, Azerbaijan has secured the implementation of UN resolutions on its own, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our republic has been fully restored, and the people of Azerbaijan have realized their greatest dream. We fully support and welcome the policy of President Ilham Aliyev!," the letter said. One dead, two seriously injured after fire hit Pemex oil platform in Mexico FILE PHOTO: The logo of Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) is pictured at the company's headquarters in Mexico City MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - At least one contractor was killed after a fire struck an offshore platform operated by Mexico's national oil company Pemex, the firm said in a statement on Sunday, adding that two others were in "grave" condition. A total of nine workers suffered injuries in the blaze on Saturday afternoon that struck the company's Akal-B platform, located in the southern Gulf of Mexico, where most of Pemex oil output originates. Five of the nine were Pemex employees while the rest were contractors from local service providers Diavaz and COTER. A day earlier, Pemex said only two of its employees had been injured, and that none of the injures were serious as the fire had been controlled in 16 minutes. Pemex infrastructure across Mexico has for years suffered frequent deadly accidents, which analysts often blame on poor maintenance and other operational deficiencies. The Akal-B platform is part of Pemex's aging but still significant Cantarell complex of shallow water wells. The complex currently produces some 200,000 barrels per day of crude oil, but two decades ago was one of the world's top producing fields with over 2 million bpd of output. In its statement, Pemex did not detail how oil and gas production from the complex had been affected. It did note that the company continued to investigate the cause of the incident as well as actions needed in order to "reestablish" operations at its processing center. (Reporting by David Alire Garcia; Editing by Bill Berkrot) One killed in shooting on Norris Road in Columbus A homicide investigation is underway following a shooting early Sunday in Columbus. Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan has confirmed Bryson Cochran, 17, was shot and pronounced dead at 1:23 a.m. The shooting occurred in the 2900 block of Norris Road. Stay with WRBL.com for updates on this developing story. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. One killed, two injured in NW Oklahoma City club shooting OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma City Police Department responded to a fatal shooting early Sunday morning. Authorities responded to the Casablanca Event Center parking lot near Portland and NW 28th around 3 a.m. on Sunday. Upon arrival, officers found three people with gunshot wounds. Police say two victims were transported to a local hospital with conditions unknown. One person drove to a local hospital with a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead soon after. OKCPD is still searching for the suspect. No more information is available as the investigation continues. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. For centuries, the West has been captivated by the brutality of Russias frozen detention centres, and prison literature from Dostoyevsky to Solzhenitsyn has nursed the fascination. The systems global significance, whether in the mass release of dangerous prisoners to serve on Ukraines battlefields, the increased imprisonment of dissenters and journalists, or the death of opposition leader Alexey Navalny in a remote Arctic prison colony last month, has only spurred interest further. The publication in English of The Prisoner, a 2013 memoir by former inmate Vladimir Pereverzin, is thus well-timed. Prior to his 2004 arrest, Pereverzin was no radical or dissenter; he had little in common with Navalny, Vladimir Kara-Murza, or other opposition figures jailed or even killed under Vladimir Putins rule. He was a middle-level manager at Yukos, an oil and gas company owned by Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the oligarch who was once the richest man in Russia. Khodorkovsky, however, fell afoul of Putins regime after campaigning for a freer society, and in 2003 he and his business partner Panton Lebedev were arrested. Pereverzins own arrest, the following year, seems to have been an attempt by Russian security services to persuade him to testify against his two former bosses. Having refused to do so, he was convicted of fraud, and sentenced to 12 years behind bars. (He ended up only serving seven of these before being released due to a change in the Criminal Code. He now lives in Germany.) Much of The Prisoner, skilfully translated by Anna Gunin, focuses on the daily grind of Russian prison life. Its repetitive, dull and for the most part undramatic bar the occasional court appearance, cell search or talent contest but Pereverzin adds colour through his depictions of the other prisoners. These include Alexander Umantsev, an ethnic Russian from Chechnya, who after witnessing first-hand how the Russian army had killed civilians and ripped open the bellies of pregnant woman, [had] embraced Islam and left to fight on the side of the Chechens; and Yura, an HIV-positive drug addict and gangster convicted of attempted robbery and killing a policeman, whose brother and father were also imprisoned in different camps. This tapestry of characters come together to form a community in prison, sharing their food parcels and hosting birthday parties in cells. The Prisoner, by Vladimir Pereverzin, is published by Ad Lib - NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty Pereverzin assesses his cohabitors with a generally non-judgemental gaze, perhaps on account of the fact that Russias prosecution system has an acquittal rate of under 1 per cent, meaning that determining whether someone is innocent or guilty can be a difficult task. Pereverzin muses: Id hazard a guess that 30 per cent of all the prisoners are not guilty. His strength lies in this ability to humanise and his sense of humour his Gogolian eye for the absurd. One example is his description of the judge who found him guilty of the bogus charges; later, she was herself de-robed, for unrelated reasons, and took her case to the European Court of Human Rights. Strangely enough, Pereverzin writes, her case came up in the ECHR at the same time as my own against her sentencing me unlawfully to 11 years in a strict-regime colony. Often, The Prisoner feels as though it had been written far longer ago than Solzhenitsyn or Dostoyevskys prison books. The world Pereverzin describes is unpleasant, brutal and unjust, but the Russia where legislative changes could lead to the release of a political prisoner is long gone. Its a little jarring, too, to read this memoir knowing how many of the inmates featured may now be fighting, or dead, in Ukraine. The Prisoner might have benefitted, as it appears in English over a decade later, from some contextualisation. Without this, its easy to read the book as a contemporary work and to forget how different Russia is today. Ada Wordsworth is co-director of KHARPP, a charity providing aid in Ukraine. The Prisoner, tr Anna Gunin, is published by Ad Lib at 9.99. To order your copy, call 0808 196 6794 or visit Telegraph Books 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. Editors Note: Sign up to get this weekly column as a newsletter. Were looking back at the strongest, smartest opinion takes of the week from CNN and other outlets. The 20th century American humorist Robert Benchley is remembered for saying that there are two classes of people in the world; those who constantly divide the people of the world into two classes, and those who do not. Less well known is the telegram he sent when he arrived in Venice on holiday: STREETS FLOODED. PLEASE ADVISE. Benchley was a regular member of the Algonquin Round Table, the daily lunch gathering at a Manhattan hotel of such talents as writer Dorothy Parker and Harold Ross, editor of the New Yorker. Nearly 100 years ago, as people prepared for the solar eclipse of January 24, 1925, Benchley wrote a piece titled, Plans for Eclipse Day: What To Do When It Gets Dark. He urged readers to take advantage of the celestial moment: It isnt often that right in the middle of the day you get complete darkness While everyone else is looking at the sky, you will have the run of the town. Benchleys whimsical suggestions for the few minutes of totality included violating the law against smoking in an art museum and hiring accomplices to change all the street signs. His own plan, he wrote, was to conduct a more harmless experiment to walk around town wearing an outfit he had been advised against a silk hat, a batwing collar, and a spotted bow tie. On Monday at 1:07 pm ET, what actually will happen was summed up by Rivka Galchen in the New Yorker: the temperature quickly drops, the colors of shadows become tinny, day flips to darkness, stars precipitously appear, birds stop chirping, bees head back to their hives, hippos come out for their nightly grazing, and humans shout or hide or study or pray or take measurements until, seconds or minutes later, sunlight, and the familiar world, abruptly returns. Clay Jones Thousands of Americans are piling into cars and onto planes to get to the 115-mile wide path of totality, which includes cities such as Mazatlan, Mexico, Austin, Cleveland and Buffalo. Millions more are preparing to view a partial eclipse, and people in both groups are scooping up special glasses to protect their eyes. Eclipses have baffled and fascinated us from time immemorial. Even though we know its coming, the moon blotting out the sun feels more elemental than other natural phenomena, including the 4.8 magnitude earthquake that shocked the northeast Friday. Around the ancient world, solar eclipses sparked fear because they seemed to happen at random, and their cause was not fully understood, prompting anxiety about whether the sun would reappear, wrote Jason Colavito. Where knowledge failed, myth filled the gaps. Many cultures imagined a solar eclipse occurred when a mythological being ate the sun. In Vietnam, it was a frog. In the Andes, a puma. Among the native peoples of North America, animals from squirrels to bears did the job. In ancient China, a dragon was responsible. In other cultures, eclipse myths revolved around a meeting or marriage between the sun and the moon. Today, eclipses are predictable and the path of totality is well plotted, though its much harder to know in advance where and when clouds will obscure the sight. Thanks to education and the media, nearly everyone knows what an eclipse is and how to view one safely. This triumph of scientific education gives us a ray of hope that even in an age of fake news, misinformation and alternative facts, scientific knowledge eventually wins out. It just might take a few thousand years, Colavito observed. Zomi Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom of World Central Kitchen, left, along with Denny Tranel and Teresa Gray of Mobile Medics International in Galati, Romania, where they provided food and medical services to refugees from Ukraine in April 2022. - Mobile Medics International/Courtesy Teresa Gray The IDF fired two senior officers and acknowledged their grave mistake after Israeli strikes on a Gaza aid convoy killed seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers. Among them was Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom, an Australian national who was a senior manager at WCK. Zomi was fierce and loyal and loving and funny, wrote her friend Teresa Gray, a 2022 CNN Hero and executive director of Mobile Medics International. She had this amazing smile that was ever-present and she was the best hugger Ive ever known. She was constantly forgetting something when she packed for her trips abroad. I would get a Whatsapp message in the middle of the night or a call, where shed ask, Hey, when you get here would you bring me socks? or Hey my friend, I forgot to pack shampoo, youre coming to the earthquake, right? Bring me some. We also had a standing joke that she was to always bring me European chocolate and I was to bring her Alaskan salmon. Neither of us ever did, but when we saw each other, we would always ask, Wheres my chocolate? or Wheres my salmon? Wed then agree to bring those items and meet in Transylvania the most far-flung place we could think of. I am sure some people are wondering, Why were they even in Gaza? Ill tell you why because people needed to be helped. Thats always why we are wherever we are to help people. All humanitarian aid missions are dangerous. All of them. The danger is assessed in degrees, but anytime there is a crisis that disrupts peoples lives, when food is short, when babies are sick, when peoples lives have been turned upside down, there are risks. Sunday marks six months since the October 7 attack by Hamas sparked a war with no sign of ending and with no winners. Six months after Hamas launched that deadly rampage, knowing that Israels response would be ferocious, there are only losers in this terrible war, noted Frida Ghitis. In the immediate aftermath, world leaders expressed support for Israel. But when the death toll in Gaza starting climbing, as Hamas knew it would, international support for Israel turned to withering criticism. In the most painful irony of all, Israel the country that became home to Holocaust survivors, under attack by a group whose original charter outlined a genocidal ideology and a vow to destroy Israel was itself perversely accused of genocide. As always, the greatest suffering, the biggest losers, have been civilians on both sides. Palestinians in Gaza are enduring a living nightmare, Ghitis wrote. The fact that (Benjamin) Netanyahu is heading the government during one of the most dangerous, most damaging times in Israels history only adds to the disturbing nature of this conflict. Israel is not in good hands. Would another leader, a different government, have been able to conduct the war with fewer civilian deaths, with less damage to Israels global standing, without eroding the vital relationship between Israel and the United States? I suspect the answer is yes. For more: Sheikh Khalil al-Baz: Preaching spiritual coexistence during Ramadan as a Palestinian-Israeli imam Dean Obeidallah: Two little words that made Ramy Youssefs SNL monologue historic Dr. Zaher Sahloul: Half measures wont work. What Gaza needs is a Marshall Plan DeSantis is right A growing number of experts believe social media is harming the mental health of young Americans, particularly girls, Kara Alaimo noted. As a progressive, I never thought Id write this sentence: A law just signed by Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is brilliant and should be a model for the nation. The law Im referring to precludes kids under age 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental permission for 14- and 15-year-olds to have them. It also requires age verifications on sexually explicit websites. Its unclear whether this measure can survive a constitutional challenge and vulnerable kids also need additional protections beyond its scope. What is clear is that keeping younger kids off social networks is unquestionably whats best for them. What do you think? CNN Opinion is looking for stories of people coping with the challenges smartphones and social media pose for kids. Please fill out the form here. Trump trial, Trump airport, Trump Wall Street Bill Bramhall/Tribune Content Agency Judge Juan Merchan last week rejected former President Donald Trumps claim to immunity from the hush money charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. That clears the way for jury selection to begin in the criminal trial Monday, April 15. As law professor David Orentlicher wrote, the Constitution explicitly says ex-presidents removed from office are subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to law. He added, even if there is some degree of immunity from criminal prosecution for former presidents, the immunity would extend only to official acts taken while in office. But Trump is being prosecuted for conduct about a private matter that took place before he became president the alleged hush money payments to Stormy Daniels so she would not disclose their intimate relationship. Even a very broad definition of an official act would not reach Trumps pre-presidential personal activities. None of the criminal prosecutions is shaking Trumps hold on his faithful supporters. Trumps money-losing social media company, while declining on the stock market, is still worth billions, much of which could eventually flow to Trump. As Jill Filipovic noted, The company, experts say, remains wildly over-valued. And thats largely because Trumps conservative fans are buying stocks because they like the man and believe his claims, not because the company is any sort of objectively good buy. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is threatening to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson if he pursues an aid plan for Ukraine in opposition to Trumps America First foreign policy leanings. This is a political battle that could result in the rapid erosion of international alliances we have depended on for decades to limit the odds of war and push back against despotic foreign leaders eager to expand their dangerous regimes, wrote Julian Zelizer. If Greene and her colleagues win now, or even in the next faceoff over Ukraine, we will be entering a new, uncertain, and even more dangerous era. Seven House Republicans introduced a bill to rename Washington Dulles International Airport after Donald J. Trump. It never fails to shock me how GOP officials seem endlessly willing to grovel at the feet of their master, hoping to curry favor with a man whose ego is beyond satiation, wrote author Jay Parini. Trump must be laughing at them. I certainly am. The airport, named after former US Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, is a nightmarish hub, with a tram system that feels wildly outmoded and slow: Walking often seems faster than riding from gate to gate. I often fly out of Dulles rather late in the day, and there isnt a place to get a sandwich or cup of coffee after about 9 p.m. Going through customs and passport control at Dulles is arduously slow. The customer reviews of this airport are not heartening. But renaming it for Trump is beyond ridiculous. Lisa Benson/GoComics.com For more: SE Cupp: The lesson Hillary Clinton still hasnt learned Norman Eisen, E. Danya Perry and Joshua Kolb: Why Judge Aileen Cannon is on thin ice in Mar-a-Lago case Steven E. Barkan and Michael Rocque: 5 reasons why immigrants dont commit more crimes, as Trump claims The case for a 4-day week Americans work too hard, says Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Despite massive growth in technology and skyrocketing worker productivity, he wrote for CNN Opinion, millions of Americans are working longer hours for lower wages. In fact, nearly 40% of employees in the United States are working at least 50 hours a week, and 18% are working at least 60 hours. What this means is that the American people now have the dubious distinction of working far more hours per year as the people of most other wealthy nations. In the US, people work 470 more hours than in Germany and 300 more than France. Even our next-door neighbors in Canada work 125 hours fewer. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the workplace, Sanders noted. The question is: Who will benefit from this transformation? Will it be the billionaire class, or workers? In my view, the choice is obvious. Eighty-six years after Roosevelt signed a 40-hour work week into law, its time for us to move to a 32-hour work week at no loss of pay. Abortion on the ballot Drew Sheneman/Tribune Content Agency Floridas Supreme Court has put abortion on the ballot in that state. In November, voters will decide whether to ensure the right to abortion in the states constitution. In the meantime, the court has allowed the states six-week abortion ban to stand. To win in November, Biden and other Democrats must seize upon and never let up on abortion rights as their most important policy focus, wrote Ana Marie Cox. Democrats historical reticence to give a full-throated and explicit defense of abortion rights or to take advantage of congressional majorities to enshrine those rights into law kept the door open for Republicans to find a way to overturn Roe v Wade. The painful irony is that because of this policy mismanagement, Democrats have transmuted the hardship and suffering of hundreds of thousands of would-be abortion-seekers into a wave of ballot-box endorsements for reproductive choice. And in no place is this alchemy more vital to President Joe Bidens chances of sealing a second term than in the Sunshine State. The US Supreme Court seems dubious about the effort to ban the most common form of abortion in America pills that can terminate a pregnancy safely. But how did the issue wind up before the court? Law professor Steve Vladeck wrote that it is part of a trend in which conservatives ensure that their culture-war cases go beyond a sympathetic federal district judge. Right-wing litigants have regularly taken advantage of their ability to handpick ideologically sympathetic judges by filing a disproportionate percentage of lawsuits challenging the Biden administration in geographically remote district courts within the Fifth Circuit. At least one conservative justice on the US Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch, isnt happy about the effects of the judge-shopping trend, Vladeck noted. For once, the Supreme Court is the victim of right-wing litigation behavior, not the culprit. But the longer the court goes without pushing back against it, the more it can expect its docket to be filled with these kinds of cases going forward. Dont miss Holly Thomas: The problem with Beyonces Jolene Alan J. Borsuk: The 20,000 voters who could determine the next president Walt Handlesman/Tribune Content Agency Gevin Reynolds: Somethings rotten, and not just in the state of Tennessee Tom Steyer: Investing in oil and gas doesnt make sense anymore Noah Berlatsky: Why everyone from Trump to Billy Joel loves nostalgia AND Tax deadline looms Tax returns are due for most Americans on April 15. The US tax code, which was 27 pages long when the income tax was adopted in 1913, now encompasses more than 17,000 pages. Our fiendishly complicated tax system chews up endless hours of work 13 hours for the average American. Bill Harris, who was the former CEO of PayPal and Intuit, the parent company of TurboTax, says changes have to be made. The IRS must rebuild its internal systems to process tax forms, which rely on software that is decades old, Harris wrote. Both the IRS and the states must build online portals to make the filing of very simple tax forms easier, cheaper and faster. It is a shame that this urgent issue has devolved into a partisan political debate. Budget cuts would delay modernization efforts by many years, if not indefinitely. Let Congress debate about how to simplify the tax code and let the non-partisan staffers at the IRS get on with the onerous process of updating their technology. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Seven California condor eggs have hatched at the Oregon Zoo, furthering the organizations efforts to preserve the critically-endangered species. The eggs first arrived at the Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation on Jan. 22. Earlier this month, the Oregon Zoo announced the chicks had finally hatched in March. More on the 12 speakers presenting at Portlands 12th annual TEDx Talk Since then, Travis Koons, the zoos Curator of Birds, Reptiles and Native Conservation, said the birds have had an incredible season so far. All seven chicks are eating well and growing stronger every day, Koons added in a statement. Theyre just little fuzzballs now, but in a year or two theyll be spreading some enormous wings and soaring through the open sky. The Oregon Zoo said there are only 500 California condors left in the world, but more chicks are expected to hatch in the Jonsson Center soon. Jordan Schnitzer on plans for vacant office spaces in downtown Portland According to the zoo, the chicks will remain with their parents for at least eight months before relocating to pre-release pens for a year. Afterwards, they will move to wild release sites in California and Arizona with other free-flying condors. The species was first listed as endangered in 1973. By 1982, there were a total of 22 condors in the world. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. These Palestinian mothers in Gaza gave birth Oct. 7. Their babies have known only war CORRECTS LOCATION - Rola Saqer feeds her baby Masa Mohammad Zaqout at her parents' home in the neighborhood of Zawaida, central Gaza, Thursday, April 4, 2024. Zaqout was born Oct. 7, the day the Israel- Hamas war erupted. Mothers who gave birth that day fret that their 6-month-old babies have known nothing but brutal war, characterized by a lack of baby food, unsanitary shelter conditions and the crashing of airstrikes. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana) NUSEIRAT, Gaza Strip (AP) Rockets streaked through the morning sky in Gaza on Oct. 7 as Amal Al-Taweel hurried to the hospital in the nearby Nuseirat refugee camp, already in labor. After a difficult birth, she and her husband, Mustafa, finally got to hold Ali, the child they spent three years trying to have. Rola Saqers water broke that day as she sheltered from Israeli airstrikes in Beit Lahia, a Gaza town near where Hamas militants streamed across the border hours earlier in the attack that kicked off the war. She and her husband, Mohammed Zaqout, had been trying to have a child for five years, and not even the terrifying explosions all around would stop them from going to the hospital to have their baby that night. Saqer gave birth to Masa, a name that means diamond in Arabic. The families emerged from the hospitals to a changed world. On the babies' second day of life, Israel declared war on Hamas and its fighter jets swooped over the neighborhoods where Ali and Masa were supposed to grow up. In the six months since the children were born, the couples have experienced the trials of early parenthood against the backdrop of a brutal conflict. The families' homes were leveled by airstrikes, and they've had no reliable shelter and scant access to medical treatment and baby supplies. The infants are hungry, and despite all of the plans the couples made before the war, they fear the lives they had hoped to give their children is gone. I was preparing him for another life, a beautiful one, but war changed all of these features, Amal Al-Taweel told The Associated Press on Wednesday. We barely live day by day, and we don't know what will happen. There is no planning." Saqer recalled the hope she had before the war. This is my only daughter," she said, rocking Masa gently in a cradle. "I prepared many things and clothes for her. I bought her a closet a week before the war. I was also planning her birthdays and everything. The war came and destroyed everything. FROM NUSEIRAT TO RAFAH The Al-Taweel family spent the first days of Ali's life going between their home and relatives' houses in search of safety. Nearby buildings kept being struck first one next to Amal's sister's home, and then one next to her parents' place. As the family sheltered at home on Oct. 20, Israeli authorities issued an evacuation order warning that a strike was imminent and residents had 10 minutes to leave. I had to evacuate. I couldnt take anything; no IDs, no university certificates, no clothes for my child nothing, Amal Al-Taweel said. Even milk, diapers, and toys that I bought for my child. The family found temporary refuge at Amal's parents' house in central Gaza, where 15 family members took shelter. Not far away, Saqer, her husband and daughter crammed into a relatives two-bedroom house where more than 80 members of her extended family were staying. It became so crowded, she said, that her male relatives built a tent outside so that the women and children could sleep more comfortably indoors. As Israeli ground troops advanced on central Gaza in December, both young families headed to Gazas southernmost city, Rafah, which is now home to hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians. TENT CAMPS, NO FOOD Like many who have sought refuge in overcrowded Rafah, the Al-Taweel family lived in a tent, where they stayed for over a month. It was the worst experience of my life; the worst conditions I have ever lived in, Amal Al-Taweel said. Israel has severely restricted aid deliveries of food, water, medicine and other supplies into Gaza during the war, which began with Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel in which militants killed about 1,200 people and took roughly 250 hostages. Israel has exacted a terrible toll: More than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed, around two-thirds of them women and children, according to Palestinian health officials whose death count doesnt distinguish between civilians and fighters. Israel's offensive has pushed Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, displacing over 80% of the population and leaving more than 1 million people on the brink of starvation. Ali, who was diagnosed with gastroenteritis before the family fled to Rafah, had chronic vomiting and diarrhea signs of malnutrition that the U.N.'s main health agency says are now common in one of every six young Gazan children. He is underweight, at just 5 kilograms (11 pounds). I cant even feed myself to properly feed my child, said Amal Al-Taweel. The boy is losing more weight than he gains. His parents fretted about the rashes on his face, trying to shield him from near-constant sun exposure in the tent. Mustafa Al-Taweel spent months waiting tables at a Gaza City cafe to save up for baby food, toys and clothes. Now, he can't buy his son even the simplest foods in Rafah. The war has brought shortages of the most basic necessities, with diapers and formula hard to find or unaffordable. They've had to rely on canned food provided by the U.N. His father was working every day to provide him with milk, diapers, and many other things he needed, said Amal Al-Taweel. Even the toys are gone. Theres nothing we can afford to provide him. Needing help, the Al-Taweels decided to return to Amals parents' home in central Gaza in February. Not far from where the Al-Taweels lived in Rafah, Masa and her parents found a spot in the Shaboura refugee camp. They lived in a small tent the couple made by stitching together flour bags, Saqer said. Muddy water pooled around the tent when it rained, and the area always smelled of sewage. Doing anything involved waiting in line, meaning a trip to the bathroom could take hours. Masa grew sick. Her skin turned yellowish and she seemed to have a perpetual fever, with sweat beading on her small forehead. Saqer tried to breastfeed but couldn't produce milk because she, too, was malnourished. Sores broke out across her breasts. Even when I endure the pain and try to breastfeed my daughter, what she drinks is blood, not milk, she said. Desperate, Saqer sold aid packets the family received from the U.N. to buy formula for Masa. Eventually, she decided to go back to central Gaza to seek medical treatment for her daughter, leaving her husband behind to mind their tent and setting off in a donkey-pulled cart. BACK TO CENTRAL GAZA Both mothers tried their luck at the Al-Aqsa hospital once they arrived in central Gaza. Saqer was lucky doctors there told her that Masa had a virus and gave the baby medicine. But they told Amal that Ali needed surgery for a hernia that they couldn't perform. Like most other Gaza hospitals, Al-Aqsa is only conducting life-saving surgeries. After nearly six months of war, Gazas health sector has been decimated. Only 10 of Gazas 36 hospitals are still partially functioning. The rest have either shut down or are barely functioning because they ran out of fuel and medicine, were raided by Israeli troops or were damaged by fighting. As the families ponder the future, they can't imagine that their babies' lives will be close to what they had envisioned. Saqer said that even if her family were able to return to their home in northern Gaza, they would find only rubble where their house once stood. "The same I suffered in Rafah; I will suffer in the north," she said. "All of our lives will be spent in a tent. It will certainly be a hard life. The cars were destined for locations like the cities of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates and Sohar, in Oman, according to police. (Arlyn McAdorey/The Canadian Press - image credit) A joint investigation between the Peel police and the Canada Border Services Agency has led to the recovery of 20 stolen vehicles and three arrests, the police force said Sunday. In December 2023, an investigation began into a trucking yard in Brampton, Peel police said in a news release issued Sunday. The investigation led police to find an industrial location in Bolton, which is part of Caledon, that was being used to load stolen vehicles that would be shipped overseas, police say. The cars were destined for locations like the cities of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates and Sohar, in Oman, according to police. Police say three men were arrested on March 26 as part of the investigation, a 62-year-old and 38-year-old from Toronto, as well as a 29-year-old from Mississauga. The men have been charged with offences like trafficking stolen goods and possession of property obtained by crime. Police say $1.8 million worth of vehicles were recovered. The recovery comes after the Ontario Provincial Police announced earlier this week that a police operation at the Port of Montreal has led to the recovery of 598 stolen vehicles since December. Like the cars recovered by Peel, those vehicles were also slated for shipment overseas. Provincial police said most of those hundreds of cars were taken from the Greater Toronto Area. Police hailed the project as an important step in their fight against organized criminal networks that they say are behind a recent surge in car thefts in Eastern Canada. In Ontario and Quebec, car thefts have increased by 48 per cent and 58 per cent respectively between 2021 and 2023. 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. Social democratic parliamentary speaker Peter Pellegrini won the decisive second round of the presidential election in Slovakia on Saturday. With 99.8% of constituencies counted, Pellegrini was clearly ahead of liberal former foreign minister Ivan Korcok, who received just under 47% of the vote, the electoral commission has reported. Polls and initial partial results had suggested a closer result. The official final result should be available by midday (1000 GMT) on Sunday at the latest. Korcok conceded defeat to journalists in Bratislava and congratulated Pellegrini on his victory. He was "disappointed and disillusioned," news agency TASR quoted the former foreign minister as saying. According to preliminary figures, voter turnout was just under 60%, which was significantly higher than the 52% recorded in the first round of voting on March 23. Around 4.4 million Slovakians were eligible to vote. The incumbent Zuzana Caputova did not run for a second five-year term despite her continued popularity. The office of president has a largely representative function in Slovakia, which is a member of both the European Union and NATO. Pellegrini's Voice - Social Democracy party (Hlas-SD) is part of Slovakia's governing coalition, led by the left-wing nationalist Prime Minister Robert Fico. The right-wing populist Slovak National Party (SNS) is also part of the fractious coalition. Korcok, a liberal, was backed by the opposition and had pledged to be a counterweight Fico's government. Korcok surprisingly led in the first round of voting on March 23 with a 5.5 percentage point lead over Pellegrini. The race went to a runoff because no candidate managed to collect an outright majority of the votes cast. The election was dominated by the war in neighbouring Ukraine. Korcok said Slovakia needs to be more resolute in its military support for Kiev, while Pellegrini urged caution when it comes to arms deliveries, citing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as a political guide. Slovakia's three-party coalition government is at loggerheads with the liberal and conservative opposition about the war, but also about issues surrounding the rule of law and democracy. Voters cast their ballots at a polling station in 2024 Slovakia presidential election run-off. alek Vaclav/CTK/dpa Presidential candidate and Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini smiles in front of media representatives during the second round of the 2024 Slovakia presidential election. Social democratic parliamentary speaker Peter Pellegrini looked set to win the decisive second round of the presidential election in Slovakia. alek Vaclav/CTK/dpa Social democratic parliamentary speaker Peter Pellegrini has won the decisive second round of the presidential election in Slovakia. With 99.8% of constituencies counted, Pellegrini was clearly ahead of liberal former foreign minister Ivan Korcok, who received just under 47% of the vote, the electoral commission has reported. Polls and initial partial results had suggested a closer result. The official final result should be available by midday (1000 GMT) on Sunday at the latest. Korcok conceded defeat to journalists in Bratislava and congratulated Pellegrini on his victory. He was "disappointed and disillusioned," news agency TASR quoted the former foreign minister as saying. According to preliminary figures, voter turnout was just under 60%, which was significantly higher than the 52% recorded in the first round of voting on March 23. Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini casts his vote during the second round of the 2024 Slovakia presidential election. Pavel Neubauer/TASR/dpa Members of the precinct election commission count the votes after the second round of the 2024 Slovakia presidential election. Milan Drozd/TASR/dpa Long-term immigrants lacking permanent legal status are gaining traction on demands for legal work permits amid a strong labor market and easier access to employment for newly arrived asylum seekers. The Biden administration greatly expanded work permits Thursday for a large swath of immigrants, including asylum seekers and green card applicants. While the administration has resisted calls to act on legal work for the nearly 11 million immigrants who dont fit those categories, officials say they have received the message and understand the issue. Im not in a position to make any announcements today. I dont think that we have ignored the voices domestically that have spoken of the fact that we have undocumented individuals in the United States who have been undocumented and without work authorization for years and years, and yet people who cross the border and make a claim of asylum can proceed for authorization within 180 days after filing their asylum claim, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters Friday. I dont think were ignoring that. The president on his very first day in office tried to address legislatively, hoped to address legislatively, the condition of the undocumented in this country. So I dont think weve ignored it at all, but Congress has not acted. That inaction is weighing on large cities where long-term immigrants lacking permanent legal status often watch newer arrivals wait just weeks or months for paperwork that has been out of their reach for decades. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) put his weight Thursday behind the push to expand permits to individuals in that situation, citing economic needs and family unity. This is the city that works, and whether it is a new arrival or a long-term undocumented Chicagoan who has lived in our city for decades, immigrant communities are working communities, Johnson said at a round table organized by the American Business Immigration Coalition, a grouping of CEOs pushing for work permits. . Im proud to stand here today with the business community and labor partners as we call for work permits so that families can stay together and we can continue to grow our local economy. But for such immigrants as opposed to asylum applicants the legal path to a work permit is convoluted and sometimes doesnt exist at all. While both groups often get thrown into the same basket, their legal status is radically different. Asylum applicants are foreign nationals who requested asylum on U.S. soil or at a port of entry, regardless of how they entered the country, and whose asylum claim is still subject to approval or denial by immigration authorities. Undocumented immigrants are foreign nationals who entered the United States, legally or illegally, and either overstayed a legal status such as a tourist visa or simply were never technically admitted into the country by a U.S. official. That population grew from 3.5 million people in 1990 to a high of 12.2 million in 2007 before decreasing to about 10.5 million in 2021, according to the Pew Research Center. Whether that number has grown again since then is a matter of debate: Some research organizations such as the Migration Policy Institute pair people without official U.S. paperwork and those with some nonpermanent statuses into the unauthorized category. The distinction in terms of work permits, however, is clear. Asylum applicants can apply for a work permit after a certain period of time and are legally in the country until and unless their application is denied. Over the last decade, migrants have more and more often chosen to turn themselves over to the Border Patrol and apply for asylum, creating that distinction between long-term immigrants lacking permanent legal status and new arrivals. That dynamic has given new political significance to a community thats used to living in the shadows, further spurred by incidents including the recent death of six immigrant workers in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. The country and the news cycles have been all occupied with whats happening on the border. And you know, what happened on the bridge in Baltimore, its just another reminder of, you know, in addition to whats happening at the border, and there are millions of people who are impacted by immigration and immigrants are part of our families, our communities, our schools or our workplaces, and this is an opportunity for the Biden administration to use existing authorities, said Marielena Hincapie, an immigration scholar at Cornell University Law School. Advocates want the Biden administration to more aggressively use tools such as parole in place or cancellation of removal existing authorities that allow the executive to give a sort of clean slate to such immigrants who otherwise have no path to regularization. Only certain immigrants lacking permanent legal status are eligible for those programs: mainly those who have direct relatives who are U.S. citizens. The Biden administration has made use of some of the executive authorities available, particularly those that are less at risk of litigation, and has left the door open for further action. On his very first day in office, President Biden introduced a comprehensive immigration reform proposal that would have addressed our broken immigration system. While the previous Administration demonized immigrants and sought to take away protections from millions who have lived in the United States for years, our Administration has reinstated protections and support for immigrants and in many instances expanded them, White House spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez said. The Administration remains committed to ensuring those who are eligible for relief can receive it quickly and to building an immigration system that is fairer and more humane. As we have said before, the Administration is constantly evaluating possible policy options. The administration has made aggressive use of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a program that allows people from certain designated countries to live and work in the United States but does not create a pathway to permanent residence and ultimately citizenship. The administration has also implemented deferred action for workers involved in labor disputes, to prevent undue use of immigration threats in work relationships. The Biden-Harris Administration understands the need for noncitizens to be able to lawfully support themselves and their families while they are pending immigration proceedings so as not to be a burden on the communities in which they reside, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told The Hill. We have taken many steps to make sure that individuals who are eligible for employment authorization are informed, and, where possible, to accelerate the processing of employment authorization documents (EADs) to ensure that applicants receive them in a timely manner. The administration is also working to teach local authorities who is and isnt eligible to apply for EADs because the convoluted nature of the system means eligible individuals are often not aware that they can apply or know how to apply for work permits. One of the things that we have been working on with mayors, including Mayor Johnson and others, is making sure that they understand who is resident in their shelters and other facilities, and what their eligibility for work authorization is, Mayorkas said. But even federal officials like Mayorkas who has run Homeland Security for three years and previously worked for seven years at the department, including running United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) say the system is too convoluted. I was the director of USCIS and that doesnt make me an expert in all of the legal intricacies of an incredibly labyrinthian immigration system. And if I havent said that that immigration system is fundamentally broken, allow me to say that now, said Mayorkas, who has often made such statements publicly. But advocates and scholars say the administration could do more even under threat of litigation. This is an opportunity for the Biden administration to go on offense, and that if they are blocked by a court on this because Texas sues, then to point the finger at whos responsible for that, which is Texas once again, Hincapie said. But they have to be able to show immigrant communities and voters that theyre willing to go out, not even on a limb, but that theyre willing to move forward towards providing relief and solutions. This story was updated at 9:19 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. MIDTOWN EAST, Manhattan (PIX11) A person was stabbed on a Manhattan subway early Sunday morning, according to the NYPD. The 34-year-old man was stabbed in the back just before 5 a.m. at the Lexington Avenue-53rd Street station, police said. He was stabbed on a southbound E train, police said. Sources told PIX11 the suspected stabber was known to the victim. NYC subway bag checks reminiscent of stop and frisk: advocates The victim was rushed to an area hospital while three male suspects fled on a Queens-bound train, police said. Subway safety has become a key concern for state and city officials, but Mayor Eric Adams said subway crime remains low despite some flashy incidents. With about 4 million daily riders, there are an average of 6 felonies per day, Adams said. This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates. 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. (KRON) On Friday, the Petaluma Police Department deployed three cop cars to conduct a distracted driving enforcement operation. Police said they issued over 20 citations in 10 hours. Bay Area city ranks as the healthiest city in America Between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Petaluma police made 49 traffic stops to find drivers distracted by a cell phone. Within those eight hours, police said they issued 24 citations to distracted drivers. According to police, 15 of those drivers were also issued speeding tickets. This operation was part of an ongoing effort to educate drivers not to drive while distracted. Specifically, not to drive with a cell phone unless operating a hands-free device, police said. April is nationally recognized as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Petaluma police started their operation on Wednesday and will be continuing their mobilization period until April 10. Police say 140 people were killed in California because of a distracted driver in 2021, a 27% increase from the previous year. Nationally, 3522 lives were tragically taken because of distracted driving, police said. According to police, driving with a cellphone in your hand increases the risk of getting into a crash by three times. Funding for the Distracted Driving Enforcement Operation was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. On Friday, California OTS asked drivers to put your phone down. Just drive. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Peter Pellegrini to be Slovakia's new president after run-off win Presidential candidate and Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini (C) speaks on the results of the second round of the direct election of the new Slovak president. Social democratic parliamentary speaker Peter Pellegrini looked set to win the decisive second round of the presidential election in Slovakia. alek Vaclav/CTK/dpa Social democratic parliamentary speaker Peter Pellegrini has been elected Slovakia's new president, according to the official results released on Sunday. Pellegrini, 48, won 53.1% of ballots in the run-off vote on Saturday, comfortably beating liberal former foreign minister Ivan Korcok who garnered 46.9% of votes, according to the electoral commission. Voter turnout stood at 61.1%, significantly higher than in the first round of voting in the presidential elections on March 23. Incumbent President Zuzana Caputova did not run for a second five-year term despite her continued popularity. She is set to hand over the reigns to Pellegrini on June 15. The office of president has a largely symbolic function in Slovakia, which is a member of both the European Union and NATO. Pellegrini's Voice-Social Democracy party (Hlas-SD) is part of Slovakia's governing coalition, led by left-wing nationalist Prime Minister Robert Fico. The right-wing populist Slovak National Party (SNS) is also part of the fractious coalition. Korcok, a liberal, was backed by the opposition and had pledged to be a counterweight Fico's government. Korcok surprisingly led in the first round of voting on March 23 with a 5.5 percentage point advantage over Pellegrini. However, the race went to a run-off because no candidate managed to collect an outright majority of the votes cast. The election was dominated by issues related to the war in neighbouring Ukraine. Korcok said Slovakia needs to be more resolute in its military support for Kiev, while Pellegrini urged caution when it comes to arms deliveries, citing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as a political guide. Slovakia's three-party coalition government is at loggerheads with the liberal and conservative opposition about the war, but also about issues surrounding the rule of law and democracy. Presidential candidate and Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini speaks on the results of the second round of the direct election of the new Slovak president. Social democratic parliamentary speaker Peter Pellegrini looked set to win the decisive second round of the presidential election in Slovakia. alek Vaclav/CTK/dpa Police arrest person who tried to rob bank in Northwest DC WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said it arrested a person who tried to rob a bank in Northwest D.C. on Friday morning. Police said that at about 9:30 a.m., the suspect approached a teller inside a bank in the 400 block of North Capitol St. NW. How can I see the eclipse in Fairfax County? The suspect gave the teller a note demanding money. The suspect left the scene without taking any money. On Saturday, police arrested and charged 62-year-old Bruce Alan Smith of Northeast D.C. with Attempted Bank Robbery. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Police looking for suspects in connection to Northeast DC shooting WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Departments Sixth District are seeking suspects in a shooting that occurred in Northeast D.C. Police said that on Saturday at about 4 p.m., they responded to the 4000 block of Minnesota Ave. for the report of a shooting. MPD looking for suspect in Southeast shooting When officers arrived they found a man who had been shot inside an apartment building. The man was transported to the hospital to be treated. The suspects were captured by surveillance cameras and can be seen here: For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Police searching for suspects accused of St. Patricks Day assault in South Boston Authorities are asking for the publics help locating five suspects accused of an aggravated assault in South Boston on St. Patricks Day. According to Boston Police, the attack happened around 4:41 p.m. in the area ofTudor Street. Three victims were reportedly assaulted by a group of five, who then fled down Tudor Street towards F Street. One of the suspects is described as a 30-40-year-old white male wearing aviator sunglasses, a flat-brim black Celtics hat, and a black and green Tatum Celtics jersey and jeans. He is thought to be around 511, 200lbs with a full beard. Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact District C-6 Detectives at (617) 343-4742. City Councilor Ed Flynn recently proposed moving the St. Patricks Day parade out of South Boston due to public drinking and violence. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 7. Kyrgyzstan's renewable energy capacity reached 3,210 MW in 2023, Trend reports. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reported a 15.4 percent increase in the country's renewable energy capacity over the previous years of 2022 and 2021, which stood at 2,780 MW. However, there was a 12 percent decline from the higher projections of 3,674 MW in 2020 and 3,673 MW in 2019 and 2018. Kyrgyzstan's renewable energy capacity peaked in 2017 at 3,689 MW, spanning the years 20142023. In terms of power output, Kyrgyzstan's State Statistical Committee reported over 3.434 billion kWh from January to February 2024. This represents an 8.2-percent drop compared to the same period in 2022. The majority of Kyrgyzstan's electricity is generated by hydroelectric power plants. Russian Rosatom, the State Atomic Energy Corporation, is currently planning to build a number of small hydroelectric power stations along the Chandalash River in Kyrgyzstan, with a total capacity of up to 24 MW, with operations planned to begin in 2025. Another notable hydropower project in the country is the Kambarata-1 HPP, located on the Naryn River. This project, planned to become one of Central Asia's greatest hydropower undertakings, is designed to have a capacity of 1,860 MW and a reservoir volume of 5.4 billion cubic meters, with an estimated annual electricity generation of 5.6 billion kWh. Kyrgyzstan signed a deal with the World Bank in November 2023 for $5 million in technical support to revise the feasibility assessment for the Kambarata-1 HPP. Polands Agricultural and Food Quality Inspection (IJHARS) in Lublin has issued a ban on the sale on the Polish market of three batches of ice cream totalling 8.48 tonnes imported from Ukraine due to defrosting. Source: IJHARS on X Details: "The IJHARS office in Lublin has decided to ban the sale of three batches of ice cream with a total weight of 8,482 kg imported from Ukraine in Poland due to defrosting. The decision is subject to immediate implementation," the statement said. Earlier today, the IJHARS branch in Poznan banned the sale of a 1,438 kg batch of ice cream imported from Ukraine "due to the absence of a declaration regarding whether it contains the sweetener (aspartame)". Earlier this week, the IJHARS issued the largest fine in its history of 1.5 million Polish zoty (about US$380,000) to an importer for importing 11,500 tonnes of technical rapeseed and feed wheat from Ukraine as counterfeit products for further use as food. In addition, the IJHARS issued three decisions banning the sale of a 57,660 kg batch of tomato paste imported from Ukraine "due to the presence of mould in the product". Support UP or become our patron! The port of Baltimore will be reopened by the end of May, less than three months after the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse, Maryland's governor declared on Sunday. The bridge collapsed on 26 March, killing six construction workers who were repairing roads and shutting down all sea lane access to the Port of Baltimore, one of the largest freight seaports on the East Coast. The federal government has already authorised $60m in relief funding for the disaster response effort, with hundreds of millions more expected to be needed before the project is completed. The governor appeared on CBSs Face the Nation and said that President Joe Bidens goal of completing work to reopen both the federal and state shipping channels by the end of May was possible to achieve with 24/7 effort from first responders, recovery diving teams, and teams tasked with removing the wreckage. Its realistic, Mr Moore said of goal to have the Port of Baltimore fully reopened by the end of May. We are going to do everything in our power to make sure were bringing closure and comfort to these families, to be able to reopen this channel, to be able to support our workers and support families who have been impacted by it, and also begin the process of the rebuild of the bridge. It is an aggressive timeline, but we are going to work around the clock to make sure that we hit this timeline, said the governor, who noted that salvage teams have already removed hundreds of tons of steel and concrete from the Patapsco River. Maryland Governor Wes Moore shakes hands with President Joe Biden as they visit the site of the Key Bridge collapse on 5 April (Getty Images) The US Army Corps of Engineers tentatively expect[s] to open a limited access channel for ... some vessels that move automobiles and farm equipment by the end of April, the White House said this week. It added that workers should be able to restore the port to normal capacity by the end of May. President Biden pledged the support of the nation during his visit to the scene of the collapse on Friday, telling Mr Moore that he expects Congress to rally to their cause and pass funding for the reconstruction effort as well. Were going to move heaven and earth to rebuild this bridge as rapidly as humanly possible, the president said. We will do so with union labor and American steel. My vow is: We will not rest...until the cement has dried and the entirety of a new bridge, a new bridge, [is built]. The collapse of the iconic bridge was a shock to the state of Maryland and represents a major threat to the economy of Baltimore, much of which is tied to the port. Currently, a limited channel is open allowing smaller vessels to pass through the scene of the collapse but larger container ships like the one responsible for striking a key support beam and destroying the bridge cannot reach the port. The timeline for the construction of a new bridge remains unclear. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, opened in 1977, took five years to build but experts have cautioned that construction efforts may not take as long. Mr Moore has hosted near-daily press conferences updating Marylanders on the collapse, which is believed to have killed six people. Members of law enforcement were able to block traffic on both sides of the bridge moments before the destruction occurred, but a six-member team of construction workers who according to local officials were filling potholes were not able to be evacuated in time. Three deceased individuals have been recovered from the waters so far; the search continues for the bodies of the remaining workers. "We are preparing a response": Zelenskyy holds talks with heads of Ukrainian military departments Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has discussed the situation on the frontlines and future planning with the heads of military and political departments. Source: Zelenskyy on Telegram Quote from Zelenskyy: "Ive had a discussion with Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We have discussed the situation on the frontline in detail, planning our further actions. Defence Minister [Rustem] Umierov reported on the ammunition situation. We are doing our best to ensure that every combat brigade has everything they need to defend the state. Separate conversation was held with Vasyl Maliuk, Head of Ukraine's Security Service (SSU), Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), and Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, regarding enemy strikes on Kharkiv and eastern regions of Ukraine. Russia does not cease its terror for a moment. We are working to provide our people with reliable protection. We are preparing a response to the enemy, a very specific and just one." Background: DIU Chief Budanov does not rule out the possibility of a Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2024. Support UP or become our patron! Pressure through call-up notice: Ukrainian media association calls for proceedings to be opened against Security Service and enlistment office staff The Ukrainian media association Mediarukh is demanding that criminal proceedings be opened against employees of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and an enlistment office following an incident involving an investigative journalist from Slidstvo.info. Source: a statement by Mediarukh, sent to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vasyl Maliuk, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin, Defence Minister Rustem Umierov and Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Quote: "As Ukrainian journalists and media organisations who are members of Mediarukh, we are appealing to you to see that justice is done and to protect the rights of journalists in Ukraine. The current situation around the harassment of Slidstvo.info investigative journalist Yevhen Shulhat raises serious concerns about a possible abuse of office and obstruction of journalistic activity on the part of the SSU, as well as the use of the military as a tool to curtail journalistic investigations." Details: The journalists demands are as follows: The immediate opening of criminal proceedings with regard to the possible abuse of office, illegal surveillance and obstruction of journalistic activity on the part of employees of the SSU and the enlistment office. A thorough and prompt investigation into the circumstances of the case, including the role of the SSU and enlistment officers in this incident. Reliable protection of journalists rights and their safety in performing their professional duties. The statement notes that the circumstances of the incident indicate that the SSU was attempting to use its official position to obstruct the activities of a journalist who was uncovering facts that were potentially inconvenient for the SSU leadership. At the same time, the journalists emphasise that they are aware of the need for every citizen to contribute to the defence of Ukraine, and that four of the sixteen employees of Slidstvo.info have received call-up notices and joined the ranks of the Armed Forces. The statement also said that unknown persons recently asked the State Bureau of Investigation to look into the work of a Vinnytsia military enlistment office which is apparently not performing well and has failed to mobilise Oleksandr Salizhenko, Editor-in-Chief of the Chesno movement [a Ukrainian public campaign for transparency in politics]. In addition, the journalists recalled that employees of the SSUs Department for the Protection of National Statehood conducted video surveillance of journalists from the investigative outlet Bihus.info in late December 2023. For reference: Mediarukh is a community that brings together journalists from leading Ukrainian media outlets, investigative journalists and experts from media NGOs. Mediarukh was founded on 5 February 2019 and has over 70 members. Background: Investigative journalists discovered that the wife of Illia Vitiuk, head of the SSUs cybersecurity department, purchased an apartment in December 2023 at the market price of over UAH 20 million (about US$512,000). However, the official's declaration states that UAH 12.8 million (US$328,000) was paid for the apartment. On 6 April it was reported that after this, staff from a military enlistment office approached Yevhen Shulhat, an investigative journalist from Slidstvo.Info, and attempted to serve him with a call-up notice. The enlistment officers were allegedly accompanied by Oleksii Bilenko, who is close to Illia Vitiuk and works in the SSU cybersecurity department. The SSU and the Ministry of Defence, in conjunction with the General Staff, are looking into information published by Slidstvo.Info regarding the attempts to serve a call-up notice to one of their journalists after he published an investigation into a Security Service official. Support UP or become our patron! Prosecution rests against former Atlanta BLM activist accused of stealing $500K in donations The prosecution has rested its case against a former Atlanta activist accused of creating a bogus Black Lives Matter group to steal $500,000 from donors to fund his lavish lifestyle. An investigation by the FBI concluded that Sir Maejor Page, also known as Tyree Conyers-Page, had created a Facebook page called Black Lives Matter of Greater Atlanta and had been soliciting money through the page through a GoFundMe account. Page is facing charges of money laundering and wire fraud in Ohio after he allegedly used money through his Black Lives Matter nonprofit for personal purchases. The FBI also said Page responded to several messages through the Facebook account in telling people that their funds had been donated to be used to fight for George Floyd and that none of the funds have been used for personal items. All movement related. Page was arrested in Toledo, Ohio in 2020 as authorities raided the home that he bought there. In the federal complaint against him, it said Page bought the home under the name of Hi Frequency Ohio, an organization for which he was listed as treasurer and general counsel for. RELATED STORIES: The complaint outlined several purchases, including a security system which cost $1,310, tailored suits and accessories totaling $2,065, furniture purchases totaling more than $12,000, Walmart purchases totaling more than $4,000, and Home Depot charges of $2,125.67. In federal court on Friday, Pages defense team worked to show his role as a community activist, the Toledo Blade reported. A Toledo area county commissioner, Peter Gerken, described Page as nonviolent and very passionate. A tax attorney named Louise Jackson was also called to testify. She said Page called her about setting up a charity called Hi Frequency Ohio. She said Page told her that he was closing up a charity in Georgia and wanted to open one in Ohio. Jackson said the firm was hired to perform a task and Page did not retain the firm as counsel. She also said, We had no discussions about the source of funds for the new LLC, the newspaper reported. The trial is expected to continue on Tuesday. RELATED NEWS: The Prosecutor General's Office has opened an investigation into a video that purportedly shows Russian soldiers shooting three captured and unarmed Ukrainian servicemen in Kherson Oblast, the office announced on April 7. The video was published on Russian Telegram channels on April 7, according to a statement by the Prosecutor General's Office released on Telegram. Killing of POWs violates the Geneva Convention and constitutes a war crime. The description of the video states the incident took place near Krynky village in Kherson Oblast. In the video, several shots are fired by a Russian Armed Forces member at the unarmed and unmoving Ukrainian servicemen, according to the Prosecutor General's Office's statement. Ukraine's Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said in a Telegram post that he had filed official letters with the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross about the incident. "The killing of prisoners of war is a flagrant violation of the Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War and a grave international crime. Such cases, unfortunately, are not isolated and are a systematic practice of an insidious enemy," Lubinets wrote. "The world community must send a clear signal to Russia that the traces of war crimes cannot be hidden." As of March 18, Ukraine had collected pretrial information on over 128,000 victims of war crimes, according to Veronika Plotnikova, the head of the Coordinating Center for Support of Victims and Witnesses of the Prosecutor General's Office. Read also: Prosecutor Generals Office: Over 128,000 victims of war crimes recorded in Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders has invited the public to air their grievances during an April 11 public forum set up after the resignation of a controversial hire. On April 1, Sanders swore in Christopher Burbank, a former Tacoma police officer who was acquitted in the murder trial of Manny Ellis in police custody. Burbank was hired to serve as a lateral Sheriffs deputy. He resigned effective immediately following community backlash. When Sanders announced Burbanks resignation, he promised to schedule a public forum where community members could express direct concerns. On Saturday, the Sheriffs Office announced the forum will occur from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Atrium, the county government building at 3000 Pacific Ave. SE in Olympia. In a Thursday Facebook post, Sanders shared a collage of internet comments and memes that criticized his decision to hire Burbank. People are unhappy, people will continue to say and write things, but Ill still be here next week to fulfill the obligation I made when I took the job, knowing it wouldnt be easy, Sanders said. See you soon. Sanders said in the post that he chose to take the weekend off to be with his loved ones so he could separate himself from the reality of being Sheriff and refocus. For the last 16 months I have lived this job, learning what it takes to walk down a paper-thin line as the Sheriff while attempting to balance the angles of mistrust and sharp political divide that seems to protrude everywhere in our society about everything, Sanders said in the post. He said he hasnt taken two consecutive days off since last July and hes been feeling the compounding effects of fatigue set in every day. He said he has chosen not to take more time off because his staff cant. Since taking office last year, Sanders has repeatedly said the Sheriffs Office needs more staff and resources to serve a county of over 300,000 people. In November, Thurston County voters passed a Public Safety Tax that primarily helps fund law enforcement. While that may help in the long run, challenges remain for the Sheriffs Office in the short term. In a letter to the community last week, Sanders explained his decision to hire Burbank. He said pressure was building internally and externally to fill vacancies at the department. He added that staff also have left due to the countys comparatively lower wages. When I made the decision to hire Deputy Burbank, I failed to consider the greater community impact and instead made the decision based on business needs to remedy TCSOs staffing crisis, Sanders said in the letter. Furthermore, I entirely misjudged community perception of the investigation and jury process that Deputy Burbank completed. I recognize the harm this has caused to marginalized communities, and I was wrong. By Guy Faulconbridge and Felix Light MOSCOW (Reuters) -Flood waters were rising in two cities in Russia's Ural mountains on Sunday after Europe's third-longest river burst through a dam, flooding at least 10,000 homes and forcing thousands of people to flee with just their pets and a few belongings. Some of the worst floods in decades have hit a string of Russian regions in the Ural Mountains and Siberia, alongside parts of neighbouring Kazakhstan in recent days. The Ural River, which rises in the Ural Mountains and flows into the Caspian Sea, swelled several metres in just hours on Friday due to melt water, bursting through a dam embankment in the city of Orsk, 1,800 km (1,100 miles) east of Moscow. The mayor of Orsk, Vasily Kozupitsa, was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying a second river in the town, the Yelshanka, had also burst its banks. Measures were being undertaken to evacuate residents from affected areas. More than 6,100 people have already been evacuated from the city of 230,000, according to local authorities. Fifteen of 40 schools in the school had been flooded. Footage published by the Emergencies Ministry showed people making their way through neck-high waters, rescuing stranded dogs and travelling along flooded roads in boats and canoes. State news agency TASS reported that six adults and three children had been hospitalised in Orsk, but their condition was not life-threatening. Agencies quoted authorities as saying the Samara River in the town of Buzuluk, further west in Orenburg region, was also rising quickly. Measures were taken to keep residents safe. President Vladimir Putin ordered Emergencies Minister Alexander Kurenkov to fly to the region. The Kremlin said on Sunday that flooding was now also inevitable in the Urals region of Kurgan and the Siberian region of Tyumen. Putin had spoken to the governors of the regions by telephone, the Kremlin said. In Kurgan city, which has a population of 310,000, authorities ordered residents of one riverside neighbourhood to evacuate urgently, saying that flood waters would soon arrive in the city. The Orenburg region's governor, Denis Pasler, said the floods were the worst to hit the region since records began. He said that flooding had been recorded along the entire course of the 2,400-km (1,500-mile) Ural River, which flows through Orenburg region and then through Kazakhstan into the Caspian Sea. Russian media cited Orenburg region authorities as estimating the cost of flood damage locally as around 21 billion roubles ($227 million) and saying that flood waters would dissipate only after April 20. In Kazakhstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said on Saturday the floods were his country's largest natural disaster in terms of scale and impact for 80 years. North Korea leader Kim Jong Un expressed sympathy to Putin about the flood, state media KCNA said, underscoring stronger ties between Moscow and Pyongyang after the leaders met last year. "Our people will always be with the Russian people," Kim said. 'LEVEL WILL ONLY RISE' Flood warnings were issued in other Russian regions and Kurenkov said the situation could get worse very fast. "The water is coming, and in the coming days its level will only rise," said Sergei Salmin, the mayor of Orenburg, a city of at least 550,000 people. "The flood situation remains critical." Emergencies Minister Kurenkov said bottled water and mobile treatment plants were needed, while local health officials said vaccinations against Hepatitis A were being conducted in flooded areas. Local officials said the dam in Orsk was built for a water level of 5.5 metres (18 feet) yet the Ural River rose to 9.6 metres (31.5 feet). Federal investigators opened a criminal case for negligence and the violation of safety rules over the construction of the 2010 dam, which prosecutors said had not been maintained properly. The Orsk oil refinery suspended work on Sunday due to the flooding. Last year, the Orsk Refinery processed 4.5 million tons of oil. ($1 = 92.5080 roubles) (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge in Moscow and Felix Light in Tbilisi; Editing by Ron Popeski and Stephen Coates) BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. At least 70 kilograms of cannabis were found at home of the mayor of the French city of Avallon in the central part of the country, BFMTV channel says with reference to sources in the gendarmerie, Trend reports. At least 70 kilograms of cannabis were found on Sunday, April 7, at home of the socialist mayor of Avallon in the Yonne department, Djamila Absaoui, the TV channel said in a statement. Law enforcement agencies have already established that the mayor's brother was selling prohibited substances. This week, French authorities launched large-scale anti-drug operations in Toulouse, Strasbourg and Nantes, as well as six other cities. More than 1.7 thousand people were detained. French President Emmanuel Macron announced an unprecedented operation to combat drug trafficking in Marseille. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The American Red Cross and Las Vegas Fire & Rescue teamed up Saturday to install more than 500 free smoke alarms in Las Vegas homes. The effort is part of their annual Sound The Alarm event to encourage fire preparedness through equipment and education. The entire goal is to make our community safer and everybody a little bit more prepared in the event of a fire, Rachel Flanigan, the executive director of The America Red Cross of Southern Nevada explained. More than 150 volunteers and LVFR crews helped out in various areas including areas near Historic Westside. A lot of the area that the builds were done prior to some of the fire codes that required some of those smoke alarms, Flanigan explained. Thats where 66-year-old Sandy Cooley lives and he admitted that hed never changed the smoke alarms in the 26 years hes resided there. I feel safer, Cooley said as Las Vegas firefighters installed the wired connections on a ladder, a task too difficult for Cooley. The new alarms have a 10-year battery. When it comes time for a replacement, officials say to go by the manufacture date, not the date of installation. There are other indicators too such as discoloration, or that the alarm was made before manufacture dates were printed. The best rule of thumb is that if its over 10 years old, it is time to replace it. Fire inspector Melanie Dennon said in most fatal fires, the home either didnt have a smoke alarm or the alarm didnt work. With smoke alarms, proper exit pathways, and ways to get out of your house, there is no need for anybody to die in a housefire, Dennon said. Firefighters equipped residents with knowledge too, telling residents Closed before you doze, a rhyme to remember to shut all doors at nighttime in order for the smoke to hit the alarms and signal a fire and to avoid smoke inhalation. Smoke is what kills you in a fire, Dennon explained. She also discussed the value of knowing two ways to get out in case of a fire, forming and practicing an evacuation plan that includes a meeting space. If all occupants in a house are accounted for at a meeting place, there would be no need for a firefighter to risk their life by entering an empty home. Dennon explained that in the case of a fire, residents have three minutes or less to get out because of how easily flammable furniture is nowadays. The heads up from a smoke alarm could save a life. The American Red Cross installs smoke alarms year-round through their Home Fire Campaign, and they are always looking for volunteers. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Remains of man not seen for nearly a year found in remote wetlands, Utah cops say Skeletal human remains found in a Utah bird refuge have now been identified as those of a man who hadnt been seen for nearly a year, Utah sheriffs officials reported. Dental records were used to identify Elijah Peck, 42, of Garland, Utah, the Box Elder County Sheriffs Office said in an April 5 news release. Peck was last seen in May, although he was not reported missing, deputies said. Investigators are treating the case as a suspicious death since the cause of death cant be immediately determined. The remains were found in a remote area of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge near Willard Bay at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, March 30, the sheriffs office said in a news release. Deputies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed the remains were human, the sheriffs office said. The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is about a 60-mile drive northwest of Salt Lake City. The refuge covers about 80,000 acres of the northeast arm of the Great Salt Lake, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. More than 210 species of birds visit the refuge. Sheriffs officials ask anyone with information to contact 435-734-6530 or detectives@boxeldercounty.org. Man accused of tunneling into jewelry store found covered in debris, California cops say Hikers found body floating in CA creek in 2001, company says. Now hes identified Cops on horseback wrangle accused shoplifter running away in New Mexico, video shows Israeli flags are seen at the site of the Nova festival, where people were killed and kidnapped during the October 7 attack by Hamas gunmen from Gaza Six months since the atrocities of October 7, the news cycle has inevitably moved on to focus on the latest horror and pity of the Israel-Hamas war. Today, we should pause to remember the victims of that awful day, the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. Nearly 700 Israeli civilians were murdered, including 36 children, alongside 373 military personnel and 71 foreigners. Many died in horrific and degrading ways, subjected to rape, torture and dismemberment. Here, for those who cast accusations against Israel of genocide, is a reminder of what a real genocidal frenzy looks like. There has been criticism after an image of one victim was among a set of photographs recently awarded a journalism prize. The photograph shows Shani Louk sprawled half-naked in the back of a truck full of armed men. Her mother says that seeing those pictures again because of the contest makes our family relive the pain. Yet Louks father has said he is glad the photo won, so that the memory of what his daughter suffered is kept alive. We must remember, too, the 130 hostages still being held captive. Individuals like Alex Danzig, aged 75, a historian of the Holocaust. Bipin Joshi, 23, a Nepalese agriculture student. Agam Berger and Daniela Gilboa, both just 19 years old. And we must remember their desperate families, longing for news and terrified of hearing the worst. Nor can we forget the countless Jewish individuals in Britain and around the globe who have found themselves living in fear and facing discrimination and hatred in the wake of the attack. Antisemitism is a light sleeper, Dame Maureen Lipman says in an interview today. All of us must face down this reawakened monster wherever we find it. In remembering the depravity of October 7, we must have pity too for the dreadful suffering of the people of Gaza, themselves victims of the callous tactics of Hamas. Israel must be held to the civilised standards that the terrorists reject. But Israel must not be held to a double standard, and expected to justify itself more than any other nation. Nor should it be treated as if its right to self-defence, or even to exist, is open to dispute. The terrorism of October 7 is not past. For the hostages, their families, and all those afflicted, it will continue until Hamas is held to account. 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. Democratic Rep. Adam Smith (Wash.) said Sunday that he trusts House Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) pledge not to abandon Ukraine and predicted Johnsons ability to fulfill that pledge would give little reason to Democrats to oust him. Johnson has vowed to take up aid for Ukraine when Congress returns to Washington this month after the holiday recess, though his partys internal politics make this a tricky proposition. Some Democrats have floated Ukraine aid as a condition for saving him from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes (R-Ga.) motion to vacate the Speakership, which was widely seen as a warning for Johnson not to put Ukraine aid on the floor. Asked on NewsNations The Hill Sunday by Chris Stirewalt if he is willing to save Johnson, Smith said, Yes, turmoil within the House is not good for the country in a variety of different ways. And to vacate another Speaker would be a major, major mistake, he said. And also let me say, Ive worked with Speaker Johnson for a while, he was on the Armed Services Committee when I was the chair. He is a decent, intelligent person, and I have a good, working relationship with him. What a lot of people miss is [former Speaker] Kevin McCarthy [R-Calif.] was very difficult to work with. He didnt keep his word; he didnt work with us. Its about that as well, but like I trust the Speaker, he has said he will not abandon Ukraine, and I trust him to keep his word, he continued. And if he does, then I dont see any reason why Democrats would want to remove him as Speaker. Johnson has long said he wants to pass aid for Ukraine as the country enters its third year of trying to push back a Russian invasion. In February, the Speaker refused to consider a Senate-passed foreign aid package that would have included $60 billion for Ukraine because of its lack of border security measures. Conservatives had earlier killed a border security deal designed to be attached to the bill. Johnson said the Houses foreign aid package will include some important innovations, though questions remain on the specific details of the legislation. He floated the possibility of extending a loan to Ukraine to ease conservative concerns over increasing the national debt. Last week, he referenced the REPO for Ukrainians Act, which would authorize the president to seize Russian sovereign assets frozen in the U.S. and give them to Ukraine to use against Russia. Johnson has been Speaker since October, when he replaced the ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). Greenes motion to vacate came after Johnson helped pass a sprawling spending package to stave off a partial government shutdown to the ire of conservative lawmakers. She said she would not immediately trigger a vote on ousting Johnson, calling the motion basically a warning. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) is confident that the latest Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) will pass in the House, he said Sunday. The Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, unveiled last week, would extend Section 702 of FISA, which allows the government to spy on noncitizens located abroad. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) urged his colleagues Friday to support the bill, as some lawmakers have expressed opposition to the measure. When asked on CNNs State of the Union if the latest bill would pass the House, Turner said he believed it would. I think it does. I think it will. I think that those who mischaracterize this are small compared to those who understand that this goes to the heart of our ability to get intelligence. It allows us to be able to keep Americans safe. This is not a warrantless surveillance of Americans, he told co-host Jake Tapper on Sunday. Turner emphasized that the measure is meant to spy on foreigners abroad, not those in the United States. He also noted that the Intelligence Committee was instrumental in drafting the bill. And, Jake, I appreciate you raising this issue because this is surveillance, surveillance of foreigners who are abroad were not surveilling foreigners in the United States. Were not surveilling Americans in the United States, he said. Those individuals who say that this is a warrantless search of Americans data are just not telling the truth. These are foreigners abroad. Theyre a select group of individuals who are a national security threat, he added. Turner said Americans want the U.S. to make certain that the country is safeguarding itself against outside groups, including terrorist organizations. The updated bill does not include a warrant requirement that some critics say would cause delays that would hinder intelligence agents from responding to threats in real time. We are not spying on Americans. This is not a warrantless surveillance program. This is foreigners who are abroad only, and this needs to pass, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Republican Election Official Warns Biden Could Be Kept Off Ohio Ballot In a column last week, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) criticized cravenly partisan officials who sought to keep former President Donald Trump off their state ballots for inciting the deadly Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol. On Friday, LaRose warned Democrats that President Joe Biden may not qualify for Ohios general election ballot because the Democratic National Convention is scheduled too late. LaRose pointed to a state statute requiring the Ohio secretary of state to certify candidates nominated by the national convention on or before the ninetieth day before the day of the general election, meaning Aug. 7. The DNC is set to start on Aug. 19. When Biden defeated Trump in 2020, Republicans held their party nominating convention in late August. Nonetheless, LaRose brought this apparent conflict to the attention of the Ohio Democratic Party in a letter on Friday, as ABC News first reported. I am left to conclude that the Democratic National Committee must either move up its nominating convention or the Ohio General Assembly must act by May 9, 2024 (90 days prior to a new laws effective date) to create an exception to this statutory requirement, the letter reads, according to ABC News. The letter was also sent to Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio and House Minority Leader Allison Russo, both Democrats. The Biden-Harris campaign tells Rolling Stone, Were monitoring the situation in Ohio and were confident that Joe Biden will be on the ballot in all 50 states. The warning that Biden may not qualify for the Ohio general election ballot comes after several states, including Colorado, Maine, and Illinois, initially disqualified Trump from their primary ballots on the grounds that he had engaged in insurrection by inciting the deadly Jan. 6 riot, and thus cannot hold office under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. Late last year, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled Trump did not qualify for the states 2024 primary ballot, citing the 14th Amendment, but the decision was unanimously overruled by the U.S. Supreme Court this year. On March 30, LaRose published an opinion piece warning that the Supreme Courts decision did not go far enough, because it still allows secretaries of state to block state candidates for office from their ballots. Fortunately, the U.S. Supreme Court put its foot down on these cravenly partisan abuses of authority, but the matter remains unresolved as it relates to non-federal candidates, he wrote, adding: I believe most of my fellow chief election officers exercise great discretion in performing our duties under the law, but that doesnt mean the law will never be abused. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Researchers evaluate pressing need for 'negative leap second' in our clocks: 'Things are happening that have not happened before' A new study may have some people rethinking their relationship with time, and while it is too soon for researchers to make any definitive conclusions, melting ice is helping to provide the clues. What's happening? A paper published by the journal Nature in March suggests that warming global temperatures may result in a "negative leap second" being added in calculations of atomic time, a method used in modern clocks and by GPS satellites to accurately determine when we are in our days in relation to astronomical time. As detailed by the Washington Post, the reason for this is the melting of ice caps specifically in Antarctica and Greenland. This has caused changes to the Earth's shape, which in turn has impacted the rate at which it's spinning. "Global warming is managing to actually measurably affect the rotation of the entire Earth. Things are happening that have not happened before," study author Duncan Agnew, a geophysicist at the University of California at San Diego, told the news outlet. The Post noted that "27 leap seconds have been added to Universal Coordinated Time since 1972" to adjust for the slowing rotation of the planet. This was in line with "changes in Earth's rotation that appear to match 70-year oscillations in the rotation of the core." However, a leap second hasn't been added since 2016. Agnew projects that a negative leap second might need to be adopted as early as 2026 to 2029. "We can't say for certain what will happen and when. However, we can say there is a higher percentage chance of a negative leap second than, say, 25 years ago," Nick Stamatakos, head of the U.S. Naval Observatory's Earth Orientation Department, told the Post in an email. Why is this concerning? The study is shedding light on another way that warming global temperatures could impact our day-to-day lives if adjustments aren't made. In the paper, Agnew suggests that the disruption in time-keeping methods could "pose an unprecedented problem for computer network timing." Financial markets and modern air traffic control are among the sectors that depend on a standardized clock. The melting ice caps have already caused sea levels to rise, making coastal and island communities even more vulnerable to extreme weather events that have become increasingly frequent and severe as a result of rising temperatures. What can be done to help? Creative thinking and new technologies can help mitigate the effects of rising sea levels and extreme weather. Some developers have designed floating buildings that are able to ride the changing tides, while others have focused on erosion control and land reclamation. To limit the impacts of a warming planet, though, the majority of the scientific community agrees that the most important step is phasing out coal, oil, and gas as energy sources. Signing up for a community solar program, weatherizing your house, and unplugging unused electronics are all ways to reduce harmful pollution generated by dirty fuels and add money back to your wallet. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet. Police officers confronting protesters on 42nd Street in New York during a demonstration against the death of George Floyd, May 2020 He loves them, he loves them not. Queens Assemblyman Ron Kim who once vowed to defund the police has lately taken to boasting of his pro-police bonafides to voters in his district. Kim, a progressive Democrat who has spent a decade in Albany, finds himself facing a stiff challenge in the June 25 Democratic primary from Yi Andy Chen, a small business owner sitting on $227,149 in campaign cash significantly more than Kims $136,367. A third candidate Dao Yin is also seeking the nomination. Critics are taking a harsh look at Assemblyman Ron Kims history of supporting the defund the police movement. Stefan Jeremiah New York Assemblyman Ron Kim at a news conference, announcing new revenue plans by ending tax breaks for the rich, standing next to Democratic lawmakers Hans Pennink As anti-Asian hate crimes surged, Kim promised community leaders he had the situation well in hand. People are feeling unsafe. So we agree with the governors proposal to enhance funding for the state police, Kim told constituents during a budget forum in March. Were adding close to $10 billion for emergency services, state police, and homeland security. Thats $10 billion to keep our communities safe and were going to fight to redirect a lot of that money towards things . . . to make sure that our communities feel safe moving forward. In December 2022, he signed a letter along with fellow Queens lawmakers calling on Mayor Adams to send more cops to the northeastern portion of the borough, to stem the rise of rapes, robberies and burglaries. When pressed by voters, he has claimed to be an adamant police champion. During a campaign reelection event at his Flushing office in February, Kim emphasized that he has repeatedly fought for funds for the police. He is not opposed to the police as rumored, nor does he want to encourage crime by canceling cash bail, the Chinese language world journal reported. A review of his record by The Post shows, however, that Kim supported police early in his career, but made an abrupt U-turn after the death of George Floyd in May 2020. Ron Kim repeatedly expressed his wish to defund and dismantle the NYPD. Catherine Nance / SOPA Images/Sipa USA 40 years of extracting from the bottom + militarization of police = criminalization of poverty, he said in an X post from June 2020, in which he called for the immediate defunding of the NYPD and ending qualified immunity. When I say defund I am also referring to the military & prison industrial complexes as well the whole ecosysm [sic] that invests in violence, in added in the same thread. When the Minneapolis City Council voted to defund their police inaugurating a wave of violent crime which continues to this day Kim gushed, This is the way to truly honor #GeorgeFloyd no watered down legislations with inputs from police unions. Instead, a complete transformation toward a #CaringSociety. BLM and other rioters ran rampant in New York City after the death of George Floyd. for the NY POST In the Assembly, Kim has supported legislation to decriminalize the possession and sale of hypodermic needles and syringes, end cash bail, and decriminalize prostitution. Critics like veteran Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf said Kims defund and pro-perp positions had put him on the wrong side of history. The voters are not idiots. When incumbents have primaries it tells you people are angry, Sheinkopf said. This is the permanent political class finally being brought to judgement for putting New Yorkers as risk. In a statement to The Post, Kim was defiant. I, like all sensible New Yorkers, have at times called for accountability, but that goes hand-in-hand with improving public safety, he said. I have a record of calling for additional police patrols in the subways, an increase in funding for hate crimes investigations and crimes targeting elderly New Yorkers. The awesome power of state initiative-and-referendum questions was on display this week via two rulings released by the Florida Supreme Court on the same day. In response to a six-week abortion ban enacted by the Legislature, as requested by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, the seven-member court all appointed by DeSantis ruled 6-1 the state constitutions privacy clause doesnt protect abortion rights. The actual case involved a 15-week ban, the previously moderate position on abortion after the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 Dobbs decision removed any federal constitutional rights. But the court made clear it would also cover the six-week ban, a point where many women dont know theyre pregnant. Douglas Rooks In 1989, the same court found abortion was protected under the clause, which reads, Every natural person has the right to be let alone and free from governmental intrusion into the persons private life. The Constitution hasnt changed, but the judges have. Yet this isnt the last word. The justices also ruled, 4-3, that a referendum to protect abortion rights in the state constitution can appear on the November ballot. If 60% of Floridians agree, this right will be placed beyond the reach of any Florida court or legislature. Some 26 states allow initative-and-referendum; some permit only constitutional amendments. Others, like Maine, authorize statutory changes or peoples veto, while still others mostly Western use all three. In the Northeast, only Maine and Massachusetts allow citizen referendums, though their processes differ significantly. Maine has considered no recent referendum questions as consequential as the Florida abortion amendment. In fact, one could argue our whole process has become ineffective, even trivialized by flaws apparent only in recent years. Massachusetts has a more deliberative law, requiring three annual legislative votes before questions can go on the ballot. Advocates must plan for the long term. And, crucially, Massachusetts like Florida requires its Supreme Judicial Court to review questions before they appear, for consistency with existing law and its constitutionality, about which Maines law is silent. Heres a pertinent example. In Massachusetts, advocates worked to add a new top bracket to the flat 5% income tax the Bay State has had since the 1920s. Their first attempt in 2018 was invalidated because it violated the one question provision by raising the tax and prescribing how it should be spent, on education. The new question in 2022 proposed solely a 9% millionaires tax on high incomes. It was allowed, enacted, and is now in effect. Massachusetts new rate is significantly higher than Maines at 7.15% cut several times since its peak of 10%. Maine had its own income tax surcharge referendum; voters approved it in 2016. Proposed and largely financed by the Maine Education Association, it came under heavy criticism at the Legislature. Opponents charged the $200,000 threshold was too low half the $400,000 level established by President Barack Obama, and endorsed by President Joe Biden, as the point below which no new taxes should be imposed. A Democratic House speaker agreed to repeal the enacted referendum in a 2017 budget deal. Theres been no serious attempt to raise income taxes since. More recently, Maine has grappled with partly or wholly unconstitutional referendums that its Supreme Judicial Court considers only after enactment, not before. The first ranked choice voting referendum couldnt apply to gubernatorial elections because of a clear constitutional prohibition the only contest with significant three-way splits in recent decades. A 2021 question to overrule regulatory approval of a line to Canada carrying hydropower to New England was found entirely unconstitutional but only after the project was halted. It hasnt yet resumed. Last year, voters overwhelmingly enacted two more dubious questions. One, banning foreign entities from funding referendum campaigns was aimed directly at Hydro Quebec, which was defending its legal project. Because of its sweeping provisions, that referendum is tied up in federal court, and likely to be struck down. The other question, a right to repair supposedly between car manufacturers and independent repair shops, appears nothing more than a trade dispute between large corporations. The independents largely funding the campaign were NAPA and OReillys, the regions largest auto parts franchises hardly small businesses. Two points are clear: Maine has become subject to referendum-shopping by national interests. Its easy access and relatively low costs makes us the equivalent of a cheap date. Second, finding out that referendums are unconstitutional only after the fact makes for a confusing and seemingly futile process. Voters think theyre achieving a certain aim only to have it snatched away. The situation cries out for reform, and legislation for constitutional amendment must be considered in 2025. It wont be a popular bill. But it is a necessary one. Douglas Rooks has been a Maine editor, columnist and reporter since 1984. His new book, Calm Command: U.S. Chief Justice Melville Fuller in His Times, 1888-1910, is available in bookstores and atwww.melvillefuller.com. He welcomes comment at drooks@tds.net. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Rooks: Maines voter referendums must be overhauled Rudy Giuliani will be allowed to remain in his Florida condo for now after a New York bankruptcy judge on Thursday declined to rule on a motion filed by his creditors that wouldve forced him to sell the Palm Beach estate. At a hearing, Judge Sean Lane acknowledged the significant concern that Giuliani was sinking money into the condo that is owed to his numerous creditors, but said he would hold off on compelling a sale of the roughly $3.5 million property. Giuliani declared bankruptcy in December after he was ordered to pay $148 million to two former Georgia election workers for spreading lies about their role in the 2020 election. He has agreed to list his Manhattan apartment for roughly $5 million, but argues he should continue living in the Florida condo, citing the need to record his podcast there and the prohibitive cost of finding a new home in New York. Read: Disney seeks delay from appeals court in legal battle again DeSantis and CFTOD If the court compels the sale of the Florida condominium, then the debtor will be forced to incur expenses for alternative housing, his lawyers wrote in a March 28 motion. Surely the committee does not intend the debtor to join the ranks of the homeless? The bankruptcy has brought forth a diverse coalition of creditors who say they are owed money by Giuliani, including a supermarket employee who was thrown in jail for patting him on the back, two elections technology companies that he spread conspiracies about, a woman who says he coerced her into sex, several of his former attorneys, the IRS and Hunter Biden, who claims Giuliani illegally shared his personal data. An attorney representing many of those creditors, Rachel Biblo Block, said Thursday that Giuliani had spent at least $160,000 on maintenance fees and taxes for the Florida condo since the bankruptcy, far more than the $8,000 in monthly payments that his lawyers previously estimated. Read: Here are 6 issues on the November ballot Those payments, she added, were rapidly depleting Giulianis limited assets, which include about $15,000 in cash and $1 million in a retirement account. We dont want to be left with our creditors holding the bag while he gets to be living in his luxurious condo, she said, adding that Giuliani had shown an inclination to stall as he seeks to appeal the judgment in the Georgia election workers case. While the judge suggested he was unlikely to force a sale of the property, he hinted at more draconian measures if Giuliani does not comply with information requests about his spending habits including the possible appointment of a trustee to oversee his finances. The next hearing is scheduled for May 14th. Read: Attorneys predict there will likely be prison time for Regina Hill Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. The death toll in the Gaza Strip has reached 33,175 since the beginning of October 2023, the enclaves Health Ministry said, Trend reports. During the same period, 75,886 people were injured. A combined attack was carried out on Israel on October 7, 2023. From the beginning, a massive rocket attack began from the territory of the Gaza Strip, followed by the penetration of militants by land, water, and air. Israel declared a state of war after a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a mass gathering of reservists. Russian forces attacked Sumy Oblast 173 times in 40 separate attacks throughout the day, injuring one person, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported on April 7. The communities of Khotin, Myropillia, Vorozhba, Putyvl, Znob Novohordske, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Esman, Seredyna-Buda, and Shalyhyne were targeted. In the village of Myropillia, one person was injured as a result of Russian artillery shelling. No details were provided on the extent of the victim's injuries. Throughout the day, Russia assailed the border communities with mortar, artillery, rocket, drone, tank, and grenade launcher attacks. Explosives were also dropped by drones onto three of the communities. The town of Bilopillia, with a pre-war population of about 15,600 residents, experienced the bulk of the attacks reported with 33 explosions recorded in the area. The community is located just eight kilometers south and 25 kilometers west of the Ukraine-Russia border. Russian attacks on Sumy Oblast have become increasingly destructive over the past month. Authorities have been working to increase evacuation efforts in the region. 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: Ukraine war latest: Russia reportedly loses 7 aircraft; Zelensky says Kharkiv protected against potential offensive Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces launched a missile strike on central Kharkiv on the late morning of April 7, wounding at least one person and hitting four undisclosed sites in several districts of the city, local authorities reported. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said a private house was among the attacked sites, and the information on casualties is being clarified. He did not disclose where else the Russian missiles hit. Another attack started two hours later, at 1:40 p.m. local time, with explosions sounding in Kharkiv. It's scale and aftermath haven't been reported yet. Located just 40 kilometers (almost 25 miles) from the Russian border, Kharkiv is increasingly suffering from Russian attacks on the city. Overnight, Kharkiv Oblast was targeted by Russian drones. On April 6, Russian forces launched a so-called double-tap attack on Kharkiv, luring emergency workers after the initial attack and then launching another one just as the rescue operation began. Seven people were killed and 11 were wounded in the April 6 attack, according to the latest update by Serhii Bolvinov, the head of the investigative department of the regional police. He added that Russia had used Soviet-era S-300 missiles to attack the city. Russian attacks destroyed "almost all" of critical energy infrastructure in Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said in an interview with Liga.net media outlet published on April 1. The attacks destroyed a thermal power plant and all the electrical substations in Ukraine's second-biggest city, Terekhov said earlier. As the result, Kharkiv had almost no electricity for days. On April 5, Kharkiv metro briefly suspended operations on all 30 stations. Later the same day, the metro's press service reported resuming operations. More than 20,000 buildings have been destroyed in Kharkiv since Feb. 24, 2022, according to Ukrainian government figures. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. British media outlet The Economist, with reference to military sources in Kyiv, assumes that Russia decided to turn the city of Kharkiv into a "grey zone" uninhabitable for civilians. Source: The Economist, in the story titled The Kremlin wants to make Ukraines second city unliveable Quote: "The escalation had military sources in Kyiv suggesting that Russia has resolved to make the city a "grey zone", uninhabitable for civilians." Details: Meanwhile Ihor Terekhov, mayor of Kharkiv, strongly refuted this hypothesis. In an interview conducted at a secret location in the industrial quarter, Terekhov says residents of his city have no intention of giving up. Things were worse at the start of the war, he argues, when all but 300,000 of the city's pre-war population of 2 million people fled. Quote: "How can you make a city like this a grey zone? People wont leave, because they have already left, then returned. They have been tortured enough already." More details: Terekhov stated that it was quite challenging to power the city up without power stations or working transformers, but they have managed to do it. "If I told you how we did it, that too would be targeted," he added. The Economist notes that many of Kharkivs problems would be solved if the West provided more air defence systems or F-16 fighter jets that could push back the Russian fighter jets carrying the gliding bombs. It adds that Russia destroyed some of the Western-supplied Patriot air-defence units that Ukraine had been using to protect cities like Kharkiv. Russias exact intentions are not clear at this stage, though there are certain signs that it is preparing for a major summer offensive. "A Ukrainian source with knowledge of the intelligence picture said Russia is currently training six divisions (approximately 120,000 troops) in eastern Siberia," the article says. The Economist believes that "Kharkiv is one of several possible directions for a future assault". It is not the most likely, but it has already been heavily trailed in Russian media. "That might indicate a Kremlin information campaign to frighten Kharkiv residents. Or it could be a nod in the direction of a pro-war camp agitating for a fiercer response to Ukraines frequent attacks on Belgorod, which are also causing unease in Western circles," the material says. The Economist admits that the military operation of invading Kharkiv would be an exceptionally complicated mission for Russia. "Taking the city would require breaking through Ukrainian defences and encircling it, which Russia is nowhere near being able to do; establishing air superiority, which is not a given; and winning a bloody urban campaign," The Economist explains. Background: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, stated that Ukraine seeks the opportunity to provide the city of Kharkiv with better air defence and urged foreign partners to supply Ukraine with air defence systems. Support UP or become our patron! Several settlements in Russia's Belgorod Oblast were simultaneously attacked by drones on the night of 6-7 April. Source: Vyacheslav Gladkov, Governor of Russia's Belgorod Oblast Details: No civilian casualties were reported. Russian authorities claimed that fires broke out near some settlements and a gas transmission line was damaged in the village of Dronovka. Support UP or become our patron! Russian company supplies military with microchips despite denying it Voice of America A Russian microcircuits production company AO PKK Milandr continued to supply the Armed Forces of Russia with microchips at least a few months after the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine despite the CEOs public denials of any ties with the Russian military. Source: Voice of America Details: A formal letter obtained by Voice of America and dated 10 February 2023, shows a sale request for 4,080 military-grade microchips for the Russian military. Quote: "The sale request was addressed from a deputy commander of the 546th military representation of the Russian Ministry of Defense and the commercial director of Russian manufacturer NPO Poisk to Milandr CEO S.V. Tarasenko for delivery by April 2023, more than a year into the war." More details: Reportedly, the letter instructs Milandr to provide three types of microchip components to NPO Poisk, a well-established Russian defence manufacturer that produces detonators for weapons used by the Russian Armed Forces. In addition to Milandr CEO, the letter was sent to I.A. Shvid, the commander of the Russian Defense Ministrys 514th military representation of the Russian Ministry of Defence. In November 2022, the US imposed sanctions against the Milandr company for illegal procurement of microelectronic components using front companies. Milandr is listed in more than 500 contracts in Russias database of public contracts, supplying numerous state-owned and military-grade enterprises, including Ural Optical Mechanical Plant, Concern Avtomatika and Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant, or IEMZ Kupol, which also have been sanctioned by the United States. Alexey Novoselov, Milandrs current director, stated earlier that he was unaware of any connections to the Russian military. "I dont know any military persons who would be interested in our product," he told Bloomberg in a phone interview last August, noting that the company mostly produces electric power meters. He stated that the accusations by the US are "like a fantasy". "The United States State Department, they suppose that every electronics business in Russia is focused on the military. I think that is funny," he added. Yet a representative of the US Department of Defense told Voice of America that helping the Russian troops kill tens of thousands of people during an illegal invasion "is no laughing matter". "The company is fueling microchips for missiles and heavily armoured vehicles that are used to continue the war in Ukraine," said the defence official, who spoke to Voice of America on the condition of anonymity. "There are consequences to their actions, and the U.S. will persist to expose and disrupt the Kremlins supply chain," the US defence official added. Support UP or become our patron! Russian forces fire two missiles besides launching Shahed UAVs overnight Ukraine's Air Force has confirmed that Russia attacked Ukraine with 17 Shahed loitering munitions and two missiles on the night of 6-7 April. Source: Ukraine's Air Force Details: The Ukrainian military reported that the Russians launched a Kh-31 guided missile from the occupied part of Luhansk Oblast, an Iskander-M ballistic missile from Crimea, and 17 Shahed-131/136 loitering munitions from Cape Chauda (Russian-occupied Crimea). All the Shaheds were shot down, while the missiles were not. Ukrainian air defence units destroyed the Russian UAVs in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Poltava oblasts. Repelling the aerial attack involved aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, mobile fire groups, and electronic warfare equipment. Support UP or become our patron! Russian troops struck the town of Huliaipole (Zaporizhzhia Oblast) with Grad multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) on the morning of 7 April, causing fatalities. Source: Ivan Fedorov, Head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration Quote from Fedorov: "The Russians have targeted the frontline [town of] Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast with Grad MLRS and killed three civilians. Two men and a woman have died under the rubble of their own house, which was hit by a Russian rocket." Details: The authorities said another man had been injured and taken to hospital. Residents are urged to evacuate from the frontline regions. Support UP or become our patron! The Defence Forces of Ukraine's South have reported that the Russians fired a missile, presumably an Iskander-M, on the city of Odesa on the late evening of 6 April. Source: Defence Forces of Ukraine's South Quote: "The strike caused a fire, which firefighters promptly put out." Details: The Russian attack severely damaged administrative and technical buildings. An employee of a nearby company suffered an acute ear barotrauma. In addition, Ukrainian forces reported that the Russians launched Shahed-131/136 loitering munitions in a different area at midnight. Ukrainian air defence units shot down 11 Russian UAVs over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast during nearly three hours of combat operations. The falling wreckage of the downed drones damaged several buildings and cars. Support UP or become our patron! Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attends a ceremony to receive credentials from new foreign ambassadors at the Kremlin. -/KREMLIN/dpa Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is planning to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing next week to discuss several key issues, including the war in Ukraine, the Foreign Ministry in Moscow said on Sunday. Lavrov is set to visit China on Monday and Tuesday, with the talks also expected to cover the situation in the Asia-Pacific region and bilateral cooperation in the framework of international organizations like the UN, the BRICS group of important emerging economies - meaning Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - and the G20 group of leading industrialized and emerging economies. Lavrov and Wang last met in October in Beijing, and held talks in Moscow in September. While Western countries are trying to isolate Moscow in light of Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine, Beijing, outwardly neutral but backing Russia, remains the Kremlin's most important ally. Chinese President Xi Jinping called Putin an "old friend" at a meeting last autumn. Trade between Russia, which is affected by Western sanctions, and the world's second-largest economy is also flourishing. China has proposed a peace plan to the war in Ukraine, launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, though on terms Kiev finds itself unable to accept. Last month, top Ukrainian politicians and officials in Kiev once again appealed for support for a solution to the war at a meeting with Chinese special envoy Li Hui. Ukraine insists that only President Volodymyr Zelensky's peace plan, which foresees the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from all occupied Ukrainian territories, should be implemented. Russia denies Zelensky's plan as "unrealistic." Russian forces struck Kharkiv with drones overnight on April 7, damaging a private residence in the city, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. A 62-year-old man sustained shrapnel wounds. Two other civilians, a 64-year-old woman and 87-year-old man were treated on the spot, according to the governor. Later during the night, Lozivskyi and Kharkivskyi districts of the oblast were targeted with drones. There were no casualties, Syniehubov said. Russia recently intensified attacks on Kharkiv. On April 6, Russian forces targeted the city, killing at least one person and wounding another one, as well as damaging civilian infrastructure. A number of media outlets have reported that Russia may launch a ground offensive against Ukraine's second-largest city this year. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 6 that "Kharkiv is protected" in case Russia attempts to launch an offensive. "Today, Kharkiv is not in danger," Zelensky said, referring to the local defensive lines and the readiness of the army. "Russians do not hide that it (Kharkiv) is a desirable target," Zelensky said. Ukraine's military intelligence called the potential attack on Kharkiv "a part of a Russian psychological operation," adding that there were no signs of Moscow preparing new attack formations to carry out a ground offensive. Read also: Governor: Russia strikes Kharkiv, at least 1 killed, 1 injured Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. Egyptian authorities will increase the number of humanitarian aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing to 300 per day, the head of the state information service of Egypt Diya Rashwan said, Trend reports. "Egypt plans to increase the number of humanitarian aid vehicles for Gaza to more than 300," he said. Rashwan also noted that since October last year, 66,759 foreign citizens and dual citizens have entered Egypt from the Palestinian enclave, and 3,764 victims have been transferred from Gaza to Egyptian hospitals for treatment. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit China on April 8-9 for bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. In a statement on its website published on April 7, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that the officials would discuss "cooperation in the international arena" and "hot topics," including Russia's war against Ukraine which the statement called the "Ukrainian crisis." Isolated from the West, which condemns Moscow for its brutal war against Ukraine, Russia has increasingly turned to China one of its only allies. The West remains cautious of the two countries' ties, which they labelled a "no limits" partnership in February 2022, right before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On the same day, Bloomberg reported, citing its sources, that the U.S. is cautioning its allies about China's increased backing of Russia, which includes supplying geospatial intelligence to aid Moscow in its war. Reuters reported, citing five sources, that Russian President Vladimir Putin would visit China in May to meet Xi Jinping. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit China on Monday and Tuesday to discuss the war in Ukraine and the deepening partnership between Moscow and Beijing. Talks between Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who extended the invitation to the Russian minister, will include bilateral cooperation as well as "hot topics", such as the crisis in Ukraine and the Asia-Pacific, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. Reuters reported last month that Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to China in May for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, in what could be the Kremlin chief's first overseas trip of his new presidential term. China and Russia declared a "no limits" partnership in February 2022 when Putin visited Beijing just days before he sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine, triggering the deadliest land war in Europe since World War Two. The United States casts China as its biggest competitor and Russia as its biggest nation-state threat, while U.S. President Joe Biden argues that this century will be defined by an existential contest between democracies and autocracies. Putin and Xi share a broad world view, which sees the West as decadent and in decline just as China challenges U.S. supremacy in everything from quantum computing and synthetic biology to espionage and hard military power. China-Russian trade hit a record of $240.1 billion in 2023, up 26.3% from a year earlier, according to Chinese customs data. Chinese shipments to Russia jumped 46.9% in 2023 while imports from Russia rose 13%. China-United States trade fell 11.6% to $664.5 billion in 2023, according to the Chinese customs data. One year into the Ukraine war, China in 2023 published a 12-point position paper on settling the Ukraine crisis. Russia has said China's position is reasonable. Switzerland in January agreed to hold a peace summit at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who has put forward a peace formula that calls for a full Russian withdrawal from all territory controlled by Russian forces. Reuters reported in February that Putin's suggestion of a ceasefire in Ukraine to freeze the war was rejected by the United States after contacts between intermediaries. Moscow says that Zelenskiy's proposals amount to a ridiculous ultimatum and that the proposed meeting in Switzerland was being used by the West to try to garner support for Ukraine among the Global South. Russia says that any peace in Ukraine would have to accept the reality of its control over just under one fifth of Ukraine and include a broader agreement on European security. Ukraine says it will not rest until every last Russian soldier is ejected from its territory. (Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Jane Merriman) Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has ordered the commander of the Ground Forces to conduct an internal inspection into the information published by Slidstvo.info regarding attempts to issue a call-up notice to their journalist after an expose investigation into a security service officer. Source: Syrskyi on Facebook Quote: "Based on the materials published by the NGO Slidstvo.info, I have instructed the Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to conduct an internal investigation. Appropriate decisions will be made based on the results of the official investigation." Background: Investigative journalists found out that the wife of Illia Vitiuk, the head of Ukraines Security Services (SSU) Cybersecurity Department, purchased an apartment in December 2023, the market price of which was more than UAH 20 million (US$515,000). However, the official's declaration states that UAH 12.8 million (US$330,000) was paid for the apartment. On 6 April, it became known that after this investigation, military enlistment office employees tried to issue a call-up notice to Yevhen Shulhat, the journalist from Slidstvo.info who wrote the expose. The SSU and the Ministry of Defence have responded to the new information from Slidstvo.info. Support UP or become our patron! These scientists think an 'awe'-some eclipse could help unite Americans in troubled times In-camera multiple exposure of the solar eclipse as seen in Salem, Ore., on Aug. 21, 2017. (Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times) To hear Herodotus tell it, a total solar eclipse in 585 BC ended a five-year war between ancient kingdoms in present-day Turkey. Could another total eclipse on Monday bring an end to the partisan wars in America? The idea may sound far-fetched until you talk with Paul Piff. The UC Irvine professor of psychology and social behavior has spent the better part of two decades researching what triggers us to set our personal needs aside and shift our focus to the greater good. One of them, he and other scholars have found, is awe: the feeling you get when you contemplate something that is so vast and so mysterious that it forces you to reevaluate your understanding of the world. And few things generate awe like watching the moon blot out the sun and plunge a sunny day into erie darkness. People talk about eclipses as one of the coolest or most mind-blowing things theyve ever seen, Piff said. Paul Piff, a psychology professor at UC Irvine who studies awe, poses in Long Beach last week. He used the 2017 total solar eclipse to conduct research on what makes people feel awe and how it changes their emotional state. He's planning another experiment based on the Monday eclipse. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) For the Great American Eclipse of 2017, Piff launched a research study that showed people engulfed by the moon's shadow experienced more awe than their counterparts who didn't see the sun disappear. What's more, that sense of awe seemed to make them feel more in touch with others, more open to differing points of view, and more inclined to put someone else's needs ahead of their own. Piff is of the opinion that the country could use more of those sentiments this year, as a contentious presidential race threatens to turn political opponents into sworn enemies. Read more: How to watch the solar eclipse from California and avoid heartbreak if chasing 'totality' Awe "gives you a sense of feeling connected to something bigger than yourself, like your community, your society or your world," he said. "Getting people to feel that way is totally vital to our species survival and longevity. Monday's eclipse offers a fresh opportunity to assess the emotional states of the tens of millions of Americans who are expected to gather in the path of totality. Piff plans to focus on whether the celestial event will make those who experience it feel more allied with their fellow Americans who belong to a rival political party. On Aug. 18, 2017, Poureal Long, a fourth-grader at Clardy Elementary School in Kansas City, Mo., practices the proper use of eclipse glasses in anticipation of an eclipse Aug. 21. (Charlie Riedel / Associated Press) Jennifer Stellar, a social psychologist who studies emotions at the University of Toronto, sees reason for optimism. She said awe is an ideal tool for trying to reduce political polarization. Emotions like gratitude and compassion tend to pull one's focus outward, but in those cases it's usually redirected toward a single person, she said. Awe is unique in that it creates a sense of interconnection, of common humanity, of collective interest. The community-oriented mind-set documented in the wake of the 2017 eclipse wore off within six weeks, Piff and his collaborators found. What would it take to make it last? Read more: A total eclipse is more than a spectacle. So I'm on the road to see it again If you've ever found yourself mired in an anger spiral, paralyzed with fear or overwhelmed by debilitating grief, you may have wondered what emotions are good for. Experts assure they serve a useful purpose. Negative emotions narrow your attention, get you to focus on threats. Positive emotions broaden your mind, said psychologist Dacher Keltner, faculty director of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley. Keltner's lab has studied positive feelings like amusement, compassion, gratitude and love. But his favorite emotion is awe. (He even wrote a book about it called "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.") Awe is destabilizing, Keltner said. It makes you realize your knowledge cant explain everything. A person watches the moon pass between Earth and the sun during an eclipse Oct. 14, 2023, in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. (Rick Bowmer / Associated Press) Awe is also a universal emotion, expressed by people across countries and continents. No matter where we're from, awe makes us widen our eyes and open our mouths. The fact that it emerged in so many disparate cultures around the world is one indication of awe's usefulness, Piff said. Whats more, societies have ritualized ways to get regular hits of awe, whether its walking into a majestic church or visiting the Grand Canyon. When Piff investigates the effects of awe, he prompts study subjects to feel it by asking them to look up into the canopy of a stand of towering eucalyptus trees or by watching a slow-motion video of dye dropping into a glass of milk. Read more: 6 excellent L.A. spots to watch the awe-inspiring solar eclipse Such research by Piff and many others has found that awe makes us feel breathless, affects our heart rate, and causes goosebumps to rise on our skin. It also reduces physiological signs of stress and suppresses the brain's default mode network, which plays a role in certain forms of self-focus. In all sorts of ways, individuals who experience awe experience a whole bunch of different benefits better health, better meaning, more happiness, a greater sense of purpose in life, Piff said. It also fuels discovery and exploration, Keltner said. Awe provides the engine by which you update your knowledge, he said. It animates the testing of new ideas. And we need that we need to always be updating our understanding of the world. Keltner has gathered stories about awe from 26 countries to look for common triggers. Nature was one of the broad categories that came up repeatedly, he said, and big ideas was another. A total solar eclipse ticks both of those boxes. A crowd looks up at the time of the solar eclipse in Salem, Ore., on Aug. 21, 2017. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) There's nothing inherently mysterious about the cause of a total solar eclipse. The moon travels around the Earth as the Earth travels around the sun, though the planes of those orbits are slightly askew. Nonetheless, at least twice a year the moon comes directly between the Earth and the sun, blocking it from view in the daytime sky. And about once every 18 months or so, this celestial alignment occurs while the moon is close enough to Earth to cover the sun completely in other words, to totally eclipse it. That seems like a frequent occurrence, but any particular spot on the planet will find itself in the path of totality just once every 375 years, on average. To find oneself in just the right place at just the right time may be awe-inducing all by itself. The idea of using an eclipse as a natural experiment to study awe came to Piff in 2016, when he attended an awe summit and heard a UC Berkeley astronomer mention that the Great American Eclipse of Aug. 21, 2017, would be the first in nearly a century to produce a coast-to-coast path of totality. The idea of using an eclipse as a natural experiment to study awe came to Paul Piff in 2016, when he attended an "awe summit." (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) It wasn't immediately clear how to capitalize on the event. He could have dispatched researchers to places along the eclipse's path so they could observe the crowds or conduct interviews. He could have distributed a survey to people who said they'd witnessed the eclipse and hoped that they would fill it out. "None of the ideas really stuck," Piff said. Read more: These eclipse addicts go to great lengths, again and again, to stand in awe of the heavens Ultimately, he turned to Twitter. Nickolas M. Jones, who was a graduate student at the time, had devised a way to identify Twitter users in a particular community based on the accounts they followed. That allowed him to create a sample of more than 1.5 million tweets shared over a 12-week period by more than 22,000 people in select cities along the path of totality. Meanwhile, another graduate student named Sean Goldy took the lead in creating a custom dictionary of words that expressed awe it included "transcendent," "mind-blowing" and "unreal" along with terms indicative of the community-focused outlook that awe often inspires. The dictionary was used to assess the emotional subtext of the tweets Jones amassed, as well as a sample of 6 million tweets posted on the day of the eclipse. The researchers found that Twitter users who were positioned to witness the eclipse were more than twice as likely to use words from the awe dictionary than people who missed out on the big event. To a lesser degree, they were also more likely to use words that expressed a collective mind-set, recognized the limits of their knowledge, and gave credence to the views of others. The research team's statistical analysis suggested that these feelings were driven in part by the awe they felt. In addition, the tweets gathered by Jones showed that people who injected more awe-related words into their eclipse day tweets also used language infused with outward-looking, community-minded sentiments although the effect was short-lived. The findings were published in the journal Psychological Science. The moon covers the sun during the total solar eclipse in the skies over Cerulean, Ky., on Aug. 21, 2017. (Timothy D. Easley / Associated Press) Jones, who is now a senior postdoctoral researcher at UC Irvine, said he developed his method of geolocating Twitter users in order to gauge the effect of mass shootings. The effect that we find when we study negative events is pretty powerful, he said. I was not expecting things to pan out really well for something positive, but it worked! Read more: Three years of preparation, two minutes of totality. For this eclipse scientist, it's all worth it Posts on X, as Twitter is now known, are no longer freely available to researchers. So Piff and a new set of collaborators are devising another way to gather data related to Monday's eclipse. They've already found people who said they are planning to experience totality somewhere between Mazatlan, Mexico, and Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. They hope to entice them to answer a few questions on their phones while the world is temporarily dark, and to follow up with them for several weeks afterward. In other experiments, Piff has had volunteers invest five minutes in a "daily intervention of awe." Early results suggest it extends the benefits of an initial awesome experience, he said. People gather near Redmond, Ore., to view the sun as it nears a total eclipse by the moon Aug. 21, 2017. (Ted S. Warren / Associated Press) If people become a little more attentive to the awe-inspiring things around them, you would very likely get more persistent effects, Piff said. He said he hopes that would include the kind of mind-set shift that could help bridge the country's increasingly toxic partisan divide. Read more: Fed up with the election? Science explains how politics got so awful There's no reason why an event like the eclipse would cause people to change their party identity, Piff said, but it could make them more willing to compromise with their political opponents for the sake of a collective goal. "Awe seems to trigger more kind, compassionate and empathic behavior," he said. "It reminds you of the bigger things that were a part of." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Patrick Harvie, the Scottish Greens co-leader, insists his party will put forward its own agenda - PA/Jane Barlow The Scottish Greens have ruled out an electoral pact with the SNP at the general election, in a move that could benefit unionists. Patrick Harvie, the Scottish Greens co-leader and a minister in Humza Yousafs government, insisted his party would put forward its own agenda and is planning to stand in a record number of seats. While the Scottish Greens are highly unlikely to win any Scottish Westminster seats, their candidates could attract support from pro-independence voters who may otherwise have backed the SNP. The move could especially benefit Labour candidates in urban areas such as Glasgow, where seats are currently held by the SNP, but where the Greens have performed well in council elections. Speaking on BBC Scotlands The Sunday Show, Mr Harvie was asked whether he would work with the SNP to win key election seats. He replied: No, we dont have those kinds of conversations. We strongly believe in political co-operation. I think politics is at its best when political parties acknowledge their differences, express their differences, but also seek their common ground and try to work constructively. But at election time, its time to put all of those ideas, visions, on the table and allow the voters to make their choices. So we dont go in for electoral pacts of any kind. Propping up the SNP In Holyrood, the Scottish Greens entered government in 2021 under a deal that saw the party prop up the SNP. The agreement has been highly controversial and is unpopular among some SNP figures, who blame the Greens for unpopular and failed policies such as a bottle-return scheme and gender recognition reform. Mr Harvies comments follow his partys spring conference announcement at the weekend that it was set to stand candidates in more seats than ever before. The partys list of candidates is currently running at 32, beating a record of 31 set in 2015, with more branches still to select. There will be 47 Scottish constituencies at the next election, meaning there will be a Green candidate in the vast majority of seats. Douglas Lumsden, the Scottish Tory energy spokesman, criticised other comments from Mr Harvie in his interview, in which the latter attacked the fossil-fuel industry and claimed it was clearly on its way out. He said: In typical Scottish Green fashion, Patrick Harvie by his own admission admits that the Green Party would happily turn the taps off on oil and gas. The Greens as ever are determined to harm the economy and are perfectly willing to throw tens of thousands of workers under a bus. 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. How can I see the solar eclipse at the Empire State Building? NEW YORK (PIX11) A total solar eclipse will cross through parts of North America, including New York, on Monday, according to NASA. The Empire State Building, which experienced a solar eclipse the year after it opened in 1932, will mark the monumental occasion with some special plans. Sample new foods at NYCs Street Vendor Scavenger Hunt Offering unobstructed, 360-degree views from the heart of New York City, the Empire State Building Observatory, is the premiere location to view the phenomenon on April 8, a spokesperson for the iconic building recently told PIX11 News. The moment the moon fully covers the sun, and day becomes night, the Empire State Buildings iconic tower lights will sparkle for 15 minutes to mark the rare occurrence. The iconic Empire State Building is handing out 300 solar eclipse glasses to the first 300 guests who purchase tickets for the 2:30 to 2:45 p.m. slot. The eclipse is expected to start at 2:10 p.m. and the prime viewing time will be 3:25 p.m. Will I have a better view of the eclipse from the Empire State Building? Although one might think being on top of a structure that measures 1,454 feet tall would give you the added advantage of having a better view of the eclipse, that is not the case. Since New York City is not in the path of totality, people in the city will only experience a partial solar eclipse. Observing from that height will not be any better, a NASA specialist explained. Where is the closest city in New York in the path of totality? The closest city in the path of totality is Buffalo, N.Y. How can I buy tickets to see the partial eclipse at the Empire State Building? Tickets can be purchased here. When is the next total solar eclipse? The next total solar eclipse in the U.S. will be in 20 years, according to NASA. Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. SEIU Local 1 ratifies new CBAs for Chicago-area janitors ahead of deadline to avoid strike CHICAGO SEIU Local 1, the union representing more than 8,000 commercial janitors throughout Chicagoland, unanimously ratified three-year collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) Saturday, successfully avoiding a strike that would have begun on Sunday otherwise. According to a SEIU Local 1 spokesperson, the union was able to secure the largest wage increase in SEIU Local 1 history in the commercial market. By negotiations end, two contracts were ratified one for 3,000 janitors in downtown Chicago that was negotiated with the Building Owners and Management Association (BOMA), and another for 5,000 janitors across the Chicago suburbs. Here are breakdowns of each contract: BOMA CBA with Chicago janitors Annual raises of $1.50 in the first year, $0.75 in the second and third year Over the life of the contract, janitors will make an extra $14,040 with a total wage increase of 15% 100% employer-paid healthcare Additional paid personal/sick day Juneteenth as an additional floating holiday Increased employer contributions to pension plans Suburban contractors CBA with Chicagoland janitors Annual raises of $1.25 in the first year, $0.75 in the second year and $1.20 in the third year Over the life of the contract, janitors will make an extra $13,416 with a total wage increase of 19% 100% paid-for healthcare with no rise in insurance costs Two additional paid personal days and the addition of Juneteenth to holidays Increased employer contributions to 401k plans We have negotiated for weeks, and we have won the best BOMA Commercial janitorial contract in the history of SEIU Local 1, said Local 1 Downtown Janitor and Executive Board member Urszula Przybysz. I have worked hard for over 30 years, to be able to earn a good pension, and Im happy that our bargaining team has won a pension that will protect my future, as well as the future of all other members that will be retiring soon. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Janitorial union marches ahead of contract expiration this weekend The ratification of the CBAs come after several rallies and marches took place across the Chicagoland area, from the Loop in Chicago, out into the suburbs where elected officials, community and labor leaders, and sister unions to SEIU Local 1 gathered to advocate for better union contracts. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman ripped the idea of squatters rights during an exclusive interview with The Post this week. Squatters have no rights, Fetterman said, adding that the issue was one he often dealt with when he was mayor of working-class Braddock, Pa. How can you even pretend that this is anything other than youre just breaking the law? I am not woke, he warned. John Fetterman ripped the idea of squatters rights during an exclusive interview with The Post this week. J.C. Rice We always tried to push back against that, he said, adding that he had been horrified by what hes read in The Posts extensive coverage of the squatting issue. Its wild, that if you go away on a long trip, for 30 days, and someone breaks into your home and suddenly they have rights, he sad. This is crazy. Like if somebody stole your car, and then they held it for 30 days, then somehow you now have some rights? Fetterman also tore into soft-on-crimes policies that critics said contributed to the fatal shooting of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller. I have gone to police funerals, Fetterman said. If this individual is convicted, then he should spend the rest of his life and in prison, and never have an opportunity to get out. Sen. John Fetterman sat for a lengthy interview with the New York Post at Eleven Madison Park. J.C. Rice The accused killer, Guy Rivera, had at least 21 prior arrests, mainly for drugs and assault, before he fatally shot Diller during a traffic stop in Queens last month. Fetterman said he still believed in second chances but not 20. If you have those kinds of established records, It doesnt serve any greater goal to allow people that are offending, offending, offending and allow them to not be held accountable, Fetterman said. Fetterman offered up tough positions on crime, squatters and warned that the 2024 presidential election in Pennsylvania would be close. J.C. Rice We have to be very smart and aggressive on crime, said Fetterman who has taken heat by critics who accuse him of being soft on crime. Fetterman brought plenty of red meat to the sitdown at famously vegan Eleven Madison Park, touching on a range of subjects including Israel and the 2024 presidential campaign. On the issue of Israel, the senator has remained a bulwark. As national Democrats drift ever closer toward Hamas and their swing state voters in Michigan Fetterman has remained completely steadfast in his support of the Jewish state and called out New York Sen. Chuck Schumer for his remarks calling for new elections in the country. Sen. Fetterman has raised ire among progressives for his strong defense of Israel. J.C. Rice Its reasonable if you want to criticize, but to call for effectively like a regime change, I disagree, Fetterman said. I didnt agree because Israel is a democracy, it is our key special ally. And our nation wouldnt appreciate any kind of foreign input. So why should we do that for Israel? He also condemned the United States decision to allow a United Nations ceasefire resolution to pass and said Israel had the right and imperative to proceed with their invasion of Rafah. On Thursday he posted to X his objection to President Bidens warning that future aid to Israel could become conditional. In this war against Hamas no conditions for Israel, he said. We always tried to push back against that, he said, adding that he had been horrified by what hes read in The Posts extensive coverage of the squatting issue. J.C. Rice Sen. John Fetterman and Post reporter Jon Levine met for a summit at Eleven Madison Park. J.C. Rice Despite a maverick streak, Fetterman remains a loyal Democrat and said he was committed to securing a second term for President Biden. A Wall Street Journal poll this week show the octogenarian commander-in-chief is trailing former President Trump in most swing states including Pennsylvania. Its going to be very close. Trump is going to be incredibly strong in Pennsylvania, Fetterman said, adding that he believed Biden would ultimately be triumphant and that he planned to be a surrogate for him in the state. Fetterman was in the Big Apple for a swing of media appearances and a bit of fundraising. On Thursday he received the hero of democracy award at a gala for the Renew Democracy Initiative at Gotham Hall in Manhattan. Fetterman unflinchingly defended Americas democratic allies in Ukraine and Israel, noted RDI board member Alexander Vindman. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) said Sunday he was glad to see President Biden threaten Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with consequences for wartime activity, but he called on the White House to outline details of what the repercussions would be. I was glad to see the president, at least as reported out, finally say to Netanyahu, that if you dont follow these, you know, my requests, that there will be consequences, Van Hollen said in an interview on CBS Newss Face the Nation. But the president and the White House have yet to lay out what consequences they have and they want to impose, he continued. And we have had a situation where for months, the president has made requests to the Netanyahu government, they have ignored those requests, and weve sent more 2,000-pound bombs. We cannot revert back to that, Van Hollen added. We have to make sure that when the president requests something that we have a means to enforce it. In recent days, Bidens rhetoric has sharpened following a deadly Israeli airstrike that resulted in the deaths of six aid workers and one Palestinian driver. The incident has prompted global rebuke and some of the harshest criticism yet from the Biden administration directed toward its key ally of Israel. Even ahead of the aid workers deaths, Biden and his administration have put more pressure on Netanyahus government to take greater caution in protecting civilian lives. In the days since, however, the White House has suggested that support from the U.S. could be conditional on Israels subsequent actions. He made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers, the White House said in a readout of a call between Biden and Netanyahu in the days following the airstrike. He made clear that U.S. policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israels immediate action on these steps, the readout continued. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Guest Opinion. Preserving and revitalizing our language is the most important task facing the modern Cherokee Nation. We are not alone in this. Nationwide, tribal communities have taken up the challenge to safeguard Native languages. For Native peoples, maintaining our language is synonymous with sustaining our identity and our very way of life. Without language, tribal nations in America would be robbed of the ceremonies and teachings that form the foundation of our values, families and communities. 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. Recently, staff from our Cherokee Language Department traveled to Minnesota to share best practices with the Chippewa Federation, which unites seven Chippewa bands in the Great Lakes region. Just as Cherokees collaborate across our three tribes for the sake of our language, the Chippewa Federation is committed to reviving the Ojibwe language. Through initiatives like the Ojibwe Language Symposium, language holders and learners are coming together and creating opportunities to share language at every level. The Cherokee and Chippewa language teams both brought expertise and experiences that will inspire more effective strategies for language preservation. While the Cherokee and Chippewa differ in our languages and culture, we share many common challenges and have much to learn from each other. The trip was led by Howard Paden, executive director of the Cherokee Nation Language Department. He and his team have developed a unique and layered approach to restoring the Cherokee language under the Cherokee Nation Durbin Feeling Language Preservation Act. This includes classroom educational opportunities, technology and digital content development, as well as expanded in-person and online community engagement. At the highest level are offerings like the Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program and the Cherokee Immersion School. Altogether we are finding ways to reach language learners wherever they are, regardless of age or proficiency level. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. Yes, Cherokee Nation is making significant strides in this area, but lighting a path for others to follow is equally significant. Cherokee Nation's dedication to language preservation inspires other tribes nationwide. Its no coincidence that the United States legislation to better support indigenous language efforts was named the Durbin Feeling Native American Languages Act, after the Cherokee hero and namesake of our own Durbin Feeling Language Center. The federal government has recently begun supporting language efforts, but scars of history and failed federal policies run deep. Generations of our ancestors had to protect our language and lifeways in any way possible against efforts to eradicate Native cultures. Thankfully, endeavors like Cherokee Nations and those of the Chippewa Federation are showing that language revitalization is possible, and that it transcends tribal boundaries. By joining forces, we help ensure our languages will not just survive but will thrive for generations to come. Chuck Hoskin, Jr. is the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. A delegation of the Palestinian Hamas movement have met in Cairo with the head of Egypt's General Intelligence Directorate Abbas Kamel, the official Telegram channel of the Palestinian movement, Trend reports. The delegation is reported to have confirmed in a meeting with Abbas Kamel that they remain committed to the basic principles by which a truce in the Gaza Strip can be achieved. The main conditions of the movement are a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from the Gaza Strip, the unimpeded return of internally displaced persons to their places of residence, the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, the beginning of the reconstruction of the enclave, as well as the completion of a prisoner exchange agreement under which Palestinian prisoners will be released in exchange for Israeli hostages held in Gaza Strip. Polk County, Fla., Sheriff Grady Judd stands in front of a car driven by 21-year-old University of Florida student Emmanuel Espinoza before he allegedly stabbed his mother to death at her home in Frostproof, Fla. Photo courtesy Polk County Sheriff's Office/Facebook April 7 (UPI) -- A 21-year-old University of Florida student has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly confessing to stabbing his mother to death at her Florida home over the weekend, authorities say. Emmanuel Espinoza drove to his mother's home in Frostproof to attend a family event on Saturday and confronted his mother, 46-year-old Elvia Espinoza, when she opened the front door, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a video posted to social media. At that point, Judd said, the pre-med student "began to stab her and he stabbed her many times. She ran from him. She was talking to a family member on the phone. And in addition to that he stabbed her until she fell down and died." Emmanuel Espinoza was arrested and charged with first-degree murder after calling police and confessing to the crime, the sheriff said. He called it a "truly horrible situation." Elvia Espinoza was a second grade teacher at Ben Hill Griffin Elementary School in Frostproof, located about 65 miles south of Orlando. Judd said the victim's son told authorities he had wanted to kill his mother "for many years because she got on my nerves." GUATEMALA CITY Guatemalas election of a new president is sparking a renewed focus from the Biden administration, which is placing dual pressure on the Central American nation to limit migration and strengthen its borders. Guatemalas demographics and geography make it a key player for the U.S. both as a significant contributor to migration from within the country but also as the last stop before Mexico for those traveling through Central America in hopes of reaching the U.S. southwestern border. The country is in a complicated position when it comes to migration because its a country of origin, its a country of transit, its a country of destination, Stephanie Daviot, chief of mission for the United Nationss International Organization for Migration in Guatemala, told The Hill. Guatemala has seen a significant shift in its leadership with the election of Bernardo Arevalo, an academic who pulled off a long-shot victory in August but wasnt sworn in until January. His transition to power was fought by allies of the outgoing president, sparking protests across the country. For the U.S., Arevalo represents new opportunities in its strategy to address the root causes of migration, investing heavily in economic efforts as well as programs designed to combat corruption and crime. Arevalo campaigned on battling corruption, a departure from his predecessor, who was barred from entry to the U.S. after exiting office on allegations he accepted bribes. The extent the U.S. sees new opportunities to work with Guatemala was underscored by the February announcement of trilateral discussions on immigration alongside Mexico. The joint effort eyes greater coordination on monitoring migratory flows and bolstering enforcement not just of the U.S.-Mexico border, but the Guatemala-Mexico border as well. Arevalo also met in March with Vice President Harris, who commended him for bringing a sense of optimism to the people of America and around the world. But new opportunities come amid the same tensions a struggling Guatemalan economy and historic levels of migration throughout the hemisphere. Of course the salaries you receive in the U.S. dont compare with what you can earn in Guatemala, Ursula Roldan Andrade, who runs a migration research center at Rafael Landivar University, said in an interview with The Hill in Spanish, noting more than half the country lives in poverty. People dont have options for social mobility in this country. What are the routes for social mobility? Migration and remittances. Remittances to Guatemala, largely sent by those working in the U.S., represent roughly a fifth of its gross domestic product (GDP), no small contribution in a country where malnutrition remains a serious issue. Eric Hershberg, a professor emeritus at American University focused on Latin American studies, said economic imperative has long been an undercurrent of the Guatemalan approach on migration. From Guatemalas point of view, theyre desperate to have migration and as much of it as they can, and thats a different perspective than the Biden administration, he said. At the end of the day, what people want and need is work. And they will work. And the question is, are they going to come here to work in some legal fashion? While the U.S. conversation on migration is almost always billed as a national security issue, Guatemala sees migration as a human right, while their security concerns at the border are primarily transnational crime, including smuggling. But under Arevalo, theres been a greater focus on boosting conditions internally, in particular by doing outreach with the countrys significant population of Indigenous people. The Guatemalan government recognizes that there has been a lack of attention to the urgent needs of people, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement to The Hill. Dialogue between countries is important to address the concerns on the management of the current flows of migration which have increased in the last years, but also, to address the needs of communities of origin of migration, in order to improve their livelihood. Roldan Andrade said the high migration levels represent a loss for the country. You think we dont need the people that have left? These are our youth. These are the people that have a level of education, that have another vision for life, she said. So it doesnt benefit us if everyones leaving. Migrants mostly from Venezuela and Cuba rest in a tent camp as they wait for a Honduras Migration transit permit to continue their way north to Guatemala, and hopefully make it to the Mexico-United States border, in Danli, Honduras on Oct. 11, 2023. (Elmer Martinez, Associated Press) Root causes balancing act The Biden-Harris strategy is meant to be a balancing act, a significant investment throughout Latin America paired with an expansion of legal pathways. The hope is that both will alleviate pressure to migrate irregularly. But the new methods for arriving to the U.S. have not been as ample as the funding. In Guatemala, the investment for addressing root causes has been significant some $133.5 million was spent in fiscal 2022 for implementation of the strategy. And USAID has continued its roughly $200 million in annual investments in programs there. The funding has gone toward everything from malnutrition and farming to midwives and clean water access. It has also helped beef up inspector general units within the government to investigate allegations of corruption. What is good for Guatemala is good for the region and the United States, the State Department said in a statement to The Hill. This assistance will support efforts to combat corruption; conserve biodiversity; scale agricultural technologies; and improve health outcomes, inclusive of all Guatemalans, especially Indigenous communities. Corruption is no small issue in Guatemala, threatening access to government programs and employment and even the transition of power to Arevalo. Its also a barrier to recruiting the kind of foreign investment in the country that the U.S. wants to attract. American business leaders need stability, predictability and rule of law to make their investments in countries like Guatemala worthwhile, Harris said at a joint press conference welcoming Arevalo during his visit in March. The U.S. is working closely with different integrity units within Guatemalan government offices, something the State Department said would determine how corruption occurs, identify perpetrators, and issue recommendations to improve existing units. But Guatemala has been a contrast with a handful of other countries where the U.S. has expanded options to immigrate legally. A parole program for Cubans, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans and Haitians has opened the door for some 30,000 each month who are fleeing instability should they be able to secure a U.S.-based sponsor. Such a lifeline does not exist elsewhere in the region, however, despite the launching of the Safe Mobility Initiative, marketed as Movilidad Segura throughout the region. Launched last year in partnership with the United Nations as well as Canada and Spain, the initiative includes Safe Mobility Offices (SMOs) in four countries where migrants can assess their legal immigration options. While the office in Guatemala was initially open to migrants of any nationality, it now serves only Guatemalans a group less likely to qualify for refugee status in the U.S. based on persecution than those in other countries. The other possible route is through a family reunification program that allows those legally present in the U.S. to petition to bring a relative. In a little less than a year since the program launched in June, some 23,000 Guatemalans have applied for protections or family reunification through the Safe Mobility Offices. But so far, only 3,000 have been granted some sort of status and made it to the U.S., though more are in processing. And the program doesnt offer specific pathways to go work in the U.S. the main driver for most Guatemalans looking to migrate. Ariel Ruiz Soto, a senior policy analyst with the Migration Policy Institute, noted that early data shared with partners showed that more than half of those applying through the Safe Mobility Initiative were seeking work permits. Its primarily people that are seeking to go to the U.S. to work. And so this makes it complicated because the pathways that SMOs provide do not necessarily match the reasons why people are seeking to leave, he said. For those that are seeking to leave immediately or within a matter of weeks, the SMOs are unlikely to stop them from going on the path of being irregular. The U.S. has faced calls to expand legal pathways, particularly on the employment front, as many may not qualify for family reunification either. The key thing is to have someone legally in the U.S. thats actually going to fill out the request. And this is a bit of an issue because of course not everyone has a relative in the U.S., and if they do not all those families are legally in the country, said Daviot with the U.N. So part of our advocacy is were asking the U.S., even though we know the difficulties, to expand the pathways to those that are more accessible or accessible to a bigger number of individuals. I do hope there is [going] to be a focus on labor mobility pathways because again, there is a need here. So that would be a win-win solution for everyone. And those things take time; theyre highly political, Daviot added. The State Department does have efforts underway to pitch Guatemalan workers to U.S. companies willing to undertake the expense of hiring temporary workers, including their transportation to and from the country. And the department noted it set a new record last year, issuing 13,000 temporary worker visas to Guatemalans. But thats a fraction of the nearly 130,000 Guatemalans encountered at the border over the last five months of this fiscal year, and its clear the Arevalo administration is hoping for more. Guatemala is interested in increasing the temporary worker visa opportunities for Guatemalans who are interested in working in the U.S., its ministry said in a statement. Those who benefit from these opportunities acquire skills, are not abruptly separated from their families, their income and living standards improve, and overall contribute to the economies of both countries and their development. A pedestrian on the Matamoros International Bridge passes Jennifer, 2, from Guatemala seeking asylum in the United States with her mother June 29, 2018, in Matamoros, Mexico. (Eric Gay, Associated Press file) The returned The draw to come to the U.S. is strong, even with the risks of trip as well as a swift return. Many families have made serious sacrifices to fund the journey, selling off land or taking on steep debts. And success at crossing the border is far from guaranteed a reality that pushes some smugglers to offer as many as three attempts to cross into the U.S. The U.S. returned some 55,000 Guatemalans last year. Sharon Huertas oversees a program called Camino a Casa, which works with youth up to age 24 who have been deported by the U.S. an age range just beyond the minors eligible to receive services from the Guatemalan government. The program, carried out by Global Refuge, works with youth who have been deported in the last six months. But the goal is to reach them in the crucial 72 hours after theyve been returned to the country, when many are mulling whether to make the journey again. It depends so much on the experience. Many kids tell us, I was so hungry during the journey, I dont want to do it again because of that. They didnt eat enough on the journey, and they completely reject the idea of going again, Huertas told The Hill in an interview in Spanish. Others who have made the journey have complained about having to walk for 20 hours straight. So it depends on the experience. But if they didnt face anything dangerous, or that bothered them or hurt them, they dont think its as dangerous and theyre willing to try again, Huertas said. The program is in its early stages, working with 50 clients and their families. The goal is to evaluate each case systemically, looking at a variety of factors, including family dynamics that might be pushing youth to migrate. Some have wanted to migrate to help cover the expensive costs of medication for family members or are persuaded to stay when connected with training programs or other opportunities in the country. Still, some may also face pressure from family members who have sunk significant costs into the journey. Theyre more worried about paying the debt. Many people have sold land, their houses so that their family can attempt this journey, Huertas said. It depends on what they might lose if they dont make it there that makes people try and go again. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Shifting focus to threats from China and Russia starts with people, not tech, US special operations leaders say The US military is adjusting to what it sees as the two most pressing national security threats: China and Russia. US Special Operations Command emphasizes the importance of people over hardware in its operations. Special operators are focusing on new threats but still having to maintain a counterterrorism posture. China and Russia. In that order, these two rivals are the two most pressing national security threats the US faces today. Taking note, the US military is adjusting for a new era of near-peer warfare against these adversaries after more than 20 years of counterterrorism operations in the Middle East. As the military's tip of the spear, US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is also changing for this new era of warfare. In a talk earlier this year with the Defense Writers Group, Army Gen. Bryan Fenton and Army Command Sgt. Major Shane Shorte, respectively SOCOM's commander and senior enlisted advisor, shared their views on how the special operations community is changing and adjusting for a new era of warfare. What they highlighted the most is that during this period of change, some things remain constant. The special operations community tries to live and die by its five core values. Perhaps the most important of these is the adage that "people are more important than hardware." At the heart of any special operations unit is the idea that it is the operators and support personnel that make the difference. Equip them with swords and spears, and they will likely still somehow manage to pull their mission off, or so the argument goes. 'People are More Important than Hardware' "The most important line of effort that we have in our headquarters is still our people," Shorte said. "We're not a platform-centric organization, we're a people-centric organization." This core value is one of the many reasons why special operations units place so much emphasis on their selection and assessment processes. Weeding out the inadequate or incompatible candidates leaves a small cadre of physically hardened and mentally tough commandos who have the right attitude to accomplish the objective. The selection and training processes for special operations are arduous because, as Fenton said, they only want people who "really want to be at the leading edge." A U.S. Army Special Forces soldier assigned to Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan provides security during an advising mission in Afghanistan, April 10, 2014. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Sara Wakai/ Released Fenton emphasized that SOCOM's successful transformation for a new era of warfare will hinge on its people. The special operators of today and tomorrow should be ready for a changing operational environment. "If we have one more dollar to spend, we're spending it on our people, and then we'll wrap the technology around them," Fenton stated. Before becoming the head of SOCOM, Fenton led the secretive Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Nominally part of SOCOM, JSOC is comprised of the tier 1 units of the special operations communitythe Army's Delta Force, the Navy's Naval Special Warfare Development Group, the Air Force's 24th Special Tactics Squadron, as well as the Army's Intelligence Support Activity. Fenton comes from the intelligence side of JSOC and also has experience in the Indo-Pacific area of operations. Special operators think about "how we're going to be prepared, not only in equipment or some level of technology to meet the world, but how are we thinking about the world differently," Fenton said. "We have to hold these different ideas in our head and actually still complete the mission, even though it doesn't look the same as it did 20 years ago. But the outcome has still got to be the same. We've got to succeed for the nation," the head of the spec ops command added. The two men said that the bulk of America's special operators are focused on threats posed by China and Russia and are studying these potential adversaries. Additionally, they are watching the war in Ukraine closely as it provides invaluable lessons on how warfare is evolving with modern technology like drones and also offers an opportunity to, at least indirectly, experiment with new warfighting concepts due to their very close relationship with the Ukrainian commandos. Shifting focus isn't easy though as the continued challenge of other persistent threats continuously pull the US back. Although China and Russia present the biggest national security threats to the US right now, counterterrorism remains an ever-present danger. As evidenced by the Islamic State's terrorist attack in Moscow in March, terrorists around the world possess the means and desire to carry out large-scale violent attacks against soft targets, and rogue actors like the Houthi rebels have shown they can threaten things like trade routes on which the global economy relies. So, the SOCOM of tomorrow will still need to maintain a credible counterterrorism posture that will anticipate and counter terrorist threats anywhere in the world. Changing and adapting to something as complex as a new era of warfare or a rapidly evolving battlespace is never easy. And it is that much harder for a large organization with tens of thousands of people. But SOCOM depends on just thatpeopleto ensure that it will be ready for the challenges of tomorrow. Read the original article on Business Insider Life changed in Israel on October 7 last year. The unexpected and overwhelming assault by at least 1,500 Hamas fighters, pouring into Israel by land, sea and even paragliders, killed about 1,200 people, Israeli authorities said. More than 250 people were taken hostage and moved to Hamas Gaza stronghold. Much has happened in the six months since. The massacres at a music festival in the desert and kibbutz communities prompted Israel to declare war on Hamas, leading to air and ground attacks that have devastated Gaza and the lives of the more than two million people for whom it is home. But for the families of the remaining hostages, and even for some former captives released by Hamas and now safe in Israel, it feels as if nothing has changed. Here we look at those six months from their point of view, in interviews led by CNNs Bianna Golodryga. October 7: Hamas launches deadly surprise attacks The piercing shrieks of air-raid sirens were the first hint of trouble for many Israelis at about 6:30 a.m. on October 7. But for Maya Regev at the all-night Nova music festival, it was the sudden absence of noise that jolted her. The teenager was with her younger brother Itay, one of her best friends Omer Shem-Tov and others, dancing and enjoying themselves. We were all together and I just told Omer that its the most fun I had, for a lot of time, she said. And then it was the moment that the music shut down and they told us that there are rockets. We look up and we see the rockets just fly above our heads. Then the shooting began, and Maya, Itay and Omer ran to look for shelter before they connected with a friend and got in their car. That car was fired on by gunmen in a truck, Maya said, and she was hit in both legs. Her brother was wounded too. They were taken from the car and put in a pickup truck, all the while being filmed. That video became public on Saturday night, when Omers parents were desperately trying to find him. We saw Omer kidnapped, said his mother, Shelly Shem-Tov. I saw on the video that Omer is in the floor of a pickup truck with handcuffs on his hands. Other parents learned the fate of their children the same way. Ayelet Levy Shachars daughter Naama was taken from Kibbutz Nahal Oz, where she was staying. Amid the chaos of the day, Ayelet thought maybe Naama was just unable to reach her. Then she learned through a relative there was a video showing her daughter. Shes being dragged out of the trunk of a jeep and then dragged by her hair and shoved into the backseat. Its a very, very violent video, she said. Shes handcuffed with her hands behind her back. And I saw that her face is injured and that shes barefoot. And theres a lot of bloodstains. Her pants are stained. You can almost not recognize her because its such a mess. The hostages were driven through broken barriers to Gaza. Maya said: When we drove inside, they did, like, a little trip in the roads and screamed Allahu Akbar (God is great.) And they just wanted to show what they caught. I was with my head down, and one of them grabbed my hair and pulled it back so everyone will see my face. And everyone was so happy on the street. And I was so scared. October 9: Israel orders a complete siege of Gaza I think for a week and a half, we just kept quiet and still, said Ayelet of the immediate aftermath of the attacks. Its hard for me to recall what went on in these days. What did we do? What happened? Its a blur. Hadas Kalderon was away from her children when their kibbutz was attacked. She could get no information about son Erez, 11, her daughter Sahar 16, or their father Ofer. They had called to tell her they were hiding in a bush but after that, nothing. Hamass propaganda videos of the raids unexpectedly gave her hope that they too were kidnapped not murdered. And when she did see images of Erez being taken on a motorbike, she thought it was a miracle. Relocated with the rest of the kibbutz to a hotel, she decided: We start to work. From the first day we start to work, she said. What could they do to get their families home. October 20: Hamas releases two US women on humanitarian grounds. Three days later, two elderly women are also freed from Gaza In Gaza, the hostages were learning the rules of captivity. Mayas leg had been shattered by the gunfire. She says she was first taken into the tunnels and then to a hospital. You have to suffer quietly. Its something that also came home with me, unfortunately. Im still learning how to say that Im in pain to the doctors because I got used to just not saying that Im in pain and be quiet. October 27: Israel Defense Forces say they are expanding ground operations in Gaza In Israel, Hadas was adrift. From the beginning, I felt all alone. I felt like Im fighting by myself. Nobody came to tell me what to do. She finds purpose by giving media interviews to highlight the plight of her children and all the other hostages. Its the same for Shelly and her husband Malki, who began the Hostages and Missing Families Forum with other relatives of the taken within hours of the events. In Gaza, Omer Shem-Tov and Itay Regev kept track of time by noting the sunrises and the Muslim call to prayers. Each Friday at sundown, they say the kiddush blessing to usher in the Jewish Sabbath, sometimes with a little grape juice standing in for wine. October 30: The Israeli military says it has rescued Pvt. Ori Megidish from Gaza Megidish would later tell Naama Levys family she was with their daughter for the first four days. It was the first news they had of her in Gaza. Naama Levy was taken from Kibbutz Nahal Oz. - Courtesy Levy Family A day later, on October 31, Omer turned 21. On his birthday a lot of friends of Omer came over here, Omers father Malki Shem-Tov said. We couldnt celebrate it of course, but they came with 200 yellow balloons We just say, We send the prayer to Omer, and we let go all the balloons. His parents learn afterwards that this is the first day that Omer cried since he was taken. He was crying because he thought about us, his mother Shelly said. November 15: Israel raids Al-Shifa hospital in search of Hamas militants, after a siege of several days After her leg was operated on, Maya was held by herself, guarded by a woman and a man. She tried to befriend them. 45 days, its a lot of time to be alone. I will just go insane. So I started talking to her, she said of her ever-present guard. I asked her about her life. What is she doing? Why is she here? I told her what happened to me. I tried to make her feel sorry for me so she will treat me well. And it worked. Maya said she was able to get some news from her captors, including of a pending ceasefire. November 24: Truce begins. 24 hostages including 10 Thai citizens are released The news brought mixed emotions to those desperately waiting for their loved ones to come home. Ayelet said, I was happy for any hostage being released, but I couldnt watch others being released and not my daughter. November 25: 17 hostages released, including Maya Regev The temporary ceasefire brought some mixed emotions to Gaza too. Maya said: Its the first time that you can really sleep in peace because there is no bombing. But you cant because youre so excited. Maybe this is your day. Maybe now youre going home. November 26: Another 17 hostages are freed November 27: Eleven hostages released, including Erez and Sahar Kalderon Sahar was in the tunnels, her mother Hadas said. She talked about there is no sun and no good air. You cant really breathe. And there is not much food You dont know if its day or night. You cant really sleep because youre afraid to fall asleep because somebody with a gun is just near to you. How can you sleep like that? Sahar Kalderon was separated from her brother and held in tunnels underneath Gaza. - Courtesy Kalderon Family Erez Kalderon was mostly held captive alone. He turned 12 while he was a hostage. - Courtesy Kalderon Family Erez, who turned 12 in Gaza, was held alone for much of his captivity. Since getting her children back, Hadas has tried to offer a haven for them, but thats impossible with their father still in Gaza. Im trying to give them a warm house and normal life and to get back to routine. But there is no routine. Its a lie. There is no routine because theres no end to this situation. We are all still in the 7th of October. November 28: Twelve hostages freed November 29: A further 16 hostages are released, including Itay Regev and Yarden Roman-Gat Yarden Roman-Gats cause had been relentlessly pushed by her brothers Gili and Liri and her sister Roni, with support from other family members and friends. Yarden, along with her husband Alon and their three-year-old daughter Geffen, had escaped from a kidnappers car as it approached Gaza and they ran for safety. Yarden passed her girl to Alon, knowing that he was a stronger runner. She was recaptured, they were not. November 30: Eight hostages are freed Some hostages told Ayelet they had seen Naama before they were released. This was the last time she had any news of her daughter. December 1: The truce collapses Alon was reunited with his wife Yarden after her release but the end of the deal between Hamas and Israel meant his sister Carmel was left behind. We were sure that Carmel is going to be released the next day or the day after maximum. And then the deal collapsed. The freed hostages were checked into the hospital and slowly started reconnecting with family and friends. For some, like Maya and Itay, it was important to reach out to the relatives of those who were their fellow captives. In this image from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, Itay Regev, 18, is reunited with his sister Maya Regev, 21, at Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, Israel. - Israel Prime Minister's Office/Reuters Itay said he and Omer became as close as brothers while they were held together. We just talked about everything. He told me about his family, he told me about his friends. He told me about his whole life, and I did the same, Itay said. He became the person who knows everything about me and knows more about me than any other person Ive been around all these years. December 4 Israel moves into Khan Younis and southern Gaza The remaining hostages began to enter their third month of captivity. Yarden described what it was like to be held. You have no choice of anything in general. You cannot speak out. You cannot breathe deeply. You cannot be under the sky. There is no certainty, she said. Its very deep aspects of humanity that are taken away. Yarden Roman-Gat handed her daughter to her husband so they could escape the terrorists. - CNN December 15 - Israeli soldiers kill three hostages in an operation in northern Gaza The IDF said the three men, Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz and Samer Talalka, were wrongly identified as threats. January 15 - Hamas releases a video, apparently showing two dead hostages Whether or not the hostage families knew Itai Svirsky or Yossi Sharabi, they grieve all the same. When we hear that someone is murdered, we dont know him, but we know his family, that became our family. And its like to lose somebody you know, Shelly said. As the length of the war on Hamas, and the hostages captivity, ticked to 100 days, some of the former captives have been free longer than they were held. But Maya said her mind was always with those still held. I think about them all the time and with every single thing I do, in my day every time I eat cake, I drink coffee, I brush my teeth I think about them, that they dont have these things. February 7 - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu derides Hamas demands for another ceasefire as delusional Its another setback for relatives waiting for loved ones. Alon, who ran to safety with his toddler daughter and had his wife returned, is still missing his sister Carmel. Alon Gat had hoped his sister Carmel would be released with other women and children but she is still in Gaza. - Courtesy Gat Family This was a traumatic experience, and it still is, he explained. Im still in the event. Im still waiting for Carmel to come back. Alon and Carmels mother was murdered on October 7. He has not yet been able to grieve for her. Theres so many other things to do that I dont have the time in the mind for that. It will come, but not now. February 12 - Two Israeli-Argentinian men held by Hamas since October 7 were rescued in an overnight raid by the IDF in Rafah But the worlds attention has increasingly focused on the utter devastation in Gaza, the number of innocent Palestinians killed and mistakes, or worse, by the IDF resulting in yet more deaths. With aid supplies blocked and aid agencies pulling resources because their staff arent safe, no one in Gaza has enough to eat, a UN-backed report says. More than half of the Palestinians there are on the brink of starvation. Hostage families are having tense exchanges with Netanyahu, demanding more action. April 3 - Families of Israeli hostages storm the Knesset public gallery Pressure continues to grow on Netanyahu from inside and outside Israel to stop the civilian deaths and deprivation in Gaza and to bring the hostages home. Protesters hold signs in support of Gaza hostages near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence, during a demonstration calling for his ouster. - Ronen Zvulun/Reuters There remain 129 hostages in Gaza who were abducted on October 7, and about 95 are thought to be still alive. Each has people desperate to see them again. (Omer) is my life, said his father Malki. I miss him. I miss him very much We are in the mission of our life now. This is our mission to bring Omer back home. He added, We are doing everything to bring him back home. Everything. Everything. Everything. His wife Shelly summed up the last six months: Our life stopped at October 7th. Stopped. And its a long, long, long nightmare. Its a similar sentiment for Ayelet, whose daughter Naama is still missing. For me, every morning I wake up, thankful that I could get some sleep even, thats not to be taken lightly. But I wake up and I think and Im feeling like its the same day. Same day for me. Same pain. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Tonight, our evening begins with overcast skies and temps in the 40s. As a high pressure system builds in, cloud cover will erode away, ushing in partly cloudy to mostly clear skies Sunday morning. Combined with calm winds, well see the chance for some overnight fog, mainly across our river valleys & mountains. Overnight lows will drop into the upper 20s. Sunday will be a recoup day for many as we finally bring back mostly sunny skies all day long. Temps will be in the 30s to begin the morning but climb into the 50s by lunchtime and into the 60s by the late afternoon. A dry afternoon as well so a good plan to get outdoor chores done in case you missed out the past several days. Monday is the day weve been waiting on for quite a while, the arrival of the solar eclipse! Monday morning will be a tough sell with cloudy skies and morning showers. Rain chances look to decrease by lunchtime, giving us the chance for a few peaks in the clouds, just in time for the solar eclipse. This will also help with temps getting into the middle 60s. In case you want to stay inside, youll be in luck thanks to Meteorologist Bradley Wells. Hell be traveling up to New York for a live stream set at 2:30 PM! In our local area, the eclipse starts at 1:56 PM with the height at 2:38 PM. Tuesday is trending to have a couple of showers around in the morning so expect a wet morning commute at times. These showers will continue into lunchtime, slowly giving away to a few breaks by the late afternoon and early evening. You can expect a warm Tuesday with morning temps in the 50s and afternoon highs in the upper 60s. Eclipse 2024 Wednesday appears to have the chance for some more showers around in the morning so dont forget those umbrellas! As the showers move off to the northeast, well start to develop a few with only an isolated shower or two possible in the afternoon. Its another muggy day with temps starting off in the 50s and slowly get near 70 to end off Wednesday. Thursday brings in our cold front, which will bring in scattered showers and the chance for a rumble or two of thunder. It also looks to be a wet commute once again so watch for hydroplaning and heavier showers at times. Thursday is also trending to be on the warm side with afternoon highs in the middle to upper 60s. Friday will be a cooler start in the morning with temps in the 40s and the chance for a passing shower or two. Friday will keep the chance for some showers around during the day, all the while we see our temps rise only into the upper 50s in the afternoon. #WeatherTogether In your extended forecast, our rain chances decrease in coverage Friday night, mainly contained across the mountains into Saturday morning. Next weekend is largely trending on the dry side as temps rebound back into the 60/70s Saturday and Sunday respectively. We are in spring forest fire season in West Virginia this means dont burn between 7 AM and 5 PM through May 31st. Low humidity values during the daytime, along with breezier and warmer conditions will at times increase the fire threat, hence the burn ban during most of the daytime. Follow all regulations or be faced with potential consequences, such as fines! In Virginia, the spring fire season continues through April 30th dont burn before 4 PM. TONIGHT Clouds clear. Mostly clear skies with overnight fog. Lows in the upper 20s. SUNDAY Sunshine is back! Mostly sunny skies. Warmer. Highs in the low 60s. MONDAY A few morning showers. Mix of sun and clouds PM. Highs in the middle 60s. TUESDAY Chance for showers AM. PM breaks. Highs in the upper 70s. WEDNESDAY Chance for a couple more showers. Plenty of dry time. Highs in the low 70s. THURSDAY Scattered showers. A few thunderstorms are possible. Highs in the upper 60s.| FRIDAY Lingering showers. Decrease in coverage PM. Highs in the upper 50s. SATURDAY Welcome back sunshine! Mostly sunny skies. Highs in the middle 60s. SUNDAY Partly cloudy skies. Warm. Highs in the low 70s. MONDAY Partly cloudy skies. A chance of showers late. Highs in the middle 60s. TUESDAY Chance for showers. A few breaks along the way. Highs in the middle 60s. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Shame on SLO Supervisors PG&E hopes Diablo Canyon can operate past 2030. So do 3 SLO County supervisors | Opinion, (sanluisobispo.com, March 12) How shameful that the Board of Supervisors voted to recommend the resolution to continue the operation of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant for another 20 years at their March 26 meeting. Sup. Dawn Ortiz-Legg, a former PG&E employee, most definitely should have recused herself from this vote. Instead, she stated: We are here to say we want this plant to be operating as long as possible. She is most definitely not protecting the citizens of San Luis Obispo County now or in the future. The continued argument that high-paying jobs will be lost is meaningless if people can no longer live in SLO should there be any kind of accident (man-made or natural) at the plant. Back in 2019, the county did fiscal planning for the closure of Diablo. Payments have already been budgeted for, including to the SLO Unified School District. It is time to continue on the path of closure that was agreed to after much debate in 2015 and close Diablo Canyons Unit 1 by 2024 and Unit 2 by 2025. A more useful discussion should be about how to safely store all the nuclear waste already stored onsite and how residents can get out of the county on the consistently backed up routes both north and south in the event of an accident. Patricia Kohlen San Luis Obispo In defense of Diablo PG&E hopes Diablo Canyon can operate past 2030. So do 3 SLO County supervisors | Opinion, (sanluisobispo.com, March 12) The conflation of rising PG&E rates with Diablo Canyons extended operations to 2030 and beyond is particularly galling. Since California ratepayers will have essentially paid off Diablo Canyons construction and upgrade costs by 2025, the cost of Diablo is safe, abundant and cost-effective. However, producing the annual equivalent of five Hoover Dams of electricity will not drop to zero, hence the $5 billion to 2030 estimate in the editorial. The cause of PG&Es rate increases are hardening its transmission and distribution network, as discussed in recent California Senate and Assembly Committee hearings that Californians for Green Nuclear Power attended. This has nothing to do with Diablo. Gene Nelson Arroyo Grande Opinion Preserve Morro Bay Morro Bay CA releases draft EIR for battery plant project, (sanluisobispo.com, March 27) When I read the projects only significant and unavoidable impact would be to remove a historical resource, I thought that meant Morro Rock. No, it meant the smokestacks. I could not believe the incredibly ugly plan the city and Vistra Corp. have for one of the most beautiful bays in California. The site used to be an oil tank farm that contaminated the land. Now, it can only be safely used for industrial or commercial purposes. In other words, pollution on top of pollution. Vistra could just avoid cleaning up the site by building another polluting industrial facility on it. Morro Bays beauty would be destroyed. Its just unbelievable that the city and California Coastal Commission would allow this travesty to occur. An oil tank farm and a power plant should never have been built near Morro Rock, and a battery plant should not be allowed to compound this desecration. Morro Bay should be preserved and cherished as a special place on the Central Coast for present and future generations. Charlotte Daigle San Luis Obispo Reality check Morro Bay CA releases draft EIR for battery plant project, (sanluisobispo.com, March 27) I empathize with well-meaning citizens who fear for the lives of sea creatures and are concerned about changes to our storied waterfront in Morro Bay. As valid as these concerns are, their shortsightedness overlooks the long-term potential for catastrophic changes to our environment caused by our refusal to accept that the problem is us and our continued use of fossil fuels. When the Arctic ice sheet disappears altogether, there will be no more whales to migrate past our scenic coast. Our well-preserved stacks in Morro Bay will be pretty lonely when our lack of power denies us the ability to filter sea water into drinking water to replace dwindling supplies due to climate change. Please, get a grip, people. Our shortsightedness will cause the end of life as we know it on the entire planet, let alone our view of the stacks! Michael Morin Los Osos Peter Pellegrini, the speaker of parliament and coalition partner of anti-Ukrainian Prime Minister Robert Fico, has won in the second round of the Slovak presidential election held on Saturday, 6 April. Source: European Pravda Details: Pellegrini defeated pro-Western career diplomat and former Foreign Minister Ivan Korcok with 53.12% of the vote. Korcok received 46.87%. Korcok conceded defeat late on Saturday night, saying he was disappointed and depressed, "but as an athlete, I have to respect the result." Pellegrini, a former head of the Slovak government, will replace liberal President Zuzana Caputova. After his victory, Fico and his allies will consolidate power and control the Slovak parliament, government and presidents office. The liberal, pro-Western opposition accuses Pellegrini, as head of the Voice coalition party, of having tacitly allowed Fico to destroy the criminal justice system, in particular by abolishing the Special Prosecutor's Office, which was created to investigate serious corruption and economic crimes. After Caputova resigns in June, there will no longer be a single high-ranking official in Slovakia who unconditionally supports Kyiv's military support and efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression. The results of the first round were unexpectedly positive for Ivan Korcok. Polls had given Pellegrini a lower chance of winning. Research data published a few days before the second round predicted a victory for Peter Pellegrini. Support UP or become our patron! Slovakia election won by Russia-friendly populist who could speed up withdrawal of Ukraine support Slovakia election won by Russia-friendly populist who could speed up withdrawal of Ukraine support Russia-friendly populist candidate Peter Pellegrini has won Slovakias presidential election, likely strengthening the governments resolve to withdraw military support for Ukraine. Mr Pellegrini, 48, who was the Slovak nationalist-left governments candidate and a close ally of the populist prime minister Robert Fico, defeated the pro-Western Ivan Korcok with 53 per cent of the vote. While presidents do not have many executive powers in Slovakia, the election result will strengthen the grip of the pro-Russian prime minister over the country. As president, Mr Pellgrini can veto laws or challenge them in the court and nominate judges moves that could make his role important for the fate of Mr Ficos reforms. Mr Fico won the 30 September parliamentary elections conducted by the nation of 5.4 million people on a pro-Russian and anti-American platform. His coalition, which includes a party headed by Mr Pellegrini, already halted Slovak weapon shipments to Ukraine, and Mr Fico has also spoken about Western influence in the region leading to Slavic nations killing each other. The pro-Russian prime minister has also initiated reforms of criminal law and the media, raising concerns about the weakening of the rule of law. However, Mr Pellegrini has portrayed himself as more moderate compared to the prime minister. In the lead-up to the elections, he accused his rival Mr Korcok a former ambassador to the US and Germany as well as a former envoy to Nato of being a warmonger who would send Slovak soldiers to fight in Ukraine. The president does not have the power to control troop deployments. Mr Pellegrini told the AFP ahead of the vote that the EU and Nato were divided between those who are in favour of the continuation of the war [between Russia and Ukraine] at all costs, and those who demand the start of peace negotiations. I will do everything for Slovakia to forever remain on the side of peace and not the side of war, Mr Pellegrini said. He said on Saturday that his election would not mean a rush to any fundamental change in foreign policy. This is not about the future direction of foreign policy. I also guarantee, like the other candidate, that we will continue to be a strong member of the EU and Nato, the president-elect added. Mr Korcok conceded defeated, but accused Mr Pellegrini of winning by spreading fear. A campaign can be won by making the other a candidate of war. I will not forget this. The decisive factor was high turnout; I respect that, but it was fear that decided... spreading fear and hatred, he said, according to Reuters. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. The UK government has announced that it is sending a warship to the Mediterranean to maintain a maritime corridor for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, Trend reports. British Defense Minister Grant Shapps said that the ship had already left for its deployment site. In addition to sending the ship, the UK is reported to have allocated up to 9.7 million for humanitarian assistance, logistics and equipment for the humanitarian corridor. We are committed to helping those who need it most, said British Foreign Secretary David Cameron. A total solar eclipse crossed North America Monday with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show where and when astronomy fans could see the big event as skies darkened in the middle of the day Monday, April 8. The total eclipse first appeared along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then traveled across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada. About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality, the area where the moon fully blocked out the sun, according to NASA. The path ranged between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality. Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024 United states map showing the path of the 2024 solar eclipse and specific regions of what the eclipse duration will be. The total solar eclipse started over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that experienced totality was Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT, according to NASA. From there, the path continued into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse exited continental North America at around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada. The path of totality included portions of the following states: TexasOklahomaArkansasMissouriIllinoisKentuckyIndianaOhioPennsylvaniaNew YorkVermontNew HampshireMaine Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse. Several major cities across the U.S. were included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others saw a partial eclipse. These were some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing though the weather was a factor: San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)Austin, TexasWaco, TexasDallas, TexasLittle Rock, ArkansasIndianapolis, IndianaDayton, OhioCleveland, OhioBuffalo, New YorkRochester, New YorkSyracuse, New YorkBurlington, VermontMap of when the solar eclipse reached totality across its path The eclipse began in the U.S. as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and then moving along its path to the northeast over the following few hours. NASA's map shows the path of totality for the April 8, 2024 eclipse. / Credit: NASA NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. People could have also checked their ZIP code on NASA's map to see when the eclipse was to reach them if they were on, or near, the path of totality or if they saw a partial eclipse instead. !function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r When Social Security mistakenly overpays benefits, you might get a bill | 60 Minutes Couple who went viral for recreating Taylor Swift's album covers give back Some states consider face mask bans after harassment incidents, protests This article was originally published in Indiana Capital Chronicle. For a handful of minutes, the skies will darken Monday in a total solar eclipse where the suns rays will be completely blocked by the moons orbit something Hoosiers can only view with special glasses, but more on that later. Our sister outlet, the Kansas Reflector, compiled its own questions and answers for their readers, which weve tweaked to fit our Hoosier audience. Our Kansas neighbors arent in the path of totality like Indiana but provided some great context before the big event. Wait! Theres going to be a solar eclipse? Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Yes! On Monday, April 8, 2024, to be precise. Portions of the state will be completely dark for just over four minutes, as detailed by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. While the skies will start to darken as early as 1:50 p.m., complete darkness will occur in Indianapolis between 3:06 and 3:09 before the skies lighten again at 4:23. Other parts of the state will roughly follow that same timeline but may be off by a few minutes. Whats a solar eclipse again? According to our friends at NASA: A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Just imagine that youre watching an important TV program and your beloved spouse passes in front of the set. They instantly become much less beloved. Now, lets equate your TV set with the sun and your spouse with the moon. Its just like that. Who will get to see it? All of Indiana will experience some portion of the eclipse but a portion of the state will be in the Path of Totality, where the moon will completely block the sun. This band, stretching from Bluffton to Evansville, has attracted hundreds of thousands of out-of-state visitors for the rare event. How rare? While partial solar eclipses happen two or three times each year somewhere on earth and there are roughly two total solar eclipses every three years Indiana wont experience another until 2099. Any advice on watching it? Dont look at the eclipse with your naked eyes. Let me repeat that, in italics: Dont look at the eclipse with your naked eyes. The sun is usually so bright that we cant physically stand to look at it. An eclipse cuts down on the brightness, but doesnt stop solar radiation that can cause major vision damage. This happens to people. It literally scars their retinas. They see a phantom image of the sun for the rest of their lives. But I can still sneak a peek, right? Please dont do that. If you dont believe me, listen to Shannon Schmoll, the director of the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University. We dont ever, ever want to look directly at the sun. It will harm our eyes and can cause permanent damage, she told journalists during a briefing organized by SciLine last week. So to look at this, you need to use either eclipse glasses or some sort of eclipse viewers. So where do I find those solar viewers? The American Astronomical Society maintains a list of reputable manufacturers and retailers. For the record, they do not recommend going to your prominent online retailer of choice and searching for cheap eclipse glasses. You can do better. For goodness sake, think of your eyes. Some public libraries are distributing glasses and the Department of Natural Resources has glasses and t-shirts available for purchase. Could I just use a camera instead? Nope. An unfiltered look at the eclipse will leave your fancy digital camera literally smoking. You need a specialized lens filter to take photos of the event with a standalone or phone camera. Okay, okay. Lets get glasses and filters aplenty. But does this mean the world is about to end? No. Millennia of eclipses have come and gone, and the world remains, for better or worse. People are handling this totally normally and rationally online, right? Haha. Of course they arent! A bonkers story from online technology website Gizmodo rounds up some of the wilder claims circulating online. Among them: The eclipse will bring down electrical grids and cellphone service, it will disrupt the simulation in which we all live, and assorted Biblical nonsense. Will animals act all weird? Take a read through the briefing mentioned above. In short, we know that birds and insects quiet down during an eclipse, but they dont freak out or anything. The eclipse is strong enough to suppress that daytime diurnal activity of day-flying insects and birds going to roost but its not strong enough to initiate the kind of typical nocturnal behaviors we see at sunset, said Andrew Farnsworth of the Center for Avian Population Studies at the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology. For their part, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources recommends keeping pets at home if they have trouble with leashes but note that animals, generally, dont look directly at the sun. What is the state government doing? In anticipation, Gov. Eric Holcomb has signed an executive disaster order letting Indiana call on a nationwide aid compact should the upcoming eclipse stress the states emergency response systems. Due to the number of people, officials expect a widespread and significant impact on Indianas critical infrastructure systems, including for communication, emergency response and transportation, according to the order. Alcohol regulators are even getting in on the fun and will be able to apply for special permits. If you might be driving, be prepared for potential slowdowns and traffic disruptions. Pack plenty of water, food and fuel along with chargers, maps and emergency kits. The Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) has a list of more tips for safe viewing. And, perhaps our favorite thing, First Lady Janet Holcomb made Path of Totality deviled eggs. Any events in Indiana I should know about? Tons! The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, for example, was selected as a National Air and Space Administration (NASA) broadcast location. Now its got a packed schedule featuring multiple astronauts, IndyCar drivers, NASA officials and Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb. The brickyard will also host technical and family-friendly educational programming. Speaking of the IDDC, theyve compiled a comprehensive list of all the other festivities around the state. Indiana Capital Chronicle Reporter Leslie Bonilla Muniz contributed to this story. Indiana Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Indiana Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Niki Kelly for questions: info@indianacapitalchronicle.com. Follow Indiana Capital Chronicle on Facebook and Twitter. BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) The Beckley Fire Department is participating in the American Red Cross Sound the Alarm program. The program, run by Captain Chris Graham, aims to educate Raleigh County about fire prevention and safety. The BFD wants to encourage everyone to have an escape plan in case of a fire in the home, and to also become more knowledgeable about fire safety. The program will also allow the BFD to install free fire alarms in Raleigh County. Nearly 11,000 still without power in West Virginia According to the American Red Cross, having a working smoke alarm in your home reduces the risk of death in a house half by half. The BFD has set aside Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26th as days to come out and install the free alarms. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Russia lost seven military aircraft during Ukraine's April 5 drone attack on the Yeysk air base in Krasnodar Krai, a source at Ukraines military intelligence (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent on April 7. Ukrainian forces attacked three Russian airfields on April 5 with unidentified drones. The joint operation of military intelligence and the Armed Forces hit the Yeysk, Engels-2, and Kursk airfields. The HUR source said the Ukrainian drone attack damaged four Russian Sukhoi Su-30SM fighter jets, two transport aircraft, and one Beriev Be-200 Altair. The Beriev Be-200 Altair is a jet-powered amphibious flying boat designed for fire fighting, search and rescue operations, and maritime patrol, as well as freight and passenger transportation. The attack also destroyed the diesel power station of the airport, the source said. The Yeysk air base is home to Russias Naval Aviation 859th Center for training pilots. Ukrainian troops have intensified strikes against military and industrial targets in Russia in recent weeks. Ukraine has used domestically produced long-range drones to successfully attack oil refineries and weapons facilities, prompting Russia to announce increased air defense efforts in these areas. 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. The moon eclipses the sun during the solar eclipse watch party at the downtown branch of the St. Joseph County Public Library in South Bend on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. SOUTH BEND Local police departments say theyll be ready for whatever Mondays solar eclipse brings, though theyre not anticipating major issues. South Bend police expect gatherings in parking lots and other open areas that officers will be mindful of, Capt. Jason Biggs said. Mishawaka officials say their police are prepared, as usual, for a range of emergencies. We ask that if anyone is driving at the time of the eclipse to be aware of their surroundings as there may be an increase in foot traffic," Biggs said. Also, do not try and watch the eclipse while driving. It is recommended to pull into a parking lot to safely witness the event. Lots of cars are expected to pass by the South Bend area as they head to central and southern Indiana and to Ohio, as travelers seek to experience the eclipse in totality. There, the skies will turn dark as if its night between 3:07 and 3:11 p.m., compared with 97% of totality in South Bend, which will dim the sunlight. When do I look up? What time is the total solar eclipse on April 8? Search your ZIP code for a viewing guide That may fill the main highways, like the St. Joseph Valley Parkway and U.S. 31, depending on which routes they take. We expect it to be like a busy weekend, said Troy Warner, spokesman for St. Joseph County Police. Al Kirsits, director of the countys Emergency Management Agency, said there have been months of meetings with police, schools and local and state agencies to prepare for any possible impacts from the eclipse. The EMA will stay tuned, he said, in case its resources are needed here or downstate. Gatherings galore: South Bend area offers far-out events to watch and learn from solar eclipse. With free glasses. He noted that state police will increase highway patrols, and fuel stations have been alerted to have enough fuel on hand for the extra traffic. Statewide, law enforcement is especially focused on the anticipated traffic in central and southern Indiana. Indiana Michigan Power says it will have extra crews ready to respond for any electric service and safety issues in its territory in the path of totality, near Marion and Muncie and south of Fort Wayne. This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Police prepped for eclipse and the extra traffic, offer drivers advice A Southwest 737-800 airliner such as the one pictured made an emergency landing in Denver on Sunday after pieces of an engine cowling detached during take-off. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI April 7 (UPI) -- A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 was forced to make an emergency landing after an engine cowling blew off during take-off in Denver, the Federal Aviation Administration said Sunday. Southwest Airlines Flight 3695 returned safely to Denver International Airport around 8:15 a.m. Sunday following the incident, the FAA said in an incident report. Officials said the crew reported the cowling fell off during takeoff and struck the wing flap. The flight was heading to William P. Hobby Airport in Houston. The FAA says it is investigating the incident. Passenger video obtained by ABC News showed the cowling peeling off from the engine as the 737 was taking off, then flapping in the breeze before completely detaching. One passenger can be heard in the background saying, "It all blew away." "Southwest Flight 3695 returned to Denver International Airport this morning and landed safely after experiencing a mechanical issue," Southwest said in a statement issued to media outlets. "Our customers arrived at Houston Hobby on another aircraft, approximately three hours behind schedule. We apologize for the inconvenience of their delay, but place our highest priority on ultimate safety for our customers and employees," the airline said. Sunday's emergency landing is the latest of a series of recent safety incidents involving a Boeing commercial airliner. A week ago, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by United Airlines was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Chicago because of a cracked windshield. On March 28, a Boeing 777-200 carrying 273 passengers and 12 crew members also made an emergency stop in Denver after the crew reported an engine problem. Earlier in March, airline officials discovered a missing external panel on the underside of a United Airlines Boeing 737-800 after the jet landed at its destination in Oregon. This is the third of several articles in a Be a More Informed Voter series by Sandy Parker of Sparker's Soapbox that will appear in the Naples Daily News in the coming months. In a previous column, I explained why informed voting in Florida requires an understanding of partisan and nonpartisan elections, the intricacies of closed primaries, and the need to register with a political party in a timely manner to participate in its closed primary. Sparker's Soapbox Being an informed voter also requires an understanding of your local political environment. Does one party always win your elections, or do people of both parties hold your elective offices? Are elections close, or are they decisively won? In Collier County, Republicans dominate the local political environment. Every one of our elected representatives to a partisan office, except for the president of the United States, is a Republican: every representative to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the Executive and Legislative branches of our state government, our five county commissioners, and our five county constitutional officers. Sandy Parker In fact, for decades, Collier County elections have been decisively won by Republicans. The last time a Democrat won a general election in Collier County was over 40 years ago when Aubrey Rogers was elected sheriff, and Sam Colding was elected property appraiser in 1984. The last Democrat to be elected county commissioner was Mary-Francis Kruse in 1980. Political parties even get involved in nonpartisan elections. In 2022, the Collier County Republican Executive Committee and its State Committeeman Francis Alfie Oakes endorsed three candidates for School Board, one for the Greater Naples Fire District Board, and one for Collier County judge. All their endorsed candidates won. Why is that the case? For one thing, there are more of them. More than half 53% of the county's 259,000 voters are registered Republicans. Just 21% are Democrats, and 26% are registered as No-Party Affiliation or minor parties. But its more than that. Republican candidates have generally raised more money than Democrats in races to represent Collier voters. For example, Byron Donalds raised $5.2 million in his race for reelection to Congress in 2022, while Cyndi Banyai, his Democrat challenger, raised about $110 thousand. In 2020, he raised $3.2 million, while the same challenger raised $215 thousand. In 2022, Chris Hall raised $145 thousand in his campaign for District 2 county commissioner. His opponent, Democrat Bebe Kanter, self-funded her campaign with a $45 thousand personal loan. Not only are there significantly more registered Republicans, and not only have Republican candidates generally raised more money for their campaigns, but Republicans appear to do a better job of getting out the vote. In 2022, 75% of Collier Republicans went to the polls, compared to 59% of Democrats and 50% of all others. In 2020, Republican turnout was 94%, compared to 91% of Democrats and 90% of all others. (Turnout is usually higher in presidential election years.) In every contested partisan race on the 2022 general election ballot for Collier County voters from the U.S. Senate to the County Commission the Republican candidate got 70% of the vote or more. Incumbent State Representatives Bob Rommel and Lauren Melo didn't even have a challenger. What It All Means After seeing similar outcomes year after year, it's safe to predict that Republican candidates will likely decisively win Collier Countys general elections. If thats the case, the real contests take place in the Republican primaries in August. And since Florida is a closed primary state, only registered Republicans can vote in them. The deadline to register or change party affiliation to vote in this years August primaries is July 22. For more information, consider the Soapbox Primers about Collier County and Florida government at sparkers-soapbox.com or contact the Collier County Supervisor of Elections at colliervotes.gov. Sandy Parker is the founder and publisher of Sparkers Soapbox, whose mission is to encourage and facilitate informed voting in Collier County and throughout Florida. Learn more at sparkers-soapbox.com. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Sparker's Soapbox: Collier Countys political environment TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Hundreds of Tampa Bay area residents put their endurance to the test for a good cause on Saturday during the American Lung Associations annual Fight For Air Climb. The Lung Association is such a great steward of the funds they raised $0.90 of every dollar goes right back into research, advocacy and education for those suffering with lung disease, the Chair Member of the American Lung Association Beth Ash said. Runners take on a 5K on runway at Tampa International Airport The Fight for Air Climb at the Bank of America plaza is raising awareness with every step to support the millions of Floridians who battle with lung disease every day. Its people here who fly with one lung. So, if they can get off the couch and just climb 42 flights of stairs, not their fastest, but just push the limits, anybody can do it. Ive been just very inspired, professional climber, Troy Alston, said. Climbers from all over the state came to climb 42 stories, and 914 steps. Climbers ranged from firefighters to competitive climbers, and even ordinary people just looking for a challenge. Together theyre raising money to promote research on lung disease including lung cancer. Everybody here, so many of them have a story of their own, Ash said. You can get paid $10K to cuddle with kittens at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay Originally it started out as just kind of love with the challenge, climber Jeff Hottman said. I thought the stair climb was unique. My connection is that I have a grandfather I never knew because he died of lung cancer and a few years ago my father, while he was being treated for cancer, caused pneumonia, and that kind of set him to the hospital for the final time. Organizers said they raised more than $150,000 to support the cause. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Practicing where they shouldnt and not responding to Florida Bar investigative records requests in one case involving a $300,000 settlement check and a claim of misappropriated funds put lawyers from Miami and Broward on the monthly list of attorneys disciplined by the state Supreme Court. In alphabetical order.... Albert Moon, Miami Albert Moon (admitted to the Florida Bar in 1978) represented Robert Frankl in a case against Geico Insurance. On Aug. 19, 2019, Frankl emailed Moon with direction to refrain from depositing a settlement check from Geico until he checked the closing statement for accuracy. Trust account filings show Moon deposited the $300,000 check the next day. Jump ahead to June 29, 2021. Frankl still didnt have his money. Moon had a home in Sebring hed bought in May 2020. READ MORE: A Miami attorney accused of misappropriating $300,000 in 2019 bought a house in 2020 Frankl filed a complaint with the Florida Bar over Moons handling of the settlement check. The Bar subpoenaed Moons trust account and other financial records in August 2022. After 15 months, the Grievance Committee found on Nov. 30 that Moon hadnt properly responded to the subpeona and that the non-compliance was willful. Moons suspension starts April 18. Hell remain suspended until he gives the Bar auditor all the records requested. Mark Sobocienski, Miami An Aug. 28 letter from the Bar alerted Mark Sobocienski (admitted in 2008) to a grievance by Michelle Olivera. The available documents dont detail exactly what Oliveras complaint was, but in addition to a response to Oliveras complaint, the Bar requested Sobocienski send the Bar auditor complete records from his trust account. Thats where funds for Sobocienskis clients would be kept. Sobocienski sent neither those records nor any response to Oliveras complaint. Hes suspended until he gives the Bar a full response. Evan Wolfe, Plantation When Plantation attorney Evan Wolfe (admitted in 1985) worked on a property insurance claim in Utah in 2016 and 2017, he didnt hide from his client that he wasnt a member of the Utah Bar. Wolfes retainer agreement with the client said as much. Wolfe thought this played by the rules of the American Bar Association and the Utah Bar as long as he brought on a member of the Utah bar if the case went to trial. The case never got that far, but Wolfe had run afoul of ABA and Utah Bar rules, as his guilty plea admits. The Utah Bar referred the case to the Florida Bar. Wolfe received a public reprimand from Floridas Supreme Court. String of deaths among Indian students in US raises alarm across community An Indian student has died in Cleveland, Ohio - the latest in a string of deaths among students visiting from the country, and the Indian-American community, this year. The death of Uma Satya Sai Gadde was reported by the Indian Consulate in New York on Friday. In a statement posted on X/Twitter, the consulate wrote: Deeply saddened by the unfortunate demise of Mr Uma Satya Sai Gadde, an Indian student in Cleveland, Ohio. The consulate said it had contacted Mr Gaddes family in India and that police are investigating. The Independent has contacted the Cleveland Police for comment. All possible assistance is being extended including to transport Mr Uma Gaddes mortal remains to India at the earliest, the consulate added. Classical dancer Amarnath Ghosh, 34, was shot and killed in St Louis, Missouri in February (Washington University in St Louis) The student is the latest suspicious fatality this year from the Indian community, with the number of deaths estimated at between six and ten people. Some Indian students have linked the deaths to increased threats and discrimination. The Indian Embassy held virtual sessions in February for students on wellbeing and how to remain in touch with the diaspora, meetings that took on new meaning following the deaths, according to NDTV. Students from 90 universities took part in the session led by Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan and attended by consul generals in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle. The Independent has contacted the Indian Embassy in Washington DC and the US State Department for comment. There are around 4.4 million Indian-Americans, and 268,923 Indian students came to the US for the 2022-2023 academic year. Several thousands more people come from India to the US on work visas. In March, classical dancer Amarnath Ghosh, 34, was shot and killed in St Louis, Missouri. The homicide investigation led by the St Louis Metropolitan Police Department is ongoing. IT executive Vivek Taneja, 41, of Alexandria, Virginia, died from his injuries days after being struck in the head outside a restaurant on 2 February, according to Washington DC Metropolitan Police. Charges are pending against an unidentified suspect. At least four other Indian students have died in the US in the first few months of this year. Vivek Saini, 25, was killed at a convenience store in Georgia where he worked after he allegedly refused to give free food to a homeless man, NDTV reported. Shreya Reddy Beniger, 19, who was studying at the Lindner School of Business in Ohio, was found dead in February. Police investigation is underway. At this stage, foul play is not suspected, the Indian consulate in New York wrote on X on 1 February. Student Neel Acharya,19, was found dead on the campus of Purdue University on 28 January in West Lafayette, Illinois. The coroner found the cause of death to be asphyxia, with cold exposure and ethanol intoxication contributing, according to WTHR. Indian-American student Akul Dhawan, 18, was found dead at the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign after going missing on 20 January. He died of hypothermia, the Champaign County Coroner said. Indian student Jaswant Singh told India.com that in the past couple of years in the US, there has been growing racism against Indians. Somehow there is a lot of prejudice against Indians, as ... the local people here think that we are taking their jobs and they don't sometimes like our culture, and there's a lot of stress that the students are facing, he said. One of my close friends is not able to talk to his parents because he's scared to tell them the ordeal that he's facing here right now. So the situation is pretty bad for the International Indian students here, he added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. The withdrawal of units of the 98th Brigade from Khan Yunis, located in the Gaza Strip, is associated with the completion of the operation to eliminate the military structure of the Palestinian Hamas movement in this city, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant said, Trend reports. He also noted that the military continues to prepare for new tasks, including operations in Rafah in the south of the sector. "We withdrew our forces from Khan Yunis after Hamas ceased to have a military presence in the city. Our troops left the area to prepare for future missions, including the mission in Rafah," the minister says. A combined attack was carried out on Israel on October 7,2023. From the beginning, a massive rocket attack began from the territory of the Gaza Strip, followed by the penetration of militants by land, water, and air. Israel declared a state of war after a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a mass gathering of reservists. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is on July 4, 2026. To help get the country and its youngest citizens ready, a nationwide contest is being held for students with a chance to win one of dozens of trips to historic and cultural landmarks. To enter the contest, students in third through 12th grade need to answer the question: What does America mean to you? We wanted to start with students because we want to inspire families, we want to make sure that parents, teachers, communities and neighborhoods feel like this is their commemoration, their celebration, sad Rosie Rios, chair of America250, which operates under a congressional bipartisan commission formed to commemorate the 250th anniversary. How to get involved as America prepares to celebrate 250 years Rios, who says the bicentennial in 1976 was a meaningful experience in her youth, wants her kids to be inspired in the way that celebration made her feel. Students in elementary school can submit artwork or a short essay, middle school students can submit artwork or a video and high school students can submit an essay or a video. (Its) a great opportunity for students to share their feelings and their thoughts and to be thinking about that, but a great way to tie in local communities. Because, lets say, a teacher does it in her classroom with all of her students, they can submit that, but theyre not all going to win. But if they share with their local library or their historical organization that artwork or what those students did, that would be a ready-made exhibit or something for the community to showcase those students and start that discussion of What is America? and thinking about the semiquincentennial, Amy Bradfield, co-chair for America250MI state committee, said. For any student who is working on this contest and is looking for some inspiration, Bradfield and Rios have some advice. Bradfield said to talk to someone in your community, like a librarian, or think about your communitys unique history. (Going) to local historical organizations or museums and finding out about the history of their town that might resonate with that child and make them think about Oh, OK, this is what it means to be American and this is why its important to me,' Bradfield said. Inside woodtv.com: West Michigan community museum tour She said its also a good idea to think about what you love about your community and how that connects to the bigger, national story. Rios, who is a first-generation American, said to think about your American story. Everyone has an American story. My parents have their own American story, and then theres my American story about what it felt like to learn the patriotic songs to be able to participate, Rios said. (Think about) what it means to pursue their own American Dream, and what our forefathers and foremothers had to go through to give us the freedoms we enjoy today. Submissions are due May 17 and must be uploaded by a teacher, parent or legal guardian. AWARDS HOPE TO ENCOURAGE DISCOVERING THE COUNTRY Winners will be selected by a third-party contest administrator. Twenty-five first-place award winners from each grade level will receive free travel and lodging for a three-day, day-night trip to one of the following historical or cultural sites: FILE Statue of Libarty FILE A bison lies down on the ground in front of the Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Wyo., on June 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File) Dream Lake in Colorados Rocky Mountain National Park in summer. (Grant Chesin/Getty) The National Archives building is shown July 22, 2004 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) The Library of Congress in Washington, DC on April 17, 2021. (Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images) Washington, D.C., USA March 27, 2013: People entering the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum entrance in Washington, D.C. (Getty) FILE The sun sets behind the New York skyline, Nov. 13, 2022, as seen from Calvary Cemetery. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson, File) FILE USS Constitution FILE People walk along a seawall with Fort Point and the Golden Gate Bridge in the background in San Francisco, on Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File) Tour of the Statue of Liberty in New York. Tour and hike at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Montana. Weekend at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Unique tours at the National Archives or the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Special tours at the Smithsonians National Museum of American History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, or the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. New York City, with private tours of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Museum and Learning Center and The Bank of New York Mellon, the countrys oldest bank. Experience the National Parks of Boston with a special visit to the USS Constitution and a sunset cruise to Spectacle Island. Candlelight tour at Fort Point at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Costumed roleplaying experience at American Village in Alabama. Those award recipients, those students who are selected to be able to participate in these field trips, get to literally choose from these backstage excursions. And the beauty of having the National Parks Service as part of our commission is that they have the ability to curate these experiences that most havent been offered to the public before, Rios explained. All second-place award winners will receive $500 and the teacher associated with the top-scoring student from each grade level will receive $1,000. This contest is a pilot program. Rios says that the commission hopes to discover what resonates with kids and expand what is offered to them, including making Americas Field Trip a full school year activity. What were trying to do is democratize discovering our country all over again. Not just the history but also the present and, again thinking about kids, inspiring the future, Rios said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. "Mr Bates vs the Post Office" had a remarkable impact after airing in Britain and now comes to PBS. The drama sparked public outrage about hundreds of wrongful convictions. People who ran small post offices were falsely accused of theft, but faulty software was to blame. It took a television drama to bring about justice for thousands of people in Britain caught up in what the prime minister called one of the country's biggest miscarriages of justice. Barely a week after ITV started airing "Mr Bates vs the Post Office" in January, Rishi Sunak told the House of Commons that the government was introducing legislation to quash the convictions of more than 700 subpostmasters. They run small post offices, often in little communities where everyone knows each other. Now the drama is being broadcast by PBS, with the first episode airing on Sunday. The scandal dates back more than a quarter of a century, when the Post Office brought in a computer system at huge expense to modernize its operations. That system, supplied by Japan's Fujitsu, appeared to show that many subpostmasters were stealing money but they were not. It was the Horizon system that was faulty. Many were jailed, or were left bankrupt by repaying debts they never incurred or having their businesses taken away from them. Seema Misra, convicted of stealing 74,000 (about $95,000) and sentenced to 15 months for theft and false accounting, said she would have killed herself had she not been pregnant with her second child at the time. Peter Huxham died by suicide in July 2020 after being jailed for eight months over a 16,000 shortfall and the failure of his marriage. Martin Griffiths, 59, jumped in front of a bus in 2013 after being falsely accused of theft at his post office branch in Ellesmere Port, near Liverpool. Others had marriages destroyed, were ostracized by their communities and ruined financially. Julian Wilson, for one, died before being able to clear his name. Each case is shocking in its own way. Jo Hamilton, who ran the Village Shop and Post Office in South Warnborough, Hampshire, was wrongly convicted of theft in the Post Office Horizon scandal. Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images Journalists have been covering the problems with Horizon for at least 15 years ago. Outlets including Computer Weekly, Private Eye and public broadcaster the BBC covered the story extensively but it wasn't until the four-part drama starring Toby Jones (who's appeared in "Harry Potter" and "Hunger Games" films) that millions of people became aware of the injustice, not to mention the untold pain and suffering inflicted on the subpostmasters and their families. Toby Jones as Alan Bates in the ITV drama. ITV The program focused on Alan Bates, who along with his partner invested in a post office store in Wales in 1998. A number of financial discrepancies were identified by the computer system, and when he refused to repay one sum, the Post Office terminated his contract, wiping out their 60,000 investment and destroying their livelihood. For more than two decades Bates has campaigned for justice for hundreds of people like him. He wasn't prosecuted, but many others were. A letter to The Guardian newspaper from John Beer of Farnham, Surrey sums up the reaction of many people: "With increasing incredulity and rage, I viewed as it revealed what lengths some senior executives and boards will go to protect their companies even when they know the lives of so many good and honest people are being ruined or terminated." The public anger galvanized ministers into taking incredibly swift action by drafting a new law to clear the names of all those convicted although cynics argue that a looming general election later this year also helped to focus minds. The blanket acquittal appears to be the first time that parliament has been asked to overturn the verdict of courts of law, The Guardian reported. While some convictions had already been overturned, most had not, and a government inquiry into the scandal is still taking evidence and won't report until next year. A huge number of questions remain unanswered. Why did the Post Office which has been owned by the government since 2012 continue to prosecute people when there were doubts about the software? And why did the government keep awarding contracts worth almost 5 billion ($6.4 billion) to Fujitsu even after the Court of Appeal ruled in December 2019 that its software was at fault ? Then there's the issue of whether taxpayers should be expected to foot the compensation bill of 600,000 ($763,000) for each wrongful conviction. That sounds like a lot of money, but campaigners say it only covers loss of earnings rather than include damages for many. A government minister, Kevin Hollinrake, said Fujitsu would have to cover some of the bill if it was found "culpable" by the public inquiry. Fujitsu apologized for the postmasters' "suffering," but didn't comment further "out of respect for the inquiry process," the Financial Times reported. The conduct of Post Office managers is also under renewed scrutiny. BBC News reported on Friday that the company lied and made threats before it broadcast an interview in 2015 with a whistleblower who revealed that figures on the Horizon system could be changed without users' knowledge. Gwyneth Hughes, who wrote the drama, said in a press release that despite their pain and suffering, the victims of the Post Office scandal "manage to be funny and warm and welcoming even after 25 years of their ordeal. These were ordinary British people, living ordinary British lives, until suddenly they weren't," she said. "Suddenly they were dubbed thieves and villains, trapped in a nightmare of false accusation and public humiliation. Innocent people, pillars of their communities, and the worst of it is that each of them was told they were the only one having problems with the Horizon computer system." After more than a million people signed a petition calling on Paula Vennells, the former CEO of the Post Office, to be stripped of a public honor called a CBE given to her in 2019 for services to the organization, and to charity. This week the former Anglican priest decided to voluntarily return the honor and said in a statement she was "truly sorry for the devastation caused to the sub-postmasters and their families." Alan Bates had refused a similar honor while Vennells still held hers, but that could soon change. Sunak's spokesman said it was "hard to think of someone more deserving than him" and he could be in line for a knighthood Britain's highest honor. Alan Bates has waged his campaign for subpostmasters for nearly two decades. House of Commons/PA/Getty Images The death of network TV has been forecast many times, but it's not quite dead yet. That may be only because advertisers still find it the best way to reach mass audiences. Nevertheless, it's highly likely that if a streaming platform or even a pay-TV channel had shown the drama, it wouldn't have had anything like the same impact if only because far fewer people would've seen it. The program and an accompanying documentary have been seen by almost 15 million people, according to ITV. James Strong, the director, told BBC News: "It's astonishing we thought we'd hopefully raise awareness and get the story of the victims to a wider audience, but no one ever thought we'd get this sort of reaction and response it's mind-blowing." Polly Hill, ITV's head of drama, said : "We commissioned this drama because it was a story that demanded to be told. Like everyone watching the show, I couldn't believe what had happened. We all just wanted the drama to help get that story heard by as many people as we could. ITV is proud to have told this story and to support the subpostmasters." "Mr Bates vs the Post Office" is being broadcast on PBS weekly from Sunday April 7. Episodes will be available to stream for 14 days and can also be streamed on the PBS App, PBS Passport, and the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel. Read the original article on Business Insider Several years ago, Steve Hurvitz helped launch The Learning Jet program at downtown St. Paul's Holman Field to inspire young people to seek careers in aviation. Thousands have answered the call, learning about air flight careers from pilots to mechanics. In 2022, he figured, why not use the same idea to entice teens to consider careers as first responders? "We need them," Hurvitz said of the emergency personnel who answer the call every day. "I thought, 'Why not show the kinds of great thing they do every day?'" The 2024 First Responders Camp will run June 24-28, based at the Learning Jet's renovated hangar classroom at the St. Paul airport. But this is not a classroom camp. The 24 students will see demonstrations by firefighters, SWAT team members, crisis negotiators, water rescue squads and air rescue units. Each participant in the free camp will even get a chance to go airborne. Lt. Craig Benz is chief pilot with the Minnesota State Patrol flight section. He jumped at a chance to participate in the camp, he said. "It's important for the younger generation to see what first responders are all about and the career opportunities that are out there," he said. "Often, they see only what movies show, or what's in the news media." Benz, who has worked in the flight section for 14 years, has participated in a range of community events for seven or eight years, with the idea of fostering better understanding of what goes into what he considers a dream job. "To mix law enforcement with aviation is a blessing," he said. Last year, Hurvitz said, officials canceled the camp because too few students signed up. He blames not getting the word out early enough. "This year, we attacked it pretty hard," he said. Eighteen students are already registered. If enough students are interested, Hurvitz said, the camp rolls could increase from 24 to 30. Students may apply to the camp through their high school counselor or the Boy Scouts Explorers program, he said. Or they can contact the Learning Jet online at thelearningjet.org. Applications must be submitted by May 31. According to its Facebook page, "The Learning Jet is the first of its kind in the nation for engaging students in STEAM subjects and activities by incorporating hands-on activities in the classroom, cultivating enthusiasm for learning, relating it to real life experiences and fostering a long-term interest in continued learning in science, technology, engineering and math." Dean Gale is a believer in building student interest in careers through experiential learning. The business manager for St. Paul Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 34 was part of a crew of trade union volunteers who renovated an airport hangar into the Learning Jet's classroom several years ago. He's on the Learning Jet board. "This is about renewing interest in people serving our communities," Gale said. . FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE) As a critical congressional race in the Central Valley could determine which party controls the house, Congressman David Valadao gives a preview of whats coming in November. In Fresno, Fresno Unified trustees decided to look outside the district for the next superintendent but it took some convincing. Click here for more Sunday Morning Matters Meanwhile, the food service industry responds to fast food wages going up to $20 an hour in California. All of that on this weeks Sunday Morning Matters. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. EZ Noble Sushi across seven different supermarkets have been pulled from the shelves due to undeclared allergens. The fresh sushi sold this week has the potential to contain milk, wheat, and eggs but the packaging does not disclose this information anywhere. Those with severe allergies could face life threatening reactions. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported the recall last Friday, Mar. 29th, which was issued voluntarily by the Geisslers Supermarket regional chain. Read on for more details, including exactly which products the recall includes and what to do if youve purchased them. EZ Noble Sushi Recall The affected products were sold in seven different Geisslers Supermarkets in Connecticut. All of the sushi products produced by EZ Noble Sushi is included in this recall if it was produced or purchased on 3/26/2024 or 3/27/2024, with best by dates of 3/27/2024 or 3/28/2024. Below is a list of all of the sushi included in the recall: Vegetable Tempura Roll (labeled with UPC 23421400000) Shrimp Tempura & Lobster Roll (UPC 23410400000) Spicy Crab (UPC 23401200000) Tuna Salmon Masago Combo (UPC 23450000000) Shrimp Tempura & Cucumber Roll (UPC 23402600000) Spicy Shrimp Roll (UPC 23401300000) California Roll (UPC 23400300000 + UPC 23400100000) Avocado Cucumber Crunch Roll (UPC 23419300000) Salmon Avocado Classic Roll (UPC 23403700000) Cucumber Spicy Salmon Crunch Roll (UPC 23419400000) Tuna Avocado Classic Roll (UPC 23403500000) New York (Tuna & Salmon & Masago) Roll (UPC 23405000000) Salmon Combo (UPC 23408400000) Classic Roll Crab Avo (UPC 23403100000) Cucumber Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll (UPC 23419500000) Vegetable Roll (UPC 23401700000) Tuna Salmon Eel Combo (UPC 23408800000) Tuna Salmon Combo (UPC 23408700000) Shrimp Tempura & Spicy Shrimp Roll (UPC 23410600000) Shrimp Tempura & New York Roll (UPC 23410500000) Birthday (Tuna & Salmon) Roll (UPC 23406500000) Shrimp Tempura Crunch Roll (UPC 23419600000) Dancing Dragon Roll Eel & Avocado (UPC 23908200000) Spicy Tuna Roll (UPC 23401000000) Salmon Masago Combo (UPC 23450100000) Pink Lady Salmon Roll (UPC 23406000000) Philadelphia Avo or Cucumber Classic Roll (UPC 23404400000) Undeclared Allergens The sushi is being recalled due to the presence of undeclared allergens. All of the above products could contain milk, wheat, and eggs, three common allergies that could cause anaphylaxis, which could be deadly for those with severe allergies. The recall statement explains that the recall was initiated after "a follow up investigation of a recall in 2022 of EZ Noble Sushi for undeclared allergens revealed labeling issues were not corrected." What To Do If You've Purchased A Recalled Product If you still have one of the recalled products in your fridge and are allergic to eggs, milk, and/or wheat, you should dispose of the product immediately, or return it to your place of purchase for a full refund. The statement issued by Geisslers Supermarket says: "Consumers who have purchased sushi at any Geisslers Supermarket Inc. location on 3/26/2024 or 3/27/2024 may return said sushi products at the Geisslers store where it was purchased for a full refund." Those wishing to contact the company directly were told to call 860-623-0176 or email office@geisslers.com from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time. A suspect has been arrested after a fire was set at Bernie Sanders Vermont office (Burlington Police Department) A suspect has been arrested over an arson attack at Bernie Sanders office in Burlington, Vermont. Shant Michael Soghomonian, 35, has been charged with one count of intentionally setting a fire with the purpose of damaging the independent senators office, according to the US Attorneys Office for the District of Vermont. He faces a minimum of five years in prison and heavy fines if convicted. Mr Soghomonian has not yet retained legal counsel, according to reports. On Friday morning, security footage showed a man spraying a chemical accelerant on the door of the senators third floor office. The man is then seen lighting the liquid on fire before leaving the building. No injuries were reported despite multiple staffers being in the building at the time. Mr Sanders was not present when the attack occurred. The Senate is adjourned until Monday. Police issued a photo of the suspect who set Bernie Sanderss Vermont office on fire (Burlington Police Department) Burlington police are coordinating with US Capitol Police, which investigates crimes that target lawmakers, in the investigation. A Burlington police spokesperson described the blaze as a significant fire which engulfed the door and part of the vestibule, impeding the egress of staff members who were working in the office and endangering their lives. The fire was largely extinguished by onsite fire suppression sprinklers while firefighters dealt with the remainder. We are grateful to the Burlington Fire and Police Departments who responded immediately today to a fire incident that took place in our office building, Mr Sanders office said in a statement. We are relieved that no one on our staff and, to our understanding, no one in the building was harmed. Heres what Donald Trump says when he thinks youre not watching: He says hes going to cut taxes for his rich friends, all while cutting Social Security for everyone else. @BernieSanders and I are mad as hell about it, and together, were going to stop him. pic.twitter.com/QYcBILQkzY Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 5, 2024 Thank you as well to the Vermont State Police for their assistance and the efforts of the US Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms, who are working in coordination with local first responders. Earlier this week, the Vermont senator joined President Joe Biden at the White House for an event to promote lowering costs for inhalers and other prescription drugs. Mr Sanders is a champion of the progressive movement and has finished second in two consecutive presidential primaries. He is also no stranger to threats against his life. Several people have been charged for issuing death threats to the Vermont lawmaker. Authorities arrested a man Sunday in connection with an alleged arson at Sen. Bernie Sanders office in Vermont last week, according to the Justice Department. Shant Soghomonian, 35, was charged with using fire to damage the building in Burlington on Friday, according to a Justice Department news release. Soghomonian, who has also gone by the name Michael, is previously of Northridge, California, the agency said. Soghomonian allegedly entered the building Friday morning and went to the third floor, where the independent senators offices are located, according to court records cited by the Justice Department. Soghomonian was recorded on a security video spraying a liquid near the outer door of the office and then lighting the area with a handheld lighter, the news release said. He left through a staircase as the blaze spread, according to the Justice Department. The fire damaged the outside of the office door and surrounding areas, and sprinklers discharged on multiple floors. Multiple employees were in the well-known progressive senators office at the time of the fire, and its unknown how many other people were in the building. There were no injuries reported, the Justice Department said. Burlington Police Department The Burlington Police Department previously said the fire engulfing the door and part of the vestibule impeded the egress of staff members who were working in the office and endangered their lives. I am deeply grateful to the swift, professional, coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement in response to the fire at my Vermont office on Friday. I am also thankful that none of the many people who were in the office building at the time of the fire were injured, Sanders said in a statement to CNN on Sunday. He added, I appreciate the outpouring of support and well-wishes for me and my staff. We are proud to be able to continue to serve Vermonters during these challenging times. If convicted, Soghomonian could face between five and 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine, according to the Justice Department, which said it has not identified a lawyer for the suspect. Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak thanked law enforcement and partners for their work in arresting the suspect. A special thank you to Burlington Police Department detectives, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, as well as the U.S. Attorneys Office for the integral role they played in bringing swift resolution to this investigation, Mulvaney-Stanak said in a statement. My office has offered the support of the Burlington Community Justice Center to Senator Sanderss staff, and we will continue to be in close communication as their office navigates the impacts of this incident, she said. CNNs Aileen Graef, Mary Kay Mallonee, Kaanita Iyer, and Raja Razek contributed to this alert. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A man was arrested Sunday on a federal arson charge related to the fire started Friday at the Vermont office of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Vermont announced Sunday. Shant Soghomonian, also known as Michael Soghomonian, was arrested Sunday after allegedly using fire to damage the building at One Church Street in Burlington, Vt. The building is used in interstate commerce, requiring the alleged crime to be prosecuted at the federal level. An initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Doyle had not been scheduled as of midday Sunday. On Friday, local officials responded to what the Burlington Police Department (BPD) called an arson incident at the senators office. At the time, the Burlington fire marshals office described the fire to be incendiary in nature. No injuries were reported, but Sanderss office was occupied by multiple employees at the time of the incident, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said. Security cameras captured Soghomonian spraying liquid near the outer door of Sanderss office on the third floor and then lighting the area with a handheld lighter, according to court records. A blaze quickly began while Soghomonian departed via a staircase. The resulting fire damaged the outside of the office door and surrounding areas, and the building sprinklers discharged on multiple floors, the DOJ said in a press release, citing court records. If convicted, the suspect could face a maximum possible penalty of 5-20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, according to DOJ. We are grateful to the Burlington Fire and Police Departments who responded immediately today to a fire incident that took place in our office building, Kathryn Van Haste, state director for Sanders, said Friday in a statement to The Hill. We are relieved that no one on our staff and, to our understanding, no one in the building was harmed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A California man who allegedly set fire to Sen. Bernie Sanders Vermont office was arrested on Sunday, the Department of Justice said in a release. Shant Soghomonian, 35, is charged with using fire to damage the building at One Church Street in Burlington, Vermont. He could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 as a maximum penalty. According to the release, Soghomanian was caught on a security camera spraying the door of Sanders office with an unidentified liquid and then using a handheld lighter to torch it. He fled the scene as the flames began to grow, damaging parts of the outer office and triggering the buildings sprinkler system, which doused it before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported, although the senators office was occupied by several employees when the fire broke out. The senator himself was not present at the time of the fire. Its unclear why Soghomonian, who is from Northridge, California, set the Burlington blaze. An initial court appearance has not yet been set. Bernie Sanders Tells Colbert He Wont Miss Kyrsten Sinema At All 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. One dead after East Memphis shooting, suspects on the run MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis Police are searching for the suspects responsible for a deadly shooting in East Memphis. Memphis Police say the shooting happened on Flamingo Road near Quince Road Saturday night. Officers responded to the scene at 8:02 p.m. Police say one man was injured. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition where he later died. Susan Rubio has lived off Kimball and Flamingo Road for more than 50 years she says she knew the victim in Saturdays shooting well, identifying him as a man named Tracy in his 50s. She says Memphis needs more people like him. Man critically injured in shooting near southeast Memphis lounge Weve been neighbors for a really long time, she said. Hed always come over and help us out with whatever we needed. The victims family did not want to speak on camera, but his brother-in-law told WREG hed seen surveillance footage of younger people dragging the victim outside his home and shooting him. Another neighbor, Kenny Gilmore, recounts hearing gunshots. The shooting started. I grabbed my gun, ran around the house, he said. The two cars involved took off. I didnt get a shot off because another car was coming. I looked across the street and saw Tracys legs laying there. Memphis Police say the suspects fled the scene in a small dark-colored sedan. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (901) 528-CASH. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will make an official visit to China from April 8 to 9, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trend reports. It is reported that the visit will include negotiations with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. A detailed exchange of views is planned on a number of hot topics and regional issues, including the Ukrainian crisis and the situation in the Asia-Pacific region, the ministry added. Use of taxpayer dollars for private schools rings death knell for our public schools | Opinion Kill bill, not public schools Thank you for your front page story concerning the theft of my tax dollars by this states legislature to pay parents to remove their children from our public schools. This is ludicrous. We are already paying for the schools. Why not use that $30 million to help them do better? And since the majority of the approved private schools are religious, whatever happened to the sacred American principle of separation of church and state? I urge our states senators to kill this bill before it kills our public schools. Elizabeth Russell, Columbia Expand child tax credit Despite the positive impacts of previous Child Tax Credit expansions, the lack of current expansion comes with repercussions. There has been a history of successes as a result of the Child Tax Credit being expanded in the past. The expansion in Congress in 2021 led to a 40 percent decrease in poverty. However since the expiration of the expansion in 2021, there has been a dramatic increase in poverty among children. According to Health Promotion Practice, immediate effects of deprivation, including lack of food, housing, transportation, etc., are not the only ways poverty impacts families. It also causes chronic stress. Health Promotion Practice explains that for those in poverty, conditions related to socio-economics, culture, and environment have damaging health effects including health risk behaviors, communicable illness, higher rates of chronic disease and premature mortality. As a volunteer with RESULTS, an anti-poverty organization, I call for Senators Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham to support the expansion of the Child Tax Credit. Candace Fant, Irmo Support recess bill; reduce child stress Parents of public school children should be allowed to sue the schools, legislature, senators and the governor for abuse. If children live in hell at home and then live in hell at school, they lose hope. Even if the child has the perfect home, school is so stressful that a third of students are on medication. Some become suicidal or shooters. We have the most stressful school schedules in the history of the world. We also have the sickest children. Insist that the legislators vote for the recess bill right away. Patricia Milley, Conway Avoid partisanship Some law enforcement officers, often senior-level officers, appear in national news photographs with a current political candidate under indictment in multiple jurisdictions at the federal and state levels. Thus, they imply their support for the candidate. In their professional capacity, law enforcement officers must prioritize their duties over personal beliefs. This includes refraining from endorsing someone under criminal indictment, regardless of the circumstances. Such actions not only compromise the integrity of the justice system, but also undermine the publics faith in law enforcement, a faith that is crucial for maintaining social order. The bar might be too high to assert that the police, like active duty military, should abstain from showing partisan political preference. There is a long-standing tradition for such. However uniformed officers, especially those in leadership, should avoid appearing with candidates seeking office while under criminal indictment. Who the candidate is does not matter. Mark W. Huguley, Columbia Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility your central hub for news and insights on the future of transportation. Sign up here just click TechCrunch Mobility to receive the newsletter every weekend in your inbox. Subscribe for free. Automakers reported auto sales for Q1 and, welp, turns out that pricing sure does matter if you want to sell EVs. Who would have thought? A recent survey by Edmunds comes to a similar conclusion (at least for American buyers), finding a big gap between what consumers want and what is actually available on the market. Here's the crux. According to the Edmunds survey, 47% say they are seeking an EV purchase below $40,000, and 22% are interested in EVs priced below the $30,000 threshold. Today, there are no new EVs priced below $30,000 and only four below the $40,000 mark. The average price of an EV in 2023 was $61,702, while all other vehicles stood at $47,450. This mismatch of realities is squeezing automakers as they try to move inventory by slashing prices. This downward pressure has forced automakers like Ford to delay future EV launches and put more resources toward hybrids. Even Tesla, a bellwether in the EV world, fell well below analysts' expectations with deliveries down 20% from Q4 2023. Meanwhile, EV upstart Rivian posted tepid results. What's the answer? Well, over at Tesla, it seems the solution is twofold: slash prices again and try to capture revenue through sales of its Full Self-Driving software that costs $12,000 and is currently being offered in a free one-month trial to all customers. OK, folks, let's jump into the rest of the news! A little bird blinky cat bird green Founders, investors, engineers, policy wonks and others tell us things. And we're here to pass along the verifiable information that those little birds have shared with us. This week, a little bird tipped us on the closure of Ghost Autonomy, which had raised upward of $220 million and recently partnered with OpenAI. A couple of calls, emails and a fresh posting on the company's website confirmed the tip. About 100 people were affected. As I noted in my article, Ghost has pivoted a few times since it was founded in 2017. When I asked founder and CEO John Hayes what happened, he said the company had completed a highway driving product and was moving in urban environments through what he described as "last-mile delivery." "Ultimately, the years required to bring the product to market could not be financed," he wrote to me in an email. Got a tip for us? Email Kirsten Korosec at kirsten.korosec@techcrunch.com or Sean O'Kane sean.okane@techcrunch.com. If you prefer to remain anonymous, click here to contact us, which includes SecureDrop (instructions here) and various encrypted messaging apps. Deal of the week money the station Startup founders, listen up a new fund just closed. Get your slide decks ready. Maniv, the Israel and now NYC-based VC firm, raised a $140 million fund with plans to stick to its early-stage investment strategy of backing startups at the intersection between mobility, transportation and energy. As I noted in my longer feature, the firm's approach has evolved a bit by expanding geographically and diversifying its investor base. The firm has also largely stopped using the once trendy umbrella term "mobility" (often leaving it out of its original name Maniv Mobility) and has opted instead to talk about deep tech, decarbonization and digitization of the transportation sector. Investors in the fund are no longer dominated by automakers and Tier 1 suppliers. Instead, Maniv has opened up to a broader swath of strategic and institutional financial investors, including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and the venture arms of Shell and Enterprise Mobility. The Maniv III fund also includes return investors Valeo and Jaguar Land Rover venture arm InMotion Ventures. Toyota Motor Corp.'s Woven Capital, vehicle leasing company Arval, transportation infrastructure giant Ferrovial, the industrial manufacturing firm ITT Inc., fleet payments business WEX and an unnamed European insurance company also participated in the fund. Other deals that got my attention Alsym Energy, a Massachusetts-based startup developing nonflammable battery chemistry, raised $78 million in a Series C round led by General Catalyst and Tata, the Indian conglomerate, with participation from Drads Capital, Thomvest and Thrive Capital. BlaBlaCar, the French carpooling and bus ticketing company, secured a 100 million revolving credit facility ($108 million at today's exchange rate). Notable reads and other tidbits Autonomous vehicles Waymo and Uber expanded on an ongoing partnership that will affect Uber Eats' customers in the metro Phoenix area. Now when folks order a burrito or a pizza or some other treat through Uber Eats, they may have their meals delivered by a Waymo vehicle. The tie-up will begin with select merchants in Chandler, Tempe and Mesa, including restaurants like Princess Pita, Filiberto's and BoSa Donuts. Electric vehicles, charging & batteries Apple is laying off 614 employees in California after abandoning its electric car project. According to the WARN notice posted by the California EDD, most of the affected employees were working at buildings related to its canceled car project, while others were working at a facility for its next-generation screen development, Bloomberg reported. Canoo finally reported its Q4 and full-year earnings. Tucked inside the regulatory filing is a nugget regarding the use of CEO Tony Aquila's private jet -- just one of many expenses that illustrates the gap between spending and revenue at the EV startup. Tl;dr: Canoo spent double its annual revenue on the CEO's private jet in 2023. Faraday Future narrowly avoided an eviction from its Los Angeles headquarters. The company reached an agreement with the owner of the building, Rexford Industrial, to stay at the facility as long as it meets a few conditions. If Faraday violates any of the terms, Rexford has the right to trigger a 48-hour demand for payment and can boot the startup if it doesn't pay up. If Faraday Future makes its payments, it can stay in the building until September 2025 when the lease expires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a third investigation into Fisker's Ocean SUV, this time centered on problems getting the doors to open. Tesla is reportedly abandoning its plan to build a lower-cost EV thought to cost around $25,000, according to Reuters, despite that vehicle's status as a pivotal product for the company's overall growth. Apparently, Tesla will instead focus on a planned robotaxi that is being built on the same small EV platform that was also supposed to power the lower-cost vehicle. This is where it gets a bit silly. Just hours after Tesla CEO Elon Musk said Reuters was lying, he posted on X that the Tesla robotaxi would be revealed August 8. Go figure. This week's wheels This week's wheels is taking a one-week hiatus while I enjoy a bit of vacation time. But don't worry, it's back next week and I have a few vehicles lined up, including the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4Matic sedan, a Lexus LC500 hybrid and a Mercedes eSprinter. Plus, some e-bikes will soon be in the mix. What vehicles including the two-wheeled variety are you interested in reading about? I'll put them on my list. El Paso County sheriff's deputies arrested a man this weekend accused in a fatal shooting in Red Sands over the Thanksgiving holiday last year. Angel Gallardo, 19, of Horizon City area, was arrested on a murder charge on Saturday, April 6, following a lengthy investigation by detectives with the Major Crimes Unit into the shooting death of 19-year-old Mauricio Elias on Black Friday in the desert off-roading site, officials said. Angel Gallardo was arrested on a murder charge on Saturday accused in the shooting death of Mauricio Elias, 19, on Nov. 24, 2023, in the Red Sands desert outside El Paso. Gallardo was taken into custody on Saturday after he was located by the Major Crimes Unit, Fugitive Apprehension Unit and the Targeted Response Unit, known as TRU, from the Peter J. Herrera Patrol Station in Clint. Crime: Juarez house hid 3 bodies under floor. Woman missing on Good Friday found slain in desert Gallardo is being held under a $1 million bond at the El Paso County Jail in Downtown El Paso. A motive in the shooting has not been disclosed. Elias, a graduate of Socorro High School, was "a great kid with an amazing heart always looking out for everyone," his family stated on a GoFundMe page collecting donations for funeral expenses. One killed, 2 wounded in Red Sands shooting on Thanksgiving weekend The shooting occurred about 9 p.m. on Black Friday, Nov. 24, as crowds of all-terrain and off-road vehicles had gathered in Red Sands, off Montana Avenue, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office said. The Sheriff's Office had initially said that Elias was 18 years old. When deputies arrived, paramedics from the Texas Rescue Patrol were performing CPR on Elias, who was transported to the Hospitals of Providence East Campus, where he died, sheriff's officials said. Two other persons, both 18 years old, had gunshot wounds that were not life threatening. The Texas Rescue Patrol is a state-licensed emergency medical services volunteer group that provides emergency aid in Red Sands and other parts of the rural desert in El Paso and Hudspeth counties. Gun violence: Cesar Chavez Day event canceled as El Paso police seek teens in Lincoln Park shooting The volatile mix of alcohol and firearms at Red Sands has become so hazardous in recent years that the Texas Rescue Patrol is asking for donations to buy body armor for its volunteer medics. The nonprofit group has a GoFundMe page set up to collect money to purchase body armor for its EMTs. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office have made an arrest in a fatal shooting that killed Mauricio Elias in Red Sands during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend on Nov. 24, 2023. Red Sands is a popular desert off-roading location outside of El Paso, seen here in June 2021. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso-area man arrested on murder charge in Red Sands shooting Heres How to Tell if You Have a Pair of Fake Solar Eclipse Glasses The American Astronomical Society said the glasses should block all of the suns ultraviolet light except for a fraction of it Michael M. Santiago/Getty A photo of a pair of solar eclipse glasses Experts are warning people to make sure they have the right pair of glasses to watch the total solar eclipse happening on April 8. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) said in a March 22 release that it found counterfeit and fake glasses to view the eclipse were polluting the marketplace in recent weeks ahead of the eclipse and warned people to make sure their glasses are safe to use. With millions of North Americans only now becoming aware that a solar eclipse is imminent and seeking to get their hands on eye protection, it is critical that everyone understand how to spot unsafe products, the AAS said. The AAS explained that solar eclipse glasses that are protective block all of the suns ultraviolet (UV), visible and infrared (IR) light except for a fraction of it. It noted that because counterfeit glasses do not do this, people using them to view the eclipse may experience severe eye injuries ranging from temporarily impaired vision to permanent blindness. LeoPatrizi/Getty A photo of people looking to a solar eclipse Related: All About the Rare Total Solar Eclipse, Including Where It Occurs and How to See It Filters that provide safe, comfortable views of the sun generally transmit between 1 part in 100,000 (0.001%) and 1 part in 2,000,000 (0.00005%) of its visible light, Rick Fienberg, project manager of the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force, said in the release. Solar filters are at least 1,000 times darker than even the darkest regular sunglasses. The AAS showed an example of counterfeit glasses versus real ones and noted that the lenses of the fake ones were "black and have straight left and right edges," while the lenses of the real ones were "reflective" and had "curved left and right edges." Fienberg said people can test if they have real solar eclipse glasses by trying them on indoors prior to the eclipse. He said if they are real, people would not be able to see anything through them, except maybe very bright lights, but these would be faint. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. He said if the glasses pass this first test, then people can also test the glasses outdoors. Again, they shouldnt be able to see anything, except for the suns glare off a surface, which should also be faint. The third test is glancing at the sun for less than a second. He said people should only see a sharp-edged, round disk that is comfortably bright. He said the color of the sun is dependent on the filter in the glasses so it can appear white, bluish white, yellow or orange. Related: Where to Buy Solar Eclipse Glasses? All About the Specialized Glasses Recommended by NASA Fienberg said if the glasses pass all three tests they should be safe, but he recommended that if people are still unsure, they should use the glasses sparingly and only look through them for no more than 2 or 3 seconds every 5 minutes. The AAS said that knockoffs can copy a statement that the glasses comply with the ISO 12312-2 standard for filters to observe the sun and can even have the same names as reputable companies printed on them. The only way to make sure they work properly is to test them, which can only be done in a lab. However, the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force said it has tested products and released a list of vendors of safe solar viewers that it is sure follow the standards for solar eclipse safe viewing. We recommend not buying eclipse glasses from random sellers in online marketplaces, even if they claim to get their products from a supplier on our list or to be approved by the AAS or NASA, the AAS said. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. So terrified for his safety: Charleston family searching for answers after man disappears while vacationing in Mexico CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- A family is searching for answers after a Charleston man went missing while on vacation in Mexico earlier this week. Savannah Miller said her father Edmond Bradley Solomon III, 66, was recently diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a type of degenerative disorder that affects a persons behavior, rather than memory. He sometimes says odd things and behaves erratically or oddly because hes just doing what he knows how to do, Miller explained. He cant process the same way you or I can. Solomon recently embarked on a Caribbean cruise with his wife, Mimi, and other family members. But, the trip soon took a distressing turn after he disappeared during one of their stops in Cozumel, Mexico. Miller said the couple got off the ship early Wednesday afternoon to use the restrooms before leaving the terminal. When my stepmom, Mimi, came out, he wasnt there, Miller said. She thought he might still be in the bathroom so she waited for him for a few minutes. He didnt come out. Another family member went into the restroom to check on Solomon, but he was not there. That was the point that we knew he was lost, Miller said. We know that no matter where he was he would have difficulty understanding what was going on and communicating his needs due to his dementia. I think everyone just immediately became so terrified for his safety. The next morning, Miller said she received a call that her father was missing. I got the call about 5:30 in the morning and I just froze, she said. I didnt even know how to process this information. Local authorities said Solomon was last seen along the road of Isla de la Pasion in Cozumel on Wednesday evening. He was wearing a white t-shirt, grey shorts, and dark sunglasses. Provided by Savannah Miller Provided by Savannah Miller Provided by Savannah Miller Provided by Savannah Miller Provided by Savannah Miller Provided by Savannah Miller Provided by Savannah Miller Solomon grew up in West Ashley and has spent his professional career working as a critical care nurse at Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in downtown Charleston, according to Miller. He is also an avid surfer and fisherman, although they said his condition has limited his ability. He liked to be with the people that he lovedhe was always making sure that we were safe and we were cared for no matter who it was, Miller said. Hes always been a fixer and someone whos just drawn to helping other people. Miller is now pleading for the community to return the favor and help her family find their loved one. I think its important to recognize how much time hes put into helping others and its time to give back, she said. I think the best thing that anyone can do is just spread the word. Start yelling and screaming. Elevate it as much as possible so that there is awareness and so everyone on the island is looking for him. Solomons wife has remained in Mexico while the search continues. Miller and other family members will join her this weekend. A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with travel expenses. Im really looking forward to having Mimi by my side and being able to give my dad a hug again, Miller said. The family has been in contact with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and the U.S. Consulate. In a statement to News 2, a spokesperson for the FBI Columbia field office said they are aware of the missing person report but cannot comment at this time. The agency referred questions to the State Department. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. AUSTIN (KXAN) Following a meeting Tuesday, Texas A&M Forest Service awarded 74 grants, totaling approximately $13 million to the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. Grant funding from the program will help Texas rural volunteer fire department recipients from this allocation purchase equipment such as dry hydrants, fire and rescue equipment, personal protective equipment and training aids, the forest service said. According to a release, the final funding meeting for fiscal year 2024 is expected to occur Aug. 14. The service said the assistance program, which launched in 2001, provided funds to rural VFDs for: firefighting vehicles fire/rescue equipment protective clothing dry hydrants firefighter training Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $350 million to volunteer fire departments in Texas, including its award of more than $15 million to rural VFDs in October 2023. The Texas Legislature has allocated approximately $22 million to Texas A&M Forest Service for the fiscal year 2024 to award rural VFDs, the forest service said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Israelis rally for the release of hostages kidnapped during the October 7 attack by Hamas, near the Knesset in Jerusalem Israelis rally for the release of hostages kidnapped during the October 7 attack by Hamas, near the Knesset in Jerusalem By Dedi Hayun JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Thousands of protesters rallied in Jerusalem on Sunday demanding the release of around 130 hostages still held in Gaza after six months of Israel's war against Hamas. Hamas gunmen burst into Israel on Oct. 7, killed 1,200 people in their homes, on army bases, along roads and at an outdoor rave, and inflicting sexual violence on some of their victims, according to a U.N. team of experts. The gunmen also seized 253 hostages, including children and elderly, civilians and soldiers. Around half of them were released as part of a brief truce deal in late November. Talks to secure another ceasefire that would include the release of dozens more of the remaining hostages, resumed in Egypt on Sunday. But some hostage families are wary, with previous rounds of negotiations having gone nowhere and some of the hostages dying in captivity. "Their families and everybody here has had enough. And people need to understand that and the world needs to stand up and get them back," said Michal Nachshon, 39, who made her way from Tel Aviv to the protest outside Israel's parliament "It's above politics. It's above religion, it's a humanitarian issue and that's what we're here to shout today," she added. While some hostage parents at Sunday's rally called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more to bring home the hostages, speakers largely kept messages apolitical, focusing on their pain and the urgent need to get their loved ones home. Asked whether the government was doing enough to bring back the hostages, 56% of people polled in a survey aired by Israel's N12 News on Sunday answered no, against 39% who said yes. Over the past few weeks, protests against Netanyahu's government have intensified with some critics charging that the veteran leader has been dragging his feet in securing a deal - an accusation he strongly denies. Netanyahu's cabinet has faced widespread criticism over the security failure of Oct. 7 - Israel's deadliest single day and the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Some rallies demanding an election be held have been organised by protest groups that led the mass demonstrations which rocked Israel in 2023. Successive opinion polls since Oct. 7 have shown Netanyahu would be defeated by centrists. (Additional reporting by Maayan Lubell; editing by Giles Elgood) LAWRENCE (KSNT) Police in Lawrence are investigating threatening notes left at the homes of three city leaders earlier this week. The Lawrence Police Department (LPD) said in a press release that three Lawrence city leaders, Vice Mayor Mike Dever and Commissioners Brad Finkeldei and Lisa Larsen, were left threatening letters on their front porches on Tuesday, April 2. Each letter was found in a paper bad with a brick inside following a commission meeting. Each note had the same message: We know you are violating your own law to displace and kill the homeless. We know that on April 15th you intend to change that law in order to cover up and justify your violations. We strongly advise you to end your abuses of the homeless, stop destroying their camps, and cease your plans to permanently displace and remove them from this city. LPD spokeswoman Laura McCabe says officers responded to each report of the messages being found. The letters are being examined by police along with other materials found at the city leaders homes. A person of interest was identified and released with a trespass warning for all city commissioners homes. Cole Brings Plenty found dead in Kansas We simply have enough division on the streets, said LPD Chief Rich Lockhart. There is no room for turning political differences into a potentially criminal act. There is a forum to voice your political beliefs and disrupting the feeling of safety and security of our leaders families does nothing to unite our community or advance any cause. As City Commissioners, we condemn the recent harassment tactics targeting our colleagues, as they do not align with the values of civil discourse and mutual respect in our community, said Lawrence Mayor Bart Littlejohn. Such actions are counterproductive and will not be tolerated as we work together to address homelessness and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all. For more crime 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. Famous Ukrainian actor and TV presenter Hennadii Popenko is currently serving in the "Culture Troops" unit in the 59th Separate Mechanized Brigade in the Zaporizhzhia sector, where he travels directly along the contact line. He believes that sooner or later all those liable for military service in Ukraine will come to the defense of their homeland as he believes the war with Russia could last for years or even decades. ADVERTISIMENT The star reminded us that this struggle began in the 13th century and went through various phases, including "reconciliation," but it is still ongoing. Popenko shared his thoughts in an interview for TSN's YouTube project Naodynitsi (Alone). "Should we be prepared for the fact that this will not end tomorrow? Yes. In a year? Yes. In 10 years? Yes. We have been at war with Moscow since 1250 when they first burned Kyiv. And from that moment on, there was never a time when we were fraternal peoples, when they didn't interfere with us. We were always at war. It's just that sometimes we could fight back, like during the Battle of Konotop or now during the Russian-Ukrainian war. Or we couldn't, as it was in the 1930s when we died of hunger because of the d*mn Russians. We have been at war for so long that you can't even imagine. Now it has finally become visible. Some people knew it but ignored because it was convenient. Someone forgot. This is a mixed hybrid war. Finally, everything has become clear to everyone," the military man said. ADVERTISIMENT As for the draft evaders, Hennadii is convinced that "all of us will be fighting anyway". That is why, according to the celebrity, it is necessary to adopt a "normal" law on mobilization. The actor commented, "I think everyone understands everything perfectly well. Everyone's time will come. We will all have to fight. We need to replace the guys at the front. They are very tired. Some have been standing in the same place for two years. It's not because they want to stay there. Everyone just sees that there is no other option. And there must be another option. There will be changes. And there is no need to get caught up in emotions. Everything should be done in a legal way. We need to adopt a normal law on mobilization." ADVERTISIMENT As previously reported, musician Andrii Khlyvniuk, who is in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, also spoke about mobilization in Ukraine and the fatigue of the military at the front. The leader of Boombox thinks that those liable for military service should not wait for a call-up but should go to war as volunteers. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! KOIN 6 News contacted candidates who are running for Oregon secretary of state in 2024, asking them to respond to these four questions: Why are you running for secretary of state? If elected, what would be your top priorities? What is your prior government/civic experience? Sometimes, the secretary of state has to decide whether to remove candidates from the ballot. How would you have handled the decision whether to remove former President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot and the decision to remove 2022 gubernatorial candidate Nick Kristoff? In 2023, Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade joined the nationwide #TrustedInfo2024 campaign to increase trust in election officials amid the spread of misinformation surrounding elections and voter information. If elected, how would you build trust in Oregon elections? A Reed College study, published in 2023, found county election offices in Oregon are struggling to retain and recruit workers amid a toxic political landscape, inadequate funding, and a rapidly changing workload. How will you support Oregon election workers? What do you think is going right in the secretary of states office? How would you build on it? What changes do you want to bring to the Oregon Secretary of States office? Tim McCloud is running as a Republican. Here are his responses. Why are you running for secretary of state? If elected, what would be your top priorities? By voting for Tim McCloud, Oregonians are voting for someone who can absolutely identify with the hardships of everyday people across the entire state. I am someone who is prepared to lead the Secretary of States office while advocating for, and listening to, the needs of out local constituencies before foreign and special interests. I am someone who believes in the values of dedication, commitment, hard work, and integrity. These are also the values that represent the many other Oregonian families and individuals that I meet, as well as ones that I know personally. Ive spoken to thousands of people who want to see solutions to the issues plaguing our state. Unfortunately, I dont believe the other candidates possess the type of focus or resilience required to address these challenges. It isnt pretty to say, but wars arent won by walking away from the lines of battle. This means that the right candidate is going to follow through and challenge Oregons overgrown agencies and systems; meaning the ones that burden the daily lives of Oregonians, via antiquated and costly practices. In this situation, we need someone who can leads innovation and set higher expectations for exceptional stewardship of taxpayer dollars. I believe the game of politics will precent other candidates from doing the same. What is your prior government/civic experience? I have career experience in the governmental, nonprofit and businesses sectors, which includes small business ownership. I have an education background in Small City Management and Public Administration, and have chaired several government commissions and committees. I have also worked with, and manage staff and facilities for Oregons most vulnerable populations; intellectual and developmentally disabled individuals; behaviorally-challenged individuals; and youth in the court systems. I currently work in Business Development and Information Systems management. Sometimes the secretary of state has to decide whether to remove candidates from the ballot. How would you have handled the decision whether to remove former President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot and the decision to remove 2022 gubernatorial candidate Nick Kristof? Both of these cases were appropriately decided by the judiciaries of the U.S. Supreme Court and Oregon Supreme Court, respectively. Trump is allowed on the 2024 ballot, and Kristof, as a full-time resident of New York, was not allowed on the 2022 Oregon ballot. The role of the Secretary of State is to enforce the laws and rules for elections throughout our state; not to exact personal agendas against individual candidates or allow themselves to be purchased by special interests. It is time for Oregon to turn the page on this crony style of thinking. In a freedom-based society, all qualified candidates must be eligible to represent the people, and all threats to a secure voting process must be thoroughly addressed. In 2023, Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade joined the #TrustedInfo2024 campaign to increase trust in election officials amid the spread of misinformation surrounding elections and voter information. If elected, how would you build trust in Oregon elections? Hashtag campaigns more closely represent self-adulation than they do anything to demonstrate the authentic health and status of any voting system. Now, the Secretary of States office is more invested than ever before in silencing criticism about the elections process via expensive and unjust surveillance on the public. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are being spent to train biased artificial intelligence, and to monitor millions of social media posts written by Oregonians. The intent is to identify statements or positions that may then be used against individuals. A gross misuse of taxpayer dollars spent targeting lawful expressions of our First Amendment rights! Additionally, the Secretary of States office historically follows a mantra that denying election concerns from the public means that the concerns are invalid. According to Secretary of State data over a period of 19 years, roughly 2 convictions a year were obtained related to voter or elections fraud. Each conviction presents a situation in which many ballots were potentially compromised, leading to what may develop into fraudulent outcomes. When the statistics such as these are minimized by the agency primarily charged with certifying elections, each instance becomes another damaging example of failing to build on the publics trust and to secure our elections processes. Similarly, any attempt to wrongfully dissuade public concerns regarding elections complaints may be viewed as a subversive means of silencing public dissent. As Secretary of State, I will ensure that the entire framework and process for elections-based complaints are analyzed entirely, and will not be satisfied until we restore public trust in the process eradicating all existing opportunities for election fraud in Oregon. A Reed College study, published in 2023, found county election offices in Oregon are struggling to retain and recruit workers amid a toxic political landscape, inadequate funding, and a rapidly changing workload. How will you support election workers? Recognition of Oregons so-called toxic political landscape may actually be the result of unaddressed perceptions related to a systemic disenfranchisement of certain voters. As part of Oregons critical infrastructure, the Office of the Secretary of State must support election workers. It is evident that in some counties, leadership is desperately needed, and there have been troubling instances in which leaders are not held accountable. Drawn-out, secretive tally counts and unsecured ballot drop boxes are just a few areas where the voting process has recently demonstrated very serious security gaps. As Secretary of State, I will take steps to support elections workers and volunteers in a number areas, including seeing that credible threats of violence are properly addressed. I will oversee the issues of security directly; following through on the publics growing demand for closed-circuit monitoring of ballot processing in all 36 counties. Additionally, I may coordinate with Sheriffs in every county to ensure that election infrastructure, personnel, and ballots are secure throughout the voting cycle. The Secretary of States office will also support counties in the recruitment of volunteers which may be needed to fulfill county operations, verify ballots, and ensure both transparency and timely reporting. The Oregon elections system belongs to the people of Oregon. The system must demonstrate the necessary and expected capacities to secure ballots throughout the entire process and report results without error, which is a huge win for freedom in Oregon. What do you think is going right in the secretary of states office? How would you build on it? The Secretary of States office has been proactive in its communications with the public, recently pointing out that there will be future attacks on our right to vote. Rightfully so! One of these attacks is Ranked-Choice Voting, or STAR Voting for Oregon, which is expected to appear on the Oregon ballot during this coming fall. Also known as preferential voting, ranked-choice voting is a co=sponsored attack by the Oregon Legislature on the individuals freedom to vote for candidates that they choose. As Secretary of State, I vow to hold firmly at the frontline of fair, efficient elections and election integrity. The honorable system of representation via democracy not only supports free speech but is a lasting value that separates America from that of a third world dictatorship. I urge people to vote No on Ranked Choice Voting, because we must ensure that no new forms of corruption are allowed to evet take root in Oregon. As Secretary of State, I will continue to build on existing channels of communication with the public, while also taking action to address the causes for concern within the elections process; no matter how small these issues may seem at the outset. I would also like to assemble a committee made up of members from the business community that would be designed to improve the functionality of interactive processes within the Secretary of States responsibility; including activities pertaining to obtaining or renewing a business license in Oregon. What changes do you want to bring to the Oregon Secretary of States office? I will restore public trust in the elections system; ensuring a system that works for everyone, not just the traditional beneficiaries of major party politics. There are a number of functional improvements to be made via the Secretary of States office, including improvements to the complaints process; ensuring functionality of important web features; and changing a culture of perceived antagonism by the office into one of collaboration with the Oregon public; ensuring that the public is a partner in our election systems. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. What Time to See the Solar Eclipse Broken Down by State Tens of millions of people live in the path of the highly-anticipated total solar eclipse passing through the U.S. on Monday, April 8, with others planning to travel to see it. The total eclipse, during which the moon passes between Earth and the sun and blocks the face of the sun, will enter the country in Texas before passing through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reported. Slivers of Tennessee and Michigan will also catch glimpses of totality, NASA said, although what you can see during an eclipse depends on the weather in your location, as cloud cover can affect visibility. Read More: Helpful Tips for Planning Your Solar Eclipse Trip Below is a list of local times to see the total eclipse in states with the best views, according to NASA. You can search more locations on NASAs interactive eclipse map or view lists of total eclipse cities and all eclipse spotsboth resources recommended by scientist Samaiyah Farid. Texas Totality will hit Dallas from 1:40 p.m. to 1:44 p.m. The partial eclipse will start at 12:23 p.m. and finish at 3:02 p.m. Oklahoma The partial eclipse begins in Idabel at 12:28 p.m., with totality hitting at 1:45 p.m. and concluding at 1:49 p.m. The partial eclipse ends at 3:06 p.m. Arkansas The partial eclipse commences at 12:33 p.m. in Little Rock, followed by the total eclipse from 1:51 p.m. to 1:54 p.m. The partial eclipse concludes at 3:11 p.m. Missouri People in Poplar Bluff will experience the partial eclipse starting at 12:39 p.m., with totality from 1:56 p.m. to 2 p.m., and witness the partial eclipses end at 3:15 p.m. Read More: The Best Apps for the Solar Eclipse Kentucky If youre in Paducah, start looking for the partial eclipse at 12:42 p.m. Totality will last from 2 p.m. to 2:02 p.m. The partial eclipse will extend until 3:18 p.m. Illinois Carbondale will see a partial eclipse starting at 12:42 p.m., followed by the total eclipse from 1:59 p.m. to 2:03 p.m., with the partial eclipse ending at 3:18 p.m. Indiana Evansville will experience the partial eclipse starting at 12:45 p.m., followed by totality from 2:02 p.m. to 2:05 p.m., with the partial eclipse finishing at 3:20 p.m. Ohio Cleveland will spot the partial eclipse starting at 1:59 p.m. The total eclipse will run from 3:13 p.m. to 3:17 p.m. The entire eclipse will be over at 4:29 p.m. Pennsylvania The partial eclipse will begin in the city of Erie at 2:02 p.m. Totality extends from 3:16 p.m. to 3:20 p.m., with the entire eclipse over by 4:30 p.m. New York Buffalo will experience the partial eclipse beginning at 2:04 p.m., then the total eclipse from 3:18 p.m. to 3:22 p.m., with the entire event concluding at 4:32 p.m. Read More: Is It Safe to Fly During a Solar Eclipse? Vermont The partial eclipse will begin to be visible in Burlington at 2:14 p.m. Totality extends from 3:26 p.m. to 3:29 p.m. The partial eclipse is over at 4:37 p.m. New Hampshire In Lancaster, the partial eclipse commences at 2:16 p.m. Totality lasts from 3:27 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The eclipse is over at 4:38 p.m. Maine The partial eclipse will descend upon Caribou at 2:22 p.m. Totality will engulf the city from 3:32 p.m. to 3:34 p.m. The partial eclipse will cease at 4:40 p.m. Contact us at letters@time.com. TOPEKA (KSNT) Dillons gave away 50 yards of compost to the local community Saturday in north Topeka. Area residents had the opportunity to take home some of the compost for free the morning of April 6. Today, I think the beautiful weather had a hand in how quickly the compost was distributed, we had customers show up, which always warms my heart to see all of the faces that are here, said Sheila Regehr, Dillons spokeswoman. We had a fantastic day, the compost went very quickly today. As a part of the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative, the grocery store Dillons gave away 1.4 million pounds of food to their food bank partners and converted more than fifty-two hundred tons of food waste into compost. In addition to the compost giveaway, Dillons was able to provide $5,000 to the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center. Thunder Over The Heartland reveals lineup, tickets go on sale 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. Trump claims he is like Mandela and challenges judge to jail him This will be the first of the criminal cases faced by Mr Trump to go to trial, with others facing delays - Getty/Michael Santiago Donald Trump has challenged a New York judge to jail him for violating a gag order as he likened himself to Nelson Mandela. The former president stepped up his feud with Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the hush-money criminal case, with a series of posts on his Truth Social media channel. The case, in which Mr Trump is accused of 34 counts of fraud linked to hush money allegedly paid to porn star Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an alleged affair, is due to start on April 15. It will be the first of the criminal cases faced by Mr Trump to go to trial, with others facing delays potentially until after Novembers presidential election. Last week, Judge Merchan included his daughter in a gag order he imposed on Mr Trump relating to the case. He has already ordered Mr Trump to stop his barrage of social media posts aimed at jurors, witnesses and others involved in the case. Trump hits back But Mr Trump has hit back. Now, we have Merchan, who is not allowing me to talk, thereby violating the Law and the Constitution, all at once. It is so bad what he is trying to get away with How was he even chosen for this case??? I heard he fought like hell to get it, and all of the rest of them also! If this Partisan Hack wants to put me in the clink for speaking the open and obvious TRUTH. I will gladly become a Modern Day Nelson Mandela It will be my GREAT HONOR. We have to Save our Country from these Political Operatives masquerading as Prosecutors and Judges, and I am willing to sacrifice my Freedom for that worthy cause. Meanwhile, Democrats and Republicans had competing ideas on how to mark Mr Trumps presidency. Republicans in the House of Representatives have introduced a bill that would rename Washingtons Dulles International Airport which is just outside the city in Virginia after Mr Trump. Freedom. Prosperity. Strength. Thats what America stood for under the leadership of President Donald J Trump the best president of my lifetime. And thats why Im introducing legislation to rename Dulles as the Donald J Trump International Airport, the partys deputy whip Guy Reschenthaler wrote on X. Democrats responded with their own bill that would rename the Miami Federal Correctional Institution in Florida after the former president. Explaining the proposal, congressman Gerry Connolly said: When our Republican colleagues introduced their bill to rename Dulles after Donald Trump, I said the more fitting option would be to rename a federal prison. Neither bill is expected to become 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 claims hes a modern-day Mandela and prepared to go to jail over hush-money case Donald Trump has again compared himself to a historically-persecuted figure - this time, the late South African leader and anti-apartheid legend Nelson Mandela. Mr Trump made the comparison on Saturday on his social media platform, Truth Social, as he railed against Judge Juan Merchan for his latest ruling to expand a gag order against him. Mr Trump is accused of falsifying business records to cover up hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels in the New York trial. The former president even claimed that he was prepared to go to jail. If this Partisan Hack wants to put me in the clink for speaking the open and obvious TRUTH, I will gladly become a Modern Day Nelson Mandela - It will be my GREAT HONOR, Mr Trump posted. Mr Mandela spent 27 years in jail for standing up to South Africas apartheid system. He was later released and went on to become the first Black president of South Africa after a fully-democratic election. Donald and Melania Trump pictured on Saturday at the home of hedgefund manager John Paulson in Palm Beach during a fundraiser (Getty Images) Mr Trump has previously likened himself to Mr Mandela. Last October, at a campaign event, he said: Ill tell you what, I dont mind being Nelson Mandela, because Im doing it for a reason. The former president has previously likened himself to Jesus and Elvis Presley. Mr Trumps most pressing legal woes this past week stemmed from the hush money case, where he has lost all of his bids to delay a trial that is now slated to begin on 15 April. He faces 34 felony counts in the case. On Monday, the president was dealt another blow in the New York case when the judge presiding over the trial expanded a gag order already in place to include members of his family, whom Mr Trump had railed against in social media postings. On 26 March, Mr Trump posted on Truth Social accusing judge Merchans daughter of political connections to Joe Biden and California lawmaker Adam Schiff, a frequent outspoken political foe of Mr Trump. In all, Mr Trump faces 88 felony counts in four separate criminal prosecutions along a civil fraud trial in New York, which he has lost but filed an appeal to overturn. Mr Trumps trial in New York remains the only one now guaranteed to take place before the 2024 general election. A series of delays in his two remaining federal cases and Georgia prosecution have pushed those expected trial dates into the realm of total uncertainty. He remains the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party after defeating rivals in the GOP presidential primaries this winter. Trump comparing himself to Nelson Mandela slammed as slap in the face to South African leaders legacy It is a desperate cry for attention that we will see more from this extremist leader as the election gets closer, Antjuan Seawright, a Democratic strategist, tells theGrio. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump compared himself to Nelson Mandela on Saturday in an attempt to defend himself against his upcoming hush money criminal fraud trial in New York. Trump faces criminal charges that he violated campaign finance law ahead of the 2016 election to silence two women who allege he had an extramarital affair. Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years for opposing racial apartheid that segregated Black residents in South Africa, later becoming the countrys first elected president and first Black head of state in 1994. In a post on his social media app, Trump likened his legal woes to Mandela, which drew strong reactions from Black organizers. Its a slap in the face to the legacy and sacrifices of Nelson Mandela and the worldwide impact his life experiences have had on people around the globe, Antjuan Seawright, a Democratic strategist and CEO of Blueprint Strategy LLC, told theGrio in reaction to Trumps comments. It is a desperate cry for attention that we will see more from this extremist leader as the election gets closer. Nelson Mandela (center) campaigns during the first democratic election, Cape Town, South Africa, 1995. (Photo by Susan Winters Cook/Getty Images) Similarly, Angela Angel, senior advisor for Black Lives Matter PAC, told theGrio that Trump comparing himself to Mandela is like comparing a circus clown to a Nobel laureate. One spent nearly three decades in prison fighting against apartheid, and the other should be in prison for fraud, sexual assault, and orchestrating an attempted coup on the United States government. On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump bemoaned a gag order issued by New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, the judge overseeing the former presidents hush money trial. Trump is accused of falsifying business records to cover up the hush money payments made by his former lawyer Michael Cohen to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal. Trump, known for his public assails against judges and prosecutors, was placed on a gag order to avoid intimidating potential witnesses or jurors involved in the criminal trial that begins April 15. If this Partisan Hack wants to put me in the clink for speaking the open and obvious TRUTH, I will gladly become a Modern Day Nelson Mandela It will be my GREAT HONOR, Trump wrote on Saturday. We have to Save our Country from these Political Operatives masquerading as Prosecutors and Judges, and I am willing to sacrifice my Freedom for that worthy cause. Seawright, who has advised several national campaigns, called Trumps latest statements disgusting and disrespectful. He compared the former presidents behavior to a baby throwing the bottle out of the crib in order to get attention, but also to distract people in the room from what else is going on inside the crib. He added, Its just another page in the catalog of examples of Trumps strategy to say whatever to get attention from wherever. Angel of BLM PAC said Trumps legacy, in comparison to Mandela, who helped to end racial segregation in South Africa and promote peace around the world, has been marked by policies and rhetoric that targeted marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, and all people of color. His administrations actions, such as the Muslim travel ban, harsh immigration policies, and inflammatory statements regarding racial and ethnic groups, have exacerbated divisions and undermined efforts towards equality and justice, Angel said. His leadership style has been characterized by authoritarian tendencies, attacks on democratic institutions, and a disregard for human rights principles, leading to widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally. She added, He is not respected at home or abroad, and he weakens our global standing. President Joe Bidens reelection campaign also slammed the four-time indicted and two-time impeached former Republican president for his comparison to Mandela. Imagine being so self-centered that you compare yourself to Jesus Christ and Nelson Mandela all within the span of little more than a week: thats Donald Trump for you, said Jasmine Harris, director of Black media for the 2024 Biden-Harris campaign. Harris referenced statements Trump made days before Easter, in which he shared an alleged text message he received that pointed out how ironic it was that Christ walked through His greatest persecution the very week they are trying to steal your property from you. The comment was in reference to New York Attorney General Letitia James threat to seize Trumps properties in a separate fraud case if he did not pay a nearly half-a-billion-dollar bond that was later reduced to $175 million. In the hush money case, Merchan, the judge whom Trump has decried as corrupt over his daughters work as a Democratic political consultant, expanded the presidential candidates gag order to include not making public statements about family members of the judge and prosecutors connected to the case. Though Trump and his attorneys argue the gag order violates his First Amendment right, Merchan said it was decided out of concern that his statements to his millions of followers will interfere with the fair administration of justice and constitutes a direct attack on the Rule of Law itself. Anthony Coley, a legal analyst and former Department of Justice official, told theGrio that Trump is creating this drama in the court of public opinion playing the victim, trying to provoke the judge because he has a weak hand in the court of law. He added, Hes facing criminal accountability and a real prospect of jail time because of his own actions, and no amount of grandstanding can change that. Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. Recommended Stories The post Trump comparing himself to Nelson Mandela slammed as slap in the face to South African leaders legacy appeared first on TheGrio. Trump does a 'double up' on Biden campaign's $26 million New York fundraiser with Palm Beach billionaire's dinner Donald Trump's campaign said it raised over $50 million at his Palm Beach fundraiser. This comes after President Joe Biden's recent New York fundraiser, which raised $26 million. Money raised at the gala could help support Trump as his legal bills pile up. Donald Trump is dining with billionaires Saturday evening, hoping they fund his campaign and his legal bills. Trump's campaign announced Saturday that the Palm Beach fundraiser and gala brought in $50 million in donations, the Associated Press reported. This amount is nearly double what President Joe Biden raised during a glitzy Democratic fundraiser in New York on March 28. The Biden fundraiser broke the record for single-event fundraising, the AP reported, and Trump pointed it out himself on Truth Social Saturday. "Biggest night in Fund Raising of ALL TIME!!! Will double up the Biden number of last week at Radio City. People are desperate for change. They want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" Trump wrote on Truth Social ahead of the event, billed as Trump's "Inaugural Leadership Dinner." Biden's campaign announced Saturday that it had raised $90 million in March and now has $192 million in cash. Meanwhile, the Trump campaign is eager to catch up, with $65.6 million raised in March and $93.1 million on hand. One source close to the Trump campaign who spoke to the Washington Post on the condition of anonymity said Trump has been "focused" on securing donations. Guests at the gala paid between $250,000 and $824,600 per person, CNN reported. One person involved with Biden's fundraising who spoke to Axios said that Trump's "getting everyone to max out in April" strategy was unsustainable. "It's a recipe for being broke in the months that will matter," the person told Axios. Trump arrived at the gala on Saturday, posing with his wife, Melania, who has been largely missing from his campaign in the past year but is now expected to take on a more active role. Former President Donald Trump, right, stands with Melania Trump as they arrive for a GOP fundraiser in Palm Beach. Lynne Sladky/Associated Press The Palm Beach fundraiser, hosted at the mansion of hedge fund billionaire John Paulson, could support the former president's campaign and mounting legal bills, which include millions in payments to firms defending him in four criminal cases. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be going to the Save America leadership political action committee, one of the two PACs that have provided funds for Trump's legal matters, CNN reported. Representatives for the Trump and Biden campaigns did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider sent outside regular business hours. Read the original article on Business Insider President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met online with world stars who actively support Ukraine in the war against Russia as ambassadors of the UNITED24 fundraising platform. Together with Misha Collins, Mark Hamill, Liev Schreiber, Katheryn Winnick, Ivanna Sakhno, Timothy Snyder and others, the President of Ukraine discussed important steps to draw the attention of American society to the crimes of the Russian occupiers. ADVERTISIMENT Zelensky announced the results of the meeting on his Telegram channel. He showed the corresponding video, in which he voiced his wishes for further cooperation, as well as his gratitude for the work already done. "Thank you for this period, for this path - the path to victory. Thank you for being together, for being with Ukraine... Now we have questions with a focus on this war, on Ukraine because of various situations and tragedies. The second point I want to share is that I want to ask you to continue your work focused on Ukraine. We need your support. And the third is the Congress. Without this support from Congress, it will be difficult for us to win, let alone stay. That is why it is important to do very concrete things together. Perhaps we can publicly make some strong message to draw the attention of the Congress and Americans to Ukraine," the President addressed the stars. ADVERTISIMENT Among those who joined the online meeting with Zelensky were: Francis Fukuyama, Scott Kelly, Richard Branson, Misha Collins, Mark Hamill, Liev Schreiber, Katheryn Wynnyk, Ivanna Sakhno, Timothy Snyder, Brad Paisley, and Wayne Sermon, Ben McKee, and Mac Reynolds of Imagine Dragons. The stars, including Ukrainian-born Katheryn Winnick and Timothy Snyder, suggested creating a petition, involving even more of their foreign colleagues. With this petition, they would like to appeal to Congress to provide Ukraine with all the help it needs. ADVERTISIMENT Zelensky commented: "We need to say specifically to Congress: if Congress does not help Ukraine, Ukraine will lose the war. And to find a public format for this. If Ukraine loses the war, other states will be attacked. This is a fact. And you will see in the coming weeks that Russia will be more and more insistent and will drag nuclear weapons into this issue, threatening, playing with this issue. Because it is only through the issue of nuclear weapons that they can put pressure on other NATO countries, including the United States, on societies, so that societies are afraid, and then they will react to their leaders." ADVERTISIMENT The president also thanked the ambassadors for their donations and "voices that are heard around the world." Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that Misha Collins saw with his own eyes the Russian Federation's missile attack on Kyiv. The Supernatural star filmed the air attack on his phone, demonstrating another crime of the Kremlin Fuhrer to his five million subscribers. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Former President Donald Trump is vowing to solve the abortion dilemma that has dogged Republican candidates since the fall of Roe v. Wade with his singular dealmaking acumen. The presumptive Republican nominee, who has pledged to make a statement on abortion this week, has said for months that if elected he would come together with all groups and negotiate something that would make both sides happy, suggesting that 15 weeks seems to be a number that people are agreeing at. We'll end up with peace on that issue for the first time in 52 years, he said. The tactic has drawn praise from conservatives including Kellyanne Conway, Trumps former counselor, who called it a reasonable conversation starter. It reflects consensus, she said of a 15- or 16-week ban, citing her own firms polling. People recognize that the lack of compromise, moderation and reasonableness is on the side of the professional, political left, and the Democrats. But Trump, who has blasted other Republicans for speaking inarticulately on abortion, is running headlong into the same problem the rest of the party has encountered: There is almost certainly no deal the opposing sides of the abortion wars would accept. Youre getting the worst of both worlds by pitching a 15-week ban, said a GOP political strategist who has worked on several presidential campaigns, including Trumps failed 2020 bid. Pro-life groups still aren't going to be happy, and youre still supporting a nationwide limit that Democrats will attack, said the strategist, granted anonymity to speak critically about the former presidents rhetoric. Publicly, [the Trump campaign will] want to keep their options open and stick to the line that he will negotiate something that everyone would be happy with, which of course is nonsense, he added. Trumps promise to address the issue comes as Republicans continue to struggle with how to talk about abortion, their biggest electoral stumbling block for the past two years, without turning off their base, alienating centrists or motivating Democrats. Should Trump appear vague or duck the issue, some of his supporters fear it will allow the Biden campaign to tie him to the more extreme wing of the anti-abortion movement and give Democrats the upper hand in November. But even as interviews with a range of GOP strategists and anti-abortion activists indicate that Trumps tentative embrace of a national 15- or 16-week ban appeals to many voters it is unlikely to neutralize the issue for Republicans or the former president. Anti-abortion hardliners see anything short of a total ban as an unacceptable capitulation that would allow the vast majority of abortions to continue, while progressives argue that Roes standard allowing abortion up to about 24 weeks of pregnancy was already a compromise and that the federal government shouldnt come between a woman and her doctor. The conventional wisdom that most voters support abortion access early in pregnancy but oppose it after the first trimester is also crumbling in the post-Roe era as people experience the real world impact of state restrictions. A recent Fox News poll found that in just the past year, support for a 15-week ban dropped by 12 points, with 54 percent of voters now opposed. The same poll found that support for abortion being legal in all or most circumstances has risen in the demographics Trump most needs to win in November: older Americans, self-identified conservatives, registered Republicans and white evangelical Christians. Republican support, for instance, increased from 24 percent to 36 percent in less than two years. The popularity of a 15-week ban was also tested in Virginia in 2023, when GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin and many down-ballot Republicans ran on the policy, even airing a $1.4 million statewide ad pitching the proposed restrictions as reasonable and commonsense. Republicans were defeated at the polls and lost control of the state Legislature, raising Democrats hopes that they can win with the same message this fall. You can try to persuade people this is a moderate path, that 15 weeks is a good compromise and compassionate. But we were able to aggressively push back and explain to voters that a ban is a ban and exceptions don't work, and this is extremist, said Mini Timmaraju, president of Reproductive Freedom for All. And the voters, in the end, chose to repudiate Youngkin and the Republicans. Trump has, so far, tried to play to both sides floating a national ban around 15 weeks of pregnancy, while his campaign insists the former president believes it's up to voters to decide what they want at the state level. President Trump supports preserving life but has also made clear that he supports states' rights because he supports the voters' right to make decisions for themselves, said Brian Hughes, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign. The attempts to find a middle ground could be undermined by events that tie the GOP to stringent anti-abortion positions widely opposed by voters, such as the recent Florida Supreme Court decision clearing the way for a six-week ban, the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that temporarily cut off IVF services at some clinics and two U.S. Supreme Court decisions expected in June that could roll back access to abortion pills nationwide and allow hospitals to turn away pregnant patients in a medical emergency. Trumps supporters and independent pollsters argue, however, that this Art of the Deal strategy is the best approach possible in a difficult political environment. Conservatives are unlikely to defect from the man whose Supreme Court appointees overturned Roe, while moderates who fear what a second Trump term might mean for abortion access could be mollified by talk of compromise. Even some abortion-rights leaders fear the pitch could sway low-information voters. This just gives a clear statement that hes not waffling, this is where he stands on abortion, and thats more than enough to solidify pretty much all aspects of his base, said Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute. It may not be as much as the folks in the evangelical wing want, but hes already proved his bona fides to them. They feel that if an even tighter ban comes up to his desk, hes going to end up signing it. The GOP advocates praising Trumps call for a 15- or 16-week ban as a smart play and reasonable are clear that they like the politics of it, not the policy which they see as a necessary step on the path toward a more sweeping ban. We take the long view on these things, said Penny Nance, president of Concerned Women for America, which opposes abortion. The reality is that I have to convince people that its a baby at 16 weeks before I'm going to convince them that it's a baby at six weeks. Many on the right, including those who hope to eventually ban all abortions, argue the incremental approach is still the best path forward, given their success in toppling Roe after decades of chipping away at its protections. And, for some, any federal restrictions on abortion which would significantly curtail the procedure in blue states like California that have become havens for abortion access is better than the status quo. There are parts of the movement that believe strongly that the 15-week approach is the wrong approach because they believe that if we get federal limits of 15 weeks, its the most well ever get, said Bob Heckman, a Republican strategist who consults with anti-abortion groups. Im of the part of the movement that says, We want to save all of the unborn children but we want to save as many along the way as we can. Yet some in the anti-abortion movement remain outraged, warning that a 15-week federal ban would allow, according to federal data, more than 90 percent of abortions to continue. We must not stop federal protections there, as hundreds of thousands of lives will remain at risk, said Lila Rose, founder of the group Live Action, adding that anything less than a complete abortion ban would be a violation of justice. The group Students for Life of America which has deployed staff and volunteers to get out the vote in more than a dozen states heading into November called a 15- or 16-week restriction a bridge to nowhere. In a recent open letter to Trump, the group argued that only promises of a stricter ban will motivate anti-abortion voters to turn out. In this tight race to come, please give The Pro-Life Generation, who have seen you as a champion, something to vote for, rather than just an abortion radical to vote against, the groups President Kristan Hawkins wrote. Still, many of the biggest, most politically powerful and well-funded anti-abortion groups are pushing for Trump to support a 15-week limit on abortion. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, which has pledged to spend at least $92 million on the 2024 election, said in a statement Thursday that they have every hope and indication President Trump will argue for a 15-week minimum standard, praising him in advance for protecting babies from painful late-term abortions. But some Trump allies, like Roger Severino, a former Trump administration official, have suggested the debate over a national abortion ban is theoretical at best as Republicans are unlikely to secure the 60 votes in the Senate needed to pass such a law. Instead, they believe Trump should be highlighting how he would use his executive authority to slash abortion access and undo many of Bidens policies, like expanding access to abortion pills and paying for service members to cross state lines for abortions a strategy they believe would appeal to most voters. The best indicator of what a second Trump administration would look like is found in what Trump did in his first administration, and that was install pro-life leaders to his team of appointees and to deliver in enforcing our laws, defending conscience and religious freedom, and prohibiting federal funding for abortion, said Severino, who is now vice president of domestic policy at the conservative Heritage Foundation. To get a flavor of what a second go-around would look like, you start with what Trump accomplished the first time, and he built the strongest pro-life administration in history. If Trump remains vague on his abortion position or only notes it in passing and doesnt use his bully pulpit, conservatives fear Democrats will continue to be successful in defining the issue and winning over voters. Heather Higgins, chair of the group Independent Womens Forum, lamented, for example, that progressives have convinced much of the public that any constraint at all, even if it's in the 39th week is an abortion ban. And even Trumps explicit support for a national ban wont be enough, anti-abortion groups stressed, if he doesnt actively campaign on the issue in the coming months. You have to sell it, said Terry Schilling, the president of the American Principles Project. Right now, the pro-life movement has a political crisis it's facing. Every time that the question on the ballot has been All abortions or no abortions? voters are siding with all abortions. So we need to go on offense against the Democrats. And the real thing that's missing here is for Donald Trump to signal what his position is. Several states are warning visitors to plan ahead and be aware of traffic congestion ahead of, during and after the total solar eclipse on April 8 STR/AFP via Getty Seeing the upcoming total solar eclipse is something many people across the country are preparing for, but something they may not have planned on is having to deal with massive traffic jams. Officials from Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and many other states will be putting measures in place to alleviate heavy traffic and are also warning visitors who plan ahead if they want to watch the first total solar eclipse since 2017, which will be visible through states from Texas to Maine. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) told Time that they're expecting there will be up to 5 million people across the country traveling to view the eclipse. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) knows that there is great interest in this rare solar event, and thats why we want everyone to be aware of the real traffic and safety impacts, a spokesperson told the outlet. Related: All About the Rare Total Solar Eclipse, Including Where It Occurs and How to See It Traffic congestion is by far the biggest concern we have to date, Bob Reinhard, emergency management coordinator for Bell County, which has a population of 400,000, told PEOPLE ahead of the eclipse. Every one of these large arteries [including Interstate 35] has the potential to be packed with motorists. Not only the day of the event, but also on the days leading up to Monday the 8th." Added Reinhard, "Trying to keep those traffic lanes moving at some pace will be a huge challenge." In fact, Bell County was one of the first in the nation to declare a local state of disaster, which, among other things, requires all private property landowners in unincorporated areas to register with the county if they are planning to host events with over 50 people in attendance Related: Nearly 300 Couples Plan to Get Married During Solar Eclipse in Arkansas: 'Once in a Lifetime Experience' Texas isnt the only state anticipating especially heavy traffic. In Oklahoma, the major general announced that 30 National Guardsmen will be deployed to support the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and other local emergency managers amid the influx of visitors, according to the Oklahoma Voice. Transportation officials in the state also warned that people should be prepared with a full tank of gas and have a map, just in case cellular services are overwhelmed. Additionally, they encouraged drivers to refrain from parking on the sides of the road to view the eclipse or from picking up hitchhikers, per the publication. 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. Another popular eclipse hotspot that is expected to be in the Niagara Falls area. Officials in Erie, Penn. told USA Today that they are expecting an unprecedented amount of visitors between 56,000 and 200,000 and encouraged visitors to extend their stay to ease the congestion in the area and avoid traffic. At least 5 million people traveled across the U.S. to see the previous total eclipse that occurred in 2017, according to the Institute of Transportation Engineers, per Time. And the congestion lasted for up to 13 hours following the eclipse, per the outlet, citing Transportation Research News. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Police search the scene in Croydon after the body parts were discovered - UKNIP Two people have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery of human remains in a south London park. Police were called to Rowdown Fields, Croydon, on April 2 following reports that a number of body parts had been discovered. A 44-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman were taken into custody on Saturday in connection with the death, detectives said. The victim is yet to be formally identified, and it is unclear how long the body parts had been in the park. A post-mortem examination will take place. Police were called to Rowdown Fields, Croydon, on April 2 - Jordan Pettitt/PA Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe of the Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: I understand the significant concern this discovery will have caused to local people, and I want to thank the community for their patience. I can confirm that our work at the location is complete, and we believe that the remains found are those of one person. Although we are unable to formally identify the victim at this time, my team is working around the clock in order to do so. Their enquiries have made significant progress and I will provide a further update as soon as possible. We remain in contact with partners and local community members. I am grateful to them for their support. 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 woman holds a sign opposing school vouchers outside Denton Calvary Academy on March 27, 2023. Two Denton ISD principals have been indicted on allegations that they encouraged their staffs to vote against political candidates who support school choice. Credit: Courtesy of Matt Iaia/The North Texas Daily Two public school principals in North Texas have been indicted for allegedly using their school email accounts to urge staff to vote for certain political candidates in the March Republican primary election. The two Denton principals, who are married, are accused of violating state election law and could face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000 if convicted of the misdemeanor charges, which a Denton County grand jury handed down on Tuesday. Lindsay Lujan, Denton Independent School Districts director of special programs and principal of Alexander Elementary School, allegedly sent an email to school staff on Feb. 5 encouraging them to vote for Republicans who oppose school voucher programs, which would divert money away from public schools and give families taxpayer dollars to pay for their childrens private schooling. The email, a copy of which is included in court documents, includes a link to a scorecard detailing each candidates position on public school funding. Jesus Lujan, principal of Borman Elementary School, sent a similar email to his staff in February. Vote for candidates who support public education and school funding in the Republican primaries, no matter what your party affiliation is, Republican or Democrat, the email states. School voucher programs were Gov. Greg Abbotts top legislative priority last year, but Democrats and rural Republicans blocked voucher legislation from passing. The Legislature is expected to revisit the issue next year. Texas law prohibits school districts from using state or local funds or school district resources to electioneer for or against any candidate. The Education Code also prohibits the use of public funds and internal email systems for political advertising. In February, Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Denton ISD for illegal electioneering, arguing that the staff members emails constitute political advertising and violate state law. It is absolutely improper for publicly funded entities like school districts to engage in electioneering as Denton ISD has done, Paxton said. Government officials everywhere are on notice that I will use every legal remedy available to me to stop school districts from influencing or coercing their employees to vote any particular way, especially when a district uses taxpayer resources and money to do so. Our elections must be completely protected from any illegal interference. Paxtons office obtained an injunction against Denton ISD in March, ordering the district to not use any funds or resources to engage in illegal electioneering. Paxton obtained a similar injunction against Castleberry ISD as well as a restraining order against Frisco ISD. In a statement, the Texas American Federation of Teachers, a teachers union, defended the principals. This latest escalation in the campaign against educators and school employees fulfilling their duty to promote civic engagement and using their voices to highlight the high stakes for public education in our elections threatens to have a profound chilling effect in communities across the state, the statement said. Denton ISD officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a statement to the Denton Record-Chronicle, Julie Zwahr, a district spokesperson, said she could not comment on the principals employment status. As stated previously, we agree that election laws should be followed, she said. Our Board of School Trustees adopted board policies in 2018 and 2021 regarding elections and campaign ethics, and we train all trustees and administrators on these policies annually. It is our expectation that these policies be followed. 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. SHARON, Okla. (KFOR) Two Mooreland Volunteer Fire Department firefighters were burned during Saturdays 57 Fire near Sharon when their truck was overrun by flames. The fire department posted an update on Facebook Sunday that stated Jared Brittain and Max Clark had been burned and transferred to Oklahoma City for treatment. | READ MORE > Evacuation order lifted for Sharon after large wildfire > According to their post the two sustained burns when the flames overran their firetruck. Clark has a burn on his left arm and is expected to be released from the hospital today. Brittain has burns on both arms, head and face area that are more substantial in nature and will take time and medical treatments to heal. Mooreland Volunteer Fire Department The 57 Fire burned near Sharon in Southwest Woodward County. According to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, no inhabited homes were destroyed in the fire and it has burned 5,000 acres so far with no containment. Picture of fire near Sharon. {Major County Emergency Management} Picture of fire near Sharon. {Major County Emergency Management} Picture of fire near Sharon. {Major County Emergency Management} Agencies from all over the state came in to help out with Governor Stitt approving air support late at night. The department posted that if anyone would like to make donations to either family they may do so by sending them to: Mooreland Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 738, Mooreland, OK, 73852. Your thoughts, prayers and well wishes are much appreciated by our fire department and community, Mooreland Volunteer Fire Department For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Defence Intelligence of the United Kingdom has noted that the average daily losses of Russian troops on the battlefield in Ukraine decreased during March. Source: UK Defence Intelligence review dated 7 April, as reported by European Pravda As noted, the average daily number of Russian casualties, both killed and wounded, during March 2024 decreased by about 74 people per day, to the average of 913 people per day. The intelligence service emphasises that the reduction in losses corresponds to a lower number of recorded attacks over the past month. As explained, the decrease in Russian offensive operations likely reflects a range of factors: a period of rest and re-equipping after the capture of Avdiivka and the intention to reduce the number of casualties reported during the March elections in Russia. Since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russian forces have suffered an average of 658 casualties per day. However, there has been an annual increase in the average daily number of casualties: from 400 in 2022, 693 in 2023, to 913 in the first quarter of 2024. The increase in casualties reflects Russia's ongoing reliance on mass to sustain pressure on the Ukrainian fronts. Background: The Intelligence Centre of the Estonian Defence Forces indicated in its weekly report that Russian troops are continuing to maintain the pace of their operational advance and initiative on the Luhansk and Donetsk fronts. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg believes there are two scenarios for how combat action in Ukraine could unfold, depending on whether the NATO allies are able to unite to help Kyiv. Support UP or become our patron! Russia's average number of killed and wounded in action has fallen to 913 per day, the U.K.s Defense Ministry reported in its intelligence update on April 7. The decrease in losses corresponds with fewer reported attacks over the past month, according to the report. The reduction in Russian offensive operations highly likely reflects a series of factors: a period of rest and refit following the capture of Avdiivka, and intent to reduce death notifications during the Russian election, the ministry said on X. The Avdiivka offensive was costly for the Russian army. The capture of Avdiivka, a Ukrainian stronghold just outside occupied Donetsk, killed or mangled estimated tens of thousands of Russian soldiers. Russian forces in Ukraine have sustained 658 losses a day on average since February 2022 with daily losses increasing each year, the ministry said. Each year has seen a rise in a daily average loss rate from 400 in 2022 to 693 in 2023, to 913 through the first quarter of 2024. The increase reflects Russias ongoing reliance on mass to sustain pressure on the Ukrainian front lines, the ministry said. Russia has lost 447,510 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on April 7. This number includes 820 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day, according to the General Staff. The General Staff's number could not be independently verified. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed in late February for the first time that 180,000 Russians had been killed in the war, as opposed to 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers. Zelensky added that the exact amount is unknown, and it would only be possible to find out once the territories were liberated. Meanwhile, Mediazona, a Russian independent media outlet, together with BBC Russia, confirmed through open-source research the names of 49,281 Russian soldiers who had been killed since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since Mediazona's last update in mid-March, the names of 1,580 Russian soldiers have been added to the list of casualties. The journalists specify that the actual figures are likely considerably higher since the information they have verified so far comes from public sources, including obituaries, posts by relatives, regional media news, and local authorities' reports. Since Russia began its all-out war against Ukraine, over 3,300 officers, with 386 holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or higher, have been killed in combat in Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg estimated on March 14 that Russia had lost over 350,000 troops in Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Stoltenberg's estimates refer to the total number of killed and injured Russian soldiers and are seemingly in line with estimates made by U.S. officials last month that claim that over 315,000 Russian troops had either been killed or injured so far in the war. Read also: Russia takes Avdiivka at steep price, as Ukraine forced to face shortcomings Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. 'UK support for Israel is not unconditional,' says foreign secretary David Cameron Britain's support for Israel depends on it abiding by international humanitarian law, David Cameron said in a newspaper column on Sunday. The foreign minister spoke days after an Israeli airstrike killed seven aid workers, including three Britons. "Our backing is not unconditional," Lord Cameron wrote in The Sunday Times. "We expect such a proud and successful democracy to abide by international humanitarian law, even when challenged." The British government has been a staunch ally of Israel since the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year which triggered Israel's war to eliminate the militant Islamist group. But Lord Cameron has hardened his language in recent months over the dire humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave. Lord Cameron warned on Sunday of the risk of mass starvation unless Israel allowed more aid. On Saturday, Britain said it would supply a naval vessel to ship aid as part of an international effort. In a statement on Sunday to mark six months since the initial Hamas attack, Rishi Sunak repeated his call for the Palestinian group to release Israeli hostages and for an immediate pause in fighting. "We continue to stand by Israel's right to defeat the threat from Hamas terrorists ... but the whole of the UK is shocked by the bloodshed, and appalled by the killing of brave British heroes who were bringing food to those in need," he said. Britain's government is also under pressure to publish its latest legal advice about Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza, which would potentially affect British arms exports. Last week three former Supreme Court justices joined more than 600 members of the British legal profession in calling for the government to halt arms sales to Israel, saying it could make Britain complicit in genocide in Gaza. Britain supplied 42 million of arms to Israel in 2022. In December, the government decided these exports should continue but would be kept under review. Lord Cameron said on March 8 that a fresh judgement on that was underway and due in the "coming days". David Lammy, the opposition Labour Party's would-be foreign minister, called for the government to publish a summary of its latest legal advice. "I do have very real concerns that our obligations in relation to international humanitarian law and ... our export and licensing regime ... might have been breached," he told the BBC. Deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden told Sky News that the government did not plan to publish legal advice but denied it was giving Israel "carte blanche". "Of course, Israel has made mistakes and made big mistakes, and we should hold them to account for that," he said. "It's right that we hold Israel to high standards. But I just think there's a bit of relish from some people about the way in which they are pushing this case against Israel." By David Milliken LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's support for Israel depends on it abiding by international humanitarian law, foreign minister David Cameron said in a newspaper column on Sunday, days after an Israeli airstrike killed seven aid workers, including three Britons. "Our backing is not unconditional," Cameron wrote in The Sunday Times. "We expect such a proud and successful democracy to abide by international humanitarian law, even when challenged." The British government has been a staunch ally of Israel since the Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7 that triggered Israel's war to eliminate the militant Islamist group. But Cameron has hardened his language in recent months over the dire humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave. Cameron warned on Sunday of the risk of mass starvation unless Israel allowed more aid. On Saturday, Britain said it would supply a naval vessel to ship aid as part of an international effort. In a statement on Sunday to mark six months since the initial Hamas attack, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak repeated his call for the Palestinian group to release Israeli hostages and for an immediate pause in fighting. "We continue to stand by Israel's right to defeat the threat from Hamas terrorists ... but the whole of the UK is shocked by the bloodshed, and appalled by the killing of brave British heroes who were bringing food to those in need," he said. LEGAL CHALLENGE Britain's government is also under pressure to publish its latest legal advice about Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza, which would potentially affect British arms exports. Last week three former Supreme Court justices joined more than 600 members of the British legal profession in calling for the government to halt arms sales to Israel, saying it could make Britain complicit in genocide in Gaza. Britain supplied 42 million pounds ($53 million) of arms to Israel in 2022. In December, the government decided these exports should continue but would be kept under review. Cameron said on March 8 that a fresh judgement on that was underway and due in the "coming days". David Lammy, the opposition Labour Party's would-be foreign minister, called for the government to publish a summary of its latest legal advice. "I do have very real concerns that our obligations in relation to international humanitarian law and ... our export and licensing regime ... might have been breached," he told the BBC. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden told Sky News that the government did not plan to publish legal advice but denied it was giving Israel "carte blanche". "Of course, Israel has made mistakes and made big mistakes, and we should hold them to account for that," he said. "It's right that we hold Israel to high standards. But I just think there's a bit of relish from some people about the way in which they are pushing this case against Israel." ($1 = 0.7914 pounds) (Reporting by David Milliken; Editing by Frances Kerry) Another oil refinery in Russia has suspended operations. This is the Orsk refinery, whose territory was also affected by the dam break. ADVERTISIMENT For his part, the head of the Russian Emergencies Ministry, Alexander Kurenkov, complained that a "critical situation" had developed in Orsk. This was reported by Russian propaganda media. According to a statement from the press service of the Orsk Oil Refinery, the company's operations were suspended to avoid environmental risks and to ensure safety. The timeframe for resumption of the production process at the refinery was not specified. In Russia, Orsknefteorgsintez is called one of the leading oil refineries in the country. The refinery's oil refining capacity is 6.6 million tons per year. The enterprise includes four primary oil refining units. It is worth noting that the refinery's products include jet fuel and jet fuel. In connection with the flood in the Orenburg region, a federal emergency situation was declared. According to the head of the Russian Emergencies Ministry, the situation with the flood in Orsk is critical. ADVERTISIMENT Local officials complain that the water continues to arrive, and its level is expected to rise in the coming days. Power outages continue in the areas affected by the flooding. Evacuations are also underway in the settlements. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, on April 6, the dam in the Russian city of Orsk burst at the third section, on Borisoglebskaya Street. It is noteworthy that just a few hours before, the regional authorities assured that "the flow from the river is stable, not increasing, the same as it was yesterday." As reported by OBOZ.UA, on April 5, the Russian city of Orsk in the Orenburg region began to sink under water. At first, dozens of houses were flooded there due to the rise in the water level in the Ural River, and in the evening the dam burst - it was not filled in time. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Ukraine is ramping up attacks on Russian oil refineries in a campaign that has damaged Moscows most important source of revenue. Ukraines forces have struck oil refineries deep inside Russia at least 12 times during the war, disrupting at least 10 percent of Russian refining capacity, according to the British Defense Ministry. In March alone, Ukraine carried out five successful reported strikes on several oil refineries. The attacks underscore how Ukraine is continuing to wield relatively cheap technology to conduct savvy strikes that damage Russia as it has also done with naval drones against Russias Black Sea fleet. But experts say the oil refinery attacks would need to ramp up to change the calculus on the battlefield, where Russia has seized the upper hand in recent months, thanks in part to Republicans in U.S. Congress refusing to pass new aid for Ukraine. John Hardie, deputy director of the Russia program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said if Ukraine is able to scale this up in a big way, it could be a way to gain leverage over Russia. To the extent it affects the war, it would probably be more in finances, he said. For every dollar that Moscow doesnt generate through taxes on industry, thats a dollar that it cant put into soldiers or producing weapons. The attacks so far have penetrated up to 800 miles into Russia from Ukraine, but they appear to have only caused moderate damage to the Russian oil refineries, allowing Moscow to repair the targeted facilities. A March intelligence update from the British Defense Ministry said the Ukrainian strikes have forced Russia to do major repairs, which could take considerable time and expense. Sanctions are highly likely increasing the time and cost of sourcing replacement equipment, British intelligence officials wrote. These strikes are imposing a financial cost on Russia, impacting the domestic fuel market. The efforts are forcing Russia to pivot and creating some headaches, with the Kremlin imposing a six-month ban on gasoline exports to try and meet domestic demand, while gas prices in the country have risen since the spate of attacks. Giorgi Revishvili, a Fulbright scholar at Texas A&M University Bush School of Government and Public Service, said rising fuel prices could cause domestic problems for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, the Kremlin has maintained an unspoken agreement with the Russian public to keep any war-related disruption to an absolute minimum, Revishvili wrote in an analysis for the Atlantic Council. The impact of higher fuel prices would be felt throughout Russia, particularly in regions with struggling economies, potentially creating instability. But Alexandra Prokopenko, a researcher at the Centre for East European and International Studies, said the strikes on oil refineries are unpleasant but not too painful for the Russian war machine. They do not affect the fuel supply to the front and may only briefly increase gasoline prices on the domestic market in Russia, Prokopenko said in an email, saying the attacks have also forced Russian oil companies to invest in antidrone systems. Ukraine also sees the attacks as strategic because Russia has largely evaded Western sanctions on its oil exports meant to hinder the war machine. Maksym Skrypchenko, president of the Transatlantic Dialogue Center, a Ukrainian think tank that advises Kyiv, said the oil refinery strikes are extremely effective and are expected to decrease Russian oil production in April. He added the attacks are just the beginning and expects them to increase. Its not just like a fly in the room thats disturbing you, he said. We are seeing the increase of prices in Russia. Skrypchenko also said Ukraine is exhausting Russian air defenses and hitting hard-to-repair sections of the oil refineries that will get harder and harder to fix. If we continue doing this at a specific point of time they run out of spare parts, he said. In the end it will lead to Russia trying to get some spare parts from abroad [and] it will take months for that to repair. Its a viable strategy that works. Ukraine is also carrying out the attacks at a relatively low cost. In most cases, Kyiv is hitting the refineries with long-range drones that are easily assembled for the military. Those drones are not terribly sophisticated, but they have regularly penetrated Russian air defenses and radar. Hardie, from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said the drones are built on a low budget but noted they are less effective than missiles. These [drones] dont carry anything like the warhead you would get on a conventional missile, he said. So the damage just isnt as great. The long-range drones Ukraine is using are a substitute for long-range artillery and missiles, which the West has provided to Ukraine. But Western nations providing those weapons, including the U.S., do not want them used for strikes inside of Russia for fear of escalation. The Financial Times reported in March that the U.S. has also privately urged Ukraine to stop targeting oil refineries out of concern for rising gas prices, along with concern for provoking a harsher Russian military response inside of Ukraine. It has been our view and policy from day one when it comes to Ukraine to do everything we possibly can to help Ukraine defend itself against this Russian aggression, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a press conference this month. At the same time, we have neither supported nor enabled strikes by Ukraine outside of its territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told The Washington Post in March that the reaction of the U.S. was not positive on the oil refinery strikes. But Zelensky said his forces are using their own drones and not Western weapons. Nobody can say to us you cant, he said. If there is no air defense to protect our energy system, and Russians attack it, my question is: Why cant we answer them? Their society has to learn to live without petrol, without diesel, without electricity. Its fair. The most recent attack Tuesday struck Russias third-largest oil refinery in the Tatarstan region. A drone hit a unit that processes more than 155,000 barrels of oil per day, according to Reuters, but the damage was minimal. Russia is planning to cover its oil refineries by moving air defenses around, according to the British Defense Ministry. Revishvili, from Texas A&M, said that may expose Russia to attacks in other areas of the country, though other analysts say Russia has limited refineries to cover and can adapt. The ramping up of the oil refinery attacks comes as Russia has seized the initiative on the battlefield in recent months, taking the city of Avdiivka in the eastern Donetsk region and advancing incrementally across the eastern Ukraine front line. Ukraine is increasingly being pushed onto its back foot on the battlefield with critical U.S. aid on hold as a group of isolationist Republicans put up hurdles to future support for Kyiv. Zelensky told the Post they are trying to find some way not to retreat with U.S. aid in limbo. Troops are struggling to defend territory against a larger Russian army as resources, including ammunition and vital artillery shells, deplete from available stocks. George Beebe, the director of grand strategy at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said Ukraine is not on a good course as they are being forced to construct defenses across a long front line without much time for preparation. What the Russians are going to continue to do I think is put pressure on Ukraine across the length of a very, very long front line, he said, saying that could open the way for a collapse in the future and allow for an easier Russian taking of key cities in the east. And in so doing continue to wear down the Ukrainians, exhaust their supplies of equipment and ammunition and manpower. Ukraine is resorting to putting pressure on Russia in other areas. That includes through the targeting of naval ships in the Black Sea, a push that has been successful in forcing the Russian navy back from the western parts of those waters. The oil refinery attacks are another part of the pressure campaign. But Beebe cautioned that while both the Black Sea and oil refinery attacks can hurt Russia, neither is going to shape the momentum on the battlefield. Theyre doing what they can, they dont have any good alternatives, he said, but the strikes are not going to change the course of the war. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Russia says Ukraine struck nuclear plant, Kyiv denies it was behind the attack FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: View shows Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant from the bank of Kakhovka Reservoir in Nikopol MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia said Ukraine struck the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station controlled by Russian forces three times on Sunday and demanded the West respond, though Kyiv said it had nothing to do with the attacks. The International Atomic Energy Agency, which has experts at the site, said it was the first time the nuclear plant, Europe's largest, was directly targeted since November 2022 and said the attack had endangered nuclear safety. Russian forces took control of the plant in 2022 shortly after their full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Both Moscow and Kyiv have repeatedly accused each other of risking a nuclear accident by attacking the plant. Russia's state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, said Ukraine attacked the plant three times on Sunday with drones, first injuring three near a canteen, then attacking a cargo area and then the dome above reactor No. 6. "Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station has been subjected to an unprecedented series of drone attacks, a direct threat to the safety of the plant," Rosatom said. "The radiation levels at the plant and the surrounding area have not changed," it said. A Ukrainian intelligence official said Kyiv had nothing to do with any strikes on the station and suggested they were the work of Russians themselves. "Russian strikes, including imitation ones, on the territory of the Ukrainian nuclear power plant ... have long been a well known criminal practice of the invaders," a spokesperson for Ukraine's HUR Main Intelligence Directorate, Andriy Usov. Reuters was unable to immediately verify battlefield accounts from either side. The nuclear plant has six Soviet-designed VVER-1000 V-320 water-cooled and water-moderated reactors containing Uranium 235 and also has spent nuclear fuel at the facility. Reactors No. 1, 2, 5 and 6 are in cold shutdown while Reactor No. 3 is shut down for repair and Reactor No. 4 is in so-called "hot shutdown", according to the plant. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova urged world leaders to condemn the act of "nuclear terrorism." Zakharova asked how many more times Ukraine would endanger nuclear safety at the plant before Western leaders took action. The IAEA said its experts had confirmed three drone attacks and that Russian troops engaged what appeared to be a drone approaching reactor No. 6. "This is a major escalation of the nuclear safety and security dangers facing the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Such reckless attacks significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident and must cease immediately," IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in a statement. "Attacking a nuclear power plant is an absolute no go," Grossi said. "Although the damage at unit 6 has not compromised nuclear safety, this was a serious incident that had the potential to undermine the integrity of the reactors containment system," he added. (Reporting by Felix Light in Tbilisi and Guy Faulconbridge in MoscowEditing by Ron Popeski, Bill Berkrot, Matthew Lewis and Lincoln Feast.) Key developments on April 6-7: Prosecutor General's Office: Russian soldiers kill 3 Ukrainian POWs Trump reportedly wants Ukraine to cede Crimea, Donbas to Russia Russia lost 7 aircraft in Ukraine's April 5 attack on air base, source says Zelensky says Kharkiv is prepared for a potential Russian offensive North Koreas missiles reportedly getting valuable battlefield testing in Ukraine Russia allegedly lost seven military aircraft during Ukraine's April 5 drone attack on the Yeysk air base in Krasnodar Krai in Russia, a source at Ukraines military intelligence (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent on April 7. Ukrainian forces attacked three Russian airfields on April 5 with unidentified drones. The joint operation of military intelligence and the Armed Forces hit the Yeysk, Engels-2, and Kursk airfields. The intelligence source said the Ukrainian drone attack damaged four Russian Sukhoi Su-30SM fighter jets, two transport aircraft, and one Beriev Be-200 Altair. The Beriev Be-200 Altair is a jet-powered amphibious flying boat designed for fire fighting, search and rescue operations, and maritime patrol, as well as freight and passenger transportation. The attack also destroyed the diesel power station of the airport, the source said. The Yeysk air base is home to Russias Naval Aviation 859th Center for training pilots. Ukrainian troops have intensified strikes against military and industrial targets in Russia in recent weeks. Ukraine has used domestically produced long-range drones to successfully attack oil refineries and weapons facilities, prompting Russia to announce increased air defense efforts in these areas. Read also: How Ukraine hit a Russian drone factory 1,300 kilometers away Trump reportedly wants Ukraine to cede Crimea, Donbas to Russia Former U.S. President Donald Trump has privately said he could end Russias war by pressuring Ukraine to cede Crimea and Donbas to Moscow, the Washington Post reported on April 7, citing sources. Trump has repeatedly said he could end Russias war within 24 hours if elected president, without specifying the steps for reaching a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow. The presumptive Republican nominee has also reportedly said he thinks both Moscow and Kyiv want to save face, they want a way out, claiming that Ukrainians in Russian-occupied territories would be okay with being part of Russia. Read also: Ukrainians under occupation face deportation, loss of property after Putins new order Russia illegally annexed Crimea and invaded the Donbas in 2014. In 2022, Russia also occupied parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts and claimed to annex the regions along with the Donbas. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly said Kyiv would not cede territories in exchange for peace. It looks as if Donald Trump had already these 24 hours once in his time. We were at war, not a full-scale war, but we were at war and as I assume he had that time at his disposal, but he must have had some other priorities, Zelensky told ABC News on June 9. Zelensky introduced Ukraines 10-point peace plan at a G20 summit in November 2022. The peace plan includes the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops, establishing a tribunal for Russian war crimes, the release of all prisoners of war and deported Ukrainians, and the prevention of ecocide. Trump is set to become the Republican nominee in the U.S. presidential election after former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley exited the presidential race on March 6. He said in May that he would not commit to providing Ukraine with defense assistance if he won the 2024 election. In mid-March, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin dismissed the idea of starting negotiations with Ukraine just because its ammunition stocks are dwindling, calling the notion ridiculous. Kyiv faces increasingly critical ammunition shortages as $60 billion in support from the U.S., a key military donor, remains stalled by disputes in Congress. A document from unsuccessful peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv in 2022, seen by the Wall Street Journal, indicates that Russian peace terms include severe restrictions on Ukraine's Armed Forces and a ban on joining military blocs like NATO. This would make the country permanently vulnerable to Russian aggression. Read also: Alexander Khrebet: Dont write off Ukrainians living under Russian occupation Russian soldiers kill 3 Ukrainian POWs The Prosecutor General's Office has opened an investigation into a video that purportedly shows Russian soldiers shooting three captured and unarmed Ukrainian servicemen in Kherson Oblast, the office announced on April 7. The video was published on Russian Telegram channels on April 7, according to a statement by the Prosecutor General's Office released on Telegram. Killing of POWs violates the Geneva Convention and constitutes a war crime. The description of the video states the incident took place near Krynky village in Kherson Oblast. In the video, several shots are fired by a Russian Armed Forces member at the unarmed and unmoving Ukrainian servicemen, according to the Prosecutor General's Office's statement. As of March 18, Ukraine had collected pretrial information on over 128,000 victims of war crimes, according to Veronika Plotnikova, the head of the Coordinating Center for Support of Victims and Witnesses of the Prosecutor General's Office. Read also: UN: At least 32 Ukrainian POWs executed in Russian captivity during winter Zelensky: Kharkiv 'protected' against potential Russian offensive President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview on April 6 that Kharkiv is protected in case Russia attempts to launch an offensive. Russia recently intensified attacks on Kharkiv. A number of media outlets have reported that Russia may launch a ground offensive against Ukraine's second-largest city this year. Ukraine's military intelligence called the potential attack on Kharkiv a part of a Russian psychological operation, adding that there were no signs of Moscow preparing new attack formations to carry out a ground offensive. Today, Kharkiv is not in danger, Zelensky said, referring to the local defensive lines and the readiness of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Russians do not hide that (Kharkiv) is a desirable target, Zelensky said. Zelensky added that Kyiv monitors all Russia's disinformation and Russian forces' movement on the front line. Russian troops could redeploy their forces in one or another direction, the president said. Zelensky also said that Ukrainian authorities don't see a potential for an attack from Belarus. Yet, Ukrainian forces prepare a reliable defense in the northern direction. According to Zelensky, building new defensive lines will be finished in a few months. The president also highlighted that 92-98% of the fortifications are completed along the most critical front lines. In March, Zelensky announced that Ukraine was building 2,000 kilometers of fortifications across three lines of defense. The Ukrainian government has already allocated Hr 20 billion ($512 million) for building fortifications in 2024, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said in April. Earlier, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Ukrainian troops are building fortifications in expectation of a Russian offensive in the spring, though there are concerns that the progress is not fast enough. On April 6, Russian forces launched a so-called double-tap attack on Kharkiv, luring emergency workers after the initial attack and then launching another one just as the rescue operation began. Seven people were killed and 11 were wounded in the April 6 attack, according to the latest update by Serhii Bolvinov, the head of the investigative department of the regional police. He added that Russia had used Soviet-era S-300 missiles to attack the city. The next day, missile and guided bomb attacks injured five people in the city. Read also: Russias new guided bombs pose increasingly serious threat to Ukraine North Koreas missiles reportedly getting valuable battlefield testing in Ukraine Russia's use of North Korean missiles during its offensive in Ukraine presents a unique opportunity for Pyongyang to assess its weaponry in actual combat scenarios, potentially gaining insights to enhance their effectiveness, according to a senior U.S. military official. I dont believe that in my recent memory the North Korean military has had a battlefield laboratory quite like the Russians are affording them to have in Ukraine, General Charles Flynn, the U.S. Army Pacifics commanding general said, Bloomberg reports. North Korea is emerging as a primary weapons provider for Russia, allegedly furnishing Moscow with comprehensive military provisions, which encompass ballistic missiles and reportedly over 3 million artillery shells. During a visit to the sprawling U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, located approximately 80 kilometers south of Seoul, Flynn emphasized on April 6 that the U.S. will be closely monitoring the unfolding situation. He expressed significant concern that North Korea could acquire insights into their weaponry through the war in Ukraine that they wouldn't have had access to otherwise. The U.S., South Korea, and other nations have accused North Korea of dispatching its latest nuclear-capable ballistic missiles to Russia. These missiles are purportedly designed to be easily concealed, rapidly deployed, and difficult to intercept. Images supplied by the U.S. suggest that these missiles are Hwasong-11s, a broad category of short-range ballistic missiles known for their ability to accurately strike targets with precision, Bloomberg reports, citing weapons experts. There have been at least 10 instances of Russia employing North Korean missiles to attack Ukraine, Jung Pak, the U.S. Senior Official for North Korea said in March. Oleksandr Filchakov, the head of the Kharkiv Oblast prosecutor's office, said on March 14 that Russia had used almost 50 North Korean missiles in its assaults on Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion. This number is five times higher than the count provided by Pak. Read also: Russia uses UN veto to block renewal of North Korea sanctions monitors Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief and Defence Minister comment on new military developments: Our enemies will feel the impact Oleksandr Syrskyi (front) and Rustem Umierov (back right) inspecting new military technologies. Photo: Syrskyi on Facebook Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and Rustem Umierov, Ukraines Defence Minister, have inspected the latest military hardware by Ukrainian developers, including drones and robotised systems. Source: Oleksandr Syrskyi on Facebook Oleksandr Syrskyi (centre right) and Rustem Umierov (right) inspecting new military technology. Photo: Oleksandr Syrskyi on Facebook Quote from Syrskyi: "Highly motivated technology teams are relentlessly working to improve their products, which are already being used by our forces, and developing their start-ups based on the goal we set for them in order to enable us to achieve our tactical and strategic objectives. Photo: Oleksandr Syrskyi on Facebook Were not just talking about surface- and air-based drones, but also robotised systems that can undertake tasks such as mine clearance, remotely controlled weapon stations, and other technologies that we will soon see being deployed. Our enemies are going to feel the impact." Details: Syrskyi explained that robotised systems, such as systems that can evacuate injured soldiers, are instrumental in saving peoples lives in combat zones. Photo: Oleksandr Syrskyi on Facebook "We should pay particular attention to remotely controlled weapon systems, which will soon be used in battle," he said. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine's Defence Intelligence Chief on Taurus missiles: Great weapons that could make our lives easier Ukraines Defence Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov has said that German-made Taurus cruise missiles are an "excellent weapon" that could help Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Source: Kyrylo Budanov in an interview with ARD, a German TV channel, as reported by European Pravda Details: Budanov said that Taurus missiles are "excellent weapons" that could allow Ukraine to target Russian command posts and other "crucial targets". "Theres no doubt that Taurus would make our lives easier," Budanov said. When asked whether Ukraine could rely on Germany, he said: "Can we rely on your country? I hope so." Budanov stressed that the Kerch bridge remains an important target for Ukraine. "The bridge is under strict security and is defended. But everyones working on this (the destruction of the bridge ed.)," he said. Previously: In February, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz explained why he strongly opposed supplying Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, citing the risk of drawing Germany into the conflict and fears that Ukraine would deploy the missiles to attack targets "somewhere in Moscow". Media also reported that the specifics of how Taurus missiles are targeted might constitute another reason for Scholzs opposition. Support UP or become our patron! Map showing the Russian city of Yeysk in the bottom right corner. Screenshot: Google Maps New information suggests that drones controlled by Ukraines Defence Intelligence damaged seven Russian aircraft at the Yeysk airfield, Russia, on 5 April. Source: an anonymous Defence Intelligence official in a comment for Ukrainska Pravda Details: The official told Ukrainska Pravda that more accurate information has become available concerning the Ukrainian defence intelligence drone strike on the Russian military airfield in Yeysk. The new data confirms that Ukrainian drones attacked the airfield on 5 April. Seven Russian aircraft were damaged in the attack, including four Su-30SM multi-role fighter jets, two military transport aircraft, and a BE-200 amphibious aircraft. The airfields diesel substation was also destroyed. Quote from the Defence Intelligence official: "Forces from the 726th Training Centre of the 51st Division of the Russian Air Defence Forces were in charge of the airfields security. They deployed a Pantsir-S missile system and guns to repel the attack. However, five Ukrainian [drones] still managed to break through their defences and overcome their attempts to deploy electronic warfare systems to disable them." Previously: Three air bases in Russia were damaged by drones on the morning of 5 April as a result of a joint operation by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Reports at the time suggested that two Su-25 aircraft were destroyed and four Russian soldiers were killed in Yeysk. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine's spy chief backs Pope's call for general prisoner swap: We just have to convince Russia Ukraines Defence Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov has said he supports the Popes call for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine, but he believes that Russia will not agree to this. Source: Kyrylo Budanov in an interview with ARD, a German TV channel Quote from Budanov: "Im entirely in favour of this. Lets do it. Theres just one minor difficulty: we have to convince Russia." Details: ARD reminded viewers that Budanov has been involved as a representative of Ukraine in prisoner swap negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. He has yet to see any interest from Russia in a general exchange of all prisoners. Budanov also told ARD that Turkiye is no longer the main intermediary in talks on prisoner swaps; the United Arab Emirates has taken its place. Previously: During his Easter message on Sunday, 31 March, Pope Francis expressed his "hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine: for the sake of all". Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine's spy chief foresees intensification of Russian offensive, doesn't rule out Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2024 Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraines Defence Intelligence Chief, has said Ukraine expects Russia to intensify its offensive in late spring and early summer, primarily near Donetsk. Source: Budanov in an interview with the German TV channels ARD and DW Quote from Budanov: "They (Russian Armed Forces ed.) will push a little bit towards Chasovyi Yar. They will be moving towards the town of Pokrovsk, the strategic front of Pokrovsk". Details: At the same time, Ukraines Defence Intelligence Chief believes that there will be no significant changes on the front line before the start of the expected Russian offensive. "The situation is quite difficult, but everything is under control," he assured. Unlike many military experts who hold a different view, Budanov does not rule out a Ukrainian offensive this year. However, he did not elaborate on this topic, saying that the responsibility for this matter falls to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to Budanov, Ukraine now needs additional supplies of artillery systems and additional ammunition. Support UP or become our patron! Russian forces attacked Ukraine with 17 Shahed loitering munitions on the night of 6-7 April, all of which were destroyed by Ukrainian air defence units. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 7 April Quote: "Russian invaders attacked Ukraine once again last night, using 17 Shahed UAVs. Ukrainian air defence personnel and assets destroyed all the attack drones." Details: Ukrainian and Russian forces clashed a total of 57 times over the past 24 hours. The Russians launched a total of 10 missile strikes and 88 airstrikes and bombarded the Ukrainian positions and populated areas 71 times with multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS). Russian artillery fire targeted over 100 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts. On the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts, the Russians maintained a military presence in the border areas, conducted sabotage activities to prevent the deployment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to vulnerable areas, and increased the density of minefields along the state border. On the Kupiansk front, the Russians mounted no offensive (assault) operations. On the Lyman front, Ukrainian defenders repelled seven Russian attacks near the village of Terny (Donetsk Oblast), where the Russians attempted to break through Ukrainian defences. On the Bakhmut front, Ukrainian troops repelled 14 Russian attacks near the settlements of Bilohorivka (Luhansk Oblast); Verkhnokamianske, Vyimka, Spirne, Bohdanivka, and Klishchiivka (Donetsk Oblast). On the Avdiivka front, Ukrainian defenders repelled five Russian attacks near the settlements of Novokalynove, Berdychi and Netailove (Donetsk Oblast), where the Russians attempted to drive Ukrainian troops from their positions. On the Novopavlivka front, Ukraine's Defence Forces are continuing to hold back the Russians near the settlements of Novomykhailivka and Heorhiivka, where Russian troops, supported by aircraft, sought to break through Ukrainian defences 21 times. On the Orikhiv front, the Russians attacked Ukrainian positions twice near the settlements of Staromaiorske (Donetsk Oblast) and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia Oblast). On the Kherson front, the Russians made five unsuccessful attacks on Ukrainian positions over the past 24 hours. Ukraine's Air Force struck 14 clusters of Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment and one Russian anti-aircraft missile system over the past 24 hours. Ukraine's Rocket Forces and Artillery units struck two clusters of Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment, one UAV command post, one artillery piece and one electronic warfare station. Support UP or become our patron! Video footage has been released showing the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian troops near the settlement of Krynky in Kherson Oblast, in Ukraine's south. Source: the Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian parliamentary commissioner for human rights, on Telegram Quote: "On 7 April 2024 a video showing Russian soldiers shooting three captured Ukrainian soldiers was posted on a Telegram channel. The video shows a member of the Armed Forces of Russia firing several shots likely from an assault rifle at the unarmed, immobile soldiers. The description says that it happened near the village of Krynky in the Oleshky hromada in Kherson Oblast." Details: A pre-trial investigation has been initiated into the violation of the laws and customs of the war, combined with premeditated murder (Article 438.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), under the procedural management of the Kherson Oblast Prosecutors Office of the Kherson Oblast Police. The Prosecutor Generals Office added: "Once again the representatives of the aggressor state have flagrantly ignored the provisions of the Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War, which indicates that such actions are supported by the top-level command of the Russian armed forces." Update: Later Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian parliamentary commissioner for human rights, reported that he had turned in official letters to the UN and the International Community of the Red Cross so that the organisations document another fact of violation of international humanitarian law by Russia. "This must become an evidence base for the tribunal against criminals," he wrote. Support UP or become our patron! There is an amazing place in southwestern Africa where scientists say supernatural beings may exist. The Namib is considered to be the oldest desert in the world: the sands have been there uninterruptedly for 80 million years, meaning that the desert has existed since the time of the dinosaurs. ADVERTISIMENT The word "namib" means "a place where there is nothing". And at first glance, the area seems to live up to the name, covering about 1,600 kilometers along the west coast of Africa, between three countries, in the driest, sandiest conditions on the planet. However, the desert, as it turned out, is not so empty. The details were reported by Ifl Science. A separate world To be honest, the Namib does not quite live up to its name. Although the desert conditions are very harsh, Namib is home to thousands of species of animals and plants. Among the gigantic sand dunes, you can find highly adapted populations of desert elephants, dune larks that live without ever drinking water, beetles whose ability to collect water from the air has fascinated scientists for decades and the iconic Welwitschia mirabilis, the most wonderful and ugly plant. ADVERTISIMENT The exact age of the desert is still a matter of debate, but we do know that it is at least 55 million years old. Conservationist Brian John Huntley noted that this is when the large dunes known as the Tsondab Sandstone formed. But this is only a conditional period of formation of individual dunes, the desert itself is much older. To put it in context, the Namib is at least eight times older than the Sahara - it was already a desert when the Sahara was teeming with water monsters. Undoubtedly, the local flora and fauna had enough time to adapt to the climate, which has an annual rainfall of only 2 millimeters. "The extreme aridity of the Namib Desert places serious limitations on the survival of most vertebrates, especially amphibians. However, many reptiles and birds have successfully adapted to life in the desert," Huntley said. ADVERTISIMENT Mammalian species include nomadic herds of springboks, gemsboks, plains zebras and Hartmann's zebras, as well as meerkats, aardwolves and brown hyenas. Home of the supernatural According to local folklore, Namib is home to more than just meerkats and hyenas. Locals tell of fairies and amazing oases. Among the sand dunes and flat gravel plains, there are round sand spots ranging from 1.5 meters to 25 meters in diameter, completely surrounded by grass. They are called "fairy circles" - and although science has yet to definitively prove how they were formed, the Himba locals have long known the answer: they are the footprints left in the desert by the god Mukuru. ADVERTISIMENT Hein Schultz, owner of the Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge, located near the Namib-Naukluft National Park, noted that the strange circles are often thought to be traces left by UFOs in the desert. One of the early hypotheses was that the grass in the center was poisoned by a local bush known as Euphorbia damarana or Damara milk bush. The theory was that the ground would become too toxic to support vegetation, but the surrounding ring of grass would persist, marking the boundary of where the shrub had impacted. It was an interesting but flawed idea: in 2020, the research team continued the work of the botanist who first proposed it back in the 1970s. The results were obvious. Stefan Goetzin, a researcher at the Department of Ecosystem Modeling at the University of Gottingen, said: "Based on our detailed field observations, we have to reject the milkweed hypothesis." ADVERTISIMENT Juan Bonacela, a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Strathclyde, suggested that the cause is the influence of termites. "Termites remove the vegetation on their mounds to increase the humidity that is necessary for the insects to survive in a dry environment, thus creating a bare disk. The vegetation around the mound uses this water accumulation to grow, and the taller vegetation forms a circle. The regular repetition of the pattern is the result of different termite colonies competing next to each other," Bonacela explained. However, ecologists have recently published a refutation of the termite theory. For now, it seems to be a mystery that defies scientific investigation. The gates of hell There is a so-called Skeleton Coast in the desert, but it is quite difficult to get there. The local Koisan Bushmen carefully guard the territory. ADVERTISIMENT The documentary filmmaker Genna Martin said that the desert destroyed an incredible number of sailors, ships and even airplanes. "This waterless desert, which reaches the dead end of the Atlantic Ocean, has caused the premature death of many unfortunate sailors, ships, airplanes and animals. Their corpses - rusted vessels, sun-bleached bones - are now visible reminders of the park's hostile conditions," she wrote. The region is so terrible that the 15th-century Portuguese explorer Diogo Cao called it the "Gate of Hell". Near the shore, you can find almost 1000 shipwrecks doomed to perish because of the thick fogs that roll in from the Atlantic and cover the coast. ADVERTISIMENT Researchers have often heard the sounds of drums beating at night, wild dogs screaming, and other strange noises. This gave rise to many hypotheses about the presence of supernatural beings in Namibia. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. Under threat from Marjorie Taylor Greene, would Mike Johnson need Democrats to save his job? WASHINGTON House Speaker Mike Johnson rode to power on the wings of the ultra-right coalition in the Republican Party, but now he faces a revolt from one of the most conservative members of his caucus. And the very thing that has made him vulnerable a willingness to work with Democrats on spending legislation could be what saves him. When the House of Representatives returns from a two-week recess on Tuesday, Johnson will face a move to oust him by one of the same staunchly conservative lawmakers who embraced him just months ago. Right-wing firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., took the first step in trying to remove Johnson from his job last month. She filed what is known as a "motion to vacate," which would forcibly eject Johnson from the speakership, shortly before lawmakers left Washington for recess last month. Greene did not try to force a vote on the floor. Instead, she left it as a warning for the speaker. Greenes grievances with Johnson escalated after the House passed a $1.2 trillion bill to fund the government long-term. The deal failed to win support from the majority of Republicans, who object to the bill's total spending levels and lack of stricter policy changes to address the crisis at the southern border. Johnson had to depend on Democrats to pass the bill, inciting fury from the lower chambers most conservative lawmakers. But unlike his predecessor, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who Democrats allowed a right-wing faction to topple without intervening on his behalf, the opposition party could swoop in to rescue Johnson from a potential ouster vote, according to some House Democrats. With his head bowed, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) speeds from his office past journalists and to the House Chamber ahead of a vote on a federal budget bill at the U.S. Capitol on March 22, 2024 in Washington, DC. The contentious legislation may pass out the House of Representatives and go to the Senate before a government shutdown deadline at midnight. A growing feud In recent days, Greene has ramped up her criticism of Johnson and has questioned his ability to lead conservatives since taking the gavel. Mike Johnson has completely changed his character in a matter of about five months after he has become speaker of the House, Greene told conservative interviewer Tucker Carlson last week. He called himself a conservative, always has been, but yet here we are. Johnson has made a complete departure of who he is and what he stands for, she added. Johnsons tactic to rely on Democrats to fund the government closely mirrors McCarthy's decision to avert a government shutdown with the help of Democrats. In response, a handful of right-wing rebels Greene not included ousted McCarthy along with all House Democrats. Johnson's conundrum comes from a key concession McCarthy made to his right flank last year when during his bid for the speakership, he agreed to change House rules to allow just a single member to call a vote to remove the speaker. U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) speaks to reporters outside of the U.S. Capitol Building after a vote on a funding bill that would avert a government shutdown on March 22, 2024 in Washington, DC. Greene told CNN last week that her effort to oust the speaker has gained momentum, but so far, no other Republicans have publicly come out in support of removing Johnson. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who led the ouster of McCarthy, has claimed that some Republicans would elevate Jeffries as speaker if Johnson is ousted. But Republicans' will soon be down to an extremely narrow margin, as one GOP lawmaker is resigning from the House, cutting the lower chamber's party breakdown to 217 Republicans and 213 Democrats. Assuming there is full attendance in the House, all it would take are three aggrieved Republicans to oust Johnson if all Democrats support him. Democrats to Johnson's rescue? But should Johnson deliver on bipartisan priorities such as Ukraine aid Democrats could vote to save Johnson instead. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., told Fox News Sunday last week he would consider saving Johnson if the House passes aid to Ukraine along with funding to rebuild the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Ukraine aid has been a long sticking point in the House. Johnson has faced intense pressure from both sides of the aisle to pass continued aid to the embattled nation, but an increasing number of members in his conference have expressed skepticism about further assistance. A House Democrat told USA TODAY on the condition of anonymity to speak candidly that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Democrats shouldnt lend Johnson their support for free, arguing the GOPs razor-thin majority gives them leverage over the speaker. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., questions Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin as he testifies in front of the House Armed Services Committee in Washington. I think we might vote to save him but we are at the point now ... where Democrats should get something in exchange. (The narrow majority) definitely strengthens Hakeems hand, the lawmaker said. But if Johnson were to be saved by Democrats to keep his job, it could rile up more conservatives. Greene has already called Johnson a Democrat speaker of the House because there is zero daylight between what Nancy Pelosi did last Congress and what Mike Johnson is doing now as our so-called Republican speaker of the House. Greene has heavily railed against Ukraine aid and should Johnson put it up for a vote, it could be the tipping point to Greene, it could be tipping point for Greene to force an ouster vote. Johnson has promised lawmakers that the House will vote on Ukraine aid in the near future. It is very likely that after this Ukraine bill, we may have a standoff with the speaker, Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., told NBC News Meet the Press last week. After Johnson, then what? If Johnson is ousted, its unclear who his successor would be. After McCarthys removal, it quickly became evident the handful of conservative rebels did not have an alternative speaker ready to back. As a result, House Republicans were engulfed in bitter infighting and went through three other speaker candidates before settling on Johnson. The dysfunction while Republicans scrambled to elect a new speaker revealed the deep fractures that run through the House GOP conference. During those three weeks, Republicans lamented that the chaos reflects poorly on their image to voters heading into the 2024 elections. Its also unclear if Republicans would be willing to go another another tumultuous speaker fight that would once again put on full display House Republicans divisions as the elections draw near. Democrats have made it no secret they plan to go after Republicans on the campaign trail over the Houses disorder. Johnson described Greene as a friend last week on Fox News and said he was also frustrated with the government funding deal but argued that with a narrow majority in the House, were sometimes going to get legislation that we dont like. The speaker also added Republicans dont need any dissension right now as they seek to defend their House majority and reclaim control of both the Senate and White House. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Marjorie Taylor Greene versus Mike Johnson: Do Democrats save him? WASHINGTON Chef and philanthropist Jose Andres says Israeli attacks in Gaza that have killed civilians including seven volunteers in his World Central Kitchen aid convoy amount to an ongoing "crime against humanity." "This is happening for way too long; it's been six months of targeting anything that seems moves," Andres said in an interview broadcast Sunday on ABC's "This Week." "This doesn't seem a war against terror. This doesn't seem anymore a war about defending Israel. This really, at this point, seems it's a war against humanity itself," Andres said. The beloved celebrity chef spoke through tears during the interview. The aid workers were killed in an Israeli airstrike last week as their convoy was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse. They had coordinated movements with the Israeli military, and they were traveling in armored cars bearing the World Central Kitchen logo. Israel called the attack a "grave mistake" and said the military had misidentified a World Central Kitchen worker as a Hamas gunman. The Israeli military fired two officers for their role in the attack. Chef Jose Andres discussing humanitarian aid to Gaza Andres dismissed Israel's explanation in his interview, telling ABC News: "Every time something happens, we cannot just be bringing Hamas into the equation." Andres' interview came on the six-month anniversary of Hamas' deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which launched the war in Gaza. The United States is pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government over the rising number of civilian deaths in Gaza. Some officials have suggested cutting off aid to Israel in an effort to forge a cease-fire. President Joe Biden, who spoke with Andres last week, expressed outrage over the World Central Kitchen deaths. He also emphasized that U.S. support in the Gaza war depends on "immediate" steps to protect civilians and aid workers. "They were providing food to hungry civilians in the middle of a war," Biden said. "They were brave and selfless. Their deaths are a tragedy." In his ABC interview, Andres said the attack "is unforgivable. I will have to live with this the rest of my life." Contributing: Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, Dan Morrison, Sudiksha Kochi and John Bacon This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chef Jose Andres accuses Israel of 'war against humanity' in Gaza US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink has commented on Russias latest attack on Ukraines Kharkiv Oblast. Source: Bridget Brink on X, as reported by European Pravda Details: Brink noted that the latest Russian attack on the city of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast hit a residential building, killing an 85-year-old woman. "For the 2nd night in a row, Russia launched missiles into civilian areas in Kharkiv to instill panic," Brink wrote. She expressed her condolences "to the loved ones of all those killed in this fearless region". For the 2nd night in a row, Russia launched missiles into civilian areas in Kharkiv - to instill panic. One struck a home in Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, and killed an 85-year-old woman. Our condolences to the loved ones of all those killed in this fearless region. pic.twitter.com/8oGVccKvLS Ambassador Bridget A. Brink (@USAmbKyiv) April 7, 2024 Background: Russian forces dropped a bomb on an apartment building in Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, on the night of 6-7 April, killing a woman. In the wake of the Russian attack on Kharkiv that took place on the night of 5-6 April and claimed the lives of six civilians, Bridget Brink, US Ambassador to Ukraine, said that there was "not a second to lose to support Ukraines fight to defend its people". Support UP or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- The US and China have put their bilateral relationship on a more stable footing over the past year, which has not meant ignoring differences or avoiding tough conversations, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday. Most Read from Bloomberg Both countries have to responsibly manage the complex relationship, and to cooperate and show leadership in addressing urgent global challenges, Yellen told Li in Beijing following her visit to the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. We can only make progress if we directly and openly communicate with one another, Yellen said, according to a transcript of her remarks. Earlier, Yellen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng agreed to set in motion formal talks aimed at addressing what the US and other countries see as Chinas growing industrial overcapacity. China wants the US to view the issue of production capacity objectively from a market-oriented and global perspective, the official Xinhua News Agency cited Li as saying. Since her arrival in Guangzhou on Thursday evening, Yellen has offered mostly criticism of the way Chinese leaders have managed their economy. She repeatedly called out Beijing for mistreating American and other foreign companies operating in China and for distorting global markets by subsidizing overproduction in certain sectors. The development of Chinas new energy industry will make important contributions to the global green and low-carbon transition, Li said, adding that China sincerely hopes that two countries can become partners. (Updates with response from China from fifth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. By David Lawder BEIJING (Reuters) -U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Sunday raised her concerns about China's excess industrial capacity with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, telling him that bilateral relations were now more stable because the two sides can have "tough" discussions. As they began a meeting in Beijing that ran 80 minutes, Li responded that the two countries needed to respect each other and should be partners, not adversaries, adding that "constructive progress" had been made during Yellen's trip. Yellen said Washington and Beijing had a "duty" to responsibly manage the complex relationship, "While we have more to do, I believe that, over the past year, we have put our bilateral relationship on more stable footing," Yellen said. "This has not meant ignoring our differences or avoiding tough conversations. It has meant understanding that we can only make progress if we directly and openly communicate with one another." Yellen has made the threat that China's over-production of electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels and other clean energy goods will hurt producers and jobs in the U.S. and other countries a focus of her second visit to China in nine months. A senior U.S. Treasury official said later that China's excess industrial capacity and the government support that has fueled it were discussed at length during the meeting and Li showed some willingness to have U.S. and Chinese economic teams explore the issue further. Although there were some differences of opinion, "there was not ideological or inflammatory pushback," the official said. "It was a much more legitimate conversation of policymakers." State news agency Xinhua on Sunday quoted Li saying the U.S. should "refrain from turning economic and trade issues into political or security issues" and view the issue of production capacity from a market-oriented and global perspective". The development of China's clean energy sector, where overcapacity concerns are felt most acutely, will support the global energy transition, Xinhua quoted Li as saying. WARM WELCOME Following her meeting with Li, Yellen met with Beijing mayor Yin Yong and attended events at the elite Peking University, where students gave her a standing ovation. Yellen has received a warm welcome on her second trip to China in nine months, which featured several social and cultural events, including a Pearl River boat cruise in Guangzhou and a private, after-hours tour of Beijing's Forbidden City. Her first visit in July 2023 was all business as she sought to normalise bilateral economic relations after a period of heightened tension caused by differences over issues ranging from Taiwan to COVID-19's origins and trade disputes. In a further sign of the ties stabilising, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping sought to manage tensions over the South China Sea in a nearly two-hour call on Tuesday, their first direct talks since a summit in November. U.S. and Chinese military officials met in Hawaii last week for a series of rare meetings focused on operational safety and professionalism. BALANCED GROWTH On Saturday in Guangzhou, Yellen and her main economic counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng, agreed to launch a dialogue focused on "balanced growth". Yellen said she intends to use the forum to advocate for a level playing field with China to protect U.S. workers and businesses. Beijing's support for battery-powered rides has helped homegrown companies such as BYD and Geely grab share in the world's biggest car market, and turn China into the world's largest auto exporter as production outpaces domestic demand. The Economist Intelligence Unit forecasts China's battery manufacturing capacity will outpace demand by a factor of four by 2027, as its EV industry continues to grow. But rapid growth has also meant China has created excess manufacturing capacity that could be between 5 and 10 million EVs per year, according to consultancy Automobility. Still, far from curbing investment in manufacturing, China has doubled down on Xi's new mantra of unleashing "new productive forces" by investing in cutting-edge technology including EVs, commercial spaceflight and life sciences - areas where many U.S. firms hold advantages. (Reporting by David Lawder in Beijing; Writing by Antoni Slodkowski and Andrew Hayley; Editing by William Mallard, Jacqueline Wong and Ros Russell) US concerned with North Korea getting rare chance to test its weaponry in combat in Ukraine Moscow's use of North Korean missiles in its attacks on Ukraine gives Pyongyang a unique chance to put its weapons to the test in combat and learn lessons that could improve their effectiveness. Source: Bloomberg, citing US General Charles Flynn, Commander of the US Pacific Army, as reported by European Pravda Details: Russian strikes on Ukraine provide North Korea with valuable information on technical issues, procedures and the munitions themselves. "I dont believe that in my recent memory that the North Korean military has had a battlefield laboratory quite like the Russians are affording them to have in Ukraine," General Charles Flynn said during a visit to the large US Army garrison at Humphreys, roughly 80 kilometres south of Seoul. The general stressed that the US will monitor the situation closely. Flynn explained that a huge concern for him and others is that North Korea could learn something about its weapons that it would not have had access to in the absence of a war such as the one in Ukraine. North Korea has been accused of providing Russia with advanced nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that are easily concealable, swiftly deployable, and challenging to intercept. Images provided to Bloomberg by the US indicate that the missiles in question are Hwasong-11s, a broad class of short-range ballistic missiles that can strike targets reliably with high accuracy. They have a range of 380 to 800 kilometres and extend the range of weapons that Russian leader Vladimir Putin can employ against Ukraine. Background: Russia stepped up cooperation with North Korea after the former's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Pyongyang is known to have handed over artillery shells and ballistic missiles to Moscow, which have been used to strike Ukrainian cities. The United States has indicated that the nature of the security threat posed by North Korea could change "drastically" in the next decade as a result of its cooperation with Russia. Support UP or become our patron! Joe Biden speaks on the phone in the Oval Office with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week - White House/Via Reuters It was a demonstration of raw American power. On Thursday night, Joe Biden told Benjamin Netanyahu to ease humanitarian suffering in Gaza or face changes in American support for Israel. Within a matter of hours, Israels war cabinet had agreed to reopen the Erez crossing into Gaza to aid the first time since the war began on October 7 last year. It not only demonstrated the influence American presidents can bring to bear on Israel if they choose. It marks just how six months of war in Gaza has driven a wedge between Israel and even its closest allies. For some, this moment was long coming: Hamas laid a trap, and Mr Netanyahu walked straight into it. Benjamin Netanyahu greets US President Joe Biden on his arrival at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport less than two weeks after the October 7 attack - BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP Firstly, Israels response would have been well known to Hamas and entirely predictable and Israel is entirely predictable, said Alastair Burt, a former minister for the Middle East who was also at one point an officer of Conservative Friends of Israel. Theres an argument that Israel lost this on the morning of October 7. Almost everything since then has compounded Israels situation because of its inability to take any course of action beyond what was the most likely course of action for them which was not likely to be, in my mind, a success. He runs though a long list of factors: the sheer violence of Israels response has fuelled Hamass popularity throughout the Arab world as a resistance movement; the Arab street is in ferment, much to the concern of rulers in a number of Arab states. Every day it goes on, there is a humanitarian crisis on top of the military crisis that puts more moral, political, and diplomatic pressure on allied governments. There is no end in sight beyond continuing military action because the Israeli government has not set out a plan for the day after. And the strategy of seeking to destroy Hamas and free the hostages at the same time just doesnt seem to have worked. Theres now another, political frustration coming into play, he says: I do think now allies are worrying that the government of Israels political survival depends on continuing conflict rather than a political resolution of issues around the Palestinians. And Im not sure that allies are prepared to sign up for that. It was Tuesdays killing of seven World Central Kitchen staff and security advisers while travelling on a deconflicted route, on an aid mission that the Israeli Defence Forces knew about in advance, and by a precision strike clearly intended to kill everyone in the convoy that has proven the last straw. The shift in the consensus was rapid, and dramatic. In Britain, those who joined calls for the UK to halt arms supplies to Israel included Alex Younger, a former head of MI6; Sir Keir Starmers Labour Party, which has spent enormous political capital facing down critics of Israel within its own ranks; and more than 600 prominent former judges and lawyers. France said the incident could not be justified. The foreign minister of Germany, the most reluctant of all European countries to criticise Israel, called for a full investigation and warned that incidents like this cannot be allowed to happen. Radek Sikorski, the Polish foreign minister, told the BBC that the Polish public is rightly agitated and that even if we accept the Israeli claim that the IDF thought there was a terrorist in the convoy (there was not), the willingness to sacrifice seven innocent people for someone who is not an immediate danger is a moral hazard that we do not think is acceptable. But it is the shift in the United States Israels strongest ally and most important benefactor that is perhaps most significant. Im sorry it has come to this, Richard Haass, a veteran US diplomat who advised four presidents and is considered a stalwart conservative defender of the special relationship with Israel, said on MSNBC on Thursday morning. To get Mr Netanyahu to take America seriously, he said, we would have to basically have some sanctioning of what Israel is doing. Not just stuff at the UN. It has got to be conditioning arms deliveries and its got to be, I would think, some trade sanctions against goods coming out of West Bank settlements. We cant have a policy based on persuading Israel. We have to increasingly have an independent policy that reflects our interests and values. That was very big coming from a figure like Mr Haass, said Mr Burt. Even more significant is that it treats Israel like any other country in a similar position, breaking a taboo that some Israeli policy makers seems to have taken for granted. Demonstrators light a fire at Kaplan Street in Tel Aviv on Saturday night as thousands of Israelis demanded Benjamin Netanyahu's resignation, early elections and release of Israeli prisoners in Gaza in the latest anti-government protest - Saeed Qaq/Anadolu via Getty Images The change in tone has not gone unnoticed in Israel. When someone like Richard Haass is joining the progressives Democrats like Bernie Sanders, it is very problematic, I agree, acknowledged Eldad Shavit, the director of the American program at INSS, Israels leading defence and security think tank. I read somewhere that there 17 senators, Democrat senators, that call on President Biden to condition arms. Thats a lot of senators. Its a little bit less than half of the [Democrat] senators. It is not a development we can ignore. Something is happening. But I wouldnt characterise it as a crisis. I would characterise it as rising tensions. Crisis or mere tensions, it did not come out of nowhere. This months rift is the result of a series of events peaking with the WCK strike and that started with the flour massacre in February, said Mairav Zonzsein, Crisis Groups senior Israel researcher, referring to the killing for more than 100 people when Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd around an aid convoy on February 29. There are more and more incidents that are building up a massive amount of evidence why this war is not going the way Israel and the US may have hoped, she added. Still confidence in American support The sign of a major turning point came in March, when the United States for the first time refused to use its veto to stop a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire. This is not uncharted territory. Margaret Thatchers government imposed an arms embargo on Israel over its 1982 invasion of Lebanon. Tony Blairs government did the same over its behaviour in the West Bank in 2002. In 1956, the United States forced Israel, France and Britain to abort their invasion of Egypt during the Suez crisis. And in 1991 George H W Bushs White House clashed with Yitzhak Shamirs government when he delayed US loan guarantees over the settlement of Soviet emigres in the Occupied Territories. And Mr Bidens White House has made clear it is not calling on Israel to agree to a ceasefire without a deal releasing the hostages. For that reason there is still considerable confidence in Israel of American support. They have a lot of criticism of Israel but they talk, but they dont act, argued Mr Shavit (he was speaking before Thursday evenings phone call between Mr Biden and Mr Netanyahu). They dont act not because they feel Israel is doing what they want, but because they understand the situation is sensitive. If we lose the war it will be their loss too. I dont think the decision of the administration to not veto the last Security Council resolution is an indication they believe it is time to force Israel to force a ceasefire without conditions. This isolation is still in the realm of rhetoric rather than policy change, concured Ms Zonzsein.Allowing the UNSC resolution to pass was a signal but it didnt lead to a ceasefire. It is surprising that it has taken this long. But what would it take if it didnt take a strike targeting an aid convoy in a deconflicted zone, if it didnt take 30,000 dead what is it going to take for people to really put their foot down? The next point of contention is Rafah the southern Gaza border town where 1.4 million civilians, many of them refugees forced out of the northern part of the strip by Israeli military operations, are living in atrocious conditions. Israel says there are four Hamas brigades in Rafah, and its war aim of destroying the groups military force and political leadership cannot be completed without an offensive there. Humanitarian groups and the United States have warned such an offensive would be a bloodbath. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has warned an offensive into Rafah risks further isolating Israel around the world. Kamala Harris, the US vice president, has said it would be a huge mistake. Mr Netanyahu is under pressure from his far-right coalition partners, including Itamar Ben-Gvir, to push ahead regardless and still refuses to rule it out. That speaks to a division in Israeli society. The Israeli public remains overwhelmingly supportive of the goal of eliminating Hamas no matter what. While liberal Israelis are very concerned about international isolation and add it to their long list of reasons Mr Netanyahu is unfit to govern but if you look at far right politicians in Israel they completely take US support for granted. [Only] If there was a serious conditioning of weapons to Israel that would have a significant affect not only on how Israel conducts this war but all its war, said Ms Zonzsein. They dont understand what it means to have consequences for their actions. Mr Shavit, a retired colonel who served in the IDFs intelligence branch, believes an operation in Rafah is probably necessary and argues the Americans are concerned about how it is done rather than if it is done. But he acknowledges doing it without coordination with the Americans could trigger a more significant change in US policy. Mr Burt believes a more serious shift is under way. The war has breathed new life into the long-moribund idea of a two-state solution. Lord (David) Camerons announcement earlier this year that Britain would be prepared to consider bringing forward recognition of a Palestinian State is an indication of that shift. Depth of feeling for Israel That may be a distant prospect, and Mr Netanyahu and his right-wing allies are adamantly opposed to it. But for Israels allies, a perpetual war that strengthens the hand of Iran and terrorist groups, including undermining political stability and security of both Israel and their own countries, is simply a non-starter, argues Mr Burt. I must come back to this point it is very easy to say Israel is losing sympathies of the West. Nothing of the sort is happening. The depth of feeling for Israel is still there, he added. What you have now is a worry that the actions of the current Israeli government ... is threatening the security and viability of Israel in ways we have not seen. 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. US Rep. Jasmine Crockett says Biden has always been critical of Israels Netanyahu following intense talk Crockett says Netanyahu is continuing down a path that has led to immense devastation U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett defended the White House efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza on Friday telling theGrio that President Joe Biden had long taken a tough stance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden has always been strict and strong in his words behind closed doors, the freshman Democrat from Texas said, adding that the president is being even more critical of Netanyahu because he is continuing down a path that has led to immense devastation. The devastation has affected Palestinians and aid workers, she said. The comments come one day after Biden warned Netanyahu in a roughly 30-minute phone call that there will be policy changes if Israel fails to address civilian harm and humanitarian suffering caused by Israel in its conflict with Hamas. Rep.-elect Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, speaks during a news conference with newly elected incoming members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus at the AFL-CIO building in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, November 13, 2022. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) Ahmed Benchemsi, advocacy and communications director for the Human Rights Watchs Middle East and North Africa division, is concerned that Bidens stern talk with Netanyahu could be too little, too late. Its about time that the U.S. change its tone with Israel, Benchemsi told theGrio, though he questioned whether it is enough to provoke Israel to change its approach in Gaza. In the call with Netanyahu, Biden said that strikes on humanitarian workers and the humanitarian situation are unacceptable, according to the White House. He made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers, the White House said in a statement. The presidents remarks and demand for an immediate ceasefire came days after an Israeli airstrike killed seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen. U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel in the State Dining Room of the White House October 10, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Words are not enough, U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif. told theGrio. The killing of seven World Central Kitchen workers who were delivering food to starving people in Gaza is devastating. Khanna called on Biden to take it a step further and stop the distribution of any offensive weapons to Netanyahu and the right-wing government of Israel until there is a permanent ceasefire and a release of all hostages. Human Rights Watch has been calling on the U.S. to stop selling weapons to Israel for months because those weapons are used to commit grave violations of war, Benchemsi said. We are calling for Israel to respect international law. Stop starving 2 million people. This is a war crime of Biblical proportions. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (L) sits with Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before a dinner at the Prime Ministers residence March 9, 2010 in Jerusalem, Israel. (Photo by Baz Ratner-Pool/Getty Images) Since a Oct. 7 deadly attack by Hamas militants on Israel and abduction of hundreds of Israelis, more than 31,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels response and more than 72,000 others have sustained injuries, according to the United Nations as of mid-March. Many in the region are also suffering from starvation. The United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner published an article in which experts say that Israel has intentionally starved residents in Gaza since the conflict began. The U.S. needs to take action to stop the suffering of the Palestinian people, Khanna said. Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. Recommended Stories The post US Rep. Jasmine Crockett says Biden has always been critical of Israels Netanyahu following intense talk appeared first on TheGrio. On the night of April 7, the Russian terrorist army once again attacked Kharkiv. Putin's troops used Shahed kamikaze drones to attack civilians. ADVERTISIMENT Civilians were injured in the attack. The head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleh Syniehubov, reported this on Telegram. Kharkiv was attacked by UAVs around 00.50 at night. The shelling damaged a private house in the regional center. A 62-year-old man sustained shrapnel wounds. Another 64-year-old woman and an 87-year-old man were provided with medical assistance on the spot. The RMA also noted that the Russians repeated their attack in an hour. At about 01:40 am, explosions occurred in Lozova and Kharkiv districts. In this case, there were no casualties. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the round-the-clock Russian terror against civilians in Kharkiv. The Head of State emphasized that the enemy's criminal actions must be prevented. The President called for strengthening air defense for the Kharkiv region. Earlier, it was reported that on the night of April 6, Russian occupation forces attacked Kharkiv region with missiles and Shahed drones. The hits were recorded in Kharkiv and Derhachiv community. In the regional center, 6 people were killed and 10 others were wounded. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, and the reported atrocities that the Spanish Army had inflicted on the Cuban people, fueled American sentiment that the United States should get involved in Cubas fight for independence. On April 25, 1898, Congress approved a resolution declaring war on Spain. However, the war wasnt limited to Cuba. To cripple the Spanish Navy on May 1, 1898, U.S. Naval ships commanded by Commodore George Dewey defeated the Spanish ships anchored at Manila in the Philippines. Meanwhile, at Vancouver Barracks in Washington, Perry Miles, who was serving with the 14th Infantry, remembered how the soldiers were feeling. In his memoirs, Fallen Leaves: Memories of an Old Soldier, he wrote that after the declaration of war the soldiers waited impatiently for mobilization orders, but they were disappointed. The first list of published orders didnt include the 14th Infantry. Veterans column: Brig. Gen. Perry Miles of Johnstown starts his Army career at West Point Miles, who had recently been promoted to first lieutenant, wrote, Was it possible that I was not to participate in the only war that might occur in my lifetime when I was devoting my whole lifes work in a service which was supposed to give me special preparation for just this sort of thing? Fearing he would miss the fight, Miles sent an application through military channels to the adjutant general of the Army, asking to be reassigned to any infantry regiment in the field. He need not have worried about missing the war. Shortly after Deweys victory in Manila, the 14th Infantry received orders to report to San Francisco. The regiment boarded train cars on May 7 and arrived in San Francisco the next day. They set up camp and immediately began recruiting men to bring their regiment up to what was considered war strength. Miles noted that even though soldiers had always been stationed in San Francisco, troops going to a war front seemed to be another kind of creature. It was found necessary to have visiting hours and to keep sentinels about the whole camp except at those published hours. I remember how curious the people visiting our camp were to see everything about how the soldiers lived. We found that we had less privacy than a goldfish has in his bowl. The goldfish usually had something in the bottom of the bowl behind which or into which it could find refuge, but securely tying the flaps of our tents when we wished to change clothes or rest a few minutes on our bunks undressed did not prevent curious hands from pulling the flaps far enough apart to get an eye full of the interior. Veterans column: Lt. Wayne Crowl's remains to be interred eight decades after his death Shortly after their arrival, they learned they would not be going to Cuba but instead were headed for Manila. Miles wrote, About all that any of us knew about this city was that it was a place that gave its name to Manila rope from the hemp shipped there. The army wanted to send troops to the Philippines as soon as possible, but there were no naval ships nearby suitable for carrying troops. Another problem that Miles recorded was the fact that the U.S. military had never shipped troops in a trans-oceanic voyage before we had no experience as to the actual needs. We were to be the guinea pigs. Doug Stout is the Licking County Library local history coordinator. You may contact him at 740.349.5571 or dstout@lickingcountylibrary.org. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Veterans column: USS Maine sinking launches Perry Miles' military career Victim in critical condition after stabbing in Downtown Boston, police say One person was rushed to the hospital after a stabbing in Downtown Boston, according to authorities. Officers responded to the area of 125 Summer Street around 6:15 p.m. on Saturday and found a victim with stab wounds, a Boston Police spokesperson said. The victim was transported to an area hospital with injuries that officials say are considered to be life-threatening. No arrests have been made. Traffic is being diverted away from the crime scene while officers continue their investigation. Homicide detectives were called to the scene. No further information was immediately available. 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 COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) The total solar eclipse is only a day away, which is a good time to focus on eye safety when experiencing the event in central Ohio Monday afternoon. The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio occurred in June 1806, and the next one will not happen until 2099 across the Buckeye State. Graphic: National Weather Service/Wilmington More than 30 million Americans will be in the path of totality that stretches from Texas to Maine, and slices through the northwest half of Ohio. Solar eclipse inspires Columbus songwriter In Columbus, the partial eclipse will begin at 1:55 p.m. Eastern time and end at 4:26 p.m., with peak totality (99.6 percent) occurring at 3:12 p.m. Areas just northwest of the city will witness darkness for about 30 seconds up to several minutes. The longest viewing time will be about 3 minutes 50 seconds in a band from west-central Ohio to Upper Sandusky and Cleveland. Protective eyewear is essential during the eclipse to avoid the risk of permanent eye damage. Youngsters, especially, should be reminded by parents not to even peek at the sun without their approved safety glasses. Dr. David Rogers, chief of Ophthalmology at Nationwide Childrens Hospital and chairman of the AAPOS solar eclipse task force, encourages families to take preventive steps prior to properly prepare for eclipse viewing. Best places in central Ohio to see solar eclipse Only ISO-Certified solar eclipse glasses can protect your eyes from the damaging rays the solar eclipse will emit. Eclipse glasses are 100,000 times darker than regular sunglasses and block the damaging infrared and ultraviolet rays of the sun that will oxidize the retina leading to permanent vision loss. Rogers explained the nature of the serious and potentially permanent eye damage that occurs if a person looks at the sun. The damaging part about this whole event is that theres ultraviolet (UV) rays that we really cant see. Those UV rays enter the eye and they can damage that sensitive retina in the back of the eye. The damage from the sun occurs through the process of photo oxidation, which Rogers said causes free radicals to be released in the back of the eye in the photoreceptors. Those photoreceptors are permanently damaged; they cannot repair themselves. Photographer gives tips to capture solar eclipse He stressed that your certified eclipse glasses must be put on while looking down or away from the sun, to ensure proper fit, before looking up to observe the spectacular event. NASA has information on how families can construct a box pinhole projector to ensure kids have another safe way to view the eclipse. Parents are advised to discuss all the precautions before the celestial event of a lifetime and make sure that children are fully aware of the risk of severe eye damage if protective glasses are not worn at all times during the total solar eclipse. For more information about eye safety for all ages during the eclipse, you can click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. A series of violent, destructive burglaries in a Los Angeles County neighborhood have left residents on edge, worried about being targeted next. Several burglaries were caught on home surveillance cameras as thieves wearing ski masks, dark hoodies, gloves and backpacks were seen breaking into homes in the Westchester neighborhood. The suspects were seen lurking and peering into the windows of homes before shattering the glass to enter. In another instance, a suspect is seen pulling down a security camera to avoid detection. The burglaries have turned really scary, said Debra Huston, a Westchester resident. Huston said shes been speaking out for months now about the troubling spike in break-ins and the increasingly violent confrontations with intruders. In the last two weeks, theyve pepper sprayed the owners of the home, Huston said. In another case, a mother was home with her two young daughters and the burglars smashed their way into the house. In the third incident, a man and maybe his family were home. The burglars entered and he fired shots with his weapon and scared the burglars away. Burglars running out the front door after stealing items from a Westchester home. A suspect lurking in the backyard of a Westchester home in Los Angeles County amid a series of violent break-ins. Two suspects peering into the window of a Westchester home in Los Angeles County amid a series of violent break-ins. A suspect peering into the window of a Westchester home in Los Angeles County amid a series of violent break-ins. Westchester residents are frustrated and on edge, demanding local officials take action to tackle the rising crime. (KTLA) Two suspects smashing the window of a Westchester home in Los Angeles County amid a series of violent break-ins. Burglars running out the front door after stealing items from a Westchester home. The Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed theyve received reports of the break-ins and are investigating. In January, police held a community meeting after 75 home break-ins were reported in the Westchester area within a three-month span from October to December. Last week, LAPD interim police chief Dominic Choi reported that residential burglaries have increased citywide by 4.5 percent from the same time the year before. Residents who have been targeted said they disagree and believe its a much higher percentage, especially in Westchester. SoCal plumber who lost $30,000 worth of tools frustrated with crime laws They are becoming more brazen, said Richard Travasso, a Westchester resident. Its happening daily, said resident Michelle Zoolalian. Sometimes twice a day. People here are taking up gun lessons, Huston said. They are learning to fire and they are buying guns. The police told me that even if they were to catch the burglars, they would be released the same night, said resident Timmy Shar. Shar said his grandmother and his next-door neighbor were both recently burglarized. He echoes the concerns of others that something needs to change. As someone who voted for politicians who passed these laws, it is extremely concerning and something that we, as an entire community, have to change going forward, Shar said. Residents and community members said they want to see more police patrolling the area. Theyre also seeking answers from city officials about plans to tackle the growing crime. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Pennsylvania US Representative District 15 Description of office: The U.S. Constitution requires that the House of Representatives be composed of Representatives from each state, elected in proportion to population. There are 435 members of the House of Representatives, with 17 Representatives allotted to Pennsylvania after the 2020 census. A U.S. Representative must be at least 25 years old, have been a citizen of the United States for the past seven years, and be a resident of the state they seek to represent at the time of the election (though not necessarily the same district). The House of Representatives is responsible for introducing and voting on bills, resolutions and amendments, and for approving the budget. Representatives also serve on various policy committees. The House may send Articles of Impeachment of elected officials to the Senate and elects the President if there is a tie in the Electoral College. Term: 2 years Salary: $174,000 Vote for ONE. Democratic: ZACH WOMER County: Centre Occupation: Student Education: B.A. in Psychology from Denison University. Current 1L in Penn State Laws Juris Doctorate program. Qualifications: Board Member of the Centre County Mental Health, Intellectual Disability, and Early Intervention Board. Campaign website: womeforpa.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556749914906 Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them? A: The first issue, which should concern everyone in the country regardless of political affiliation is the continued consolidation of our markets. Mergers and acquisitions of large corporations have made our markets uncompetitive, and completely subject to the whims of monopolistic corporations. We need to break up these companies to reduce their institutional power and help the American consumer. The next most significant issue is trade. NAFTA and Chinas entry into the WTO have destroyed former manufacturing communities, like mine. Forcing American workers to bargain against undeveloped markets is a terrible deal for the American worker, and has thus robbed workers of the American dream. Q: What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively? A: I strongly support institutional changes that remove corporate influence in elections, make congressional races more competitive, and better represent the countrys voters. At present, we have an uncompetitive system backed by corporations, which causes ideological gridlock, except when those backed by corporations want to kick back to the folks who got them elected. If we want Congress to function well, we need to clean up the corruption, polarization, and nonsense in our system. Q: What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections? A: I support any and all legislation that makes it easier for American citizens to vote. Most prominently, I believe election day ought to be a national holiday so that hard-working Americans can still access the polls. Beyond that, I would support legislation that greatly enhances the civic education of Americans so that more people in the country understand just what they are voting for. Q: How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community? A: I believe that the United States certainly has a role in international aid, however, what is unacceptable is when the United States takes care of foreign nations before ensuring the needs of its own citizens are taken care of. In the present moment, there are massive issues in the United States, and I am quite perturbed that the so-called, elites of our country are significantly more focused on international affairs rather than our own. Zach Womer Republican: GLENN GT THOMPSON County: Centre Occupation: Member of Congress, PA-15 Education: B.S. from the Pennsylvania State University, M.A. from Temple University Qualifications: Former Bald Eagle Area School Board Member; former Centre County GOP Chairman; Member of Congress PA-5 (2009-2019); Member of Congress PA-15 (2020-Current), National Distinguished Eagle Scout Award winner (2016): Chairman of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee (2020-Current) Campaign website: GTThompson.com Facebook: facebook.com/TeamGT X: twitter.com/GT_TeamGT Instagram: www.instagram.com/teamcongressmangt Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the country, and how would you address them? A: The metrics might suggest the economy is doing well, but at the end of the day people are feeling very different. We have more than nine million jobs open, with an alarming amount of people unemployed and under-employed. Meanwhile, our southern border remains unsecured, creating a massive humanitarian crisis and security concerns. We need to get this work done. In Congress, I have consistently worked in a bipartisan manner to achieve common ground. I credit my career in healthcare, lifetime in scouting, and working as an EMT and firefighter. Each provided me the ability to work with people from all walks of life. I believe the constituents expect no less. It is an honor to serve them and I am humbled by their continued support. Q: What changes, if any, would you support that would help Congress function more efficiently and effectively? A: Congress was designed to have checks and balances. This was deliberate and the legislative process is not easy. However, I do not believe the process is flawed, but rather it is often hijacked by bad actors, who are starved for media attention. Every day I work to find common ground with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle. This has led to collaboration on a lot of issues, from serving our veterans, bringing tele-medicine to rural communities, to modernizing career and technical education. Every success starts with finding common ground with my colleagues from across the political spectrum. Building better relationships is the key to success and one thing I personally strive for to ensure a better working Congress. Q: What legislation would you support to protect voting rights and safeguard access to free and fair elections? A: Free and fair elections are the foundation of our democratic system of government. It is imperative we maintain the integrity of our electoral process and ensure every eligible Americans right to vote. While I encourage efforts to reduce illegal activities in our federal elections, Congress needs to respect the role state and local governments play in shaping their own electoral processes. Discrimination of any kind is completely unacceptable. This is not a partisan issue; all Americans should push for inclusion and participation in the electoral process. The 2018, 2020, and 2022 elections had the highest turn out in decades, signaling a really positive trend. Q: How do you view the role of the US in responding to challenges facing the international community? A: The U.S. plays a critical role in shaping international policy together with those countries that share our values. There are a number of diplomatic tools at our disposal to discourage bad actors from inflicting harm. America does more to support democracy across the globe than any other country. I am a strong supporter of the U.S. Institute of Peace, which Congress established in 1984 with President Reagan, to improve national security and global stability by reducing violent conflicts. We should always strive to mitigate conflict through diplomacy, but as an Army dad, I know we must also have the best funded, highly trained, and lethal fighting force on the planet. And we must be there for our troops when their service concludes. Glenn Thompson debate headshot Pennsylvania State Senator Description of office: The General Assembly is the legislative branch of government in Pennsylvania. It is composed of two houses: the Senate is the upper house, and the House of Representatives is the lower house. A majority vote in both houses is necessary to pass a law. The PA Senate consists of 50 members, representing one district each, with an equal number of constituents. Senators must be at least 25 years old, have been a citizen and a resident of the state four years and a resident of their respective districts one year before their election, and shall reside in their respective districts during their terms of service. The Senate develops budget packages, makes taxation decisions, allocates spending, and passes laws (including redistricting in collaboration with the House of Representatives). In addition, the Senate tries officials impeached by the House and authorizes executive appointments. Senators serve on various policy committees that may propose legislation. There are no term limits to this office. Term: 4 years Salary: $106,422 District 25 Vote for ONE. Democratic: No candidate filed. Republican: CRIS DUSH County: Jefferson Campaign website: DushForSenate.com Facebook: facebook.com/DushForSenate Did not respond to questions. District 35 Vote for ONE. Democratic: No candidate filed. Republican: WAYNE LANGERHOLC, JR. County: Cambria Campaign website: langerholcforsenate.com Facebook: facebook.com/LangerholcForSenate Did not respond to questions. Pennsylvania State Representatives Description of office: The General Assembly is the legislative branch of government in Pennsylvania. It is composed of two houses: the Senate is the upper house, and the House of Representatives is the lower house. A majority vote in both houses is necessary to pass a law. The PA House of Representatives consists of 203 members representing one district each, with an equal number of constituents. Representatives must be at least 21 years old, have been a citizen and a resident of the state four years and a resident of their respective districts one year before their election, and shall reside in their respective districts during their terms of service. The House develops budget packages, makes taxation decisions, allocates spending, and passes laws (including redistricting in collaboration with the Senate). The House also has the exclusive authority to impeach public officials. Representatives also serve on various policy committees that may propose legislation. Term: 2 years Salary: $106,422 House District 77 Vote for ONE. Democratic: H. SCOTT CONKLIN County: Centre Occupation: State Representative Education: Clearfield County Vocational Technical School Qualifications: Incumbent State Representative, former Centre County Commissioner, former small business owner Campaign website: linktree.com/conklinforpa Facebook: facebook.com/ScottConklinPA X: twitter.com/ScottConklinPA Instagram: instagram.com/scottconklinpa Q: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them? A: Protecting personal freedoms, the right to vote, and ensuring all Pennsylvanians are heard. Protecting our environment so farmers can continue to produce, the outdoors can be enjoyed, and our children have a future home. Protecting workers rights. We need to ensure that every worker in the Commonwealth receives good wages and is treated with dignity in the workplace. Q: What changes would you support making to Pennsylvanias voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes? A: My election package would address the issues that have arisen. It would allow pre-canvassing and put in clearer guidelines for the system. We also need to step back and publicly appreciate and support the public servants who step forward year after year to ensure our elections are fair and secure. Public officials need to step forward and clearly articulate the process to regain trust where it has been lost. The procedures are in place and need to be publicized over and over again. Q: What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Courts ruling that Pennsylvanias school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed? A: The governors budget proposal goes a long way to address the education funding issues we face. The initiatives he has put forth on reforming higher education and the bold investments he has put toward public schools are a great starting point for the discussion that will unfold. I look forward to working with him and my colleagues to address the need this ruling clearly illustrates. Q: What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvanias abortion laws? A: Big government should not tell us what we can do with our bodies, who we can love, and who we must worship. The right to bodily autonomy should be enshrined in the Pennsylvania Constitution. Full stop. Scott Conklin Republican: MARIE LIBRIZZI County: Centre Facebook: facebook.com/electmarielibrizzi Did not respond to questions. House District 82 Vote for ONE. Democratic: PAUL TAKAC County: Centre Did not respond to questions. Republican: Therese Hollen Party: Rep County: Centre Did not respond to questions. House District 171 Vote for ONE. Democratic: No candidate filed. Republican: KERRY A. BENNINGHOFF County: Centre Campaign website: benninghoff171.com Did not respond to questions. Officials and lawmakers marked six months since the militant group Hamas attacked southern Israel, prompting the nation to launch months of retaliatory attacks in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commemorated the six-month mark in an address to his Cabinet. Since the onset of the war, Netanyahu has vowed to eliminate Hamas and has since drawn criticism from the West about Israels actions in Gaza, where thousands of civilians have been killed in the war. Today we are marking six months of the war. The achievements of the war are considerable: We have eliminated 19 of Hamass 24 battalions, including senior commanders. We have cleared out Shifa and other terrorist command centers, Netanyahu said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. Netanyahu declared war on Hamas after the militants attack killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and took another 240 people as hostages. Since then, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has reported that 33,175 people have been killed in the territory. The ministry does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denounced Israels actions over the last six months in a statement on X. Six months on, the Israeli military campaign has brought relentless death & destruction to Gaza. Lives shattered. Children dying for lack of food & water. This is incomprehensible & entirely avoidable. Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, he said. The World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement Saturday that six months of fighting has left the al-Shifa hospital in ruins. WHO said that its mission found that there were no patients left at the hospital as most of the buildings are extensively damaged or destroyed. Like the majority of the north, Al-Shifa Hospital once the largest and most important referral hospital in Gaza is now an empty shell after the latest siege, WHO said in the statement. Aid groups and world leaders have labeled the war as a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as much of its population is facing risks of starvation and more than a million people have already been displaced. Last week, an Israeli airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen workers in the Gaza Strip prompted President Biden to issue some of his harshest criticism against the U.S. ally. Biden said Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians. Biden also urged Netanyahu last week toward a cease-fire deal that would release the remaining hostages in Gaza. He also suggested that U.S. policy on the war will depend on Israels ability to safeguard civilians and humanitarian workers. The Associated Press reported that Israel began to pull some troops from the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Sunday as it marked six months of fighting. However, officials said that the troops were reorganizing so that the military could prepare to move into Rafah a move that the Biden administration has warned Israel against taking. Some lawmakers continued to voice their support for Israel Sunday, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.). Today, of all days, Washington must be united in our support for our great ally, Israel, as they fight for their sovereignty and right to exist. Its time to stop lecturing Israel on how it should best defend itself and begin equipping our friend with the resources necessary to eliminate the threat of Hamas, once and for all, Johnson said in a statement. The Associated Press contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A state trooper was involved in a Saturday afternoon crash on U.S. Highway 101 that killed two people in Mason County, according to the Washington State Patrol. The trooper was taken to the hospital but was not badly injured, WSP wrote in a news release. The 2:37 p.m. crash happened six miles south of Shelton, and Highway 101 remained closed well into the evening hours. #MasonCounty: US 101 at Taylor Towne MP 352 is fully blocked for a fatal collision. Please use alternate routes as the roadway is fully blocked in both directions, state patrol spokesperson Katherine Weatherwax wrote late Saturday afternoon on X. An investigation into the crash is ongoing, with the Mason County Sheriffs Office serving as the main investigating agency. #MasonCounty: US 101 at Taylor Towne MP 352 is fully blocked for a fatal collision please use alternate routes as the roadway is fully blocked in both directions. We will have more details shortly. pic.twitter.com/TzdN24T2vr Trooper Katherine Weatherwax (@wspd8pio) April 6, 2024 Networks are planning special reports Monday for coverage of the total solar eclipse, a celestial phenomenon when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. The eclipse will move across Texas to Maine, temporarily shrouding those areas in darkness, while other parts of the country will notice dimming and twilight. More from Deadline Heres a rundown of network plans. ABC News. Eclipse Across America, airing at 2 p.m. ET on ABC, ABC News Live, the National Geographic Channel and other platforms, will be anchored by David Muir and Linsey Davis, reporting from Burlington, VT. Nat Geos Mariana van Zeller, Nat Geo Explorers photographer Cristina Mittermeier and astrophysicists Jedidah Isler and Ved Chirayath will be on hand to show viewers how to safely observe and photograph the eclipse, and will provide the science and history behind the event. Correspondents will be fanned out in 10 cities, from Mazatlan, Mexico, to Houlton, Maine, with reports on the eclipse as it happens. GMA3 will present a preview at 1 p.m. ET, and Muir will anchor World News Tonight and Davis will anchor Prime with Linsey Davis from Burlington. CBS News. Norah ODonnell and Tony Dokoupil will lead coverage from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as part of a Total Eclipse of the Heartland special, airing from 2-3:30 p.m. ET on the broadcast and streaming networks. Reports will come from Nate Burleson, and correspondents Janet Shamlian in Kerrville, Texas, Omar Villafranca in Dallas, Mark Strassmann in Russellville, Ark., Lana Zak in Indianapolis and Dave Malkoff in Cleveland. There also will be reporting from meteorologists and reporters at local stations, and appearances by Bill Nye, astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz and CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood, as well as actor William Shatner. ODonnell will anchor CBS Evening News from Indianapolis and Dokoupil will co-host CBS Mornings from there. CNN. CNN News Central anchors Brianna Keilar and Boris Sanchez will lead coverage from 1-4 p.m. ET, with Richard Quest and Rahel Solomon hosting for CNN International and CNN Max. The network said that cameras and drones will be positioned across the path of this eclipse, with reports from Mexico and throughout the United States. There also will be a report from on board a Delta Air Lines Path of Totality flight. CNN meteorologists Chad Myers, Allison Chinchar and Elisa Raffa will contribute from in the studio, and Derek Van Dam will be on location in Vermont. There also will be a livestream on CNN.com/Eclipse. Fox Weather. The FAST channels coverage, Americas Total Eclipse, will feature reports from correspondents and reporters from Texas to Vermont. Meteorologists Stephen Morgan will be in Dallas and Kendall Smith will be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with coverage from noon-4 p.m. ET. Fox Weather also will support Fox News and Fox Business Channel for their coverage throughout the day. NBC News. Lester Holt will anchor the two hour special Total Eclipse 2024 from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway starting at 2 p.m. ET, to be broadcast on NBC and streamed on NBC News Now. Holt also will anchor NBC Nightly News from the city. The coverage also will include Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin, Carson Daly, Sheinelle Jones, Dylan Dreyer and Jenna Bush Hager from the Museum of Natural History in New York City and Al Roker from Dallas. Correspondents also will fan out across the path of the full eclipse. Roker and Savannah Sellers will preview coverage on NBC News Now with the special Total Eclipse 2024: Countdown to History, featuring an interview with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, among other reports. NewsNation. Senior national correspondent Brian Entin will co-anchor a special broadcast from headquarters in Chicago from 1-4:30 p.m. ET, along with NewsNation Now anchors Nichole Berlie and Connell McShane. Correspondents will be dispatched around the country with reports. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Weather is the hot topic as eclipse spectators stake out their spots in US, Mexico and Canada Gabriel Kauffman, 4, and his brother, Theodore, 6, demonstrate a total solar eclipse at a NASA booth at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, on Sunday, April 7, 2024. They live in Baltimore and came to the Cleveland area to see the eclipse with relatives. (AP Photo/Stephanie Nano) MESQUITE, Texas (AP) Eclipse spectators staked out their spots across three countries Sunday, fervently hoping for clear skies despite forecasts calling for clouds along most of the sun-vanishing route. North America wont see another coast-to-coast total solar eclipse for 21 years, prompting the weekends worry and mad rush. Mondays extravaganza stretches from Mexicos Pacific beaches to Canadas rugged Atlantic shores, with 15 U.S. states in between. I have arrived in the path of totality! Ian Kluft announced Sunday afternoon after pulling into Mesquite from Portland, Oregon, a 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometer) drive. A total eclipse happens when the moon lines up perfectly between Earth and the sun, blotting out the sunlight. That means a little over four minutes of daytime darkness east of Dallas in Mesquite, where locals like Jorge Martinez have the day off. The land surveyor plans to witness history from home with his wife and their 3-year-old daughter, Nati. Hopefully, shell remember. Shes excited, too, he said following breakfast at Dos Panchas Mexican Restaurant. Inside the jammed restaurant, manager Adrian Martinez figured on staying open Monday. Wish it was going to be sunny like today, he said. But cloudiness? Hopefully, it still looks pretty good. Near Ennis, Texas, to the south, the Range Vintage Trailer Resort was also packed, selling out of spots more than a year ago. I booked it instantly, then I told my wife, Were going to Texas, Gotham, Englands Chris Lomas said from the trailer resort Sunday. Even if clouds obscure the covered-up sun, it will still go dark. Its just about sharing the experience with other people, he added. In Cleveland, the eclipse persuaded women's Final Four fans Matt and Sheila Powell to stick around an extra day after Sunday's game. But they were debating whether to begin their drive home to Missouri Valley, Iowa, early Monday in search of clearer skies along the eclipses path. Were trying to be flexible, Powell said. Even the eclipse professionals were up in the air. Eclipse mapmaker Michael Zeiler had a perfect record ahead of Monday, seeing 11 out of 11 total solar eclipses after successfully relocating three of those times at the last minute for better weather. We are the complete opposite of tornado chasers, always seeking clear skies, Zeiler said in an email over the weekend. This time, though, he was staying put in Fredericksburg, Texas, with his family, 10 of them altogether, and holding onto a considerable ray of hope. Farther north, in Buffalo, New York, Jeff Sherman flew in from Somerville, Massachusetts, to catch his second total solar eclipse. After seeing the U.S. coast-to-coast eclipse in 2017, now I have to see any one thats nearby, he said. Kluft also enjoyed clear skies for the 2017 eclipse, in Oregon, and rolled into Mesquite wearing the T-shirt from that big event. As for Mondays cloudy forecast across Texas, at least Ill be around people who are like-minded. Dicey weather was also predicted almost all the way to Lake Erie, despite Sundays gorgeous weather. The only places promised clear skies along Monday's narrow 115-mile-wide (185-kilometer-wide) corridor of totality were New England and Canada. Like everywhere else, the weather was the hot topic at the Buffalo Naval and Military Park on Sunday. By mid-morning, volunteer Tom Villa already had greeted tourists from several states, as well as Canada and Brazil. They hope its like this tomorrow, of course, but you know, the weather is the weather, he said. ___ AP reporters Jamie Stengle near Ennis, Texas; Carolyn Thompson in Buffalo, New York; and Stephanie Nano in Cleveland contributed. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content The West must continue to support Ukraine as it confronts Russia's full-scale armed aggression. Such support will be the best way to prevent further escalation and, in particular, a potential armed confrontation between Russia and NATO. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaking at a meeting of the Social Democratic Parties of Europe in Bucharest, Reuters reports. The politician emphasized that "effective deterrence" will eventually make Russian dictator Vladimir Putin realize that he cannot win on the battlefield, and this will lead to the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and the end of the war. In his speech, Scholz reiterated that Germany will not stop supporting Ukraine and called on other European countries to do the same. In his opinion, such support could help prevent World War III. According to Scholz, the best way to prevent any escalation up to a possible war between Russia and NATO is "effective deterrence." "The war in Ukraine will end the moment (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin decides to withdraw his troops. However, he will only make this decision when he realizes that he cannot win the war on the battlefield," the German Chancellor is convinced. ADVERTISIMENT During Russia's full-scale invasion, Germany has provided Ukraine with military aid totaling about 28 billion euros, and Berlin is not going to stop there, calling on other European governments to do the same. At the same time, Europe must make sure that it is ready to defend itself if necessary. "That's why we are investing more in our own security and defense together as Europeans so that no one dares to attack us. This also means putting aside narrow self-interest and building a strong and truly European defense industry," Scholz added. Earlier, Scholz accused Macron of provoking World War III due to the French president's statements about the possible deployment of a military contingent to Ukraine. During the third Ukraine-France Forum in Paris, the Federal Chancellor also told Macron that the idea of sending foreign troops to Ukraine was pointless as there was "no consensus" among the states and that Germany was categorically against such a decision. ADVERTISIMENT The French president responded to the German prime minister quite harshly, noting that "we do not need consensus on this issue." He emphasized that he wanted to assemble a "group of brave states" and that he did not even expect Germany to be among them. Macron explained his proposal to send troops as a way to demonstrate to the Kremlin that there are no red lines in Europe's assistance to Ukraine. And this would "create a situation of strategic uncertainty for Russia." Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! WFP chief McCain calls on world not to forget Sudan, other countries amid focus on Gaza World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Cindy McCain called on the world to not forget about other countries on the brink of famine as the global community zeroes its focus on Gaza. Im hoping that the world does not lose track of these countries that are in such desperate need, McCain said in an interview on CNNs State of the Union with Jake Tapper. Right now, Gaza is getting all the attention, she continued, And understandably, but we cannot forget Sudan, DRC Congo, Somalia, Yemen, Haiti, as you mentioned. These are parts of the world that are literally on the brink of causing some even larger food crisis that are already, already happening right now. And Ill speak specifically to Sudan on that, she added. McCain, who has publicly raised the alarm about the possibility of famine in Gaza, said she has also focused her work on the crisis unfolding in Sudan and elsewhere. According to the WFP, nearly 18 million people in Sudan are facing acute food insecurity, and 7.7 million people have been displaced, inside and outside of Sudan, since April 2023. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. 'Where everybody wants to be': Greece braces for crowds Monday for solar eclipse They're bringing Moon Pies, Sun Chips and cheese balls for the party Monday along Lake Ontario. Elizabeth Green of North Greece says she's throwing a party for 30 relatives and friends to watch the solar eclipse expected to start about 3:20 p.m. "Everybody is bringing eclipse snacks," said Green, 40, on Saturday afternoon. "The path of totality goes right over our road." Thousands expected to descend on Lake Ontario towns Forecasters predict 100% totality on a path just north of Rochester, above North Greece, Greece and other lakeshore towns. Residents expect thousands to flock to their communities, with signs along major roads flashing "EXPECT DELAYS" followed by "SOLAR ECLIPSE MONDAY." Mike and Lissette Rodriguez on Saturday discuss the upcoming solar eclipse April 8, 2024, near their Edgemere Drive home in the town of Greece, New York. Mike Rodriguez, 49, and his wife, Lissette, on Saturday stood outside their Greece home along Edgemere Drive and discussed the big event. With the anticipated large crowd, he expected some may try to park on his lawn but added that he wouldn't object. "It's a once in a lifetime thing. I don't want to be that guy," he said. "Just bring me a beer." Friend Felix Montanez, 45, and his wife Christine, 43, stood nearby and talked about the excitement surrounding the eclipse. "There will be a lot of people," said Feliz Montanez, who works in environmental services at the University of Rochester. Neighbors who live a few houses down plan to have a smaller party Monday but expect larger ones farther down the street. 'Where everybody wants to be' "I hear it's very impactful," Russ Boehm, 65, said of the eclipse. The retired commercial airline pilot, wearing a blue Top Gun T-shirt under his zip-up hoodie, said one of his concerns is not being able to fully experience the lifetime event because of all the hullabaloo. Russ and June Boehm on Saturday discuss the solar eclipse that's expected to draw thousands to their Lake Ontario community of Greece, New York, on April 8, 2024. "I don't want to hear Champagne corks going off," Boehm said. "I want to hear the animals." A total solar eclipse when day becomes night for a few minutes may cause changes in insects, wild animals and even pets. His wife, June Boehm, said large crowds were expected, adding: "This is where everybody wants to be." Les Nicol, 80, talks Saturday in front his Edgemere Drive home in the small town of Greece, New York. He said he doesn't recall seeing a total solar eclipse in his life but hopes to catch the one passing above parts of New York on April 8, 2024. Signs throughout Rochester and its surrounding areas remind motorists about the eclipse, which could cause traffic delays. For half of his 80 years, Les Nicol says he's lived along Edgemere Drive but expects to miss the commotion Monday. He said he and his wife will drive to the northern New York city of Massena. How many people are coming to Rochester: Visitors start to arrive, more expected by Monday Nicol working outside on a blue sky, sunny Saturday said he did not recall experiencing a total eclipse and may have to check out Monday's event. "I'll pull over and look at it if we're still traveling," he added. An electric sign along New York State Route 390, south of Crescent Beach along Lake Ontario, advises motorists about expected delays for the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse. Dave Osborn is an editor with the USA TODAY Network-Florida. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Where to see eclipse? NY town says it's 'where everybody wants to be' Where people in Tennessee are moving to most Where people in Tennessee are moving to most Fewer Americans moved in 2022, according to the latest Census data, but of those who did, 1 in 5 moved to a different state. Population growth has returned to pre-pandemic norms; Southern states continued to record influxes in population, while the Northeast saw the biggest drops, particularly in New York and Pennsylvania. These trends largely continued into last year, according to United Van Lines annual movers study. States with the most outbound moves in 2023 were New Jersey, Illinois, and North Dakota, which moved up 15 spots from the year before. Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Stacker compiled a list of states people from Tennessee are moving to the most using data from the Census Bureau. States are ranked by the number of people who moved from Tennessee to a different state in 2022. Keep reading to find out where people from Tennessee are moving. Mihai_Andritoiu // Shutterstock #25. Wisconsin 1,827 people from Tennessee moved to Wisconsin in 2022, making up 1.00% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #15 most common origin for people moving to Wisconsin TommyBrison // Shutterstock #24. Missouri 1,829 people from Tennessee moved to Missouri in 2022, making up 1.00% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #25 most common origin for people moving to Missouri Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #23. Oklahoma 1,988 people from Tennessee moved to Oklahoma in 2022, making up 1.09% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #17 most common origin for people moving to Oklahoma Jacob Boomsma // Shutterstock #22. Kansas 2,019 people from Tennessee moved to Kansas in 2022, making up 1.11% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #13 most common origin for people moving to Kansas Wangkun Jia // Shutterstock #21. New York 2,164 people from Tennessee moved to New York in 2022, making up 1.18% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #30 most common origin for people moving to New York randy andy // Shutterstock #20. Nevada 2,606 people from Tennessee moved to Nevada in 2022, making up 1.43% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #12 most common origin for people moving to Nevada Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #19. Indiana 3,062 people from Tennessee moved to Indiana in 2022, making up 1.68% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #11 most common origin for people moving to Indiana Agnieszka Gaul // Shutterstock #18. Washington 3,331 people from Tennessee moved to Washington in 2022, making up 1.82% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #22 most common origin for people moving to Washington ESB Professional // Shutterstock #17. Pennsylvania 4,227 people from Tennessee moved to Pennsylvania in 2022, making up 2.31% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #15 most common origin for people moving to Pennsylvania Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #16. Arizona 4,357 people from Tennessee moved to Arizona in 2022, making up 2.39% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #17 most common origin for people moving to Arizona | Check out more lists and rankings from across Tennessee f11photo // Shutterstock #15. South Carolina 4,374 people from Tennessee moved to South Carolina in 2022, making up 2.39% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #16 most common origin for people moving to South Carolina Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #14. Michigan 4,933 people from Tennessee moved to Michigan in 2022, making up 2.70% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #10 most common origin for people moving to Michigan Canva #13. Arkansas 4,970 people from Tennessee moved to Arkansas in 2022, making up 2.72% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #6 most common origin for people moving to Arkansas Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #12. Virginia 5,249 people from Tennessee moved to Virginia in 2022, making up 2.87% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #15 most common origin for people moving to Virginia Marek Masik // Shutterstock #11. California 5,498 people from Tennessee moved to California in 2022, making up 3.01% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #24 most common origin for people moving to California Canva #10. Colorado 5,702 people from Tennessee moved to Colorado in 2022, making up 3.12% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #12 most common origin for people moving to Colorado Canva #9. Ohio 6,283 people from Tennessee moved to Ohio in 2022, making up 3.44% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #12 most common origin for people moving to Ohio Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #8. Illinois 7,420 people from Tennessee moved to Illinois in 2022, making up 4.06% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #12 most common origin for people moving to Illinois Sharkshock // Shutterstock #7. North Carolina 9,049 people from Tennessee moved to North Carolina in 2022, making up 4.95% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #12 most common origin for people moving to North Carolina Canva #6. Mississippi 11,406 people from Tennessee moved to Mississippi in 2022, making up 6.24% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #1 most common origin for people moving to Mississippi Kevin Ruck // Shutterstock #5. Alabama 11,634 people from Tennessee moved to Alabama in 2022, making up 6.37% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #3 most common origin for people moving to Alabama Rotorhead 30A Productions // Shutterstock #4. Kentucky 12,561 people from Tennessee moved to Kentucky in 2022, making up 6.88% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #3 most common origin for people moving to Kentucky Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #3. Texas 12,617 people from Tennessee moved to Texas in 2022, making up 6.91% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #21 most common origin for people moving to Texas Canva #2. Georgia 18,785 people from Tennessee moved to Georgia in 2022, making up 10.28% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #6 most common origin for people moving to Georgia Mia2you // Shutterstock #1. Florida 20,651 people from Tennessee moved to Florida in 2022, making up 11.31% of new residents that moved to another state Residents of Tennessee were the #14 most common origin for people moving to Florida Read todays top stories on wkrn.com This story features data reporting and writing by Elena Cox and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 51 states. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Religious leaders in Boston have rallied together to demand reparations for Black Americans, including a call for $15 billion from city authorities and white churches to help bridge the equity gap and tell a story of enslaved people in the northeast that is rarely talked about. In February 2023, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu appointed members who would be part of the citys Reparations Task Force. However, last month the task force said it would not complete its work by the end of the year as originally planned and that an action plan is now expected sometime in 2025. Boston is one of a number of U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Detroit, and St. Louis, that is working to identify local ties to slavery and whether reparations are appropriate. Affirmative Action Is Gutted. Nows the Time for Reparations Arlington Street Church Rev. John Gibbons, a white community minister who leads a multi-ethnic congregation, says many people consider Boston to be the Deep North, a play on the racist ideologies of the Deep South. In New England, we dont think of New England and the North as a place of slavery, and it did take a different form than it did in the South, he told The Daily Beast. But were uncovering more and more evidence of the ways in which all of the prominent families in the founding of Boston were most frequently engaged in slavery. The Arlington Street Church through early-morning rain and fog. Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Weve had truly segregated housing. We have virtually exclusively Black neighborhoods, virtually exclusively white neighborhoods and suburbs, and this was done deliberately through the real estate practices of blockbusting and redlining where Black families were given loans but only if they would buy in particular neighborhoods. This has had a devastating effect, Gibbons said. There are deep roots of racism in the North, and in Boston in particular. Boston Peoples Reparations Commission Co-Director Edwin Sumpter, who shares the role with Heather Cook, said that Black Americans have given so much to the country but still suffer from the effects of enslavement and its aftermath with poor housing, crime, joblessness, over policing, all the policing, health, environmental. They ought to be willing to give back to those communities that have been so hurt by the fact that for the 300 years or so in the United States, Black people really got a low stock in terms of realizing the quote-unquote American Dream. For so many years for us, it was an American nightmare, Sumpter said. Even after slavery ended in 1863, 1865, it was still another 100 years before the Civil Rights Bill was signed. He added that progress will be made when the Black community isnt the last group to the table to discuss reparations. Were the ones who reparations are going to impact. Without depending on the city to keep our community involved or engaged or educated on reparations we just want to make sure that theres some consistency going on to whatever conclusion this all comes to. In 2022, Boston established that there would be a Reparations Task Force to study the legacy of slavery in the city and its impact on descendants today, according to the groups website. But local leaders say the research is taking too long to show results. From my point of view there needs to be more pressure for action and for moving forward and considering economic reparations in a variety of ways, Gibbons said. Gibbons says his social justice group, the New Democracy Coalition, helped push for the Boston City Councils 2022 apology for the citys involvement in the enslavement of Black people and the creation of a reparations task force. He said the group has been working directly with the Boston Peoples Reparations Commissiona band of local Black activists who partner with other progressive groups throughout the cityand its appeal for reparations. We have demanded $15 billion, and usually we say $15 billion is not enough, he said. [The $15 billion] is a way of saying that the damage done by slavery has been incalculable over the generations, not just to those who were enslaved, but to the cascade and generations that have been harmed by white supremacy, by racist housing, real estate, employment, education, health practices, Gibbons explained. We particularly are directing this demand to the financial institutions of Boston and to the white churches and, most especially, to the legacy white churchesby which, I mean the churches that were part of the founding of Boston. Really the economy, the structure, the culture of Boston was founded on the institution of slavery. In an interview with local news outlet BCAM TV in Massachusetts last month, Boston Peoples Reparations Commission Co-Director Heather Cook said the citys official task force needed to have more of a working relationship with its constituents. Because there was that gap, we saw that there was a need for there to be the [Boston Peoples Reparations] Commission, Cook said. The Boston Peoples Reparations Commission was created by the people for the people. We're very appreciative of the fact that the city has joined our meetings, is interested in what the community has to say, and truly wants to partner, and thats what the conversation is right now. Late last month, Boston Peoples Reparations Commission President Rev. Kevin Peterson, who also works with the New Democracy Coalition, called on older church denominations that have predominantly white congregations to join its mission to repair Bostons Black communitymonetarily, emotionally, and historically. We call sincerely and with a heart filled with faith and Christian love for our white churches to join us and not be silent around this issue of racism and slavery and commit to reparations, Peterson said, according to the Boston Globe. We point to them in Christian love to publicly atone for the sins of slavery and we ask them to publicly commit to a process of reparations where they will extend their great wealthtens of millions of dollars among some of those churchesinto the Black community. The leaders of some churches, a number of which have been around since the 17th and 18th centuries, feel they have an obligation to make the public aware of Bostons history. Old South Church, Boston. Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Rev. John Edgerton of Old South Church explained that his church maintained archives of previous members, and in turn, created a memorial to enslaved congregants. Were a very old institution that has been here since 1669, Edgerton told The Daily Beast. During that period of time, slavery was legal in the colony [of] Massachusetts. We know that those institutionsand institutions of white supremacy in generalare things that are bound up in our history. Edgerton said the Old South Church of Boston had a duty to do historical research considering its legacy. Were in a really good position to do that historical research. That is both an opportunity, and also I feel like its a responsibility that we have as an institution. Rev. Kenneth Young, associate director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches told The Daily Beast the history of enslaved Black people of Boston and its trajectory into the marginalization of the Black community is not a common topic in the city. Not only is it rarely talked about, you think about churches that played a role in that, he said. Culturally, Boston, particularly, is a place you go to experience a progressive culture And now the underbelly of it is like, How did we manage to get all of this? Well, some of it happened through enslaving people like they did in the South. Trinity Church in Bostons Copley Square. Blake Nissen for The Boston Globe via Getty Rev. Morgan Allen of Bostons Trinity Church said while his church did not directly enslave people according to its records that have been found, he recognized that its members were probably patrons of various industries that profited from enslaved Black labor. Trinitys commitment to repair looks not only to our communitys past, but into our present and future, Allen wrote in an email. Trinity launched and continues to support a separately incorporated, non-profit, Trinity Boston Connects (TBC), which heals the traumatic impact of systemic racism on youth of color in the City of Boston. There has never been a time when Trinity Church was not a multi-racial community. From our founding in 1733, church registers testify to baptisms, marriages, and burials of people of color. Records identify some Black persons as free, while we also expect that before Massachusetts abolished slavery in 1783, some were likely the enslaved servants of white parishioners, Allen wrote. In the nearly 300-year history of Trinity Church, our parishioners remainedand remainentangled in structures and systems of racism, even while we continually seek justice. Sumpter said that Black Americans were treated like less than second-class citizens until the Civil Rights Movement and that the only way for the country to prosper is if everyone operates collectively to uplift the community as a whole. African Americans in the 21st century are in positions because of what African Americans in the 16th and 17th and 18th century had to endure, Sumpter said, explaining that he doesnt want the Black community to be in the dark as the City of Bostons Reparations Task Force sits on their hands and ultimately decides what to do. When this whole reparations situation moves forward, we just want to make sure the community moves forward with it. For Gibbons, he says the issues are too important to be given to a study commission without any action. We cant get [progress] until there is some means of addressing the damage, truly genocidal damage that was caused to Black Bostonians and Black Americans, Gibbons said. I feel these issues are too important to be left to the Black community to be responsible for white institutions. White people need to acknowledge our complicity over the generations. And sure, it means research and understanding the history. Mayor Wu says she hopes to begin implementing the task forces recommendations, once they are made, by the summer of 2026, to mark the 250th anniversary of Americas founding, reported local outlet WBUR. Communications for the City of Bostons Reparations Task Force did not respond to The Daily Beasts requests for comment for this article. 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. It's not often that legal trademark issues spark a blind taste-test challenge, especially one presented via social media. But that's exactly what happened when actor Simu Liu, in his capacity as chief content officer for Seattle's MiLA food brand, called out celebrity chef David Chang and his Momofuku food empire via X, previously known as Twitter. MiLA, along with six other smaller food brands, has been served a cease-and-desist letter from Momofuku over using the name "chili crunch" for its rendition of the common Asian condiment. Though legal briefs and skirmishes are sure to follow over the chili-crunch term that Momofuku claims as proprietary, this taste-test proposal from MiLA brings the challenge into the kitchen rather than the courtroom. There's no indication of Chang responding to the X-issued challenge, but the gist of it is to settle things on a taste-to-taste level. In the April 5 post, directed to Momofuku, Liu states, "I hear you're bullying businesses over use of the term 'chili crunch'. As Chief Content Officer of MiLa, I propose a blind taste test of both our 'chili crunch' sauces. Winner keeps the name, loser (it'll be you) backs off." The challenge carries a David and Goliath-style inference since the targeted small businesses have far fewer sales and revenue than Chang's Momofuku empire. According to The Guardian, Momofuku generated $50 million in 2023 sales, compared to the one- to three-person enterprises, mostly reporting under $1 million in annual revenue. Read more: 19 Popular Pizza Chains, Ranked From Worst To Best Trademark Issues Over A Centuries-Old Condiment Chili crunch in bowl - Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock Whether the name "chili crunch" can actually be trademarked may be debatable to those in the business of making such foods. Some note centuries of history tied to the condiment, which is basically a spicy oil infused with chili peppers and mix-ins of crispy ingredients. A version of this product has long been marketed as "chili crisp," but recent re-branding efforts have embraced the word crunch. Momofuku to date owns only the trademark for "chile crunch," and is pursuing similar legal rights to the alternative spelling, "chili crunch." Very similar, traditional ingredients comprise most chili crisps and crunches, and some folks in the food community have expressed disappointment over Momofuku's claim of "common law rights" to the name. According to the United States Copyright and Trademark Office (USPTO), issuing a descriptive U.S. trademark requires proof that the product has gained "distinctiveness through extensive use in commerce over many years." Accordingly, the Momofuku website noted a decade of perfecting the formula in its restaurants, a joint effort by Chang and the Momofuku Goods team. They describe it as a umami-based spicy-crunchy chili oil adding heat and texture to foods through three types of chilies, crunchy garlic and shallots, sesame seeds, and coconut sugar. Whether the blind taste-test challenge from MiLA's content officer stands any chance of happening is yet to be seen. It nonetheless brings well-earned attention to issues of proprietary claims over historical and traditional dishes. Read the original article on Tasting Table A massive wildfire is tearing across northwestern Oklahoma, triggering evacuations and leaving firefighters injured. The blaze, named 57 Fire, has burned 5,000 acres since it erupted on Saturday in Woodward County, some 130 miles from Oklahoma City. It is unclear how the fire started but its being fueled by 60mph winds in the region. The blaze was 0 per cent contained on Sunday, according to Oklahomas department of emergency management. Firefighters across the state have been drafted to tackle the blaze, according to local broadcaster KOCO. Jared Brittain and Max Clark, from the Mooreland Volunteer Fire Department, suffered burns when their truck was overcome by flames on Saturday. Mr Clark suffered burns to his left arm but was discharged from hospital on Sunday. Mr Brittain was burned on both arms, his head, and his face. He is receiving ongoing hospital treatment, according to Mooreland Fire Department. Evacuation notices were issued for Sharon and the nearby town of Woodward, News9 reports but lifted by Saturday evening. The population of Sharon and Woodward, Oklahoma is approximately 12,000. It is unclear if any homes have been destroyed. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt said that he had requested FEMA's assistance and that the state was setting up evacuation shelters. "The State has requested Fire Management Assistance from FEMA to aid our response to the ongoing wildfire," he wrote. "For those in the evacuation zone, shelter is available at 1209 9th Street in Woodward, OK 73801. God Bless our first responders and all Oklahomans in harms way." Firefighters and emergency responders at the scene of a wildfire in Woodward County, Oklahoma, on Sunday 7 April, 2024 (Chris Pinkston and Jason Lawrence / Vici Fire Department) Oklahoma's Forestry Service's Fire Suppression Group responded to the blaze this weekend to provide support and coordination. Forestry service aircraft were brought in to help battle the blaze from the air. 57 Fire is currently the largest in the state but other blazes have been reported in Blaine, Dewey, Kay, Roger Mills and Woods counties. The National Weather Service office in Norman, Oklahoma, issued a fire danger warning until 3pm on Sunday for portions of western Oklahoma and northern Texas. "A Fire Danger Statement has been issued (through 3 PM) for portions of western Oklahoma/north Texas. This is for areas generally along and west of a line from Cherokee-Lawton-Wichita Falls," the NWS said in a Facebook post. "Outdoor burning and activities that can cause sparks/flames should be avoided." Witnessing the Israel-Hamas war from afar, in contrast to up-close in Ukraine: Reporter's notebook Even in this fast-paced digital age, when vast amounts of imagery and testimony cascade out of any war zone, nothing compares to seeing, hearing and sometimes even smelling the story firsthand. In two years of war in Ukraine, I have smelled the stench of death left behind in towns after Russian troops retreated. I have seen the blood-stained sidewalks after Russian missile strikes. I have heard the grief-filled accounts of countless Ukrainians. In six months of war in Gaza, western reporters have largely had to watch and hear the incomprehensible level of suffering from a distance. On occasions, we have filmed and reported from the town of Sderot in southern Israel, a few miles away from Gaza's border fence. Watching and hearing the regular explosions in the distance was surreal and disturbing. On a professional journalistic level, it also felt disheartening. PHOTO: A Palestinian girl reacts as a child is carried from the rubble of a building after an airstrike in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Oct. 21, 2023. (Fatima Shbair/AP) Despite this, and thanks to the brave and tireless efforts of our Gazan producer Samy Zyara and other Palestinian journalists, we have been able to report extensively on the brutal nature of the war in Gaza. Foremost in our minds is the shockingly high number of Palestinian journalists who have been killed to get those stories out. As of Friday, 95 "journalists and media workers" were among the death toll counted in Gaza, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. MORE: Visual investigation shows WCK convoy cars in 3 locations in 1-mile span after being hit The vivid nature of first-hand reporting is, to some degree at least, lost when a reporter is not there to see and hear things for themself. That was not the case when it came to the foreign media's reporting of Hamas' terror attack on Oct. 7, which triggered the ongoing war in Gaza. My colleagues who were in Israel within hours of that attack sensitively and vividly captured the shocking cruelty of what happened on that day. Ever since, we have been able to hear and see Israelis' grief and anger. Of course, we continue to innovate in the ways we film and conduct interviews via video-link from Gaza to ensure that the horror of this war still reaches our audiences. The omnipresence of the smartphone, even in conflict zones, means there is always a way to get many vital visuals on a story out. ABC News has a team of journalists dedicated to geolocating and checking videos to ensure we can verify every image we use in our reporting. Certain communicators at humanitarian organizations have also proven to be innovative storytellers on the ground and an important visual source. PHOTO: Palestinians flee to northern Gaza as Israeli tanks block the Salah al-Din Road in the central Gaza Strip, Nov. 24, 2023. (Mohammed Dahman/AP) Some ABC News colleagues have been embedded with the Israel Defense Forces on short visits to specific areas of the Gaza Strip. Those colleagues have challenged the IDF about what they have been shown and about the major events of the day. However, on any military embed, a reporter's movements are limited. I am not aware of any Western media IDF embed who has been able to independently document the suffering of civilians caught up in this war. MORE: 'Unimaginable situation': Doctors report malnourished patients dying from infections at Gaza hospital If western journalists were allowed into Gaza, then the risks of any assignment would be significant. However, major networks like ABC News have teams of people who are experienced at managing news gathering in high-risk environments (just consider the risks for my colleague Matt Rivers and his team during their recent coverage of the chaos in Haiti). The merits and risks involved with any potential trip into war-torn Gaza would be carefully debated. A significant number of western reporters, myself included, would want to be on the ground, fact-checking events for themselves and seeing and hearing stories firsthand. PHOTO: Palestinians inspect the rubble of destroyed buildings following Israeli airstrikes on town of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Oct. 26, 2023. (Mohammed Dahman/AP) Throughout the entire six months of war, Israel has decided not to let western journalists independently enter the Strip. With very few exceptions, Egypt has also stopped foreign journalists crossing into Gaza via the Rafah crossing on the southern edge of the Strip. Earlier this year, Israel's High Court rejected a petition from the Foreign Press Association calling for access into Gaza for Western journalists without IDF escorts. The Israeli High Court cited security concerns. The Foreign Press Association, a nonprofit group representing journalists working in the region, called the ban on independent foreign media "unprecedented." PHOTO: Palestinians collect aid food in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, Feb. 26, 2024. (AFP via Getty Images) As a father of three young children, I would not take the prospect of a trip into a war zone like Gaza lightly. Nor would my bosses. No story is worth getting injured or killed, especially when stories can indeed be told from a distance. However, the hardest thing about covering the war in Gaza is our inability to get close to the suffering of people on the ground. Yes, we will keep working to tell people's stories in vivid ways from a distance. But not being able to witness the cruelty and chaos of this war firsthand does inevitably limit the impact of our reporting. And disseminating the reality of any war is why journalists go. After UNICEF spokesman James Elder recently posted a video of his vivid account inside a wrecked hospital in Gaza, one social media user commented that Elder's powerful reporting on such a horrific situation was the reason the Israeli authorities do not want lots of international journalists on the ground. The digital age of today can bring us closer to a story than ever before while we sit at a safe distance. However, in the digital age, mistruths can also spread like wildfire. So when the fog of war is thick, the presence of impartial people trained in fact-checking and scrutiny (journalists) is arguably even more important. Witnessing the horror of the war in Ukraine isn't easy. Watching the horror in Gaza from just a short distance away is harder. Witnessing the Israel-Hamas war from afar, in contrast to up-close in Ukraine: Reporter's notebook originally appeared on abcnews.go.com MEMPHIS, Tenn. A woman is facing multiple assault charges after officials say she punched a security guard and bit a sheriffs deputy during an altercation at a southeast Memphis restaurant Saturday morning. Atlantiss McNeil, 24, is charged with two counts of Assault on Fire Responder, Assault, Public Intoxication, and Resisting Official Detention. The Shelby County Sheriffs Office responded to the Half Shell restaurant located at 7825 Winchester Road at 12:25 a.m. Upon arrival, deputies observed a fistfight involving multiple people and began trying to de-escalate the situation. The security guard on scene told deputies that McNeil and another individual in the restaurant were arguing intensely, causing her to approach both of them. She says McNeil bumped into her and stated, [Expletive] you are nothing and you need to back up off me. The security guard claims she asked McNeil and the other individual involved to leave the restaurant, but McNeil refused and instead punched the security guard. Reports say a manager at Half Shell requested assistance from two deputies who were at the restaurant eating when the altercation erupted. Shots fired near FedEx Forum, two charged According to an affidavit, immediately when a deputy made contact with McNeil, she punched him in the face twice. Deputies say McNeil appeared to be heavily intoxicated or under the influence. She allegedly kicked both deputies and bit a deputys hand while they were attempting to arrest her. McNeil was eventually detained but continued to be extremely irate and resist. She reportedly spit in one of the deputys faces after being taken into custody. MS man charged with capital murder after death of infant Reports say McNeil claimed the altercation began after a man, who was continuously buying her and her friend alcoholic drinks, would not leave them alone. She said she asked him to step away from her friend multiple times, but he refused, causing her to feel uneased by his presence at the moment. McNeil also told deputies that the security guard approached her and became aggressive with her without knowing the nature of the situation. She stated that she punched the security guard because she brushed up against McNeil. Her bond has not yet been set. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. How World Leaders Are Reacting to the Six-Month Anniversary of the Israel-Hamas War People visit the location of the Nova music festival in Israel on April 7, marking the six-month anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war. The site was targeted during Hamas' assault on Oct. 7. Credit - Amir LevyGetty Images On Oct. 7, Hamas militants stormed into Israel from Gaza, killing around 1,200 people, most civilians, and taking more than 250 hostage, igniting a devastating war. In the six months since then, Israel responded by invading and bombarding Gaza, killing a reported 33,000 Palestinians, a majority women and children, according to the United Nations. Israels attacks and control of humanitarian aid into the territory have now, according to reports, pushed one million people to the brink of famine. The crisis has prompted protests and legal challengesincluding one filed by South Africa at the U.N.s highest court in which judges issued an interim order in January that it was plausible Israel was committing acts of genocide. Israel strongly rejects the claim. Israels allies have increased their criticism and pressure on the country to protect civilians, especially after the Israeli military fired missiles that killed seven aid workerssix foreign nationalsworking with the NGO World Central Kitchen on April 2 in what the military called a grave mistake. After the deaths, President Joe Biden gave Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an ultimatum to take immediate actions to protect civilians and allow food aid into Gaza or the U.S. will change its military campaign support (the U.S. gives Israel billions of dollars a year in military aid). Israel responded by opening up new aid routes into Gaza. At home, Netanyahu faces massive protests calling for a hostage deal from families of the remaining 133 hostages, with some joining anti-government protesters to push for him to step down. Read More: Israels Military Recovers the Body of a Hostage in Gaza During Night Raid The Israeli leader said in remarks on Sunday: Today we are marking six months of the war. The achievements of the war are considerable. He went on to say: We are determined to achieve total victory, to return all of our hostages, to complete the elimination of Hamas in the entire Gaza Strip including Rafah, and to ensure that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel. Netanyahu noted how he has made it clear to the international community that there will be no ceasefire without the return of the hostages. Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu says his country is "a step away from victory" as today marks six months since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. https://t.co/a88SggnJeo Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/YmGDx9rSCN Sky News (@SkyNews) April 7, 2024 Israel and Hamas are reportedly engaging in negotiations on a deal through mediators. Now that the war has reached its six-month mark on April 7, heres what world leaders are saying. U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak The British leader released a statement calling Oct. 7 the most appalling attack in Israels history, the worst loss of Jewish life since the Second World War. Sunak said Israeli wounds remain unhealed and the toll on Gaza civilians keeps growing, with loss of life on an awful scale. We continue to stand by Israels right to defeat the threat from Hamas terrorists and defend their security. But the whole of the U.K. is shocked by the bloodshed, and appalled by the killing of brave British heroes who were bringing food to those in need, Sunak said, referencing three British citizens killed in the World Central Kitchen attack. This terrible conflict must end. The hostages must be released. The aidwhich we have been straining every sinew to deliver by land, air and seamust be flooded in, Sunak continued. The children of Gaza need a humanitarian pause immediately, leading to a long-term sustainable ceasefire. That is the fastest way to get hostages out and aid in, and to stop the fighting and loss of life. For the good of both Israelis and Palestinianswho all deserve to live in peace, dignity and securitythat is what we will keep working to achieve. Today marks six months since the terrorist outrage of 7th October. pic.twitter.com/Glw84US12O Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) April 7, 2024 German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock Baerbock said in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, that six months ago was a dark day when Hamas attacked Israel, killing and kidnapping hostages, out of hatred. She vowed to not tire in our efforts to bring them all home to their loved ones in Israel. Hamas has brought war and endless suffering upon Israelis and Palestinians with its terror. It must end this suffering, release the hostages immediately, and lay down its weapons, the statement concluded. Six months ago today was a dark day. Hamas terrorists attacked Israel. They abused, raped and murdered innocent children, women & men with unimaginably brutal violence - out of hatred against Jews & out of hatred against all people living in #Israel. @ABaerbock 1/3 https://t.co/NOPBlrkXai GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) April 7, 2024 Jordan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs The Foreign Ministry of Jordan posted a statement in Arabic on X, which can be translated to English by the social media platform, on Sunday. The statement said that two of its ministers focused on Palestinian affairs met to discuss stressing the necessity of stopping Israels war in Gaza and the necessity of Israels compliance with the rules of international law and international law: International humanitarian aid, ensuring the protection of civilians, and allowing the entry of adequate and sustainable humanitarian aid to all parts of the sector. U.K. Foreign Minister David Cameron Cameron released a video statement on Sunday demanding that Hamas release hostages, including two British nationals"every one of them, right now." Parents, children and loved ones. Students and festival goers. Construction workers. Six months on from Hamass horrific attack on the Israeli people, @David_Cameron renews our call to send all of the hostages home. pic.twitter.com/jpxdSqqUWu Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) April 7, 2024 In an opinion piece for The Sunday Times, Cameron wrote that Israel has a right to self-defence that we should support. Of course our backing is not unconditional: we expect such a proud and successful democracy to abide by international humanitarian law, even when challenged in this way. He stressed the need for Israel to facilitate more humanitarian aid into Gaza and advocated for a temporary ceasefire. I desperately want this conflict to end, and for the people of Israel and the people of Gaza to be able to live their lives in peace and security. We must all continue to work towards this aim, but I believe that failing to prepare for continued conflict will lead to further suffering and avoidable loss of innocent lives. The U.K. stands ready to play its part, he said. U.K. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden Dowden told Sky News in an interview on Sunday that of course Israel has made mistakes, and has made big mistakes, and we should them to account for that, but we are holding them to a very high standard, when asked about efforts from the public, lawyers, and some lawmakers to pressure the U.K. to suspend arms sales to Israel. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres The U.N.s leader said in a post on X on April 5 acknowledging the six-month anniversary of the attack: I mourn with Israelis for the 1,200 people, including many women and children, killed in cold blood. In a video message on Sunday, the U.N.'s leader Guterres said Oct. 7 is a day of pain for Israel and the world. Nothing can justify the horror unleashed by Hamas. I once again condemn the use of sexual violence, torture and kidnapping of civilians, and call for the unconditional release of all the hostages. Guterres has also continually called for a humanitarian ceasefire and said in another video message on April 5 that nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. The 7th of October is a day of pain for Israel and the world. Nothing can justify the horror unleashed by Hamas. I once again condemn the use of sexual violence, torture & kidnapping of civilians, and call for the unconditional release of all the hostages. pic.twitter.com/xdHmDIsxyy Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 6, 2024 Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defense Micheal Martin In an op-ed for the Sunday Times, Martin honored the victims of Hamas attack on Israel and the hostages that still remain in Gaza. Recognising the extent of the trauma and terror on Oct. 7 cannot blind us, however, to the reality of the utterly disproportionate Israeli military response to the Hamas attacks, which has caused death and destruction in Gaza on a catastrophic scale, Martin wrote. Irelands priorities in the current crisis have remained clear and consistent: an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access, and a massive and sustained scale-up in humanitarian aid, he added. Contact us at letters@time.com. On the night of April 7, Russian troops dropped a guided bomb on a four-story residential building in Kupiansk, Kharkiv region. A woman was killed as a result of the attack. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the State Emergency Service. Photos of the aftermath of the Russian attack were also published. "Tonight, Russian enemy aircraft dropped a guided bomb on a residential area of Kupiansk," the statement said. A four-story residential building is destroyed as a result of the hit. ADVERTISIMENT A woman died under the rubble in an apartment on the fourth floor. "To remove the body of the deceased, the State Emergency Service units and a crane of a local utility company were involved. At 03:30, the rescue operations were completed," SES reported. The head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleh Syniehubov, informs that Kupiansk was hit at 22:40. ADVERTISIMENT "Two floors of the house were destroyed. 85-year-old woman died," he said. As reported, on the night of April 7, the Russian army attacked Kharkiv with Shahed drones. Several people were injured in the attack. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Changing of the Guard: France is the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the ceremony at Buckingham Palace, to mark the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale A masterpiece of statesmanship, declared The Daily Telegraph. Un resultat considerable, judged Le Figaro. It is relatively rare for diplomats to secure such coverage of our work. It is rarer still for such plaudits to stand the test of time. Yet today, 120 years since these newspaper reports were filed, we both see how significant an achievement establishing an Entente Cordiale between our countries was. The texts themselves were very much of their era, detailing as they did compromises on colonial disputes. But in making such compromises, our governments were, as one paper put it, making a pledge of the essential unity of our interests and desires. This indisputably provided the basis for two neighbours to forge a close friendship. Over 120 years, our nations have remade this pledge. We did so in the darkest of days the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale coincides with the 80th anniversary of the D-Day and Provence landings, and the subsequent liberation of France. We did so in the pursuit of transformational changes 2024 also marks 30 years since the opening of the Channel Tunnel, a remarkable feat of engineering enabling a constant stream of travel between our countries. We did so in 2010, proudly signing the Lancaster House Treaties. And our leaders did so last year, holding the 36th UK-France Summit in the same year as President Macron received His Majesty King Charles on a memorable state visit. And we did so in 2003, when we signed the Treaty of Le Touquet, and then, in 2018, the Treaty of Sandhurst creating an unprecedented framework to co-operate on security and illegal immigration. This enduring commitment to our friendship reflects recognition that it remains a foundation for our security and prosperity. Over the past 120 years, we have not only forged a close friendship. We have helped to forge a better world. These are once again dark days. Russias war of aggression in Ukraine is into its third year, and it is having a profound impact on European and Euro-Atlantic security. There is conflict and instability in the Middle East with ramifications felt deeply in our own societies. And theres the enormous global challenge of climate change. Our two countries story of friendship should make us optimistic about the future. With so many damaging and long-running disputes in the world, we must seize together the opportunities offered by our partnership. Last week, we met in Brussels as Nato marked 75 years since its founding. Britain and France, two founding members and Europes nuclear powers, have a responsibility in driving the alliance to deal with the challenges before it. Our forces are deployed together in Estonia, demonstrating our commitment to our allies and our contribution to the alliance remaining a cornerstone for European security. Together, France and Britain will reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine at the European Political Community Summit, to be held at Blenheim Palace in July. We will also ensure a productive Nato summit in Washington this summer. We are both absolutely clear: Ukraine must win this war. If Ukraine loses, we all lose. The costs of failing to support Ukraine now will be far greater than the costs of repelling Putin. Britain and France are proud of the support we have provided to Ukraine, from unprecedented sanctions to co-ordinated deliveries of the first long-range missile systems, Scalp and Storm Shadow. Just last month, the first Ukrainian pilots graduated from training with the Royal Air Force to start training with the Armee de lair et de lespace, as part of a programme to build up Ukraines ability to fly modern F-16 fighter jets. But as discussed during the Paris Conference in February, we must do even more to ensure we defeat Russia. The world is watching and will judge us if we fail. We must also continue to co-operate on other global challenges. We are partners in the fight against terrorism and extremism. Even as we condemn Putins war of aggression in Ukraine, we have expressed solidarity with the Russian people after the horrific violence inflicted by Islamic State at Crocus City Hall. And we must be unwavering in our critical work on tackling climate change and developing carbon-free energy systems. We have jointly launched a new Global Biodiversity Credits Roadmap, helping to leverage the private sector to support nature, and we remain committed to carrying out the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. And we are both committed to reforming the international financial system, so that it better supports vulnerable countries to become more resilient to climate shocks. It is not for France and Britain alone to solve these challenges. But, together, we can rally others to join us in overcoming them. It is as vital that we do so today as it was for our predecessors to put aside their differences and establish the long-lasting friendship we celebrate now, not only as a mark of the Entente Cordiale, but as a reflection of an Entente renewed. Lord Cameron is the Foreign Secretary. Stephane Sejourne is French minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs 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 Patrol confirmed Saturday that a crash in Mason County involving one of their troopers resulted in the deaths of two people. The collision happened at about 2:37 p.m. Saturday on U.S. Highway 101, south of Shelton. According to the Mason County Sheriffs Office, the trooper was heading south to an emergency situation with their lights and sirens on when they went through the intersection of Taylor Town and Lynch Road and collided with another vehicle. Two people died in the collision. The Mason County coroner identified them as Charles Ferree, 72, and Deolia Blandford, 49, both of Ollala. According to the Mason County Sheriffs Office, preliminary details revealed the couple pulled into the roadway, either attempting to cross the highway or cross the road to get into a turn lane when they pulled in front of the speeding trooper. According to the Washington State Patrol, the involved trooper was not seriously injured, but they were taken to a hospital as a precaution. At about 7:45 p.m., northbound 101 was reduced to one lane and southbound traffic was being diverted to the west side of Lynch Road. The Mason County Sheriffs Office is investigating the incident. Traffic Alert At approximately 2:37 this afternoon, a Washington State Patrol trooper was heading southbound on... Posted by Mason County Sheriff's Office on Saturday, April 6, 2024 #MasonCounty: US 101 at Taylor Towne MP 352 is fully blocked for a fatal collision please use alternate routes as the roadway is fully blocked in both directions. We will have more details shortly. pic.twitter.com/TzdN24T2vr Trooper Katherine Weatherwax (@wspd8pio) April 6, 2024 NEW YORK -- The City of New York will pay more than $28 million to settle a civil rights lawsuit filed by a woman whose grandson was hospitalized after he tried to take his own life while in custody on Rikers Island. Madeline Feliciano alleges three Rikers Island correction officers and a captain waited nearly eight minutes before helping her grandson, Nicholas Feliciano when he attempted suicide in a jail cell in November 2019. A report by the Correction Department Oversight Board found he was left hanging for seven minutes and 51 seconds. His grandmother says Nicholas suffered brain damage as a result. He was 18 years old at the time and had been arrested after getting into a fight. The incident was captured on surveillance video and Nicholas was in plain view of correction officers and others at the time, the report by the Correction Department Oversight Board said. Three correction officers and a captain were indicted on reckless endangerment and official misconduct charges in 2022. Two of the guards pled guilty to official misconduct. The other cases are pending. According to a settlement filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, the city will pay Madeline Feliciano $28.75 million. "This settlement will just help Nicholas with his medical condition and therapies for the rest of his life, the damage is already done. Nicholas will never be the same. His future got taken away," Madeline Feliciano said in a statement. CBS News New York has reached out to the Department of Correction for comment on the settlement. Madeline Feliciano and lawyers representing her family are also calling for the closure of Rikers Island. In 2019, the New York City Council passed a plan to shut down the troubled jail complex by 2026 and build four smaller jails in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx, but Mayor Eric Adams has pushed back on the plan, citing public safety concerns and questioning if the borough jails will be able to accommodate the jail population from Rikers. Experts weigh in on "Oatzempic," the latest weight loss trend on social media. American among 3 crew members to land at International Space Station Powerball jackpot climbs to $1.3 billion Yulia Navalnaya , widow of Alexei Navalny, stands on the banks of the Spree surrounded by media representatives after casting her vote in the presidential election. Monika Skolimowska/dpa The late Russian dissident Alexei Navalny and his wife Yulia will receive the "Freedom Prize of the Media" from a leading German forum this year, with Julia Navalnaya set to accept the award in person. The prize is presented each year at the Ludwig Erhard Summit, named after the conservative former chancellor who came to power in the 1960s. It is awarded to public figures who have made a special commitment to freedom of expression, dialogue and democracy. Russian politician and former chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov received the award in 2023, with other past recipients including Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev. The leader of Germany's conservative opposition, Friedrich Merz, will deliver the laudatory speech at the event. "Yulia Navalnaya is the brave leader of the resistance movement in Russia. Following the death of her husband Alexei, who died in a Siberian prison camp at the hands of Vladimir Putin's henchmen on February 16, 2024, she is the leader of the democratic awakening in Russia," the jury said in its statement. For many years, the Navalnys have been the most prominent opposition activists in Russia. "They are the faces of a better, new, free and democratic Russia," the jury's statement said. According to the Weimer Media Group which funds the award, the ceremony will take place on April 19 in Gmund am Tegernsee south of Munich. In light of the constant barrage of Russian airstrikes hitting the north-eastern city of Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a plea with international allies to deliver urgently needed air defence systems. "It is quite obvious that the air defence capacities we have in Ukraine are not enough - and this is clear to all our partners," Zelensky said in his evening video message on Sunday. "We are looking for ways to provide Kharkiv with more air defence," he said, urging all Ukrainian diplomats and international negotiators to seek agreements for new supplies. Zelensky has long been calling for additional US-made Patriot air defence systems and previously said in a TV interview that his country needed at least 25 of these systems to fend off Russian attacks. Ukraine, fending off a large-scale Russian invasion for over two years now, has once again noticed an increased Russian military focus on Kharkiv, currently taking more fire than all other cities. According to the local prosecutor's office, two aerial bombs struck Kharkiv at midday on Sunday, injuring five people, while also damaging 13 apartment blocks and other buildings. On Friday night, six people were killed and 11 injured. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that the US Congress will allocate additional assistance to Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian government would agree to a loan if there are no other options. Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, interviewed on the national joint 24/7 newscast Quote: "Regarding American aid, it is critical in any case. I still believe we can get a positive vote from the US Congress. Unfortunately, we are kind of a hostage in this situation. Unfortunately, the issue of Russia's war against Ukraine has now become a domestic political issue in the United States, even though this is [about] the security of the world. And I don't understand this half-baked approach [...]. Unfortunately, we are hostages to the fact that this is the voting procedure in the United States. Nevertheless, I keep on believing, working, and hoping that reason will nevertheless prevail and we will get the appropriate help." Details: At the same time, the president said Ukraine would agree to receive funding from the United States as a loan. Quote: "One senator was recently here and said: Would you agree to a loan? What are the options? [we asked]. He said, Well, what if they told you the money is a loan or you won't get it? I said, What are these choices for if there is no choice? So we will agree to any option. In fact, if Ukraine were offered everything as a loan today or free in a years time, we would say Today. We have one choice to survive and win. Were trying to do this in various ways. The important thing is: the sooner the better." More details: Regarding the provision of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine by various countries, Zelensky stressed that there must be specific action on this issue, not just public declarations. "Very specifically: so that an EU state, such as Belgium, or the UK, can just take their money and transfer it. There is a decision at the EU level, and they need to make this decision to take all the money and transfer it to Ukraine. So far there has been nothing but talk. And we need weapons now," Zelenskyy said. The president also stressed that Ukraine ought to be able to use the money to buy weapons from the United States, for example. He also said he believes that several countries are reluctant to transfer frozen Russian assets to Ukraine because they work like a deposit. "Sometimes states dont want to transfer frozen assets to you because while they are there, they are working, like a deposit in a bank. It sits there and generates interest. And if we have it, it wont be yielding the appropriate interest." Support UP or become our patron! The blockade on the border with Poland. Photo: State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Ukraine has built several routes to circumvent the Polish farmers' blockade of the border, but the transit of goods through Poland would be cheaper. Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview shown on the national joint 24/7 newscast Quote: "Our prime minister spoke to the Polish authorities at a government-level meeting. Everyone says they will definitely unblock the borders and help Ukraine. But in the meantime, everyone says we have to do our job. And we have built several routes to bypass this blockade. Right now, its working. It would have been better to go through Poland, transit would have been cheaper for some goods. But we have to start from where we are. We have the sea, the Danube, and we have started working through Moldova and Romania. I think we have found a solution to this situation in any case." Background: In the last few days of March, the government admitted that it did not know how to unblock the border with Poland and there was practically no dialogue going on. On 2 April, Polish protesters resumed their blockade of lorry traffic at the Uhryniv-Dohobyczow checkpoint, which had been operating normally for several days. Polish protesters partially resumed allowing lorries to enter Poland at the Rava-Ruska-Hrebenne checkpoint on 6 April. Support UP or become our patron! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that while he appreciates Turkiye's help, Turkiye alone will not be enough as a mediator in the war. Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the national joint 24/7 newscast Quote: "They [Turkiye ed.] want to be mediators. But President Erdogan knows... I am grateful to him for everything, but he should know that Turkiye alone as a mediator is not enough for us. The Peace Summit format is better for us. I do not believe that Turkiye alone would be able to clamp down on Putin's policy, with all due respect to our Turkish partners. They have done a lot for us, but they also have a strong relationship with Russia and their own interests, including economic interests. So I think Turkiye would not be enough. Of course they will be among the leaders and countries that can carry out a mediation mission. But we need more than mediation. Because Minsk [the Minsk agreements of 2014-15] was also on a mediation mission, and that yielded no result at least, not one that was positive for us." Details: Zelenskyy added that arranging the Peace Summit, which is planned to be held in Switzerland, is difficult because Ukraine needs to bring a large number of countries together. However, in his opinion, this number of countries "will be able to at least try to force Russia into a just peace". Support UP or become our patron! Kyrylo Budanov, head of the The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, described the situation at the front as "difficult but controlled." He expects a new wave of Russian offensive in late May 2024. ADVERTISIMENT Budanov shared his forecast in an interview with the German broadcaster ARD. "We expect Russia to intensify its offensive in late spring and early summer. Especially in the Donbas region," he said. Budanov also predicted that the occupiers would "move a little closer to Chasiv Yar" and "move towards Pokrovsk, in the strategic direction of Pokrovsk." At the same time, he does not expect any major changes at the front before the Russian offensive begins. "The situation is quite complicated, but it is under control," the DIU chief said. Despite the estimates of various military experts, Budanov also believes that a Ukrainian offensive is possible this year. However, he refused to speak more specifically about this, noting that it is within the competence of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA: - Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council Andriy Kovalenko warned that Russia is preparing a new offensive for May-June 2024. According to him, the enemy will try to attack the positions of the Defense Forces all summer. Probable attacks by the occupiers are predictable, so there is no reason for panic, Kovalenko said. - La Repubblica said that NATO is informally discussing the option of ending the war in Ukraine with territorial concessions in exchange for immediate acceptance into the Alliance. This scenario could be especially useful to Donald Trump if he returns to power in the United States. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! For most people, the premier graphics and visual editing tool is Adobe Photoshop. It is also the most popular and widely used graphical design software suite among professionals and amateurs alike, and for good reason. Even people who have never in their lives used Photoshop know the name, which has become synonymous with any kind of digital image editing. Photoshop is professional-grade paid software, though, and its not exactly cheap even with some of the best Adobe Photoshop deals out there. Maybe youve never used it before and want to give a try before buying a license? Thats likely why youre here looking for an Adobe Photoshop free trial (and perhaps other ways to save on this software if and when you decide to buy it). Whether youre an amateur graphic designer or an aspiring professional, weve got everything you need to know right here. Is there an Adobe Photoshop free trial? Matan Segev / Pexels There is actually more than one Adobe Photoshop free trial available, depending on which version youre looking at. For the uninitiated, there are two main Photoshop packages. Adobe Creative Cloud is subscription-based, meaning you have to pay a monthly or annual fee for the license in order to use it. This is the most comprehensive Photoshop suite that gives you everything the software has to offer, with more than 20 design apps as part of the package, including Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Premiere Pro, and typically costs $60 per month. There is a free trial available for Creative Cloud, although it only lasts for seven days. Thats not a lot of time to explore and spend hands-on time with the full set of Creative Cloud apps. You also have to enter your credit card information in order to sign up and download the software; its on you to cancel your subscription before the trial period ends, or youll be charged. Try Creative Cloud Alternatively, theres Photoshop Elements 2024. This is a standalone $100 package that you pay for once, then you own it for life. Its a pared-down version of Photoshop and lacks the cloud functions of Creative Cloud, but for lighter graphical design work, Elements is just fine with the added bonus that once you buy it, you own it, and you dont have to pay a monthly or yearly subscription fee. Another nice thing about Elements is that it offers you a 30-day Adobe Photoshop free trial rather than the short seven-day trial that you get with Creative Cloud. That gives you a full month to see if Photoshop Elements is enough for your needs or if you really do need the advanced Creative Cloud suite. Thats also why we recommend that you give the 30-day Photoshop Elements free trial a spin first, then decide if you need anything more than that. Try Photoshop 2024 Can you get Adobe Photoshop for free? If youre looking to get Photoshop for free, you might be out of luck. There are rarely many offers that let you get Adobe Photoshop Elements or Creative Cloud for free from online retailers. That said, you may be able to get it through your school or workplace, depending on your situation. Youll have to check for yourself if Photoshop is available to you for free through either of those routes. A pared-down version of Photoshop may be coming to the web for free, however. Right now, a test version is available only in Canada, but we expect it to have a wider rollout soon. Alternatively, you might be interested in the Adobe free trial, or more specifically, the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, which nets you trial access to several Adobe tools like Lightroom, Premiere Pro, and more. Are there any Adobe Photoshop deals? The good news is that Photoshop deals pop up pretty regularly from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg that sell Adobes software. These stores frequently offer discounts on both Adobe Photoshop Elements as well as Creative Cloud subscriptions, and the Photoshop deals are typically shared across retailers (meaning that if you see it on sale at one outlet, you can likely find it for the same price at other stores that sell the software). Also, if you are a student or teacher with a valid .edu email address, you are eligible to buy the Student & Teacher Edition of Photoshop Elements, which can save you some money as well. By Toby Sterling AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - U.S. demands that chipmaking giant ASML stop servicing some equipment it has sold to Chinese customers are a diplomatic and business headache for the Dutch government, but signs are it will continue to align with Washington on export restrictions. Although Prime Minister Mark Rutte's government is reluctant to make a blanket decision, its public statements and national security interests suggest it will be slow to approve Chinese maintenance requests in future and quick to deny them. That would be a setback for China's attempts to build up its domestic chip industry, because ASML gear is almost impossible to replace and will break down over time if not maintained. But it could also complicate efforts by Rutte's government to stop ASML Holdings NV, the Netherlands' biggest company, from moving operations abroad. One emerging factor is Dutch security priorities, particularly support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Rutte, who is favoured to become the next NATO secretary general, discussed ASML with Chinese President Xi Jinping when they met in Beijing last week. He said afterwards that China's support for Russia was a serious problem at a time when the Netherlands is arming Ukraine with F-16s. "It is incredibly important that China understand any victory for Russia (in Ukraine) would pose an immediate threat" to both the Netherlands and Europe, Rutte said. He declined to answer directly whether his government will deny licences for ASML's Chinese customers. Xi told Chinese state media he had warned Rutte against "decoupling and breaking links" with China. STARTING POINT While Beijing says it is neutral on the Ukraine conflict, Xi has a strategic alliance with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Netherlands holds Russia responsible for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Flight 17 (MH17) over eastern Ukraine, which killed 198 Dutch citizens. It also houses and supports the Hague-based International Criminal Court which has issued a warrant for Putin's arrest on war crimes charges. Rutte called on China to do more to keep Russia from obtaining "dual-use goods" with both civilian and military applications - such as ASML's machines and the chips they are used to make. While his comments do not translate to a policy of presumptive denial for Chinese customers seeking ASML gear that falls under licensing rules, as U.S. policy does, they do indicate the Dutch government's likely starting point. ASML declined to comment. It has previously said it complies with all export regulations. Story continues European Parliament lawmaker Bart Groothuis said the Netherlands should determine export policy in concert with larger allies. "It is much better for us to do that, regulate ASML, together with the U.S., or in the future it may be Europe, and I would say that is the best way forward," he said. U.S. President Joe Biden's export policy chief Alan Estevez is expected to raise the servicing contracts at a meeting on Monday with Dutch government officials and executives from ASML. The Dutch government must weigh its response given fears of weakening U.S. support for its security priorities, including Ukraine, especially if Donald Trump wins November's presidential election. CASE BY CASE "If the U.S. role in NATO decreases, then probably also the leverage that the U.S. has ... with regard to technology transfers to China will decrease," said Frans-Paul van der Putten of the Clingendael Institute, a Dutch think tank. He said the Dutch see China as "the only country that has at least some kind of influence on Russia potentially". The Dutch Foreign Ministry, which oversees exports, said on Thursday it will judge Chinese licensing requests the same way it does others: on a "case by case" basis, weighing the risks they might end up having undesired military uses. But that will be difficult for Dutch officials to determine from afar, especially given Xi's civil-military fusion policies. For ASML, the damage from an uncertain number of licence denials will be gradual and limited - maintenance is about 20% of its revenue and China is its third-biggest market after Taiwan and South Korea. It has sold 10 billion euros ($11 billion) of equipment to chipmakers in China over the past three years, much of which does not fall under any export restrictions. Some has also gone to plants in China with Western-allied owners, such as SK Hynix and TSMC. Individual Chinese chipmakers or plants that are denied a licence could be badly hurt, as ASML machines are essential for making chips and hard to replace. Experts say, however, that Chinese chipmakers have shown surprising resilience to U.S.-led sanctions so far and will continue to find ways to engineer around them in the future. "The cutting-off of servicing is going to inexorably degrade the capabilities of that equipment. And so the manufacturer will be fighting a sort of rearguard action to keep those machines going as long as possible," said Paul Triolo, a U.S. expert on China and semiconductors. "The question is in the long term, what other workarounds are possible here?" ($1 = 0.9232 euros) (Editing by Catherine Evans) Huge, unused satellite antennas that dot the Swiss Alps are being repurposed for clean energy generation. Two companies have seen the potential of these obsolete structures to create solar power, with their location atop the mountains offering the perfect spot to capture the sun's energy unobstructed by buildings or other obstacles. Meanwhile, they can also avoid the mist that typically forms in lower-lying areas, making power production more efficient, and they can be moved to the best position to capture sunlight when needed. CKW Group, which took on the project in Leuk, covers the 32-meter-diameter satellites with solar panels. Each can produce enough power to meet the energy demands of 25 homes, as the company told Reuters. "Former satellite antennas are ideal as solar energy systems," CKW Group said. "They can be flexibly aligned with the sun and thus generate more electricity than conventional solar panels." The Swiss government is concerned about available energy, launching a voluntary scheme in August 2023 asking residents and businesses to conserve power. With the winter months approaching, lawmakers were worried there would not be enough gas to warm homes. But Axpo Group, which owns CKW Group, has talked up the potential of solar power to meet energy shortfalls. "Switzerland is facing a major challenge: by 2050, there will be a shortfall of around 50 terawatt hours of electricity per year," Axpo predicted, per Reuters. "Solar energy can make an important contribution to the power mix." This isn't the only example of obsolete items being repurposed for the benefit of the climate. A project funded by the European Union is using Cold War satellite imagery to find forest sites that hold high ecological value. The pictures can also be used to compare areas with up-to-date images to find out which areas are at risk from deforestation. Elsewhere, former coal plants in the United States are being turned into renewable energy production sites. The latter is an incredible example of how existing infrastructure that once produced high levels of planet-warming pollution can be turned into something highly beneficial for the planet. Not only is it a welcome shift to clean energy, but it shows that there's not always a need to begin new projects from scratch, which saves time and reduces construction pollution. Making the most of the location and size of these satellites for energy production instead of dismantling them will help Switzerland's energy security and possibly reduce residents' energy bills. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet. Hyundai From the March/April issue of Car and Driver. Though it looks straight out of a science-fiction film, the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (or HMGICS, for those who prefer initialisms) is no movie set. HMGICS is a fully functioning assembly plant capable of churning out up to 30,000 vehicles per year. Its state-of-the-art robotics, more efficient manufacturing processes, and on-site farm are among the things that separate HMGICS from the Korean automaker's other factories. "This is our test bed," says Alpesh Patel, vice president and head of the HMGICS Technology Innovation Group. "We can expand this concept worldwide, once proven." ADVERTISEMENT Indeed, if HMGICS succeeds, it could serve as the foundational model for tomorrow's assembly plants. Then again, this seven-story urban factory may ultimately represent the future of manufacturing that never came to be. You know, like the assembly-plant version of Blade Runner, Mad Max, or Planet of the Apes. Hyundai Race the Roof Dubbed the Skytrack, this 2034-foot-long oval is more amusement-park ride than research and development tool, with HMGICS offering guests the opportunity to experience the dynamic capabilities of the Ioniq 5, albeit from the passenger's seat. Its inspiration is undoubtedly Fiat's rooftop track in Turin. Plants in the Plant The facility's farm grows as many as nine different crops. Don't go looking for Old MacDonald, thougha team of robotic arms seeds and harvests. The fruitser, veggiesof this mechanical labor end up in the hands of customers as souvenirs of their visit and on menus around the site, including at a "tasting lounge" and, soon, a farm-to-table restaurant. Hyundai also donates some of the yield to locals. Hyundai Guard Dogs There's even a handful of doglike Spot robots from Boston Dynamics (the robotics company that Hyundai acquired earlier in the decade). These four-legged androids send real-time images of the assembly process, some of which is automated, to an AI-assisted command center, helping Hyundai identify potential quality-control issues on the line. Story continues Present at the Creation Customers who order an HMGICS-produced vehicle (currently just the Ioniq 5, though there are plans to build additional models) have the option to pick it up at the factory. Expectant owners watch a video of their car's build and take delivery of the completed machine on-site. You Might Also Like Parents should be able to buy phones without social media apps for teenagers, the leader of the UKs biggest teaching union has said. Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), warned there is a link between the addictive nature of social media and screen time and how teenagers are feeling, after teachers reported a sharp rise in the number of pupils with poor mental health. He told The Telegraph that parents should have a choice and should be able to get phones for their teenager that come without access to apps. National Education Union General Secretary, Daniel Kebede - Geoff Pugh The NEU leader has become the latest prominent figure to support restrictions on addictive social media apps for children. Since February, tens of thousands of parents have joined a grassroots movement, Parents for a Smartphone-free Childhood, launched to help parents support each other in delaying giving their children smartphones. The group, which has been invited to Downing Street, is backed by campaigners including the actress Sophie Winkleman. Esther Ghey, the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, has called for a ban on social media apps for under-16s. Arabella Skinner, director of Safescreens Campaign, a parent-led operation which wants the Government to restrict smartphone use for under-16s, said: The current options are either an old-style brick phone or a full-on smartphone. Children need an option that allows them to access the apps they need such as maps, train tickets, banking, homework but eliminates the risk of harmful content and addiction. She added: It is encouraging to see the NEU recognising that the addictive nature of social media and smartphones is a serious and urgent societal issue and one that cannot be solved by parents alone. Childrens needs must be put before the profits of tech companies and parents need the support of regulation to resolve these issues. Safescreens are calling for expedited action now, a lengthy commission process will allow the widely recognised harms that smartphones and social media carry for children to continue unabated for too long. Mr Kebede said: We think there is a link between the addictive nature of social media and screen time and how teenagers are feeling. Some social media and phone use can help teenagers connect and develop interests and hobbies but excessive use can cut out real world activities, exercise and time in the great outdoors. Its important to be clear that social media and apps targeted at teens are often designed to be addictive and habit forming. However, he warned that individual parents cant family by family sort out the wider problem of damage caused by social media. The big tech companies need to be much more proactive about taking down harmful content faster, changing algorithms and taking responsibility for the impact of social media on teenagers well-being, he said. Addressing teachers in his speech on the last day of the NEU annual conference on Saturday, he said: The mental health of our young people has plunged since 2010, and levels of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide have soared. Conference, the development of social media and online forums have contributed to this. He added: Social media giants should be made to have social responsibility to our children. We need an Independent Parliamentary Commission, as a start of a process of deep-seated reform to the way social media is regulated.And we will work with anyone prepared to make this happen. Mental health deteriorating An NEU survey of 8,000 teachers this year found that 88 per cent of teachers have seen an increase in the prevalence of student mental health issues over the last year, with 57 per cent saying it has increased greatly in that short period of time. Half or more told the NEU that pupils are regularly displaying chronic anxiety, exam anxiety, or absenteeism, as a result of mental ill-health. Three quarters of teachers said they identify general social difficulties among pupils. Last month, a Parentkind survey showed that most parents support a ban on smartphones for under-16s, with primary school parents expressing particularly high support. The poll of 2,496 parents in England with at least one child aged between four and 18 found that about 58 per cent back a smartphone ban for under 16s. Among primary school parents, support for a ban for under 16s was 77 per cent. The Department for Education has been contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Researchers make new breakthrough with 50-year-old battery technology: 'I didn't know they were still around' Battery technology is essential for a sustainable future. Energy storage is key for making renewable power viable regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common in today's technology, with uses ranging from cell phones to electric cars. Scientists are consistently looking for ways to make them more efficient and longer lasting. But that doesn't mean alternatives aren't being investigated. Scientists in Australia are looking at sulfur to make batteries cheaper and more effective, while researchers in Germany are turning to zinc-air batteries to improve efficiency. Now, a Stanford doctoral graduate is investigating the potential of sodium-metal-halide batteries, which were first pioneered around five decades ago. Antonio Baclig's attempts to start a power storage company for use by the grid led him to explore the long-forgotten tech. With sodium far easier and cheaper to source than lithium, using the former can lead to efficient batteries with less environmental damage due to mining. "Along the way, as I was really trying to understand what happened in the industry around sodium-metal-halide batteries why has it not grown beyond a niche battery technology? I got in touch and connected with these people in the UK called Beta Research, which had been involved from the beginning, from the early 1980s," he told TechCrunch+. "They were the ones that really developed that technology, and I didn't know they were still around." His company, Inlyte Energy, earned $8 million in seed funding to research how to make sodium-metal-halide batteries viable for today's needs and iron could be the key. By optimizing iron, Baclig believes he can create batteries for $35 per kilowatt hour, which is significantly cheaper than lithium-ion versions. While the latter will still be king when it comes to electric vehicles, sodium-metal-halide batteries show great promise in terms of energy storage for power grids. They aren't ideal for automotive use because they need to be kept at high temperatures to function, something that vehicles can't achieve consistently. Since solar power relies on sunlight and wind energy relies on blustery conditions, storage is needed to make up for times when power production is reduced in order to meet demand. If cheaper battery technology is possible, it will be much easier to scale up storage facilities and make renewable power an even more effective alternative than energy reliant on dirty energy sources. Inlyte's first factory could be ready by 2027, according to TechChrunch+, and it is hoped it will bring a sustainable future closer to realization. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet. Jasper Kenzo Sundeen's reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and community members through the Yakima Valley Community Fund. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com. The Russian Federation recruits female students from Africa to produce Shaheds in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, which the occupiers use to strike Ukraine. Young girls are lured through ads in the media, social media, and even through dating sites and eventually used as forced labor - after classes at a local college, students assemble drones for the Russian army, changing their Iranian name to "Geranium". ADVERTISIMENT According to an investigation by several Russian journalistic projects, young girls from Africa are brought to Russia and involved in the production of Shaheds, taking advantage of their vulnerable situation. According to analysts, this is sexism and racial discrimination against African women, whom Moscow uses as labor and to create a positive image of Russia in Africa and demonize Ukraine, Voice of America reports. After the recent attack on Alabuga, where Shakhtya are trained, African woman Otieno Makrin Ochieng said in a video posted on Alabuga's official page on the X network that she came from Kenya to study at Alabuga Polytechnic, majoring in hotel management. "I am fine now. But the people who attacked our dormitory today are real barbarians who deserve serious condemnation. They wanted to intimidate us, but I think they failed. "Alabuga is strong, and we will cope with this," she said. ADVERTISIMENT The Telegram channel of the Alabuga SEZ stated that two UAVs attacked the dormitory, injuring six people, including two teenagers. The institution, which is called a "college" in Alabuga, although it is not officially a college, accepts teenagers from the 9th grade. Later, the media reported that there were three UAVs in Alabuga and that at least 12 people, all students, were injured. However, users of X in the context (attached to publications that may be misleading) reminded that the attack was not aimed at dormitories, but at a production site for the assembly of "Shahed", which regularly attacks civilian targets in Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT Last summer, the Russian media found out that college students in Alabuga were assembling kamikaze drones after classes, and The Washington Post also reported on this. However, what the researchers failed to mention was that not only Russian students were involved in the collection of drones, but also young women from Africa who were recruited to move to Russia through ads in the media and social networks. International researchers say that Russian media outlets such as Sputnik and RT have recently been actively expanding their presence in Africa, where they are trying to present a positive image of the aggressor country. Russia uses its media not only to improve its image, but also to recruit labor from African countries. Russian articles are then reprinted by local media, which advertise "free resettlement" to Russia, education, and subsidized housing in a "tourist city with a 1000-year history." ADVERTISIMENT "African women between the ages of 18 and 22 are offered jobs at a modern composite materials plant with a salary of $580. It should be added that this is a more than attractive amount. According to experts, the average salary in African countries is $290 in Zambia, $228 in Ghana, $176 in Guinea, $118 in Senegal, $111 in Cote d'Ivoire, $45 in Gambia, etc.", reads the ad, which was published by Afriquemedia.tv in August 2023. But, according to Russian investigators, these methods of luring were not very effective, so the recruiters soon switched to dating sites such as Tinder and Badu. In this case, the recruiters were the students of Alabuga Polytechnic themselves, who were issued premium accounts on dating apps and, according to journalists, the CEO of Alabuga SEZ Timur Shygivaleyev personally wrote texts that students were to send from their accounts. ADVERTISIMENT He also told them where and what emoticons to put, because as a graduate of MGIMO, unlike his students, he speaks English well. Only young women under the age of 22 were invited, as Shygivaleev ordered, believing that guys from Africa "could be too aggressive and dangerous." Back in the fall of 2022, the Russians managed to lure about two dozen young African women from Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria , and Tanzania to Yelabuga. Immediately after their arrival, they were isolated from the rest of the students, and separate rooms were built for studying and living. They are taught in English and were initially assigned to the dirtiest jobs, such as mopping floors and cleaning up garbage. Later, the African women were involved in the production of drones, Russian journalists say. This work, according to them, can last 12 hours. ADVERTISIMENT In the staffing chart accessed by Protocol journalists, African women are called "mulattoes," the next category in the chart is "Tajiks," a common name for people from Central Asia who speak Farsi, and the highest level in the hierarchy is occupied by "specialists," presumably Russian students. According to Oleksandr Polianichev, a Ukrainian researcher of the Russian Empire and colonialism at Sodertorn University in Sweden, projects like Alabuga "testify to racial and gender discrimination in modern Russia." "Girls from African countries are officially called 'mulattoes' by the institution's management, and men of color are not allowed to be admitted because of their alleged 'danger and aggressiveness. These are all notorious cliches and practices that originate in the colonial contexts of the 19th and 20th centuries," the researcher told Voice of America. ADVERTISIMENT Kimberly St. Julian Vernon, an American researcher of race and the experience of black people in the former USSR, believes that the Soviet Union has for years cultivated its image in Africa as a country that selflessly "helps" African countries that have suffered from Western colonialism. Now, Russia is taking advantage of the fear or pain of young African women who "have limited opportunities at home and are often migrants as a result of war or economic devastation," the researcher writes on social media. Vernon adds that Russia itself creates these circumstances in Africa or takes advantage of them, as it did in Mali and the Central African Republic. But the West does not really notice this situation and does not counteract it. "To counter the power of Russian material support and propaganda on the continent, the West must do more than spout platitudes about democracy, especially to countries that have been colonized and exploited by the same entities," she writes. ADVERTISIMENT In her opinion, this situation is another consequence of the Russian war in Ukraine. It also demonstrates the West's unwillingness or refusal to recognize the problem, which only harms the cause of the Ukrainian struggle. As reported by OBOZ.UA, after the arrivals in Alabuga, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine said that attacks on military targets in Russia would continue and the radius of strikes would increase. Intelligence representative Andriy Yusov also called the strikes on targets in Tatarstan effective. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! New Delhi: The Indian startups continued to raise funds at a normal pace, and last week, as many as 30 startups secured over $172.71 million in the country. This included eight growth-stage deals and 16 early-stage deals, reports Entrackr. "As many as six early-stage startups did not disclose the amount raised," the report mentioned. About 17 early and growth-stage startups collectively raised around $125.73 million in the week of March 25-30. Among the growth-stage deals, eight startups raised $130.1 million in funding last week. (Also Read: New Zealand Implements Immediate Work Visa Restrictions With New Rules; Check Out Key Changes) Ola Electric, led by Bhavish Agarwal, secured the highest amount of debt funding of $50 million. Hyperlocal marketing-to-commerce software platform SingleInterface, NBFC Infinity Fincorp, housing finance company Nivara Home Finance, payment gateway and point of sales provider Innoviti, and digital banking infrastructure firm M2P Fintech secured $30 million, $26 million, $10 million, $4.8 million, and $4.2 million in funding, respectively. (Also Read: Four Of Top 10 Valued Firms Add Rs 1.71 Lakh Cr To Mcap; HDFC Bank, LIC Lead Gainers) Moreover, 16 early-stage startups collectively secured $42.61 million in funding. D2C health and wellness brand Traya topped the list followed by full-stack retailer of used two-wheelers BeepKart, AI platform SiftHub, deep-tech startup Planys, and full-stack metal supply-chain platform Metalbook. City-wise, Bengaluru-based startups led with 11 funding deals followed by Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Chennai, and Hyderabad. New Delhi: Vodafone Idea (VI), amid its financial challenges has taken a significant step towards addressing its debt burden. The board of the telecom operator has given the green light to a proposal aimed at raising 2075 crore from its promoter, the Aditya Birla Group, as disclosed in a regulatory filing on Saturday. The company stated in a regulatory filing that it plans to seek approval from shareholders during an extraordinary general meeting scheduled for May 8 regarding the proposed measures. (Also Read: India's Food Processing Sector Poised To Reach USD 535 Billion By 2025-26) Further, the company in its filing mentioned The Vodafone Idea board has approved issuance of up to 1,395,427,034 equity shares of face value of 10 each at an issue price of 14.87 per equity share (including a premium of 4.87 per equity share), aggregating to 2,075 crore to Oriana Investments Pte. Ltd (Aditya Birla Group entity forming part of the promoter group), on a preferential basis,". (Also Read: Over 20,000 Zomato Riders To Provide Medical Aid In Roadside Emergencies: CEO Deepinder Goyal) The filing also stated that the board has given its approval for raising the authorized share capital of the company. This increase involves raising it from the current 75,000 crore, which is divided into 70,000 crore of equity share capital and 5,000 crore of preference share capital, to 1 lakh crore. The increased authorised share capital of the company will be divided into 95,000 crore equity share capital and 5,000 crore preference share capital. The company received shareholders nod for raising up to 20,000 crore by issuance of securities in an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) held on April 2. Vodafone Idea has plans to raise 45,000 crore through a mix of equity and debt as it seeks to match services offered by rivals Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel and arrest an alarming and prolonged subscriber churn. The fundraise will arm VIL to improve competitive positioning in the Indian telecom market, where it trails Jio and Bharti Airtel, by a wide margin. In February this year, the companys board approved raising up to 20,000 crore in equity from promoters and other investors by June, as it looked to shore up finances for the much-delayed 5G rollout and strengthening 4G services. Vodafone Idea, in which the government now also holds over 33% equity stake, has been fighting a desperate battle for survival. It has a debt of 2.1 lakh crore, and is reporting quarterly losses due to falling subscriber base. Trais latest data showed that Vodafone Idea continued to bleed on the subscriber front. VIL lost 15.2 lakh wireless subscribers, plunging its mobile subscriber base to 22.15 crore in January, in sharp contrast to subscriber gains by Jio and Airtel. (With PTI Inputs) A total solar eclipse will take place on April 8. The total eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This solar eclipse is occurring on a Monday. When the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, totally obstructing the Sun's face, this is known as a total solar eclipse. The sky will darken as if it were sunrise or sunset. According to NASA, "Safety is the number one priority when viewing a total solar eclipse. Be sure you're familiar with when you need to wear specialised eye protection designed for solar viewing by reviewing." What Is a Total Solar Eclipse? "A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. People viewing the eclipse from locations where the Moons shadow completely covers the Sun known as the path of totality will experience a total solar eclipse. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. 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", as stated on NASA's official website. Solar Eclipse Timing Stargazers can witness the eclipse in real-time in the locations where it will be visible for about 12 hours. This year's Total Solar Eclipse is slated to begin on April 8 at 2:12 PM and end at 2:22 AM on April 9. Where will the Solar Eclipse be visible? The eclipse's course continues from Mexico into Texas, where it enters the United States, and then passes through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Beginning in Southern Ontario, the eclipse will cross into Canada and go through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. The eclipse will leave North America's continental region on Canada's Atlantic coast around Newfoundland. How To Watch The Total Solar Eclipse? If you want to witness the total solar eclipse, go to NASA's live feed at the website provided below. Starting at 10:30 PM IST on April 8 and lasting until 1:30 AM IST on April 9, the feed will be available live. In the year 2024, skywatchers are getting excited and gearing up for four unique celestial eclipses. The year 2024 will witness two solar eclipses and two lunar eclipses. When the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, and the Moon's shadow is cast on Earth, a Solar Eclipse or Surya Grahan takes place. Meanwhile, when the Earth comes between the Sun and Moon - with all three bodies lying on the same orbit plane - the Sun casts Earth's shadow onto the Moon and a lunar eclipse or Chandra Grahan takes place. A total solar eclipse will take place on April 8. The total eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This solar eclipse is occurring on a Monday. The sky is set to darken as if it were sunrise or sunset. How To Watch The Total Solar Eclipse? If you want to witness the total solar eclipse, go to NASA's live feed at their official website. Starting at 10:30 PM IST on April 8 and lasting until 1:30 AM IST on April 9, the feed will be available live. When is the Next Total Solar Eclipse? According to NASA's official website, "After the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, the next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States will be on August 23, 2044. We can't normally see the corona the Sun's outer atmosphere because the Sun's surface below it is so much brighter." Where is the Total Solar Eclipse Visible? The solar eclipse of April 8 will continue from Mexico into Texas, where it enters the United States, and then passes through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Beginning in Southern Ontario, the eclipse will cross into Canada and go through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. The eclipse will leave North America's continental region on Canada's Atlantic coast around Newfoundland. New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said on Sunday that the primary concern for the coming Lok Sabha Elections is the unemployment imposed by the ruling Modi government. Kharge further added that the Prime Minister's pledge to provide 2 crore jobs reverberates as a bad dream in a mind of youth. Congress senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge took a long post on the microblogging site X, where he emphasised the struggle of youth to find jobs. "The biggest issue in these Lok Sabha elections is Unemployment, imposed by the BJP. Our Youth are struggling to find jobs, and we are staring at a demographic nightmare," Kharge said. "Take the case of India's Premier Institutes - IITs and IIMs Across 12 IITs, around 30% of our students are not getting regular placements. Only 20% of 21 IIMs could complete the summer placements so far," Kharge Pointed out that if this is the situation of the prestigious institute then just imagine how BJP is destroying the future of the youth. "The rate of youth unemployment under Modi Govt has tripled since 2014. The ILO's recent India Employment Report showed that each year, India adds around 70-80 lakh youths to the labour force, but between 2012 and 2019, there was almost ZERO growth in employment - just 0.01%!," Kharge wrote. Congress Chief raised questions on PM Modi for providing 2 cr Jobs which now turn into a bad dream in the hearts and minds of our Youth. "Any diploma or degree holder below the age of 25, will now have a legal right to demand employment and shall be paid at least Rs 1 Lakh per year. This would remove the barriers that separate work and learning, thereby opening fresh avenues for career growth,' he added. Earlier, on Friday, Congress released its manifesto titled 'Nyay Patra' for the coming Lok Sabha ELections, guaranteeing, among others, a minimum support price (MSP) to farmers on their produce as per the Swaminathan Commission report, While the BJP had called it a "bundle of false claims". The Gujarat University has asked seven Afghani students to vacate the hostel weeks after the namaz row. On the night of March 16, a scuffle broke out between students offering namaz in the hostel and some people who came from outside. A controversy arose on the night of March 16 over prayers in the university hostel. The matter escalated to the extent that the Ministry of External Affairs also took notice of it and said that strict action would be taken against the perpetrators. The Ministry of External Affairs is in contact with the Gujarat government regarding this matter. After the Ministry of External Affairs raised the issue, a delegation from the Afghan Embassy also visited the university. Now, the officials of Gujarat University have issued notices to seven Afghan students asking them to vacate the hostel. Officials stated that five of these students had complied with the directive. According to reports, the students have either completed their courses or only document-related formalities remain to be completed, such as receiving certificates and thus they are not required to stay on campus. According to university rules, students cannot use hostel facilities after completing their studies. As per reports, four of these students have completed their courses, while three only have administrative work left. Neerja Gupta, the Vice-Chancellor of Gujarat University, stated that the well-being of all foreign students studying at Gujarat University is taken care of. He claimed that many students try to stay in the university hostels citing various reasons for a long time. The Congress-led INDIA bloc has been facing internal rifts, be it in Punjab, West Bengal or Kerala. Though they shared the stage during the March 31 rally in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, the seat-sharing deal in these three states has fallen apart. Now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that there are rifts within the opposition bloc over name of their PM candidate. Addressing a rally in Bihar's Nawada, PM Modi said that one of the INDI alliance leaders has refused to participate in rallies until his name is declared as a PM candidate. However, the PM did not reveal the identity of the leader. "Some people told this to me in Delhi yesterday. Since I have been witnessing a cold approach in the INDIA bloc's campaign in this election, I enquired about it. One of their leaders even remarked that their people are not active. I was told that a storm has been brewing within the top leadership of the INDI alliance for the last fortnight," said PM Modi. "INDI Alliance is not able to solve its internal conflicts; one of the leaders says, 'Until the PM candidate is not declared, I will not do any election campaign,'' says PM Narendra Modi at Nawada, Bihar. pic.twitter.com/W9DcCWrzcK IANS (@ians_india) April 7, 2024 Modi claimed that one of their leaders has refused to participate in rallies untill his name is declared as the PM candidate. "One of their leaders is adamant that unless the INDI alliance declares him the Prime Ministerial candidate, he will not go to the election campaign. This is their condition. They are not able to tell who their leader is. They are fighting internally and INDI alliance members are saying that they will decide the PM candidate after the election results. The leader is adamant that he will not hold a rally until his name is announced," said PM Modi. The INDI bloc is a grouping of over 20 opposition parties including Congress, Shiv Sena UBT, NCP-Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party, DMK, Aam Aadmi Party, RJD and Left. Srinagar: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Parliamentary Board on Sunday announced candidates for three parliamentary constituencies of Kashmir. This declaration ended all possibilities of alliance with the national conference and congress in Kashmir. Among three announced candidates, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti will herself come to the field to contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls from the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency. After the announcement of three seats, the PDP president said that she supported to India Alliance for the party which has shown a willingness to support the people of J&K. In conversation with reporters, Mehbooba further added that She tried to ally with Kashmir as well and had authorized Farooq Abdullah to announce seats, but the public announcement by NC forced us to come into the electoral fray. Mehbooba appealed to all the people including Kashmiri, Gujjar, Bakerwals or Pahadi they should come and support us. "Delhi is trying hard to win the South Kashmir Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat through proxies and I am a fighter and have accepted the challenge to contest," She said. Mufti said "Whether Congress support me or not I have full faith in people and my workers. I even appeal to NC and Congress to support me. Our manifesto is to undo everything that has been done in the last five years. I was forced to contest the elections, and this is not a question of votes getting bifurcated." She alleged that the BJP is meeting all others to keep Kashmiri real voices away from parliament, Even Azad sahib who is contesting as well is to help them. Mufti backing the congress manifesto said, "It is the best manifesto of congress in last seventy years and people who are seeing Pakistan in that are the ones who had lost their plot." Mehbooba Mufti will have tough challenge from National Conferences strong Gujjar leader Mian Altaf and DPAP chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad in Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, while the BJP is yet to announce their candidates from this seat. Apart from Party chief Mehbooba Mufti, party youth president Waheed-ur-Rehman Para will contest from the Srinagar-Pulwama constituency, and former Rajya Sabha member Fayaz Mir, who recently returned to the party, not going to contest Baramulla constituency. The BJP and other regional parties are yet to announce their candidates for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat. In the central Kashmir parliamentary constituency PDP youth leader who remained in jail for years after the abrogation of Article 370 will may have to face NC veteran Omar Abdullah. New Delhi: The BJP-led NDA today put up a show of unity in Bihar where Chirag Paswan joined Nitish Kumar and Narendra Modi in a massive rally in the state's Nawada. Addressing the rally, Prime Minister Modi took a dig at the Congress-led INDIA bloc and said that the opposition bloc is afraid of 'Modi's Guarantees'. He highlighted that a senior leader of the INDI Alliance recently said that there should be a ban on Modi's guarantees. Modi gives a guarantee because he has the resolve to fulfil the guarantee with a clear intention. Modi gives a guarantee because he works tirelessly to fulfil that guarantee, PM Modi asserted. Slamming the opposition for their appeasement politics, the PM said, Congress has issued its manifesto, which bears the imprint of the Muslim League's thoughts. He claimed that Congress has not issued a 'manifesto', but an 'appeasement document.' The INDI Alliance talks about ending the Sanatan Dharma of India...these people who have come together in compulsion have only one goal the self-interest of power, PM Modi added. In the third term, many more guarantees of Modi are yet to come...It is a guarantee to waive off the electricity bills of the poor, stated PM Modi in light of the BJPs goal to eradicate poverty from the country. He said that the NDA government aims to empower women and in the third term, the government will work to make 3 crore women lakhpatis under the Lakhpati Didi yojana. "Modi is on a mission to eradicate poverty from the country. I have also come here after living through poverty just like you. Modi, the son of the poor, is the servant of the poor. I will not rest until I eradicate the poverty of every brother and sister of the country," said the PM. The BJP leader slammed the Congress-led central government adding that, Before 2014, what was the condition of the country? Crores of citizens were forced to live in slums." Moreover, Prime Minister Modi is set to spearhead a rally in West Bengal and participate in a roadshow in Madhya Pradesh later today. The Lok Sabha elections are drawing near, with the initial phase of voting scheduled for April 19. The elections will unfold in seven phases, with Bihar casting votes in all seven phases. With the first phase of Lok Sabha polls approaching fast, the political parties have intensified their campaign. Be it the BJP-led NDA or Congress-led INDIA bloc, both factions are leaving no stone unturned to woo the voters. While the BJP has planned several rallies today, the Congress led by Rahul Gandhi is promoting its manifesto claiming that it can change the face of India. BJP's Poll Blitzerkieg BJP's poll campaign is being led by Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Modi will lead NDA's rally in Bihar around 11 am from Nawada. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar will be present on the occasion. Around 2.30 pm, Modi will address another rally from West Bengal's Jalpaiguri. In the evening, PM Modi will lead a roadshow in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur at around 6.30 pm. The roadshow along the 1.2-km route will start from Shaheed Bhagat Singh crossing on Sunday evening and culminate at Adi Shankaracharya crossing in the Gorakhpur locality of Jabalpur. On the other hand, BJP president JP Nadda will address public meetings in Ariyalur, Karur, Virudhunagar and Tiruchirappalli. Congress Slams BJP With Manifesto On the other hand, the Congress party has recently launched its manifesto and yesterday, the party led a massive rally in Telangana's Tukkuguda where Rahul Gandhi led from the front. Rahul Gandhi termed the party's manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections as 'revolutionary', which can change the face of the country. He said the manifesto could bring about a change in the lives of the poor, farmers, youth, and women of the country. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former president Sonia Gandhi addressed a rally in Rajasthan. The party will continue its campaign today with rallies in different parts of the country. The voting for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections will take place on April 19. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the opposition from West Bengal and said that "TMC, Leftists and Congress are all partners in crime." Addressing a rally in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi alleged that the opposition parties formed the INDI alliance to save the "partners in crime". "I say, 'end corruption' and they say, 'save the corrupt leaders'," said Modi. PM Modi also slammed the Trinamool Congress and claimed that "TMC's syndicate Raj" prevails in West Bengal, and the party is only interested in protecting its corrupt leaders. "The TMC government seeks to have a free pass for looting and terror in Bengal. To shield its extortionist and corrupt leaders, the TMC orchestrates attacks on central investigative agencies when they come here," he said. Modi's comments come a day after an NIA team was allegedly attacked by a mob on Saturday when attempting to arrest two main suspects in a 2022 blast case in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district. "The TMC is disregarding the law and the constitution of the country," he said. PM claimed that the situation in the state is such that "the court has to intervene" in various matters. Modi accused the TMC government of impeding the implementation of the Centre's welfare schemes for the poor in the state. "The TMC is not allowing the central funds to reach the poor people of the state. They want the central funds in their own account first. The syndicate Raj of TMC is going on across West Bengal. The TMC government is putting brakes on central schemes for the welfare of the poor," he said. Claiming that the Enforcement Directorate has attached properties worth Rs 3,000 crore from corrupt leaders of the TMC in various corruption cases in Bengal, Modi said suggestions are being taken on ways to return the money to those who have given it. "I guarantee you that the money looted by corrupt leaders will be given back to the poor people who had to give money to get jobs," he said. Modi alleged that the opposition alliance is busy indulging in politics of lies and deceit. "I am saying remove corruption; the opposition is saying 'save the corrupt.' I will ensure the corrupt are punished, and the poor get justice. After June 4 (when Lok Sabha poll results will be announced), more stringent action will be taken against the corrupt," he said. Referring to recent incidents in Sandeshkhali, where allegations of sexual abuse against TMC leaders emerged, Modi assured people that the culprits of Sandeshkhali will spend the rest of their lives in jail. New Delhi: Punjab Police on Saturday apprehended three individuals for reportedly molesting and parading 55-year-old women half-naked in the streets of Tarn Taran. The video of the incident went viral on social media on Friday, where a 55-year-old woman was assaulted and publicly humiliated in Tarn Taran village of Punjab on March 31. The incident unfolded following her son's elopement with a local girl and subsequent marriage against her family's wishes. "The victim woman's son fell in love with a girl and married her in court. The girl's family was against this marriage and the girl's mother, with her two sons and two other men, went to the boy's house there they got involved in a heated argument and the two parties got into a scuffle, during which the boy's mother's clothes tore," Ashwani Kapoor, SSP Tarn Taran Said. The three accused have been identified as Kulwinder Kaur, Gurcharan Singh, and Sunny, Police informed. As per the complaint, the victim was alone at her home when her son's in-laws allegedly assaulted her and tore off her clothes. "The main accused, Gursharan, the girl's brother, filmed a video of the woman... They waited for a few days before filing a complaint, hoping to reconcile things at home. But as soon as the FIR was filed, the accused made the video go viral on social media... Police teams were formed and one of the teams found success when they learned that the accused was at the Amritsar bus stand and trying to flee the state. He was arrested there," Ashwani Kapoor said, ANI reported. The police informed that further investigation is still awaited and they are still looking for the other unidentified individuals. New Delhi: AAP MP Sanjay Singh Condemned the arrest of Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal based on false claims by the opposition party. On Sunday, in a conversation with the media, Singh further claimed that the BJP can never gain a victory in Delhi till the time Kejriwal is there. While speaking to ANI Singh said,"...Based on false statements, you arrested the elected chief minister and put him behind bars. Do you think we don't understand this conspiracy?... Till the time Arvind Kejriwal is there, the BJP cannot win in Delhi." AAP leader hit out at the BJP for incorporating all the corrupt leaders in their party and then claiming to fight against corruption. #WATCH | Delhi: AAP MP Sanjay Singh says, "...On the basis of false statements, you arrested the elected chief minister and put him behind bars. Do you think we don't understand this conspiracy?...Till the time Arvind Kejriwal is there, the BJP cannot win in Delhi." pic.twitter.com/r2a56fXATY ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2024 Singh further informed that the initial eleven days were tough for him to survive in jail, "The first 11 days (in jail) were tough but my rights were similar to that of a jailed person...From 3pm - 7pm, we were not allowed to go out...What is wrong if I gain weight?...I weighed 79 kg but my weight increased to 81.7 kg when I left (the jail)..." he said. AAP leader Sanjay Singh, who is currently on bail in the Delhi excise policy case, was arrested on October 4 last year and was released on bail nearly six months later. GLOBALink | High-quality development in China: Reform story of a private enterprise Pub Date:24-04-07 11:13 Source:Xinhua A steel company in China's Tianjin, which had previously faced significant operational challenges, was rescued from financial distress, after a series of reforms were initiated. #GLOBALink Editor:Qin Shuying Related News GLOBALink | Indonesian student pursues e-c... China's software industry expands in first... Accelerated expansion of China's services ... Chinese brands becoming bigger hits abroad Text in which the author defends ideas and reaches conclusions based on his / her interpretation of facts and data Many of us have life insurance or retirement funds: we may allocate a portion of our salary to them each month. But we rarely know how our money is being invested. We simply trust that, when the time comes, the resources will be available to us and that the financial system will have invested our savings wisely. Still, we dont necessarily know precisely where our money is being invested, nor do we know what regulatory framework financial institutions are operating under. At the end of COP28, held in the UAE in November and December of 2023, the resulting agreement called on governments, banks, investors and other financial actors to use climate disclosures as a fundamental step towards achieving access to climate finance in all regions and sectors. This was also put forward so that depositors can clearly know whats going on behind their savings and investments. The resolution represented a global recognition of the urgent need to coordinate sustainability efforts with private entities, in order to expedite the constant creation of new and innovative sources of financing for climate action. For this and more reasons, the results of the Latin American Climate Assets Disclosure Initiative (LACADI) completed in collaboration with experts from the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB) looked at the progress of 48 institutional investors (nine pension funds, 17 insurance companies and 22 asset managers) operating in Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The LACADI 2023 Ranking based on the status of the implementation of international recommendations to achieve climate disclosure is important to identify the needs for capacity and support, while ensuring that Latin American investors clearly disclose the risks and opportunities that climate change presents in their portfolios. In Colombia, the participants in the ranking represent 21% of pension and insurance assets, while in Mexico they reach 19%. In Peru, the participants make up an overwhelming 90% of reported assets. According to the findings of the ranking, 78% of pension fund administrators (AFPs), 35% of insurers and 68% of other asset managers in Colombia, Mexico and Peru dont take climate change-related risks into consideration when doing their financial planning. In a world where the impacts of climate change are increasingly evident, the destination of our investments and the responsibility of these financial actors should be priority concerns. This is because of the financial risks posed by the effects of the climate crisis, but also because of the opportunities presented by portfolio decarbonization. In Latin America, many companies and investors have been preparing for a changing climate scenario. However, this ranking reveals that the information presented by the regions financial sector isnt sufficiently comprehensive, traceable and costed (its also only available in Spanish, a language that isnt fully compatible with the artificial intelligence-based search engines being used). Achieving a clearer picture of the efforts being made by these regional actors could redirect and increase resources allocated to climate change, identify areas where support is required, increase confidence in investments, support the development of new markets, and diversify the economy. While understanding the challenges and identifying the necessary supports for financial actors in Latin America, the information must flow from the region to the global level. This should be based on a strategy that acknowledges how financial and business sectors are making important disclosure efforts under international standards, but that there are still large gaps in the incorporation of climate risks in investor strategies. Latin Americas investors must make a unified effort, one that can be clearly observed by the international community. Almost 10 years after the adoption of the Paris Agreement, the time for lecturing has passed. Its important that entrepreneurs and investors put forward proactive green proposals. Coherent regulations are also essential to move towards carbon-neutral and resilient economies. To achieve this, we must work on three critical points: Clearly define new, clean, sustainable and decarbonized investment portfolios as factors that tangibly impact society. Activate sustainable investments and alternatives that ensure profitability, with the development of specific mechanisms and pathways that create diversified and environmentally friendly markets. Promote a coherent and achievable regulatory environment. Theres no stronger trigger than regulation. However, in the case of climate disclosures, collaborative work with the firms being regulated is key. All of us whether were pensioners, policyholders, investors, or financial consumers in general have the power to drive significant change. We can demand that the financial institutions responsible for our savings invest in a secure future. We must ensure that our resources arent trapped in outdated investments and that financial institutions consider both the risks and opportunities associated with the transition to renewable energy and climate sustainable technologies. And its time to place Latin America at the forefront of the climate fight, including the regions financial sector. Margarita Gutierrez Arias is the director of the Latin American Climate Assets Disclosure Initiative (LACADI), implemented by Transforma, a Colombia-based think tank. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Indian defence forces have had a thrilling time for the last few months. While the Indian Navy is leading the anti-pirate mission in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, the Indian Air Force is now working to activate emergency landing facilities across India. The IAF already has such facilities in Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Pan-India ELF The Indian Air Forces, as part of the ongoing exercise Gagan Shakti-24, recently operated from the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in the northern sector of Kashmir valley. A large number of troops were airlifted and subsequently, air landed utilising Chinook, Mi-17 V5 and ALH Mk-III helicopters by night. Yesterday, IAF Sukhoi-30 MKI made a touch down on Lucknow-Agra Expressway in a special landing exercise, in UP's Unnao. The IAF said it's working to activate similar facilities across India. "The capability to operate by night at these stretches of highways, and the capability to transfer troops from such surfaces will greatly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces," said the IAF. As part of the ongoing exercise Gagan Shakti-24, Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft recently operated from the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in the northern sector in Kashmir valley.@IAF_MCC pic.twitter.com/Lvu3h0Yz1g DD News (@DDNewslive) April 6, 2024 "IAF also plans to practise similar drills in coordination with the administration of State Governments for the activation of ELFs in other sectors. Various IAF fixed and rotary wing platforms will carry out coordinated landing and operations at these ELF, requiring good planning and coordination with civil administration employing Whole-of-the-Nation-Approach (WNA)," said the Defence Ministry. #WATCH | IAF Sukhoi-30 MKI makes a touch down on Lucknow-Agra Expressway in a special landing exercise, in UP's Unnao pic.twitter.com/JNzrqIgwT4 April 6, 2024 ELF operations provide an opportunity for the IAF aircraft to undertake operations from such restricted landing surfaces. The IAF said that the aim of such exercise is to allow the forces to undertake Humanitarian Assistance in Disaster Relief operations during times of natural calamities to provide succour and relief. Crucial Strategy With Eye On Pakistan, China India has been facing dual threats from Pakistan and China. Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that if terrorists carry out an attack in India and flee to PoK, then the Indian Forces will enter PoK to eliminate them. New Delhi has time and again reiterated that PoK is an integral part of India. With IAF developing its infrastructure in the border regions, social media is abuzz with India's possible plan to annex back the PoK. The BJP and AAP continued their tussle over Arvind Kejriwal's arrest on Sunday with leaders of both the parties taking to streets of the national capital. The two parties protested just 600 meters apart with opposing demands. The Chief Minister was arrested on March 21 in connection with an alleged case related to Delhi's Excise Policy by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), prompting the opposition to demand his termination from CM position. On the other hand, the AAP leaders on occasions have put forth the idea of seeking courts approval to establish Delhi CMs Office in Jail. Sharab Se Sheeshmahal Tak The BJP showcased what they claimed to be a replica of the newly refurbished official residence of the Delhi chief minister, dubbing it 'Sheeshmahal', while asserting irregularities in its construction. A designated selfie spot titled "From Alcohol to Sheeshmahal ("Sharab se Sheeshmahal tak)" was established at the protest site, featuring liquor bottle-shaped cutouts representing AAP leaders implicated in the purported excise policy scandal. Prominent Delhi BJP figures, including state president Virendra Sachdeva, along with the party's Lok Sabha election candidates, legislators, and council members, participated in the protest. AAPs Mass Fasting AAP leaders observed a mass hunger strike at New Delhis Jantar Mantar. While talking to the media, Atishi claimed, "ED, CBI act as political weapons of BJP." Atishi further said that the funds in this liquor policy scandal have been traced from liquor merchant Sharat Reddy to the BJP. The AAP leader further stated that the citizens of Delhi hold a deep affection for Arvind Kejriwal, viewing him not just as a Chief Minister but as a familial figure, like a son or a brother. Adding that there is a widespread desire for his release on bail. Despite efforts by BJP's Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), they have failed to provide any evidence of involvement in the liquor scam by AAP leaders, Atishi asserted. Kejriwal, who was arrested by the ED on March 21, was sent to judicial custody until April 15 and is lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with a money-laundering case linked to a liquor excise policy scam. New Delhi: It is good news for you if you are a central government employee and a pensioner. The union government has announced revisions to six key allowances under the 7th Pay Commission dispensation. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) released an Office Memorandum (OM) on April 2, 2024 regarding the revisions. Here is the breakdown of the revisions made by the department. (Also Read: Veg Thali Becomes Expensive In March, Non-Veg Cheaper: Check Rates) Child Education Allowance Child Education Allowance has been revised, now standing at 25 percent of the allowance when the employee's DA reaches 50 percent. The maximum allowance for Child Education/Hostel Subsidy applies to two children, with a hostel subsidy amounting to Rs 6,750 per month. (Also Read: China May Use AI Content To Influence Lok Sabha Polls, Warns Microsoft Report) In cases of disabled children, the allowance is doubled. Risk Allowance For employees engaged in hazardous duties, the Risk Allowance has been revised. This allowance, provided to mitigate health risks associated with certain job roles, is not considered as part of the employee's regular pay. Night Duty Allowance The 7th Pay Commission recommendations have updated the Night Duty Allowance (NDA). Employees eligible for NDA must have a basic salary of Rs 43,600 per month. The calculation of NDA is based on the basic pay and dearness allowance rates specified by the Commission. Special Allowance Special Allowance for Parliament Assistants has been increased by 50 percent for those fully engaged in Parliament duties during its sessions. The revised rates apply for each calendar month, with adjustments made for shorter sessions. Over Time Allowance Ministries/Departments are tasked with compiling rosters of 'Operational Staff' eligible for Overtime Allowance, without any upward adjustment in rates. Biometric attendance may be used to streamline procedures and ensure transparency in overtime work scheduling. Special Allowance For Women With Disabilities To support female employees with disabilities, especially those with young children or children with disabilities, a special allowance of Rs 3,000 per month will be provided. This allowance will be disbursed from the birth of the child until the child reaches two years of age. In a village in the interior of Armenia where the men migrate for part of the year to work in construction and farming in Russia while women await the return of their men, a young woman who lives with her in-laws takes several pills daily, no questions asked. She does not know what they are for. Her mother-in-law gives them to her to take. She swallows them with a little water. Later she discovers the reason for the pills: she has HIV. Her husband infected her. That is one of the stories depicted in Armenian photographer Nazik Armenakyans photo essay Red, Black, White. Armenakyan has spent over four years touring rural Armenia to hear the stories of women diagnosed with HIV. Her work was exhibited in December at Yerevans Giotto Museum. I felt a very strong sense of injustice when I learned that there are women who only find out they have HIV when they get pregnant and go to the hospital, the photographer exclaims in a video conference interview. How can this happen in the 21st century? she adds. Neither the war in Ukraine nor the sanctions on Russia have slowed down what for some people is the only way of providing for their families in Armenia. According to data from the countrys government, at least 80,000 Armenians travel to Russia annually for temporary work. Their remittances account for 5% of Armenias GDP. The scale of that seasonal migration is such that, for part of the year, entire villages are emptied of men, Armenakyan says. As she explains, in some rural regions of Armenia, a former Soviet republic, going to work in Russia was traditionally the only way to support ones family. But once there, some engage in unsafe sex and become infected with HIV; when they return home, they pass it on to their wives. Its a drama, says Armenakyan. According to a 2016 study in the Journal of the International AIDS Society, in 2012, 62% of the 228 people who were infected with HIV in Armenia contracted it abroad (141 cases), and 126 of those cases took place in Russia (89.4%). 20% of these migrant workers partners were also infected (45 cases). This is a vicious cycle in which a lack of information combines with the vulnerability of workers. A 2019 United Nations International Organization for Migration report on tuberculosis and HIV among migrants from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia found that stigma was one of the barriers to testing. Fear of deportation was another factor, the UN study notes. Russia is one of 18 countries in the world that deports HIV-positive foreigners. The number of HIV-positive Armenians is small but growing: a total of 4,356 people are infected, according to the latest data. Between January and October 31, 2023, 500 new HIV cases were documented in Armenia; 30% of them are women. Of HIV-positive men, the majority are between the ages of 25 and 39. This increase in HIV in Armenia has become a trend in the region. According to the UNAIDS 2022 annual report, Eastern Europe and Central Asia are the areas with the fastest growing HIV epidemic in the world; the same report says that, around the world, some 39 million people currently have the virus. In 2022, some 46% of all new HIV infections globally were among women and girls. In Russia, over 1 million people live with HIV. A silent epidemic among women Armenakyan explains that she discovered the issue by chance, in 2014, while talking to a friend. For a long time, she thought about how to make the problem visible without exposing the survivors. I couldnt show their faces so that their circle wouldnt recognize them, but it had to be talked about, she says. She contacted Real World, Real People, an Armenian NGO that was founded in 2003 by a group of doctors and people living with HIV. There, Armenakyan received documentation and statistics. And, when they saw that I was someone who was really interested, they introduced me to some women with HIV, she explains. In Armenia, there was still a lot of prejudice about HIV, because of the images we had seen in the 1990s. But these were ordinary Armenian women. Some had only had that one partner; they had married early; they had gone to live with their in-laws; and they were taking care of their children. One of the pieces from Armenian photographer Nazik Armenakyans collection Red, Black, White.' FOTO CEDIDA POR Nazik Armenakyan Initially, the photographer visited the villages with the most cases and tried various ideas to address the phenomenon, even blurred portraits, she explains. She drove along highways and dirt roads. She listened to the stories and sometimes cried with them, but there came a time when she had to stop. First, because I didnt really understand the subject matter and second, I didnt know how to tell it. It was 2016. She took up the project again in 2019, this time with a very different approach. The result was a photographic series with 10 portraits and several still lifes. Nothing in them is coincidental, not even the red apples, a fruit that in Armenia symbolizes the brides virginity and is usually given by families on the wedding day. Then theres a red table, which seems like something very basic, but it is an object that exists in the daily life of every Armenian womanwhich they [use to] do many things, Nazik explains. But it is also a table of sacrifice, she adds. Upon learning that they have HIV, many women think that they have no other option but to stay with the men, with the families; even if they experience violence, they do not leave. Armenakyan observes that this is a story with many layers: a lack of education and prevention, a lack of opportunity, the taboo surrounding womens sexuality, shame, male violence. When Armenakyans work was exhibited in Yerevan in December, many students attended. The photographer appreciated that the young people asked a lot of questions. When the time comes, they will remember these images and maybe change things a bit, because if an image can move you, you will live with it, thats the ability that photography and art have, she concludes. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Israeli army on Sunday announced the withdrawal of its ground troops in southern Gaza, on the day that marks six months since the start of the war in the Palestinian enclave following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Military sources quoted by the Israeli press justified the decision on the grounds that the army has already achieved its goal of dismantling the Hamas structure in Khan Younis, the southern Gaza city where Israeli troops have been fighting for four months. They also alluded to a change of tactics to favor targeted incursions, such as those carried out in the north of the territory, instead of a continuous presence on the ground in the south. The sources, quoted by the Haaretz newspaper, denied that the decision had been made due to a U.S. demand on the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This denial alludes, without specific mention of it, to the telephone conversation held last Thursday between U.S. President Joe Biden and Netanyahu, four days after an Israeli attack on a World Central Kitchen convoy killed seven aid workers, six of whom were Westerners, and one an American citizen. Washingtons anger and its consequent pressure on Netanyahu after the aerial attack on three of the NGOs vehicles, which were clearly identified and whose route had been provided to the Israeli military authorities, forced the Netanyahu government to make the first concessions in this war. Those concessions, such as the promise to open the Erez border crossing in northern Gaza and to use the port of Ashdod to unload humanitarian aid, were minimal, but Netanyahu had so far refused to acquiesce to them despite the appeals of the United Nations and international aid agencies, which have issued repeated warnings that the population of the Strip faces a catastrophic humanitarian situation and is on the verge of a famine. In six months of war, more than 33,000 Palestinians have perished in the Strip. At least 13,000 are children, according to UNICEF. The decision to withdraw the Israeli armys 98th Division from southern Gaza comes after Israel has been threatening for weeks to stage a ground offensive in Rafah, the city on the border with Egypt where more than 1.4 million displaced Gazans are crowded together. The Biden administration has not explicitly opposed such an offensive, but Washington has made it conditional on the protection of the civilians sheltering there, a condition which the United Nation believes impossible to meet. All intelligence and combat operations in the region have been achieved, said the sources quoted by Haaretz, who stressed that the 98th Division, which has now left the territory, has dismantled Hamas Khan Younis brigades and killed thousands of its members. The same sources added theres no need for us to remain in the sector without an [operational] need We did everything we could there. According to the Israeli daily, the Israeli army plans to permanently station three divisions on the Gaza border in the future, from where army forces will be able to deploy into the Strip whenever needed. The sources added that the departure of troops from Khan Younis will allow displaced Palestinians to return to their homes after taking refuge in Rafah. Another Israeli newspaper, The Times of Israel, quoted Israeli military intelligence sources Sunday as saying that the operation has convinced the Israeli army that what it defines as targeted raids, similar to the one that took place in the Al Shifa hospital, are of more strategic use in the fight against Hamas. In these six months of war, the Israeli army claims to have killed more than 13,000 members of Hamas in Gaza, in addition to some 1,000 militiamen of the fundamentalist group and others, such as Islamic Jihad, which was also involved in attacks in Israel on October 7 in which 1,200 people were killed and another 240 taken hostage. Of these, about half are still captive in Gaza and a third are believed to have been killed. However, the image of total victory over Hamas with which the Netanyahu government justifies the war continues to elude Israel. The Israeli government has not been able to prove that it has killed any prominent Hamas leaders. Above all Yahya Sinwar, one of the masterminds of the October 7 attacks, is believed to be still alive somewhere in Gaza. Meanwhile, Netanyahu faces growing unpopularity, not so much because of the 33,000 Gazans killed in the war, but because of the fate of the hostages and his inability to restore the sense of security that Israelis had before the Hamas attacks. Some 88% of Israeli Jews support the military offensive and more than half oppose the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza as long as there are hostages remaining in the Strip. On Saturday, almost 100,000 protesters gathered in Tel Aviv to demand Netanyahu reach an agreement with Hamas to free the hostages, which Israel has been negotiating in Cairo for weeks without results. Hamas confirmed that it will send a delegation to the Egyptian capital for a new round of talks to reach a ceasefire agreement, under the mediation of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. Israel is also facing the threat of Iranian reprisals for the attack on the consulate and residence of the Iranian ambassador in Damascus, the Syrian capital, last Monday, in which 10 people were killed, three of them senior members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Sunday that Israel has completed preparations to respond to any scenario that may unfold with Iran. An advisor to Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that Israeli embassies are no longer safe, suggesting a possible attack on Israeli diplomatic legations. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Fidaa al Araj lives clinging on to what she calls a thread of hope. With her six children, aged three to 15, her husband and her in-laws, she has already been displaced four times since the Gaza war began: 10 people now crammed into a single room in southern Rafah, a roof over her head for which she says she is fortunate. Rafahs population, before the war about 250,000 people, has grown sixfold with displaced people trying to find a safe haven that no longer exists in the Strip. Palestinians who once had a life now survive under plastic sheeting on the streets, according to the Health Ministry of the Hamas-ruled territory. The 39-year-old psychologist struggles every day to find food and water for her family, and to avoid giving in to the fear that, because of her work, she will become a target as was probably the case with at least some of the 196 humanitarian workers killed so far in the conflict. Juliette Touma, Director of Communications for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), calls them heroes. Al Araj is the Food Security, Cash and Protection coordinator for the NGO Oxfam, whose 26 employees in Gaza are now, without exception, Palestinians, she tells EL PAIS by telephone. Two months ago, she and her colleagues managed to set up an office in Rafah, where they continue to manage the NGOs work, in collaboration with Oxfams international offices. We have never stopped working, says the aid worker, who estimates that her organizations humanitarian assistance since November has benefited at least 200,000 people, almost 10% of the Gazan population. They have distributed food, materials for shelter, blankets, mattresses, and hygiene items. They have also installed one of their organizations specialties latrines and showers in the refugee camps for people displaced by the war. Al Arajs profile is not an unusual one. As in most places that rely on humanitarian aid, in Gaza the bulk of relief workers are locals. Another example is provided by Doctors Without Borders. Sources in this NGO point out that, in their case, the ratio is nine Gazans for every foreigner, while Julie Mehigan, programme manager in the occupied Palestinian territories for Christian Aid, states by mail that 99%-100% of people working with them in the Strip are Palestinians. This reality breaks with the myth of the white savior, which alludes to the cliche that identifies aid workers with Caucasian males from rich countries. The media and diplomatic impact of events such as the death in an Israeli attack of six Western humanitarians from the NGO World Central Kitchen (WCK) last Monday contributes to reinforce this stereotype. Only those six humanitarians, out of the total 196 who have died in the war, were expatriates. The Palestinian aid workers whose deaths went almost unnoticed also perished while carrying out their duty to provide humanitarian aid, recalls the UNRWA Director of Communications from Jordan. Of the nearly 200 victims, 177 worked for the United Nations agency. Our colleagues maintain this noble commitment to their people when they themselves are victims of war: they have been displaced, they have lost their homes and their loved ones, but they continue their work because they feel it is their duty, says Touma. UNRWA is the main humanitarian actor in Gaza and has the most infrastructure: buildings, vehicles, warehouses and, above all, personnel. Its 13,000 employees are more than the combined workforce of all the other organizations present in the enclave. Most of them are teachers in the agencys 183 schools, in which nearly 300,000 children study. These schools and other UNRWA facilities now house some 1.7 million displaced people and classes have stopped. As a result, only 4,000 employees of UNRWA, which also has 22 health centers in the Strip, are still active. These are doctors, nurses, midwives, drivers or those who deliver the flour that 1.8 million people have relied on since November. Only 25 to 30 of its aid workers in Gaza are foreigners. The enormous weight of this institution makes humanitarian aid in Gaza unique. UNRWA is unique. No other UN agency focuses specifically on a particular refugee population. Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, defines it as the backbone of assistance in the territory. There is no other humanitarian actor in Gaza that can provide food, water, and medicine on the scale that UNRWA does, Matthew Miller, spokesman for the U.S. State Department, Israels staunchest ally, said in February. The Israeli authorities profess an avowed aversion to the agency and make no secret of its intention to do away with it. Despite the growing weight of the now suspended work of World Central Kitchen, UNRWA and the other 22 United Nations agencies in Gaza UNICEF, the World Food Program and the World Health Organization among them have provided 80% of the humanitarian assistance dispensed in the six months of war in the Strip, according to data from the Israeli government itself. A Palestinian Red Crescent doctor cries at a funeral in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, on January 22, 2024. AFP Palestinian lives deserve to be mourned just as much as any other life Around 70 international NGOs are also assisting the Gazan population, according to a calculation by this newspaper based on public and United Nations information. The UN organizes humanitarian assistance with these organizations through what are called clusters or sectors. There are six: education, food security, health and nutrition, protection, shelter, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Fidaa Al Arajs NGO, Oxfam, co-leads the WASH sector with UNICEF. An example of their coordination work would be to prevent two organizations from installing latrines in the same refugee camp and leaving others without them. None of these sectors, the aid worker explains from Rafah, has stopped working because of the war. In addition to Oxfam, other important international NGOs are present in Gaza: Doctors Without Borders, International Rescue Committee, Doctors of the World, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Action Against Hunger, Care International, Save the Children, Anera and Christian Aid, among others, in addition to many local NGOs, which collaborate with them and with the UN. A legion of Gazan volunteers in turn supports the humanitarian work in the Strip. The NGO Anera alone has 400, according to its president, Sean Carroll. Some of the 11 Palestine Red Crescent Society workers killed since October 7 were volunteers. Others were employees, such as Yusuf Zeino and Ahmed al-Madhoun, who died trying to rescue a six-year-old girl called Hind. As with WCK on Monday, their ambulance was hit with a missile. It was also carrying identifying marks and the Israeli authorities had been alerted to their route. No one has apologized for these deaths, nor has Israel come under public pressure to investigate them. We appreciate all the aid workers who were killed while trying to help us in Gaza, a tweet from Palestinian journalist Hossam Shabat said Saturday. It continued, But our lives matter as much as theirs do [...] Palestinian lives deserve to be mourned just as much as any other life. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition It is a Sunday morning in March and the team of Maamoun al Omar, head of the War Remnants Disposal Center of the Syrian Civil Defense (White Helmets) in the town of Ariha in northern Syria, has just received a call from a man reporting of the presence of a strange object in a residential area of Al Nayrab. The team heads to the location and cordons off the area to prevent civilians from entering. With extreme caution, they approach and photograph the object. The Civil Defense Center confirms that it is an explosive. Two women surround him with bags of earth and spray him with a substance to cause a controlled detonation. Al Omar suspects that the explosive was a cluster bomb, although a report must still confirm this. Not a month goes by without us destroying between six and ten bombs of this type, says Al Omar. The Assad regime in Syria and its Russian ally have launched missiles loaded with cluster bombs on the northern regions of the country since 2011, according to various international organizations. These weapons contain dozens of explosive bomblets that are scattered when they reach their target. However, approximately a third of them do not explode on impact, although they remain active and represent an enormous risk to the public, since they can still explode if they are disturbed. A total of 124 countries have acceded to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits all use, production, transfer, and storage of this type of explosive. Non-signatory countries include the United States, which used these weapons in Iraq, and Russia, which has dropped them on Ukraine and Syria. It was one of these bombs that injured Abdul Rahman al Safar. He looks sad as he says quietly: I thought it was a ball. But when I threw it to the ground, it exploded on my leg and I felt pain. He was four years old when a cluster bomb destroyed his right foot. The accident occurred when he returned home in 2020. A year earlier, the attacks in the north of the country by Bashar al-Assads regime had forced the eight members of the Al Safar family to leave their home. When they returned, they found the house full of weeds and war debris. One day, Abdul Rahman was playing in the grass and found a red ribbon tied to an artifact and picked it up. I heard an explosion and I started running, 42-year-old Maryam Matr, the little boys mother recalls. We immediately took him to the hospital, she tells this newspaper in an interview from her home. Matr says that her grandmother Hassana al Satouf also died in a similar incident from a cluster bomb explosion in 2019. We had never seen these explosives before in our lives and we didnt know what they look like. My husband has found several in different places, she says. This type of bomb is a piercing weapon that causes very serious injuries, explains Al Omar. In addition, some, like the M77, have a white or red ribbon that catches the attention especially of young children, who think it is a toy. But when they touch it or move it, it explodes, the man warns. Abdul Rahman al Safar's mother puts creams on her son's wound, which still needs special care. omar albam 14-year-old Mustafa Muhanna Sukhouri, and his 16-year-old brother Abdullah are neighbors of Abdul Rahman al Safar. They were also injured by shrapnel all over their bodies when a cluster bomb they found on the land next to them exploded. We thought it was a toy and started to dismantle it. My brother threw it against a rock and it exploded on impact. Our neighbor was near us and took us to the hospital, says Mustafa. Since the war broke out in 2011, the Syrian regime, supported by Russia, has used more than a dozen models of cluster bombs, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Between 2011 and April 2023 the organization documented the deaths of 2,971 civilians, including 765 children and 304 women, as a result of landmine explosions. In addition, 382 civilians, including 124 children and 31 women, lost their lives as a result of exploding cluster munition debris more than 600,000 people have died in the Syrian war since the conflict began, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. As of 2021, Syria was the country with the highest number of cluster munition casualties in the world, a position now led by Ukraine, according to the report by the Cluster Munition Coalition and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL-CMC). The types of cluster munitions that Al Omar says they frequently encounter are ShOAB-0.5 and AO-2.5RT/RTM. They are the same weapons mentioned in a Human Rights Watch report which states that Syria and Russia have used them on a large scale in their attacks. We are intensifying awareness sessions on war remnants in schools, says the person in charge of weapons deactivation. The Syrian Network for Human Rights also points directly to the Assad regime and Moscow in a report which states that most of the explosives were used in border areas, especially between Syria and Turkey. We must continue working on eradicating them because they are a real danger, says the organizations director, Fadl Abdul Ghani, in an interview with this newspaper. Remains of munition removed by the Syrian Civil Defense team in the village of Al-Nayrab on 10 March 2024. omar albam The artillery and aerial bombardments that continue to target the northwestern region of Syria from time to time may hamper operations to seek and destroy these munitions. The solution is to stop the bombings against civilians completely and for specialist teams to begin removing these devices safely and on a large-scale. These bombings prevent us from visiting many areas and towns to work safely on clearing these explosives, concludes Al Omar. The situation is dangerous because we, in the Syrian network, are still registering injuries and deaths, explains Ghani. Reem Rahmoun knows the risk. The 26-year-old is one of the volunteers still working to defuse explosives. We underwent high-precision training to learn about the types of remnants of war and unexploded ordnance and deal with them without harming ourselves or our colleagues, says Rahmoun from Al Nayrab, the place where Al Omars team has managed to remove a potential explosive. Despite the danger, it pays off, because it makes him happy to save lives. There are no precise statistics available on victims of remnants of war and cluster munitions in Syria, but according to UN data, around 28% of the Syrian population over the age of two suffers from some form of disability as a result of the war. Without proper treatment, the consequences of amputations and injuries worsen. Abdul Rahman is still suffering from the consequences of the explosion four years later. No organization funded his treatment, and the costs have become a burden on his family as he needs medication and moisturizers to repair his skin. Without resources, his mother can only cure him with olive oil. And the little boy, who before the explosion was a restless child who enjoyed playing, is now afraid of everything around him. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Police and National Guard soldiers patrol a New York subway station, March 7, 2024. Eduardo Munoz (REUTERS) Nearly three million people ride the subway in New York City every day. Its a massive rail system with over 470 stations and 6,500 train cars. Operating 24/7 (except for overnight closures for disinfection during the pandemic), these numbers are typical for a city with over eight million residents. Though the incidents are few considering its size, the dramatic recent violence has sparked safety concerns. There have been sporadic shootings on trains and passengers pushed onto tracks by people with untreated mental health conditions. The New York subway is currently under scrutiny by authorities who reacted by deploying more police and National Guard soldiers for security. However, some incidents are more preventable than the sudden pushes that surveillance systems cant predict. The New York City Transit Authority is testing scanners to detect weapons, and also plans to add sliding doors on subway platforms that open only when the train has come to a complete stop. However, these measures would only be feasible in 27% of its stations and would cost around $7 billion. The citys peace of mind hangs in the balance, as does its reputation among the 60 million tourists that visit every year. I cross all of Manhattan on my way home, usually in the early hours, depending on my shift, said Morris, a 28-year-old nurse. Ive seen it all on the trains, from a close call with a fentanyl overdose to knife fights and plenty of injuries. There are lots of stressed folks and homeless people not getting the psychiatric care they need, who could just snap at any time. Like the person who recently pushed a 54-year-old man onto the tracks as the train was entering the station, one of the many such deaths in the past two years. I never used to do this, but now on the platform, I always make sure to stay away from the edge of the tracks until the train comes. I try to stick close to the wall because I do feel scared, and I know Im not the only one, said Morris. The only thing Morris hasnt seen is a subway car shootout, like the one a month ago that ended in a death. The shooter was not charged by the police, as it appeared to be a case of self-defense. The viral video made the New York subway look like a scene from a bad B movie. A persistent problem in the New York subway is the many homeless people with mental health issues living in the stations. Another factor is the increase in gun permit applications by New Yorkers following a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that relaxed the states strict gun laws. Last year, New York received 13,369 gun permit applications, an 80% surge from 2022 and almost triple the 2019 number. Soldiers in the subway But the recent deployment of 750 National Guard soldiers to the subway and the forcible removal of homeless people a controversial move by the mayor in late 2022 appear to have had little effect so far. I was more scared passing by armed soldiers than the actual possibility of a shootout, said Anne Delmare in the Times Square station, one of the systems central hubs. The deployment of National Guard soldiers alongside local police drew heavy criticism, leading Governor Kathy Hochul to prohibit them from carrying rifles while they search bags for weapons. I always carry several bags and backpacks full of stuff for work. When I was searched, they were still carrying rifles and it was scary to see that up close, said Delmare. A homeless person in the New York subway; September 2022. Robert Nickelsberg (Getty Images) Local mental health services have struggled to take in and treat all the homeless people who were taken off the streets and sent there against their will. For example, the person who was accused of murder in the recent deadly incident had stayed in a special homeless shelter for people with mental health problems for months but never received any treatment. The city has 38 such centers with about 5,500 beds and an annual budget of $260 million. This is theoretically sufficient per the official 2022 census, which identified over 3,700 homeless individuals with mental health diagnoses, out of a total of 63,000. The real numbers could be much higher than the official census count. Furthermore, activists and NGOs say this measure is a clear criminalization of the homeless and, even worse, of the mentally ill, who generally have a much higher likelihood of harming themselves than others. Adding to the problem is the huge influx of irregular migrants over the past two years, which makes it harder to find beds for everyone. An analysis of these specialized facilities revealed frequent violence and unruly behavior, as well as sporadic patient treatment and high suicide attempt rates. Private hospitals have cut the number of beds in their psychiatric units to boost profits, while public ones are overwhelmed by the nearly 50,000 psychiatric patients they handle every year. In 2021, the NYC subway saw a spike in violent incidents with eight murders in 12 months. The following year was no better, with another deadly push onto the tracks making headlines. By January 2024, subway violence had surged by 47% over the previous year. New York City is closely watched by other U.S. cities dealing with similar problems. Transportation worker unions in Chicago and Philadelphia have requested the deployment of the National Guard in their troubled systems, a measure rejected by local lawmakers. But putting soldiers in subways hasnt done much to deter the violence anyway. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition KYODO NEWS - Apr 7, 2024 - 11:54 | All, Japan, World The University of Tsukuba is set to open a campus in Kuala Lumpur offering interdisciplinary courses in September, making it the first Japanese university to establish an overseas branch granting degrees. The new department, the "School of Transdisciplinary Science and Design," will be targeted at students from Malaysia and neighboring countries and will aim to equip students with skills to help solve global problems affecting Southeast Asian countries, the University of Tsukuba said. Student admissions to the new department will be capped at 40, with the university planning to dispatch around 40 faculty members for the classes, which will be offered in both English and Japanese, according to the university, based in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo. The new department will offer courses including statistics and environmental studies, as well as those from the humanities and social sciences, with Japanese language classes a required subject, the university said. Graduates of the four-year curriculum will receive a Bachelor of Arts and Science. The initiative for the new campus came after the Malaysian government asked the Japanese government if it could help establish an academic institution to cultivate human resources for tackling global issues related to the environment, health and welfare, according to the university. Then Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who made the request to then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at a summit in 2018, is known for launching his "Look East Policy" during his first stint in power, which aimed to use postwar Japan as a development model. "We hope to lead efforts in expanding Japanese-style education overseas," said Maki Tsujimura, head of the office at the university overseeing preparations for the opening of the new campus. Related coverage: Universal Studios in Osaka to double foreign employees by year-end New national standards for Japanese-language schools to start April More foreign students set to be eligible for Japan government scholarships KYODO NEWS - Apr 7, 2024 - 10:10 | All, Japan, Travel/Tourism The operator of Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is seeking to more than double the number of its foreign employees by the end of the year to beef up multilingual services amid a rising number of inbound tourists. USJ LLC aims to hire 200 people from abroad such as South Korea and Taiwan for a year on working holiday programs, which allow young people to visit and work in partner countries and regions. As of January, approximately 180 foreign nationals were working at the popular amusement park in western Japan, the park operator said. The number of foreign visitors to Japan jumped more than sixfold from the previous year to 25.07 million in 2023, on the back of the removal of border restrictions related to COVID-19 and a weak yen. The company will recruit foreign nationals who meet certain criteria, such as Japanese-language skills, through temporary staffing agencies, to work at eateries in the park for the time being. The company held a briefing session in Taiwan in December, while online sessions targeting people in South Korea were held in late March as well. Nine workers from Taiwan received job training last month on how to serve customers and take on other restaurant duties. They started working in late March after going through additional training sessions and observing operations at Super Nintendo World, an area particularly popular among foreign visitors. "I would like to provide great services to park guests by making the most of my knowledge," said a 27-year-old employee from Taiwan, who is well-versed in English, Chinese and Japanese. Japanese employees carry translation devices, but the USJ operator decided that foreign workers were necessary to raise the satisfaction levels of guests from overseas. "We will push forward the hiring and nurturing (of foreign employees) by focusing on quality," said Takanobu Okawara of the company's human resources department. Related coverage: Japan adds driver, railway roles to skilled foreign worker visa New national standards for Japanese-language schools to start April Japan Cabinet OKs new foreign trainee program to promote longer stays By Yuki Yamaguchi, KYODO NEWS - Apr 7, 2024 - 16:33 | Feature, All, Japan A Muslim group in central Japan has been offering curry to victims of the magnitude-7.6 earthquake that hit the Noto Peninsula on New Year's Day, bringing smiles to the faces of those affected by the disaster. Every week, Mazen Salim, 49, head of the Toyama Muslim Center, and fellow group members drive several hours from Toyama to Suzu in neighboring Ishikawa Prefecture, one of the areas hardest hit by the January quake, to cook curry for local evacuees, many of whom lost their homes and loved ones, and provide other food items along with daily necessities. "We live in Japan, we drink Japanese water, and we work in Japan. If something happens in Japan, it is only natural to help people who are suffering," said Salim, who refers to the center's volunteer work as a "jihad." Salim stresses he uses the word not to describe a fight against an enemy of his religion but as a call to help those in need. "It doesn't matter if they are Muslim or not." Salim began visiting Suzu from Jan. 5, just days after the massive quake, which struck while he was visiting Tokyo with his family. As the severity of the damage became more evident, he quickly returned to his home in Toyama before making his way to Noto. Parts of the roads had collapsed and there had been multiple mudslides. There was also almost no information about which roads were still open. The area was blanketed with snow, resulting in his tires getting caught in holes during the drive. Gas was in short supply, too, with only a limited number of stations still open. Salim would shift his vehicle into neutral gear when driving down slopes to save fuel. He said it took him almost a day to get to Suzu, located on the tip of the Noto Peninsula, the first time he drove there. Hot meals have been hard to come by in the quake-hit areas, while some have begun to tire of eating the same food offered at evacuation centers, much of which is canned. He said the specially made curry offers evacuees fresh flavors and variety that they have grown to enjoy. The curry they make uses spices common in a variety of Muslim countries such as Pakistan and Malaysia, and is prepared by the group's members, who come from a range of different backgrounds, including children and those with experience working at curry restaurants. In a questionnaire conducted on evacuees at Shoin elementary school in Suzu, one of the major evacuation centers in the area, the Muslim center's curry was voted the most popular among the food dishes offered there. "Not everyone has to do this, but someone has to," said Salim, who is originally from war-torn Syria. "The Quran says we have to help others, but more than anything else, I find it extremely rewarding when I hear a heartfelt thank you." The savory aroma of coffee wafted through the air at a temporary housing complex in Suzu on a recent Monday as Salim and his friends distributed salad, meat dishes and Syrian coffee they had brought from Toyama to give to those housed there. "This is really helpful," a 64-year-old woman living in one of the makeshift houses said. "The nearest supermarket is 20 minutes away by car, and many stores are still closed." Salim says the word "jihad" is often misunderstood. Non-Muslim people tend to think it has a negative connotation because they associate it with images of terrorists and violence, but the word in Arabic simply means to work toward fulfilling one's duty, he said. "Jihad can be many things," Salim said. "Some people are working on the front line (to rebuild affected areas). We are serving food to evacuees. They are both jihad." It is not the first time Salim and his team have traveled to disaster-hit areas to offer victims aid. Since the Toyama Muslim Center was established about a decade ago, its members have traveled everywhere in Japan where major natural disasters have hit, including Kumamoto Prefecture in 2016 after an earthquake struck and western Japan in the wake of a severe rainstorm in 2018. Everywhere they have gone, they have offered meals and other necessities to both Japanese and foreigners alike, he said. He said there can be difficulties specific to Muslim people when evacuations occur in Japan. For example, they often find it difficult to eat food provided at evacuation centers as it may contain pork or other ingredients that are forbidden in Islam. Due to the importance of washing one's hands and other parts of the body before daily prayers in Islam, water is also a basic requirement. Furthermore, often there are not many interpreters on hand to explain what is happening during a crisis. "This quake has served as a lesson for everybody," Salim said, adding that there is room for improvement concerning how the country communicates important information to its foreign population and how it takes care of people from different cultural backgrounds in times of emergency. "If Japan is going to become more globalized, it has to understand that there are different religions and cultures in the world and make preparations accordingly," so as to take better care of its foreign population in such situations, he said. The number of evacuees has gradually decreased over time, but Salim said he will continue to help out, as he feels it is his obligation until everybody is able to return home. "We will be there wherever we are needed," he said. Related coverage: FEATURE: Noto quake cold deaths spark hypothermia public awareness drive FEATURE:Support helps lift spirits of foreigners in quake-hit central Japan KYODO NEWS - Apr 7, 2024 - 21:44 | All, World U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday that the world's two biggest economies should engage in conversations to cooperate on addressing pressing global issues, the U.S. Treasury Department said. The United States and China have a "duty" to responsibly manage the two countries' complex relationship and show leadership in tackling global challenges, Yellen said at the beginning of a meeting with Li in Beijing. Li said that China hopes the two countries will be "partners rather than adversaries," with mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, the official Xinhua News Agency said. Yellen said that the bilateral relationship has been put on a more stable footing over the past year, but the two world powers have more to work on. She emphasized the importance of working together on issues, including debt distress in low-income and emerging economies, according to the U.S. department. The treasury secretary also raised concerns during the meeting about the impact of China's industrial overcapacity on the U.S. economy, the department said, in reference to Beijing's overproduction of items such as electric vehicles. Among major issues, the United States has kept its controls on China-bound exports of semiconductors and other key items in place, while China has been restricting exports of some materials necessary for manufacturing chips. Li expressed hope that the United States will uphold fair competition and open cooperation and refrain from "turning economic and trade issues into political or security issues," Xinhua said. On the U.S. concern over the overcapacity issue, the Chinese premier urged Washington to view it "objectively and dialectically from a market-oriented and global perspective." He said the development of China's new energy industry will make important contributions to the global green and low-carbon transition. Li called for more communication between the two countries to resolve differences and said China is willing to strengthen policy coordination with the United States to jointly address global challenges such as climate change, according to Xinhua. As part of her trip to China, Yellen held talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Guangzhou for two days through Saturday. The two agreed to launch talks on achieving "balanced growth" for their domestic economies and globally. Related coverage: U.S., China agree to launch talks on EV overproduction issue U.S., Chinese forces resume maritime talks, 1st since 2021 Janet Yellen voices concern about EV overproduction to China's vice premier The first batch of Xiaomi SU7 electric sedans was delivered to customers in 28 cities across China on Wednesday, ThePaper reported. The booking volume of the vehicle has surpassed 100,000, and the confirmed bookings at 40,000, said Lei Jun, Xiaomi's founder and CEO during a delivery ceremony in Beijing. Lei added that the volume of bookings showed consumer trust in the company, and urged the company to continue bringing products with better quality and services. However, the booking volume has sparked concerns about Xiaomi's capability in delivery and productivity. Xiaomi has been working on expanding its product capacity, and will be able to assemble each vehicle within 76 seconds when the line is at full productivity in its Yizhuang plant, the company told Thepaper.cn. The launch of the SU7 has spurred price cuts in the NEV market, followed by brands including Nio, Huawei's Aito and Geely's Zeekr 007, said ThePaper.cn. ISLAMABAD, April 7 (Xinhua) -- A policeman was killed and another injured when a bomb went off in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday, rescue officials said. The incident happened in the tribal district of Bajaur where the police party was targeted by a roadside improvised explosive device, Saad Khan, media coordinator of the state-owned Rescue organization 1122 in Bajaur, told Xinhua. The injured policeman was shifted to a nearby hospital. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The blast site was cordoned off for investigations. After Japan sneak attacked Pearl Harbor, the Americans sent 16 B-25 bombers to raid Tokyo in April 1942. On the way back, the American pilots had to abandon the bombers and bailed out over China ... Watch the story of the Doolittle Raiders and their Chinese rescuers and how the friendship forged in fire and blood is passed on to the next generations. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday met with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in Beijing. It is hoped that the United States will abide by the basic norms of market economy including fair competition and open cooperation, refrain from turning economic and trade issues into political or security issues, and view the issue of production capacity objectively and dialectically from a market-oriented and global perspective, Li said. The development of China's new energy industry will make important contributions to the global green and low-carbon transition, Li added. Noting that the China-U.S. relationship is beginning to stabilize under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, Li said that China hopes the two countries will be partners rather than adversaries, with mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. It is hoped that the U.S. side will work with China to continue implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, and translate the San Francisco vision into reality, he said. As the world's two largest economies, China and the United States have deeply intertwined economic interests, Li said, adding that strengthening economic and trade cooperation is of great significance to each other's development and global economic growth. He said the two sides should strengthen communication to jointly find ways to manage and resolve differences, so as to make China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation stable, smooth and efficient, create more benefits for the enterprises and people of the two countries, and contribute to the world's economic development and improvement of people's livelihoods. China is willing to strengthen policy coordination with the United States on climate change and other issues to jointly address global challenges, he added. Yellen said that with the joint efforts of both sides, the U.S.-China relationship has become more stable. As the world's two largest economies, the United States and China should manage their bilateral economic relationship responsibly. She said the United States appreciates the progress made in U.S.-China economic dialogue and cooperation, does not seek "decoupling" from China, and stands ready to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two presidents in San Francisco, communicate candidly, avoid misunderstandings, deepen exchanges and cooperation, properly manage differences, jointly cope with pressing global challenges and promote the steady development of bilateral relations. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) NAIROBI, April 7 (Xinhua) -- African governments should scale up access to quality healthcare for all citizens in a bid to reduce the continent's disease burden, a World Health Organization (WHO) official said Sunday during World Health Day which is celebrated annually on April 7. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO regional director for Africa, said the continent required bold political choices, and legislative and policy reforms to realize the universal health coverage agenda. "We know that many in our region still need help with access to quality essential health services due largely to unfulfilled rights," Moeti said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. "This is further compounded by protracted and ongoing crises such as conflicts, climate change, food insecurity, disease outbreaks and epidemics." Moeti said the theme of 2024 World Health Day featured "My health, my right," reinforcing the need for African governments to embed access to quality and affordable healthcare in their constitutions. "The right to health is a universal right of all human beings, regardless of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or another status." Despite some challenges, she said African countries have made significant progress in availing quality healthcare services to their citizens in the past two decades. Moeti noted that from 2000 to 2020, life expectancy for African women increased from 54 to 67 years old, while the maternal mortality ratio decreased by 33 percent, equivalent to 788 to 531 maternal deaths per 100,000 lives. In addition, Moeti said, the number of children in the continent dying before the age of five reduced by 50 percent from 2000 to 2017, adding that in the same period, the number of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths decreased by 44 percent and 55 percent across Africa, respectively. The number of tuberculosis deaths in the continent decreased 26 percent between 2011 and 2021 while some old diseases including polio, guinea worm disease, and maternal and neonatal tetanus were on the verge of eradication, Moeti said. Moeti commended African governments for their commitment to reforming health policies and establishing national health insurance schemes to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure for patients seeking medical attention. She added that social health insurance schemes will be key to addressing inequities that have derailed efforts to eliminate killer ailments in the continent. Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin meets with Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand in Beijing, capital of China, April 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin met with Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand in Beijing on Sunday. Shen welcomed Princess Sirindhorn's visit to China and asked her to convey President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings and best wishes to King Maha Vajiralongkorn. She highly appreciated Princess Sirindhorn's important contributions to enhancing exchanges between the peoples of China and Thailand and the friendship between the two countries. Shen said that China is willing to work with Thailand to inherit and carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries, a close bond similar to that of a family. She also expressed hope that the building of a China-Thailand community with a shared future can be pushed forward. Sirindhorn said that every time she visits China, she can feel the warmth and friendship of the Chinese people. She hopes that the two countries will deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields and that the friendship between the two countries will last forever. Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin meets with Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand in Beijing, capital of China, April 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) ADEN, Yemen, April 7 (Xinhua) -- A missile landed near a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Aden on Sunday, but no damage or injuries were reported, according to Britain's Maritime Trade Operations agency. The agency, which monitors maritime security incidents, said the master of the unidentified vessel reported that "a missile impacted the water in close proximity to the vessel's port quarter," approximately 59 nautical miles southwest of the Yemeni port city of Aden. "No damage to the vessel reported and crew reported safe," the agency said in a brief statement, without providing further details. Since November 2023, the Houthi rebel group in Yemen has been conducting military operations targeting ships in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint. The Houthis claim these naval attacks are aimed at vessels linked to Israel or heading to Israeli ports. ADDIS ABABA, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government has disclosed its ambition to become a continental leader in startups, with a particular focus on innovation. During a meeting on Friday, Ethiopia's Minister of Labor and Skills Muferihat Kamil emphasized the government's proactive approach to supporting startups, the state-run Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) reported on Saturday. Kamil underscored the need to boost collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, and international partners in nurturing startups. Ethiopia's Minister of Industry Melaku Alebel stressed the strategic importance of startups, particularly those in the technology sector, to realize the country's aim to become a continental leader in startups and innovation. "ICT (Information and communication technology) is among the top priorities of the economic sector, and startups will catalyze progress in other sectors," Alebel was quoted as saying. According to the Ethiopian Ministry of Innovation and Technology, the East African country has seen an "impressive increase" in the number of startup businesses in the past five years. QUITO, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador drew widespread criticism from the United Nations and several Latin American nations on Saturday after its police broke into the Mexican embassy in Quito and arrested former Vice President Jorge Glas, who has been taking refuge in the embassy since last December. DIPLOMATIC BACKLASH UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was "alarmed" by the raid carried out by Ecuadoran security forces at Mexico's embassy in Quito to arrest graft-accused Glas, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres, on Saturday. The UN chief urged both Ecuador and Mexico to show "moderation" and "solve their differences through peaceful means," the spokesman said in a statement. The incident prompted Mexico to swiftly sever diplomatic ties with Ecuador. "This is a flagrant violation of international law and the sovereignty of Mexico," President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Other Latin American countries, including Cuba and Bolivia, were united in support of Mexico following the raid. "All our solidarity with Mexico, in the face of the unacceptable violation of its Embassy in Quito. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which is an essential component of international law, must be respected by all," said Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on X. Ecuador's move "must be subject to strong repudiation, whatever the justification for its implementation," said Brazil's foreign ministry in a statement. On Saturday, Nicaragua also severed "all diplomatic relations" with Ecuador. In a statement, the Nicaraguan government expressed its "absolute rejection" and condemnation of Ecuador's action. WHO IS JORGE GLAS? Glas served as vice president under Rafael Correa's government from 2013 to 2017. In 2017, he was initially sentenced to six years after a court found him guilty of taking bribes from a Brazilian construction company. He was convicted again in 2020 of using funds from contractors to finance campaigns for Correa's political movement, resulting in an eight-year sentence. He was last released in November 2022, but Ecuadorian authorities have recently accused Glas of embezzling government funds meant for reconstruction following a devastating 2016 earthquake. Ecuador, which sought Mexico's permission to enter the embassy in March to detain Glas, argues that the asylum offer was illegal and has demanded his extradition. According to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, a treaty regulating international relations, a country is prohibited from encroaching on an embassy located within its territory. This photo taken on March 30, 2024 shows Baer's pochards, a critically endangered diving duck, in Dengkou County, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Li Yunping) HOHHOT, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Six Baer's pochards, a critically endangered diving duck, were recently spotted in Dengkou County, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, for the first time. A species under first-class state protection in China, the ducks were spotted during a police patrol at a wetland in the Dengkou section of the Yellow River. The Baer's pochard mainly inhabits China, Mongolia and Bangladesh. The duck sighting indicates remarkable improvements to the wetland eco-environment in the region, said local authorities. BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday met with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in Beijing. It is hoped that the United States will abide by the basic norms of market economy including fair competition and open cooperation, refrain from turning economic and trade issues into political or security issues, and view the issue of production capacity objectively and dialectically from a market-oriented and global perspective. The development of China's new energy industry will make important contributions to the global green and low-carbon transition, Li added. In order to enhance cultural exchange between Anhui and Guangdong provinces, the two regions will jointly organize the "The Charm of Lingnan and Jianghuai - Excellent Drama Exhibition of Guangdong and Anhui" event. From April 8th to 9th, the Anhui Zaifen Huangmei Art Theater will perform Huangmei Opera plays "The Immortal Yang" and "Female Consort Prince" at the Guangdong Friendship Theater. "The Immortal Yang" is led by renowned Huangmei Opera performer Han Zaifen, with the collaboration of national first-class actors Wu Bin and Ma Ding, and national second-class actors Jiang Lihui, Chen Bangliang, Pan Wei, and Wang Zexi, among others. The play depicts the Communist Party member Yang Kaihui's reflection on her short but resilient life and her vision for the bright future of the revolution. It artistically portrays Yang Kaihui as a brave female hero who "loves life and pursues truth." "Female Consort Prince" is considered the representative play of Huangmei Opera and has been performed for decades with enduring popularity. On April 9th, this classic play, led by Huangmei Opera performer Han Zaifen, and featuring national first-class actor Ma Zijun, seasoned actor Zhang Yinwang, and national second-class actors Wang Chenchen, Zhang Min, Ma Teng, and Wang Zexi, along with other talented performers, will be splendidly staged at the Guangdong Friendship Theater. In addition to the performances, the Anhui Zaifen Huangmei Cultural Art Theater will also conduct on-site visits and learning activities at the Guangdong Cantonese Opera Institute. They will engage in discussions with experts and actors from the institue on promoting theatrical development and facilitating interaction and exchange between Cantonese Opera and Huangmei Opera. Meanwhile, the two sides will sign a cooperation agreement and plan to carry out regular theater cultural exchange and collaboration over the next three years, organizing periodic performances and exchanges between the two theaters. Source: anhuinews.com Migrants arrive at Italy's southernmost island of Lampedusa and wait to be directed by police and Red Cross staff members to a nearby migrant reception center on Nov. 20, 2023. (Photo by Leonardo Cinieri Lombroso/Xinhua) According to the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR, Italy registered 157,661 sea arrivals in 2023. ROME, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Over 1,100 migrants and refugees including 121 non-accompanied children were rescued off Italy's southern coasts over 24 hours, local media said on Saturday. Some 145 people were saved during the night while sailing aboard three boats that had departed from the Libyan ports of Zuara and Tajoura, according to state-run Rai News 24 channel. And the other 797 migrants were rescued in previous operations in the southern Mediterranean Sea. Among them were mainly Bengalis, Egyptians, and Syrian and Palestinian nationals, Ansa news agency reported. Over the past 24 hours, dozens of other migrants also arrived at different ports in Sicily, including those in Pantelleria, Marettimo and Mazara del Vallo. This photo taken on Nov. 21, 2023 shows a coastal scene of Italy's southernmost island of Lampedusa. (Xinhua/He Fei) The improving sea and weather conditions were believed to have sparked the recent surge in maritime arrivals in southern Italy in the last few days. The latest migrant boats all departed from either Libyan or Tunisian ports and crossed the perilous waters of the southern Mediterranean Sea, according to local media reports. By April 4, 12,991 people have arrived in Italy by sea, down from the 28,342 in the same period of last year, the Interior Ministry has said. And according to the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR, Italy registered 157,661 sea arrivals in 2023. In recent months, there has been a notable surge of Chinese travelers heading to visa-friendly destinations, embracing the ease of international travel. Produced by Xinhua Global Service People are seen on a street with damaged buildings near the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on April 1, 2024. (Photo by Mohammed Ali/Xinhua) BAGHDAD, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The Israel-Hamas conflict, which has created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, has lasted for half a year. Amidst this tragedy, the actions of the United States, Israel's key ally, have sparked serious concerns and criticism among the international community. While Washington claims to advocate for a ceasefire in the war-devastated Palestinian enclave, its actions have repeatedly contradicted its words. In the latest case, when the U.S. verbally criticized Israel for killing seven aid workers from the international food charity World Central Kitchen in Gaza on April 1, it approved the transfer of more than 1,000 MK-82 500-pound bombs and more than 1,000 small-diameter bombs to Israel on the same day. It has been apparent that Washington's criticism of Israel serves merely as a smokescreen to divert global public opinion pressure, as its real stance has been let bare by its continued delivery of weapons to Israel during the Gaza conflict. For American politicians, the political obligation to shield its ally from accountability outweighs the urgent need to end the mounting humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Gaza conflict has already cost the lives of more than 33,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. And the United Nations warned in March that 1.1 million people in Gaza, or half of the population, are struggling with hunger due to the suffocating blockade imposed by Israel. A boy mourns over the body of his relative in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on April 1, 2024. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) On April 5, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution urging countries to cease arms supplies to Israel. Yet the United States opposed it, simply because it is the key arms supplier for Israel. According to former and sitting U.S. officials, since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, the U.S. has organized more than 100 individual transfers of arms to Israel, with only two made public. On March 25, the UN Security Council finally adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan after the U.S. repeatedly blocked previous UN resolutions aimed at achieving a truce. To everyone's surprise, the U.S., which abstained from the vote, declared the resolution as "non-binding," despite the fact that the UN Security Council resolutions are legally binding. The words and actions of the U.S. government on the Gaza conflict have not only challenged the authority of the UN Security Council but also hindered the international efforts to restore peace in Gaza. Responding to the rising international pressure, the U.S. has staged a political show of peacemaking by sending Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other officials to the region several times to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza, which should be easily achieved if Washington really wants to do so. And the U.S. has also airdropped batches of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which paled in comparison to its massive delivery of arms to Israel. The international community is waiting to see fewer hollow gestures and more concrete actions from the U.S., which should take the first step, at least, to halt its arms supplies to Israel. An Israeli tank maneuvers near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on April 7, 2024. Israeli troops were withdrawn from southern Gaza in preparation for a possible operation in the city of Rafah, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) JERUSALEM, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Israeli troops were withdrawn from southern Gaza in preparation for a possible operation in the city of Rafah, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday. The forces left Gaza on Sunday are preparing for "follow-up missions," said Gallant during a tour at the Southern Command of Israel Defense Forces (IDF), adding that "we saw examples of such missions in Shifa (hospital), and will see such missions in the Rafah area." Israel withdrew all ground troops from southern Gaza except for the Nahal Brigade, which remains in central Gaza, splitting the Strip in two and preventing the return of civilians from south to north of Gaza. Also on Sunday evening, the IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi told a press conference that the military operation against Hamas is "far from" over, despite the withdrawal of soldiers. "Senior Hamas officials are still in hiding. We will get to them sooner or later," he vowed. Halevi also said that the IDF is well-prepared on multiple fronts against Iran and its proxies, in response to potential retaliation following the strike on the Iranian consulate building in the Syrian capital earlier this week. Israeli troops are seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on April 7, 2024. Israeli troops were withdrawn from southern Gaza in preparation for a possible operation in the city of Rafah, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) Israeli troops are seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on April 7, 2024. Israeli troops were withdrawn from southern Gaza in preparation for a possible operation in the city of Rafah, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) Israeli troops are seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on April 7, 2024. Israeli troops were withdrawn from southern Gaza in preparation for a possible operation in the city of Rafah, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) Israeli troops are seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on April 7, 2024. Israeli troops were withdrawn from southern Gaza in preparation for a possible operation in the city of Rafah, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) Israeli troops are seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on April 7, 2024. Israeli troops were withdrawn from southern Gaza in preparation for a possible operation in the city of Rafah, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) An Israeli tank maneuvers near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on April 7, 2024. Israeli troops were withdrawn from southern Gaza in preparation for a possible operation in the city of Rafah, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday. (Ilan Assayag/JINI via Xinhua) An Israeli tank maneuvers near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on April 7, 2024. Israeli troops were withdrawn from southern Gaza in preparation for a possible operation in the city of Rafah, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) An Israeli tank is seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on April 7, 2024. Israeli troops were withdrawn from southern Gaza in preparation for a possible operation in the city of Rafah, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday. (Ilan Assayag/JINI via Xinhua) People look at destroyed buildings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, April 8, 2024. Israeli troops were withdrawn from southern Gaza in preparation for a possible operation in the city of Rafah, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians return with their belongings to the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, April 8, 2024. Israeli troops were withdrawn from southern Gaza in preparation for a possible operation in the city of Rafah, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians walk past destroyed buildings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, April 8, 2024. Israeli troops were withdrawn from southern Gaza in preparation for a possible operation in the city of Rafah, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) A Palestinian walks past a destroyed building in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, April 8, 2024. Israeli troops were withdrawn from southern Gaza in preparation for a possible operation in the city of Rafah, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) This photo taken on April 8, 2024 shows destroyed buildings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis. Israeli troops were withdrawn from southern Gaza in preparation for a possible operation in the city of Rafah, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) NEW DELHI, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Two medical students have tested positive for cholera in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru, officials said Sunday. The students from Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) girls' hostel were among the 47 students who were hospitalized on Friday evening after they complained of loose stools and dehydration. Following the detection of cases, the local government has sounded an alert and asked officials to take necessary precautions to ensure the infection is not spread to more people. The management has closed the BMCRI hostel kitchen and carried out its disinfection. Officials said of the 47 students, 21 were discharged from the hospital on Saturday evening after being treated. According to Karnataka health and family welfare department, since the beginning of the year, six confirmed cases of cholera have been reported, of which five were recorded last month. MOSCOW, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian drones attacked the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) on Sunday, including one on the dome of the 6th power unit, according to the plant's press service. The NPP said the attack on the dome had not caused critical injuries or casualties and that there were no threats of violation of safety limits. "The radiation background at the station and the adjacent territory has not changed and is at a level corresponding to the normal operation of the power units, and does not exceed the natural background values," the NPP's press service said on Telegram. RIA Novosti news agency cited the International Atomic Energy Agency's statement as saying that the agency's experts were informed about the explosion. The agency's head, Rafael Grossi, has called for measures to avoid any actions that could threaten the Zaporizhzhia NPP. Earlier in the day, the power plant reported an attack in the area of its canteen, which damaged a truck unloading food. It added that another drone arrival was registered in the cargo port area. Zaporizhzhia NPP had recorded multiple Ukrainian military drone arrivals at the nuclear facility in recent days, the press service said on Friday. Also on Friday, Russia Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned Ukraine and its Western allies against attempts to attack or destabilize the Zaporizhzhia NPP. The Zaporizhzhia NPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and includes six power units with a total capacity of 6 gigawatts. At the end of February 2022, the facility was taken under Russian control. UNITED NATIONS, April 6 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was alarmed by Ecuador's raid of the Mexican Embassy late Friday, said his spokesman on Saturday. "The secretary-general is alarmed at the forced entry of Ecuadoran security forces into the premises of the Mexican Embassy in Quito," said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement. "He reaffirms the cardinal principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel, emphasizing that this principle must be respected in all cases, in accordance with international law." Guterres stressed that violations of this principle jeopardize the pursuit of normal international relations, which are critical for the advancement of cooperation between states, said the statement. The secretary-general calls for moderation and exhorts both governments to solve their differences through peaceful means, it said. Taipei: Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported tracking six Chinese naval vessels operating around the country from 6 am (local time) on Saturday to 6 am (local time) on Sunday. The Taiwanese armed forces monitored the situation closely and deployed naval vessels and coastal systems in response to China's activities. During this period, no Chinese military aircraft were detected crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entering Taiwan's southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In a statement, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence stated, "Six 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." "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," it added. Earlier on April 6, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) had reported detecting seven Chinese naval vessels and one aircraft around Taiwan between 6 am (local time) on Friday and 6 am (local time) on Saturday. According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND), Chinese aircraft entered Taiwan's eastern air defence identification zone (ADIZ). In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and air defence missile systems to monitor China's activity. In a post on X, Taiwan's MND stated, "One PLA aircraft and seven PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. The aircraft entered Taiwan's eastern ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and employed appropriate forces to respond." Since September 2020, China has intensified its use of gray zone tactics by increasing the number of military planes and naval ships operating around Taiwan, Taiwan News reported. Gray zone tactics involve efforts beyond steady-state deterrence to achieve security objectives without direct and significant use of force. Meanwhile, Taiwan is reassessing its tourism goals due to challenges in cross-strait travel, with concerns over a potential shortfall of 2 million foreign visitor arrivals this year, Central News Agency (CNA) reported. Taiwan has urged China to demonstrate goodwill in both tourism and politics, suggesting that such gestures could prompt Taiwan to reconsider its ban on tour groups traveling to China, which was slated to lift in June, according to CNA. Earlier in February, Taiwan reversed its decision to lift the three-year ban on group tourists bound for China, citing hostility from Beijing and the lack of Chinese tourist groups visiting Taiwan. Migrant Worker from Arunachal Pradesh Beaten to Death by Mob in Kerala's Ernakulam City PM Modi Criticizes Mallikarjun Kharge's Remarks on Jammu and Kashmir's Relevance Governor CV Ananda Bose's Remarks on Election Violence New Delhi: The transformation of Gwadar from a quaint fishing village to a bustling port city is a tale intertwined with geopolitics and missed opportunities. Once a sleepy town under Omani rule, Gwadar now stands as Pakistan's third-largest port, a testament to the evolving dynamics of the region. Historically, Gwadar was part of the Sultanate of Oman for nearly two centuries until the 1950s when it came into Pakistani possession. Interestingly, before becoming part of Pakistan, Gwadar was offered to India, a move declined by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The saga of Gwadar's ownership raises intriguing questions about its journey and potential alternative realities. How did a small fishing village fall under Omani rule? Why did India reject the offer to acquire Gwadar? And what if India had accepted the offer in 1956? The Origin of Gwadar's Ownership Gwadar's history dates back to 1783 when the Khan of Kalat gifted the area to the Sultan of Oman. This gesture was part of an understanding that if the Sultan ascended the throne of Oman, he would return Gwadar to the Khan. However, this promise was never fulfilled, leading to tensions between the two entities. Over the years, there were attempts by both the Khan of Kalat and the British government to purchase Gwadar from the Omanis, but these efforts remained inconclusive. Despite negotiations, Gwadar remained under Omani control, serving as a base for maritime activities in the region. The Offer to India and Its Rejection In 1956, the Sultan of Oman offered to sell Gwadar to India, a proposition that could have altered the course of history in South Asia. However, Prime Minister Nehru decided against accepting the offer, a decision influenced by strategic considerations. The rejection of the offer was not solely Nehru's decision but was guided by recommendations from top officials, including the Foreign Secretary and the Intelligence Bureau chief. The prevailing geopolitical climate and logistical challenges associated with defending Gwadar were key factors in this decision-making process. Impact and Significance of Gwadar While the rejection of Gwadar may seem like a missed opportunity in hindsight, its strategic significance and practical challenges cannot be overlooked. Situated on the Makran coast of Balochistan, Gwadar's geography presents both opportunities and vulnerabilities. Despite its potential as a strategic outpost, Gwadar's isolation and logistical constraints would have posed challenges for any occupying force. Moreover, its acquisition would have strained India's relations with Pakistan, hindering efforts for regional stability. Today, Gwadar remains a focal point of global interest, particularly due to its role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). As part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, Gwadar has emerged as a linchpin in regional connectivity and economic development. Looking back, the decision to decline the offer for Gwadar may have been a pragmatic choice given the complexities of the time. While the port city continues to shape regional dynamics, its untapped potential and historical intrigue remind us of the intricate webs of diplomacy and geopolitics in South Asia. Former Diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu Faces Farmer Protest in Amritsar Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge Highlights Unemployment Concern in Lok Sabha Elections Congress Accuses NDA of Horse Trading Ahead of PM Modi's Bihar Visit NANNING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- After an eight-day voyage, a cargo ship loaded with 68 tonnes of mangosteens docked at the port of Qinzhou in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Having cleared customs swiftly, the fruits imported from Indonesia were transported to nearby provinces, as well as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta. As a pivotal hub along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, the port of Qinzhou witnesses a daily hustle and bustle of rail-sea intermodal trains delivering cargo from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries to China's inland regions. Launched in 2017, the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor is a trade and logistics passage jointly built by provincial-level regions in western China and ASEAN members. Today, thanks to the corridor, more and more fruits from Southeast Asia can reach the Chinese market and meet the growing and diversified needs of Chinese consumers. "In the past, our imported fruits were disembarked at Nansha District of Guangzhou," said Huang Liangsong, a staff member of Guangxi Zhengfan International Logistics Co., Ltd., adding that nowadays the import logistics of the port of Qinzhou are faster and more cost-effective thanks to the continuous expansion of foreign trade routes. "With the arrival of the fruit season, an assortment of ASEAN fruits will be shipped to the port this year," he said. To further spur the flow of agricultural products from ASEAN countries to the Chinese market, the port of Qinzhou has established several tropical fruit express lines as well as optimized cold chain, cold storage, and other supporting infrastructure. "We launched an express line from Laem Chabang of Thailand to Qinzhou which runs four times a week, and the fruits can reach China within three days," said Zuo Kongtian, an official with the Qinzhou Port area of the Guangxi Free Trade Zone. According to customs statistics, from January to February this year, fruit imports through Qinzhou Port -- mostly longan, coconut, mango and mangosteen -- totaled more than 3,300 tonnes, with a total value of 25.43 million yuan (about 3.51 million U.S. dollars), up 178.4 percent and 292.5 percent year on year, respectively. In addition, the establishment of a fruit trade center in collaboration with ASEAN countries in Qinzhou has also contributed to the efficiency customs clearance. "We have set up an inbound fruit 'green channel' to largely reduce the waiting time and to ensure streamlined customs clearance processes," said Cao Teng, an officer at Qinzhou Port Customs. Youyi Pass, over 200 kilometers from Qinzhou Port, is nestled on the China-Vietnam border in Guangxi. It saw 23.88 billion yuan worth of fruits imported in 2023, reflecting a 262.3 percent year-on-year increase, according to local customs statistics. Early April marks the first peak of the massive influx of tropical fruits via Youyi Pass, China's major land route to Vietnam and Southeast Asia, where trucks loaded with ripe durians and jackfruit form queues for customs clearance at this time of year. According to Wang Zhengbo, president of a Guangxi-based supply chain management company, business collaboration opportunities between China and ASEAN have continued to grow in recent years, boosting the demand for and the quantity and variety of goods in cross-border trade, as well as seeing continuous increases in freight volume. The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor is also an economic corridor featuring in-depth integration of transportation, logistics, commerce and industry, thereby creating significant opportunities for industrial cooperation among countries. "With the effective implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the acceleration of the construction of the land-sea trade corridor, economic and trade cooperation between China and the ASEAN will bring about new opportunities," said Zuo. Description Looking for your new favorite yoga crew? Join us for an all level accessible, beginner friendly, "sip and stretch" yoga class at Barrier Brewing Company! Sunday April 7 2024, class held from 12:00pm - 1:00pm - Every ticket includes the cost of your first beverage (craft beers, mixed drinks, and mocktails!) so meet me in the tap room after class, for good vibes with conscious community! Our yoga community is growing!! Please purchase your ticket in advance to reserve your spot. Barrierbrewing.com Class led by Kayleen "Opal" Freyre, 200RYT, founder of Opal's Magnum Opus, Art + Metaphysical Gift Shoppe. Yoga Newbies are more than encouraged to join! No yoga mat? No problem, find us on social media @opalsmagnumopus and we will be sure to reserve one for you to borrow. Namaste! In this piece, we will be looking at 15 Muslim Countries with the Highest Christian Population in the World. If you wish to skip on our detailed discussion on Christianity's spread across the globe, you can go directly to 5 Muslim Countries with the Highest Christian Population in the World. Christianity is holding down the fort as the biggest game in the world, making up around 31% of the global population, which is like north of 2 billion folks. While there was a bit of a dip from 1900 to 2000, it looks like by 2050, the Christian crew will be up to about 34.4%, hitting the 3 billion mark. Relatedly, the worldwide religion market is on the rise. It went from $326.00 billion in 2021 to about $351.33 billion in 2022, rocking a solid growth rate of 7.8%. People having more money to spare is a big boost for this market. When the economy's doing well, folks have some extra cash to donate and chip in for charity gigs. Now, religious groups are getting savvy with tech, using it to amp up their social game. Take Goodlands, for example. These newbies are using fancy geo-data to map out Catholic Church lands all around the globe. They're going all out with this geographic information system (GIS) software, creating cool maps that show the church's boundaries and loads of extra details. It's all about finding fresh ways to put these assets to good use for the community. Moreover, businesses with some faith-boosted vibes are tossing around a cool $437 billion into the US economy every year. Now, when we talk about the branches of Christianity, Roman Catholicism is the big cheese. The Vatican, where the Catholic Church is all official-like, is actually sitting pretty as the 18th richest country in the world per person. And hey, we've got quite a few Christian-heavy countries out there Italy and the Democratic Republic of Congo are among the big hitters in the top 10 Christian nations club. And when you factor in all the other ways that religion chips in, the United States is looking at a sweet $1.2 trillion in socio-economic value annually. In the good old USA, Christianity rules the roost with about 70% of the folks following that path. Companies like Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK) have definitely shown their religious side. Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK) used to hand out prayer cards with Bible verses to all passengers, but they hit the brakes on that to be more inclusive of everybody's beliefs. Tyson Foods (NYSE: TSN), a major player in the food processing industry, is known for its emphasis on aligning corporate values with employee beliefs. John Tyson, the founder of Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), isn't shy about his Christian beliefs, and the company's all about sticking to that "strive to honor God" motto. And get this since 2000, Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) has brought on board about 120 office priests to give their crew some top-notch pastoral care. With this lets now move on to our list of 15 Muslim Countries with the Highest Christian Population in the World. 15 Muslim Countries with the Highest Christian Population in the World CHOATphotographer/Shutterstock.com Methodology Here's the scoop on how we put together our list of the 15 Muslim Countries with the Highest Christian Population in the World. We checked out data from the World Factbook and other sources for the latest religious stats as of 2024. After crunching the numbers for both Muslim and Christian populations in each country, we zeroed in on the places with the highest Christian headcounts. Plus, we made sure these countries were the real deal "Muslim" nations, with most clocking in above the 10 million mark for Muslim population. With this, lets now run through our list of 15 Muslim Countries with the Highest Christian Population in the World. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 15. Senegal Number of Muslim Population: 17,400,000 Number of Christian Population: 570,000 So, in Senegal, the 14th country on our list of 15 Muslim Countries with the Highest Christian Population in the World, the U.S. government figures show that around 96 percent of the population are Muslims, while about 3-4% are Christian. The Christian community includes Catholics, Protestants, and folks mixing Christian practices with traditional beliefs. Most Christians reside in the western and southern towns. It's cool to hear that both Muslim and Christian groups have a history of getting along well, showing mutual respect. Moreover, it's common to find interreligious families in the country where members follow different faiths, and they live peacefully side by side. 14. Albania Number of Muslim Population: 1,800,000 Number of Christian Population: 580,000 One of the Muslim-majority countries with a large Christian population, Albania has a pretty cool vibe of religious diversity and peaceful coexistence. People of different faiths mingle in all aspects of life there. During religious holidays, folks exchange greetings and even interfaith marriages happen quite naturally because of this harmonious atmosphere. In the capital city, like Tirana for instance, youll find religious sites like the Ethem Bey Mosque and the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral chilling together around Skanderbeg Square. They welcome worshippers anytime, creating a vibe of mutual respect and harmony. 13. Uzbekistan Number of Muslim Population: 29,900,000 Number of Christian Population: 710,000 So, in one of the Muslim-majority countries with a significant Christian community, Uzbekistan, theres an interesting mix of religious demographics. About 88% of the population are Sunni Muslims, while Eastern Orthodox Christians make up the largest religious minority at 9%, mainly the Russian population. The remaining 3% follow various traditions including Roman Catholics, Jews, Korean Christians, and Shia Muslims. Although the basic laws in Uzbekistan protect religious freedom, there are government policies and social biases that can make life a bit tricky for minority groups, especially Christians. In fact, between 2006 and 2017, the U.S. State Department tagged Uzbekistan as a Country of Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act for not being so cool with religious freedom. 12. Iraq Number of Muslim Population: 39,700,000 Number of Christian Population: 944,000 So, in the realm of the Muslim countries with a big Christian crowd, lets check out Iraq. About 97% of the population in Iraq has consistently been identified as Muslim. The Shia Muslims are the majority, making up around 55-60%, with Sunni Muslims about 40%. Now, the Christian community in Iraq has been shrinking pretty dramatically over the years. From a hefty number before 2003, there are now less than 150,000 Christians left. A big chunk of them consists of Chaldean Catholics, making up about 67%, while almost 20% are from the Assyrian Church of the East. The leader of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq has been speaking out lately about how the Christian peeps there have been facing tough times since the US-led invasion in 2003. Their rights have been trampled on, and theyre getting pushed out of their jobs, and having their stuff taken away. Tough times for the Christian crew in Iraq, it seems so. 11. Guinea Number of Muslim Population: 10,600,000 Number of Christian Population: 1,032,000 In one of the Muslim-majority countries thats got a pretty hefty Christian crew, were talking about Guinea. The U.S. governments got the deets, saying the total population there is around 13.2 million as of mid-2022. It's a nice mix with about 89% of the folks following Islam, 9% repping Christianity, and another 2% doing their thing with Indigenous or other beliefs. Its super cool to see how both the Muslim and Christian crowds in Guinea are getting down with those Indigenous rituals in their religious practices. The Muslims are mainly Maliki Sunni, and theres even a bit of Sufism thrown in. On the Christian side, youve got Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Baptists, Jehovahs Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventists, and a few other evangelical groups doing their thing. And hey, theres even a tiny Bahai community hanging out there, along with a sprinkle of Hindus, Buddhists, and lovers of traditional Chinese beliefs among the foreign folks. Guinea's all about that secular state life, as stated in their 2021 Transition Charter. They're not playing around when it comes to protecting religious freedom - they've made it clear that messing with that secularity or someones religious freedom can land you in some hot water with fines or even a stint in the slammer. 10. Saudi Arabia Number of Muslim Population: 31,500,000 Number of Christian Population: 1,500,000 Historically, in Saudi Arabia, a Muslim-majority country with a decent Christian community, things get a bit complicated when it comes to religious freedom. Publicly practicing anything other than Islam is a major no-no, and the lines between state and religion are pretty blurry. The government isnt exactly big on religious freedom on paper, but they kind of let Shia gatherings fly and ignore some non-Muslim private stuff. And hey, when it comes to switching from Islam to Christianity, thats like a serious red flag. Its a top-notch sin in the Islamic book. If anyones caught making that switch, guys might get the boot, while gals could end up stuck at home facing tough times like isolation and abuse. Its a rough gig over there, no doubt. However, times are changing and so is the Christian communitys situation in the Kingdom. Saudia Arabia is 10th on our list of Muslim Countries with the Highest Christian Population in the World. 9. Lebanon Number of Muslim Population: 3,600,000 Number of Christian Population: 1,700,000 So, lets dive into Lebanon, a Muslim-majority country with a big Christian scene. Christians there are kind of feeling the heat, thanks to Hezbollah these guys with ties to Iran are calling the shots, leading many Christians to pack up and hit the road. Over the years, the Christian community has taken hits from various attacks, and now theyre facing a whole new challenge their numbers are dwindling compared to the Islamic population. On top of all that drama, the economys in rough shape, which has a lot of young Christians saying "adios" to Lebanon. Its like theyre strangers in their own land now. After a decade of Syrian civil war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Lebanon has become the refugee hub of the world hosting more refugees per capita and per square kilometer than any other place. And let me tell you, most of these newcomers are Muslims. The Syrian refugees have put a serious strain on Lebanons already shaky economy, making Lebanese Christians pretty anxious about being overshadowed by the newcomers. So now, you've got church leaders and some political groups shouting for these refugees to head back home. 8. Syria Number of Muslim Population: 15,000,000 Number of Christian Population: 1,800,000 Syria has around 1.8 million Christians, making up about 8% of the total population of 24 million. But here's the kicker the Christian community there is shrinking fast because many have had to flee due to all the chaos and persecution. In places where Islamic militants are running wild, the leaders of ancient churches are prime targets for attacks and kidnappings. And most of the church buildings have either been destroyed or taken over for Islamic purposes. Its pretty rough for the Christians living in these zones as they can't really practice their faith freely, and many have been kicked out of their homes. To make matters worse, Christian women and girls are at high risk of being abducted, harassed, and assaulted. It seems like a tough spot to be in, no doubt. Syria is 8th on our list of Muslim Countries with the Highest Christian Population in the World. 7. Malaysia Number of Muslim Population: 20,100,000 Number of Christian Population: 2,820,000 So, heres the scoop on Malaysia and its Christian scene. In a mostly Muslim country, there are about 2.8 million Christians, making up over nine percent of the 34.6 million total population. Now, here's the thing according to the Malaysian rulebook, if youre an ethnic Malay, youre automatically considered Muslim. So, any Malay who switches over to Christianity is kind of breaking the rules and might get in hot water under Islamic law. These converts face some serious heat from their families and the community at large. Under Islamic law, women and girls get the short end of the stick, with lots of restrictions on stuff like marriage, divorce, and child guardianship. It can get pretty tricky for them. In a recent Pew Research Center survey, they found that local Christians in Malaysia were not really down for proselytizing, with a whopping 75% saying no thanks. This was actually a higher rate of opposition compared to Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus in the country. 6. Pakistan Number of Muslim Population: 240,800,000 Number of Christian Population: 3,300,000 Now lets chat about the Christian crew in Pakistan, which is 6th on our list of 15 Muslim Countries with the Highest Christian Population in the World. Back in the day of the whole India-Pakistan split, a bunch of Hindus and Sikhs made a run for it to India, but the Christian folks mostly stuck around in newly-formed Pakistan. According to the 1998 Census, Christians made up about 1.59% of Pakistans population, but the actual count is a bit of a mystery estimates, as of today, hover just over 3 million Christians in the country. You'll find Christian communities scattered around in places like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, with about 70,000 in Peshawar. But the big Christian hubs are in Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and various small towns in Punjab. Fast forward to 2024, the past year has been pretty rough for Pakistan's Christians, what with all the violence and chaos. They're hoping that after the national elections in February, a new government might bring some peace their way. In a town like Jaranwala, fear and trauma are still lingering among the Christian population after going through some serious persecution. Thousands of armed Muslims caused havoc by torching 19 churches and wrecking hundreds of Christian homes. Jaranwalas no walk in the park its down in Faisalabad, about 205 miles south of Islamabad. Click to continue reading and find out about 5 Muslim Countries with the Highest Christian Population in the World. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 15 Muslim Countries with the Highest Christian Population in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey. In this article, we discuss the 18 Least vegetarian friendly countries in Asia. If you want to skip our plant-based protein industry, you can go directly to 5 Least vegetarian friendly countries in Asia. As more and more folks are turning towards plant-powered living, it's really shaking up the way we eat around the globe. A recent report by Bloomberg Intelligence suggests that plant-based foods are gearing up for a big boom, potentially grabbing about 7.7% of the global protein market by 2030. And get this that could be worth over a whopping $162 billion. It seems like people are really digging the idea of swapping out traditional animal-based proteins and dairy for plant-based alternatives, especially with all the talk about growing populations and environmental issues. Many Americans are changing their eating habits, with 30% now opting for plant-based alternatives instead of meat. This shift has led to a culinary shift, especially in urban areas that embrace vegetarian lifestyles. And it's not just individuals changing their diets. Companies are getting in on the action too. Companies like Benson Hill (NYSE:BHIL), Calavo Growers, Inc (NASDAQ:CVGW), and Local Bounti Corporation (NYSE: LOCL) are leading the charge. Benson Hill (NYSE:BHIL) Benson Hill (NYSE:BHIL), a food tech company, utilizes its platform CropOS, to develop plant-based proteins like high-protein soy and peas. This reduces the need for energy-intensive processing in meat substitutes. With a revenue of $404.61 million for the twelve months ending September 30, 2023, growing by 50.13%, Benson Hill remains at the forefront of innovation. In February 2024, the company sold its Iowa soy processing business to White River Soy Processing for $72 million. Calavo Growers, Inc (NASDAQ:CVGW) Calavo Growers, Inc. (NASDAQ:CVGW) distributes avocados, prepared avocados, and perishable foods globally. For the twelve months ending January 31, 2024, the company noted a revenue of $873.35 million, despite a -16.80% year-over-year revenue decline. In early 2024, Calavo Growers initiated talks to sell its pre-prepped fresh-cut fruit and vegetable business to F&S Fresh Foods for approximately $100 million. This move allows Calavo Growers to focus on its core operations, including tomatoes, papayas, and prepared foods like guacamole and salsa. Local Bounti Corporation (NYSE:LOCL) Local Bounti Corporation (NYSE:LOCL) is a leading indoor agriculture company based in the United States, specializing in the cultivation and packaging of fresh greens. These include lettuce, herbs, and loose-leaf lettuce. Its customers primarily consist of food retailers and food service distributors. Story continues Recently, on February 13, 2024, Local Bounti announced a significant milestone: the issuance of a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for its Stack & Flow Technology. This innovation integrates vertical and greenhouse growing techniques. Even with all the buzz about plant-based eating, some countries are still sticking to the old ways. Places like China, Japan, and South Korea, still love their meat. For them, meat isn't just food it's a symbol of success and status, deeply ingrained in their culture and cooking. Plus, with more money to spend, the demand for meaty dishes just keeps on growing. So, while the plant-based movement is booming in some places, it's still got some persuading to do in others. In this article, we will be discussing some of the Least vegetarian friendly countries in asia. 18 Least Vegetarian Friendly Countries in Asia A close-up of fresh frozen vegetables and fish products ready for packaging. Methodology In our comprehensive research for the article "18 Least vegetarian friendly countries in Asia," we looked at numerous sources and blogs like SCMP, Yahoo Finance, Insider Monkey, Ease my Trip, Fodors Travel, Asher Fergusson, Huff Post, Vegan vs Travel, Tatler, Reddit, Exotravel, Dave Does The Travel Thing, and Metador Network to understand the lack of availability and variety of vegetarian options across the continent. Each country's ranking was determined by the frequency of its appearance in our findings. This methodology allowed us to identify and list the nations where vegetarian-friendly cuisine might be limited or less common. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 18. Kyrgyzstan Insider Monkey Score: 2 Kyrgyzstan, nestled in Central Asia, is among the 18 Least vegetarian friendly countries in Asia. Kyrgyz cuisine is all about meat, with dishes like Beshbarmak and Shashlik taking the spotlight. Vegetarian options? They're pretty scarce and usually get overshadowed by all the meaty meals. Even in cities, where you might find some veggie dishes inspired by other cuisines, it's still tough for vegetarians to navigate the dining scene in Kyrgyzstan. 17. Uzbekistan Insider Monkey Score: 2 In Uzbekistan, food is all about their nomadic and farming roots. Meat and dairy are the stars here. Think Plov, Shashlik, and Manti all packed with meaty goodness. But if you're vegetarian, options can be a bit slim. Sure, you'll find dishes like Achichuk and veggie stews, but they're not as popular as the meaty stuff. 16. Azerbaijan Insider Monkey Score: 2 As many other Caucasian countries, Azerbaijan is big on meat. The people of Azerbaijan love their meat, especially the lamb. So, for vegetarians, it's a bit of a challenge. You will find vegetarian options, but the choices might not be as lavish, as they would be if you were a meat eater. 15. Malaysia Insider Monkey Score: 3 Malaysia ranks on number fifteen on the list of 18 Least vegetarian friendly countries in Asia. Malaysia, in Southeast Asia, isn't the easiest place for vegetarians. Their food scene is all about meat, with Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences serving up dishes like Nasi Lemak, Char Kway Teow, and Satay. But hey, there's hope! In the cities, you'll find more vegetarian options popping up as people become more aware. They might not be as common as meat dishes, but they're there if you look for them. 14. Cambodia Insider Monkey Score: 3 In Cambodia, the food mostly focuses on meat, especially fish and poultry. Traditional Cambodian dishes like Amok (a curry made with fish or chicken), Lok Lak (stir-fried beef or chicken), and Khmer Red Curry (often made with beef or chicken) really showcase the country's love for meat. It can be quite tough for vegetarians to find options in Cambodia, especially in rural areas where meat dishes are prominent. 13. Monaco Insider Monkey Score: 4 Monaco's culinary scene is all about meat and seafood, with French and Mediterranean influences shining through. You'll find classic dishes like Bouillabaisse and Coq au Vin in fancy restaurants. Vegetarian options might not be as plentiful or prominent, and while some places do offer vegetarian dishes, they can be limited. So, dining out as a plant-based eater in Monaco's fancy restaurants might be challenging. 12. Myanmar Insider Monkey Score: 4 Myanmar's got some seriously tasty food, full of flavours and spices. They're big on meat and fish, especially in dishes like Mohinga, Laphet Thoke, and all sorts of curries. Meat and fish are usually the stars of the show in their traditional cuisine. Myanmar ranks on number twelve on our list of 18 Least vegetarian friendly countries in Asia. 11. Laos Insider Monkey Score: 5 Laos, has some delicious food, mainly focusing on meat and fish. They have classics like Larb, Laap Khao, and Mok Pa, which are all packed with meat or fish. But if you're vegetarian, it might be a bit tough, especially outside the cities. In places like Vientiane, you can find some veggie options, but they might not be as diverse as the meat centric meals. 10. Hong Kong Insider Monkey Score: 5 Hong Kong's food scene is a blend of Chinese, British, and global flavors. You have classics like dim sum, roast meats, and seafood. But meat and seafood usually take the center stage. So if you're a vegetarian in Hong Kong, it might be a bit of a challenge to get the best options. 9. Mongolia Insider Monkey Score: 5 In Mongolia, food is all about meat and dairy. So for vegetarians, it's a bit tricky, especially outside the cities where meat dishes are all the hype. Even in places like Ulaanbaatar, where vegetarianism is catching on, veggie options can still be hard to come by and not as varied as other non vegetarian options. 8. Thailand Insider Monkey Score: 6 Thailand's food scene is amazing, with tons of variety, including meat, seafood, and fish. Classics like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum Goong all have meat in them. But vegetarians are in luck too. Thailand has veggie options like vegetable dishes and curries. But, ingredients like fish sauce and shrimp paste can be tricky for strict vegetarians. 7. Indonesia Insider Monkey Score: 7 Indonesia has influences from all over when it comes to food. There are traditional dishes like Nasi Goreng, Rendang, and Satay, all packed with meat. If you're vegetarian, it can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially in local spots. But places like Bali and Jakarta have more veggie-friendly options, due to international influences and tourism. Still, finding strictly vegetarian dishes can be tough in many parts of the country. And just like Thailand, fish sauce and shrimp paste are important ingredients for many dishes in Indonesia too, which can be a little tricky for vegetarians. 6. Philippines Insider Monkey Score: 9 Sixth on our list of 18 Least vegetarian friendly countries in Asia is Philippines. The Philippines love their meat and seafood. Traditional dishes like Adobo, Lechon, and Sinigang are all based on meat. In places like Manila and Cebu, though, things are changing. There's more awareness and more veggie options popping up in restaurants and cafes. They're even serving vegetarian versions of Filipino favorites and dishes from around the world to cater to everyone's tastes. Click to continue reading and find out about 5 Least vegetarian friendly countries in Asia. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 18 Least vegetarian friendly countries in Asia is originally published on Insider Monkey. gorodenkoff / iStock.com Air traveling has become more prevalent than it was in the pandemic years and has become more stressful. Check Out: 8 Tips to Fly Business Class for the Price of Economy Read Next: 5 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money Millions of flights take off daily and land across countries and continents. People book tickets to visit loved ones and see new destinations, and their time is limited. Inevitably, airlines will book flights to overcapacity, resulting in the need for flight bumping. Many passengers do not want to spend more time than necessary at the airport. Choosing to get bumped is a difficult decision to make, but one that can net you potentially thousands of dollars. Should you accept the money from the airline to get bumped from your flight? Sponsored: Credit card debt keeping you up at night? Find out if you can reduce your debt with these 3 steps Getting Bumped For frequent travelers, it is common knowledge that getting bumped from your flight is part of the reality of air travel. [In 2023], more than 192 million passengers [were bumped] and bumped [passengers equaled] 5,329, or around 0.28 per 10,000 passengers, said Business Insider. Those who do not travel often may not have experienced the inevitable announcements over the speakers asking for volunteers. When an airline overbooks a flight, it often asks for volunteers to change their travel, said The Wall Street Journal. The carrier will offer travelers gift cards, a travel voucher or even perks like hotel or meal vouchers in exchange for taking a different flight. Often, people are reluctant and just want to arrive at their destination on time. The airline will continue to bargain, offering more and compensation until enough people give up their seats and the flight can depart as intended. Should You Take the Money? Sometimes, a travel voucher is not worth the headache. Some travelers, like Gabriela Goldsmith, may find that they are unable to reach their destination. Gabriela Goldsmith accepted a $2,000 travel voucher from United to take a later flight from Newark to Portland, Ore., in June, The Wall Street Journal said. The later flight was canceled and Goldsmith missed out on her trip to visit a friend. Giving up your seat should always be situational. In Goldsmiths case, she could not visit a loved one because of the complications of rescheduling her ticket. Time is money, as they say. Though the obvious perks will benefit those with less of a strict time constraint, those who need to get to their destination for emergency reasons should always choose to stay on their flight. Story continues More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How You Can Get $2,000 For Getting Bumped From Your Flight February brought to a close the tenure of long-time Sioux Falls insurer McKinney & Allen. Though the business was most recently known as McKinneyOlson Insurance, the Secretary of State has listed it as McKinney & Allen for as long as it has kept records. Charles Edward McKinney came to Sioux Falls in November 1880 to help establish banks in the area. That same year, he organized the banking firm of Easton, McKinney & Scougal with partners C.F. Easton and George Scougal. Easton sold his portion of the business to his partners a year later. In 1882, the bank was absorbed by Sioux Falls National Bank with McKinney as president. While McKinney was organizing banks, he was also organizing loans for pioneers just arriving in the area as well as established farmers looking to expand their farming operations. Money for these loans was sourced through the Scottish-American Mortgage Company of Edinburgh, Scotland. The staff in 1913 at McKinney and Allen. At front left is James Judson Allen, and at front right is Charles Edward McKinney. In 1885, McKinneys half brother, James Judson Allen, came to Sioux Falls, and the two teamed up to provide insurance to the growing city. Up to this time, traveling agents would happen through town periodically. Allen would be the exception; a recognizable and friendly face to buy insurance from and file claims through. At the start, Allen did it all. He wrote and delivered policies, filed claims and performed all the bookkeeping and collection duties. The only kind of insurance available at the time was fire insurance, but this would soon change as the needs of the area became more clear, and insurance carriers saw the value of this part of the country. When it was completed in 1886, McKinney and the Sioux Falls National Bank moved into the Van Van Eps Block at the southwest corner of 8th Street and Phillips Avenue. By 1910, the expanding operation had run out of room and made a move to 117 W. 10th, in the Masonic Temple building at the southwest corner of 10th and Phillips. In 1914, J.J. Allens son Jay B. Allen joined the firm. In 1918, McKinney & Allen Inc. moved to the second floor of the new Sioux Falls National Bank building at the northeast corner of 9th Street and Phillips, currently the Hotel on Phillips. More: The years of history behind a beloved Sioux Falls Mexican restaurant: Looking Back Charles McKinney retired from day-to-day operations in 1919, but kept on as president. The company celebrated its 50th anniversary in January 1930 with full-page ads. While the company continued its association with the Scottish American Mortgage Co., it also handled investments in an effort to help finance the loans locally. The way the state was growing, it seemed a safe risk. Insurance had expanded by this time as well. Fire insurance was still sold, but by 1930, casualty, surety, marine, life, and accident insurance had been added to the roster. McKinney & Allen had a large claim division, and was the largest insurance business in South Dakota. Story continues Charles E. McKinney died in 1933, leaving a long legacy of respectable business dealings in his wake. J.J. Allen died in 1950, but his son, Jay, carried on his legacy at McKinney & Allen. In 1977, McKinney & Allen took on a partner, Gerald Ahern, who had run his own company since 1949. The business name then became McKinney Allen & Ahern. Gerald later sold his portion of the business to the company and retired, and by 1983, the company had rebranded as McKinney Allen & Associates. At the end of 2008, McKinney Allen and Associates merged with Brandon Valley Insurance and the Olson Group to become McKinneyOlson Insurance, though the company name was still registered with the state as McKinney & Allen. In 2019, McKinneyOlson acquired The Insurance Connection, another company that had been serving the area for decades. More: How one of the Marx Brothers found themselves in Sioux Falls: Looking Back In February 2024, McKinneyOlson Insurance became part of North Risk Partners, a Minnesota-based company that has grown considerably since its creation. NRP, established in 2013, was assembled from the merger of C. O. Brown Agency, founded in 1917, Apollo Insurance Agency, established 1969, and Johnson McCann, founded in 1984. While more than a decade old, North Risk Parters is assembled from the DNA of companies with generations of experience. Although the company is still fairly young, the organization is sure to benefit from the lessons its predecessors learned over more than a century of doing business. It is a history that should be celebrated. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: How 2 brothers brought the insurance business to South Dakota: Looking Back In this article, we look at the 20 most democratic countries in Asia. You can skip our detailed analysis on global corporations that promote democracy and head over directly to the 5 Most Democratic Countries in Asia. The question of whether democracy leads to economic growth continues to remain a talking point as China advances on the world stage after its spectacular rise over the last few decades, coupled with oil-rich monarchies of the Gulf Cooperation Council exhibiting high levels of economic prosperity. On the other hand, Indias economy also continues to thrive, despite right-wing populism polarizing the country. However, a research in 2016 co-authored by professors at MIT, Harvard, and Columbia found that democratization leads to economic growth. The study examined several countries that transitioned to democracy between 1960 and 2010, and the results showed that these countries experienced a 20% increase in their GDP in the first 25 years following their shift to democracy from nondemocracy. Several large multinational corporations have recently committed themselves to advancing democratic values across the world. Last year, Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) at the White Houses Summit for Democracy pledged support of up to $2 million for human rights defenders, who regularly face online harassment and physical threats over their commitment to uphold freedom of speech. Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) will be allocating these funds to set up safety helplines for vulnerable individuals. Moreover, Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has also announced plans to roll out over 100,000 Titan security keys to high-risk users, such as journalists and activists to protect them from online cyber attacks. On the other hand, Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE:NET) works with researchers on sharing data related to internet closures in different parts of the world. The company is connected to more than 11,000 networks worldwide, and collaborates with organizations such as Access Now and the Internet Society to keep track of internet shutdowns. Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE:NET) regularly consults members of the civil society as well to make sure that all product developments and technologies enhance privacy and are consistent with protecting human rights. In 2020, Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE:NET) partnered with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) to widen its protection systems to ensure free and fair elections outside the United States as well. As part of the agreement, the company has since then provided services to six electoral bodies outside the US, including in Canada, North Macedonia, and Kosovo. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) in collaboration with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) trains journalists on digital safety and cybersecurity, with an emphasis on how governments abuse state power to steal elections. The program started in October 2022 in Tunisia, before expanding to Serbia later during the same year. 29 journalists benefited from this joint initiative of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and IFES in these two countries. According to the IFES, the training program has received high demand from several other countries as well, and it plans on expanding this to those regions in the near future in partnership with Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). 20 Most Democratic Countries in Asia Copyright: yunlutas / 123RF Stock Photo Methodology The 20 most democratic countries in Asia are ranked based on averaging countries rankings on the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)s Democracy Index 2023 and V-dem Institutes Democracy Report 2024. Asias most democratic countries are listed in ascending order of their average ranking scores. Before we get started, it is important to mention that the state of democracy in Asia continues to regress. Only three Asian countries qualified as full democracies in the EIUs latest index, with most others being categorized as flawed democracies, hybrid regimes, and authoritarian regimes. There were also countries in the continent that practiced democracy on paper, but were considered authoritarian due to their extreme violations and erosion of democratic freedoms and values. If interested, you can also take a look at the Top 15 Democratic Socialist Countries In Europe. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that uses a consensus approach to identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The website tracks the movement of corporate insiders and hedge funds. Our top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 stock index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). So, if you are looking for the best stock picks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. Lets now head over to the list of the most democratic countries in Asia. 20. Turkiye Average Ranking: 121 We begin our list with Turkiye, which is categorized as a hybrid regime by the Economist Intelligence Unit and has been criticized for its lack of civil liberties. Despite that, it remains a vibrant democracy with hope for improvement in the future; a glimpse of which was witnessed in the oppositions stunning victories in Istanbul and Ankara in this weeks local elections. 19. Pakistan Average Ranking: 118.5 Pakistan is the fifth largest democracy in the world, but has seen its ranking suffer heavily in the last two years, due an increase in military interference in the running of the country. It was ranked 118th on the Economist Intelligence Units Democracy Index 2023 and took 119th spot on V-Dems 2024 Democracy Report. 18. Hong Kong Average Ranking: 111 Hong Kong has been described as a hybrid regime by The Economist, ranking the special administrative region of China on 88th spot in its Democracy Index. It is ranked 134th in V-Dems Democracy Index. Beijings tightening grip over Hong Kong over the last few years have dimmed hopes about the region becoming a full democracy. 17. Bangladesh Average Ranking: 110.5 Bangladeshs democratic credentials have been taking a hit since the last few years, as the current ruling party led by PM Hasina Wajid continues to strengthen its hold over the country by crushing the opposition. The US State Department recently expressed concerns over the fairness of elections held in the country earlier this year. 16. Thailand Average Ranking: 89 Since the initiation of Thailands constitutional era in 1932, it has been ruled by serving and retired military officers for more than six decades, with elected prime ministers seeing only 25 years of rule. The country dropped 8 ranking spots in EIUs latest index, from 55th in 2022 to 63rd in 2023. It is ranked 115th on V-Dems 2024 Democracy Report. There is a long way to go for Thailand to improve its democracy rankings. 15. Singapore Average Ranking: 81.5 Next on our list of the most democratic countries in Asia is Singapore, which has been ranked 69th and categorized as a flawed democracy by the Economist Intelligence Unit, while it took 94th spot in V-Dems democracy report. Singapore has a parliamentary form of government, led by the prime minister and his cabinet. 14. Armenia Average Ranking: 81 The loss of the Nagorno-Karabakh region to Azerbaijan led to a complete collapse of support for the political government in Armenia, which resulted in it dropping two positions in the Economist Intelligence Units rankings. Despite that, Armenia is the most democratic country in the Caucasus, and among the most democratic countries in Asia. 13. Philippines Average Ranking: 77.5 The Philippines is one of Asias oldest and vibrant democracies, with a presidential form of government where the public elect their head of state. The countries democracy has been widely acclaimed for its electoral processes, political participation, and civil liberties. Efficient functioning of the government is an area the Philippines lacks at, according to the EIU and V-Dem. 12. Nepal Average Ranking: 77 2023 was a good year for Nepals democracy as it climbed three positions on EIUs index, and also showed improvement on all democratic indicators considered by V-Dem in its democracy report. Nepal abolished monarchy in 2008, and has a representative, multi-party democracy. 11. Bhutan Average Ranking: 76 Despite being new to democracy, Bhutan is among the most democratic countries in Asia. The country had its first ever parliamentary elections in 2008, and recently concluded its fourth general elections in December last year, with an impressive turnout of 63%. 10. Sri Lanka Average Ranking: 74.5 Sri Lankas democracy has suffered a setback with the 2022 political and economic crisis, which resulted in the collapse of the government led by the Rajapaksa brothers. The country is still in the process of recovering from the crisis. It was ranked 70th by the EIU and 79th by V-Dem in their democracy indices. 9. India Average Ranking: 72.5 India is the largest democracy in the world, with about 969 million voters set to cast their vote in the upcoming general elections starting this month. Despite the rise of right-wing populism in India, the country remains a robust democracy and has introduced electronic voting machines to enhance polling transparency and election fairness. 8. Indonesia Average Ranking: 71.5 Indonesia is the third largest democracy in the world. The country was ranked 56th and categorized as a flawed democracy by the EIU in its 2023 Democracy Index, dropping two positions compared to the previous year. It was listed 87th on V-Dems 2024 Democracy Report. 7. Mongolia Average Ranking: 70 Next on our list of the most democratic countries in Asia is Mongolia, which has climbed seven positions on the EIUs index to rank 59 this year, while it was ranked 81st in V-Dems democracy report. According to the EIU, the country fares well when it comes to electoral process and civil liberties, but there are areas of improvement when it comes to functioning of government. 6. Malaysia Average Ranking: 65 Malaysia is one of the most vibrant democracies in Asia, known for its transparent electoral process and strong governance. It ranks sixth on our list of the most democratic countries in Asia. The country practices a parliamentary form of government headed by the prime minister. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Most Democratic Countries in Asia. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 20 Most Democratic Countries in Asia is originally published on Insider Monkey. damircudic / Getty Images If your dream is to launch a passive income stream that generates $10,000 per year, it wont be easy but it is possible if you have the right traits, characteristics and habits. Chris Demetriou is a financial expert, qualified accountant and co-founder of Archimedia Accounts, a premium accounting service for small businesses and limited companies. His expertise extends to tax law and personal spending and saving management. Aim Higher: How To Earn $4,000 a Month in Passive Income Try This: 4 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money Hes seen firsthand how people who harbor a few specific traits have the best chance to succeed in building passive income streams that bring in real money even five figures or more a year. Over my 15 years in practice, Ive had the privilege of advising hundreds of hardworking individuals and business owners seeking new paths to greater cash flow independence, said Demetriou. Some come to us burned out from 80-hour workweeks and in search of more balance. Others dream of retiring early or expanding their endeavors but feel limited by traditional income sources. This is where concepts of hands-off earnings streams hold real appeal. Let me share what experience has shown really makes all the difference. Youre a Thoughtful, Deliberate and Diligent Strategic Planner According to Demetriou, one of the most telling signs that you have the potential to build a successful passive income stream is an innate ability to plan strategically. Developing a passive revenue stream is a long-term prospect that requires setting clear goals and mapping out a plan to achieve them over time, he said. The most successful clients Ive worked with exhibit excellent strategic thinking. They understand the need to break larger goals down into systematic steps and are focused on sustained progress over months and years. Shark Advice: Mark Cubans 5 Best Passive Income Ideas When It Comes to Financial Literacy, Youre an Honors Student Whether you build a hands-off business or income-generating investments, youll only make it big if you have a strong grasp of financial concepts and market knowledge. Building passive income usually involves effectively allocating capital, so those who earn $10,000 or more show a real understanding of crucial aspects like diversifying risk across different asset classes like stocks, funds, property and so on, said Demetriou. They demonstrate knowing how to evaluate investments, weigh risks and rewards and make informed decisions. Youre Patient and Resilient Creating a five-figure income stream that doesnt require work is not easy. As youre getting started, the only guarantees will be frustration, setbacks, obstacles and failures and you must have a steely mindset to weather the storm. Story continues Allied to knowledge is a capacity for resilience and patience, said Demetriou. While the goal is a hands-off stream, generating sizable returns often demands an initial input of time and money before yields materialize. The best clients persevere through uncertain periods, maintaining a belief in well-crafted plans for the longer haul. They see failures or delays as learning points rather than reasons to abandon their objectives. You Harbor the 5 Other Must-Have Winning Traits Beyond strategic planning skills, financial literacy and resilience, Demetriou says his clients who have succeeded in building substantial passive income streams usually have the following five characteristics, as well. Adaptability to changing markets is important since the ability to adjust and evolve is crucial for anyone who strives to build a five-figure revenue stream on autopilot. An entrepreneurial mindset that leaves you open to exploring new ideas, outlets and opportunities Strong time management skills are essential, as youll have to dedicate significant time to launching your endeavor while juggling work, family and life responsibilities. Excellent networking skills are a must since you cant do anything worth doing alone. A keen sense of self-awareness is important since understanding your own strengths and development needs are the keys to optimizing performance. Passive Income Rock Stars If putting a five-figure income stream on autopilot was easy, everyone would do it. Everyone cant do it but some people with a unique set of traits, skills and tendencies can, and with a little luck and a whole lot of hard work, some of them will. In my professional judgment, clients exhibiting a majority of these strategic, financial, resilient and innovative qualities stand an excellent chance of setting up truly substantial passive earnings over time, said Demetriou. While generating a steady $10,000 annually requires diligent effort and know-how, starting small through paper trading, micro-investing or test business models allows you to build expertise safely. Exhibiting traits like resilience, adaptability and continual learning in low-risk experiments is excellent preparation. With the right mindset, ongoing refinement is how passive income rock stars are elevated from dreamers to doers. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Key Signs You Are Capable of Making $10K a Year in Passive Income Key Insights Given the large stake in the stock by institutions, KMD Brands' stock price might be vulnerable to their trading decisions The top 7 shareholders own 51% of the company Insiders have bought recently A look at the shareholders of KMD Brands Limited (NZSE:KMD) can tell us which group is most powerful. With 45% stake, institutions possess the maximum shares in the company. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk). Because institutional owners have a huge pool of resources and liquidity, their investing decisions tend to carry a great deal of weight, especially with individual investors. As a result, a sizeable amount of institutional money invested in a firm is generally viewed as a positive attribute. Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of KMD Brands, beginning with the chart below. Check out our latest analysis for KMD Brands What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About KMD Brands? 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 KMD Brands 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 KMD Brands, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too. KMD Brands is not owned by hedge funds. Our data shows that Orbis Investment Management Limited is the largest shareholder with 15% of shares outstanding. With 12% and 7.2% of the shares outstanding respectively, New Zealand Superannuation Fund and Yarra Funds Management Limited are the second and third largest shareholders. We also observed that the top 7 shareholders account for more than half of the share register, with a few smaller shareholders to balance the interests of the larger ones to a certain extent. 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 KMD Brands The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it. I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions. Our information suggests that KMD Brands Limited insiders own under 1% of the company. But they may have an indirect interest through a corporate structure that we haven't picked up on. It appears that the board holds about NZ$1.8m worth of stock. This compares to a market capitalization of NZ$406m. Many tend to prefer to see a board with bigger shareholdings. A good next step might be to take a look at this free summary of insider buying and selling. General Public Ownership The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 36% stake in KMD Brands. 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 It seems that Private Companies own 6.9%, of the KMD Brands stock. It might be worth looking deeper into this. If related parties, such as insiders, have an interest in one of these private companies, that should be disclosed in the annual report. Private companies may also have a strategic interest in the company. Next Steps: While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. Be aware that KMD Brands is showing 2 warning signs in our investment analysis , you should know about... Ultimately the future is most important. You can access this free report on analyst forecasts for the company. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Humphrey Yang If youre in a rush to build wealth, youll need to watch out for common pitfalls, including staying in debt, spending too much and not having a plan. But the good news is that you can get started at any age, even if you dont have significant savings already. Learn More: Check Your $2 Bills They Could Be Worth a Ton For You: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money In a YouTube video, Humphrey Yang talked about how the first $1,000 you save is crucial to the process. The financial expert offered these seven steps you can use to grow your money and reach your goals. Sponsored: Protect Your Wealth With A Gold IRA. Take advantage of the timeless appeal of gold in a Gold IRA recommended by Sean Hannity. 1. Determine Your Wealth Goal Yang said, So before we do anything else, we actually need to sit down and figure out what financial freedom means to us and what specific financial goals you would like to accomplish. Part of this is determining your retirement age and necessary savings goal. Look to guidelines such as the 25x rule or try an online calculator to understand how much to save. 2. Consider Your Current Financial Situation Like a business owner, you should think about what you own and what you owe to better understand your financial situation. Yang discussed how this helps you determine your next steps. For example, if youre burdened with debt, youll know to focus on fixing that issue to increase your net worth. 3. Eliminate High-Interest Debt While a pro for savings and investments, compound interest hurts you financially when it comes to credit. Yang emphasized that high-interest debts like personal loans and credit cards are dangerous, especially when making only minimum payments. He suggested the debt avalanche approach to eliminate these costly debts before turning to lower-rate ones. 4. Establish an Emergency Fund A savings fund for emergencies helps protect your wealth when financial setbacks happen. Yang suggested accumulating three to six months worth of expenses, which you could do with monthly automated transfers. He said, After doing this for a while, saving will hopefully feel more regular, and youll feel more confident about larger savings goals. 5. Start Investing Money While it can be risky, investing cash lets you potentially increase your wealth through returns. Yang focused on options such as exchange-traded and index funds for diversification over individual bonds and stocks. He also suggested planning for the long term and considering dollar cost averaging to better handle volatility and timing decisions. Story continues 6. Use a Roth IRA Yang advised getting a Roth IRA at a brokerage to benefit from tax-free earnings and profits. This account requires having earned income that doesnt exceed certain limits, and it allows up to $7,000 in after-tax contributions ($8,000 if youre 50+) this year. However, Yang recommended handling high-interest debt and establishing an emergency fund first. 7. Invest in Yourself Besides investing money, you should focus on learning and improving yourself, ideally when youre still young. One example Yang gave was pursuing additional education to gain skills and improve your job prospects. If going back to school isnt possible, check out books and many resources online. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Crucial Steps to Build Wealth ASAP, According to TikToks Humphrey Yang Key Insights Given the large stake in the stock by institutions, Macfarlane Group's stock price might be vulnerable to their trading decisions 50% of the business is held by the top 9 shareholders Insiders have been selling lately To get a sense of who is truly in control of Macfarlane Group PLC (LON:MACF), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. We can see that institutions own the lion's share in the company with 77% ownership. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn). Because institutional owners have a huge pool of resources and liquidity, their investing decisions tend to carry a great deal of weight, especially with individual investors. Therefore, a good portion of institutional money invested in the company is usually a huge vote of confidence on its future. In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of Macfarlane Group. Check out our latest analysis for Macfarlane Group What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Macfarlane 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. As you can see, institutional investors have a fair amount of stake in Macfarlane Group. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Macfarlane Group's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters. Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. Macfarlane Group is not owned by hedge funds. Looking at our data, we can see that the largest shareholder is Rights and Issues Investment Trust Public Limited Company with 8.0% of shares outstanding. The second and third largest shareholders are Canaccord Genuity Asset Management Limited and BlackRock, Inc., with an equal amount of shares to their name at 7.7%. Additionally, the company's CEO Peter Atkinson directly holds 0.9% of the total shares outstanding. On further inspection, we found that more than half the company's shares are owned by the top 9 shareholders, suggesting that the interests of the larger shareholders are balanced out to an extent by the smaller ones. Story continues 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. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily. Insider Ownership Of Macfarlane Group The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO. 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. We can see that insiders own shares in Macfarlane Group PLC. In their own names, insiders own UK2.7m worth of stock in the UK228m company. Some would say this shows alignment of interests between shareholders and the board. But it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling. General Public Ownership The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 17% stake in Macfarlane 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. Private Company Ownership Our data indicates that Private Companies hold 4.3%, of the company's shares. It's hard to draw any conclusions from this fact alone, so its worth looking into who owns those private companies. Sometimes insiders or other related parties have an interest in shares in a public company through a separate private company. Next Steps: While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Macfarlane Group you should know about. Ultimately the future is most important. You can access this free report on analyst forecasts for the company. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. KUNMING, April 4 (Xinhua) -- During the first quarter of this year, the China-Laos Railway handled some 1.38 million tonnes of import and export goods, up 33.6 percent year on year, a quarterly record high, said Kunming Customs on Thursday. The import and export goods transported via the China-Laos Railway have expanded from 583 varieties in the first month of its operation to about 3,000 varieties now. Over the years, the railway's train operations have become more intensive. It began operations with two trains per day, and has since increased to 20 trains per day, according to the customs authorities. As a landmark project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the 1,035-km China-Laos Railway connects Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, with the Laotian capital Vientiane. It began operations in December 2021. Boeing CEO David Calhoun received compensation valued at $33 million last year, nearly all of it in stock awards, but his stock payout for this year will be cut by nearly one-fourth because of the drop in Boeings share price since the January blowout of a panel on one of its planes in midflight. The company said Friday that after the accident on the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max, Calhoun declined a bonus for 2023 that was targeted at nearly $3 million. Calhoun announced this month that he will step down at the end of the year as Boeing deals with multiple investigations into the quality and safety of its manufacturing. The company said in a regulatory filing that Calhoun got a salary of $1.4 million last year and stock awards valued at $30.2 million. Including other items, his compensation totaled $32.8 million, up from $22.6 million in 2022. Since Jan. 5, when a door-plug panel blew off an Alaska Airlines Max jetliner flying 16,000 (4,800 meters) feet above Oregon, Boeing has been thrust into its deepest crisis since a pair of deadly crashes involving Max jets in 2018 in Indonesia and 2019 in Ethiopia. The Federal Aviation Administration, National Transportation Safety Board and Justice Department have launched separate investigations into the company. The FAA is limiting Boeings production of 737s until the company meets the agencys safety concerns. Boeing said Calhoun and other top executives will see their stock awards for this year reduced by about 22%, which the company said matched the drop in the share price from the accident until the stock-grant date. Boeing shares have fallen 26% since the panel blowout, through the end of regular trading Friday. The months and years ahead are critically important for The Boeing Company to take the necessary steps to regain the trust lost in recent times, to get back on track and perform like the company we all know Boeing can and must be, every day, the companys new chairman, Steve Mollenkopf, said in a letter to shareholders. The world needs a healthy, safe, and successful Boeing. And that is what it is going to get. Calhoun has been CEO since January 2020, when Max jets were still grounded worldwide after the two crashes. While the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 accident shows that Boeing has much work yet to do, the Board believes that Mr. Calhoun has responded to this event in the right way by taking responsibility for the accident and taking important steps to strengthen Boeings quality assurance, the company said in Fridays filing. Story continues Calhoun previously lost a $7 million bonus for 2022 after Boeing failed to get a new 777X jetliner in service. The board said the plane fell behind schedule for many reasons including some of Calhouns decisions. Boeing, which is based in Arlington, Virginia, will hold its annual meeting online on May 17. Key Insights Mainfreight's estimated fair value is NZ$70.03 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity With NZ$68.00 share price, Mainfreight appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value Our fair value estimate is 11% lower than Mainfreight's analyst price target of NZ$78.51 How far off is Mainfreight Limited (NZSE:MFT) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine. Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for Mainfreight Step By Step Through The Calculation We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (NZ$, Millions) -NZ$4.20m NZ$143.4m NZ$110.8m NZ$173.3m NZ$218.4m NZ$292.4m NZ$349.2m NZ$399.4m NZ$442.6m NZ$479.6m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 19.44% Est @ 14.37% Est @ 10.82% Est @ 8.34% Present Value (NZ$, Millions) Discounted @ 7.1% -NZ$3.9 NZ$125 NZ$90.2 NZ$132 NZ$155 NZ$194 NZ$216 NZ$231 NZ$239 NZ$241 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = NZ$1.6b After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.1%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = NZ$480m (1 + 2.6%) (7.1% 2.6%) = NZ$11b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= NZ$11b ( 1 + 7.1%)10= NZ$5.4b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is NZ$7.1b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of NZ$68.0, the company appears about fair value at a 2.9% 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 The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Mainfreight as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.1%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.990. 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 Mainfreight Strength Debt is not viewed as a risk. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Logistics market. Opportunity Annual revenue is forecast to grow faster than the New Zealander market. Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Threat Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the New Zealander market. Next Steps: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. 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 Mainfreight, we've compiled three fundamental aspects you should consider: Financial Health: Does MFT have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does MFT's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every New Zealander 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. California's minimum wage hike blamed for Fosters Freeze store closure worker says she'd prefer the old wage California's decision to increase the minimum wage for fast food workers to $20 an hour is primarily aimed at improving the standard of living for these workers in a state that's notoriously expensive. However, there's concern that this new law, which went into effect on April 1, may have a more complicated impact on the local economy. Don't miss A Fosters Freeze outlet in Lemoore shut down on Monday the same day the new minimum wage kicked in and its workers are now out of a job. Some employees initially thought it was an April Fools joke. We had gotten a text in the group chat that we were shutting down, and I completely thought it was an April Fools joke, former employee Jason Boado told KMPH Fox 26 News. Unfortunately, it was not a joke. In a text to KMPH, Loren Wright, the owner of the Fosters Freeze, wrote, Last thing I ever wanted was to close down. By Friday night I knew I was most likely not gonna be able to stay open but I didn't want to ruin their Easter Sunday. Small businesses cant survive' According to Wright, the substantial rise in minimum wage has made it challenging for small businesses to stay afloat. Small businesses can't survive a 120% plus min wage increase over the last 10 years. We are all more broke than we were 10 years ago its clear raising min wage isn't helping, he wrote. California has seen a consistent and significant increase in its minimum wage over the past decade. In 2014, the states minimum wage was $9.00 an hour. Today, its set at $16 an hour, rising to $20 an hour for fast food workers. Read more: 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 Monica Navarro, former assistant general manager of that Fosters Freeze location, told Fox Business that she and her former colleagues would prefer the old wage over being unemployed. From the people that I spoke to, my employees, we would have rather stayed at the wage that we did have before, just because now we don't have a job, she said. She also observed the impacts of the new minimum wage on those fortunate enough to keep their jobs, stating, Those who are still working in the areas around us that went up to $20 an hour, they got their hours severely cut and it's a lot less people working on shifts, so their jobs got a lot more difficult. Story continues Owners explore other options, majority in US support hikes Navarro noted that the closure of the Fosters Freeze location is not an isolated incident, cautioning, This is not the first business thats closing, there's already a few local businesses for me that are closing, so I feel like this is just only the beginning. Critics have long pointed out the unintended consequences of a minimum wage hike. These fears are not unfounded. The Wall Street Journal looked at state records and found that California restaurants had outlined plans to cut hundreds of jobs in the months leading up to the April 1 wage mandate. However, the report adds that many restaurant operators are looking for other ways to cover the cost, like reducing hours, closing during slower parts of the day or serving menu items that take less time to make. Some are also choosing automation, which is something Dirty Jobs host Mike Rowe recently warned about. Menu prices have risen at several locations in the Los Angeles area, per the New York Post. Scott Rodrick, who owns 18 McDonalds locations in the state, told CNN he has raised prices about 5% to 7% in the last three months to anticipate the higher wages. Instead of cutting any worker hours, he also plans to grow his delivery operations and make decisions about large capital expenses, like postponing updating a dining room or putting off buying new grills or rooftop HVACs. Nationwide, not all small business owners are against this trend. In fact, the majority (61%) surveyed earlier this year by CNBC said they support raising the minimum wage in their state, even though only one in five (19%) believe that it will help their business. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. As two of the most-watched and fastest-growing big pharma companies, Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) and Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) already have upwardly mobile stock prices. And now, there's yet another piece of news that could presage even more growth over the long term. Let's explore this new development. This clinical trial could pave the way for even larger markets Novo Nordisk's blockbuster drug Ozempic is widely known for being effective at controlling type 2 diabetes. Novo also makes Wegovy for treating obesity, which is the same molecule (called semaglutide) as Ozempic. Likewise, Eli Lilly's drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound are the same molecule (tirzepatide), and they are indicated for the same two conditions. It goes without saying that diabetes and obesity are gargantuan markets. In Q4 alone, Mounjaro brought in more than $2.2 billion in sales for Eli Lilly, and for all of 2023, Ozempic drove growth of about 42% in Novo's diabetes and obesity segment, bringing it to more than $31.2 billion in total. The two businesses are able to compete in both of those markets using only one molecule each because their medicines target the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor, which is implicated in a number of different physiological processes. Eli Lilly's candidates also target another receptor at the same time, but don't worry about that aspect for now. According to an estimate made by the analysts at J.P. Morgan late last year, the market for GLP-1 therapies could be as large as $71 billion by 2032. But they'll probably need to revise that figure upward, as there's some new data worth knowing about. According to a paper published in The New England Journal of Medicine on April 3, a phase 2 clinical trial of 156 people with Parkinson's disease found that patients who were treated with a GLP-1-targeted molecule called lixisenatide for 12 months experienced less progression of their motor disability symptoms compared to subjects receiving a placebo. The difference in progression between the patients who were treated and those who got the placebo was statistically significant, and based on the data, it's arguable that the motor symptoms of the treated patients did not deteriorate at all during the study period. These data are very promising for the possibility of addressing Parkinson's with future or currently existing GLP-1 drugs. According to Future Market Insights, the market for Parkinson's medicines could be as large as $6.1 billion in 2033. Parkinson's is a degenerative neurological disease, and while there are treatments to control some symptoms, so far there are no cures or commercialized medicines that stop it from progressing. So it is probably the case that a company that manages to produce a progression-halting therapy will have a blockbuster drug on its hands. While it's true that lixisenatide is not the same molecule as Novo Nordisk's semaglutide or Eli Lilly's tirzepatide, that might not matter very much, as both drug developers now have a substantial incentive to start testing their candidates to see how they compare. And because they won't need to go through much of the extensive research and development spending to discover and test a completely new molecule, the cost of exploring the possibility of entering a new market won't be major. There's still a lot of work to do before realizing any gains This new development does indeed have the potential to push share prices up slightly, as it implies certain existing pharmaceutical assets could ultimately be more valuable than they were before. But the bigger benefits will only start to accrue if Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly announce the start of a new clinical program devoted to investigating their GLP-1 therapies for Parkinson's. Right now, Novo only has one program for the condition, which is a cell therapy in phase 1 trials. Eli Lilly's lone candidate for it is a gene therapy in phase 2. Therefore it's clear that both management teams already have at least some degree of interest in competing in the Parkinson's market. But if you're on the fence about buying either stock, this latest piece of information shouldn't be the decisive factor. There will be at least a couple of years of clinical trials to go through before any candidate has a shot at being approved for sale. As of today, there isn't any evidence to suggest that the preliminary work to advance that process has started or even been conceived yet. For now, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are still worth buying on account of the money they're making via their GLP-1 medicines. If they choose to test those medicines for Parkinson's next, it will be a positive sign that they can squeeze even more sales out of their prized cash cows, so keep an eye out for any announcements to that end. Should you invest $1,000 in Novo Nordisk right now? Before you buy stock in Novo Nordisk, 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 Novo Nordisk wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $539,230!* 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 quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of April 4, 2024 JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Alex Carchidi has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool recommends Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Could This New Development Soon Buoy Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk Stock? was originally published by The Motley Fool Columbus' proposed new zoning code would make it easier to build taller buildings along the city's major corridors, such as this apartment building at North High Street and 8th Avenue, photographed in 2023. Developers largely welcomed Columbus' proposed new zoning code, which allows them to build taller buildings with fewer obstacles, but cautioned that it could be years before the code has a real impact on the city's housing shortage. The proposed code, unveiled Thursday and expected to be introduced at City Council on Monday night, replaces more than 40 zoning districts with six broad districts along some of the city's major corridors. The changes, which the council could pass as early as July, impact about 12,300 of the city's 303,000 properties and encourage mixed-use developments along major transit corridors including High and Broad streets, Morse and Bethel roads, and Cleveland, Parsons and Sullivant avenues. The city's first zoning overhaul in decades, it would allow higher buildings and eliminate parking requirements, among other changes. More: Columbus skyline changing with four tallest new buildings in more than 20 years "Hats off to the city for taking this first step in updating an Eisenhower-era code," said Jon Melchi, executive director of the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio, which represents builders. "There's universal agreement that the old code is outdated and leads to bad processes and just makes it more difficult to create housing." How would code impact developers? The code eliminates much of the need for developers to present their plans to Columbus area neighborhood commissions, which developers say can add arbitrary and costly requirements to projects. "Theres no development certainty based on the current code," said Tre Giller, president and CEO of Metro Development, one of the largest apartment builders in central Ohio. Giller said an apartment proposal can now take 12 or 14 months to go through the process before construction can begin. The new code should shorten that period, though Giller said the main virtue of the code is eliminating the uncertainty. "You really dont know what you can and cant construct in a certain area without going through the staff or the neighborhood analysis, and then through the development commissions. From a developer's perspective, you have a general idea what you want to do, but by the end of the process your project may look totally different from what you proposed." New code won't lead to quick changes Developments will still take time, which is why Giller doesn't expect the new code to produce a sudden development boom. "Were not going to see substantial development in the next 24 to 36 months, even with a streamlined process," he said. Developers also note that the proposed code doesn't impact the high costs that are currently putting the brakes on development throughout central Ohio. "We can modify the zoning code, but obviously that doesn't change construction prices and it doesnt change financing costs, but it can make a difference," said Brian Higgins, owner of Arch City Development. Will apartments now be built without parking? Potentially one of the most significant changes in the proposed new code is eliminating the current requirement that one-and-a-half parking spaces be provided for each apartment. Developers dismiss fears, however, that apartments will be built without parking, pushing parking into adjacent neighborhoods. "It's highly, highly unlikely that any developer would build anything of scale without parking," said Melchi. "This market is still a driving market and tenants would demand it and those financing the project would demand it." As Giller put it, "We certainly would not build apartments without parking. You have to satisfy your customers." More: Grocery store, 24-story apartment tower, huge Pins planned for Peninsula in Franklinton But requiring fewer parking spaces could make a difference, Higgins noted. He said he and his partners originally planned a second, smaller building next to their company's Frisbie Apartments on East Broad Street, but instead had to use the space for surface parking. Mark Wood, whose company, the Wood Companies, has developed multiple Short North mixed-use properties, expressed concern that the lack of a parking requirement could aggravate already challenging parking for first-floor retailers in areas such as the Short North. "The current policy provides some protection as it relates to the programming of retail space," he said. "So I think there needs to be careful planning to maintain balances of uses on ground-floor spaces in districts like the Short North." Areas that could see biggest impact The densest proposed zoning district in the proposed code, called "urban core," would allow buildings up to 12 stories high, or up to 16 stories if affordable apartments are included. Several stretches of Columbus are in an urban core district, including parts of East and West Broad Street, Main Street at Nelson Road and much of the Brewery District. But the biggest stretch by far is North High Street from Interstate 670 in the Short North to Lane Avenue, a strip that for years has been on the front lines in battles over proposed building heights. "I think High Street to Lane Avenue, clearly theyve had height battles over the years this will eliminate those battles," Giller said. "I think in some of the other areas, youll more than likely see more mid-rise opportunities." More: Nearly 500 student apartments proposed south of OSU Given the high cost of High Street property, Higgins said he expects the new zoning code to have a greater impact on other strips. "I think West Broad and the Hilltop area and Cleveland Avenue could see dramatic changes because of land values there," he said. "Parsons Avenue, too, will benefit from this." While developers welcomed the zoning changes along the city's major corridors, they said more significant changes are likely in the next phase of the zoning code, which is expected to tackle the rest of the city. "This is just the first step," said Melchi. "Clearly its important with the focus on corridors to move speedily, but we need to move just as speedily on further updates for the entirety of the city. Thats going to be crucial for the success of housing creation moving forward." jweiker@dispatch.com @JimWeiker Subscribe to our Breaking Ground newsletter! Jim Weiker breaks down the latest on real estate and development. Sign up for The Breaking Ground newsletter This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Developers give thumbs up to Columbus zoning code Key Insights The projected fair value for Lotus Resources is AU$0.44 based on Dividend Discount Model With AU$0.42 share price, Lotus Resources appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value Peers of Lotus Resources are currently trading on average at a 13% premium Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Lotus Resources Limited (ASX:LOT) as an investment opportunity by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow. Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model. Check out our latest analysis for Lotus Resources Crunching The Numbers As Lotus Resources operates in the metals and mining sector, we need to calculate the intrinsic value slightly differently. Instead of using free cash flows, which are hard to estimate and often not reported by analysts in this industry, dividends per share (DPS) payments are used. This often underestimates the value of a stock, but it can still be good as a comparison to competitors. The 'Gordon Growth Model' is used, which simply assumes that dividend payments will continue to increase at a sustainable growth rate forever. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a company's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In this case we used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (2.2%). The expected dividend per share is then discounted to today's value at a cost of equity of 8.4%. Relative to the current share price of AU$0.4, the company appears about fair value at a 3.4% 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. Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate) = AU$0.03 / (8.4% 2.2%) = AU$0.4 dcf The Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Lotus Resources 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 8.4%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.354. 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. Story continues SWOT Analysis for Lotus Resources Strength Currently debt free. Weakness Shareholders have been diluted in the past year. Opportunity Forecast to reduce losses next year. Current share price is below our estimate of fair value. Threat Has less than 3 years of cash runway based on current free cash flow. Looking Ahead: Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For Lotus Resources, we've put together three additional aspects you should consider: Risks: As an example, we've found 3 warning signs for Lotus Resources (1 makes us a bit uncomfortable!) that you need to consider before investing here. Future Earnings: How does LOT's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Australian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An engine cover on a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 fell off on Sunday during takeoff in Denver and struck the wing flap, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to open an investigation. No one was injured and Southwest Flight 3695 returned safely to Denver International Airport around 8:15 a.m. local time (1415 GMT) on Sunday and was towed to the gate after losing the engine cowling. The Boeing aircraft bound for Houston Hobby airport with 135 passengers and six crew members aboard climbed to about 10,300 feet (3,140 m) before returning 25 minutes after takeoff. Passengers arrived in Houston on another Southwest plane about four hours behind schedule. Southwest said maintenance teams are reviewing the aircraft. The plane entered service in June 2015, according to FAA records. Boeing referred questions to Southwest. The 737-800 is in the prior generation of the best-selling 737 known as the 737 NG, which in turn was replaced by the 737 MAX. Southwest declined to say when the plane's engine had last had maintenance. ABC News aired a video posted on social media platform X of the ripped engine cover flapping in the wind with a torn Southwest logo. Boeing has come under intense criticism since a door plug panel tore off a new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 jet at 16,000 feet on Jan. 5. In the aftermath of that incident, the FAA grounded the MAX 9 for several weeks, barred Boeing from increasing the MAX production rate and ordered it to develop a comprehensive plan to address "systemic quality-control issues" within 90 days. Boeing production has fallen below the maximum 38 MAX planes per month the FAA is allowing. The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into the MAX 9 incident. In December, the FAA proposed mandating engine housing inspections and component replacements on Boeing 737 NG airplanes after a 2018 Southwest fatal fan blade incident. The directives would require operators to inspect and replace certain components on the engine cowling by July 2028. The National Transportation Safety Board called on Boeing in 2019 to redesign the fan cowling structure after the incident. The FAA is investigating several other recent engine issues on Southwest's fleet of Boeing planes. A Southwest 737-800 flight on Thursday aborted takeoff and taxied back to the gate at Lubbock airport in Texas after the crew reported engine issues. The FAA is also investigating a March 25 Southwest 737 flight that returned to the Austin airport in Texas after the crew reported a possible engine issue. Story continues A March 22 Southwest 737-800 flight returned to Fort Lauderdale airport after the crew reported an engine issue. It is also being reviewed by the FAA. (Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Urvi Dugar in Bengaluru; Editing by Matthew Lewis, Mark Porter and Jamie Freed) The massive growth of Nvidia undoubtedly caught many investors by surprise last year. As ChatGPT redefined the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), the lead designer of AI chips jumped to the forefront of investor portfolios, generating growth and returns rarely matched in the market. While such returns are uncommon, Nvidia will likely not be the only success story, meaning other tech stocks could also produce "once-in-a-generation" growth as they stage recoveries. Asking different investors can also increase the odds of finding such stocks, and three Motley Fool contributors suggest that Palantir Technologies (NYSE: PLTR), Axon (NASDAQ: AXON), and Sea Limited (NYSE: SE) could become such investment opportunities. Palantir looks to have many years of growth ahead Jake Lerch (Palantir Technologies): What makes for a once-in-a-generation stock buying opportunity? For me, the most important factor is a secular growth story. And today, nothing fits that bill better than the rise of artificial intelligence. So it should come as no surprise that my pick is an AI stock: Palantir Technologies. Palantir specializes in AI-driven data analysis and pattern recognition. Through its software platforms, Palantir can help various organizations achieve very different ends. On the one hand, it could help law enforcement track and apprehend cybercriminals. On the other, it might assist healthcare organizations deliver better outcomes to patients. In short, almost every organization today could benefit from its products in some capacity. Moreover, AI is only getting better. As it improves, the results it can deliver will also scale -- making Palantir's products even more appealing to organizations looking to increase revenue, cut costs, or improve customer satisfaction. Best of all for potential investors, Palantir remains in the early stages of its life cycle. The company got its start partnering with governmental organizations -- law enforcement, national security agencies, and military branches. Recently, however, Palantir's commercial customer base has expanded. In its most recent quarter (the three months ending on Dec. 31, 2023), Palantir reported commercial revenue of $284 million -- up 32% from a year earlier and representing 47% of its overall sales. American-based commercial revenue grew even faster -- 70% year over year. To sum up, American companies are flocking to Palantir. Yet, the company still has ample room to grow -- a fantastic combination for investors. Axon is using technology to benefit society Justin Pope (Axon Enterprise): Years from now, investors may look back at Axon as a generational company that hid in plain sight. The company started with Tasers but has evolved into a full-fledged technology business offering cloud-based solutions for law enforcement. Story continues In addition to non-lethal weapons, Axon sells body cameras and cloud-based software for evidence management and law enforcement operations. These products help protect law enforcement and citizens, ensuring accountability from all parties. Axon's revenue has grown virtually uninterrupted for years, benefiting from dependable government budgets: AXON Revenue (TTM) Chart Today, Axon has over 17,000 customers, and the business boasts a 122% net revenue retention rate, meaning that solid growth is baked into the business even without it acquiring new customers. The stock has already been a big winner. Shares have returned a staggering 54,000% over their lifetime. Axon could continue to deliver. The business still does "just" $1.5 billion in annual revenue. Management estimates that its current addressable market is $63 billion, leaving a clear opportunity for growth over the coming decade and beyond. E-commerce conglomerate Sea Limited appears to be headed for smoother waters Will Healy (Sea Limited): Considering the successes of Amazon and MercadoLibre, e-commerce conglomerates have become a source of outsize investor returns. As these e-commerce companies branched out into tech-based businesses, they leveraged their names and frequently-visited websites into multiple sources of revenue. Fortunately, investors who missed out on these companies may have an opportunity in Sea Limited. Sea Limited started as gaming company Garena but since branched out into Shopee e-commerce and a fintech arm, SeaMoney. Sea operates in the often-forgotten Southeast Asian market. Its core markets in that region constitute an addressable market of more than 630 million people, nearly double the population of the U.S. Also, the stock is down by around 85% from its 2021 high. Garena's loss of Free Fire in the Indian market and Shopee's missteps in Europe and Latin America led to a massive sell-off in the stock. However, Shopee has refocused on Southeast Asia, announcing on the fourth-quarter 2023 earnings call that it is investing heavily in logistics in its home region to bolster its competitive advantage. Also, Garena has addressed security concerns and appears close to regaining approval to operate in India. Recovery in gaming could be game-changing for Sea Limited. In 2023, its revenue of $13 billion grew 5%. Nonetheless, Shopee's revenue rose 24% during that time, while SeaMoney experienced a 44% increase. Thus, reversing the 44% revenue decline in Garena would likely bring back massive growth on a companywide basis. Moreover, Sea earned $163 million in net income in 2023, its first yearly profit and a milestone that increases its appeal as an investment. Analysts expect Sea to build on that growth, forecasting an earnings increase of 116% this year and a 159% profit surge in 2025. Assuming those forecasts come to pass, such improvements could bring about a dramatic recovery in Sea Limited stock, bringing investors to the forefront of the massive and potentially lucrative Southeast Asian market. Should you invest $1,000 in Palantir Technologies right now? Before you buy stock in Palantir Technologies, 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 Palantir Technologies wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $539,230!* 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 quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of April 4, 2024 John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fools board of directors. Jake Lerch has positions in Amazon, MercadoLibre, and Nvidia. Justin Pope has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Will Healy has positions in MercadoLibre, Palantir Technologies, and Sea Limited. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Axon Enterprise, MercadoLibre, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, and Sea Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Forget Nvidia: These Are Likely the Next Once-in-a-Generation Tech Stocks to Buy was originally published by The Motley Fool Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 FALL RIVER Its a complicated issue with an unknown future for financially struggling Steward Health Care-owned hospitals and its embattled CEO and chairman Dr. Ralph de la Torre. But one thing is certain, if the embattled company should sell off Saint Annes Hospital, or worse, shutters one of the citys two hospitals, it would affect other commercial businesses when tax time comes. Like $1.4 million annually the city takes in from Saint Annes Hospital in real estate taxes. Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan said hes keeping a watchful eye on Saint Annes Hospital and Steward Health Care. Its going to be challenging, Coogan said. For the well-being of the city, weve got to keep that place in operation. Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River. Saint Annes Hospital a big taxpayer in Fall River It's not just the loss of tax revenue that the city will have to make up, which over the years will add up to multiple millions, but it's about having available health care for city residents and the region, Coogan said. Its also about the hundreds of jobs that Saint Annes provides and all the ancillary businesses that service the hospital and its workers. According to a 2023 Saint Anne's Hospital fact sheet, the hospital employs 1,500 people. Sen. Warren at U.S. Senate hearing: Private-equity backed health care 'kills people' Ian Schachne, the citys treasurer and collector, said that Saint Annes Hospital is the third-largest real estate taxpayer in the city, behind New England Natural Gas and National Grid. The annual real estate tax of approximately $1.4 million is from several properties associated with Saint Annes as of this year, largely from the Saint Annes Hospital facility at 795 Middle St., which is the big one, said Schachne, at $1.2 million. Southcoast vs. Steward: Hospital groups in legal battle over new lab at Saint Anne's Steward no longer owns the properties, having sold it and other hospitals it owns in Massachusetts in 2016 to Alabama-based company Medical Properties Trust. In January, MPT reported that Steward Health Care owed them $50 million in back rent. Potential hole filled by other Fall River commercial taxpayers The way it works, it's not like the city is going to lose that money, said Schachne. What would happen is it would just get spread out. The levy doesnt go down, it gets spread out over the rest of the commercial tax base. It would not affect residential taxpayers, according to Schachne. Schachne said he worked out some numbers of what an increase for commercial taxpayers could look like if Saint Annes is sold to a nonprofit institution or closes. Story continues This years commercial tax rate is $23.94 per $1,000 valuation. Schachne said if the hospital was no longer for-profit, the rate would rise to $24.10. On a $500,000 valued piece of property, the difference is about $80 a year, Schachne said. A look back: Report states Steward had $8.4 billion economic impact on region in 2011-12 At this point, Schachne said, in terms of revenue for the city from Saint Annes, we dont have many concerns at this moment. But we sympathize with everyone else that would have to have a slight increased bill, Schachne said. They are one of our biggest taxpayers and there is a financial aspect to this. Talks of Saint Annes transfer to a nonprofit Its a possibility that St. Annes could become a nonprofit medical facility. Last month, Southcoast Healths President and CEO David McCready publicly expressed interest in taking over Saint Annes Hospital. Southcoast Health, a nonprofit organization, owns the citys other medical facility, Charlton Memorial Hospital. 'The best option for Saint Annes': Southcoast Health expresses interest in taking over Steward-owned Fall River hospital Coogan said hes never spoken with anyone from Steward about the future of Saint Annes but hes watching the ever-changing news and speaking with members of the federal and state delegations. I dont know where we stand, but it's way above my pay grade. The real heavyweights of medicine are fighting this fight, Coogan said. Im hoping I do have some input along the way and will advocate strongly for Fall River. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Saint Anne's Hospital closure would cost Fall River big at tax time The Credit Card Competition Act could significantly restrict airline miles and traveler rewards programs. Jackyenjoyphotography / Getty Images The Credit Card Competition Act would lower credit card swipe fees. Major airlines have said that the bill could reduce or completely end travel reward programs. About 40% of American credit card users have a card that is co-branded with a major airline. When Jess Bohorquez stayed in a luxury hotel with a view of the Sydney Opera House, she didn't pay a cent. The influencer and creator of "Points By J," a platform that teaches people tricks for low-cost travel, said she uses credit card points to upgrade her vacations and teaches her audience of over 180,000 Instagram followers to do the same. Since she started accumulating travel points a few years ago, Bohorquez told Business Insider she's gotten discounted flight upgrades, free hotel stays, and trip insurance through her Chase credit card. She even has access to premium lounges at most airports. "It gets you hooked once you have that first successful points deduction for free travel," said Bohorquez, adding that it's easy to get perks if you know the rules of your credit card. "It's such an exciting feeling." However, those perks could be in danger of disappearing. The US credit card market is at a crossroads: Politicians and companies are struggling to compromise on how much card swipe fees should cost, who should get the money, and how all of it will impact consumers. More than eight in 10 Americans use a credit card to make payments, get cash back, and build credit, according to The Federal Reserve. About 40% of those people have a card that is co-branded with a major airline. Some lawmakers hope to bring more competition to the market, in hopes of limiting the power of major credit card companies and lowering fees. But airlines and travelers worry it could mean the end of rewards programs. Major airlines' bottom line depends on credit card companies The Credit Card Competition Act , which was introduced to Congress in June 2023 would require major banks to use at least one credit card payment network that isn't Mastercard or Visa companies that control more than 80% of US credit card transactions to introduce more competition into the credit card market. Visa and Mastercard currently charge businesses about a 3% transaction fee when a customer uses their credit card. The more people that use a credit card, the more revenue banks and card companies make. That's where airlines come in. Airlines make money off selling tickets and offering in-flight purchases. But co-branded credit cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred, Delta SkyMiles, and the United Explorer Card are profit centers for banks and airlines. Story continues The airlines sell banks "points." Credit card holders are then awarded those points for spending money with the co-branded card. Banks and credit card companies make money off of the swipe fees, and airlines only have to pay for the points if they are actually redeemed by travelers. It also makes travelers more likely to choose their specific airline whenever they fly. Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, is the lead sponsor of the Credit Card Competition Act. In a statement to Business Insider, he said the bill would introduce necessary competition into the credit card market. Durbin worries that major airlines are becoming like "credit card companies that fly planes." "(Airlines) want to protect the billions of dollars in windfall profits they collect through sweetheart deals they have negotiated with the biggest Wall Street banks at the expense of consumers and local businesses," he wrote. Durbin said his bill would not end travel rewards. Credit card rewards incentivize travelers Businesses typically make up for these credit card swipe fees by raising prices for customers. In theory, increasing competition and lowering swipe fees would translate into more affordable consumer prices. This could mean cheaper or at least more stable prices for buyers, per NerdWallet. Bohorquez, however, said increased credit card competition is unlikely to lower prices in practice. Instead, she said business airlines and credit companies will be less incentivized to offer loyalty perks like frequent-flyer miles and fraud protections. Major airlines have already said the Credit Card Competition Act could end these reward programs. Southwest Airlines said in a statement to BI that it "strongly opposes" the bill. "This legislation is bad policy and would undermine, if not completely end, credit card rewards programs that millions of Americans rely on for their vacations or personal travel needs," Southwest wrote. United Airlines referred BI to Airlines for America, a lobbying group that represents the US airline industry. Delta and American Airlines did not respond to BI by the time of publication. Airlines for America said in a press release from July that airlines believe credit card competition would harm their "ability to reward our most enthusiastic customers' loyalty and putting the viability of these programs at risk." Still, it's unclear whether the Competition Act will become law. The bill was referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs in July, but hasn't yet been passed by the House or Senate. Until more movement on the bill occurs, Bohorquez plans to make the most of her rewards. "I'm not terribly worried about our points going anywhere anytime soon," she said. "I hope that people continue to earn and enjoy their credit card points and take a lot of free trips." Do you use your credit card for travel rewards? Have you saved money on a vacation by using points? Reach out to this reporter at allisonkelly@insider.com. Read the original article on Business Insider We can readily understand why investors are attracted to unprofitable companies. For example, biotech and mining exploration companies often lose money for years before finding success with a new treatment or mineral discovery. But while history lauds those rare successes, those that fail are often forgotten; who remembers Pets.com? So should Ardea Resources (ASX:ARL) shareholders be worried about its cash burn? In this report, we will consider the company's annual negative free cash flow, henceforth referring to it as the 'cash burn'. We'll start by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves in order to calculate its cash runway. See our latest analysis for Ardea Resources How Long Is Ardea Resources' Cash Runway? You can calculate a company's cash runway by dividing the amount of cash it has by the rate at which it is spending that cash. In December 2023, Ardea Resources had AU$20m in cash, and was debt-free. Importantly, its cash burn was AU$13m over the trailing twelve months. That means it had a cash runway of around 19 months as of December 2023. While that cash runway isn't too concerning, sensible holders would be peering into the distance, and considering what happens if the company runs out of cash. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years. How Is Ardea Resources' Cash Burn Changing Over Time? While Ardea Resources did record statutory revenue of AU$308k over the last year, it didn't have any revenue from operations. That means we consider it a pre-revenue business, and we will focus our growth analysis on cash burn, for now. Over the last year its cash burn actually increased by 3.8%, which suggests that management are increasing investment in future growth, but not too quickly. However, the company's true cash runway will therefore be shorter than suggested above, if spending continues to increase. Ardea Resources makes us a little nervous due to its lack of substantial operating revenue. So we'd generally prefer stocks from this list of stocks that have analysts forecasting growth. Can Ardea Resources Raise More Cash Easily? Since its cash burn is increasing (albeit only slightly), Ardea Resources shareholders should still be mindful of the possibility it will require more cash in the future. Companies can raise capital through either debt or equity. Commonly, a business will sell new shares in itself to raise cash and drive growth. We can compare a company's cash burn to its market capitalisation to get a sense for how many new shares a company would have to issue to fund one year's operations. Ardea Resources has a market capitalisation of AU$133m and burnt through AU$13m last year, which is 9.4% of the company's market value. That's a low proportion, so we figure the company would be able to raise more cash to fund growth, with a little dilution, or even to simply borrow some money. Is Ardea Resources' Cash Burn A Worry? Even though its increasing cash burn makes us a little nervous, we are compelled to mention that we thought Ardea Resources' cash burn relative to its market cap was relatively promising. Cash burning companies are always on the riskier side of things, but after considering all of the factors discussed in this short piece, we're not too worried about its rate of cash burn. On another note, we conducted an in-depth investigation of the company, and identified 5 warning signs for Ardea Resources (3 are concerning!) that you should be aware of before investing here. Of course Ardea Resources may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of companies boasting high return on equity, or this list of stocks that insiders are buying. 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. SARINYAPINNGAM / iStock.com If it feels like you need two jobs just to make rent these days, youre not far off. With the median rent nationwide landing at $1,702, youd need to make $5,673 per month, or $68,080 per year, to afford it, according to RentCafe, a national rental listing service. With the average annual income of full-time workers landing at $59,540, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, its no wonder that renting Americans are feeling the squeeze. As if thats not bad enough, there are four states in which you need to pull in six figures to afford the median rent. We took a look at the details of those. And because we knew youd ask, we also inspected the three states where rents are most affordable. You might be surprised at what we found. Art Wager / Getty Images 4. Hawaii Paradise isnt cheap. In fact, the Aloha State consistently ranks as the state with the highest cost of living in the country. A big part of that is likely the high rent prices, with a median statewide rent of $2,512. To afford that comfortably, youll need to pull down $8,373 per month, or $100,480 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesnt list surf instructor, but were guessing thats not going to cut it. Especially since the average annual income for all occupations in Hawaii comes in at only $65,030. On the plus side: no heating or winter clothes bills. Sponsored: Protect Your Wealth With A Gold IRA. Take advantage of the timeless appeal of gold in a Gold IRA recommended by Sean Hannity. frankpeters / Getty Images 3. California Sunshine, mountains, oceans whats not to like about California? It has everything for a healthy, happy life. But it will cost you. With a median rent across the state of $2,531, youll need to pull in a cool $101,240, or almost $8,500 per month to comfortably live in the appropriately named Golden State. Adding to the buzz kill is the fact that the average annual wage across all occupations in California is $76,960. FilippoBacci / Getty Images/iStockphoto 2. New York They say that if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. And with a median rent price of $2,639, believe it. Youll need an annual income of at least $105,560. Thats nearly $8,800 per month. Unfortunately, the average annual wage of New Yorkers is $78,620. And remember, that rent stat is for the entire state. Get anywhere the action and prepare for even worse sticker shock. Consider that rent in Manhattan for an average apartment size of 703 square feet (basically, a glorified shoebox), youll pay an average of $4,768. DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images 1. Massachusetts Edging out the odds-on favorites of New York and California for the highest median rent in the nation is tiny, populous Massachusetts. The historic New England state sounds off with a median rent of $2,714 per month. This means that to comfortably afford a place in The Bay State, youll need to earn at least $9,000 per month, or, to be exact, $108,560 per year. But with the average annual wage in Massachusetts landing far short of that at $80,330, you might need to find a roommate. Story continues Larry Fleury / iStock.com 3 States With the Most Affordable Rents North Dakota North Dakota might be home to the notorious Badlands, but its rents seem to be pretty good, with the median rent coming in at $1,046. This means that with a monthly income of $3,487, or $41,840 per year, you might be comfortably housed in this northern state. North Dakotans certainly have a decent shot at it, with the annual wage for all occupations in the state averaging $59,050. Arkansas The runner up for the nations least expensive rent is Arkansas, with a median rent of just $1,036. This means with an annual income of $41,440, or $3,453 per month, youre riding high in this state known for mountains, rivers and hot springs. With the states average annual wage resting at $51,250, it might be a good fit for a lot of folks. Oklahoma Coming in with the least expensive median rent in the nation is Arkansass neighbor Oklahoma. The only state with a median rent under $1,000 per month, at $989 per month, Oklahoma residents must make an annual income of $39,560, or $3,297 per month, to comfortably afford the median rent. And, with an average wage of $53,540 per year in the state, things are looking a little brighter in the Sooner State. Methodology: GOBankingRates calculated the salary needed to afford rent in every state by using the budget rule of thumb that says to keep housing costs at 30 percent or less of your income. GOBankingRates found the median rent in each state, sourced from RentCafe, and worked backward to find the monthly income needed to have monthly and yearly rent consume 30 percent or less of income. All data was collected and is up to date as of February 15, 2024. This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Housing Costs 2024: You Need To Make Six Figures To Afford Rent in These 4 States Erin Huiatt has been named the 2024 Women in Business Chamption of the Year for the state of Iowa by the U.S. Small Business Administration. A Des Moines entrepreneur whose ventures include a women's business networking group is the 2024 U.S. Small Business Administration Women in Business Champion of the Year for the state of Iowa. Erin Huiatt is the owner of Des Moines Parent, a website she purchased in 2015 that provides tips, ideas, events, activities and suggestions to central Iowa parents. She also is president of the networking group, FemCity Des Moines, which promotes womens achievements by providing them with tools, resources and connections to succeed in business. The SBA Iowa District Office is honored to recognize Erin Huiatt as an inspiration to professional women throughout central Iowa, Iowa District Director Jayne Armstrong said in a press release, adding, "She is truly making a significant difference in Iowas small business community, Armstrong said. On her website, Huiatt describes herself as an entrepreneur, community leader, author, mom and wife. Huiatt, who grew up in the Des Moines area, said that since she took over the Des Moines Parent website, it has grown from 1,000 followers on Facebook to over 21,000, with about 90,000 page views per month. The site is free, generating revenue through ad sales, which she said has been her biggest challenge. We have such a large community and I've spent a lot of time making those connections with" the advertisers," she said. "They're very loyal and they trust what I have to say or share and kind of how it (the website) works. Author, organizer, planner In addition to her businesses, Huiatt is the author of 100 Things to do in Des Moines Before You Die and launched the Des Moines Beyond Business Conference in 2022. The conference attracts women business owners and professionals throughout central Iowa for a day of personal and professional development, including educational sessions, guest speakers and networking opportunities, according to the SBA news release. Huiatt also sits on the boards of the Des Moines Children's Museum and Grimes Chamber & Economic Development, is a certified postpartum doula and is the author of The Postpartum Plan Workbook. She was a finalist for the Inspiring Women of Iowa Character Award and winner of the FuseDSM 2022 Rising Star Award. Huiatt was nominated by Tricia Rivas, owner of Trixies Salon & Spa in Des Moines. One of the projects she has coming up in 2025 is a printed directory of indoor venues for families to visit. It will be indoor places for families to check out, maybe like family friendly restaurants. Just really families focused places, she said. Story continues As president of FemCity Des Moines, Huiatt said the organization seeks to help women learn to make a living from pursuits that began as personal interests. A lot of these small businesses began as a hobby and they want to know how to move away from the hobby mentality to making it into a business, she said. Like many businesses, big and small across Iowa, attracting and retaining good employees is one of the key challenges members of FemCity Des Moines face, Huiatt said. I think the women are looking for the support and similar backgrounds and stories from others that they can learn from and that's kind of what FemCity provides, Huiatt said. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines Erin Huiatt named 2024 Women in Business Champion for Iowa Key Insights The projected fair value for 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad is RM3.62 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad's RM2.00 share price signals that it might be 45% undervalued Our fair value estimate is 81% higher than 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad's analyst price target of RM1.99 Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad (KLSE:SEM) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple! We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. 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 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings 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. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM187.2m RM230.6m RM245.5m RM258.0m RM269.9m RM281.5m RM292.9m RM304.4m RM316.0m RM327.7m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x3 Analyst x3 Analyst x3 Est @ 5.09% Est @ 4.62% Est @ 4.30% Est @ 4.07% Est @ 3.91% Est @ 3.80% Est @ 3.72% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 9.4% RM171 RM193 RM188 RM180 RM172 RM164 RM156 RM148 RM141 RM134 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM1.6b Story continues We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (3.5%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 9.4%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = RM328m (1 + 3.5%) (9.4% 3.5%) = RM5.8b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM5.8b ( 1 + 9.4%)10= RM2.4b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is RM4.0b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM2.0, the company appears quite good value at a 45% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind. dcf The Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings 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 9.4%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.921. 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 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad Strength Debt is well covered by cash flow. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Interest payments on debt are not well covered. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Consumer Retailing market. Opportunity Expected to breakeven next year. Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows. Good value based on P/S ratio and estimated fair value. Threat No apparent threats visible for SEM. Moving On: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. 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?" For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad, we've put together three fundamental items you should further research: Risks: To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad . Future Earnings: How does SEM'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. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the KLSE 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. shironosov / Getty Images/iStockphoto Exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, are a type of pooled investment security that act like individual stocks in how they are bought and sold. They differ from mutual funds, which trade once a day after close, and can be used to track anything from commodities to securities. ETFs are increasingly popular for investors and traders because of their affordability through low expense ratios and fewer broker commissions. Given this trend, you might wonder if you should invest in ETFs with your 401(k). Explore More: 13 Cheap Cryptocurrencies With the Highest Potential Upside for You For You: How To Get $340 Per Year in Cash Back on Gas and Other Things You Already Buy Here are some considerations when deciding if they would be a good choice for you. They can reduce your overhead costs but it depends on the type of ETF. Passively-managed ETFs are often less expensive because they target a broad index investors only have to make one transaction to buy and one to sell, rather than buying everything individually. On the other hand, actively managed ETFs, which dont target an index of securities, conversely dont carry this opportunity for lower average costs. If your 401(k) plan lacks commission-free trading, the broker buy and sell fees can add up. Youll benefit from the brokers that offer no-commision trading on lower-cost ETFs. You can diversify your 401(k)s asset allocation by investing in an ETF that tracks large indexes, but single-industry-focused ETFs conversely limit your portfolio diversification. Therefore, youll want to avoid ETFs focusing on targeted industries. You might not save as much in the long term if your goal is to avoid the short-term capital gains tax. This is due to earnings being taxed as ordinary income. ETFs lack liquidity, which negatively affects transactions. ETFs have lower turnover they only occur when a company is removed from an index. In deciding whether or not to add an ETF to your 401(k), make sure you fully review how your portfolio could be affected in the future. 401(k)-matching from your employer could prove to be more beneficial for your savings you always want to be aware of how much you need to retire comfortably. A good idea if your portfolio has mostly high-cost investments is to trade some of them for ETFs and improve your savings growth. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Should You Invest In ETFs With Your 401(k)? Key Insights The projected fair value for PEXA Group is AU$15.51 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Current share price of AU$12.34 suggests PEXA Group is potentially 20% undervalued The AU$13.59 analyst price target for PXA is 12% less than our estimate of fair value Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of PEXA Group Limited (ASX:PXA) by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex. We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model. Check out our latest analysis for PEXA Group The Calculation We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (A$, Millions) AU$25.2m AU$51.7m AU$81.6m AU$105.7m AU$128.3m AU$148.3m AU$165.4m AU$179.9m AU$192.0m AU$202.4m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Est @ 29.56% Est @ 21.34% Est @ 15.58% Est @ 11.56% Est @ 8.74% Est @ 6.76% Est @ 5.38% Present Value (A$, Millions) Discounted @ 7.4% AU$23.5 AU$44.8 AU$65.9 AU$79.5 AU$89.9 AU$96.8 AU$101 AU$102 AU$101 AU$99.4 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = AU$803m We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (2.2%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 7.4%. Story continues Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = AU$202m (1 + 2.2%) (7.4% 2.2%) = AU$4.0b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= AU$4.0b ( 1 + 7.4%)10= AU$1.9b The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is AU$2.8b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of AU$12.3, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 20% 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 PEXA Group as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.4%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.133. 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 PEXA Group Strength Debt is well covered by cash flow. Weakness Interest payments on debt are not well covered. Opportunity Expected to breakeven next year. Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows. Good value based on P/S ratio and estimated fair value. Threat No apparent threats visible for PXA. Next Steps: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For PEXA Group, we've compiled three important items you should consider: Financial Health: Does PXA have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does PXA's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Australian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. For most retired Americans, Social Security income is something they couldn't live without. Over two decades of annual surveys from national pollster Gallup have shown that 80% to 90% of then-current retirees rely on their monthly benefit, in some capacity, to cover their expenses. Furthermore, 76% to 88% of non-retirees expect to lean on their payout to offset at least some portion of their retirement costs. Ensuring the health of America's top retirement program should be at or near the top of the list for lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Yet reports show that Social Security's financial health is worsening. Current and future retired-worker beneficiaries are looking to elected officials to address Social Security's shortcomings -- and that begins in the White House with President Joe Biden and his top economic advisor, former Federal Reserve Chairperson Janet Yellen. President Joe Biden meeting with his senior advisors. Image source: Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz. Social Security's long-term funding shortfall has surpassed $22 trillion Before digging into the details of Yellen's proposal to strengthen Social Security, let's first address the elephant in the room: Social Security's crumbling financial foundation. Every year since the first retired-worker benefit was mailed out in 1940, the Social Security Board of Trustees has released a report that examines the financial health of this top retirement program. In addition to detailing how revenue is collected and where each Social Security dollar ends up, this annual report factors in changes to fiscal and monetary policy, along with demographics shifts, to estimate the financial outlook for Social Security 10 years (the short term) and 75 years (the long term) following the release of a report. Every Trustees Report since 1985 has cautioned that Social Security is facing a long-term funding shortfall. To be clear, this doesn't mean the program is facing bankruptcy or insolvency. Rather, it means the existing payout schedule, including annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), can't be sustained if things continue on their current trajectory. As of the 2023 Trustees Report, Social Security was facing an estimated $22.4 trillion long-term funding deficiency. Worse yet, the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund (OASI), which is responsible for doling out monthly benefits to over 50 million retired workers and approximately 5.8 million survivor beneficiaries, is on track to exhaust its asset reserves by 2033. If the OASI's asset reserves are depleted, sweeping benefit cuts of up to 23% may be necessary to avoid any further need for reductions through 2097. Story continues What didn't get Social Security into this mess is "Congress stealing funds" or "undocumented workers receiving benefits." These are some of the biggest myths and lies told on social media message boards. The bulk of Social Security's shortcomings can be traced to sustained demographic shifts. Some of these you know, such as the ongoing retirement of baby boomers and increased longevity since retired-worker payouts began in 1940. However, some of the demographic changes that are adversely impacting Social Security may not be as visible, such as: A historically low U.S. birth rate. A more-than-halving in net-legal migration into the U.S. since 1998. Rising income inequality. US Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund Assets at End of Year Chart Janet Yellen's Social Security solution offers a harsh reality to future beneficiaries Lawmakers on Capitol Hill, which include President Biden and his cabinet, aren't oblivious to the fact that Social Security's foundation has weakened. The challenge is deciding how best to "fix" it. While on the campaign trail in 2020, Joe Biden proposed a four-point plan that primarily relies on taxing the rich to raise additional revenue. In 2024, all earned income (wages and salary, but not investment income) between $0.01 and $168,600 is subject to Social Security's 12.4% payroll tax. Meanwhile, earned income above this figure is exempt. Biden's plan would reinstate the payroll tax on earned income over $400,000, which would help raise immediate revenue for the program. During the president's State of the Union address to Congress last month, he had this to say: "Many of my Republican friends want to put Social Security on the chopping block. If anyone here tries to cut Social Security or Medicare, or raise the retirement age, I will stop them!" But mindful cost-cutting, along with revenue increases, may be exactly what the economist ordered. In 2018, Janet Yellen and four other authors published an op-ed piece in The Washington Post ("A debt crisis is coming. But don't blame entitlements.") that offered a harsh but realistic way to tackle Social Security's widening cash shortfall. According to the authors: There is room for additional spending reduction in these [entitlement] programs, but not to an extent large enough to solve the long-run debt problem. The Social Security program needs only modest reforms to restore its 75-year solvency, and these should include adjustments in both spending and revenue. In contradiction to what President Biden stated during his State of the Union address, former Fed Chair Janet Yellen has gone on record as suggesting that cuts should be part of the solution to strengthen Social Security. Image source: Getty Images. A bipartisan approach to resolve Social Security's cash shortfall makes the most sense Keep in mind that "cutting Social Security" doesn't mean taking the proverbial scissors to retiree benefits. Reducing outlays would primarily be accomplished by gradually raising the full retirement age to as high as age 70 for future generations of retired workers. The "full retirement age" represents the point where you become eligible to receive 100% of your retirement benefit. If the full retirement age is gradually increased, future retirees will either have to wait longer to receive 100% of their benefit or accept a steeper reduction for claiming their payout earlier. Either way, the goal would be to reduce the amount of lifetime benefits paid by the program to workers. The prospect of reducing lifetime benefits is an absolute kick in the pants considering how many people are supported by Social Security each year. But with the full retirement age increasing by two years since the program's inception, compared to an increase in life expectancy of roughly 13 years over the same span, there'd be logic behind the proposal. Ultimately, Social Security would be its strongest if the approach were bipartisan. While gradually raising the full retirement age would successfully reduce long-term outlays, it would take decades for the program to realize these cost savings. This means the Republican's approach to lower spending does nothing to address the expected depletion of the OASI's asset reserves by 2033. On the other hand, President Biden and the Democrat's calls to increase payroll taxation on high earners would immediately lift revenue and push the OASI's asset reserve-exhaustion date further down the road. What taxing the rich doesn't do is come anywhere close to eliminating Social Security's long-term funding shortfall. In fact, Biden's four-point plan reappropriates much of the revenue raised from taxing the rich and pushes the OASI's asset reserve-exhaustion date out by only five years. The point is that Social Security's best chance of success is if core components from Republicans and Democrats are incorporated into one bill. This is what happened with the Social Security Amendments of 1983, and it's likely what's needed to ensure the financial health of this program for generations to come. The $ 22,924 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $22,924 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies. View the "Social Security secrets" The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Joe Biden's Top Economic Advisor Has a Harsh but Realistic Solution to Social Security's Growing Cash Shortfall was originally published by The Motley Fool If you love investing in stocks you're bound to buy some losers. But the last three years have been particularly tough on longer term Keywords Studios plc (LON:KWS) shareholders. Regrettably, they have had to cope with a 58% drop in the share price over that period. And more recent buyers are having a tough time too, with a drop of 55% in the last year. Shareholders have had an even rougher run lately, with the share price down 24% in the last 90 days. We note that the company has reported results fairly recently; and the market is hardly delighted. You can check out the latest numbers in our company report. Given the past week has been tough on shareholders, let's investigate the fundamentals and see what we can learn. See our latest analysis for Keywords Studios In his essay The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville Warren Buffett described how share prices do not always rationally reflect the value of a business. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement. During the three years that the share price fell, Keywords Studios' earnings per share (EPS) dropped by 6.0% each year. The share price decline of 25% is actually steeper than the EPS slippage. So it seems the market was too confident about the business, in the past. Of course, with a P/E ratio of 53.69, the market remains optimistic. You can see how EPS has changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values). We like that insiders have been buying shares in the last twelve months. Having said that, most people consider earnings and revenue growth trends to be a more meaningful guide to the business. This free interactive report on Keywords Studios' earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further. A Different Perspective While the broader market gained around 4.7% in the last year, Keywords Studios shareholders lost 55% (even including dividends). Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 4% per year over five years. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Keywords Studios better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with Keywords Studios , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. Story continues Keywords Studios is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on British exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. MediaPunch/Shutterstock / MediaPunch/Shutterstock Shark Tank, the popular ABC television show that first aired way back in 2009, has become something of a popular meme, with references to Shark Tank showing up all over popular media. Read More: 5 Frugal Habits of Mark Cuban Check Out: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money However, not all of the products that received coveted Shark Tank deals have done as well as expected and several that didnt receive deals did better than they would have if their owners had accepted financing from one of the sharks. One of the most famous sharks is Mark Cuban, co-founder of Broadcast.com (which was sold to Yahoo for $5.7 billion in 1999), owner of the Dallas Mavericks and founder of Cost Plus Drugs, a mainly philanthropic organization that aims to lower the cost of prescription drugs for millions who may not otherwise be able to afford them. Some of Cubans investments have made him a lot of money, but not all of his picks have gone on to succeed. Here is a look at some of Cubans Shark Tank bites that didnt taste so good. Sponsored: Protect Your Wealth With A Gold IRA. Take advantage of the timeless appeal of gold in a Gold IRA recommended by Sean Hannity. A Breathtaking Failure One of Cubans biggest failures had to be the Breathometer. The idea could have been a revolutionary way to curb the problem of drunk driving. An entrepreneur named Charles Michael Yim pitched what he claimed was a smartphone Breathalyzer. According to Yim, this plug-and-play mobile phone accessory would allow users to analyze their blood alcohol content to see whether they were above the legal limit. Yim even claimed the app could arrange for safe travel through a ride-sharing or cab-calling feature. Cuban and his fellow Shark Tank investors liked the idea so much that they collectively paid a million dollars for a 30% stake in the company. However, Yim spent the money on networking trips to exotic locations like Bora Bora and the Caribbean. That kind of networking has a hefty price tag, and before the product ever went into development, the Shark Tank funding was gone. Yim said Cuban contributed $500,000, and Cuban called it my biggest beating. Find Out: Mark Cubans 5 Best Passive Income Ideas HyConn or High Con? You would think any invention intended to help firefighters do their job more quickly and effectively would be a winner. Jeff Stroope brought just such an idea to Shark Tank: HyConn was a forward-thinking product designed to connect fire hoses to hydrants faster and with less effort. This innovative product caught Cubans attention, leading to a negotiated deal of $1.25 million, contingent on Cubans sole ownership of the company. What originally looked like a solid plan for a needed product soon went up in smoke. Story continues The reasons HyConn failed depend on whom you listen to. Cuban claims that Stroope overstated the companys sale prices to artificially inflate its value, while Stroope is on the record as saying Cubans famous ego got in the way of the products success. Toy Go Boom? Last but not least on our list of ideas that looked better on paper is Toygaroo, less of an invention for a product and more of a service offering. Creator Nikki Pope billed the Toygaroo as a Netflix for toys, and the idea proved to be so popular with the sharks that it earned an initial investment of $200,000 (in exchange for a 40% equity stake) from both Cuban and Kevin OLeary. Some toys turn into collectibles, which can be worth quite a bit of money years after theyre first made. But one important detail that Pope and her investors may have forgotten and one that any parent could have reminded them of is that most toys break. Despite the initial enthusiasm for the idea, which hoped to help parents defray the cost of toys that their little ones eventually get tired of, Toygaroo couldnt sustain its business model due to overwhelming operating costs. Toygaroo eventually went ToyGoodbye, and the company ultimately succumbed to bankruptcy within a year of its launch. This is a learning moment about the potential consequences of underestimating the total costs associated with running a business. The grand idea matters, but it pays not to lose sight of the finer details they can make or (like toys) break your business. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Mark Cubans 3 Biggest Shark Tank Fails To Learn From For many investors, the main point of stock picking is to generate higher returns than the overall market. But in any portfolio, there are likely to be some stocks that fall short of that benchmark. Unfortunately, that's been the case for longer term Medion AG (ETR:MDN) shareholders, since the share price is down 25% in the last three years, falling well short of the market decline of around 6.6%. It's worthwhile assessing if the company's economics have been moving in lockstep with these underwhelming shareholder returns, or if there is some disparity between the two. So let's do just that. View our latest analysis for Medion While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS). Over the three years that the share price declined, Medion's earnings per share (EPS) dropped significantly, falling to a loss. Due to the loss, it's not easy to use EPS as a reliable guide to the business. However, we can say we'd expect to see a falling share price in this scenario. You can see how EPS has changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values). This free interactive report on Medion's earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further. What About Dividends? It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. In the case of Medion, it has a TSR of -13% for the last 3 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. This is largely a result of its dividend payments! A Different Perspective Medion shareholders are down 16% for the year (even including dividends), but the market itself is up 7.7%. However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 0.5% per year over five years. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. To that end, you should learn about the 2 warning signs we've spotted with Medion (including 1 which is potentially serious) . Story continues Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies we expect will grow earnings. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on German exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global lifestyle retailer MINISO opened its first Malaysian IP collection store at the Berjaya Times Square mall, Kuala Lumpur, on March 30. The new store is a perfect pink vision with an eye-catching design inspired by MINISO's Barbie collaboration. With a wide selection of trendy new IP products and a vibrant in-store atmosphere, it embodies MINISO's Joy Philosophy and will create memorable moments for Malaysian shoppers. The new store broke MINISO's Malaysia sales records for two consecutive days after its opening. MINISO's First Malaysian IP Collection Store with Barbie-inspired Style With a floorspace of 200m2 and over 3,000 SKUs, the new store stocks beloved old favorites and exciting new designs. It will bring more fresh and fashionable Barbie IP products to Malaysia for the first time, including the new Barbie Ballet Eau de Parfum collection. The store also offers many other popular IP collaboration ranges including Disney, Care Bears, and Pokemon, as well as MINISO original designs across diverse categories including toys, dolls, perfumes, cosmetics, blind boxes and more. Malaysia Local Influencer at the MINISO IP Collection Store Channeling Barbie's fashionista fame, MINISO turned up the style in designing the new store. Awash in a sea of pink, the store features dazzling Barbie-inspired aesthetic elements including pink palm trees and mirrors, and a Barbie fragrance area to enjoy the new perfumes. The store's design reflects MINISO's creative approach to IP collaboration, wowing visitors to the store with a joyful mood and exciting shopping experience. On the store's opening day, the brand brought its own MINISO Fashion Week to the mall where shoppers were met by dozens of models dressed in pink suits handing out flyers, distributing gifts and taking photos with shoppers. Outside the store, a Barbie pop-up with a pink photo booth attracted visitors, while 50 lucky shoppers won MINISO Barbie IP-themed goodie bags in a lucky draw. Visitors were also delighted by the appearance of popular influencers Angelloweee and Cahaya icha who walked the store's pink carpet and posed for photos with fans. Malaysia Popular Influencer at the Opening Ceremony of the MINISO IP Collection Store "We're thrilled to have opened our first MINISO IP collection store in Malaysia. We will bring more stores nationwide offering our signature design-led, fun and affordable products, including IP collaborations and original designs," said Bella Tu, General Manager of MINISO Overseas Directly Operated Markets and Vice President of MINISO. "Our new Barbie-inspired IP collection store is a perfect example of our innovative approach to IP collaborations, as we look for new ways to spread our Joy Philosophy and capture the imaginations of young Malaysian consumers." Story continues MINISOs Barbie Products in the IP Collection Store The opening of the new store at the Berjaya Times Square mall comes as MINISO pursues continued expansion in Malaysia. MINISO currently has stores in high-potential locations nationwide such as IOI City (Putrajaya), Nu Sentral (Nu Sentra), Setia (Selangor) and Mid-valley (Kuala Lumpur). As one of its key expansion markets, MINISO currently has over 1300 stores across Asia (excluding China), with huge development potential remaining in all overseas markets. In 2024, MINISO hopes to deliver a net increase of 550-650 overseas stores, with the vast majority expected to be in Asia (excluding China) and LATAM countries, followed by Europe and North America, spreading the brand's Joy Philosophy to even more consumers around the world. About MINISO MINISO Group is a global lifestyle brand offering a variety of design-led lifestyle products. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO's wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities. Since the opening of its first store in China in 2013, the Company has built its flagship brand "MINISO" as a globally recognized retail brand and established a massive store network worldwide. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/miniso-opens-its-first-malaysian-ip-collection-store-in-barbie-inspired-style-302109796.html SOURCE MINISO Lori Seckel, Travis DeZordo, Peter Husted and Brian Souder with Modern Woodmen in front of the new office in Lake Township. Modern Woodmen of America, a fraternal benefit society founded in 1883, has opened an office in Lake Township to better serve clients in the region. The member-owned organization has operated in the Stark County area for about 40 years and has at least 3,000 members in Northeast Ohio, said Travis DeZordo, a financial representative of Modern Woodmen. Anyone who purchases a Modern Woodmen product or pays the social due becomes a member. Modern Woodmen offers financial planning services, retirement and college savings plans, and other investment and insurance products. The organization typically returns about $500,000 back to the region each year, DeZordo said. "We match funds, we do service projects, we have social activities, we do Hometown Hero events, we do educational events, we have scholarships and trips and all these things that our company offers to our members," he said. The organization's name is an ode to pioneer woodmen who cleared forests to build homes and communities. "Modern Woodmens founder, Joseph Cullen Root, felt this was the perfect symbol to illustrate his goal of clearing away financial burdens for families," according to modernwoodmen.org. The new office at 8336 Cleveland Ave. NW opened March 21 and joins a district office in Mansfield, a regional office in Marion, and Modern Woodmen offices in Northwest Ohio. "We have reps kind of operating all over the place," DeZordo added. They have typically gone to where their clients live or work, but the number of clients across Northeast and Southeast Ohio and the amount of time spent driving made a central office more efficient. "We are able to operate as a not-for-profit in the financial world, which just allows people a very unique experience when exploring their savings or life insurance, their investments, their retirement planning, all those kinds of things," DeZordo said. "Because it really, truly is a family company that is nationwide." Several businesses to host grand openings Several businesses have or will host ribbon-cutting ceremonies in April alongside the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. Harsh's Cleaning Services, which offers commercial and residential cleaning services, hosted a grand opening Friday morning. Its new office is at 4117 Whipple Ave. NW, Suite A in Jackson Township. Octapharma Plasma, a plasma collection and human protein product manufacturer, will open its sixth location in Northeast Ohio and 175th site nationwide at 4510 Tuscarawas St. W in Perry Township. The company and Chamber will host a grand opening celebration from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on April 17. The UPS Store will open a new location at 3424 Tuscarawas St. W at 11:30 a.m. on April 19. Story continues Stark manufacturing partnership elects new officers, board members The Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership (SCMWDP) has elected new officers and board members. The nonprofit collaboration announced the election outcomes in March. Shaun Eller, chief business officer at Ohio Gratings Inc., is president; Lori Sproul, human resources manager at Powell Electrical Systems, is vice president; and Mark Church, president of MT Systems, is treasurer. Thomas Schmidt, the Northeast Ohio account executive for Comfort Systems USA and one of the partnership's four founding members, is the board's membership committee chairman. The board is comprised of seven people from area companies. This year we look forward to building the manufacturing employer membership base," Eller said in a prepared statement. "We want companies to actively engage in helping to build the capacity of the manufacturing workforce through the many programs we offer such as the free Middle School Makers Camp, Manufacturing Day coordinated field trips offered to all high school students, and funding opportunities for technical training for new and incumbent workers. 415 Group tax firm 'most recommended' The Jackson Township-based 415 Group has been named one of "America's most recommended tax firms" by USA Today and Statista. The 415 Group, which was founded in 1981 and employs less than 500 people, was among the top 100 tax firms identified through recommendations by peers and clients. Statista, an independent market research company, conducted the surveys. Were pleased and honored to receive national attention and be part of this exclusive list of firms across the country, particularly since it includes the recommendations of both peers and clients, Managing Partner Rich Craig said in a prepared statement. This award speaks directly to the level of service customers receive from our firm, and weve built our business on forming lasting relationships. 415 Group offers various accounting, business consulting and information technology services. The company has offices at 4300 Munson St. NW in Jackson Township and at 960 W State St., Suite 231 in Alliance. Timken Co. among 'most ethical' companies The Timken Co. was among the most ethical companies recently named by Ethisphere, which provides an annual assessment of corporate standards and practices. It was the Jackson Township-based company's 13th time receiving the recognition. Timken is a global manufacturer of bearings and industrial motion products. Ethics and integrity are part of our core values and guide our employees actions every day, Richard G. Kyle, Timken president and CEO, said in a prepared statement. Being recognized once again as one of the Worlds Most Ethical Companies reinforces our commitment to leading by example as a global corporate citizen. Congratulations to our team and all the other outstanding companies on this years list, which includes many of our partners and customers. Ethisphere recognized 136 companies from 20 countries based on its proprietary questionnaire, which examines each company's ethics practices and reputation. Other regional companies honored include the J.M. Smucker Co. and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. both first-time recipients. Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.comOn X: @kbyerREP This article originally appeared on The Repository: Modern Woodmen of America opens local office Let's talk about the popular Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F). The company's shares received a lot of attention from a substantial price increase on the NYSE over the last few months. The recent rally in share prices has nudged the company in the right direction, though it still falls short of its yearly peak. With many analysts covering the large-cap stock, we may expect any price-sensitive announcements have already been factored into the stocks share price. However, could the stock still be trading at a relatively cheap price? Today we will analyse the most recent data on Ford Motors outlook and valuation to see if the opportunity still exists. See our latest analysis for Ford Motor Is Ford Motor Still Cheap? Great news for investors Ford Motor is still trading at a fairly cheap price according to our price multiple model, where we compare the company's price-to-earnings ratio to the industry average. Weve used the price-to-earnings ratio in this instance because theres not enough visibility to forecast its cash flows. The stocks ratio of 12.2x is currently well-below the industry average of 19.05x, meaning that it is trading at a cheaper price relative to its peers. Whats more interesting is that, Ford Motors share price is quite volatile, which gives us more chances to buy since the share price could sink lower (or rise higher) in the future. This is based on its high beta, which is a good indicator for how much the stock moves relative to the rest of the market. What does the future of Ford Motor look like? Investors looking for growth in their portfolio may want to consider the prospects of a company before buying its shares. Buying a great company with a robust outlook at a cheap price is always a good investment, so lets also take a look at the company's future expectations. Ford Motor's earnings over the next few years are expected to increase by 68%, indicating a highly optimistic future ahead. This should lead to more robust cash flows, feeding into a higher share value. What This Means For You Are you a shareholder? Since F is currently below the industry PE ratio, it may be a great time to accumulate more of your holdings in the stock. With an optimistic outlook on the horizon, it seems like this growth has not yet been fully factored into the share price. However, there are also other factors such as capital structure to consider, which could explain the current price multiple. Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping an eye on F for a while, now might be the time to make a leap. Its prosperous future profit outlook isnt fully reflected in the current share price yet, which means its not too late to buy F. But before you make any investment decisions, consider other factors such as the track record of its management team, in order to make a well-informed assessment. Story continues If you want to dive deeper into Ford Motor, you'd also look into what risks it is currently facing. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for Ford Motor (of which 1 doesn't sit too well with us!) you should know about. If you are no longer interested in Ford Motor, you can use our free platform to see our list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. By Shariq Khan NEW YORK (Reuters) -Oil prices fell on Monday, ending a multi-session rally after Israel reduced its troops in southern Gaza and began a fresh round of ceasefire talks with Hamas. Brent crude futures fell 79 cents, or 0.9%, to settle at $90.38 a barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude closed down 48 cents, or 0.6%, at $86.43. It was the first decline in five sessions for Brent and the first in seven for WTI. Israel and Hamas opened a fresh round of Gaza ceasefire talks on Sunday, but a Hamas official said the talks remained deadlocked. Both benchmarks slumped by more than $2 during the session, with investors focusing on Israel's decision to withdraw more soldiers from southern Gaza. Israel's decision "has reduced somewhat the geopolitical risk premium," UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said. Also weighing on oil prices were expectations that U.S. crude oil stocks likely rose last week, Staunovo said. Crude oil benchmarks bounced off session lows after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a date was set for an invasion of Rafah, indicating the conflict is far from resolved, said Andrew Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates. The decline in oil prices is also capped by uncertainty around how Iran will respond to the bombing of its consulate in Syria last week, he added. Tehran has said it will take revenge, feeding concern that the Middle East conflict could broaden. Crude benchmarks jumped 4% last week, with Brent futures rising for the fourth consecutive week - the longest rally since August last year. Among factors affecting oil's demand outlook, a U.S. employment report on Friday suggested the economy ended the first quarter on solid ground, which could prompt the Federal Reserve to delay interest rate cuts. Investors will scour consumer price index data from the U.S. and China this week for further clues on economic health of the world's top two oil consumers. (Reporting by Natalie Grover in London and Florence Tan in SingaporeEditing by David Goodman, Christina Fincher and David Gregorio) NNSA establishes Pantex Field Office, new federal office for the Pantex Plant The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has established a new field office to oversee operations at the Pantex Plant. The NNSA Pantex Field Office (PFO) replaces the NNSA Production Office, which was previously responsible for oversight of operations at Pantex and the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The Y-12 Field Office has also been established to oversee Y-12 operations. Both new NNSA field offices began operations on Tuesday, April 2. PFOs mission is to ensure safe, secure and cost-effective operations at Pantex, which is operated by Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) for NNSA. Pantex is a key facility in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise and is responsible for the final assembly, dismantlement and maintenance of nuclear weapons. CNS will continue to manage and operate both Y-12 and Pantex for NNSA until a new contractor is named for the Pantex Plant. The CNS contract to run Pantex currently extends through September 30, 2024. CNSs contract to run Y-12 currently extends through Sept. 30, 2025, with two 1-year option periods. Jason Armstrong will serve as the Manager of the Pantex Field Office. He previously served as the NPO Pantex Manager and as the Manager of the NNSA Savannah River Field Office. Follow NNSA News on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Flickr. IGT donates $50,000 to help Texas Panhandle residents impacted by wildfires AUSTIN In response to the devastating impact of wildfires in the Texas Panhandle and Western Oklahoma, IGT has announced $50,000 in donations to provide crucial assistance to affected individuals and families in the region. The funds will be used to support and stabilize Texans grappling with the aftermath of these natural disasters. First Baptist Church of Canadian, Texas, received a $25,000 donation that will go toward their Human and Household Relief Fund to help stabilize over 50 families who were displaced by wildfires that ravaged the community. Many of these families lack insurance coverage, making additional support and funding crucial for their recovery. The TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund received a $25,000 donation to provide vital financial assistance to ranchers in disaster-declared counties in Texas and Oklahoma that fell victim to the wildfires and are in need of financial assistance. "In times of crisis and disaster, Texas communities always come together to help those in need, said Joseph Lapinski, IGT Account Development Manager in Texas. We're proud to work with these important organizations and community leaders to help support residents of the Panhandle who have been affected by the recent wildfires, offering assistance to help them rebuild and recover. Story continues With each act of kindness and support, we're reminded of the resilience and compassion that define both our community and Texas as a whole, said Matt Phenix, Pastor at First Baptist Canadian. IGT's invaluable support during this crisis helps us lend a hand to families impacted by the wildfires. Together, we're not just rebuilding homes; we're restoring hope within our community. Thanks to the charitable support of partners such as IGT, cattle raisers in Texas and Oklahoma impacted by these wildfires have access to financial resources to aid in rebuilding their livelihoods and ranches, said Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Carl Ray Polk. The TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund directly supports these cattle raisers, and we are looking forward to getting these generous donations into the hands that need it most. IGT is a global leader in gaming, delivering entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Lotteries and Gaming Machines to Sports Betting and Digital. For more information, visit www.igt.com. Cavender's Boot City partners with WRCA to raise wildfire relief funds Cavenders Boot City is partnering with the Working Ranch Cowboys Association by accepting donations to help victims of the recent wildfires, at all the chains 100 locations in 15 states and at https://www.cavenders.com/. Cavenders is accepting donations of $1, $5, $10, and $20 to support the WRCA's Foundation National Disaster Relief Fund. The WRCAs Foundation Mission is to provide financial assistance to working ranch cowboys and their family members. All the collected donations will be given to the WRCA. Many of the ranchers affected from the February and March 2024 fires were also hit from the fires of 2017. Many have also had hardships with drought. This lifestyle can try you on a normal year even without natural disasters. The grass loss alone will take up to two years to come back and then these ranches need time to get fences back in working order before cattle can be restocked, says Leman Wall WRCA Association Manager. For more information, visit cavenders.com and www.wrca.org . A staff member at the Coulter Walmart shows participating items customers can pick up in the store as part of the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, held in partnership with Feeding America in this 2022 file photo. Walmart, Sam's Club launch 11th annual Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign For the 11th straight year, all U.S. Walmart stores and Sam's Clubs are launching the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, with the goal of providing people facing hunger with access to the food and resources they say they need to thrive, including the Texas Panhandle. Since its inception in 2014, the campaign has generated over $186 million and helped secure nearly 1.9 billion meals for the Feeding America network of local food banks. The Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign comes at a crucial time, when 1 in 8 of our neighbors are struggling across the Panhandle, said Zack Wilson, executive director for High Plains Food Bank. This, coupled with the many natural disasters we have experienced over the past eight months, has led to a tremendous need. The campaign will run in stores and online from April 1-April 29, with three ways for shoppers to participate: By donating at check-out registers in stores or clubs or rounding up purchases made at Walmart.com and within the Walmart app. By purchasing participating products in-store or online at Walmart.com or SamsClub.com. For every purchase of a participating product, the supplier will donate the monetary equivalent of at least one meal ($0.10) on behalf of a Feeding America partner food bank at Walmart and five meals ($0.50) at Sams Club, up to applicable limits. See specially marked packages for full details. By donating at Feeding Americas Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign donation site at either www.FeedingAmerica.org/Walmart or www.FeedingAmerica.org/SamsClub. Women to take part in exploration of technical careers at AC East Campus Dozens of women who want to learn about technical-career opportunities long associated with the male gender will get that chance on Thursday, April 18 when Amarillo College hosts Women in Industry on the East Campus. The event is from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and participants will engage in intensive career exploration and hands-on seminars relevant to pursuit of technical careers. Attendees at ACs Women in Industry event which is free and reached capacity during the pre-registration process will have a chance to get their hands dirty at each of the career-specific stations on their tour of the East Campus. They also will be provided transportation and lunch. AC programs to be highlighted include aviation, welding, law enforcement, fire protection, automotive technology, auto collision, diesel mechanics, truck driving, machining, and industrial technology. Additionally, women representing industry partners and affiliates such as Pantex, Amarillo Gear, Premier Truck Group, AC Police Department, and the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation will provide insights about their respective industries and, specifically, their experiences as women in industry. City of Canyon communications wins district ADDY CANYON - The City of Canyon Department of Communications has received two awards from the Tenth District of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) in the American Advertising Awards (AAA) competition. The AAA competition is a three-tiered creative communications competition where winners are forwarded from local to district levels, then to the national level. In February 2024, AAF Amarillo, the local chapter of AAF, hosted the first tier of the competition and awarded local advertising and creative professionals and students. At the local level, the City of Canyon won the following awards: Gold ADDY for Social Media Campaign: Cant Flush This Spotify Playlist Special Judges Award for Thinking Outside the Box: Cant Flush This Spotify Playlist The AAF Tenth District covers Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and half of Louisiana. The District AAA Awards received 522 entries and awarded 54 Gold ADDYs, 66 Silver ADDYs and 5 Special Awards for entries across all four states. At the District level, the City of Canyon won the following awards: Gold ADDY for Social Media Campaign: Cant Flush This Spotify Playlist Special Judges Award: Cant Flush This Spotify Playlist Social Media Campaign We are proud of Megan on her accomplishment of receiving a Gold ADDY Award on her Social Media Spotify Campaign of Cant Flush This at the local and District level, said Gretchen Mercer, Canyon City Secretary and Director of Administrative Services. The campaign was centered around a Spotify playlist titled Cant Flush This with the hope that these songs will get stuck in your head and these titles wont get stuck in your pipes. Song titles were comprised of items that shouldnt be flushed down residents drains, such as Grease, Q TIPS, Bags and Bones. The playlist was first posted on February 1, 2023. Her successful use of Spotify is a fun and educational way to engage citizens making them aware of what should not be flushed into city lines with a goal of limiting interruptions to service, Mercer continued. This is one of many awards for her innovative work and Megan continues to create new and impactful ways to maximize communications to our amazing community. This social media campaign will now be entered into the AAA competition at the national level. Technical Solutions invited to attend Technology Assurance Groups 23rd Annual Convention Technical Solutions, a leading managed technology services provider, has received an exclusive invitation to attend and share valuable insight at the 23rd Annual Technology Assurance Group (TAG) Convention. The highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas from April 29 to May 1, bringing together top industry experts specializing in cloud-based technologies, cybersecurity, voice, IT, and video surveillance/access control solutions. Technical Solutions's selection stems from its distinguished reputation as a thought leader in the industry, its deep understanding of exceeding customer expectations, and its commitment to staying at the forefront of technology thereby benefiting the organizations they serve, according to a news release. The theme of the convention is "Maximizing Personal Performance to Achieve Excellence." The convention aims to empower attendees to reflect, reenergize, and define their desired results and the actions necessary to achieve elite levels of personal and professional success. As Gene Wells, President of Technical Solutions, said, "Your professional successyour personal successyour teams successhowever you define it is dependent upon you! Your drive to grow, to learn, to excel and achieve has an extraordinary impact on your company, your customers, and your community. For more information on Technical Solutions, call (806) 352-1309 or visit www.askts.com . Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service's fish management strategies webinar scheduled for April 16 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts will present an educational, how-to webinar focused on growing and supporting healthy fish populations in ponds and lakes from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on April 16. Cost is $35, and advanced registration is required at https://tx.ag/FishManagement. Todd Sink, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension aquaculture specialist and associate professor in the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, will be the featured speaker. Sink is also director of the AgriLife Extension Aquatic Diagnostics Laboratory in Bryan-College Station. A 30-minute Q&A session will conclude the hourlong webinar. For more information, contact Brittany Chesser, AgriLife Extension aquatic vegetation program specialist and lead diagnostic scientist at AgriLife Extensions Aquatic Diagnostics Laboratory, Bryan-College Station, at brittany.chesser@tamu.edu. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area business news and developments for April 7, 2024 The Chancellor has previously said he wants to boost returns for savers while directing more cash to higher-returning assets - Paul Grover for The Telegraph Britains biggest long-term savings and retirement business is drawing up plans to launch a new superfund to back fast-growing companies in a boost for Jeremy Hunt. Phoenix, which owns insurer Standard Life, is in the early stages of creating a multibillion-pound investment vehicle that insiders say will help turbocharge investment in high-growth sectors and lift pension returns. This includes pooling cash to invest in life sciences and fintech businesses, as well as injecting long-term venture capital into unlisted companies in the UK and overseas. The fund, which is expected to launch this year, will also help the FTSE 100 company to meet a goal of investing at least 5pc of its defined contribution (DC) workplace pension assets in unlisted companies by 2030. It is understood that Phoenix, which has over 280bn of total assets under management and 12 million customers, currently has less than 1pc of the relevant cash invested in these assets. This means it needs to plough billions of pounds more into investments such as science and technology over the next five years, which stems from the Chancellors Mansion House reforms unveiled last summer. The fund will also enable thousands of smaller pension funds to gain access to venture capital and high-growth companies by contributing to the investment vehicle. Smaller funds traditionally do not have the financial firepower to tap into these investments because of the higher costs charged by venture capital firms. However, by handing over cash to the Phoenix fund, it is possible that even the smallest of Britains 27,000 workplace pension schemes will have access to these investments. This idea has been partly inspired by similar investment funds in Australia, such as IFM which specialises in infrastructure investments. Mr Hunt has announced he wants to boost returns for savers while directing more cash towards productive, higher-returning assets under plans first announced in last years Mansion House speech. He claimed the reforms could boost individual pension pots by up to 1,000. However, some pension funds openly warned the Chancellor against mandating UK-based investment, which they say could reduce investor returns. Phoenix is said to be aiming for around 40pc of UK-focused investment as part of its Mansion House commitment, but sources suggested this was not a target and the focus would be on returns over location. Britains largest local government pension scheme is also understood to be plotting a new UK-focused fund as part of a new 2bn investment drive into private markets. Story continues Border to Coast, which manages the pension pots of local government workers from Bedfordshire to Teesside, will invest hundreds of millions of pounds of this pot into UK infrastructure, private equity and private credit over the next year. This will be achieved through a new UK Opportunities fund focusing on British assets. Border to Coast is the largest local government pension scheme in the UK with just under 60bn in assets. Its new UK Opportunities fund will target projects including housing, transport and renewable energy, all of which money managers said would benefit UK communities. The Chancellor also used his March Budget to force asset funds to disclose how much of savers money is invested in Britain, as he seeks to drive more domestic investment. Poorly performing funds will also be blocked from taking on new business from workplace pension schemes under the plans. Andy Briggs, the boss of Phoenix, has previously warned that British pensioners are not saving enough for retirement. It is understood that the Government wants to increase the level of compulsory savings poured into pensions via workplace schemes to 12pc, but is yet to consult on the proposal. Mr Briggs previously told The Telegraph: The state pension just cant cope in the way that it was originally designed to do. Effectively, state pensions are going to have to be paid later and at a lower level, and people are going to have to make greater personal provision. A Phoenix spokesman declined to comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. 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. Firstly, we'd want to identify a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and then alongside that, an ever-increasing base of capital employed. Put simply, these types of businesses are compounding machines, meaning they are continually reinvesting their earnings at ever-higher rates of return. Having said that, from a first glance at Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP) we aren't jumping out of our chairs at how returns are trending, but let's have a deeper look. 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. The formula for this calculation on Union Pacific is: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.15 = US$9.1b (US$67b - US$5.1b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2023). So, Union Pacific has an ROCE of 15%. On its own, that's a standard return, however it's much better than the 8.1% generated by the Transportation industry. See our latest analysis for Union Pacific roce In the above chart we have measured Union Pacific's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free analyst report for Union Pacific . What Does the ROCE Trend For Union Pacific Tell Us? Things have been pretty stable at Union Pacific, with its capital employed and returns on that capital staying somewhat the same for the last five years. It's not uncommon to see this when looking at a mature and stable business that isn't re-investing its earnings because it has likely passed that phase of the business cycle. With that in mind, unless investment picks up again in the future, we wouldn't expect Union Pacific to be a multi-bagger going forward. This probably explains why Union Pacific is paying out 45% of its income to shareholders in the form of dividends. Given the business isn't reinvesting in itself, it makes sense to distribute a portion of earnings among shareholders. The Bottom Line In a nutshell, Union Pacific has been trudging along with the same returns from the same amount of capital over the last five years. Since the stock has gained an impressive 59% over the last five years, investors must think there's better things to come. But if the trajectory of these underlying trends continue, we think the likelihood of it being a multi-bagger from here isn't high. Story continues One more thing to note, we've identified 1 warning sign with Union Pacific and understanding it should be part of your investment process. While Union Pacific may not currently earn the highest returns, we've compiled a list of companies that currently earn more than 25% return on equity. Check out this free list here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. RHB Bank Berhad's (KLSE:RHBBANK) investors are due to receive a payment of MYR0.25 per share on 16th of May. This means the annual payment is 7.0% of the current stock price, which is above the average for the industry. Check out our latest analysis for RHB Bank Berhad RHB Bank Berhad's Dividend Forecasted To Be Well Covered By Earnings We like to see robust dividend yields, but that doesn't matter if the payment isn't sustainable. Having paid out dividends for 8 years, RHB Bank Berhad has a good history of paying out a part of its earnings to shareholders. Based on RHB Bank Berhad's last earnings report, the payout ratio is at a decent 61%, meaning that the company is able to pay out its dividend with a bit of room to spare. Looking forward, EPS is forecast to rise by 16.4% over the next 3 years. Analysts forecast the future payout ratio could be 56% over the same time horizon, which is a number we think the company can maintain. RHB Bank Berhad's Dividend Has Lacked Consistency RHB Bank Berhad has been paying dividends for a while, but the track record isn't stellar. Due to this, we are a little bit cautious about the dividend consistency over a full economic cycle. Since 2016, the dividend has gone from MYR0.10 total annually to MYR0.40. This implies that the company grew its distributions at a yearly rate of about 19% over that duration. Dividends have grown rapidly over this time, but with cuts in the past we are not certain that this stock will be a reliable source of income in the future. RHB Bank Berhad May Find It Hard To Grow The Dividend With a relatively unstable dividend, it's even more important to evaluate if earnings per share is growing, which could point to a growing dividend in the future. Earnings has been rising at 2.6% per annum over the last five years, which admittedly is a bit slow. RHB Bank Berhad is struggling to find viable investments, so it is returning more to shareholders. While this isn't necessarily a negative, it definitely signals that dividend growth could be constrained in the future unless earnings start to pick up again. Our Thoughts On RHB Bank Berhad's Dividend In summary, we are pleased with the dividend remaining consistent, and we think there is a good chance of this continuing in the future. While the payout ratios are a good sign, we are less enthusiastic about the company's dividend record. This looks like it could be a good dividend stock going forward, but we would note that the payout ratio has been at higher levels in the past so it could happen again. Story continues Market movements attest to how highly valued a consistent dividend policy is compared to one which is more unpredictable. Still, investors need to consider a host of other factors, apart from dividend payments, when analysing a company. As an example, we've identified 1 warning sign for RHB Bank Berhad that you should be aware of before investing. Is RHB Bank Berhad not quite the opportunity you were looking for? Why not check out our selection of top dividend stocks. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. "Lanting" cultural salon in Auckland celebrates Chinese calligraphy, traditions Xinhua) 09:45, April 07, 2024 AUCKLAND, New Zealand, April 7 (Xinhua) -- In a vibrant celebration of Chinese culture, the "Lanting" Cultural Salon took place in New Zealand's largest city Auckland on Saturday. Hosted by the China Culture Center in Auckland, the event brought together a diverse audience of art enthusiasts, scholars, and community leaders. Mike Dawson, president of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand China Friendship Society, shared his passion for Chinese culture from a young age. "When I was a child, I first saw Chinese calligraphy in Chinese restaurants and I was fascinated," said Dawson, who is recently practicing Chinese writing and calligraphy as well. Carlos Cheung, a New Zealand member of parliament, said in his speech that Chinese calligraphy is important in Chinese culture. "It represents history and is an important window for people to know the country of China. This event also gives an opportunity for more New Zealanders to understand Chinese culture," said Cheung. Both speakers emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and understanding between New Zealand and China. Attendees were treated to a feast of artistic expression. A replica of the renowned Lanting Xu (Orchid Pavilion Preface), a masterpiece by the ancient calligrapher Wang Xizhi, was presented and discussed. Participants marvelled at the delicate brushwork and timeless elegance of this iconic work. Additionally, the exquisite painting replicas of Italian missionary artist Lang Shining (Giuseppe Castiglione) were showcased and discussed. Visitors immersed themselves in the rich fusion of European and Chinese art. Yuan Zong, founder of the Auckland International Gallery, presented a thought-provoking analysis of works by New Zealand Maori artists, highlighting the interconnectedness of artistic expression across cultures. The event was not limited to visual arts. The enchanting sounds of the Guzheng filled the air as a talented musician performed classic melodies. Attendees also witnessed a captivating Song Dynasty tea ceremony. Guests were also invited to interactive sessions to play friendly games of Weiqi (Go) and to try their hand at brushes and ink for a Chinese calligraphy workshop. Among them was Tiana MacDonald, a University of Auckland student who discovered her passion for Chinese culture during her summer school studies. Tiana found the experience both fascinating and rewarding. "I wish I could have a chance to visit China and learn more Chinese," she said. To complete the cultural exchange, delicate flavors of traditional Chinese pastries were served to delight the palate. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) LONDON, April 07, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rio Tinto has appointed Bold Baatar to the role of Chief Commercial Officer, to lead the Groups commercial and business development activities globally. Bold will succeed Alf Barrios as Chief Commercial Officer, following his decision to retire from Rio Tinto. Bold, who is currently Chief Executive Copper, will take on accountability for business development immediately, and will relocate to Singapore to take up the role of Chief Commercial Officer on 1 September 2024. His successor as Chief Executive Copper will be announced in due course. In order to ensure a smooth transition, Alf will continue in his role as Chief Commercial Officer until the end of August, and thereafter as Chair for China, Japan and Korea, and Executive Committee member, until his retirement at the end of 2024. In his new role, Bold will lead Rio Tintos commercial organisation, accountable for sales and marketing, procurement, marine, and logistics activities. He will also take on leadership for business development for the Group and maintain his role as Executive Committee lead for Guinea, continuing to lead Rio Tintos relationships with its joint venture partners on the Simandou project. Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: "Bold is ideally suited to help deliver our strategy of building a stronger Rio Tinto for the future and growing with discipline, as he leads our commercial and business development activities. He brings deep experience across geographies, commodities, and markets - and combines strong business development expertise with a focus on developing world class relationships. I look forward to seeing how his leadership will help us to create both value and growth." "I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Alf for his broad and significant contribution over a decade of service as an Executive Committee member at Rio Tinto. Alf strategically repositioned a number of Rio Tintos business areas, delivering significant improvements in safety, operational and financial performance during his seven years leading our Aluminium business, and over three years in Commercial and as Chair for China, Japan and Korea." Bold Baatar said: "I am thrilled to be taking on my new role at a time when Rio Tinto has so much opportunity to deliver value for our shareholders, customers and partners through the innovation and growth needed to reach net zero. By being ambitious together, we can find new and better ways to create shared value." Alf Barrios said: "It has been an absolute privilege to have worked for over ten years in Rio Tinto with such caring, talented and committed colleagues, and in partnership with external stakeholders to drive safety and performance improvements and unlock value together. I look forward to seeing Rio continue to play an important part in finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs." Story continues Bold joined Rio Tinto in 2013 and has been an Executive Committee member since December 2016. In his time at Rio Tinto he has held diverse leadership positions across both product group and commercial teams. He was appointed Chief Executive Copper in February 2021 and prior to this, led the Energy & Minerals product group. Alf was appointed Chief Commercial Officer and Chair for China, Japan and Korea in 2021. He joined Rio Tinto in 2014 as Chief Executive Aluminium and has had over 30 years global experience in the resources sector across operations, marketing, trading, and business development. This announcement is authorised for release to the market by Andy Hodges, Rio Tintos Group Company Secretary. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240407547454/en/ Contacts Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com Media Relations, United Kingdom Matthew Klar M +44 7796 630 637 David Outhwaite M +44 7787 597 493 Media Relations, Australia Matt Chambers M +61 433 525 739 Jesse Riseborough M +61 436 653 412 Alyesha Anderson M +61 434 868 118 Media Relations, Americas Simon Letendre M +1 514 796 4973 Malika Cherry M +1 418 592 7293 Investor Relations, United Kingdom Menno Sanderse M +44 7825 195 178 David Ovington M +44 7920 010 978 Laura Brooks M +44 7826 942 797 Investor Relations, Australia Tom Gallop M +61 439 353 948 Amar Jambaa M +61 472 865 948 Rio Tinto plc 6 St Jamess Square London SW1Y 4AD United Kingdom T +44 20 7781 2000 Registered in England No. 719885 Rio Tinto Limited Level 43, 120 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Australia T +61 3 9283 3333 Registered in Australia ABN 96 004 458 404 riotinto.com Category: General Britain's richest plumber says the country has become 'too keen to write sick notes' - Victoria Jones/PA A sick-note culture is to blame for Britains worklessness crisis, the millionaire founder of Pimlico Plumbers has claimed. In a letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride, Britains richest plumber Charlie Mullins said the country has become too keen to write sick notes, which has contributed to soaring levels of economic inactivity. He has called for a government-funded apprenticeship service to solve the problem, as he said that if more young people were able to access a trade then GPs would spend less time composing notes. Mr Mullins said: I would go further and make [a state-funded apprenticeship scheme] available as a second chance to graduates who feel duped by the English Literature or Sociology degree they have gone into debt for. His letter to Mr Stride, sent on Friday, comes after the Secretary of State told The Telegraph last month that he was concerned the normal anxieties of life were being labelled as an illness. Mr Stride said at the time: There is a real risk now that we are labelling the normal ups and downs of human life as medical conditions which then actually serve to hold people back and, ultimately, drive up the benefit bill. The debate around worklessness has intensified in recent months after figures found that almost three million under-25s are neither employed nor looking for a job. This led to accusations that young people were driving Britains economic inactivity crisis. Overall, 9.25 million people of working age are now classed as economically inactive, up from 8.55 million in February 2020, according to the Office for National Statistics. This includes 3.5 million economically inactive 50 to 64-year-olds, up from 3.3 million before the pandemic. The UKs tax and spending watchdog the Office for Budgetary Responsibility has described the situation as worrying. In recognition of the problem, the Government has introduced measures to encourage people back to work. Mr Stride last month unveiled plans to get 150,000 people signed off from work with mild conditions back into a job. Senior Tories have long expressed concern that doctors, nurses and pharmacists are signing people off sick via a video or phone call. Mr Stride said last year that GPs were signing people off as being unfit for any work whatsoever in nine out of 10 cases, although this was largely because of time pressures. As well as helping to solve worklessness, Mr Mullins who set up Pimlico Plumbers in his 20s after leaving school aged 15 said a state-backed apprenticeship scheme would also help fix Britains skilled labour requirements. Story continues It comes after he said earlier this year that selling his business to KKR-backed Neighborly for 145m in 2021 was a mistake. He is now planning to launch a new company when a non-compete clause agreed with Pimlicos owners ends this September. A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said: The link between work and good mental health is clear, which is why our 2.5bn Back to Work Plan is expanding support to help over a million people find a job and build a better life, while reforms to help small businesses through the apprenticeship levy are expected to further boost placements by 20,000. Recommended The sickly seaside town that turned its back on work 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. Key Insights The considerable ownership by sovereign wealth funds in Sime Darby Berhad indicates that they collectively have a greater say in management and business strategy 59% of the business is held by the top 2 shareholders Institutional ownership in Sime Darby Berhad is 36% A look at the shareholders of Sime Darby Berhad (KLSE:SIME) can tell us which group is most powerful. With 45% stake, sovereign wealth funds possess the maximum shares in the company. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk). While sovereign wealth funds were the group that benefitted the most from last weeks RM682m market cap gain, institutions too had a 36% share in those profits. In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of Sime Darby Berhad. Check out our latest analysis for Sime Darby Berhad What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Sime Darby Berhad? Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing. Sime Darby Berhad already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. 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. 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 Sime Darby Berhad, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too. Hedge funds don't have many shares in Sime Darby Berhad. The company's largest shareholder is Permodalan Nasional Berhad, with ownership of 45%. Employees Provident Fund of Malaysia is the second largest shareholder owning 14% of common stock, and Kumpulan Wang Persaraan holds about 7.7% of the company stock. A more detailed study of the shareholder registry showed us that 2 of the top shareholders have a considerable amount of ownership in the company, via their 59% stake. While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too. Story continues Insider Ownership Of Sime Darby Berhad The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO. 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. Our information suggests that Sime Darby Berhad insiders own under 1% of the company. Keep in mind that it's a big company, and the insiders own RM3.4m worth of shares. The absolute value might be more important than the proportional share. Arguably, recent buying and selling is just as important to consider. You can click here to see if insiders have been buying or selling. General Public Ownership With a 19% ownership, the general public, mostly comprising of individual investors, have some degree of sway over Sime Darby Berhad. This size of ownership, while considerable, may not be enough to change company policy if the decision is not in sync with other large shareholders. Next Steps: It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Sime Darby Berhad better, we need to consider many other factors. Be aware that Sime Darby Berhad is showing 1 warning sign in our investment analysis , 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. Steve VanderVeen Marvin DeWitt was the Henry Ford of the turkey industry. Like Ford, he built a vertically integrated business. But he had a slow start. In 1933, during the Great Depression, his family returned from Rudyard, Michigan, to Borculo. There, Marvin attended his last year of school (the eighth grade) and worked on both his familys farm and his neighbors farms. L Eventually, he got a job at Speet Dairy in Holland, then Heinz. To get to work, he commuted the nine miles on foot until he'd saved enough money to buy a very used 1924 Chevrolet. At the urging of his friends, Marvin left his familys church, Borculo Christian Reformed, and joined Ottawa Reformed Church. While attending Ottawa Reformed, he met Jerene Bekius. More: Steve VanderVeen: Marvin DeWitt and life on the farm In 1935, Marvins brother, Bill, snagged a full-time job at Grand Haven Brass. In 1937, through Bill, Marvin landed a part-time job. To make extra money, in 1938, Bill and Marvin bought 14 hens and three tom turkeys. While Bill, then 24, had enough money to pay for his half, Marvin, then 17, had to borrow money from his sister Sena. As their turkey flock began producing eggs, the brothers discovered their operation was too small to interest a hatchery. Finally, with much persuasion from Marvin, Dick, Jack, and Ben DeWitt (not related) of Zeeland Hatchery took the eggs. Bill and Marvin bought 60 breeder hens and a few more toms. By 1939, the year Marvin and Jerene were married, the operation was producing 200 turkeys for Christmas meals. Bill and Marvin continued to work at Grand Haven Brass. But in 1941, Marvin, upset over his wages, quit. Two months later, he was working full-time at Hart and Cooley in Holland. An early business card for Bil-Mar. But when his father Gerrit died of cancer in 1941, Marvin quit Hart and Cooley to work on the family farm. Deciding to expand the turkey operation, he went to First Michigan Bank to borrow money to build a 47-by-110-foot shed to raise baby turkeys. To get the loan, he had to convince Jerene, Bill, and Martha (his wife) to be co-signers. Marvins timing was good: World War II began and brought with it the rationing of beef and, consequently, a surging demand for turkey meat. Bill quit his job in 1943 to help Marvin. At the end of WWII, when there was an oversupply of turkeys, the National Turkey Federation helped the brothers by running national advertisements that associated turkeys with Thanksgiving. By 1947, Bil-Mar was growing 15,000 turkeys per year. Bill and Marvins partnership worked. Bill liked the operations side of the business; Marv was the promoter and visionary. Bill was friendly, soft-spoken, and conservative; Marv was extroverted, boisterous, intense and willing to take risks. Story continues Marvins vision was to control every part of turkey production. So, in 1950, the brothers added a small feed mill to their operation. In 1954, they not only built the largest barn for turkey breeding and brooding in the Midwest, they also began offering customers oven-ready fresh and frozen turkeys. In 1955, Bil-Mar added a brine freezer technique that quickened the freezing process and eliminated the meats discoloration. Bil-Mar in the 1950s. By 1957, Bil-Mar was selling frozen turkeys to grocery chains, hotels, and distributors like Gordon Food Service. In 1958, they built a modern processing plant. In the 1960s, they began hiring seasonal workers. In 1961, Bil-Mar started making individual turkey products like boneless breasts, hams, hot dogs, luncheon meats, and sausages only the third turkey farm in the country to do so and the first to integrate turkey processing with turkey breeding, hatching and growing. Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage In 1966, they incorporated the company as Bil Mar Foods. In 1971, Bil Mar Foods started offering frozen dinners to food-service wholesalers and corporate customers, such as airlines and hospitals. Those offerings evolved into a prepared entrees division and later a gourmet specialties line. In 1972, company sales reached $1 million. In 1973, Bil Mar opened an employee-discount store, which later became the Country Store. In 1977, Bil Mar introduced Mr. Turkey. Sales exploded, reaching $170 million in 1984. After the Sara Lee Corporation purchased Bil Mar Foods in 1988, Marvins son Jack along with other investors, purchased the prepared entrees division from Sarah Lee to form Request Foods. Information for this story comes from Michael Lozons "Mr. Turkey." Steve VanderVeen is a resident of Holland. You may reach him at skvveen@gmail.com. His book, "The Holland Area's First Entrepreneurs," is available at Readers World. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland History: How two brothers and a lot of turkeys became Request Foods SINGAPORE, April 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TerraPay, a global money movement company, has been granted a Major Payment Institution (MPI) License under the Payment Services Act 2019 by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) a significant milestone solidifying TerraPay's position as a cross-border payments powerhouse. TerraPay now has 11 licenses and 19 regulatory approvals in 30 markets, globally. TerraPay Logo With the approval from MAS, TerraPay is set to redefine the payment landscape by offering services across Account Issuance, Domestic and Cross-border Money Transfers, Merchant Acquisition, and E-money Issuance, catering to the growing demand for efficient and transparent payment solutions in the region. Commenting on the announcement, Sheshagiri Malliah, Managing Director - Terra Payment Services Pte Ltd ("TerraPay") said, "Being granted this license by the Monetary Authority of Singapore is a big milestone for TerraPay, especially as we expand our reach and services across geographical borders. This achievement underscores our ongoing dedication to upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance and reinforces our commitment to providing transparent, frictionless, and simplified payment services. As we continue to grow, we're excited to prioritize the development of strategic cross-border payment partnerships and innovative solutions to help simplify global money movement." As the heart of thriving international trade and commerce, Singapore has always been a strategic location for TerraPay. Leveraging the position of the country as Southeast Asia's financial hub, the company will capitalize on this new license to strengthen existing and new partnerships in the region while also accelerating APAC presence. 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. Story continues For more information, visit: terrapay.com Media Contact: Juveria Samrin juveria.n@terrapay.com Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/terrapay-receives-mpi-license-from-the-mas-302107194.html SOURCE TerraPay Some call AI a revolution akin to the development of the internet, or a modern-day gold rush with potential to boost productivity and corporate earnings. But others have labeled the technology nothing more than a narrative that investors are clinging to as stocks climb ever higher, a justification for unwarranted price appreciation. Fortune 500 companies have spent billions on AI, but so far, theres been little economic data to prove any productivity-enhancing abilities. Still, most experts agree that those benefits will comeits just a matter of when. And some companies are already making a killing from the AI boom, according to Erika Klauer, a technology equity portfolio manager at Jennison Associates, an investment management firm with $194 billion in assets under management. AI is proving to be worth the investment for many industries, she told Fortune. Its an extraordinary opportunity. Klauer and Jennison, which focuses on long-term bets on companies with serious growth potential, have leaned into the AI boom, gobbling up shares of the semiconductor giant Nvidia. As Mark Baribeau, head of global equity at the firm, told Fortune late last year: With generative artificial intelligence, were entering the fourth era of computing. And the most important company in the fourth era of computing will be Nvidia. At the time, Baribeau highlighted Nvidia as his top stock pick for 2024, and its since surged over 80%. For Klauer, even after the AI boom of the past few years, there are a few key sectors that will continue to drive growth for AI-linked stocks like Nvidia. There are probably two most important new markets that are able to monetize the investment required for AI, and those are healthcare and sovereigns, she said. Klauer highlighted medical imaging, genomics, and drug discovery as three areas in the healthcare sector that are already creating much higher demand for AI services than was previously expected. But it's the desire among nation-states to develop their own AI systems that Klauer believes will really drive growth for a few key AI companies. On the sovereign side, you have countries who do not want to have their models trained on U.S. norms and customs. They would like to have their own version of ChatGPT, with training on their own languagestheir own archives, their own cultural nuances, she said. And so those governments are coming to search out their own AI initiativesand that is an extraordinary opportunity. Klauer explained that shes so bullish on nation-states desire to get into the AI game because its not something that is driven or impacted by the state of the economy. This AI spending will come more from a social and national security perspective, she said, and that means stable, long-term growth. Story continues All of the companies that Klauer believes will thrive over the next decade are firms that can take advantage of the key healthcare and sovereign growth areas by providing the chips, chip-making equipment, and data centers where AI is run. They may not be cheap, but good things rarely are. So for investors with a long-term outlook, these are Klauers top three AI stocks for the next decade: ASM Lithography The first company Klauer highlighted was the semiconductor equipment giant ASM Lithography. Youve probably never heard of the $402 billion market-cap company, but youre also most likely unknowingly using their technology right now. ASM Lithography makes the equipment, including lithography machines, integrated circuits, and more, that enable other companies to create semiconductors. All of the world's most advanced foundriesthe factories that produce semiconductorscurrently use ASM Lithographys technology, including Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC), Samsung, and Intel. And with companies releasing new AI chips every year to handle new generative-AI systems, Klauer said semiconductor equipment is going to become increasingly sophisticated, which should benefit incumbent firms like ASM Lithography. The company has a Warren Buffett-style moat, she argued. Berkshire Hathaways Buffett has famously argued that great business models often have significant barriers to entry, or moats, that prevent competition from coming in and ruining the party. Klauer said ASM Lithographys moat is the technology that allows it to lay down layers of transistors necessary for semiconductors to function. ASM Lithography is the one that is able to take the pictures or lay down the transistors that are 1/100th, 1/1000th, or 1/5000th the width of a human hair, she explained. It's an extremely complex optics core competency, that is basically a market that ASM Lithography has dominated for many years. And as the chips are becoming more complex, this plays into their strength as a technology leaderand it also manifests in higher pricing. Nvidia The semiconductor giant Nvidia is Klauers second top AI stock for the next decade. After surging 1,743% over the past five years, some investors are beginning to question whether the semiconductor giant Nvidia can continue its run, but Klauer and Jennison Associates are still believers. At Jennison, we do always take a long-term view. And we tend to stick with the companies that we think can execute, gain, share, hold or increase their pricing and innovate to expand the market over time. And there are many companies that fit that bill, but Nvidia is literally at the top of that list, she said. Klauer highlighted growth opportunities in software, autonomous vehicles, robotics, augmented reality, and gaming over the next decade. She also noted Nvidia has already managed to take advantage of the healthcare industry's push into AI. The company turned in healthcare revenues of over $1 billion in its fiscal year 2024, three years ahead of their old target. So I think Nvidia is really well positioned from a revenue growth perspective, margin perspective, the depth of the management team is superb, the depth of the bench is superb, Klauer added. And the company is appropriately run as far as from a balance sheet and operational control perspective, too, so certainly, Nvidia is at the top of that list. Microsoft Microsoft is Klauers final top AI stock for the next decade, but it isn't the companys investment in the now famous AI startup OpenAI that has her feeling bullish. Microsofts cloud computing platform Azure is the real draw. Azure has been taking market share from its rival Amazon Web Services for years now. And in the final quarter of last year, Azures revenue surged 30% from a year ago, while AWS saw only 13% year-over-year growth. Klauer expects this rapid growth to continue amid the AI boom. Microsoft is set to provide the essential backbone for what Klauer calls AI factories over the coming decade. Right now, we still have maybe 20% of all workloads accelerated inside the data center. And not only are we probably going to get to 100%, but the net number of workloads is going to inflect positively because there's so many different reasons why you want to create new workloads to be accelerated because of their utility across so many different industries, she said. Honorable mention: Broadcom A quick honorable mention here for Broadcom, since Klauer said picking her top three AI stocks was almost like asking me to pick my favorite child. The $625 billion tech giant is known for making a range of semiconductor and infrastructure software products, but its networking chips that Klauer believes make Broadcom a good long-term bet. In order for AI systems to get sufficient computing power to operate, they need huge data centers filled with thousands of computers, and networking chips are critical to these data centers. Networking chips are like traffic cops that are directing the signals around the data center, Klauer explained. So they're very important. And they're getting faster and faster and faster in their ability to direct that traffic. Klauer argued there's really one company that dominates in the most important way in our review, and that is Broadcom, which is why its also one of our most favorite long-term picks. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Two key U.S. lawmakers said on Sunday they struck a deal on draft bipartisan data privacy legislation that would restrict consumer data that technology companies can collect and give Americans the power to prevent selling of personal information or compel its deletion. The agreement between Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell, who chairs the Commerce Committee, and Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Republican chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, would give individuals control over use of their personal information and require disclosure if data has been transferred to foreign adversaries. Congress has been debating online privacy protections since at least 2019 amid concerns about use of data by social media companies including Meta Platforms' Facebook, Alphabet's Google and ByteDance-owned TikTok, but have been unable to reach agreement. Aides told reporters on Sunday they hoped to advance legislation soon. Meta, TikTok and Google could not immediately be reached for comment. In a joint statement, the lawmakers said the plan gives the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general broad authority to oversee consumer privacy issues and establish "robust enforcement mechanisms to hold violators accountable, including a private right of action for individuals." The bill does not ban targeted advertising but gives consumers the ability to opt out of it. The FTC would create a new bureau focused on privacy and could issue fines for privacy violations which would also cover telecommunications companies. In 2019, Facebook agreed to pay a record-breaking $5 billion fine to resolve an FTC probe into its privacy practices, triggered by allegations Facebook violated a 2012 consent decree. The FTC now wants to tighten that existing privacy settlement to ban profiting from minors' data and expand curbs on facial-recognition technology. In 2021, ByteDance agreed to a $92 million class-action settlement regarding data privacy claims from some U.S. TikTok users. Reuters reported last month that the FTC could soon resolve its investigation into TikTok over allegedly faulty privacy and data security practices. Google and its YouTube unit in 2019 paid $170 million in a settlement with the FTC and New York to resolve allegations it broke federal law by collecting personal information about children. U.S. lawmakers Cantwell and Rodgers added: "This bipartisan, bicameral draft legislation is the best opportunity weve had in decades to establish a national data privacy and security standard that gives people the right to control their personal information." Story continues The measure would allow people to opt out of data processing if a company changes its privacy policy. It requires "affirmative express consent before sensitive data can be transferred to a third party." Consumers could sue "bad actors who violate their privacy rights - and recover money for damages when theyve been harmed" and would stop "companies from using peoples personal information to discriminate against them," the statement said. The bill would require "annual reviews of algorithms to ensure they do not put individuals, including our youth, at risk of harm, including discrimination." (Reporting by David Shepardson in WashingtonEditing by Bill Berkrot and Matthew Lewis) Attendance is down, but enthusiasm is up at Hong Kong's Web3 Festival this year amid sky-high bitcoin prices that have helped draw in an even greater proportion of overseas participants compared with last year. The vast majority of participants - an estimated 80 per cent - came from outside Hong Kong, said Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun on Saturday in his opening remarks. The 2024 conference has seen more exhibitors from Europe and the US specifically, according to Lu Weiding, CEO of Wanxiang Group, which owns the event organiser HashKey Group. As Hong Kong forges ahead with its push to transform into a major crypto hub, it has been attracting more Web3 events to the city and trying to bring in big-name speakers. Investor Cathie Wood, founder of US funds manager ARK Invest, was the most high-profile speaker at this year's Web3 Festival, although she dialled in remotely for a video chat. She praised Hong Kong's regulatory efforts and suggested the US is lagging behind. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood speaks during a fireside chat with HashKey Capital at the Hong Kong Web3 Festival on April 6, 2024. Photo: SCMP / Matt Haldane alt=ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood speaks during a fireside chat with HashKey Capital at the Hong Kong Web3 Festival on April 6, 2024. Photo: SCMP / Matt Haldane> "We are very impressed with what [Hong Kong] has done in providing a comprehensive regulatory framework for exchanges and institutions from a custody point of view," Wood said in an onstage interview with HashKey Capital. "This regulatory clarity is critical, we think, to enabling the proliferation of the technology faster perhaps in Hong Kong than in the United States." Wood encouraged businesses in Hong Kong to take advantage of existing regulatory arbitrage as a "global opportunity". She also offered an extremely optimistic view of where the price of bitcoin is headed: US$1.5 million by 2030. Its record price was more than US$73,000 on March 13 and currently sits around US$68,000. This year's Web3 Festival started shortly after the conclusion of the WOW Summit and the Liquidity 2024 Institutional Digital Asset Summit, which both dealt with crypto-related topics. Even more events are planned for later this year. May will see both Wiki Finance Expo and Bitcoin Asia, and Chainlink will host its SmartCon event in Hong Kong in October. CoinDesk - recently acquired by crypto exchange Bullish, which has strong ties to the city - will bring its major Consensus conference to Hong Kong next year. Story continues Still, the flood of events risks dividing attention, especially with so many other major events taking place in other locations. Token2049 - which holds its flagship event in Singapore and once took place in Hong Kong - is hosting its Dubai conference in two weeks. Paris Blockchain Week is also this week, and ETH Seoul was the last three days of March. With other events clustered so closely together, the Web3 Festival was smaller in scale than last year, which happened a few months after Hong Kong announced it's big crypto push. The event this year covers less area in the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, and it has fewer exhibitors, according to HashKey Exchange CEO Livio Weng. However, the event has more sponsorship revenue than last year, and there are more side events, he said. Hong Kong has maintained its commitment to trying to draw the crypto industry to the city after a number of high-profile scandals and collapses in 2022 and 2023. A mandatory licensing scheme that took effect last year was meant to provide regulatory clarity to make the market more attractive. It has drawn 24 applicants so far. The city is also moving to regulate stablecoins and over-the-counter cryptocurrency shops. Many are anticipating the approval of spot bitcoin ETFs, as well. "Hong Kong remains the most exciting global opportunity anywhere for a firm wanting to build a virtual assets business or invest in virtual assets," said Sean Lawrence, head of Asia-Pacific at crypto data provider Kaiko. The city's advantages include supportive and clear policy directives, a talent pool with experience in traditional finance, and capital to be allocated to virtual assets, he added. However, he noted that entrepreneurs and investors should be "prepared to commit significant time, money and effort", which are necessary to build consumer-protected, sustainable businesses in Hong Kong. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. President Joe Biden and presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump disagree on nearly every important topic. It's hard to find anything they're on the same page about. But there is one area of agreement -- and, surprisingly, it relates to Social Security. Biden and Trump refuse to support a Social Security change that many Americans favor. A popular Social Security proposal (with an asterisk) It's no secret that Social Security's two trust funds are running out of money. The combined funds are on track to be depleted by 2033, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Unless something is done to bolster Social Security, benefits will be slashed by 25% in 2034. Social Security has faced financial challenges before. In 1983, Democrats and Republicans worked together to implement reforms to put the program on a more solid financial footing. One of the key components of the legislation was gradually increasing the full retirement age (FRA) from 65 to 67. Would Americans support gradually raising the FRA to help address Social Security's current financial issues? It depends. A 2023 Quinnipiac University national poll found that 78% of respondents opposed raising the FRA from 67 to 70. That number fell to 62% when Americans were told that raising the retirement age would make benefits last longer. However, the University of Maryland's Program for Public Consultation (PPC) conducted a survey in 2022 that found 75% of Americans favored raising the FRA from 67 to 68. The proposal received broad-based support from 76% of Democrats, 75% of Republicans, and 71% of independents. Why Biden and Trump oppose raising the retirement age Biden has expressed an openness to a higher FRA in the past. For example, he voted for the 1983 increase from 65 to 67 when he was a senator. In 2005, Biden included "raising the retirement age for people who are now 30 years old" among several reforms "that have to be discussed." Likewise, Trump floated the idea of raising the FRA to 70 in his 2000 book The America We Deserve. Why do Biden and Trump now oppose a Social Security reform they were willing to consider before and many Americans support now? The two politicians have different reasons for not wanting to raise the retirement age. In his State of the Union message earlier this year, Biden said that if anyone tries to raise the FRA he "will stop them." He didn't give details on why he was against the proposal but appeared to lump an increase in the retirement age into the category of benefit cuts. Story continues Social Security Administration Commissioner Martin O'Malley, a Biden appointee, could have also reflected the president's views in his appearance before the House Ways and Means Committee last month. O'Malley said, "For those who would advocate raising the age, I think we have to be mindful of people who do hard work their whole lives, and die sooner." Trump's opposition to raising the FRA seems to be that it's simply not necessary. In 2016, he stated that he intended to "leave Social Security the way it is" and not increase the retirement age. This is still his view. Trump said at a town hall in late 2023, "You don't have to touch Social Security." Better ideas? Perhaps the main reason the two major political parties' presumptive presidential nominees oppose increasing the FRA is they think they have better ideas to address Social Security's issues. Biden wants to instead make income of $400,000 or more subject to the payroll tax to address Social Security's solvency issue. The 2022 survey by PPC found that 81% of Americans support this idea, making it more popular than raising the retirement age to 68. Trump hasn't provided a Social Security plan in his 2024 campaign thus far. However, he has made comments in support of using oil revenue to fund Social Security. Although Trump hasn't provided any details on how this would work, he stated, "It will take care of everything." The $ 22,924 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $22,924 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies. View the "Social Security secrets" The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Joe Biden and Donald Trump Refuse to Support This Social Security Change That Many Americans Favor was originally published by The Motley Fool CHANGSHA, China, April 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. ("Zoomlion", 1157.HK), a leading Chinese construction machinery and equipment manufacturer, will attend INTERMAT 2024 with 7 series of products, totaling 30 units, covering engineering hoisting machinery, construction hoisting machinery, concrete machinery, earthwork machinery, aerial working machinery, industrial vehicles, dry-mixed mortar, etc. Meanwhile, the European subsidiaries of Zoomlion, including CIFA (Italy) and m-tec (Germany), will also debut together with their classic and best-selling products. "The performance of the exhibited products has been upgraded in all aspects," said Wu Zeyou, the French national manager of Zoomlion. "Since the last exhibition attended in 2015, Zoomlion has gone through two new upgrades for products. In 2016, the first batch of 4.0 intelligent products with "perception, brain and thinking" were off-lined. In 2020, the 4.0A innovation project was launched, which was aimed at the latest digital technology. Our theme for this exhibition is 'Greener Development Brighter Future', and we will bring the latest generation of high-end, intelligent and green products." "For the ZCT1000V552.1 crawler crane that has just arrived at the Port of Antwerp, Belgium on March 23rd, it is equipped with intelligent cloud services in addition to its strong lifting performance. Customers can control the product online, store data in the cloud, and enjoy services at their fingertips." Greenization is also one of the significant features of Zoomlion products at this INTERMAT. In addition to a variety of new energy products, many of the exhibits are applied with low-carbon and green energy-saving technologies. Taking the 21t hydraulic excavator ZE210GLC exhibited at INTERMAT as an example, the product not only has the advantages of safety and comfort, convenient maintenance, and wide range of working conditions, but also reduces fuel consumption by 8.5% through the application of customized electronically-controlled positive flow control, large displacement and low rotational speed technologies, etc., with remarkable energy-saving effect. INTERMAT 2024 will be held from April 24th to 27th local time at the Villeurbanne Exhibition Center in the northern suburbs of Paris. At present, in addition to the crawler crane that has arrived in Europe, other products of Zoomlion are also gradually transported to Europe by means of China-Europe freight trains and sea freight. Welcome to booth EXT5 F 032 from April 24th to 27th to witness wonderful moments of Zoomlion. Story continues Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zoomlion-will-make-a-significant-debut-at-the-intermat-in-paris-302109801.html SOURCE Zoomlion A Colorado Springs man experiencing an acute psychotic episode died after he was tased and held down by five officers after he brandished a knife and threatened his neighbors in a gated community near The Broadmoor, according to his autopsy released last month. Chad Burnett, 49, died May 24 as a result of the struggle, the El Paso County Coroners Office stated, as well as injuries from the Taser, bipolar disorder and cardiac hypertrophy, or an abnormally enlarged heart. The 4th Judicial District Attorneys Office has not ruled whether the officers involved were justified in their use of force, but mental health experts argue Burnetts death highlights an alarming gap in resources for those experiencing mental health crises in Colorado Springs. Some say he could still be alive if a different strategy one geared toward helping those experiencing mental health crises were used. When police, who are untrained to manage mental health response, respond, bad things happen, said Vincent Atchity, president of Mental Health Colorado, a nonprofit that promotes equitable access to mental health resources for people across the state. And this is a classic case of what happens when police are responding to a mental health crisis and dont know what they are doing. Given the overwhelming percentage of calls police receive that involve some kind of mental health crisis, Atchity called the lack of training among all officers unconscionable. A CSPD spokesman declined to say whether the responding officers were trained in crisis intervention. While de-escalation methods aren't always effective, the ability to recognize Burnetts mental illness, and communicate in a way geared toward helping those in crisis states, could have drastically altered the situation, experts said after watching the body-worn camera footage of the incident. Terri Hurst, policy coordinator for Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, called Burnetts death a failure in the mental health care system, and one that shows the stigma around mental health disorders and the challenge in accessing mental health care in Colorado. In the two weeks prior to Burnett's fatal encounter with police, the citys mental health response team was called twice to his home, according to a history of 911 call responses made to his address. Its unclear if Burnett was connected with mental health care or if a follow-up with the mental health response team was scheduled. It seemed like there was information but, yet, nobody was there, Hurst said. Or given the adrenaline of the situation, nobody stopped to tie those pieces together and say, Huh, something is clearly going on, maybe we need a clinician here to help us. If that doesnt happen, if thats not commonplace, I think thats something that needs to be fixed immediately, Hurst said. Effective tools When the Crisis Intervention Team program first came to Colorado in 2002, it was among three states in the country that aimed to implement a statewide training program to help law enforcement officers recognize signs of mental illness, enhance their verbal crisis de-escalation skills and provide a more streamlined access to community-based mental health services, said Sgt. Attila Denes with the Douglas County Sheriffs Office. Denes, a founding member of the CIT Association of Colorado, trains law enforcement officers in crisis intervention across the state. Over the years, more than half of the states 14,000 peace officers have received the training, Denes said. I think as a state, weve done remarkably well, he said. Even so, Colorado still ranks among the worst in the nation for its prevalence of mental and substance abuse disorders. Law enforcement, by default, has become the first point of contact for many people experiencing a mental health crisis. Because of that, it is critically important that law enforcement officers be trained in the recognition of crisis states particularly when mental health disorders are part of the crisis, Denes said. Though Denes declined to speak specifically on the May 24 incident, citing the open investigation into the case, he said as a general rule, he teaches officers to keep distance between themselves and the person and to take their time. The more distance we have between ourselves and the person experiencing a crisis, the less pressure they feel and also, the greater reactionary gap we have in the event that there is some anticipated attack, it gives us more time to move or get out of harms way, he said. Communication strategies vary depending on the situation, but through crisis intervention training, officers are taught to recognize the behaviors that are indicative of one type of mental health disorder versus another. If someone is experiencing an acute psychotic episode and they are having trouble focusing on the instructions of a responding officer because of their hallucinations or delusions then (use) short, simple, directive commands that arent threatening, but are clearly directive, Denes said. Getting a mental health clinician on scene as soon as possible is also among the best practices when responding to mental health calls, he said. But verbal de-escalation doesnt always resolve an issue, Denes said. If the situation turns on a dime, in a dangerous direction, we may have to break from that preferred model of time and distance. Atchity, who watched the body camera footage of the incident, argued police could have waited outside for a mental health professional to arrive as Burnett wasnt threatening anyone when they arrived. The heightened situation" that the neighbors called about had eased, Atchity said. They could have left him in peace in his own home. They could have come back with a clinical partner and talked to him. If they were worried about the neighbors, they could have sat there in the car all afternoon and evening and no one would have had to die, he said. In the body-camera footage, released nearly two months after Burnetts death, Sgt. Michael Inazu and Officer Matthew Fleming are seen talking to Burnett through the front window of his home. Can you come talk to us, Chad? Inazu is heard in the footage. Can you come out? Fleming asked. Yeah, thats a big knife. Leave that there. Can you open the door? Inazu said. Burnett appears to be talking to the officers, though he is inaudible in the body camera footage. I want to help you, Inazu said. Would you open the door, please? We wont hurt you Were here to help you." Minutes later, Burnett called 911 to report fake police," telling the dispatcher he has just arrived from Japan and parked his jet at the Colorado Springs airport. This incident does present a challenge because he did threaten someone, but he was clearly suffering from an episode, Hurst said. The departments mental health response team, which consists of a paramedic from the Colorado Springs Fire Department, a CSPD officer and a behavioral-health clinician from AspenPointe, was not called because the call was made in regard to a violent felony, said Lt. Jim Sokolik, a police spokesman. More than an hour after police arrived, Burnett exited his home and three officers charged toward him and pushed him to the floor inside his house. For somebody who is in a psychosis, having a cop run at you, is certainly not going to de-escalate the situation, Hurst said. Officer Caroline Barth yelled on the ground and seconds later, deployed a Taser, striking Burnett in the stomach. He cried out in pain and fell to the ground. The officers tried to place him in handcuffs, telling Burnett to stop resisting. Burnett continued to struggle with the officers while on the ground. Its terrifying for any of us, but its exponential for anyone (with mental health issues)," said Lori Jarvis-Steinwert, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Colorado Springs. The chances of them being compliant when they are that terrified are not good. A mental health professional on the scene may have approached him in a manner in which Burnett felt understood, and he could have been transported to a psychiatric facility to be evaluated, she said. Any kind of aggression is going to escalate the situation, she said. You stay calm, you dont overreact if anything you under-react when you realize you are dealing with a mental health situation. ... They are under the influence of their own illness. To the extent you can, you agree with them, you align yourself." A history of mental illness Burnett, an avid cyclist and well-liked former bike shop owner, was always professional and easy to talk to, said longtime friend Brett Lindstrom. He said Burnett always seemed to be in good spirits, but the death of his parents in 2019 upset him. Lindstrom said Burnett occasionally talked about himself getting mad and confronting others. But, in Burnett's telling, he usually found a reasonable way out of such disputes, Lindstrom said. Though Lindstrom moved to California seven years ago, he kept in touch with Burnett. He said he wasnt aware Burnett was taking medication for his mental health until after his death. After watching the body camera footage, Lindstrom said he thought Burnett was having an episode and a mental health professional could have reasoned with him. I also don't think Chad was posing a threat to them," Lindstrom said. In the weeks before his death, Burnetts behavior had become a concern for his neighbors in the gated community. In mid-May, Mark Sather and Pauline Sisson, who are identified in court documents as Burnetts cousins, sought restraining orders against Burnett, alleging threatening behavior, and Sather is listed as a victim in a May 7 incident in which Burnett allegedly barged into his family home on Lake Avenue. Neighbors reported his suspicious behavior, including a time when he was seen walking near his blue Corvette carrying an aluminum bat, said Sather and Sissons attorney, Danny Kay, reading from a report prepared by Broadmoor security. The day Burnett died, a neighbor reported him to police for holding a knife up to another neighbor in the community. She called him absolutely looney and said that police have been to his house before. But weve been so concerned about him, the woman told the dispatcher on the recorded 911 audio. A system worth strengthening It is situations like Burnetts death that Jarvis-Steinwert said she often tells families who are are concerned about a loved one's mental health not to call 911 without stressing there is mental health emergency. With a lack of training and or information about someones history of mental illness, officers arent fully equipped to handle the situation, she said. When you talk to people in law enforcement, fully half of their calls have a mental health component. Theres a different way to deal with someone who is delusional and psychotic. They should know how to do that, she said. It is a liability when we have law enforcement on the streets responding to calls who are not well informed about the signs and symptoms of mental illness. Co-responder units, made up of a law enforcement officer and a mental health clinician, are successfully helping those in crisis and avoiding arrests, Jarvis-Steinwert said, citing the El Paso County Sheriffs Office's Behavioral Health Connect Unit. In its first two years, the unit's two teams have responded to 784 911 calls for service and diverted 99% of its calls from jail , recent data shows. While Colorado law enforcement agencies have come a long way in their response to those in mental health crises, Jarvis-Steinwert thinks all law enforcement should become CIT trained. Its not fair that we are not equipping law enforcement to deal appropriately with circumstances that they walk into over and over again, she said. The Chad Burnett stories are out there still, they certainly arent as frequent as they were five or 10 years ago, but theyre still out there, Jarvis-Steinwert said. And we know better. We know there is a different model. Theres a different model for intervention. "Stop resisting," Colorado Springs police Sgt. Marcus Van Ooyen says in a loud but calm voice. "Stop fighting. Stop moving." He applies pressure to the subject's shoulder as they lie face down on the ground in an effort to stop the subject from moving, allowing the officer to handcuff the suspect. The officer brings the subject into a sitting position, and then a standing position, when the person stops resisting. The takedown is textbook, literally. The interaction is not a random high-risk arrest, but a controlled demonstration in the Colorado Springs Police Department's training facility. The subject is not a real suspect, but fellow Officer Justin Keown. The ground is padded. The officers are demonstrating the department's training policy for prone restraint, a tactic of restraining a person face down on the ground. The demonstration is meant to clarify the department's training policy in light of a bill introduced in the General Assembly that seeks to regulate the use of prone restraint in law enforcement encounters. Critics say the tactic has been a contributing factor in custody deaths nationwide. The bill as amended Tuesday during a House Judiciary Committee hearing would require law enforcement agencies to develop or make public a written policy on the use of prone restraint that fits Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board guidelines by July 1, 2025. While Colorado Springs police conduct training on prone restraint, no written department policy yet exists. But the department said that would change. "While CSPD has been training our officers since 2015 on the proper use of prone restraint, including moving a suspect into a recovery position as soon as safely possible, my department will be drafting a written policy directly addressing the use of prone restraint, which will be made public," Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez said Friday in a statement. The bill raises questions about whether the department's use of prone restraint has led to avoidable in-custody deaths. Chad Burnett "Stop fighting," says an officer in the body camera footage released from the May 2020 arrest of Chad Burnett in Colorado Springs. "Stop resisting." Burnett, a 49-year-old bike shop employee in a severe mental health crisis, continues to struggle after an officer deploys a Taser on him in his Broadmoor-area home. He shouts "fake police" and asks for help over and over, struggling against restraints and the officers. After a few minutes, he quiets down after apparently losing consciousness. Officers roll Burnett on his side in a recovery position that should have allowed for easier breathing. A few minutes after that, officers do chest compressions as they wait for an ambulance. The El Paso County Coroner's Office ruled that Burnett likely died of complications from a severely diseased heart brought on by the struggle. A four-page report by the Fourth Judicial District Attorney's Office found that the officers tactics fell short of deadly force and were justified given Burnetts aggressive behavior, including an attempt to grab an officers gun. Burnett's death was, however, ruled a homicide. Both the death of Burnett and that of Hunter Barr, 26, who also died after the use of prone restraint by Colorado Springs police and an injection of ketamine by paramedics in 2020, were found to have been brought on by several convergent factors compounded by their alleged failure to cooperate with officers during their arrest. Jonathan Caudill, a professor and criminal justice researcher at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs' College of Public Service, said that finding is common. He said recent studies point to individual characteristics like prior health issues and drug use as factors in deaths during prone restraint. "The research isn't real strong that prone restraint is the cause of asphyxiation for these folks that are in custody," he said. "It actually points to a more complicated situation." Featured Local Savings Struggle and exertion Van Ooyen, the Colorado Springs police sergeant, said he was trained to see one minute of combat as the equivalent of running a seven-minute mile. "A person is going to (exert) themselves pretty harshly and as a result their heart rates going to be up, their breathings going to be elevated, and they're going to be breathing really hard," he said. To that point, current published CSPD policy requires officers to call for emergency medical help in any arrest of suspects who "required a protracted physical encounter with multiple sworn officers. ... (These suspects) may be at an increased risk of sudden death." The restraint position itself has no time limit in CSPD's training policies. Officers like Van Ooyen are trained to put a suspect in a recovery position after the officer deems the situation safe or the suspect stops resisting, which in Burnett's case was when he appeared to lose consciousness. Vasquez said it was important for suspects under arrest to cooperate with officers. "The subject that's being taken into custody plays a role," he said. "If they're being compliant, if they're following the lawful orders of an officer, the vast majority of times we're simply going to ask the individual, 'Would you stand there, would you turn around, would you place your hands behind your back?' and we're going to go up and place handcuffs on them standing." Though officers are trained to check airways and breathing, Van Ooyen said that the difference between willful resistance and struggling due to lack of air can be a difficult distinction. "It's hard to tell the difference between (resisting arrest) and if theyre struggling in oxygen deprivation." The need for data Vasquez and other local law enforcement officials have come out in strong support of the tactic since the introduction of the bill. "This is one of the most safe techniques that an officer would utilize under circumstances that could be dangerous for an officer or a person being taken into custody," he said. Brent Windebank, chair of the Law Enforcement Transparency and Advisory Commission, which makes recommendations on law enforcement to the Colorado Springs City Council, said information on the impact of the use of prone restraint is lacking. LETAC analyzed a third-party use of force audit of the department in 2021, but prone restraint was not among the items categorized or studied. For CSPD, prone restraint is not currently classified or tracked as a use of force, so finding more about when and how often it is used is a difficult proposition. A recent investigation of documented use of force in California found that 22 people died from 2016 to 2022 after being held down. All cases represented a person in crisis drug addicted, suffering from mental health issues or otherwise behaving erratically. Deborah Walker with LETAC said more data is needed to make concrete recommendations. "We are nearly always for a higher level of transparency around policing in Colorado Springs, and more data, because then we can actually make informed decisions about our recommendations," she said. "And we simply don't have that right now." She also said the numbers might not give the whole picture. "I think that saying that any police tactic is good or bad is probably too simplistic," she said. "The problems that we see oftentimes have more to do with how something is executed rather than the tactic in and of itself." Colorado Springs police are looking for a suspect or suspects who allegedly stole a vehicle, crashed it into a tree, and purposely set it on fire early Sunday, according to CSPD officials. At about 3:45 a.m., officers from the Stetson Hills Division responded to a call about a traffic crash and possible vehicle arson in the 4900 block of Spotted Horse Drive, near Dublin Boulevard and Austin Bluffs Parkway, police said. When they arrived at the scene, they found a car that had collided with a tree before it was set ablaze. Unknown suspects fled the area prior to the arrival of CSFD and CSPD personnel, police said in a blotter entry. Colorado Springs fire personnel extinguished the fire. No property damage was reported, and no one was injured, officials said. A group has filed a federal lawsuit against Colorado lawmakers, alleging they suppressed during public hearings the free speech of those opposed to a bill that would provide a specific avenue for transgender individuals convicted of felonies to legally change their name. Critics of the measure argued that the bill would put the rights of criminals to self-identify above the rights of victims and the public to be able to track or be aware of someones criminal record. They also earlier said the bill should not be named after a felon, even as they raised public safety concerns. Supporters countered that changing the name would not affect a felons criminal record, maintaining that will continue to follow the person, as a Social Security number does not change, nor do fingerprints. They also accused critics of fear-mongering. People often use provided names to search for individuals records, as few immediately have access to Social Security numbers or fingerprints. For example, a court record search often requires a case number, assuming thats known, or the name of the company, a party to the case, or the attorney bar number. Filed on Thursday on behalf of Gays Against Groomers and the Rocky Mountain Womens Network, the lawsuit from the Institute for Free Speech seeks to prohibit Colorado lawmakers from enforcing speaker restrictions against using misgendering and deadnaming language when referring to transgender individuals. Misgendering refers to assigning the wrong gender to someone and deadnaming means using an individuals birth name, rather than the name the person adopted as part of the gender transition. Defendants Colorado Legislators and proponents of transgender ideology are abusing their authority to put a thumb on the scale of the publics debate about transgenderism, the complaint said. They have prescribed how critics of transgenderism must present their views during the public-testimony portion of committee hearings before the Colorado Legislature by prohibiting misgendering or deadnaming and otherwise requiring citizens to express fealty to transgender ideology under the guise of civility or decorum, the complaint added. Endel Dell Kolde, lead attorney for Gays Against Groomers and the Rocky Mountain Womens Network, said speakers in support of the bill were permitted to provide testimony but not his clients. Were just asking for equal treatment, Kolde said. Testifying at a legislative hearing affords citizens the opportunity to express their views on proposed legislation and to have their opinions incorporated into the legislative record. Under Colorado law, a person convicted of a felony must show good cause to legally change a name to one different than the one the individual was convicted under. If approved and signed into law, the bill would include gender identity as a good cause reason for a name change. The court retains the ability to grant or not the name change request. The bill has been dubbed Tiaras Law after Tiara Latrice Kelley, a transgender drag queen and Club Q performer who owns Latrice Kelley Productions, a Denver company that produces LGBTQ+ events. An open-source report shared with The Denver Gazette said Kelley has been convicted multiple times in Florida under the legal name Duane Powell for a variety of infractions, including cocaine distribution, domestic abuse, exposing genitalia, prostitution, forgery, providing false information to police and driving without a valid license. This does allow people to hide their past Opponents of the bill argue that to change an individuals legal name without their criminal history following them could put the public particularly women and children at risk, depending on the crime. Christina Goeke, founder of Rocky Mountain Womens Network and a critic of expanding transgender rights, said she opposes making legal name changes easier for transgender individuals convicted of felonies. It puts the public in more danger because we dont give each other Social Security numbers, we give each other names, Goeke said. Rocky Mountain Womens Network describes itself as a group that works to protect women and girls sex-based rights to female-only sports, spaces and resources. Rich Guggenheim, a Colorado member of Gays Against Groomers, echoed that sentiment. Given the political climate around transgender rights and gender-affirming care, Guggenheim said he is also concerned as a gay man about protecting the LBTBQ+ community. Featured Local Savings Our big concern is the fact that this does allow people to hide their past, Guggenheim said. Created in 2022, Gays Against Groomers is a nonprofit organization comprised of gays against the sexualization, indoctrination and medicalization of children, according to the groups Instagram page. The organization is known for campaigning against gender-affirming care which includes social, psychological or medical interventions for transgender individuals, such as hormone therapy and surgical procedures for minors and criticizing Drag Queen Story Hour events. I dont want people to think that this is an attack on transgender people; it is not, Guggenheim said. Lawmakers prevented both Goeke and Guggenheim from speaking during House and Senate Judiciary Committee meetings in January and March because they had used a male pronoun for Kelley, the complaint said. Portions of Goekes testimony the complaint said were scrubbed from the official audio recording of the Senate hearing. The complaint lists as defendants some of Colorados most progressive lawmakers, including state Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, the first openly gay African American to be elected to Colorados state Legislature and a member of the House Judiciary Committee. Also named as defendants are Rep. Mike Weissman, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Lorena Garcia, also a Judiciary member. Also sued were Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Sen. Julie Gonzales. Garcia and Michaelson Jenet are sponsors of the bill. The lawsuit said that, during the hearing, Goeke attempted to keep speaking, but Chair Weissman, at Herods urging, had prematurely terminated Goekes speaking time. At its core, the lawsuit claimed that Weissman adopted a set of rules for the hearing espoused by Gonzales, who had urged people against using derogatory language or misgendering witnesses, or using a witnesss deadname. Those ad hoc rules effectively prevented critics from giving their testimony. The lawsuit said Goeke did not get all the way through her presentation before being repeatedly interrupted by Defendant Weissman for violating Defendants customs, practices, or policies against deadnaming, misgendering, and using allegedly derogatory or disparaging language about another person. In contrast, the lawsuit said, speakers representing pro-trans viewpoints were able to give their testimony without being interrupted, having their time limited or terminated, or being excluded from the hearing. The Denver Gazette reached out by phone and email to all the defendants on Friday, but none responded. On March 1, Republicans and Democrats clashed over the bill in the state House. During that debate, Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, said the bill chooses the wrong victims: the perpetrators of crime, not the actual victims. People should not have to live under the shadow of their mistakes, countered Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, who is transgender. People are being harmed for saying they want equal protection under the law, said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, who added that there is no greater individual thought than the right to self-determination and to name oneself. Government cannot control how someone wants to be identified, she said. This bill does not allow anyone to hide, Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Westminster, also insisted. House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, halted the debate several times when lawmakers made comments she described as objectionable from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. House Bill HB 1071 has passed out of both the state House and Senate. During this years regular session, which began in January, Colorado legislators have considered a number of transgender issues, including bills that would extend rights to foster children and create a Colorado Department of Education task force to examine how best to implement nonlegal name change policies for students. The President of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has approved the Memorandum of Understanding envisaging the exchange of initial information for the facilitation of transit customs procedures within the framework of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project between the governments of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye. According to Azernews, this matter has been highlighted in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkiye, which publishes new legislation and other official announcements. "On August 18, 2022, based on Article 5 of Law No. 244 and Articles 2 and 3 of Presidential Decree No. 9, a decision was made to approve the additional "Memorandum of Understanding on the exchange of initial information for the facilitation of transit customs procedures within the framework of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Government of Georgia, and the Government of the Republic of Turkiye," the document states. It should be noted that the Memorandum was signed by the Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan on behalf of the Azerbaijani government, Shahin Baghirov, who temporarily performs the duties of the chairman, R?za Tuna Turagay, Deputy Minister of Trade of Turkiye, and the head of the Customs Administration, and Levan Kakava, Director of Revenue Service on behalf of the Georgian government. The purpose of the document is to implement the electronic exchange of initial information for the facilitation of customs procedures regarding goods transported in transit through the territories of all three states within the framework of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project. George Brauchler is the former district attorney for the 18th Judicial District and is a candidate for district attorney in the newly created 23rd Judicial District. He has served as an Owens Early Criminal Justice Fellow at the Common Sense Institute. Follow him on Twitter(X): @GeorgeBrauchler. Jon Caldara is president of the Independence Institute in Denver and hosts The Devils Advocate with Jon Caldara on Colorado Public Television Channel 12. His column appears Sundays in Colorado Politics. The Gazette Immigrants stand outside buses with their belongings in large bags during an encampment sweep in January in Denver. A new poll has found illegal immigration among top concerns for Colorado voters. Debbie Brown is president of the Colorado Business Roundtable. Karla Nugent is founder and chief revenue officer of the Weifield Group. By Ulviyya Shahin The Western Azerbaijani Community responds to the provocative views expressed by the European Union's spokesman Peter Stanon in his interview with the Armenian service of "Azadl?q" Radio on April 6, 2024, Azernews reports. The statement reads: "The EU official extensively discusses the importance of the principle of territorial integrity in response to questions about Armenia and seemingly tries to demonstrate their adherence to international law. He also raises the issue of creating conditions for the return of ethnic Armenians to Azerbaijan. A simple question arises where was the EU when Armenia occupied 20% of Azerbaijani territories over 30 years? Why does the EU remain silent about the continued occupation of 8 Azerbaijani villages by Armenia? Why doesnt the EU address the issue of the return of the 300,000 Azerbaijanis expelled in the last wave of ethnic cleansing in Armenia and the mass destruction of Azerbaijani cultural heritage in Armenia? It appears that the rights of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia are less relevant now because some time has passed since their expulsion. Exploiting the longing of Western Azerbaijanis for their homeland for over 30 years is the greatest injustice against them. All this proves the ethnic and religious selectivity of the EU. The EU is neither sincere about human rights nor about international law. The EU's policy is based on using the rights of Armenians in Azerbaijan as an outdated excuse to provoke Armenia against Azerbaijan. We strongly reject the EU's provocative approach and demand an end to it. There should be no discrimination in the return issue, the principle of reciprocity should be respected, and the return of Western Azerbaijanis who have been waiting for more than 30 years should be prioritized as a matter of urgency." Bunuel A talent agent analyzed her company's records in an attempt to determine why they were placing so few actors in roles. She attributed the company's poor performance to the fact that often the actors sent to an audition were completely inappropriate for the role. It can be concluded from the passage above that the agent believes that A. certain actors are inappropriate for certain roles B. the actors her company represents are not very good C. it is difficult to predict how appropriate an actor will be for a role D. her company does not send enough actors to audition for major roles E. directors often cast actors who are inappropriate for the role Analysis: A. certain actors are inappropriate for certain roles - This option directly aligns with the agent's conclusion. B. the actors her company represents are not very good - The agent's concern is with the appropriateness of the actors for specific roles, not necessarily their overall talent or quality. C. it is difficult to predict how appropriate an actor will be for a role - While this may be a broader issue in casting, the agent's conclusion specifically identifies the problem as sending inappropriate actors, not the unpredictability of determining actor-role fit. D. her company does not send enough actors to audition for major roles - The agent's analysis focuses on the appropriateness of actors for roles, not the quantity of actors sent to auditions. E. directors often cast actors who are inappropriate for the role - The agent's concern is with the selection of actors sent by her company, not the directors' casting choices. Conclusion: A) is the correct answer because it directly reflects the agent's belief as stated in the passage: The talent agent's analysis of the company's records leads her to attribute the company's poor performance in placing actors in roles to the fact that often the actors sent to an audition were completely inappropriate for the role. This reasoning points directly to a mismatch between the actors sent to auditions and the requirements of the roles they are auditioning for.Let's analyze each option:She believes the poor performance is due to sending actors who don't fit the roles they're auditioning for, implying that some actors are indeed inappropriate for certain roles. This option accurately reflects the agent's reasoning.This option introduces a judgment not indicated by the agent's analysis.This option doesn't address the specific concern raised by the agent.This option shifts the focus away from the company's actions.the poor performance in placing actors in roles is attributed to sending actors who are inappropriate for those roles. This choice best captures the specific reason the agent believes is behind the company's poor performance. NBCs hiring and almost immediate firing of former RNC chair Ronna McDaniel made a big splash in the news cycle, but there is nothing remotely surprising about the story. For decades, most Americans have known that the mainstream press and its journalists are overwhelmingly liberal and flagrantly biased against conservatives. Temper tantrums thrown by NBCs on-air personalities, foremost among them, Rachel Maddow, prompted executives to cave and eliminate McDaniel after only one appearance on the network: an interview on Meet the Press conducted by Kristen Welker. (Well return to her in a minute.) We dont really need to meet the press, do we? We are all too familiar with it. In the wake of McDaniels termination, Cesar Conde, the chairman of NBCUniversal News Group, wrote a letter to employees, in which he stated that an effective newsroom must be cohesive and aligned. The hiring of McDaniel, Conde wrote, was not conducive to such an environment. Rational readers will conclude that cohesive and aligned means that progressive ideology will dominate, and that no intellectual or ideological diversity will be permitted. The bubble that mainstream press journalists live in must remain intact. There must be no challenge to prevailing leftist dogma, so that NBCs hosts can bask unmolested in smug self-righteousness. Most reporters and editorialists at this newspaper are left-of-center, ideologically. But, to the N&Rs credit, in the pre-pandemic era, there was a community editorial board made up of liberals and conservatives in nearly equal measure. We discussed the issues of the day frankly and openly usually in a measured, respectful tone. Im not sure any minds were changed, but I think people on both sides realized that their ideological opposites were not as sinister as theyd been led to believe. Uninformed and misguided, perhaps, but not diabolical. NBC, on the other hand, seems to have declared that the network will be intolerant of dissent, as if it werent already. Among progressives at NBC (and leftists, in general), diversity does not apply to thought. Yes, youll see a Republican now and then, but the line-up (on MSNBC, in particular) consists of RINOs and fanatical never-Trumpers: Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, Joe Scarborough and Nicolle Wallace do not represent the GOPs conservative base. Rarely is the mainstream press called out for its leftist slant, but former GOP presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy did exactly that, live in primetime, to a national audience. Early in a debate on Nov. 9, 2023, Ramaswamy skewered NBC, the mainstream press and, specifically, Kristen Welker: Think about whos moderating this debate, Ramaswamy said. Weve got Kristen Welker here. Do you think the Democrats would actually hire Greg Gutfeld to host a Democratic debate? They wouldnt do it. Kristen, this is actually about you in the media and the corrupt media establishment. The Trump-Russia collusion hoax that you pushed on this network for years: Was that real, or was that Hillary Clinton made-up disinformation? Answer the question. Go. From the audience came frenzied, sustained applause. I nearly injured myself as I sprang out of my recliner to give Ramaswamy a standing ovation. Welker declined to respond, for obvious reasons. There is no such thing as an objective journalist, so every news source is biased. What responsible citizens should do is read, listen to, and watch news from various sources: read this paper, but also read The Wall Street Journal or National Review; watch NBC, but also watch Fox News; listen to NPR, but also listen to Clay Travis and Buck Sexton. What responsible citizens (journalists, in particular) should never do is attempt to silence views that differ from their own. By Ulviyya Shahin "Together, we will strengthen the multifaceted cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel and further deepen the relations." According to Azernews, this was noted in a statement by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Israel on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Israel. "Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Israel were established on April 7, 1992. Over the past 32 years, we have achieved significant successes in enhancing cooperation in all areas and maintaining strong relations between our peoples. We believe that together, we will strengthen the existing multifaceted cooperation and further deepen our relations," the statement stated. It is worth noting that earlier, the Israeli ambassador to Azerbaijan, George Deek, had shared a statement on the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Baku and Tel Aviv. Note that on December 25, 1991, Israel officially recognized Azerbaijan's independence, becoming one of the first countries to do so. The following year, diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. In 1993, the Jewish state opened an embassy in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan's diplomatic mission in Israel was established at the end of 2022 and started its activities in March 2023. Our study is still underway, and we may find that an even longer screening interval, of seven, eight or even ten years, is possible without additional risk Peter Albers PROBASE is recruiting men aged 45 and splitting them into three groups based on their initial PSA test. Men with a PSA level of under 1.5 nanograms per millilitre (ng/ml) are deemed low risk and followed up with a second test after five years. Men with a PSA level between 1.5-3 ng/ml are deemed intermediate risk and followed up in two years. Those with a PSA level over 3 ng/ml are seen as high risk and given an MRI scan and biopsy. Of over 20,000 men recruited to the trial and deemed low risk, 12,517 have now had their second PSA test at age 50. The researchers found that only 1.2% of these (146 in total) had high levels of PSA (over 3 ng/ml) and were referred for an MRI and biopsy. Only 16 of these men were subsequently found to have cancer just 0.13% of the total cohort. The EAU recommends that men should be offered a risk-adapted strategy (based on initial PSA level), with follow-up intervals of 2 years for those initially at risk, in which they include men with PSA over 1 ng/ml. The new findings suggest that the screening interval for those at low risk could be much longer with minimal additional risk. Lead researcher, Professor Peter Albers, from the Department of Urology at Heinrich-Heine University Dusseldorf, explained: By raising the bar for low risk from 1 ng/ml to 1.5, we enabled 20% more men within our cohort to have a longer gap between tests and very few contracted cancer in that time. With nearly 14 million men aged between 45-50 in Europe, the numbers affected by such a change would be significant. Our study is still underway, and we may find that an even longer screening interval, of seven, eight or even ten years, is possible without additional risk. Following a report that revealed a number of shortcomings in the public defender system in Illinois, state lawmakers are considering a measure that would create a statewide office to provide public defenders with additional support in an effort to ensure indigent criminal defendants receive adequate legal representation. The source of funding for the proposed Office of Public Defense Trial Support was not specified and its functions were only broadly defined. But Senate President Don Harmon said in an interview that his goal for the legislation he filed on Thursday is to promote further negotiations with criminal justice reform advocates, resulting in a version that could be passed by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly before its spring session ends on May 24. With our increased emphasis on a fair criminal justice system, its critical that defendants who cant afford counsel have access to a public defender, said Harmon, an Oak Park Democrat. And this isnt the end of the puzzle. Its still the beginning. But we want to make sure that resources are being put in place so that no one lacks adequate or effective counsel. The public defense legislation is an initiative of the Illinois Supreme Court, which in 2021 commissioned a study that identified a number of shortcomings with the states public defense network, ranging from a lack of overall funding to a lack of independence from political influence. Under Harmons bill, the new office would provide unspecified support for public defenders and facilitate a strategic planning process designed to enhance public defender services and ensure that effective assistance of counsel is rendered regardless of the jurisdiction in which charges are brought. The bill also says the state Supreme Court shall provide administrative and other support through June 30, 2026. The legislation is meant to address disparities in the resources allotted to county prosecutors and public defenders as well as the lack of public defense resources in rural areas many of which dont even have a public defenders office compared with larger counties, such as Cook County. A defendants need to be represented by a lawyer quickly became even more essential with the states elimination of cash bail, Harmon said. If theres not a public defender, we dont know who this defendant should call to do the preliminary hearing to see if he or she is going to be released or detained, Harmon said. We need a more rapid response network in place to represent those defendants as theyre being charged and as the terms of their detention or release are determined. Some advocates say the office proposed in Harmons bill could use hundreds of millions of dollars in additional annual funding to function appropriately. Cara LeFevour Smith, director of the state Supreme Courts Office of Statewide Pretrial Services, said public defenders offices rely heavily on support from the county where theyre located, which creates great disparities across the state. We have heard from defenders who have to buy their own legal pads, buy their own pens and file cabinets, do their own filing, she said. Justice looks very different in Alexander or Pulaski County than it does in Cook just due to the availability of resources, and so we want to make sure that were very deliberate about the planning process and continue to get input on what the system should look like for Illinois. Cook Countys 2024 budget provided about $102 million for the public defenders office, and close to $205 million for the states attorneys office. The states budget provides $10 million for statewide public defense support. In 1949, Illinois law specified the role of county public defenders. Fourteen years later, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution required state courts to provide attorneys to indigent defendants charged with serious crimes. Criminal justice advocates say Illinois has fallen short in providing many of those defendants with an adequate criminal defense. Stephanie Kollmann, an attorney with Northwestern Universitys Child and Family Justice Center, said public defenders generally dont have anywhere near the investigative capabilities of county prosecutors. There absolutely should not be a difference in your quality of representation based on your ability to pay, Kollmann said. Geography and finances should not be driving the quality of representation that you are able to receive. With the degree to which public defender offices are under-resourced, there is no way to provide equitable and constitutional representation in many cases. While there is no statewide office to provide public defenders where they are needed, the Illinois attorney generals office does provide prosecutors around the state as necessary. Nathan Rowland, who has a private practice in southern Illinois, works as a contract public defender in Hamilton and Gallatin counties, and sometimes fills in as a public defender in Hardin County. In an interview, he talked about the difficulties of his job, describing his voluminous workload. He estimated that 75 to 100 felony cases are filed in Hamilton County annually and that he gets appointed to represent most of those defendants. His office is 45 minutes away from the Gallatin County courthouse, and a little over an hour from the courthouse in Hardin County, making it a challenge to meet clients regularly in person. At the courthouses, he said he meets with clients in a law library or a hallway. We give it our all and we work with what we can and some days its like drinking from a fire hydrant, said Rowland, president of the Illinois Council of Chief Defender. The water just sprays by and you cut the best deal you can and move forward. So is it ideal? Certainly not by any stretch of the imagination. Do we need more resources? Absolutely. Do we need more staff? Absolutely. While prosecutors have local police and other investigators at their disposal, Rowland said he has to ask the county to appropriate money to hire DNA, fingerprint and arson experts, for example. He said he has to spend time tracking down experts for his clients cases and they usually live quite far away, making it difficult for them to review the evidence. As the measure now before legislators continues to evolve, Kollmann and other advocates said they would like to see additional staffing support, including forensics specialists, paralegals and other investigators. The lack of those things can hinder indigent defendants from mounting a full defense, she said. People are pleading (guilty) to offenses that they otherwise would not be pleading to because there simply are not the resources to gather, review and really fight all of the evidence that exists in their case, she said. The 2021 report from the Sixth Amendment Center, which was commissioned by the state Supreme Court, focused on a mix of metropolitan and rural counties: Cook, DuPage, Champaign, LaSalle, Mercer, Schuyler, Stephenson, Hardin and Gallatin. The report noted the state had no oversight structure to assess whether each county had a sufficient number of lawyers with the appropriate training and resources to provide effective counsel at every stage of an indigent clients case. Some attorneys may be assigned to represent indigent clients in every type of case (criminal and civil) of all levels of complexity and severity and yet have little to no prior experience in criminal defense, the report stated. It also said public defenders who are appointed by county government or county judges are vulnerable to political and judicial interference that could impede their ability to represent clients. Some of the counties evaluated in the report didnt provide overhead or necessary case-related expenses for effective representation, requiring public defense attorneys to pay for such costs out of their attorneys fees, the report notes. The report also documented a couple of instances one in LaSalle County and one in Mercer County in which defendants appeared in court without a public defender. In bigger counties like Cook, DuPage and Champaign, the report documented excessive caseloads for public defenders. In Champaign County, one lawyer recalled having pretrial conferences with 50 clients one day and 100 the next day. There are a number of people who I havent spoken with (by their court date), one lawyer said. So theres often a line of up to 50 people waiting to speak with me before court. The reports recommendations included the creation of an independent state public defense commission to issue standards for overseeing trial-level public defense. It also recommended hiring an attorney to be in charge of a centralized office staff to provide training and supervision for public defense systems across Illinois. According to the report, as of 2021, Illinois was among just seven states that dont have a state commission, state agency or state officer with oversight of trial-level public defense services in adult criminal cases. Tribune reporter A.D. Quig contributed. For years, Tulsa refused to acknowledge in any meaningful way what happened in 1921. Nobody has ever been charged or prosecuted for the crimes that occurred during those 18 or so hours. Even those who grew up there Ellsworth included were not taught that part of the city's history. The Tulsa Race Massacre became a terrible, closely held secret. That began to change with some earlier work and Ellsworth's "Death in a Promised Land." In 1995, when members of the national media descended on Oklahoma City after the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, they were informed of another, more terrible episode of domestic terrorism in the state's history. More news accounts and more books on the massacre followed, and in 2019, the HBO comic book superhero series Watchmen, inspired in part by Tulsa 1921, enlightened many more to the story. Advertisement Ellsworth has a new book out that centers on Tulsa's decadeslong cover-up of the event, titled "The Groundbreaking: An American City and Its Search for Justice." It was released in May 2021. Tulsa's failed efforts to come to grips with its deadly past clearly has left scars of its own. "The city was robbed of its honesty. You have entire generations growing up in Tulsa who have never heard of this. You have people growing up with a false reality, a false vision, of the land they were on," he says. "I mean, imagine if, today, right now, that you had young people growing up in Manhattan who have never heard of 9/11, that there were no books to talk about 9/11, that it's as if it didn't exist. The race massacre was a gigantic myth in the history of Tulsa. It was deliberately buried for a long time." The full excavation will mark another step in the long road to understanding and, perhaps one day, recovery. "I know that this has been a process that has been going on for a while now. It's caused people to kind of reevaluate how they look at the past, how they look at their town and what's going on," Ellsworth says. "I think that's been a liberating process for some people. It's been a very difficult one for others." HowStuffWorks earns a small affiliate commission when you purchase through links on our site. Now That's Interesting For years, whenever the events of Memorial Day 1921 in Tulsa were mentioned, it was called the Tulsa Race Riot. "What people in the community and historians are trying to raise up is what happened in Tulsa is a deliberate, coordinated, systematic assault on a community that resulted in that community being completely destroyed. That is not a race riot," Karlos Hill, the chair of the African American studies department at the University of Oklahoma, told the Tulsa World in 2018. "This was a massacre. Referring to it as a race riot is a euphemism." Veteran filmmaker Jan Millsapps has covered a variety of topics in her career, from domestic violence and global terrorism to the roles of females in space exploration. A pioneering figure in the new media movement, Millsapps, who is Professor Emeritus of Cinema at San Francisco State University, published some of the first interactive movies on the internet, well before the dawn of YouTube. I was really always trying to push, she said. What can the medium do? Her insatiable hunger and curiosity to find ways to advance the cinematic landscape has resulted in Millsapps, a Concord native, being recognized as one of five distinguished alumni from UNC Charlottes College of Arts + Architecture. She will be honored this upcoming week, as she will make her first visit back to the college since she graduated. Millsapps, 74, will also be showing her most recent documentary, Madame Mars: Women and the Quest for Worlds Beyond, at the International Picture House in Charlotte on April 10 at 7:30 p.m. Seating is first come, first served and it will not be a ticketed event. Its such a real thrill that Im being recognized not for what I did while I was there, but what it prepared me to do afterwards, she said. In many ways, this article represents a full-circle moment for Millsapps, as The Concord Tribune first wrote a story about her in 1972, when she was a UNCC senior majoring in art. I never planned to do any of the things that I did, Millsapps said about her wide-ranging career. Discovering a passion for the arts Growing up in Concord, Millsapps, like many young people, had no clear focus on what kind of career she wanted to pursue. As someone who did well academically, she wanted to challenge herself by taking difficult math courses like advanced calculus, but her guidance counselor steered her toward art classes. Following a short stint at Meredith College in Raleigh (which lasted only a few days), she ended up at UNCC, but still initially struggled to find a career path. I went around and around. I didnt know what I was going to major in, she said. Finally, it just occurred to me: What do you really want to do, and what I wanted to do was sit around and draw all the time. So I decided I would major in art. She gained experience with all kinds of styles, but gravitated toward acrylic and enjoyed creating abstract pieces. She had a one-woman art exhibit at Concord Senior High School, which featured 22 painting and drawings, according to the Tribune article, which was aptly titled: A Doodler born, a Doodler be. Once she graduated from college, Millsapps did what generations of starving artists have done and continue to do: she hustled for any and every opportunity she could find. I actually just pursued jobs in which I could be an artist of some kind, she said. Her first job out of college was as a graphics designer for a Charlotte TV station. While there, she began exploring animation; she made drawings on index cards and then filmed them one frame at a time. I was becoming a filmmaker absolutely free, she said, noting that during that time, she collaborated with others in the area to form a group called the Charlotte Film Makers. Millsapps moved on to other jobs, including working for the Charlotte Observer in its advertising department and working on publication art at Winthrop University, during which time she received her masters degree. During her stint at Winthrop, she spent time with several animators who were part of a broader group of traveling independent filmmakers from across the country. I got to spend a lot of time with them and talk with them, she said, as they gave her confidence about her own burgeoning film skills. It was while Millsapps was working for an educational TV station in Rock Hill that she decided to make filmmaking her full-time profession. She took a summer film course at Harvard University and later served as the head of the media arts film program at the University of South Carolina. She worked there for seven years before she and her husband moved to the West Coast, where she took a position at San Francisco State University. Making a name for herself Millsapps, who is retired and therefore a professor emeritus, has been a cinema educator at SFSU for almost 30 years, having arrived there in 1987. She has taught numerous courses during her tenure, including digital cinema, interactive cinema, web cinema and short format screenwriting, according to her website http://janmillsapps.com/. In 1991, as chair of the SFSU Cinema Department, Millsapps was invited by the then-Dean August Coppola, brother of the famous director Francis Ford Coppola, to work with a beta version of Apples QuickTime technology. This resulted in her first interactive work, Cineplay, which was featured at the National Educational Film and Video Festival. She has worked to expand the idea of what cinema can be both for herself and her students. I want the members of my class to understand that cinema is not a rigid discipline with clearly defined boundaries, she said in a short profile video on the cinema departments website. Its something that you can take it more toward performance, or you can take it more toward drawing or more toward theater. Millsapps added: I like to encourage my students to think about: How much can I change something and still call it cinema. One of her first high-profile multimedia projects was a piece called Episodes, which she co-produced in 1995 with La Casa de las Madres, San Franciscos oldest and largest shelter and advocacy group serving abused women and their children. The project featured a virtual house in which women shared intimate stories of surviving domestic violence. We really wanted the public to be aware of the dynamics of it, of how difficult it is for women to get out, Millsapps told the San Francisco Examiner in a 1997 article. The virtual house appeared to be a choose your own adventure-type setup, where viewers could control what they wanted to see or not see. At every step, according to the article, the viewer can choose to go forward, to go to another door, to get basic information or to leave. The interactive display was installed at San Francisco City Hall, at several Kaiser Medical Centers in northern California and was presented at the National Latino Health Conference in Washington, D.C., according to Millsapps website. We wanted to show ways that women who were victims overcame being victims and found a way forward and out of their abusive relationships, Millsapps said. Another well-known interactive cinema project, called Coverage, was a feminist response to the 9-11 attacks. It was the featured installation at the 2002 Mill Valley Film Festival. The project presents a simulated world in which over time, the unexpected becomes common. In the environment, which viewers can control, they have the option to either go to the desert or the city, with each including interactive elements that often detail stories from a female perspective. Bombings, airline tragedies and anthrax contamination are routine, while cave-dwelling mad scientists, soldiers in night-vision goggles and burqa-shrouded housewives inhabit the city and the desert, reads the description of the project. The two locations may not be as different as you think. The projects title is intentionally vague and open to various interpretations. Coverage can refer to the shroud worn by Afghan women, to the protection offered by living underground during uncertain times, and to the unrelenting media attention given to the events of 9-11. Millsapps said she was interested in examining female stories not only from the perspective of women in America but also those living in Afghanistan. Millsapps has created several other cinema pieces, including Holy Moly, Tora Bora! which was inspired by a news story about Osama bin Ladens horse. The interactive text below the video changes each time it is viewed. The five-minute video is described on Millsapps website as a random tale of love, war and abandonment. I have always kind of geared toward the experimental, Millsapps said, as many of her films, including Holy Moly, Tora Borah!, have no standard narrative. Working to diversify the space arena Once she retired, she made her first so-called conventional film with Madame Mars: Women and the Quest for Worlds Beyond. The film premiered at the United Nations in 2018, won first prize at the Raw Science Film Festival, and toured internationally as part of the U.S. State Departments American Film Showcase. Having always been interested in space, Millsapps who received a certificate in cosmology, which is the science of the origin and development of the universe, from the University of Central Lancashire in England was one of roughly 200,000 people who applied to go on a one-way trip to Mars about a decade ago as part of Mars One, a small private Dutch organization that received money from investors by claiming it would use the funds to land the first humans on the planet. Im at a point in my life where Im ready for a new adventure, she told the New York Times in 2014. I dont feel like Im running away. Its more like Im running toward. Mars One ultimately went bankrupt in 2019, though the international fervor that the organization ignited helped renew an interest for Millsapps in space exploration especially the too-often-hidden role that women have played. In the story of the space age I was told as a girl, the emphasis was on the male astronaut hero, his quest to conquer space, and the can-do men in mission control who got him to the moon and back, Millsapps wrote in an online essay entitled Catching Up With a Girl Left Behind. Only recently have we begun to learn about women who were also integral to the effort, women who were there, but were not visible. She added: Presence and visibility are two entirely different things; its how the story is told and very often who tells it that makes all the difference. Millsapps learned that the first Mars rover was designed by a woman named Donna Shirley, whom she tracked down in Oklahoma. Shirley, who is featured in the documentary, led a research team studying a Mars rover. She was Mars Exploration Program manager and led teams for Mars Pathfinder and Sojourner rover. She didnt want to talk to me, but I have a very determined gene in me and I kept pestering her, Millsapps said, noting that Shirley is really the best part of the movie. Millsapps continues to advocate about the need for diversity and inclusion in the space arena, as she has spoken at several Mars Society conventions and at the 2017 United Nations Space for Women experts meeting in New York, according to her website. In 2020, she was named a Space4Women mentor by the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs. In addition to her documentary, Millsapps has written two space-themed novels: Screwed Pooch, which tells the story of the Soviet space dog Laika, who was one of the first animals in space, and Venus on Mars, which focuses on generations of women struck by the stars. Concords impact on her life Millsapps has not been back to Concord in many years, but the citys imprint on her life has never gone away. I havent physically been there a lot, but Concord is here with me, she said, noting she still has many warm memories. Growing up in the Gibson Village, in what she called a poorer part of the city, Millsapps said she always had to scramble and work hard, compared to people in more affluent neighborhoods. In retrospect, the hustle and tenacity helped her become interested in finding stories about women, such as Donna Shirley, who were often overlooked or ignored. Millsapps is currently working with others within the space industry to create more opportunities for young girls all over the world to have access to key resources, such as STEM courses. She has worked with children in Nairobi, the Philippines and Brazil, among other places, to broaden their perspectives about space. I think my interest really has to do not necessarily with myself as an artist, but how I can share my voice with others, she said. You have to find your own voice and helping people who are often voiceless is important to her. And I think a lot of that came out of Concord, she said. I tell you, now is the time of Gods favor, now is the day of salvation. (II Corinthians 6:2) Last Sunday was Easter. I hope you were able to go to church to celebrate. And if it was the first time in a long time youve gone to church, go back again this week. As a former pastor often told us, Every Sunday is Resurrection Sunday. We should celebrate His victory over death, hell, and the grave each week! But if you were unable to go, I want to share a story that will hopefully remind you about one of the greatest promises God gave us. Our church in Georgia used to host an Easter production each year. There was a cast and crew of over 350. Literally thousands would come early one of the seven nights that the play ran just to get a seat. Hundreds of those who came to worship left having accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Its important for all Christians to understand that Easter is not just a celebration of the death of Jesus Christ. Its also a celebration of His resurrection. Do you remember what the angel told the two women who appeared at Jesus tomb on that first Easter morning? Do not be afraid. He has risen from the dead. (Matthew 28:5-6) God let me know years ago that the angels command, Do not be afraid, is directed to all of us. It was not just to the two women who approached the tomb. Easter should be a source of comfort to us all. The truth is we no longer have to fear death! God put that promise in perspective for me through an article that was once published in the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Reporter Tony Wilber had written what I thought was an uncharacteristically poignant story of a former prominent Atlanta commercial real estate brokers struggle with cancer. In December of 1996, Michael Christopher went to the doctor because he thought he had pneumonia. Instead, they told him he had lung cancer. It was a virulent form that would ravage his body and likely kill him within a year. Christopher was a Christian who had allowed his faith to shine right through his struggle with cancer. I have a very strong faith, he told the reporter. Im not afraid to die. Mr. Christopher showed no signs of giving up. The next year was one of his best years ever. He helped his company close on more than 30 transactions valued at more than $80 million. But Christophers business success is not what made that year. The young husband and father of two young children readily admitted that his battle with cancer had allowed him to get to know who God was. I am confident I will beat it. But if I dont, then Im comfortable with my relationship with my heavenly father, and I know where Im going. Some days I feel like the luckiest man in the world. Thats a wonderful promise we have from Easter. We no longer have to be afraid. As one writer puts it, The great Easter truth is not so much that we are to live forever as that we are to, and may, live nobly now because we are to live forever. Michael Christopher lived nobly and was teaching us that Easter was more than a season to proclaim that He is risen. Easter is an opportunity to show others why Christians can cling to the promise that death doesnt have to be feared. Gods Word says in Romans 8:11, The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Photos by Takahiro Takiguchi () Japans Oita Prefecture, on the westernmost main island of Kyushu, is a scenic marvel and home to hot springs, rich history and traditional arts and culture. Beyond the surface, Oita is also the center of sustainable geothermal energy. Visiting Oita is relatively easy. It takes about a 3-to-4 hour drive from Sasebo Naval Base or MCAS Iwakuni. If youre visiting from other cities in Japan, there are plenty of budget airline options to get you there within two hours. Capital of onsen Youve probably heard of Oita as it is home to some of the most famous hot spring sites in the country. As of 2021, the prefecture has a whopping 5,102 onsen hot springs brimming with hot mineral waters. These healing waters attract foreign and domestic travelers every year. Prior to the pandemic, 7.9 million people visited the prefecture to soak in the hot springs every year, according to an Oita Prefecture official. In addition to the many foreign tourists Oita Prefecture gets, it hosts a large population of foreign students every year. These students make the prefecture more diverse and foreigner-friendly, Oita Governor Katsusada Hirose said. Below are some of the many activities and must-see attractions in historical and beautiful Oita Prefecture. Whether youre into relaxing hot springs, interested in rich history or want to experience some amazing food and practice some ecotourism, Oita has all of it and more. Your visit will definitely be one youll never forget! Let's travel virtually through the video! ---------- Getting to Kyushu a breeze from Haneda (video) Haneda Airport is only a 30-minute train ride from Hardy Barracks and easily accessible from other military bases in the Kanto Plain. Traveling through this airport is a quick and easy way to get you to any of the domestic destinations youve been wanting to see while stationed in Japan. Within about a two-hour flight from Haneda, you can find yourself freezing in Hokkaido, sailing off the coast of Kyushu or even sun-bathing in Okinawa. A recent flight to Kyushu-area airports took about 105 minutes to Oita (803 kilometer) and 110 minutes to Miyazaki (1,023 kilometer). Even getting to Osaka is about a 1-hour flight from Haneda. Entering vacation mode via plane is worthwhile when you compare it to a 5-plus-hour drive or 3-hour Shinkansen bullet train ride. To get to Haneda, its a straight shot on the Keikyu Express Train departing from Shinagawa Station in Tokyo, Yokohama Station in Kanagawa (if youre departing from Camp Zama or NAF Atsugi) or Yokosuka Chuo Station (if youre departing from Yokosuka Naval Base). The direct express train will take you to Haneda in 15 minutes from Shinagawa Station, 25 minutes from Yokohama Station and 50 minutes from Yokosuka Chuo station. The train stops at both the international terminal and the domestic terminals, so check ahead to know which is your stop! Next time youre planning your trip, check to see if Haneda Airport offers flights to your domestic destination. It will save you some time and maybe even some money! Haneda Airport website ---------- Myoban Onsen, Beppu City (video) Traditional thatch huts producing therapeutic sinter for 300 years Myoban Yunosato is a unique hot spring resort in the center of Beppu, Oita Prefecture. Beppu itself is known as a hot spring capital and is a popular destination for soaking in the steaming mineral waters.The resort is home to myoban alum hot springs and thatch-roofed huts known as yunohanagoya, or sinter huts. Myoban Yunosato has been producing its own yunohana, onsen mineral powder essence, since 1725. The therapeutic yunohana is made from alum steam and blue clay crystalized under the huts with straw, cogon grass, bamboo and timber. According to Satomi Iikura, president of Myoban Onsen Yunosato, the sinter helps keeping your body warm after bathing and relieving shoulder stiffness, back pain and skin disorders. In the resort, you can soak in the outdoor pool with milky white onsen water while enjoying a nice view of the Oita mountains. The restaurant and souvenir shop offer local delicacies and yunohana products and cosmetics. Though I didnt get to try the hot springs, I did enjoy a yunohama pack back in my hotel bathtub. The 10-minute soak was enough to warm me up and make my skin soft. If you visit, dont forget to try the steamed eggs, pudding and dumplings cooked with onsen steam. Myoban Onsen is an unforgettable experience and only a 3.5-hour drive from Sasebo Naval Base! Check it out Myoban Onsen Yunosato Location: 6-kumi, Myoban-onsen, Beppu City, Oita Pref. Tel: 0977-66-8166 Must-go onsens in Beppu Hell-hopping Jigoku Meguri, or hell-hopping, is a famous tourist attraction made up of seven hells or multicolored volcanic springs. You can enjoy impressive views of springs of different colors, shapes, and smells while hopping from pond to pond while taking short rests at foot spa spots in the area. ---------- Kannawa District (video) Cooking in steam of hell The onsen is a great place to soak and relax, but another treat is great food made with hot spring water. In Beppu City, there is a district specializing in a centurys-old traditional cooking method called Jigokumushi, or steam of hell. Head to Kannawa District to enjoy various dishes cooked with the natural hot steam rising from below ground. Hyotan Onsen, Beppu City Hyotan Onsen is a three-star Michelin-rated bathing and restaurant facility in Kannawa District serving up Jigokumushi dishes for you to enjoy. To cook ingredients with Jigokumushi, meat, seafood and vegetables are placed in a bamboo basket. Then, the basket is placed inside of a large stone contraption that looks like a barbecue grill or oven. When the glass lid is closed with the ingredients inside, hot steam gushes through the stone enclosure flash-cooking the meal. This quick process allows the ingredients to retain their fresh flavors and vibrant colors. One taste and youll think the flavors are too heavenly to be steamed by hell! Hyotan Onsen in Beppu City website Another unique onsen in Oita! Nagayu Onsen, Taketa City After a soak and a steamy meal, Taketa City, an hour away, offers another unique onsen experience youll enjoy. Nagayu Onsen offers a rare carbonated hot spring experience youve got to try. The city is also home to Kur Park Nagayu, a health promotion complex designed by Shigeru Ban, a famous Japanese architect. The facility was constructed in 2019 and has cottages for overnight stays, onsen for bathing and exercise and various restaurants. At a restaurant, I sampled a homemade lunch set made from only seasonal local ingredients. It was a delicious, healthy meal that was only tastier thanks to the carbonated spring water used to cook it. You may have tried soaking in the hot springs in Japan and possibly had a onsen egg, but elevate your experience with a soak and devilishly delicious, steamed food in Oita! Kur Park Nagayu in Taketa City website Other popular attractions in the area Yufuin and Lake Kinrin, Yufuin City Yufuin is a popular hot spring resort where youll find various museums, shops, restaurants and inns. The lush landscape around the area includes impressive mountains, pristine rice paddies and traditional farmhouses. Lake Kinrin is a misty wonder which provides Yufuin a mystical ambiance. Usa Jingu and Matama Beach, Usa City Usa Jingu is a Shinto shrine built in the 8th century as the head of thousands of shrines across Japan dedicated to the god of archery and war. Check out the main hall as it is a designated national treasure for the prototype of unique shrine architecture. Matama Beach, one of the 100 most beautiful locations to catch Japans sunset, is near the shrine. Here youll experience breathtaking views of the golden horizon. ---------- Drum Tao, Kuju Kogen heights, Taketa City (video) Otherworldly beats in celestial heights High on a hill inside Oita Prefectures Aso Kuju National Park, the rumbling of wadaiko drums draws in visitors seeking a unique and lively Japanese experience. Tao no Oka is the home of Drum Tao, a group of world-renowned taiko drummers known for their stunning performances, amazing costumes, and pitch-perfect percussion. Drum Tao was created in 1993 with the aim to bring Japans wadaiko drumming to the world. Since then, the group has grown to 40 members split into three sub-groups, which perform at 150 concerts globally each year. According to Maki Morifuji, a spokesperson for Drum Tao, the group has performed for over 9 million people in 26 countries since 1993. What makes Drum Tao popular is the performers melding traditional wadaiko drums with modern elements and sounds. Its this old-meets-new fusion that has led to the international success of the group, Morifujii added. Tao no Oka, an 80-minute drive from Oita City, a performance complex complete with an outdoor theater, cafe, shop and museum, opened in 2020. Inside the museum space, I was able to appreciate the elaborate costumes Drum Tao wears, which are designed by Junko Koshino, a famous Japanese designer. I was also able to enjoy a performance by the group at the Nature Theater, an open-air theater overlooking the Oita Mountains. The drummers rumbling and the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape created an almost sacred experience. It was an enjoyable performance, and I could see why Drum Tao has garnered so many fans worldwide. A visit to Oita truly isnt complete without Drum Taos impeccable beats. Tao no Oka Drum Tao Nature Theater Location: 7571-2 Shiratanji Itaki, Kujumachi, Taketa City, Oita Pref. Live stage schedule: Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon and holidays, 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Admission (Tao House): Age 13 and older, 500 yen ($3.50), ages 4-12, 300 yen Tickets (Nature Theater): Age 13 and older, 4,500 yen, ages 4 12, 2,500 yen Website Tel: 0974-76-0950 ---------- Usuki Castle town, Utsuki City (video) Traditional center with unique gastronomy Though Usuki in Oita Prefecture may seem like a tiny city with a modest population of 35,000, its grandeur lies in its rich history, beautiful streets and unique foods. From the majestic Usuki Castle facing the Bungo Channel, transport to the olden times with a view of Nioza Districts narrow cobblestone-paved roads. The district is home to many Buddhist temples and traditional wooden houses, creating a quaint ambiance worthy of recognition as one of the 100 most scenic Japanese towns by the Japanese government in 1993. The former international port town still has symbols of this history in its Portuguese-style architecture and blue Azulejo Mural wall paintings nestled among traditional Japanese buildings. In the 17th Century, the fermentation industry arrived in Usuki and thus started a unique food culture here. Here youll find plenty of fermented dishes, organic farm products, and sake. The quality of the fermenting and brewing skills in Usuki have even garnered international recognition with a UNESCO designation as Creative City of Gastronomy in 2021. Drop by Kani Shoyu, a miso and soy sauce brewery established in 1600, and the Kotegawa Shuzo sake and shochu brewery founded in 1855 to sample their quality fermented products unchanged for hundreds of years. Another vintage craft from Usaki is Usukiyaki pottery from the former Usuki Domain dating back 200 years. The simple, understated white pottery makes the local foods shine when served on it. Visit Usukiyaki Lab pottery workshop off the old district to learn how the workshop revived the lost pottery style and has transformed it for todays use. Nioza District, Usuki City (a 3-hour drive from Sasebo Naval Base) Nioza District Kani Shoyu Brewery Kotegawa Shuzo Brewery Usukiyaki Lab ---------- Geothermal energy plants, Kokonoe Town (video) A promise for clean energy Oita Prefecture in Kyushu is home to 5,102 hot springs and is known as the onsen capital of Japan. Here you can enjoy this geographic feature with therapeutic baths and even sample some delectable dishes steamed using the heat from below ground. But did you know Oitas hot waters also contribute to clean energy? In Oita, geothermal energy is being harnessed for power and hydrogen. Kyushu Electric Power Companys Hatchobaru Geothermal Power Plant in Kokonoe Town generates 110,000 kilowatts of electricity per hour, which is enough to power around 37,000 homes for one year. The plants use of geothermal does not emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and saves Japan from consuming 200,000 kiloliters of oil for power generation every year, according to Kyushu Electric Power Company. The Hatchobaru plant also offers guided tours and lectures at its museum so you can learn more about its operations and renewable energy. Another plant using geothermal energy is Obayashi Corporations hydrogen plant in Kokonoe Town. This plant produces green hydrogen, which is hydrogen created without emitting carbon dioxide in the production process. Hydrogen is considered a next-generation portable energy because it can be stored in canisters and transferred to local hydrogen fuel stations. According to the company, the plant can produce one kilogram of hydrogen per hour, which is enough for a fuel-cell vehicle (FCV) to drive 130 kilometers. Oitas spring waters are not only a source of relaxation, but also a source of clean, sustainable energy. So, next time youre in the area, enjoy the hot springs and check out the impressive ways these waters are being used to save the environment and preserve natural resources. Kyushu Electric Power Company Hatchobaru Geothermal Power Plant Location: 601 Hatchobaru, Yutsubo, Kokonoe Town, Kusu-gun, Oita Pref. Museum Hours: 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Admission: Free Website Tel: 0973-79-2853 Obayashi Corporation green hydrogen production plant Website Location: Kokonoe Town, Kusu-gun ---------- Bungo Sakaba, Oita City Local foods, tasty sake On my trip to Oita City, I worked up an appetite while checking out the sights near Oita Station. I headed into Bungo Sakaba, which was recommended by the manager at my hotel for a sampling of the local fish and fare. Bungo Sakaba is an izakaya-style restaurant inside the Amu Plaza Oita shopping complex inside Oita Station. The menu has many Oita specialty dishes, sushi, sashimi and other delicious local fish dishes. I ordered Bungo Ichioshi Mori, a sushi set using locally caught fish for 1,000 yen (about $7.50), along with ryukyu for 100 yen. Ryukyu is Oitas soul food and consists of horse mackerel or yellow tail sashimi that is well-marinated in a soy sauce-based broth with sesame and ginger. Since this is an izakaya-style eatery, not checking out their premium sake and alcohol list would be a shame. I chose a glass of locally brewed sake Nishinoseki for 540 yen. The sake paired well with the flavorful horse mackerel ryukyu soaked in mirin and ginger. The sushi set was extensive and included a sampling of all the Oita fish that was in season at the time. In the set were hand-shaped sushi with both fatty and lean tuna, squid, octopus, conger, shrimp, mackerel, sea bream, gizzard shad and egg, and more. I was pleased with my choices and couldnt help but have another refill of the premium Nishinoseki sake to finish off the meal. In case you are not a fan of raw fish, the restaurant also serves various yakitori (grilled chicken on a skewer) and kushikatsu (deep-fried cutlets on a skewer) available for around 100 to 200 yen. Bungo Sakaba is a great spot to try some of the amazing food Oita has to offer. The prices are excellent for the high quality and central location, so make sure to stop in for a delicious meal during your stay. Check it out Location: 1-1 Kanamemachi, Oita City, Oita Pref. Hours: 11 a.m. midnight Website Tel: 097-513-1180 Baku will host the Made in BRICS & SCO international exhibition on April 17-19, Azernews reports. The exhibition will be attended by manufacturers and suppliers of various goods and services from countries that are members of BRICS and the SCO, as well as states planning to join these organizations. The international event will be held at the Baku Expo Center. The organizers are EXPO Club Plus, registered in the United Arab Emirates, and the Russian Expo Club. The entrance is free for visitors. The arc of the moral universe the one that is supposedly long and bending toward justice seems finally to be edging closer to its mark. A series of events in recent days the defenestration of Ronna McDaniel, threatened disbarment of John Eastman, capitulation of Kari Lake in a defamation lawsuit suggests a reckoning is upon us. Its taken a while. Too long to satisfy those who would rather justice be swift than sure. But the humiliation visited on McDaniel, the sanctioning of Eastman and Lake, as well as the jailing of Peter Navarro, the Clinton-Democrat-turned-Trump-flunky, all bring a welcome and much-needed measure of accountability. Perhaps their punishment will deter others who might similarly endeavor to overthrow a free and fairly conducted election, affronting the countrys values and assaulting our democracy with their deceit. The four differ in their deeds. But all are sprung from the same poisoned seed: Donald Trumps lie about the 2020 election, which he lost, clearly and indisputably, to Joe Biden. McDaniel, while she was head of the Republican National Committee, not only helped spread Trumps lie but sought to pressure officials in Michigan her home state to withhold certification of Bidens victory there. Her reward was a $300,000-a-year contract to serve as a political commentator for NBC, which soiled itself in a misguided attempt to bring political diversity to its election coverage. The network backed off and dumped McDaniel only after a remarkable on-air revolt by several of its marquee personalities, who rightly questioned the platforming of a fabulist and accessory to attempted election sabotage. As MSNBC host Rachel Maddow aptly put it, You wouldnt hire ... a mobster to work at a DAs office, right? The swift dispatch of McDaniel was not a matter of silencing a conservative voice, as some would have it. Rather, it was taking back a megaphone from a known liar whose every utterance would and should have been called into question. (A whole other issue is the amount of money that was shelled out to McDaniel not long after NBC made cuts to its news division a reflection of an industry preference for elevating partisans, Democratic and Republican, over journalists.) Eastmans comeuppance came a day after McDaniels unceremonious exit, when a California State Bar judge recommended the attorney lose his law license for helping devise a cockamamie scheme to keep Trump in office despite his election defeat. Its one thing to provide zealous counsel, said the judge, Yvette Roland, whose recommendation of disbarment goes to the state Supreme Court. However, Eastmans inaccurate assertions were lies that cannot be justified as zealous advocacy, she concluded. Indeed, though it would have been nice had the judge gone beyond the $10,000 fine imposed on Eastman, which seems a pittance considering the damage wrought by the former Orange County law school dean. Its not as though he were testing some novel theory in moot court, or practicing creative lawyering, as he claimed in a self-pitying podcast interview. Eastman set out to override and invalidate the judgment of more than 80 million Americans who voted for Biden and cast their ballots with full faith the results would be honored, just as they had been for the previous 200-plus years in America. (For those members of the what-about chorus, yawping that Hillary Clinton and Stacey Abrams questioned the legitimacy of their defeats, there is no comparison between griping on the lecture circuit and mounting a spurious, full-frontal legal attack. Not to mention inciting a violent mob to storm the Capitol and prevent lawmakers from certifying the election.) Happily, one of Eastmans fellow henchmen, Navarro, is stewing in prison after refusing to testify about the Jan. 6 insurrection and his plan to keep Congress from tallying Bidens electoral college victory. The four-month jail hitch is just the latest adornment on Navarros unusual career path from environmentalist San Diego mayoral candidate and Democratic congressional hopeful to fall-on-his-sword MAGA loyalist. Finally, there is Arizonas feckless Kari Lake. She ran for governor in 2022 as a Trump wannabe and kept up the act for months after losing, falsely claiming she, too, was a victim of election fraud. Her fakery resulted in a defamation suit filed by Maricopa Countys Republican elections chief, which Lake now running for U.S. Senate has ceased to contest. Last month, she asked a judge to skip the trial and go straight to assessing damages. Heres hoping for a huge drain on Lakes bank account, followed by a resounding rejection by Arizona voters. Of course, the impresario of all the destruction and duplicity Trump has yet to face any criminal penalties. That moment may be nearing, as a New York City jury is scheduled to take up the matter surrounding hush money Trump paid adult film performer Stormy Daniels to cover up an alleged one-night stand. Its tempting to turn away and be spared the yucky details. But its important to remember the context. The panicked payment to Daniels came after Trump was heard boasting on the infamous Access Hollywood tape about committing sexual assault, which pushed his candidacy to the brink of collapse in the final weeks of the 2016 campaign. The additional revelation of an extramarital affair could have cost Trump the White House; voters certainly deserved to know the facts. Unfortunately, other criminal cases, involving the former presidents efforts to overturn the election and his negligent handling of classified documents after leaving the White House, may not reach a jury before November. That leaves it up to voters to deliver their verdict on Trump, which should be a clear and unequivocal thrashing at the polls. But for now, at least, theres satisfaction in holding to account at least some of the fraudsters and cheats who enabled his rampant wrongdoing. At long last. When word came out of Texas on Monday that avian flu had made another unwelcome hop this one from a dairy cow to a human the news seemed like an April Fools joke. It wasnt. In fact, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or bird flu), the quick-killing disease that has led to either the death or slaughter of 82 million chickens, turkeys and other birds in the U.S. since 2022, had jumped not one, but two species in just two weeks. The first reported instance of species jump came in mid-March after a handful of newly born goats died on a Minnesota farm that had had a bird flu outbreak in its poultry flock, according to state health officials. (Minnesota is the nations largest turkey-growing state, raising between 42 and 45 million birds per year.) Two weeks later, HPAI was detected in dairy cattle in five states: Texas, New Mexico, Michigan, Idaho and Kansas. State and federal agriculture and food safety officials raced to assure the public that Americas dairy supply was not threatened because avian flu is not life threatening to ruminants like it is in birds. Then, the week before Easter, a dairy worker in Texas who the Texas Department of State Health Services described to the Washington Post as someone who worked directly with sick cows at the dairy, tested positive for the virus. His only symptom, however, was a treatable eye inflammation. But, the Post added, The newly emerged case does not change the risk of the general public, which remains low, federal officials said. Americas poultry flocks mostly egg-laying chickens, broiler (meat) chickens, and turkeys remain highly vulnerable to the current strain of avian flu. Since its latest outbreak in February 2022, more than 80 million poultry (mostly egg-laying chickens) in 47 states have been killed by disease. The high number is attributed to the protocol tied to HPAIs discovery in any flock: total depopulation in an attempt to limit its spread. Its both a costly and, to date, completely ineffective cure. Since bird flu outbreaks began almost two years ago, our friends at the Food and Environmental Reporting Network noted Jan. 9, the USDA has spent more than $1 billion to compensate farmers for lost flocks and to suppress the spread of the viral disease. Compensation, yes; suppression, well, good luck with that. In fact, this is the second USDA compensation and suppression effort on avian flu in just the last decade. The 2014-2015 outbreak, as USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service explained, cost taxpayers nearly $850 million for response activities and indemnity payments. And, added APHIS, after spending another $100 million for further preparedness it was the most expensive animal health incident recorded in U.S. history. Until this one anyway, 10 years and at least another $1 billion later. Thats mostly because USDAs further preparedness doesnt include changes to todays industrial poultry and livestock production systems that often stack, stuff and stash as many birds, hogs and cattle into disease-fostering confinement systems that can and do become breeding grounds for chronic ailments affecting both animals and humans. And confinement means confinement. For example, USDAs 2022 Ag Census shows that 75% of all U.S. egg production comes from 347 facilities that house, on average, 850,000 birds. Likewise, reports the census, 834 dairy operations with an average of 8,300 cows apiece, account for 42% of the national dairy herd. Why would this precariously balanced, pandemic-fostering system ever change if taxpayer money according to FERN, $715 million of USDAs $1 billion has been spent on indemnities to producers, growers, and integrators for depopulated birds and eggs refinances the entire tottering enterprise every 10 years or so? John Dent, Nebraska Public Power Districts chief nuclear officer, made a base salary of $646,000 in 2023, a similar amount to other public power executives in Nebraska. But after a bonus of $640,280, his total compensation doubled his salary to $1.3 million. That bonus made the NPPD executive the highest paid public official of the 14 public agencies analyzed by the Flatwater Free Press higher even than his boss. But CEO Thomas Kent and a number of other top earners at NPPD all also saw their 2023 salaries padded by significant bonus pay, ballooning their total earnings well above Nebraskas other public servants, including other public power execs. Khalil Dia, an NPPD nuclear site vice president, received a $261,334 bonus in 2023, around 60% of his base salary. Billy Chapin, a general manager of plant operations, got a $128,415 bonus, 40% of his base pay. Sen. Tom Brewer, chair of the Nebraska Legislatures Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, said NPPDs compensation is shocking because executives base salaries are already higher than state officials, including the governor and attorney general. Why would you double someone's pay that hasn't done anything that special when you could take that money and roll it into reducing rates? Brewer said. Dent, Dia and Chapin are the three highest ranking executives at Cooper Nuclear Station, located in southeast Nebraska, which NPPD says generates enough electricity to provide power to 385,000 customers. Theres serious competition for hiring management talent within the nuclear industry, said Dallas Beshaler, NPPDs vice president of human relations. Thats why the top Cooper Station executives can receive bonuses at percentage levels beyond NPPDs normal incentive program, he said. Dents 2023 bonus, nearly 100% of his base salary, was awarded under a previous nuclear-focused incentive program, Beshaler said. If there's any industry in the world where you want to make sure you minimize risk, and maintain staffing, so that there are no gaps there, it's the nuclear industry, Beshaler said. That's why it is competitive. And that's why you'll see some of those incentives out there. By contrast, roughly 200 NPPD employees including line technicians, chemists and engineers received 2023 bonus pay between $76 and $306. Payments under that bonus category in the records NPPD provided for the Flatwater Free Press Public Payrolls database include any incentives for qualifications like EMT, fire brigade, nuclear officer licenses and on-call pay. If you look during that really cold period we had in early January, there were linemen who were out there in some of the worst conditions, Brewer said. Why wouldn't they be the ones that got a bonus? An extra half million dollars could go a long way toward putting a lot of those guys in a position to want to stay as a part of the team. Kent, NPPDs CEO and president, made a base salary of $693,665, but a $207,558 bonus and $65,890 in miscellaneous pay inflated his total compensation to $967,113. As CEO, Kent receives a bonus that is individually determined by the board of directors each year, because the board chair is technically his supervisor, Beshaler said. Kents bonus payment alone was nearly double the salary of Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen. Many Nebraskans are concerned about public power districts because they depend on those services, said Jack Gould, former issues chair for Common Cause Nebraska. They deserve transparency around NPPDs decisions, he said. Setting the salary and giving out bonuses and those kinds of things ought to be fully disclosed to the public, Gould said. How do you justify that in the eyes of the public? What do you do in that job that warrants a bonus? That ought to be fully explained. NPPD has also compensated its executives since 2007 with yearly contributions to their 401(k) up to the federal maximum, around $22,000, Beshaler said. Those payments appear in the other pay category of the Public Payrolls database, which also includes wellness incentives and unused vacation day payouts. Kent takes compensation recommendations to NPPDs board each December, which include any adjustments to executive wages and 401k incentives, Beshaler said. All other NPPD employees will be eligible to receive bonuses in 2024 based on the goals and percentage scale in the new annual incentive program. The vice president level is eligible for a 30% bonus, outlined in program documents sent to employees. Under that same program, employees below the supervisor level, called individual contributors, will be eligible for bonuses either 2.5% or 5% of their salaries. The incentive program has been budgeted for 2024 with no increases to NPPDs rates, Beshaler said, and wont have any impact on customers. NPPD says it sets compensation, especially at the upper levels, to be competitive with both private utilities and data centers, which Beshaler said have been increasingly interested in hiring executives from public power. Nebraska is the only state in the country that is served entirely by publicly owned utilities, NPPD says. Around 70% of the country is served by private, investor-owned utility companies, said David Pomerantz, executive director of the Energy and Policy institute. Those investor-owned utility companies pay CEOs millions more in total compensation than NPPD does, Pomerantz said, mostly through extra incentives based on the companys earnings. We're looking at big numbers to the average person but when you start looking at what Tom Kent, our CEO, could make if he went to Iowa or Missouri and worked for an investor-owned utility, his compensation would be in the millions, Beshaler said. So it is a challenge for us on a year to year basis to remain competitive, and to create a structure that keeps people here. A huge part of the appeal of public power like Nebraskas system is that ratepayers dont have to foot the bill for exorbitant CEO pay, Pomerantz said. If ratepayers feel like they're overpaying for any of the executive salaries, if they feel like those bonuses are too high, or the salaries are too high, they do have some measure of accountability over that through the board, Pomerantz said. Nebraskas two other large public power organizations did not compensate executives with additional pay anywhere near NPPDs scale in 2023. Omaha Public Power Districts CEO Luis Javier Fernandez received no bonus in 2023 and made a little less than his annual salary rate at $764,330. Only two OPPD executives received pay that exceeded their annualized salaries: Kathleen Brown received about $10,000 and Lisa Olson received a little over $4,000. OPPD employs 2,148 people, a few hundred more than NPPDs 1,814 employees. Lincoln Electric System does not pay any bonuses to its 532 employees, General Counsel Shelley Sahling-Zart said in an email. Some employees receive additional pay for factors including senior pay, reimbursements and on-call days. Kevin Wailes received about $1,700 in additional pay on top of his $575,693 base salary as CEO of LES in 2023. He retired at the end of the year. Executive salaries at all three major public power districts are far higher than any State of Nebraska employee or any employee of the five most populated counties and cities, Flatwaters analysis found. Roger Donovick, the State of Nebraskas medical services director and highest paid employee, made $408,450 in 2023. Douglas Countys medical director Sidney Kauzlarich, the highest paid county official, made $392,587. Sen. Brewer and staff members said they were surprised to hear how much more the states public power executives made than other public officials, especially with NPPDs added bonuses. I would rather see less pay at the top and lowering user rates, because all of Nebraska benefits from that, not an individual or two or three, Brewer said. The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter. Top Journal Star photos for April 2024 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. 1. Yes. This is expected to be a high-turnout election. Its better to vote early and avoid the crowds. 2. Yes. The period is nearly two weeks long, so it should be easy to find a convenient time to vote. 3. No. Its better to wait until Election Day, just in case any last-minute information comes out. 4. No. Its more exciting to vote on Election Day, and its also more traditional. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say at this point. Ill make a decision as the election gets closer. Vote View Results KBR has announced that its Purifier ammonia technology has been selected by Wuhuan Engineering Co Ltd for the expansion of El Nasr Company for Intermediate Chemicals' (NCIC) fertiliser complex in Egypt. Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide the technology license, proprietary engineering design and proprietary equipment for NCIC's 1,200 metric tonnes per day ammonia plant. "We are pleased to be a part of this project and support El Nasr Company for Intermediate Chemicals' growth in the fertiliser sector by providing our sustainable and superior Purifier technology," said Jay Ibrahim, President, KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions. Energy efficient "KBR's Purifier process is an energy-efficient and reliable solution for ammonia producers. Furthermore, with a lower carbon footprint compared to other more conventional ammonia technologies, KBR's Purifier ammonia process helps customers meet their sustainability goals in a cost-effective manner." KBR is a world leader in ammonia technology and has been at the forefront of innovation in the ammonia market for decades. Since 1943, KBR has licensed, engineered, or delivered more than 250 grassroot ammonia plants worldwide.--TradeArabia News Service A Downtown Kenosha coffee business and a Kenosha-area business center have been recognized by the Wisconsin Small Business Administration. The Wisconsin SBA named East View Coffee Co. as its Emerging Small Business of the Year and the Kenosha branch of the Wisconsin Womens Business Initiative Corporation as its Wisconsin Womens Business Center of the Year. East View Owner Jenny Ulbricht was nominated for the award by WWBICs Kenosha branch, which helped kickstart her new coffee tasting room Downtown, highlighting the role of local economic development organizations in building up local businesses. Ulbricht and WWBIC Regional Director Heather Lux met at the East View tasting room Thursday to talk about what the awards mean for the business and nonprofit. Validation What began as a hobby for Ulbricht, roasting coffee beans, has grown into a full-blown business, one that she has built to reflect her values. The business doesnt accept tips, instead paying workers a livable wage with the costs already incorporated into the menu prices. Ulbricht also sources her coffee beans from farms owned by women that she has visited herself. The recognition showed East Views approach of pushing what is normal was the right pathway, she said. Its validation that were doing something different than most coffee roasters or coffee shops, Ulbricht said. Its proof what were doing is what the community and Wisconsin wants. Getting the new Downtown space took some help though, which was where the WWBIC Kenosha branch came in. It was a WWBIC loan that made the new location financially possible, she said. WWBIC is an economic development organization for small businesses with a focus on women, people of color, lower wealth individuals, veterans and military connected families. Ulbricht praised the assistance the nonprofit has given her to build up the business. Its a resource. Its someone in your corner. Its support, emotional and otherwise, Ulbricht said. Ive done so many challenging things in my life, and running this business tops the list. Lux said Ulbricht embodies what entrepreneurship is all about. Local branch honor WWBICs goal is to break down barriers to starting a business, especially for women, people of colors, veterans and others who are trying to create their own business, Lux said. Lux has been with WWBICs Kenosha office since 2008, finding the organization almost by mistake, she joked. After growing up in Kenosha and graduating from Carthage College, she was told by a friend on the organizations advisory board that they were opening a Kenosha office. I was looking to make a move, I thought I can do that for a couple years, Lux said. Fifteen years later, here I am. WWBIC has five regional locations across Wisconsin. The Kenosha office alone serves over 1,000 entrepreneurs and businesses a year, and statewide that number jumps to 5,500, Lux said. Our goal here is to provide education, access to capital for startup and existing businesses, and technical assistance, Lux said. Its really to provide that mentorship, connection to resources, making sure the business plan and model is on track. The award from the SBA was really exciting and a huge honor, Lux said, and she praised the offices team for their hard work. The recognition also means more visibility for WWBIC, Lux said. Ulbricht and the WWBIC Kenosha branch will be honored at an upcoming luncheon in Milwaukee, part of National Small Business Week celebrations that begin April 28 and go until May 4. The Civil War ended more than a 150 years ago, but arguments over the cause of the American conflict go on. One subject that shouldnt be overlooked, however, is how religion, the interpretation of the Bible and the break-up of the church in the southern states helped influence the start of the war. Thats the basis of Faith in the Fight, an exhibit continuing through June 1 at Kenoshas Civil War Museum. Even though the Civil War was not a war of religion, we cannot understand Americas most profound event if we overlook the fact that the conflict was a very religious one, said Doug Dammann, the Kenosha Public Museums education coordinator. He, along with museum staffers Gina Radandt, Rachel Klees Andersen, Dean DeRose and Martin Antaramian, working with several research volunteers, curated the temporary exhibit. When you look at letters and diaries of the soldiers involved in the war, Dammann said, these materials are rife with religious references. Religion, he added, is an often overlooked aspect of the Civil War. The primary sources for the exhibit are first-person accounts, with artifacts from the museums collection, along with items on loan from private collections, the University of Notre Dame and the Sisters of Charity. A lot of the soldiers, Dammann said, were away from home for the first time. They were young men living in the camps and a lot of them fell back on religion as a way to stay away from the influences of gambling and drinking. Differing views Religion and faith were among the greatest of social motivators that helped bring about the Civil War, promoting and encouraging both the abolition and secession movements. During the 19th century, the Bible was Americas best-selling book. Ordinary Americans read it frequently, accepted it as the Word of God, and saw it as an enormous personal resource, according to the exhibit. But, starting in the 1770s, people disagreed on how to apply Biblical teachings in regards to what the Bible said about slavery. When one person used the Bible to attack slavery, another used it to defend slavery. Even though northern and southern Evangelical churches shared similar theology, governance and missionary work, the exhibit materials said, they increasingly grew apart in the 1830s and 1840s because of their positions concerning slavery. Consider this quote from 1862 in The Religious Herald, one of the earliest Protestant newspapers in the United States: The most unmitigated set of villains they have in the South are the Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and Episcopalian preachers all talking secession, drinking mean liquor and advocating the cause of Jefferson Davis and the devil. Fiery preaching from religious leaders fanned the flames of war and heled justify it on religious terms. Opposing religious crusades developed in the North and South, with each claiming God was on their side. The role of chaplains At the center of religious life in the armed services were the chaplains, with one per about a thousand soldiers. The chaplains were mostly Protestants because that was the dominant religion, Dammann said. They were all Christians until 1862, when the president amended the rules to add rabbis. Chaplains, he said, organized prayer meetings and did other services, too, like helping with medical care, reading to the men, writing letters home for soldiers and even collecting money to send back home to their families. The effectiveness of chaplains and the impact they had on soldiers often varied. Some chaplains earned the respect of their regiment and were held in high regard. Others, for a variety of reasons, could not connect with the men through words or actions. Consider this letter, written by Jonathan Knapp, a soldier with the 4th Wisconsin Light Artillery, on Dec. 26, 1864: I have no religious society and have not seen a chaplain since I have been here. Where are they; feasting with drunken officers or what has become of them. Two years in the making The exhibit was an idea for more than two years, Dammann said of the work that went into Faith in the Fight. Doing all that research takes time, he added. Now that that exhibit is on display, hes happy with the results. Its very visually appealing, with the different panels and the videos, Dammann said. The Rev. Robert Miller is a great resource for all of this, Dammann said. Father Bob has done extensive research on this subject and recorded the four videos that are part of the exhibit. Hes like a tour guide through the exhibit. While working on Faith in the Fight, Dammann was most surprised by the theological crisis that came before the war. Churches were splitting up over slavery, and both sides used religion to either defend or attack slavery. That split in the churches, he added, became a political split, too. The role of religion in American life and the role of chaplains in the military are relevant to our society today, Dammann said. That sentiment, he said, is reflected in feedback from visitors to the exhibit. Ive heard people saying things like this parallels my own experience with religion, and were hoping learning about this history can lead to conversations about these topics. SOMERS Walking outside the Callahan Family Student Success and Learning Commons, new University of Wisconsin-Parkside Chancellor Lynn Akey waved to students as they passed. Akey has been a visual and active part of the local campus since taking over the reins at the start of the spring semester. She succeeded Debbie Ford, who left the university last summer to lead Indiana University Southeast in New Albany, Ind. An Illinois native, Akey became Parksides seventh chancellor on Jan. 2, and has spent the last few months getting to know the university, students and staff, from the mailroom to the chemistry department. Prior to accepting the role at Parkside, she had been vice president for Student Success, Analytics and Integrated Planning at Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minn., since 2019. She has served the Mankato campus since 2000 in such roles as associate vice president for Institutional Research, Strategy, and Effectiveness; assistant to the vice president for Student Affairs; assessment coordinator; and assistant director for Academic Initiatives in the Office of the First Year Experience. She was named Minnesota State System Academic and Student Affairs Administrator of the Year in 2021. Akey earned her bachelors degree in Psychology from Northeast Missouri State University/Truman State University; Master of Arts in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University; and doctorate in Educational Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota. History with Parkside Akey previously toured the campus with her son, a current Parkside student, in 2021. We came over and explored it with him, and realized what a wonderful place it was, she said. Akey had an even more up-close look at the college, too, as she shadowed Ford for two years as part of an executive leadership development program. When Chancellor Ford decided that she was going to pursue an opportunity at Indiana University Southeast, she called me up and she said, Lynn, theres an opportunity for you here at Parkside. You have to come check it out, Akey said. I had the good fortune of getting to know Parkside (for) sort of an extended period of time, first as a Parkside parent before being Parkside chancellor. Taking over Akey said she has been meeting with every department in the university to learn about that unit, the people who are working there, the opportunities they see in front of them, and challenges and things that we can work on together. Shes also spent time connecting with the multiple communities Parkside serves. Its a really big community, in many ways, and there are a lot of sub-communities, theres a lot of coordination and collaboration, which is wonderful, Akey said. That foundation in place of collaboration, and close working relationships was important to me. The other thing, I would say is, two months in, the community and community leaders have been very supportive. She said her days at Parkside are both intense and fascinating. Its a position in which you move from having very serious conversations about the future of the institution, to also having wonderful conversations with alumni and friends. And then youre also engaging with students who are here right now, she said. What I find so rewarding is the opportunity to move between all of those different conversations, almost hour by hour. Its challenging at times. But I also find that to be a really rewarding aspect of the job as well. Akey said she did not plan to assume a chancellors role in her career, rather she saw it as a way to make a difference and add meaningful value to an institution. For me, its about doing the work of being a chancellor that I find so rewarding, she said. Would there not have been a strong alignment between the mission of Parkside, where Parkside is at right now, and what I think I could bring to the table as chancellor, I would not have proceeded. Akey hopes to build upon the successes in Parksides academic programming, community outreach and support structures. I think there are some opportunities for us to further, not just serve our community, but to be in partnership with our community, to really think about the type of experience that we can provide our students, she said. One of the pieces that Im challenging the institution to think about is how we meet what our students are looking for, and how we match their expectations and needs. About Akey Akey enjoys spending her free time outside biking, walking or running on a trail. She also enjoys spending time with her family and her two dogs a goldendoodle and german shorthaired pointer. Akey also enjoys traveling and exploring new places. The pieces of advice she often gives to students are Find something that youre passionate about and that youre naturally good at, and Be active in that exploration. The best piece of advice she received from her father centered around the notion of If you gave it your best, and you put in your best, then be happy with that. And know that you did your best. Even if it didnt work out the way you want it, take away from that, pride in the fact that you gave it your best effort, Akey said. Akey describes her leadership style as engaged. One of my skills is bringing people together around a shared vision, developing the strategy to pursue that vision, and then working with others to move forward, she said. So even on really difficult things, taking that challenge on and finding the pathways forward thats something that I enjoy doing. Akey said she wants the surrounding communities to know I am absolutely excited to be here. I am looking forward to the work that Parkside will continue to do in our community (and) in our region, she said. I do absolutely believe that education is something that can transform an individuals life, and by way of that their family and their community. Im very passionate and committed to taking those steps forward as an institution to continue to see that opportunity here. The Korean War Monument (Photos by Hyemin Lee) The War Memorial of Korea is hands down my favorite destination. If youre a U.S. military member, a member of the UN forces stationed in Korea or simply a history buff, mark it as an absolute must-visit spot! July marks the 70th anniversary of the armistice and is a great time to learn more about the Korean War at the memorial museum. Through the exhibits, you can also learn about the rest of Koreas war history prior to the Korean War. The museum and memorial pay tribute to the veterans and those lost protecting the nation during the Korean War. As you wander through, youll witness heartfelt expressions of gratitude not only towards the Republic of Korea forces but also towards the UN forces deployed to assist. Though Korea still remains a divided nation, many Koreans continue to strive for peace, a theme youll see throughout the museum. 5 NOTABLE OUTDOOR EXHIBITS Statue of Brothers Imagine the intense emotions of two brothers reunited as enemies on the chaotic battlefield of the Korean War. This statue was inspired by a true story of a Korean War veteran and shows the tragedy of the divided nation. The statue of the brothers embracing each other, symbolizes Koreas collective aspirations for reconciliation, love, and reunification. The Statue of Brothers (Photo by Hyemin Lee) Korean War Monument As you enter the museum area, you will be overwhelmed by the massive and magnificent sculptures. They serve as a reminder that the pain of the Korean War should never be forgotten and of the hope for future peace and reunification. The Korean War Monument (Photo by Hyemin Lee) Monuments for UN Forces They are established to express gratitude to the 22 countries that participated in the Korean War and commemorate the fallen soldiers. On the opposite side, there are flags of the ROK military branches units that fought in the Korean War. Monuments for UN Forces (Photo by Hyemin Lee) Open-air exhibition area You will be delighted to explore this vast field filled with a fascinating collection of over 70 large-scale weapons that were used during and after the Korean War. This area is renowned as the museums largest photo zone, making it the perfect spot for both children and adults to enjoy. Open-air exhibition area (Photo by Hyemin Lee) Exhibition ROKs PKM-357 Chamsuri When you step into the model vessel, you will travel back to the intense moments of the Second Yeonpyeong Naval Battle in 2002, triggered by a preemptive attack from North Korea. The battle led to the sinking of the PKM Chamsuri-357, resulting in the death of six and injury of 18. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflicts and the fact that the Korean War has not officially ended. The Exhibition of the ROKS PKM-357 Chamsuri (Photo by Hyemin Lee) INDOOR EXHIBITION HALLS - Korean War Rooms Exploring the Korean War Rooms, you can learn in detail about the Korean War, including its historical background and significant events in chronological order. Also, you can see how UN forces aided and fought alongside ROK. This will help you catch a glimpse of the beginning of the ROK-US alliance and the UN Command. Indoor exhibition (Photo by Hyemin Lee) Key Events 1. Illegal invasion of South Korea North Korea, supported by the Soviet Union and China, invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950, and overpowered the South Korean military, occupying Seoul in three days. The NK forces, armed with strong weapons and tanks, recklessly broke through the 38th parallel to nearly Busan. Battle of Nakdsong River: The river was technically the final defense line as the South Korean government was driven from Seoul to Busan. The only hope was for UN forces to join the war and fight alongside ROK. Countless South Koreans including the ROK forces, young students around 13 to 15 years old with no prior combat experience, and civilians died to defend the area. Soon, UN forces joined the battle. 2. UN Forces march north Through a resolution adopted by the UN Security Council on June 27, 1950, UN member countries were urged to provide essential aid to the ROK. With the participation of UN forces and the success of Operation Chromite, the tide of the war was a complete reversal. By October 1950, North Korea was almost fully occupied by UN forces, leaving only a small portion of their territory. The ROK government under President Syngman Rhee was filled with excitement and believed that reunification was within reach. Operation Chromite: On Sept. 15, 1950, General MacArthur successfully led UN forces of 75,000 troops to land in Incheon. The UN forces subsequently recaptured Seoul and other territory. This was the greatest turning point in the Korean War. To this day, General MacArthur is still remembered as the ultimate hero of the Korean War. Operation Chromite (Photo by Hyemin Lee) 3. Chinese Forces and a war of attrition At the very moment when the prospect of reunification seemed close, Mao Zedong, after gaining the upper hand in China, sent troops to assist North Korea, a fellow communist regime. The Chinese forces, with tactics such as human wave attacks, shifted the overall situation of the war again. The UN forces launched a full-scale counterattack. From that point, the war transformed into a brutal war of attrition with no gain for either side. 4.Truce talks and the Korea-US Mutual Defense Treaty Amid the ongoing war of attrition for nearly three years, both sides grew significantly weary. The Korean War was finally halted with the signing of an armistice on July 27, 1953. Koreans who had hoped for reunification were greatly disappointed. Also, the ROK government had great concerns about the future after the war. South Korea entered into the Korea-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty, which provides a war deterrent against further aggression from the North. - ROK Armed Forces Rooms In these exhibition rooms, you will gain comprehensive understanding of how ROK forces have evolved after the Korean War. They also highlight the history of ROK forces participating in UN peacekeeping activities in various countries. It shows the transformation of this country from the one that received aid, to a nation that now provides aid to others. ROK armed forces rooms (Photo by Hyemin Lee) Vietnam War As an ally of the United States, ROK forces participated in the Vietnam War, deploying a cumulative total of approximately 310,000 troops in the span of about eight years. The exhibits vividly show the challenging conditions of the battles such as mountainous terrain and jungles. Vietnam War (Photo by Hyemin Lee) - War History Rooms (Before the Korean War) Korea, throughout its history, has endured invasions from various powerful nations including China, Mongolia, Japan, the United States, and France. Despite these challenges, the nation has preserved its history and identity. Through exploring these halls, youll learn thousands of years of Korean history from the prehistoric era to Japanese occupation. Imjin War and Turtle Ship: In 1592, Joseon faced a major crisis against strong Japanese forces for seven years during this war. However, the invasion was ultimately repelled through the courageous efforts of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and other notable figures. Admiral Yis Turtle Ships achieved remarkable victories in numerous naval battles, becoming a source of great pride for all Koreans. Yet the war resulted in widespread devastation, with brutal massacres and enslavement of many Koreans kidnapped by Japanese. War History Rooms-Imjin War (Photo by Hyemin Lee) The U.S expedition to Korea: In 1871, during an era of Western imperial ambitions in Asia, the United States launched an invasion of Korea as retaliation against the General Sherman incident and to forcibly open Korea to trade. It marked the first and only war between the United States and Korea. This event portrayed in the hit K-drama series Mr. Sunshine, which features a Korean-American Marine Corps officer as the protagonist. War history rooms (Photo by Hyemin Lee) TIPS FOR EXPLORING INDOOR EXHIBITION HALLS The vast indoor exhibit is divided into seven sections. Grab a pamphlet at the entrance to help navigate the three-story museum. Free lockers are available at the entrance, some of which are spacious enough to accommodate large backpacks. Most exhibitions provide English explanations. Also, you can join a free English guided tour. For more information, inquire at the information desk or call +82-2-709-3077 Take enough time to explore the entire museum. There is a wealth of information about the entire history of Korea to absorb. Remember that the last admission is at 5 p.m. and the museum starts closing by 5:40 p.m. Things to know Admission: FREE Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Closed every Monday & if Monday is a holiday, Tuesday is closed instead) Address: 29, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, NAVER MAP For more information: Website Private Luxury Events (PLE) has announced a brand-new event for the luxury leisure industry, responding to the continuing growth of the boutique hotel sector. Private Luxury Boutique will take place from October 2 to 5 at the renowned Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection resort, in Algarve, Portugal. The global boutique hotels market size is estimated to grow by $9.137 billion, accelerating at a CAGR of 6.51% by 2027. According to Future Market Insights, the boutique hotel market is anticipated to be between $95 billion and $98 billion and will potentially reach $115 billion by 2032. Christy Kuplic, Managing Director of Private Luxury Events, said: Private Luxury Boutique is designed for boutique properties across the globe to meet with exceptional luxury buyers who are actively booking properties with soul and a story to tell. At Private Luxury, we are committed to curating an elite gathering that showcases the immersive, cultural, and authentic experiences that travellers are increasingly seeking. Andre Gomes, President of the Algarve Tourism Bureau, a Headline Partner for Private Luxury Boutique, said: "Being a main partner of Private Luxury Boutique provides huge strategic advantages for the Algarve by attracting a highly targeted and influential audience within the luxury sector, positioning the destination in front of key decision-makers, potential clients, and industry leaders. It's also a great networking opportunity allowing engagement within the luxury sector, fostering valuable connections, and showcasing what the destination offers to this target audience. Its the first step and stage of positioning the Algarve as a leading luxury destination. Nagsri Sashidhar of Nagsri - Creating Special Memories, said: "Clients are opting more and more for boutique properties and intimate experiences. They don't want to be just a number in a hotel. It's all about immersion - in the culture, cuisine, and way of life of a local. Boutique properties that have a soul and a story to tell are highly in demand. "At XO Private, we're always on the lookout for shows that best connect with the unique, experiential DNA of our members around the globe. After all, the future is all about personalisation and designing truly memorable, bespoke experiences, said Yvan Vermeesch, Founder of XO Private. Vermeesch added: Private Luxury Boutique aims to address the ever-growing demand for travel that sets the curious, discerning traveller in search for authenticity at the heart of it all. We look forward to partnering with the awesome PLE team for this exciting, premier edition." What Private Luxury Boutique attendees can expect: Private Luxury Boutique brings together a carefully curated selection of luxury buyers who are seeking out boutique properties, products, and experiences for their discerning clients. The event creates an unparalleled platform for boutique properties to showcase their unique offerings and connect with these influential global buyers. With 90 worldwide exhibitors and 100 luxury travel buyers, Private Luxury Boutique creates an intimate and focused environment conducive to meaningful business connections. Attendees can expect tailored one-to-one meetings, inspiring destination discovery, and exciting themed nights that highlight the best of the Algarve, one of Europe's most sought-after destinations. Ignacio Mirones from Marugal Distinctive Hotels, representing Cap Rocat, said: We believe that Private Luxury Boutique will be a resounding success and a tremendously good fit for buyers who are captivated by intimate, independently owned properties, and hoteliers that have something unique to showcase." Private Luxury has partnered with exceptional brands in the industry for this event, including: Pine Cliffs Resort a Luxury Collection Resort, Visit Algarve, XO Private, Vila Vita Parc, and W Algarve. -TradeArabia News Service As he drives slowly across snow, Nils Mathis Sara drops food on the ground for hundreds of his reindeer to eat. His animals live in Finnmark, the northernmost point of Norway. But Sara wishes he did not have to feed them. "This is an emergency situation," said the 65-year-old Sara. "I am not supposed to feed them. They are supposed to feed me." Sara is Sami, an ethnic group native to the northern areas of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola peninsula of Russia. Normally, the reindeer find their own food. They dig through the snow to reach small plants, called lichen, buried below. But every winter for the past ten years, Sara has had to buy food to help the animals live through the cold season. Winter temperatures in the area can drop to as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. Until recently, only snow fell during the winter months in Finnmark. But in recent years, the weather has been warmer, with temperatures sometimes rising above freezing. That means rain, instead of snow, falls on the ground. Then, when the temperature drops, that water turns to ice. The thick ice makes it difficult for the reindeer to reach the lichen. "It is especially hard for the younger reindeer, as their hooves are not strong enough to break through," Sara said. One morning in March, Sara and a family member put down about one and a half metric tons of food for the reindeer. The two men have been doing the same thing every other day since February. "I should really be doing this every day, but economically it does not make sense," said Sara. Feeding the animals can also bring unexpected results. Later that day, Sara sees hundreds of reindeer in his reindeer feeding area. But, the reindeer do not belong to him. Sara quickly drives over to the herder of the other reindeer. He asks the herder to move the animals out of the area. The reindeer had come to Saras area because of the smell of the food Sara had put on the ground. In addition, reindeer are semi-wild. Normally, herders follow the animals as they look for food under the snow. But feeding the animals makes them slowly become less wild and depend more on humans. This makes the Sami people live more like farmers than herders. Sara says this goes against the Samis traditional way of living. "When we feed the reindeer, they change their behavior and become more accustomed to humans," Sara said. "This is not our way." Im Andrew Smith. Gwladys Fouche wrote this story for Reuters. Andrew Smith adapted it for VOA Learning English. _______________________________________________ Words in This Story peninsula n.- a long piece of land that is surrounded by water on three sides herder n.- a person who follows and looks after livestock such as cattle and goats accustomed to adj. phrase familiar with doing something or with a situation or state of being And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English. You can trust that we are actually Voice of America Learning English. We are the real deal. We are authentic. In other words, we are not bogus. Bogus is an adjective that means fake or phony . Something bogus is not genuine . It is a fraud . Its fraudulent. For example, the mans huge diamond ring was bogus. He told everyone it was a real diamond. But actually, it was just a piece of glass. Bogus can describe something that is a lie. If something like an explanation or reason is bogus , its not true . For example, an employee might call her employer to say she needs a sick day off from work. But during the call, her boss hears loud, live music in the background. The employee was clearly at a music show. Her reason for not being at work was bogus . We could also say the employees excuse did not hold water . Her excuse for missing work sounded bogus . It was not believable . It didnt hold water . Experts at the online dictionary Merriam-Webster explain that bogus began as a noun. In the early 19th century in the U.S., a bogus was a machine that made counterfeit , or fake , money. Heres a fun fact: You can call bogus , counterfeit money funny money . Here is another word related to bogus sham . Sham , a noun, describes a fake , made-up situation. We use shams to cover up the truth. Lets hear some of these terms used in a short story. Two roommates work together at a bank. One day, they decide to steal all the gold and jewelry held in the banks safe. So, they plot. They plan it out. First, they need an alibi. Where can they be while the robbery is actually happening? They create a bogus alibi. They tell police that at the time of the robbery, they were together at a volunteer event, cleaning up a local park by the towns river. But after checking out their alibi, police brought the two in for questioning. Then detectives searched their shared apartment and found all the gold and jewels from the bank robbery. What made the police suspect them? Can you guess what detectives found at the river park that proved their alibi was a sham ? A dirty park and river! They both had a huge amount of trash! Clearly, no clean-up event had ever taken place. And thats all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories. Until next time Im Anna Matteo. Anna Matteo wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English. ______________________________________ Words in This Story authentic adj. not false or imitation : real, actual bogus adj. not genuine phony adj. not genuine or real : intended to deceive or mislead genuine adj. not pretended : sincere, honest fraud n. an act of deceiving or misrepresenting : trick did not hold water idiom : to not be or not appear to be true, verifiable, or able to be supported by facts counterfeit adj. made in imitation of something else with intent to deceive We want to hear from you. Do you have a similar expression in your language? In the Comments section, you can also practice using any of the expressions from the story. Our comment policy is here. Wildlife officials in Thailand released a plan on Wednesday to bring peace to a central city after at least 10 years of human-monkey conflict. The macaques that live in Lopburi are a symbol of local culture and a major tourist attraction. But there have been years of dangerous interactions between humans and the monkeys. Past attempts to control the monkey population have failed. Local people and businesses say they have had enough. The monkeys often try to take food from humans, injuring them in the process. Most injuries are minor. But two serious monkey attacks took place last month. A monkey pulled a woman down to the ground when trying to take her food. The woman suffered a serious knee injury. In the other attack, a hungry monkey pushed a man off a motorcycle. Officials hope to capture 2,500 of the monkeys and place them in large enclosures, said Athapol Charoenshunsa. He is the director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. They will work with wildlife experts to find a way for a limited number of monkeys to stay in the city, he added. I dont want humans to have to hurt monkeys, and I dont want monkeys to have to hurt humans, he told reporters in Bangkok. An official monkey catching campaign was launched week. The officials main concern is aggressive alpha males. Workers have caught 37 monkeys so far. Most of those animals were placed under the care of wildlife officials in the nearby province of Saraburi. Others were sent to the Lopburi zoo. Officials said they plan to capture more monkeys once the enclosures are complete. Separate cages will be prepared for different troops of monkeys to prevent them from fighting. Athapol said the large cages will be able to contain thousands of them and will solve the problem very quickly. The monkeys are a symbol of the province, about 140 kilometers north of Bangkok. There, the ancient Three Pagodas temple, celebrates a yearly Monkey Buffet festival. Macaques are considered a protected species under Thailands wildlife conservation law. Some have blamed the city's monkey troubles on tourists and local people feeding the animals. They say feeding them led more monkeys to enter the city in search of food. But an earlier effort to limit feeding may have made things worse, some locals say. City officials in recent years ordered fines against people caught feeding monkeys in several areas around the main tourist sites. But those feeding areas were controlled by a few troops of the highly territorial macaques. Competing groups grew hungry and increasingly sought food from humans in other areas. Athapol said people should not consider the monkeys as villains. He said officials might have not moved quickly enough to control the monkey population. People also need to adapt to the citys monkeys, said Phadej Laithong. He is director of the Wildlife Conservation Office. He explained that a lack of natural food sources leads the animals to find food wherever they can, including from humans. Past control measures have fallen short. From 2014 to 2023, the wildlife officials neutered about 2,600 Lopburi monkeys. Athapol said they are also working in other areas of Thailand that are facing problems with monkeys. He said 52 of the country's 77 provinces often report of problems from monkeys. Im Dan Novak. Dan Novak adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting by The Associated Press. _______________________________________________ Words in This Story enclosure n. an area of or for containment of something alpha n. a socially dominant person or animal villain n. an evil person adapt v. to change so as to fit a new or specific use or situation neuter v. to perform a medical operation to halt an animals reproductive ability Students like Jeannie Tarnue of Annandale, Virginia, have a chance to say a lot about themselves on their college applications. They can tell about classroom success that came from long hours of doing homework. They can write about time they spent after school as leaders of student activity groups. But a decision last year by the U.S. Supreme Court means they will have only one chance to talk about their family background or nationalities. That chance comes in the part of the application that calls for a piece of writing about a single subject, known as an essay. In the past, students like Tarnue would have been able to tell colleges about their backgrounds in another part of the application. Then they could discuss something else in their essay. Now colleges cannot ask about race. Tarnue is a first-generation American. She was born in the United States, but her parents came to the U.S. from the African nation of Liberia about 20 years ago. Tarnue will start college later this year. She started working on her applications around this time in 2023. She thought carefully about the questions that came as part of the Common Application. The application is a standard form that students can use to apply to over 1,000 colleges and universities. The application offers seven essay prompts, or suggestions. One question asks students to tell a meaningful story about themselves. Another asks for a story about overcoming obstacles. An obstacle is another word for a barrier. Tarnue said she could have written about what it was like to be the child of immigrants for her essay. Instead, she wrote about overcoming a challenge. She said she had a speech delay as a girl and found herself in a special education program called IEP. I was placed at the age of three, Tarnue said. I talked about my process of leaving that program, because that program is really hard to get out of. I also, like, added like, the metaphor of me being a butterfly and coming out of the cocoon. Tarnue said she used a short-answer part of the application to discuss her familys background in Liberia. She wrote about learning a special Liberian handshake that is connected to the time when those who formed Liberia were enslaved in the United States. She said she chose not to write about her race in the personal statement because everyone writes about it, and you have to stand out (above) the other applicants. A number of students around the U.S. seem to have the same idea. The Associated Press spoke with students in Chicago, Illinois; Cleveland, Ohio; Portland, Oregon, and Boston, Massachusetts about how they decided to write their college essays. In Chicago, Hillary Amofa said she started trauma-dumping when she wrote a first version of her essay. She wrote about being the daughter of immigrants from Ghana. But she worried that the essay did not talk about who she was as a person. She wondered if she had to go through something horrible to feel worthy of going to a school? Later, she wrote about being at ease wearing her hair in a natural style although her white classmates criticized her about it when she was a girl. Now, she said, she has a small business styling hair for Black women. In her essay, she wrote: Criticism will persist, but it loses ... power when you know theres a crown on your head! After the Supreme Courts decision, some universities expanded their prompts. Brown University in Rhode Island and Rice University in Houston, Texas, included questions that ask about a students challenges growing up or how their opinions were shaped by their backgrounds or race. Darrian Merritt of Cleveland wondered if schools like Yale, Stanford or Vanderbilt wanted a sob story. He said he wrestled with the question of whether he went through hard enough times as a child to deserve having a spot at the university. Merritt chose to write about an experience at summer camp when he started to feel more at ease, or comfortable. He wrote about wondering whether he was black enough and discussed being made fun of for listening to white people music. He also wrote about taking ownership of myself and my future by sharing my true personality. Merritt said he felt comfortable sending an honest story to colleges. In Portland, Max Decker started working on his college essays before the Supreme Courts decision last year. At first, he had written about his love of video games. But the essay he sent to colleges was very different. He wrote about a nonprofit community group called Word is Bond. The group works with young Black men. Decker is of mixed race. He said he always felt like the odd one out before he became a part of the group and found acceptance. On a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers, he realized he offered something special to the world because he is different. Decker said he felt comfortable writing about his race in an essay if it could help him get into a better college. He noticed that his high school friends who had college-graduate parents were in a better position. They knew it was important to get into higher-level classes at the start of high school, for example. In the end, Decker said both essays were true. But the one he submitted to colleges felt more like the truth the world was expecting of him. Imani Laird of Boston said she felt as if she had to fully explain the way her race affected her life. I didnt have it easier because of my race, she said. I had stuff I had to overcome. So, she wrote about her grandfather. She said he was not permitted to enter a special program for former soldiers to go to college because he was Black. She said facing racism makes her want to do great things with her life, or to excel. My goal in class was not just to participate but to excel. Beyond academics, I wanted to excel while remembering what started this motivation in the first place. The group of students who are finishing high school this year are the first class to submit applications under the new policy. What advice do they have for future students? Tarnue said students should still write about moments that really shaped your character and personality and experiences that led to personal growth. Im Dan Friedell. And Im Caty Weaver. Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a report by the Associated Press and a conversation with Tarnue. Quiz - What Will Students Tell Colleges on Their Applications This Year? Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ______________________________________________ Words in This Story application n. a written request to be accepted to a school, college, or program standard adj. regularized for use by everyone challenge n. a task or job that is difficult to do metaphor n. an idea or image that represents a larger more important idea cocoon n. a sheltered place that is not influenced by reality or difficulty trauma n. a bad experience style n. a design or way something is done persist v. to continue doing something even if it is not supported sob story n. a sad story which is not taken too seriously odd one out expression something that is different and that does not fit in We want to hear from you. What would you say to students who are working on their college applications next year? Pic story: municipal-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor of batik in Tangshan Xinhua) 10:00, April 07, 2024 Li Sa (L) introduces a batik product to a customer at her studio in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, April 6, 2024. Li Sa, 25, has been learning batik making technique since a very young age from her mother Gan Caiyun, a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor of the crafts. After graduation from college, Li chose to start up her own business in her hometown Tangshan and set up a batik studio, devoting herself into the inheritance and creation of batik making technique. As a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage experience base, her studio has attracted many young talents. In recent years, Li has offered a series of voluntary and experiential courses in residential compounds, schools and nursing homes, as a way to pass down the batik technique. Integrating the aesthetics of modern life with the batik technique, the cultural and creative products her team designed are appreciated by the market. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Li Sa draws a pattern for batik products in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, April 6, 2024. Li Sa, 25, has been learning batik making technique since a very young age from her mother Gan Caiyun, a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor of the crafts. After graduation from college, Li chose to start up her own business in her hometown Tangshan and set up a batik studio, devoting herself into the inheritance and creation of batik making technique. As a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage experience base, her studio has attracted many young talents. In recent years, Li has offered a series of voluntary and experiential courses in residential compounds, schools and nursing homes, as a way to pass down the batik technique. Integrating the aesthetics of modern life with the batik technique, the cultural and creative products her team designed are appreciated by the market. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Li Sa (L) teaches a young learner to make batik product at her studio in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, April 6, 2024. Li Sa, 25, has been learning batik making technique since a very young age from her mother Gan Caiyun, a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor of the crafts. After graduation from college, Li chose to start up her own business in her hometown Tangshan and set up a batik studio, devoting herself into the inheritance and creation of batik making technique. As a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage experience base, her studio has attracted many young talents. In recent years, Li has offered a series of voluntary and experiential courses in residential compounds, schools and nursing homes, as a way to pass down the batik technique. Integrating the aesthetics of modern life with the batik technique, the cultural and creative products her team designed are appreciated by the market. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Li Sa (1st L) and her mother Gan Caiyun (2nd L) demonstrate the batik technique at her studio in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, April 6, 2024. Li Sa, 25, has been learning batik making technique since a very young age from her mother Gan Caiyun, a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor of the crafts. After graduation from college, Li chose to start up her own business in her hometown Tangshan and set up a batik studio, devoting herself into the inheritance and creation of batik making technique. As a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage experience base, her studio has attracted many young talents. In recent years, Li has offered a series of voluntary and experiential courses in residential compounds, schools and nursing homes, as a way to pass down the batik technique. Integrating the aesthetics of modern life with the batik technique, the cultural and creative products her team designed are appreciated by the market. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Li Sa (R) demonstrates the batik technique at her studio in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, April 6, 2024. Li Sa, 25, has been learning batik making technique since a very young age from her mother Gan Caiyun, a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor of the crafts. After graduation from college, Li chose to start up her own business in her hometown Tangshan and set up a batik studio, devoting herself into the inheritance and creation of batik making technique. As a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage experience base, her studio has attracted many young talents. In recent years, Li has offered a series of voluntary and experiential courses in residential compounds, schools and nursing homes, as a way to pass down the batik technique. Integrating the aesthetics of modern life with the batik technique, the cultural and creative products her team designed are appreciated by the market. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A young learner views batik products at Li Sa's studio in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, April 6, 2024. Li Sa, 25, has been learning batik making technique since a very young age from her mother Gan Caiyun, a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor of the crafts. After graduation from college, Li chose to start up her own business in her hometown Tangshan and set up a batik studio, devoting herself into the inheritance and creation of batik making technique. As a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage experience base, her studio has attracted many young talents. In recent years, Li has offered a series of voluntary and experiential courses in residential compounds, schools and nursing homes, as a way to pass down the batik technique. Integrating the aesthetics of modern life with the batik technique, the cultural and creative products her team designed are appreciated by the market. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Li Sa (L) and her mother Gan Caiyun make batik cloth in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, April 6, 2024. Li Sa, 25, has been learning batik making technique since a very young age from her mother Gan Caiyun, a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor of the crafts. After graduation from college, Li chose to start up her own business in her hometown Tangshan and set up a batik studio, devoting herself into the inheritance and creation of batik making technique. As a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage experience base, her studio has attracted many young talents. In recent years, Li has offered a series of voluntary and experiential courses in residential compounds, schools and nursing homes, as a way to pass down the batik technique. Integrating the aesthetics of modern life with the batik technique, the cultural and creative products her team designed are appreciated by the market. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Li Sa smooths out batik cloth in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, April 6, 2024. Li Sa, 25, has been learning batik making technique since a very young age from her mother Gan Caiyun, a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor of the crafts. After graduation from college, Li chose to start up her own business in her hometown Tangshan and set up a batik studio, devoting herself into the inheritance and creation of batik making technique. As a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage experience base, her studio has attracted many young talents. In recent years, Li has offered a series of voluntary and experiential courses in residential compounds, schools and nursing homes, as a way to pass down the batik technique. Integrating the aesthetics of modern life with the batik technique, the cultural and creative products her team designed are appreciated by the market. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Ethiopian Airlines Group, one of the largest airline groups in Africa, has completed its Jinka Airport project, unveiling a new terminal and support facility buildings. The new state-of-the-art airport terminal is now open for service, following a grand celebration held in Jinka, one of the emerging cities in the South Ethiopia Regional State. The two-and-a-half-year project involved the construction of a terminal building of built-up area 3,500 sqm, support facility building, and external facilities including exclusive VIP parking area and other facilities. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said: We are truly delighted to witness the completion of the brand new Jinka Airport Terminal Building project that has been under construction for the last few years. As a national flag carrier, Ethiopian is playing its part in the countrys aviation transformation and Jinka is our latest contribution to Ethiopias modern aviation facility. The new Jinka airport will further offer a comfortable travel experience to/from the city thereby boosting trade and tourism in the region and beyond. Committed to enhancing customer experience, we will continue to invest in renovation and upgrading of domestic airports. Following the finalisation of the Euro 8 million ($) project for construction, Jinka Airport Terminal is now equipped with modern passenger service areas including departure and VIP lounges and other facilities that will enhance customer experience. The airport will help Ethiopian offer an upgraded customer services to its passengers to/from the city. It also promises to provide a convenient and comfortable travel experience to tourists travelling to southern Ethiopia, home to exotic people, culture, and nature, a statement said. At its hub, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Ethiopian Airlines offers seamless transit and stopover services, creating an opportunity for passengers who have to lay over to enjoy the beauty of Addis Ababa, the diplomatic capital of African. TradeArabia News Service The solar system is our home in the vastness of space. Scientists all over the world are eagerly trying to find a way to explore what is beyond it, but it is not easy. ADVERTISIMENT The heliosphere is the protective envelope of our planetary system, so to explore the universe, you need to get beyond it. It sounds impossible, but IFLScience said that scientists have already proposed the best routes to leave our world. In a groundbreaking study, scientists have questioned previous assumptions about the shape of the heliosphere. It is often depicted as spherical, but it is likely to have a more complex shape, perhaps elongated or crescent-shaped. Sarah Spitzer, PhD and first author of the study from the University of Michigan, compared our understanding of the heliosphere to "a goldfish trying to understand the aquarium from the inside." Scientists are striving to understand the nature of our solar system's envelope and explore how it protects astronauts and life in general from harmful galactic radiation. However, until humanity knows at least the shape of the heliosphere, this is impossible. ADVERTISIMENT The only thing we know is that galactic radiation affects its shape and makes the heliosphere point in a certain direction. This means it has a front side that is closer to the Sun and a back side. Previously, there were proposals to send a research probe at a 45-degree angle from the nose of the heliosphere, but the proposal was rejected. Spitzer and her colleagues analyzed six possible trajectories and concluded that studying the flanks would provide the most scientific insight. Therefore, the scientists proposed to send a new mission into oblivion, during which the spacecraft will have to overcome from 400 to 1000 AU (1 AU is equal to the distance from the Earth to the Sun). ADVERTISIMENT "The upcoming interstellar probe mission will be our first opportunity to truly see our heliosphere, our home, from the outside, and better understand its place in the local interstellar environment," Spitzer added. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. Dear Doc: I hear so much about Prevagen. Its advertised all over the place. I have a couple of friends who swear it works. Ive read some newspaper clips, and it looks more like snake oil to me. What do you think? Longtime radio listener Dear Listener: Snake oil, through and through. Prevagen is amoebae extract advertised to improve age-related memory loss a claim for which there is no credible evidence. A recent court decision indicates the makers of Prevagen are overstating any health claims they are making for this junk. So lets look at the stuff. The main ingredient in Prevagen is apoaequorin, a protein found in jellyfish. The drugmakers have stopped deriving the substance from these marine animals and have started making it in the lab. Every capsule has 10 milligrams of the substance, according to the company. They claim Prevagen protects brain cells by binding to the excess calcium that destroys memory. But there is no evidence, none, that this sham stuff even gets into the brain. To do that, it would have to get through the blood-brain barrier, a wall in your brain that protects it from the wrong things getting into the tissue. Prevagen also has 2,000 milligrams of vitamin D3 inexpensive stuff you easily can buy yourself. Thats the dose I recommend you take, especially in the winter. And thats about it. The makers of Prevagen say there are clinical studies. While technically thats true, they only used a few people in the study, nearly all had no placebo aspect to it, and their way of evaluating the drugs so-called effectiveness was a sham. Supposedly, some of the study subjects remembered driving directions better than before by the way, I use Google for that. So, federal regulators have told the Prevagen people they have to back off on their claims, and a jury in New York recently found the same thing. The claims that Prevagen improves memory and does so within 90 days are completely misleading. The jury also found the company liable for not reporting side effects of the drug, which included seizures, strokes, heart attacks and heart rhythm problems. Meanwhile, and heres the rub, there is counterfeit Prevagen on the market. Thats right, someone apparently in Kenya is counterfeiting a pill that does nothing but steal money from your wallet a fake of a fake brain drug. Amazon, where the counterfeits can be found, has said only to buy the drug from the Prevagen Official Store. Uh-huh. If its late at night and you cant find your keys, you probably wont remember to buy it from the Official Store. Even if you do, you get an official supplement that still doesnt do anything. Now, the cost: Taking regular-strength Prevagen will run you about $500 per year, with the double-strength version jumping in at more than twice that, about $1,100 annually. My spin: Prevagen is snake oil by a different name. At least old-fashioned snake oil, sold by carnival barkers, had lots of alcohol in it so you could get a buzz, if nothing else. Prevagen has, well, nothing else. Lets just say the word I want to use to describe it starts with bull. Stay well. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Philippine Export Confederation of the Philippines (PhilExport) are driving a new advocacy to create another 1 million jobs under the Job Opportunities Building Skills (JOBS) program, a sequel to Project Jobs launched in 2022. The private sector-led project is a collaboration among the PCCI, Philippine Exporters Confederation (PhilExport), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Semiconductor and Electronics Industry of the Philippines Inc. (SEPI), Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP), Philippine Constructors Association Inc. (PCA) and Philippine Hotel Owners Association, Inc. (PHOA). - Advertisement - The previous program took almost two years to deliver the 1 million jobs, but JOBS intends to scale up the program, not only to provide employment to 1 million Filipinos but entrench an upskilling program for every worker. The difference here now is the upskilling factor. It has leveled up. It does no only provide jobs but provide more meaningful jobs as workers are given a chance to improve their skills set, said PCCI chairman emeritus and PhilExport chairman Sergio Ortiz Luis. Advocacy participants will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with relevant government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Tourism (DOT), Commission of Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to highlight their specific roles in the program. PCCI said the program would be formally launched by May 1 or the Labor Day in the Philippines. The group said the program would be a continuing advocacy regardless of any administration. It will go over and above politics, as a venue for generating jobs for Filipinos. Solar Philippines said over the weekend its joint venture (JV) with Medco Energi, PT Medcosolar Bali Timur, signed a loan agreement with Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) for a $14-million financing to fund the construction of a 25-megawatt solar farm in Kubu District, Karangasem Regency, East Bali. The company said in a statement this would be the largest ground-mounted solar project in Indonesia. It is estimated to cost $20 million and would be funded by a combination of BNIs credit facility and equity invested by Medco and Solar Philippines. - Advertisement - Solar Philippines founder and chief executive Leandro Leviste signed the loan agreement along with BNI senior vice president Ditya Maharhani Harninda, Medco Power president and chief executive Eka Satria and Medco Power chief financial officer Myrta Sri Utami at the Medco Power office in Jakarta. BNIs representatives said the bank actively focused on financing projects that are environment-friendly as an effort to encourage the green energy transition in Indonesia. It is in line with Medco Powers mission to create long-term value in renewable energy. Solar Philippines owns 49 percent of PT Medcosolar Bali Timur. It also owns 49 percent of PT Medco Solar Bali Barat, which is developing another 25-MW solar farm in West Bali, bringing the total capacity of the Solar Philippines JV with Medco in Bali to 50 MW. Medco Energi is the largest independent oil and gas exploration and production company in Indonesia. Solar Philippines began developing its Bali solar projects in 2017 and formed its JV with Medco in 2019 to submit a bid in the first competitive auction for utility-scale solar of Indonesias state utility PLN. The JV beat several international power companies to win 25 MW in East Bali and 25 MW in West Bali, for a total of 50 MW. In 2023, the JV began construction of the first 25 MW in East Bali. The JV plans to energize the first 25 MW Bali project by the end of 2024, followed by the next 25 MW for a total of 50 MW of Bali projects by 2025. Indonesia has one of the worlds lowest solar capacity per capita, with an estimated total 500 MW of solar operating in a country of 279 million people. Solar Philippines said this is due to low power prices, and the scarcity of land in the most populous island of Java, with challenges similar to developing solar in Luzon. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said over the weekend Faxtboxph will dispatch another batch of mangoes to Australia in April 2024. This move is poised to further fortify the trade relations between the two countries, the DTI said in a statement. - Advertisement - Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen De La Vega cited the significance of the second mango shipment under the strategic partnership established in September 2023. The Philippines and Australia share a strong commitment to fostering trade ties, and the arrival of our mangoes signifies a delightful milestone in our partnership, especially as we celebrate Filipino Food Month in April, she said. Meanwhile, FastboxPH, the logistics firm entrusted with the recent mango shipment, reported a surge in demand within the Australian market, attributing it to the unparalleled taste and quality of Philippine mangoes. FastboxPH plans to further expand its presence across Australia. The company aims to establish partnerships with additional retailers and distributors nationwide, ensuring wider accessibility of Philippine mangoes to Australian consumers. The overwhelmingly positive response to our initial shipment last year has paved the way for a triumphant return of Philippine mangoes to Australian tables this April. We are steadfast in our commitment to making Philippine mangoes a household staple in Australia, said Miguel Ripoll, managing director of FastboxPH. Highlighting the robust recovery of bilateral trade between the Philippines and Australia, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said trade levels between the two countries soared beyond pre-pandemic figures. Pascual said that in 2023, the trade volume between surged to $4.1 billion, representing a 20-percent increase from $3.4 billion in 2022. The continued growth in our bilateral trade underscores the vast potential for our products in the Australian market. The successful export of our mangoes exemplifies the significant strides were making in facilitating agricultural trade, which is pivotal for our economic agenda, he said. Pascual noted the importance of key policy tools such as the Second Protocol of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), signed by the Philippines on Feb. 14, 2024, in further optimizing the trade and investment relationship between the two nations. Leading the charge in expanding the reach of premium Philippine agricultural products, particularly mangoes, is the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Sydney (PTIC-Sydney), the DTIs overseas arm. Through strategic initiatives such as trade fairs and consultations, PTIC-Sydney is actively working to enhance the international visibility of Philippine products. Created under Executive Order 1037 on July 4, 1985 by former President Ferdinand Marcos, the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) is a corporate body tasked to primarily develop and promote our country as a retirement haven for foreign retirees by providing them the best quality of life. In cooperation with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the PRA processes for qualified retirees, the Special Resident Retirees Visa (SRRV), a special non-immigrant visa, which has a lifetime validity and exempts its holders from BI requirements, and allows them to study, invest and work (with the approval of our Department of Labor and Employment) here in our country. - Advertisement - Qualified foreign retirees can now spend their retirement in the Philippines by availing the SRRV SRRV holders also have multiple entry and exit privileges, and are exempt from travel tax, if the retiree has not stayed in the country for more than a year from his last entry. PRA also assists these foreign retirees in securing government documents like drivers license, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance and Alien Employment Permit (AEP), among many others. What are the requirements for these foreign nationals to apply for the SRRV? They must be 50 years or older. If they are currently receiving a monthly pension of at least $800, they have to deposit in their name $10,000 in any of PRAs accredited banks. If they do not have a pension, the required deposit is $20,000. However, for former Filipinos (now citizens of other countries) and foreign nationals who used to be Armed Forces officers of foreign countries with a monthly pension of at least $1000, and officers of international organizations recognized by our Department of Foreign Affairs, i.e., Asian Development Bank, World Health Organization, United Nations, etc., only a $1500 deposit is required. Some retirees engage with Life Care employees for an outdoor activity To make extending assistance to SRRV holders all over the country easier, the PRA has Satellite offices in Cebu, Davao, Clark, Subic, and Baguio, with plans to open additional offices in the other major cities of the country. It is also currently in the process of adopting full automation for all its documentary procedures. It has already completed the system that allows it to share data with the BI, to easily track down the movements of these foreign retirees. What makes these foreign retirees choose our country over our ASEAN neighbors? We are perceived as the most loving people towards foreigners. They also see us as having a very strong culture of respect for elders. In fact, when I was in Berlin last month to attend the Internationale Tourismus Borse (ITB), the biggest tourism event in the world, a police officer in uniform came to the PRA booth and declared that he had decided to retire in the Philippines because he likes the way Filipinos take care of old people. A guest room at Life Care Philippines, the first and only assisted living facility in the Philippines Another reason why foreign retirees choose to settle down here is our English-speaking capability, which makes it easy for them to connect and establish friendships. Of course, they also realize that the cost of living in our country is much lower than that of our neighbors. By further strengthening PRAs marketing promotions and visibility in international markets, more foreign retirees will discover that settling down in our corner of paradise will be the best decision they have had to make. We have an entire spectrum of magnificent natural treasures, inhabited by the friendliest people on earth, serving mouth-watering culinary delicacies, and celebrating the most colorful cultural eventswhat else could they ask for? A display ad by the PRA found at NAIA Terminal 3 There is one thing we do need more world-class retirement facilities. We could attract even more foreign retirees if we have more of these, just like what they have in other countries. So, if any of you, dear readers, would like to invest in something that will guarantee quick ROI, contact the PRA at www.pra.gov.ph (office of the General Manager) or through +632 8848 1412. Such a productive investment might just be the retirement business you have been searching for. For feedback, Im at bobzozobrado@gmail.com British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Saturday said the terrible war between Israel and Hamas must end, six months on from the start of the conflict. We continue to stand by Israels right to defeat the threat from Hamas terrorists and defend their security. But the whole of the UK is shocked by the bloodshed, he said in a statement. This terrible conflict must end. China will conduct military combat patrols Sunday in the disputed South China Sea, a statement from the army said, the same day as joint drills by the Philippines, the United States, Japan and Australia. On April 7, the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army organises joint naval and air combat patrols in the South China Sea, said the statement. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was alarmed by the raid carried out by Ecuadoran security forces at Mexicos embassy in Quito to arrest graft-accused former vice president Jorge Glas, his spokesman said Saturday. Guterres emphasized the importance of maintaining the inviolability of diplomatic compounds, saying it must be respected in all cases, in accordance with international law, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. - Advertisement - The secretary-general stresses that violations of this principle jeopardize the pursuit of normal international relations, which are critical for the advancement of cooperation between states, Dujarric said. The UN chief urged both Ecuador and Mexico to show moderation and solve their differences through peaceful means, he added. Saudi-based Thakher Development Company has announced that steady progress is being made on its SAR26 billion ($7 billion) premium development, Thakher Makkah, located in the Saudi city, featuring a mix of residential, retail and hospitality elements, said the project developer. Spanning an area of 320,000 sq m on a site located 1 km from the Grand Mosque (Haram), the massive project will, upon completion, include about 100 land plots for the development for hotels and residential, commercial, and service-related facilities. Giving a project update, Thakher said as part of this initiative, work has been completed on 8 four-star hotel properties as well as hotel apartments, which are being managed by international operators. These facilities boast over 2,276 rooms and 7,000 beds, providing high-quality services designed to fulfil the diverse needs of all visitors, stated the master developer. The top international hotels coming up at Thakher Makkah include Radisson Hotel, the Park Inn by Radisson, and the Novotel Hotel, the largest in the world in terms of number of rooms. As part of the larger initiative, Thakher will be developing some of the old neighbourhoods of Makkah in co-ordination with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, thus providing distinguished services to the pilgrims, remarked its CEO Engineer Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Aboudi. Thakher Makkah project contributes to Saudi Arabias ambitious vision, which aims to host 30 million Umrah performers and six million pilgrims by 2030, it added. Al Aboudi was speaking at a panel discussion at the second edition of the MANAFEA Forum 2024, which took place under the patronage of Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Madinah Region, and was hosted by Prince Saud bin Khalid Al Faisal, Deputy Governor of the Madinah Region. "The government has made huge efforts and provided comprehensive support to achieve the objectives of Vision 2030, aiming to accommodate 30 million Umrah performers and 6 million pilgrims by 2030," he noted. "I believe, these numbers will be achieved before the deadline, based on the current capabilities we see. Therefore, as real estate developers, we must align our strategies with this direction," he added. During the session, Al Aboudi called for permitting non-Saudis to invest directly and for the long term in listed companies owning real estate in Makkah and Al Madinah as well as through licensed funds. "This will contribute positively to the real estate market and the Saudi economy at large, paving the way for significant investment returns in the hospitality sector by 2030, and opening new avenues for development and investment," he added. Al Aboudi said on completion, the mega Thakher Makkah project will provide 15,000 direct and 18,000 indirect jobs. "The project partakes in achieving the objectives of Vision 2030 by enhancing the services provided to pilgrims and enriching their experience," he stated. "It also aims to promote the city's real estate and economic development and enable those wishing to own a unique property in an integrated community with a vibrant and safe environment, proximity to the Great Mosque, and valuable services," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit Moscows key diplomatic and economic partner China on Monday and Tuesday, his ministry said in a statement on Sunday. On April 8 and 9, the foreign affairs minister of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov, will undertake an official visit in the Peoples Republic of China, during which discussions with (his Chinese counterpart) Wang Yi are planned, the foreign ministry said. Beijing US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Premier Li Qiang sounded a hopeful tone on US-China cooperation on Sunday, though the American policymaker noted both sides cannot shy away from tough conversations. The US-China relationship can only move forward with direct and open communication, Yellen told Li, after arriving in the Chinese capital from the southern city of Guangzhou. - Advertisement - Li, in welcoming Yellen, said China sincerely hopes that the two countries will be partners, not adversaries. He added that Chinese internet users have closely followed the details of her trip since her appearance in Guangzhou, showing expectation and hope for the China-US relationship to continue to improve. Yellen had a series of meetings in the southern port city, including hours of discussions with her counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng. Both countries have since agreed to hold talks on balanced growth under an existing working group, allowing officials to discuss the key US concern of overcapacity. This refers to a situation where Chinese government support to industries fuels production capacity but risks a surge of exports at depressed prices to the global market, undercutting international competitors. Washington is especially concerned about this phenomenon in new industries such as electric vehicles and solar energy. Yellens trip marks her second visit to China in less than a year. While we have more to do, I believe that, over the past year, we have put our bilateral relationship on more stable footing, she said in opening remarks to Premier Li as she began two days of high-level talks in Beijing. Rather than avoiding hard conversations, this has meant understanding that we can only make progress if we directly and openly communicate with one another, the Treasury chief said. Yellen also stressed, ahead of talks with Beijings mayor, the need to engage with local officials to understand Chinas economic future. Local governments play a critical role, from boosting consumption to addressing overinvestment, and Beijing of course has particular importance, she said. A senior Treasury official told reporters Saturday that Washington believes household spending needs to be a bigger part of Chinas economy. Yellen added that both countries the worlds two biggest economies have a duty to responsibly manage our complex relationship and show leadership when it comes to working on global challenges. On Saturday, the Treasury also announced that United States and Chinese officials would start talks under another existing working group for cooperation on tackling money laundering. The aim is to cut off financing for actors such as drug traffickers. Washington has been seeking to work with Beijing to curb supply lines for the production of fentanyl, the synthetic painkiller behind a US overdose epidemic. Despite the outcomes of meetings so far, Chinas state-run Xinhua news agency warned in a commentary of the spectre of protectionism in the United States. It criticised existing US tariffs on Chinese imports, while accusing Washington of suppressing Chinas electric vehicle-related industries, signalling at tensions that remain. Another state media outlet, the Global Times, pointed to negative actions toward China in an editorial, referring to US trade and tech curbs, and an ever-growing list of sanctions against Chinese companies. Yellens visit has opened space to test the possibility for progress, Brookings Institution senior fellow Ryan Hass told AFP. He added that her trip has illuminated that the Chinese recognise a need to engage on overcapacity and are prepared to explore cooperation on anti-money laundering. But only time can tell if these efforts bring material progress, he said. In meetings with Vice Premier He, Yellen also warned companies in China not to provide support for Russias war in Ukraine including to Moscows defence industrial base cautioning of significant consequences. While in Beijing, Yellen will also meet with the citys mayor Yin Yong and Chinese Finance Minister Lan Foan on Sunday. On Monday, she is due to speak with former vice premier Liu He and central bank governor Pan Gongsheng. AFP Binay: NICA should step in; PRA: Security checks in place Senator Nancy Binay on Sunday questioned the Philippine Retirement Authoritys policy of issuing special resident retiree visas (SSRVs) to Chinese nationals of soldiers age. She expressed alarm over the PRA policy of accepting 35-year olds into the program and cited the need for stricter vetting of the applications regardless of nationality. - Advertisement - The Bureau of Immigration had earlier reported the arrest of four Chinese nationals suspected to be behind the proliferation of fraudulently-acquired government-issued IDs and documents including genuine Philippine passports with questionable SRRVs. We expect NICA to help assess the scale of fraud perpetrated by these syndicates, and check the addresses and contact numbers provided in their valid documents, Binay said. Visa fraud and fake identities adversely impact national security, she added. PRA general manager Bob Zozobrado, for his part, said while the agency has been accepting retirees who are at least 35 years old since 1991, the age requirement has since been raised to 50 in April 2021. Zozobrado said there are also existing mechanisms to check if retirees are legitimate. Clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation is also required for foreigners who have been staying in the Philippines for more than ninety days, he said in a statement. Aside from these requirements, and as another layer of security, the Bureau of Immigration also checks in its system whether the applicant has a derogatory record before entering the Philippines as tourist and before approval of the SRRVisa application. In short, BI does the vetting twice. Derogatory checking is also required when the SRRVisa holder needs to transfer the visa sticker from the old to the new passport, Zozobrado added. As to the arrested Chinese nationals, Zozobrado said it was not yet clear if they are legitimate holders or SRRVs. But PRA can check in its database whether these subject foreigners are indeed holders of SRRVisa once the identity and related information are gathered. PRA is ready to coordinate with the law enforcement authorities if these subject foreigners are found to be SRRV holders, he said. Binay said these foreign nationals enter and exit the country using valid documents obtained through illicit ways. Chinese syndicates have likely connived, maintained ties and established networks within the government bureaucracy, she said. Last year, the National Bureau of Investigation arrested a high-ranking PRA official for issuing unwarranted SRRV cards to foreigners. PRA records show that there are about 78,000 foreign retirees in the Philippines, and about 30,000 Chinese retirees have been allowed to permanently reside in the country. The senator said a whole-of-government response is necessary to identify syndicates issuing fraudulently acquired government IDs including visas and passports, and pressed for tougher action against foreign nationals conducting illegal activities in the Philippines. Last week, agents of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) investigated reports of the presence of a large group of Chinese in a village in Paranaque City. ISAFP and NBI agents have questioned residents about the throng of draft-age male Chinese nationals residing in their neighborhood. However, the ISAFP and NBI have yet to come out with their findings, according to the residents. Last month, the Philippine Coast Guard said there was no basis to the speculation that dozens of Chinese businessmen previously enlisted in the auxiliary force of the Philippine Coast Guard (CG) were spying for Beijing. PCG spokesperson Rear Adm. Armand Balilo said the 36 Chinese nationals registered as PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) members were never involved in its sensitive operations. Balilo said they were ordinary businessmen who had helped the agencys humanitarian assistance response, which led to them being invited to apply for membership in the PCGs reserve force. President Marcos has now inexorably swung our foreign policy and national security concerns towards the US and its proxies in the region Even after his (President Marcos) January state visit to Beijing last year, both Chinese militia and coast guard have had several encounters with Philippine vessels, whether lowly fishermen or our own coast guard and its privately-contracted supply vessels. In what we call the Ayungin Shoal, we have beached since Pres. Estradas time, an old and dilapidated Philippine Navy vessel, the BRP Sierra Madre where a dozen naval personnel guard that lonely outpost to which we periodically send food and other supplies. - Advertisement - Of late, a former presidential spokesman, lawyer Harry Roque, claimed there was a verbal agreement between FPRRD and Pres. Xi on the fate of the BRP Sierra Madre, which was immediately denied by yet another former spokesman, lawyer Salvador Panelo. Best to dismiss their conflicting rants. Meanwhile, in the latest encounter between a Philippine supply boat escorted by our coast guard, Chinese vessels sent strong volleys of water cannons on our hapless countrymen, some sustaining minor injuries. These encounters have been going on for years, heightened since our president allowed additional sites for the American military under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, most of them in the northernmost part of the country facing our Luzon Strait which divides us from Taiwan. It is as if nothing cordial came about since the president visited Beijing 15 months ago. Meanwhile, too, we have sought help from our allies, principally the US of A, Japan and Australia, gaining sympathy from other Western states as well as Japan and South Korea in East Asia, while being greeted with silence from our ASEAN counterparts. In a few days, our president will confer with US Pres. Joe Biden and Japanese PM Kishida in the White House, the main topic of their conversations being the worsening security situation in the South China Sea. And just before Easter, Malacanang issued EO 57, strengthening our maritime security and maritime domain awareness, creating a National Maritime Council with broad powers, including what Sen. Imee Marcos warned as a Trojan horse of foreign interference, Section 7 of EO 57, where the Council is allowed to accept donations, contributions, bequests of gifts from foreign sources to strengthen our security capabilities. The senator warns such largesse has been the fuel to never-ending conflict as we still see in Ukraine and Gaza, and adds declarations of support lack credibility where a rules-based international order is loudly invoked amid the mute refusal to ratify the UNCLOS, clearly referring to the US of A which, to this date, has not ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the principal arguments we utilize against Chinas claim on almost the entirety of the SCS. Meanwhile, too, American security experts from its think-tanks to Pacific military commanders have been warning about an imminent invasion of Taiwan by the Peoples Liberation Army, with dates stretching from 2027 to 2030. While former president Duterte insisted on an independent foreign policy which leaned towards China more than to America, President Marcos has now inexorably swung our foreign policy and national security concerns towards the US and its proxies in the region. I recall that during the 2022 campaign, in a televised DZRH interview, then candidate Marcos Jr. said if we invoke American assistance in the face of the conflicting claims on the SCS with China, that would mean war. The volte face from the candidates position then to the winners now is lost on our short memories, even as we chide him for 20 peso-per-kilo rice. Clearly, China is bristling, and it will continue its bullying of our vessels short of a fatal encounter in the WPS. It is the same tactic it has been using in Taiwan, tiring the defense capabilities of what it calls its renegade province while raising up the ante on threats of an eventual take-over. With lesser defense capabilities than Taiwan, it is much easier to tire us, and probably making the population, now strident in its anger over Chinese intrusions, into a state of numbness. Manhid na, a new normal takes over. But EO 57 and our overtures to the US of A, Japan, Australia and others seek to strengthen those capabilities, in much the same way the timetable to operationalize the EDCA sites in Cagayan, Isabela and Palawan could prod the overlords in China to hasten its timeline to annex Taiwan by force if necessary. Bear in mind that Xi Jinping cannot lose face before the hundredth anniversary of the Communist Party of China, while Biden faces a November election where his chances are imperiled by the resurrection of the un-hinged Trump. How the two powers navigate through their own geo-political timelines and their political interest bears close watching in the months and a few years to come. Many will claim Chinas economic problems will deter it from spoiling the uneasy peace, but history has shown in other countries that recession actually increases the prospects of war over peace. Unfortunately, our country has positioned itself into what Singapores Lee Hsien Loong has speculated upon as a battleground for war. Netflixs blockbuster 3 Body Problem, an adaptation of the crown jewel of Chinese sci-fi, has sparked passionate debate and divided opinions among fans in the country despite it not being available to watch there. The streaming service isnt officially operational in China, but that hasnt stopped devotees from accessing the show, likely via VPN services or illegal streaming sites. - Advertisement - Hashtags relating to the show have over two billion views on the X-like social media platform Weibo. Among the tens of thousands of commentaries left on a reviewing platform, reactions ranged from disappointment at plot and character changes to nationalistic outrage, to optimism the shows profile would boost the representation of Chinese literature and film. The series is based on the three-part Remembrance of Earths Past by Liu Cixin, a domestic superstar whom readers sometimes jokingly call God, and his trilogy the bible of Chinese sci-fi. The original works have a huge influence. Many fans of the books know all the details of the characters in the books by heart, so they have a hard time accepting changes, Li Dongdong, founder of Chinese sci-fi film community Geek Movie, told AFP. Previous Chinese-produced adaptations have taken this obsessive attention to detail into account Liu told a conference recently he had suggested making a small visual change to a recurring plot device, only to be told: You cant change it beyond recognition! For many, the Netflix adaptation has very much done that. Spearheaded by the team behind the megahit series Game of Thrones, it transfers most of the action to the United Kingdom and changes the nationalities and genders of some of the key characters. One Chinese reviewer likened the series to a plate of General Tsos chicken, a Westernized Chinese dish that can be used as a metaphor for inauthenticity and cultural misunderstanding. Disagreement with the showrunners creative choices is not confined to China. The series was the most watched on Netflix by its second week, but reviews have been mixed, with Rolling Stone calling it one great big miss. Some of the Chinese criticism though is tinged by politics, against a backdrop of tense US-China relations. Many commenters questioned the motive behind the decision to keep the villain Chinese while the heroes are mostly played by Westerners. Others have taken issue with the shows portrayal of Chinese history. The show starts in the 1960s, with an ugly scene from the Cultural Revolution in which a physicist is killed by a mob for refusing to disown key scientific theories. Its use as the opening scene led some online nationalists to accuse Netflix of making the entire show purely to portray China in a bad light. AFP The Mohammed VI Mosque in Abidjan was officially inaugurated on Friday with the performance of the Noon Prayer. The mosque was inaugurated, in accordance with the high instructions of King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, by the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema, and relevant Ivorian authorities. Special Advisor to the President of the Republic, in charge of Religious and Social Affairs, Drissa Kone, who represented Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara at the official inauguration ceremony of the Mohammed VI Mosque said the religious institution reflects the excellence of the centuries-old relations between Morocco and Cote dIvoire. This architectural jewel testifies to the centuries-old and multidimensional relations between Cote dIvoire and Morocco, Kone, said. These enduring ties are reinforced by a strong friendship which is manifested through the various achievements accomplished within the framework of cooperation between the two countries, like the Mohammed VI Mosque in Abidjan, he added. According to the Special Advisor to the President of the Republic, this Mosque also testifies to the relationship of friendship and brotherhood between the Heads of State of the two countries, King Mohammed VI and President Alassane Ouattara. The President of the Republic would like to thank HM the King and all the Moroccan people for this Mosque which remarkably reflects the depth of cooperation between the two friendly countries and the two brotherly peoples, he said. The excellence of relations between Morocco and Cote dIvoire, the strong bonds of brotherhood between the Moroccan and Ivorian people, and the significance of the mosque as a symbol of peace, solidarity, and coexistence in Islam were echoed by several other Ivorian officials and personalities, including Grand Chancellor of the National Order, Ally Coulibaly; Ousmane Diakite, President of the Superior Council of Imams, Mosques, and Islamic Affairs (COSIM) of Cote dIvoire; and heick Moustapha Sonta, President of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema. They all underlined the historical precedence set by the King in spreading Islam throughout Africa, particularly in West Africa, commended King Mohammed VI for his dedication to fostering values of solidarity and brotherhood, and highlighted the pivotal role the mosque would play in spiritual and educational endeavors within the Muslim community. The Friday prayer sermon was delivered by Yazid Radi, President of the Souss-Massa Region Ulema Council and representative of the Moroccan Supreme Council of Ulema, who emphasized the value of brotherhood in Islam and the strong relations between Morocco and Cote dIvoire. A religious ceremony commemorating Laylat Al Qadr (the Night of Destiny) was held on Friday evening at the Mohammed VI Mosque with the participation of Ulema, caliphs of Sufi brotherhoods, and Ivorian and Moroccan religious guides. The Mohammed VI Mosque in Abidjan will work to spread wisdom, teach the Holy Quran, celebrate prayers, and promote the noble values of peace, tolerance and dialogue, as advocated by the Muslim religion. The Mosque will help share Moroccan expertise in managing the religious field, based on the common religious fundamentals between the two countries, symbolizing the fraternal and historic ties between the Ivorian and Moroccan peoples. Aside from serving as a place of worship, the Mohammed VI Mosque will promote Quranic education, the spread of moderate Islam and the authentic values of Islam and foster cooperation among Muslim scholars across Africa. Construction work on the Mohammed VI Mosque in Abidjan was launched on March 3, 2017 by King Mohammed VI and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara. The work, carried out by Moroccan craftsmen, scrupulously adhered to traditional, authentic Moroccan architectural standards in all their splendor. The Mosque covers an area of 25,000 m2 and includes a prayer hall with a capacity of 7,000 worshippers, as well as a conference room, a library, a commercial complex, green spaces, and administrative offices. Several members of the Ivorian cabinet attended the mosque inauguration. These include Minister of the Interior and Security, Vagondo Diomande; Minister of National Education and Literacy, Mariatou Kone; Minister of Heritage, Moussa Sanogo; and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Souleymane Diarassouba. The Ivorian Senate Speaker, Kandia Kamara; the President of the Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural Council of Cote dIvoire, Eugene Aka Aouele; and the President of COSIM, Ousmane Diakite, also took part at this event. King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid, and Prince Moulay Ismail, chaired, on Saturday at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, a religious vigil commemorating the blessed Laylat al-Qadr. After the Isha and Taraweeh prayers, verses from the Holy Quran were recited by the child Othmane Mchachti (11 years old, from the city of Fez), winner of the Mohammed VI National Prize for memorization, recitation, and chanting of the Holy Quran. The King was then greeted by the young reciter, to whom the Sovereign presented the Prize. This distinction reflects the great care with which King Mohammed VI has constantly surrounded the reciters of the Holy Quran and the Sovereigns constant desire to promote the memorization and learning of the Holy Book among young generations. Subsequently, Mohamed Bashar Arafat, Imam, lecturer, and president of the Civilizations Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (United States of America), delivered a speech before the Sovereign on behalf of the scholars who participated in the Religious Dialogues of the sacred month of Ramadan 1445 AH, expressing his sincere thanks and deep gratitude to His Majesty the King, Commander of the Faithful, for the reception and hospitality they received throughout their stay in the Kingdom. Bashar Arafat emphasized that these Religious lectures are an ideal opportunity for the community of scholars from around the world to discuss various scientific and jurisprudential issues, adding that it is also an opportunity for the present scholars to consult on responses to the new challenges facing societies in a context marked by accelerated changes on local and international levels. This religious vigil was marked by the conclusion of Sahih al-Bukhari, done by Hassan Farid, member of the local Council of Ulema of Berrechid, after the reading of Hadith Al Khatm, by Abdelhafid Talbi, member of the local Council of Ulema of Ain Chock. The Sovereign then presented the Mohammed VI Ahl al-Quran and Ahl al-Hadith Prizes respectively to Omar Mohcine, from the city of Casablanca, and Zineb Abou Ali, from the city of Rabat. King Mohammed VI also awarded the Mohammed VI Prize for Adhan and Tahlil, in its two categories, to Said Abou Alaich from the city of Guercif (Excellence Prize) and El Hassan Akhiar from the city of Tetouan (Honorary Prize). 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 France is to introduce a five euro ($5.50) penalty for people who fail to turn up for millions of doctors' appointments missed each year, the prime minister said Saturday. The fine was one of several measures announced by Prime Minister Gabriel Attal to boost a health service struggling to keep up with increasing demands from an aging and growing population. "We cannot allow this," Attal said of the 27 million consultations that the main doctors' union says are wasted each year by patients not turning up. Attal said the measure could free up between 15 million and 20 million appointments for other patients. He said a law allowing a "mechanism for responsibility" would be put to parliament and that the government wanted the penalty to start from January 1. The money would be paid by any person failing to turn up for an appointment or who gives less than 24 hours notice. Individual doctors will decide if the reason for missing an appointment was good enough to avoid the financial penalty. The prime minister will also seek to increase the number of students finishing high-pressure medical training in a bid to answer a critical shortage of doctors. He said the number of students entering the second year of medical degrees would rise from 10,000 a year in 2023 to 12,000 in 2025 and 16,000 in 2027. Medicine is considered one of the toughest university degrees in France with up to a third of students dropping out at the end of the first year. Officials acknowledged that the change may only effect the French health service from 2035 because of the time it takes to train doctors. Attal told a press briefing that there would also be an experiment from next year to allow patients to make appointments with some specialists without being referred by a general doctorwhich is the current rule. The proposal was criticized by the main union for general practitioners, MG France, which insisted "it will not solve anything" as there is the same shortage of specialists as for generalists. Attal's advisors said action was critical as getting reliable access to a doctor was one of the main gripes of French voters. 2024 AFP Abby White and Sara Lawrence, residents of Mooresville and high school friends, recently completed 18-month missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When asked about mission experience, White, who served in the Guatemala City area, said that one of the things she appreciates about her mission is that it helped her mature. After seeing the conditions and struggles that the people of Guatemala face each day, she realized how blessed she was in her home life and was very grateful that she was given the opportunity to serve and love them. One of her greatest joys was seeing the hope that people gained as they learned about Jesus Christ and changed their lives to live His teachings. The change came from them understanding their worth and the love He has for them, said White. Lawrence, who served in the Reno, Nevada area, also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve. She shared that her experience helped her to better understand how to love and care for people. As she served the people of the Reno area, she developed an interest in all aspects of their lives. Caring more about people and what matters to them brought greater understanding and meaning to my life, Lawrence said. As I listened to others, I was able to share the messages of Jesus Christ in ways that were impactful to them personally. Both women shared that their mission experiences provided the opportunity for them to grow in ways they would not have otherwise. I think that the most important thing I gained from my mission experience is that I know that Jesus Christ is really the Son of God, and because He is, He is my older brother. We really do share a familial relationship. He truly knows me and loves me and cares for me. And He is always going to be there for me, Abby White said. In reflecting on what she values most from her experience, Sara Lawrence shared, I came to understand that Jesus Christ knows very specifically how I feel, and He cares about it. He knows when Im sad in the very moment Im sad. He cares about the choices I make, and if I mess up and truly repent, He will always forgive me. White and Lawrence will continue their educations at Brigham Young University White pursuing a degree in biology and pre-med, and Lawrence in elementary education. Missionaries for the Church teach others about Jesus Christ, study scripture, and volunteer in the community. The Church currently has more than 72,000 missionaries serving in more than 450 missions across the United States and throughout the world. All are welcome to attend worship services at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 148 Lazy Lane in Mooresville on Sundays at 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., or 1:30 p.m. 'China and US can be partners, not adversaries' Premier Li Qiang expressed hope on Sunday that the United States and China can be "partners, not adversaries", addressing US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen at the start of a bilateral meeting in Beijing. Noting that Chinese internet users have closely followed Yellen's visit since her arrival in Guangzhou this week, Li said this shows "expectation and hope for the China-US relationship to continue to improve". Earlier on Sunday, Yellen told Li that the ability to have difficult conversations has put the two economic superpowers on "a more stable footing" over the past year. Yellen added that the two countries had a "duty" to responsibly manage a complex relationship. "While we have more to do, I believe that, over the past year, we have put our bilateral relationship on more stable footing," Yellen said in prepared remarks. "This has not meant ignoring our differences or avoiding tough conversations. It has meant understanding that we can only make progress if we directly and openly communicate with one another." On Saturday in Guangzhou, Vice Premier He Lifeng and Yellen agreed to launch a new dialogue focused on "balanced growth", a forum that Yellen said she intends to use to advocate for a level playing field with China to protect US workers and businesses. In a further sign of stabilising ties, President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden sought to manage tensions over the South China Sea in a nearly two-hour call on Tuesday, their first direct talks since a summit in November. And military officials from both countries met last week for a series of rare meetings in Hawaii focused on operational safety and professionalism. (AFP/Reuters) HK put Japan to sword for Melrose glory China's women celebrate with the Melrose Claymores sword. Photo: HKCR Sevens glory again for New Zealand's men, women New Zealand's women collect their trophy. Photo: RTHK New Zealand's men celebrate their repeat victory. Photo: RTHK New Zealands men and women once again walked away with the silverware on Sunday as they repeated their double Hong Kong Sevens victory from a year ago. The players celebrated with a traditional Haka, a Maori war dance, on the Hong Kong Stadium pitch as fans clad in the famous black shirts prepared to celebrate through the night after the last edition of the Sevens at the legendary venue. In the men's final, a tightly contested first half went by without a score as the atmosphere built in the stadium. It took until the third minute of the second period for the holders to make their breakthrough, with the ball worked wide to Scott Curry, who held off a French tackle to score in the corner. Andrew Knewstubb missed the conversion. A minute later, Cody Vai doubled the advantage, making the most of some French mishandling to dive home. Tepaea Cook Savage failed to convert, leaving French hopes intact. But France, gearing up for a home Olympics this year, left it too late. Varian Pasquet broke away to go over with two seconds left on the clock. Rayan Rebbadjs conversion left the final score 10-7. Captain Dylan Collier said it was an "awesome effort from the boys," adding: "It's such an awesome tournament. The crowd's just amazing... we're just really happy we were able to win the last one in this stadium." New Zealands women were imperious in a comfortable 36-7 final victory over an impressive US side. The Black Ferns had only managed second in their pool on Saturday, but never looked back with a quarter-final win over Canada and a semi-final thumping of rivals Australia. Jorja Miller put them ahead before a hat-trick of tries from Michaela Blyde and two from Mahina Paul sealed the 36-7 victory. Alex Sedricks converted try for the US in the first half was all they could muster. The US women had beaten Fiji and France on the way to the final. "To come back with back-to-back wins in Hong Kong is really special," Blyde said. "We're really proud of the way we performed today. We're glad to finish this Hong Kong Stadium with a win, so hopefully we can bring some more wins next year in the new stadium." Ireland took third in the mens contest, beating Australia 14-5. The Australian women went one better, beating France 24-21. Fiji claimed fifth in the mens tournament, beating South Africa 33-14 and were matched by the Fijian women, who beat Canada 19-15 in the play-off. Hrithik on Sunday took to his X (formerly Twitter) to commend Kunal. The actor reviewed the 2020 comedy-thriller, 'Lootcase,' directed by Rajesh Krishnan, and hailed Kunal as a 'brilliant actor'. He also sent his best wishes to the entire team for the 'fun film'. He wrote, "I just saw Lootcase. Loved it !! Kunal Khemu is such a brilliant actor. Been hearing rave reviews for his Madgaon Express as well. But Lootcase is just terrific. My belated congratulations to its director Rajesh Krishnan and all the actors and entire team! What a fun film! (Accompanied by an oncoming fist emoji." https://twitter.com/iHrithik/status/1776886254174666927?t=FxZjEXfeHVQqVhM27NOaEg&s=19 As soon as the 'Fighter' actor posted the review, fans chimed in the comment section. One user commented, "Lootcase is so underrated. Also, you should watch Kunal Khemu's Madgaon Express as well, it's even funnier." Another user wrote, "Time to rewatch." "Kunal is a brilliant actor, best wishes for his movie," added a third user. On the professional front, Hrithik Roshan was last seen in the patriotic action thriller, Fighter, starring Deepika Padukone, Karan Singh Grover, Anil Kapoor, and others in key roles. The movie delves into the life of an Indian Air Force pilot, portrayed by Hrithik Roshan, and his journey to protect his nation and loved ones. (ANI) The upcoming West End production of 'Romeo and Juliet,' featuring Hollywood star Tom Holland, has been overshadowed by a disturbing wave of racial abuse. Scheduled to premiere in London, the production announced its full cast recently. However, according to reports from Deadline, the Jamie Lloyd Company, the production team behind the play, has expressed outrage at the "deplorable racial abuse" aimed at one of their cast members. In a statement, the company condemned the harassment, asserting, "This must stop." They emphasised the importance of creating a safe environment for artists to work without fear of online harassment. The production team vowed to support and protect all members of the company and stated their commitment to reporting any abuse encountered. Amewudah-Rivers, making her West End debut, joins Holland on stage, who returns to the London theatre scene where he once starred in 'Billy Elliot The Musical' as a child. The production, directed by Jamie Lloyd, promises to be a significant event in the theatrical calendar. Despite the unfortunate controversy, Amewudah-Rivers brings a wealth of experience to her role, having appeared in BBC series and various stage productions. As per Deadline, the play is scheduled to open on May 11 and run until August 3, showcasing a talented cast alongside Holland and Amewudah-Rivers, including Freema Agyeman, Michael Balogun, and Tomiwa Edun. As excitement builds for the premiere, the spotlight remains on the production's message of love and tragedy, overshadowing the negativity of online harassment and emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment within the industry. (ANI) Congress leader and chairman of Tamil Nadu State Minorities Welfare Board, Peter Alphonse hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi while campaigning at Tamil Nadu's Thangachimadam on Saturday. While campainging for Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)'s candidate for the Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency, Navaskani, the Congress leader said, "The people at the grassroots level are angry because the Narendra Modi government has been supporting a big corporate capitalist group for ten years without implementing any programs for the poor. Of course, the voters of Tamil Nadu will not fall in the deceitful net spread by Modi, nor will the fishermen of Tamil Nadu fall. We know the true nature of PM Modi. So we are not even ready to think about PM Modi's rhetoric." "People will reject this Bharatiya Janata Party government which did not help the people of Tamil Nadu even when there was flood. People see this general election as an opportunity for that," he added. He claimed that the NDA candidates and those of the AIADMK will be defeated in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "Certainly in all 40 parliamentary constituencies of Tamil Nadu including Puducherry, the National Democratic Alliance and the AIADMK candidates of Palaniswami who is their foot bearer will be defeated," Alphonse said. "There will be a change of government in the middle. A great social revolution will take place. A government that celebrates social justice will be a government that celebrates economic finance. PM Modi is saying that Katchatheevu is being deliberately politicized at this time but he has a feeling that he should restore this Katchtheevu with a private soul hammer. But the prime minister, who has not taken even a single step for Kachchatheev, thinks that talking about this when he is leaving office after ten years, he may be deceiving the people of Tamil Nadu and the fishermen of Tamil Nadu," he added. Voting for all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu will be held in the first phase of the general elections on April 19. In the 2019 general elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, comprising the Congress, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, AIFB, registered a landslide victory, winning 38 of the 39 seats in the state. The elections to 543 Lok Sabha seats in the country will be held in seven phases, starting April 19. (ANI) "I am thankful for the fact that people are with the BJP and PM Modi. The BJP will win with a massive mandate," Chief Minister Mohan Yadav told reporters in Kabirdham. The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister attended a public meeting in Chhattisgarh's Kabirdham on Saturday. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that all that has been promised under Modi's guarantee will be fulfilled. While addressing a public meeting in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai said, "Even after the elections, all the promises made under Modi's guarantee will be fulfilled. Be it providing gas cylinders for Rs 500 or the other things." Elections in the 11 parliamentary constituencies of Chhattisgarh will take place in three phases on April 19, 26 and May 7. The counting of votes will be done on June 4. The BJP, which has a stronghold in Chhattisgarh, won 9 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha, while the Indian National Congress (INC) was limited to only 2 seats. In the 2014 election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 10 seats, while the INC only managed to win one seat. (ANI) Further, he said, "They (UBT Shiv Sena) need to do self-reflection." Uddhav Thackeray Faction leaders Babanrao Gholap and Sanjay Pawar, along with other workers, joined Shiv Sena in the presence of Maharashtra CM and Shiv Sena Chief Eknath Shinde. Soon after joining the Shiv Sena, Gholap said that the Shiv Sena (UBT) had done injustice to him. "UBT Shiv Sena has done injustice to me, they removed me from the party post and when I asked them why, I was sacked. They didn't reply so I decided to join Shiv Sena. Eknath Shinde has given a positive reply, and whatever post is given to me, I will do justice to it," he said. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Saturday that CM Eknath Shinde's son and Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde will contest from Kalyan in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Deputy CM dismissed the speculation of a dispute in the Mahayuti alliance and said that Shrikant Shinde is the candidate of Mahayuti from Kalyan. Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra will be held in five phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13 and May 20. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. The state, with its 48 Lok Sabha seats, is the second-largest contributor to the lower house of Parliament after Uttar Pradesh. Known for its political diversity and significant electoral influence, Maharashtra plays a crucial role in shaping national politics. In the 2019 elections, the BJP emerged as the largest party with 23 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena (undivided) with 18 seats. (ANI) She also said that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was placed "under house arrest again." "How unfortunate that on the auspicious occasion of Shab-e Qadr Jama Masjid has been locked up to prevent people from offering prayers & Mirwaiz put under house arrest yet again. Land, resources, religion - what all will you deprive Kashmiris of?" Mufti said in a tweet. Meanwhile, hundreds of devotees thronged the Hazratbal Dargah on the occasion of Shab-e-Qadr on Saturday evening. Earlier, on March 3, in a jolt to the fledgling INDIA bloc, People's Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti announced that they will pitch their candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The development came after National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah said that they would be contesting elections for all three seats in Kashmir. The National Conference and the People's Democratic Party are partners in the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance formed to challenge the BJP in the general elections. 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 taken up on June 4. (ANI) The BJP on Sunday alleged that the vehicle of the party's Hoogly Lok Sabha seat candidate Loket Chatterjee's car was attacked by the ruling Trinamool Congress-backed goons, led by Bansberia Municipality's Vice Chairman Shilpi Chatterjee, on Saturday. A post on the official X handle of the BJP's West Bengal unit read, "Amidst the Kali Puja celebrations in Bansberia, TMC-backed miscreants, led by Bansberia Municipality's Vice Chairman Shilpi Chatterjee, targeted BJP candidate Loket Chatterjee's car in Hooghly." "This attack is part of TMC's widespread violence against BJP in Hooghly and West Bengal. Urging the Election Commission to swiftly apprehend the culprits for a fair and peaceful election," the post read further. Earlier, West Bengal BJP state general secretary Locket Chatterjee alleged that TMC's goons, led by Shilpi Chatterjee, attacked her vehicle in Bansberia. In a video shared by the BJP leader on X, people were seen gathering around her vehicle and banging on it. In a post on X, Locket Chatterjee wrote, "TMC's goons, led by Shilpi Chatterjee, shamelessly attacked my vehicle amidst KaliPuja in Bansberia. Their audacity exposes the Trinamool's mafia grip over Hooghly. Today, their thugs dared to block my pilgrimage to Maa's Puja. The lack of candidate security is appalling, a clear sign of voter intimidation. Hooghly deserves a fair election - every thug should be put behind bars now." Reacting to the incident, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya said the state police, under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, would likely 'remain a mute spectator'. "TMC goons, led by local Councillor Shilpi Chatterjee, attacked BJP MP and Hooghly candidate Locket Chatterjee's car, while she was returning from KaliPuja in Bansberia. Shilpi and her band of thugs can dare to do this because they know Mamata Banerjee's police will remain a mute spectator. This is the surest sign that TMC is losing Hooghly, again," Malviya posted from his official X handle. West Bengal will poll for the Lower House of Parliament across all seven phases for the 42 seats. Malda North will go to polls on May 4. (ANI) Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bihar on Sunday, Congress accused the NDA government of horse trading, asking how much the change in government in Bihar earlier this year cost the people of the country and sought his stance over the delay in the appointments of teachers. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X, "Today, the Prime Minister heads to Nawada in Bihar - the state where the BJP orchestrated its latest government collapse. While they have excelled at forcing their way into power, the BJP's governance has left much to be desired." Jairam Ramesh also posed three questions for PM Modi as the latter is all set to address a public rally in Bihar as part of his election campaign at 11 am on Sunday. He alleged that the ruling BJP party does not hesitate to topple governments or use 'ill-gotten electoral bonds chanda' to buy and sell MLAs in desperate bids to cling to power. "They might have renamed Race Course Road but the BJP continues to bet on horse-trading. Given the BJP's lack of respect for the democratic values enshrined in our constitution, no government has been safe from their political manipulations. They do not hesitate to topple governments or use their ill-gotten electoral bonds chanda to buy and sell MLAs in their desperate bids to cling to power - as was evident when Nitish Kumar flip-flopped once again earlier this year. We now know that the #ElectoralBondsScam cost Indian citizens Rs. 4 lakh crores - the question is how much did the change in Government in Bihar cost the people of India?" the Congress leader asked. Nitish Kumar took the oath as Chief Minister of Bihar for the ninth time in Raj Bhawan, Patna, switching sides again, this time with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in January this year. It was for the second time in two years that Nitish Kumar had jumped the ship, his fifth crossover in a little over a decade. He further questioned Bihar's Warisaliganj sugar mill, which had not operated for the last ten years. "When the PM visited Nawada before the 2014 election, he raised the issue of the Warisaliganj Sugar Mill, asking why it had remained defunct for the last ten years. This raised the hopes of thousands of locals as the mill directly employed 1200 workers and additionally supported hundreds of sugarcane farmers. Both BJP MPs from Nawada, Giriraj Singh (2014) and Chandan Singh (2019) also promised to start sugar mills during their tenure. Ten years later, all those promises have turned up empty. When the PM visits Nawada this time, he must answer the people - why has the Warisaliganj Sugar Mill remained defunct for the last ten years?" the Congress leader said. Claiming that delays in teacher appointments in the state have shrunk the number of active teachers to an abysmal 35 per cent of the sanctioned number, Jairam Ramesh asked what the BJP government is doing to secure the livelihoods of Bihar's teachers. "The state of public education in Bihar has gone from bad to worse in recent years. Thousands of teachers and retired college employees are up in arms because they have not been paid their dues. Delays in teacher appointments have shrunk the number of active teachers to an abysmal 35 per cent of the sanctioned number," he said. "Most recently, guest teachers in Patna took to the streets to protest their abrupt termination, and instead of listening to their concerns, the BJP government had them lathi-charged...Does the PM have anything to say for the sorry state of affairs in Bihar education? What is the BJP government doing to secure the livelihoods of Bihar's teachers?" he asked further. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a massive wave of BJP-NDA is being seen once again in Bihar. "Once again, a massive wave of BJP-NDA is being seen in Bihar. I will have the opportunity to meet my family members who are excited about voting in the public meeting in Nawada," the PM Modi said in a post on X. 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. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA, consisting of BJP, JDU (Janata Dal-United), and LJP (Lok Janshakti Party), secured victory by taking the lead on 39 out of 40 seats. Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan, led by RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal), INC (Indian National Congress), and RLSP (Rashtriya Lok Samta Party), only managed to secure one seat. (ANI) Amid the showdown between the ruling TMC and the BJP in the state over the attack on an NIA team in Purba Medinipur district during the raid in connection with a blast case, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a public rally in Jalpaiguri district of North Bengal as part of his campaign vigils ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. PM Modi is scheduled to address the rally around 2 pm on Sunday in Jalpaiguri's Dhupguri, for which hectic preparations are currently underway. Ahead of his visit to North Bengal, PM Modi, on Sunday, took to his official X handle to post, "This afternoon, I will be among the people of Jalpaiguri to address a rally. There is outstanding support in @BJP4Bengal's favour. The people of West Bengal are tired of TMC's corruption and poor governance. Only BJP can fulfil their dreams." The visit to North Bengal will also be his first since the upper reaches of Bengal were hit by a severe storm. The storm, which also lashed vast swathes of the Northeast, left a trail of devastation in its wake. PM Modi will headline the campaign event in favour of the BJP's sitting MP and Lok Sabha candidate Jayanta Kumar Roy. The Jalpaiguri Lok Sabha seat will poll in the first of seven-phased Lok Sabha elections on April 19. Earlier, PM Modi addressed a rally in Cooch Behar district, his first public meeting in the Bengal since the announcement of the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections. Though the TMC, BJP, Left and the Congress are in fray for the Lok Sabha elections in Bengal, the battle is likely to be dominated by the ruling party and the principal Opposition force in the state. The 42 parliamentary seats of Bengal will poll across all seven phases--on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. In 2019, Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal were also conducted in all seven phases, with the TMC winning 22 of the 42 seats and the BJP coming up with a much-improved showing from 2014, bagging 18 seats. The Congress had to settle for just two seats. Apart from Jalpaiguri in North Bengal, PM Modi will also headline rallies at Nawada in Bihar and Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. He will kick off campaign in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh on Sunday with a roadshow in Jabalpur. The roadshow, on a 1.2-km route, will start from Shaheed Bhagat Singh crossing on Sunday evening and culminate at Adi Shankaracharya crossing in Gorakhpur locality of Jabalpur, according to the BJP's city president Prabhat Sahu. (ANI) Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'do ladkon ki flop film' statement, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Ghanshyam Tiwari said someday a question will be asked in KBC-what is the name of the Prime Minister who spoke the most lies and 'Jumlas'? "Someday a question will be asked in KBC- What is the name of the Prime Minister who spoke the most lies and jumlas? and the options would be- Natwarlal, Mungerilal, Narendra Modi and others," the SP leader said while speaking to ANI. "If INDIA bloc says every youth across the country should have the right to have a job, then the Prime Minister thinks it is against the nation. Similarly, if it is said that every female belonging to poor families should get Rs 1 lakh as financial assistance from the government, then the PM thinks it is the agenda of Pakistan," said Tiwari. "When it comes to granting MSP to farmers, PM Modi thinks it is agenda of Canada. When it is said that there should be a caste census across the country, the PM thinks it is anti-national work," he added. Earlier on April 6, taking a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav over the tie-up between the two parties for the Lok Sabha polls, PM Modi referred to their unsuccessful partnership in the 2017 assembly polls in the state and said "do ladkon ki flop film" has been released again. Addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur, the Prime Minister also attacked the INDIA alliance and said while they are for "commission", his government is on a mission. Attacking Congress, he said the party is finding it difficult to find candidates even from its strongholds and that there were instances where party candidates did not file nominations. "This is the first election I am witnessing where the opposition is contesting not to win but to contain the BJP below 370 seats and NDA 400. Samajwadi Party is in such a condition that they have to change the candidates every hour and for Congress, it is even worse, they aren't finding candidates, even at their strongholds... 'Do ladkon ki film jo pichali baar flop ho chuki hai, un do ladkon ki film ko in logon ne fir se release kiya hai (the film of two boys, which flopped last time, that these people have launched again)," PM Modi said. The elections to 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases, with nearly 97 crore voters eligible to exercise their franchise, according to the Election Commission (EC). The counting of votes has been scheduled for June 4. (ANI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that there is no alternative in the opposition capable of taking responsibility for the nation's 140 crore people. "This election is being held at the national level, not just for some villages. In this election, voters decide who will take responsibility for the 140 crore people of the nation...We are confident that the nation can only move ahead under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi...We do not see any alternative to PM Modi in the opposition," Ajit Pawar said, speaking to reporters in Pimpri-Chinchwad on Sunday. Pawar mentioned that the INDIA bloc has been formed solely to oppose everything done under the Narendra Modi government; however, the majority of people believe that only Prime Minister Modi can advance the nation. "INDIA bloc has come into existence just to oppose everything done by the Narendra Modi government. But people are very smart. They know everything...If you ask them, the majority will say that only PM Modi can take the nation ahead...We have seen the development work done under PM Modi in the last 10 years and the vision for the nation ahead...We all want the PM to be re-elected for a third consecutive term," Pawar said. Discussing the Baramati candidate from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Sunetra Pawar, who has been pitted against sitting MP Supriya Sule from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) faction, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that he has worked in the district for the last 32 years. "Earlier, people were questioning who would be the candidate in Baramati. But after the candidate was declared, people decided to choose PM Modi over Rahul Gandhi as they had seen the work done by him in the last 10 years...I have worked in the district (Baramati) for the last 32 years. I am a man of development. I make decisions quickly for people. Therefore, I am confident that people will support me," Pawar said. Dismissing reports of a potential rift within the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state over seat-sharing, the Maharashtra Deputy CM said, "There is no rift within Mahayuti...It may be that, at times, some may have a different view. But that is human tendency. Otherwise, everything is smooth...Candidates and seats can be decided until the last date of nomination filing." (ANI) AAP leader Sunny Ahluwalia lashed out at the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led centre over Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Admi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal's arrest. "CM Kejriwal was implicated in a fake case. A fast has been observed across the country opposing the dictatorship in the country," he alleged. He said the only person in the country who can fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is Arvind Kejriwal. Chandigarh Mayor Kuldeep Tita lashed out at the BJP, saying that the centre has adopted a adictatorial attitude. "First, there was rigging in the Chandigarh mayor polls. Now they are putting such leaders in jail who speak up for the common people. This is atrocious," he added. He further likened the BJP government to the Mughal and British governments, saying that they used to put everyone who opposed them in jail. "The situation today is the same. We need Bhagat Singh, Rajguru or Chandrashekhar Azad. There is a freedom struggle going on in the country right now against tyranny," he added. "Arvind Kejriwal will come out of jail very soon. There is no evidence against him," he said. Kejriwal, who was arrested by the ED on March 21, was sent to judicial custody until April 15 and is lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with a money-laundering case linked to an excise policy scam. Kejriwal was arrested by the central agency on charges of corruption in relation to the case. It is the first time in independent India that a serving Chief Minister has been arrested. The move came after Kejriwal skipped multiple summonses by the investigation agency, nine in total, calling them "illegal." The case pertains to alleged irregularities and money laundering in framing and implementing the Delhi Excise Policy 2022, which was later scrapped. (ANI) In a blistering attack on the opposition parties, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that they lacked the courage and conviction to serve Lord Ram, stressing their inability to undertake monumental projects like Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He accused the Congress and Communist parties of questioning the existence of revered figures like Ram and Krishna as well as undermining faith and national security. Addressing a rally in Rajasthan's Sikar to seek votes for BJP MP and Sikar candidate Sumedhanand Saraswati, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted BJP's achievements through these years. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged the people of Rajasthan to revisit New Ayodhya after the elections, promising an experience reminiscent of Tretayug. He said that over 1.5 crore devotees have visited Ayodhya within just two months, "indicating a resurgence of faith suppressed in the past." Emphasizing inclusivity, he highlighted, "Not only the magnificent Ram Lala's temple has been built in Ayodhya but also housing has been provided for four crore impoverished citizens across the nation." Echoing CM Yogi's call, the public pledged their support, vowing to secure BJP's triumph in Sikar for the third consecutive time. With unwavering confidence in the outcome of the 18th Lok Sabha elections, CM Yogi emphasized the unanimous desire across the nation for another term under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Anticipating victory, he urged supporters to replicate the success of the previous two elections, ensuring Swami Subedanand's triumphant return for a third term. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attributed the ongoing transformation across the country to the electorate's wise choices made during elections. He emphasized that previously when votes were cast in favor of the wrong party, it resulted in terrorism, riots, curfews, and the loss of innocent lives. Women and businessmen felt unsafe during such times, he added. "However, under the governance of the right party, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed seven years without riots or curfews, leading the populace to forget the days of enforced curfew. The state now sees millions participating in the Kanwar Yatra with great enthusiasm", he remarked. He highlighted the government's commitment to non-discrimination, citing examples such as naming the international airport in Ayodhya after Maharishi Valmiki before the installation of Lord Ram's idol. "Significant attention has been given to Seer Govardhan in Kashi, the birthplace of Saint Shiromani Ravidas, and Prime Minister Modi has honoured and revitalized the Panch Teerths of Baba Saheb Dr Ambedkar," he pointed out. Furthermore, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted that the act of installing Ramlala's idol in Ayodhya not only symbolizes devotion but also sends a strong message to terrorists. He was referring to a recent report in 'The Guardian about the killing of 20 hardcore criminals within Pakistan over the past two years, possibly with contributions from Indian intelligence agencies. He highlighted India's proactive stance against terrorism, underscoring that while addressing each other with "Ram-Ram," India not only venerates Ramlala in Ayodhya but also confronts terrorism with resolve, contrasting it with the purported practice of 'feeding biryani to terrorists' by the Congress.` Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized, "The national pride evoked by Prime Minister Modi's international visits indicates a unified celebration across the country, encompassing its 1.4 billion citizens." He highlighted the fortified borders, signalling to potential aggressors that incursions into Indian territory would not go unchallenged. He noted the disappearance of stone-throwing proxies from Kashmir, attributing this to adequate security measures. While criticizing the Congress for exacerbating issues, he praised the BJP for providing resolutions. Adityanath commended Prime Minister Modi for bestowing the Bharat Ratna upon farmer advocate Chaudhary Charan Singh and for spearheading initiatives like enhanced train connectivity, including projects such as Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat trains. Shifting the focus to the role of communists in Rajasthan, Adityanath questioned their relevance in a state renowned for its spiritual significance and political influence. Drawing parallels with West Bengal's rejection of communism, he underscored Rajasthan's rich cultural landscape, encompassing educational hubs like Sikar and revered pilgrimage sites such as Salasar, Jeeran, Khatu, and Bhairav Ji Maharaj. Adityanath emphasized the state's historical significance, citing the valor of Mana Baba, a revered cow devotee who attained martyrdom while defending the nation. He challenged the utility of communists in a state steeped in devotion and power like Rajasthan, suggesting their redundancy in such a milieu. Asserting the unity of India under one flag, he lauded the dedicated service of public representatives like MP Swami Sumedhanand Saraswati, highlighting their commitment to the nation and society. Adityanath expressed confidence in securing the Sikar seat for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), envisioning it as a pivotal victory to eradicate communism from the region. He emphasized the importance of preserving India's values and identity, urging constituents to unite against ideologies conflicting with the nation's ethos. The event saw the presence of prominent figures, including Sikar MP Swami Sumedhanand Saraswati, BJP District President Dr. Kamal Seekwal, former Union Minister Subhash Mahariya, MLA Subhash Meel, and Govardhan Verma.The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases starting April 19. Nearly 97 crore voters are eligible to cast votes in the general election. Counting of the votes will be held on June 4.Rajasthan will go to the polls in two phases, on April 19 and April 26. Polling for 12 Lok Sabha seats will be held in the first phase on April 19, while the remaining 13 seats will be polled in the second phase on April 26. (ANI) In a significant operation against drug trafficking in Tripura, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Customs Department, seized 188 kilogrammes of marijuana valued at approximately Rs 84.60 lakh on Sunday. The operation was conducted in the general area of Apurba Shil, Sepahijala District, Tripura, marking a substantial blow to illegal drug operations in the region, said the Assam Rifles. Acting on credible intelligence, the joint team embarked on the operation that led them to a warehouse and nearby forested area in Apurba Shil. It was here that they discovered a substantial quantity of marijuana, meticulously hidden, presumably for distribution and sale. The successful seizure underscores the vigilance and coordination between the Assam Rifles and the Customs Department in their ongoing battle against the narcotics trade in the state. Following the seizure, the confiscated marijuana was handed over to the Customs Department. The department is set to carry forward the investigation and initiate legal proceedings against those involved in this illegal operation. The seizure not only represents a significant financial loss to the drug trafficking networks but also disrupts their supply chains within the region and potentially beyond. This operation is part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking in the northeastern states of India, where geographic and strategic factors have historically made the area vulnerable to such illegal activities. According to the press release, the Assam Rifles, along with other law enforcement agencies, remain at the forefront of these efforts, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining security and law and order in the region. The successful operation has been welcomed by the local community and authorities alike, who view it as a critical step towards eradicating the menace of drug trafficking in Tripura. The ongoing cooperation between the Assam Rifles and the Customs Department is pivotal in these efforts, highlighting the importance of joint operations in addressing complex challenges such as drug trafficking. Further investigations are underway as the Customs Department looks to trace the origins of the seized marijuana and uncover the network behind its distribution. The legal proceedings following this seizure are awaited, with the hope that they will lead to a significant dent in the illegal drug trade in the region, said the Assam Rifles. (ANI) Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh on Sunday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is the most corrupt political party since the nation got independence, adding that its leaders should be investigated for committing "electoral bonds scam". "You cannot trust them on anything. BJP is most corrupt party since independence. They are openly involved in corruption. In the BJP tenure, a total of off Rs 15 lakh crore of various businessmen has been written off. In their tenure, demonetisation scam, Hindenburg report which revealed another scam, electoral bond scam happened," Sanjay Singh told ANI. Singh alleged that BJP gave away contracts worth Rs 3.8 lakh crore to various companies who donated it through electoral bond scheme. "BJP leaders should be investigated for electoral bonds scam. ED, CBI, IT should investigate it. BJP got donations of thousands of crores, and they gave away contracts worth Rs 3.8 lakh crore to those business companies. It is the BJP which has done the liquor policy scam, now even money trail is found," he said. Sharing his experience of his time at Tihar Jail for nearly six months, AAP Rajya Sabha MP said that his rights were similar to any other prisoner. "The first 11 days (in jail) were tough but my rights were similar to that of a jailed person. During the first 11 days, I was not even getting those rights which other prisoners were getting. From 3 pm to 7pm, we were not allowed to go out. I was not allowed to go to badminton court," he said. On the data revealed by jail administration that his weight was increased during jail time, Sanjay Singh said, "What is wrong if I gain weight?. I weighed 79 kg but my weight increased to 81.7 kg when I left (the jail). BJP is sending a good message for us that if AAP workers are sent to jail then they will focus on their health with full determination. What they want that we should die there only," he said. The Supreme Court earlier this week granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) last October in an alleged money laundering case related to the Delhi liquor policy scam. He spent six months in jail. Sanjay Singh was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on October 4, 2023, in the case. Recently, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was also arrested and sent to judicial custody until April 15. Manish Sisodia is also in judicial custody in this case. (ANI) Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday launched an attack on Congress and said that the party's manifesto is a "cheque drawn on an empty bank." The Congress manifesto was released at the party headquarters by party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi on Friday. "Congress has made some announcements for the backward and deprived section of the people in its manifesto. They have named it 'Nyay Patra'. If we say it in total, then the Congress manifesto is 'A cheque drawn on an empty bank'," he said. Singh further said that whatever promises the BJP made earlier in the manifesto have been fulfilled by the central government. "Whatever promises we (the BJP) made in the manifesto, we have fulfilled them. Whether it is Ram Temple, Article 370, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), or the Triple Talaq, we have fulfilled all of them. The way Congress and so called secular political parties opposed the Triple Talaq law was wrong. The women of any religion, whether they are Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Parsi they are our sisters and mothers. Their safety is our responsibility, and we have done that," Rajnath Singh said. He further said that the growth rate of the economy is soaring and investment is at its peak. "I can say this with guarantee that in the last 10 years the growth rate of the economy has been soaring, the fiscal deficit has decreased, exports have transcended, and investment is at its peak," he added. Singh further said that the nation has "full faith" in the Prime Minister's guarantee adding that PM Modi's guarantee is "twenty-four carat gold." "As far as PM Modi's guarantee is concerned, the nation has full faith, whereas people are mistrustful of Congress guarantees. Modiji's government has implemented social justice in the true sense in this country. Prime Minister Modiji's guarantee is twenty-four carat gold," he said. Rajnath Singh said that the last ten years have proved to be golden from an economic, political, strategic, constitutional and cultural point of view. "In the last ten years, both opportunities and income have increased and poverty has decreased. There has been a record reduction in bank NPA," he added. The defence minister asserted that during the Congress regime, the soldiers did not have sufficient ammunition. "During the Congress regime, the soldiers did not have sufficient ammunition. They also had the problem of bullet proof jackets. There were open scams in defence deals. Whereas in our government, not a single scam has taken place in defence deals. Today the people of India are seeing that India is producing large quantities of defence equipment to meet its defence needs. Not only this, now record defence exports are also being made from India," he said. "In the 21st century, many new challenges are emerging from the point of view of defence. These include threats of cyber war, unconventional warfare, asymmetrical warfare as well as algorithm war. We are also making our forces capable of dealing with these," he asserted. Singh further said that there has never been such a positive sentiment in the world about India's capabilities. "There has never been such a positive sentiment in the world about India's capabilities. Hardly anyone in the world has ever experienced such a positive sentiment about India's success," he said. Earlier on Friday, Congress made a slew of promises in its manifesto including a legal guarantee for MSP, 50 per cent reservation for women in government jobs, repealing Agnipath scheme, doubling GDP in the next ten years, strengthening anti-defection law, restoring the status quo ante with China, mobile phones for students from class IX to XII and amending the GST regime. The Congress party's election manifesto focuses on 'Paanch Nyay' or five pillars of justice, including 'Yuva Nyay', 'Naari Nyay', 'Kisaan Nyay', 'Shramik Nyay' and 'Hissedari Nyay' as well as the guarantees made by it to the people as part of its poll promises for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Rajasthan will go to the polls in two phases, on April 19 and April 26. Polling for 12 Lok Sabha seats will be held in the first phase on April 19, while the remaining 13 seats will be polled in the second phase on April 26. The counting of votes for all 543 Lok Sabha seats across the country is scheduled for June 4. (ANI) In a major crackdown against drug trafficking, Jammu Police arrested 85 peddlers and registered 71 cases related to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act on Sunday. Under the supervision of Jammu Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vinod Kumar, the police intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, showcasing a zero-tolerance approach towards crime in the region. Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Kumar said, "This year 71 cases have been registered, 85 people have been arrested, different contraband have been seized including heroin." He said that Jammu Police identified 14 locations as drug hot spots in the city and carried out 85 raids at these places besides increasing the presence of manpower. "We've pinpointed 14 areas within the city known for drug activity and conducted 85 raids in those areas. Additionally, we've ramped up surveillance by district special branch officials in these targeted locations," said Jammu SP. He stated that within the last three months, 13 well-known drug dealers have been charged under the strict NDPS Act. Kumar further informed that the Jammu Police conducted awareness drive to tackle drug menace among people and established a drug rehabilitation centre in Jammu for the drug addicted youth who are treated as victims. "On drive against drugs by Jammu Police awarness drive was conducted. 13 peddlers have been detained so far. A drug de-addiction centre has been established in Jammu. Investigating officers are being trained to check the drug menace," said the Jammu SSP. Seeking active support of people in eradicating the drug menace, he said even if any police personnel was found involved in drug peddling, strict action will be taken against such persons as per the prevalent laws. "To control drugs in the region, Jammu Police have adopted some strategies, including awareness programmes, anti-drug rallies, Nukkad Natak, seminars", informed Kumar. He appealed people of Jammu to inform them if any drug trafficking is happening in their area, so that the peddlers can be arrested. "Out of all the cases, law enforcement has disrupted the connections and networks of 47 cases in the last three months and seized three properties belonging to well-known drug dealers, with plans for similar actions against others underway," Kumar informed. (ANI) Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal appreciated Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for coming to Ernakulam to campaign for him. KC Venugopal said, "DK Shivakumar is one of the star campaigners in the Kerala elections. He came here to launch my election yatra. I appreciate his pain to come here and speak for me and the Congress party." Both leaders, KC Venugopal and DK Shivakumar, held a roadshow in Ernakulam together. Earlier, emphasising the pivotal role of Kerala's development in the overall progress of India, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda said that when "Kerala develops, only then India develops." "On one side, Prime Minister Modi is taking the country forward. When Kerala develops, only then India develops. So we have to participate in the process of development and support the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, who is taking the country forward," Nadda said during a roadshow in Kozhikode on Saturday. He highlighted the transformative impact of Modi's governance, stating, "I would also like to share with you that in Prime Minister Modi's 10 years of rule, India has gone from the 11th economic power to the 5th economic power." Kerala's 20 Lok Sabha constituencies will go to polls on April 26. During the 2019 general elections, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) won 19 of the 20 seats. Of these, 15 seats were taken by the Congress, while the rest were won by other UDF members. The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases starting April 19. Nearly 96.8 crore people are eligible to cast their votes in the upcoming polls at over 12 lakh polling stations. The counting of votes will take place on June 4. (ANI) The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued an advisory warning against copyright infringement of its educational materials while stating that some "unscrupulous publishers" are publishing its textbook's content under their own name without permission. "Advisory on Copyrights Infringement in use of Educational Materials designed and developed by NCERT is herewith released as public notice. Stakeholders are requested to honour the Copyrights Advisory issued by NCERT in letter and spirit," the NCERT stated on X. https://x.com/ncert/status/1776966689709793492 NCERT, stated in a press release, that it is responsible for developing and disseminating textbooks for all stages of school Education, and has long been regarded as an authorised repository of educational teaching and learning resources. "It has come to the notice of NCERT that a few unscrupulous publishers are printing NCERT school textbooks which are available on the NCERT website, under their own name without obtaining permission from NCERT," the release stated. The educational body said that anyone individual or entity who publishes the content of NCERT textbooks for commercial purposes without obtaining copyright permission shall be proceeded against in accordance with the Copyright Act 1957. It has also called on the general public to stay away from such textbooks or workbooks as their content may be factually incorrect as well as against the basic philosophy of National Curriculum Framework 2023. Any individual who comes across such pirated textbooks or workbooks should immediately inform NCERT through email at pd.ncert@nic.in. Any publisher desirous of using the name NCERT in its publication should send a proposal to the Publication Division NCERT, Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi-16 or by email at secy.ncert@nic.in, it added. (ANI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday asserted that this election is between the poor and the fraud, and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu's mark in politics is lies, conspiracies and frauds. "The upcoming elections are not just to choose your MLAs or MPs. The upcoming elections will decide whether your child's education will continue or not, whether women will be empowered or not, whether farmers will get welfare or not, whether justice will be meted to poor communities or not?" he said. This is not a war between Jagan and Chandrababu. This is an election between the poor versus the frauds. Your Jagan is on the side of the poor. So every vote will decide which way your whole family will walk for the next five years. If we want welfare to continue, vote for Jagan. If you want these schemes to discontinue, vote for Chandrababu," he said. Further, the Andhra Pradesh CM said that the volunteer scheme in providing pension has brought a heartache to the TDP chief. "Babu's mark in politics is lies, conspiracies and fraud. Because of Chandrababu you saw a glimpse of hell when you had to stand in queue for your pension. But your child has brought the volunteer system and is providing pension at your doorstep on the 1st of every month with a big smile. This volunteer system is causing Chandrababu a heartache! That's why he complained to EC about volunteers and caused the death of about 30 people. This behavior is nothing but the true trait of a sadist," CM Jagan said. The Andhra Pradesh CM asked that if you think of Chandrababu, can you name even one scheme ? "14 years in power, and not a single scheme! Whereas I have done good in every village, in every house. I have directly given Rs 2.7 lakh crores. We have implemented 99 per cent of our manifesto promises. Jagan's marked governance in the last 58 months is there for everyone to see. Chandrababu used his power to loot and share the loot with his capitalist friends. Notice the difference - same budget, same state. How could I do it all with the same budget and Chandrababu couldn't?" he asked. "13 districts have now become 26 districts. Secretariats are coming up, 4 new ports are under construction, 10 new fishing harbors are under construction, 17 new medical colleges have come up. Their flag is falling down even though it is attached to 4 flags. Your child is talking to you so bravely, has Chandrababu ever dared to come and tell you what all he has done? Are you all Siddham (ready) to protect the people of the state, our poor and the future of the state? Are you ready to win 175/175 MLAs, 25/25 MP seats out of total 200 seats and help me form a double century government?" CM Jagan said.(ANI) Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj on Sunday said that since Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested, there is "anger and sadness" among the people. During his 'Mashal Yatra' in support of Delhi CM Kejriwal, the AAP leader said that the central government has sent him to jail in a "false case". "Since Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested, there is anger and sadness among the people...The central government has sent him to jail in a false case," Saurabh Bharadwaj told ANI, holding Mashal in the hand. He further said that on Monday, AAP will launch a new campaign from the Aam Aadmi Party office. "Tomorrow we will launch a new campaign from the Aam Aadmi Party office," he added. Earlier today, AAP leaders observed a day-long hunger strike at Jantar Mantar against the arrest of the party national convenor and Delhi CM in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. Punjab CM and AAP leader Bhagwant Mann said on Sunday that this is not a time to show political strength but to convey a message against the dictatorship. "This is not a time to show political strength but to convey a message against the dictatorship. Today, we are in the village of Bhagat Singh, who gave us freedom, and that freedom is in danger. BR Ambedkar gave us the constitution, and that constitution is in danger," Mann said. Kejriwal was arrested by the central agency on charges of corruption in relation to the case. It is the first time in independent India that a serving Chief Minister has been arrested. The move came after Kejriwal skipped multiple summons by the investigation agency, nine in total, calling them "illegal." The case pertains to alleged irregularities and money laundering in framing and implementing the Delhi excise policy 2022, which was later scrapped. Kejriwal, who was arrested by the ED on March 21, was sent to judicial custody until April 15 and is lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with a money-laundering case linked to a liquor excise policy scam. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on April 2 granted bail to AAP MP Sanjay Singh, who was arrested on October 4, 2023, in a money laundering case related to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. (ANI) Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan reiterated his call for a Dravidian Model of governance on Sunday, emphasising the need for a system that doesn't discriminate based on caste, colour or language. "Don't make fun of Dravidian Model. Dravidam was always here. It is spread across the nation. Dravidian Model is what India needs. Good governance that doesn't discriminate against caste, colour, language or religion is important," Haasan said during an election event in Chennai. MNM is an alliance partner of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu. He also criticised the central government for not releasing funds for the metro rail project in Tamil Nadu. "For the metro rail project phase 2, we need Rs 68,000 crore, the central government said they will give it, but Tamil Nadu has not yet received the funds," the MNM chief said. The actor-turned-politician also urged the people to vote for 'someone' who will stand for people's rights'. "I came here for our rights; I have joined DMK alliance for our country's sake. Acting in my occupation and politics is my right. People don't like only good people; they want someone who stand for their rights. Not someone who visits them during election times. TR Baalu was here, he comes here at all times. At the time of floods, we were here and helped the people," Haasan said. Haasan campaigned for the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's candidate from Sriperumbudur Lok Sabha constituency, TR Baalu, earlier in the day. He also held a roadshow along with TR Baalu in the Nanganallur area of Chennai. Apart from MNM, a huge number of party cadres from DMK's alliance partners, including Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), also attended the campaign event. All 39 seats of Tamil Nadu will go to polls 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. The elections to 543 Lok Sabha seats in the country will be held in seven phases, starting April 19. (ANI) The anti-government protesters have once again stormed the streets in Israel, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and demanding early elections in the country amid its ongoing war with Hamas. The demonstrators took to the streets of Tel Aviv, Caesarea and Haifa on Saturday, according to CNN, where they called for the release of the hostages by waving Israeli flags and holding signs featuring their images. "We are not afraid; you destroyed the country, and we will fix it. We want them (hostages) back alive and not in coffins," the protesters in Tel Aviv were heard chanting, as per CNN. Another banner called for the "division of religion and state," and one stated that "Netanyahu is dangerous to Israel." Demonstrators in Haifa referred to the government as a failure, calling Netanyahu "guilty, guilty, guilty," according to CNN. "Elections now!" read another banner held by a protester. Israelis have been expressing increasing dissatisfaction with Netanyahu's management of the ongoing conflict, and the release of the hostages who have been held in Gaza since October 7. In Tel Aviv, a protester was arrested for punching and injuring a police officer during an anti-government rally on Saturday, according to a statement from the Israeli Police. The Israel Police also warned protesters not to light bonfires as demonstrators march through the streets, saying it can be "life-threatening" around the crowd. "We will act with zero tolerance towards those who disrupt the order and behave violently towards police officers," authorities said in a statement, according to CNN. Earlier this week, tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated in Jerusalem, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and more attempts to release captives held in Gaza. After demonstrating in front of the Israeli parliament on Sunday night, where they lit fires and waved the flag, protesters closed a major municipal route. They asserted that this was the largest demonstration since the start of the Gaza War in October. Protesters yelled Netanyahu "must go," and police responded by using water cannons against the crowd, jostling and pushing them back. The prime minister has been under increasing pressure as opponents of his right-wing government have united with the families of the roughly one hundred hostages that Hamas in Gaza still holds. Months of demonstrations against Netanyahu over divisive judicial reforms had occurred even prior to Israel's war on Gaza. On October 7, Hamas took approximately 250 prisoners, of whom Israel estimates that 130 are still in Gaza, 33 of whom are thought to be dead, as per Al Jazeera. The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages. (ANI) Shehryar Afridi, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has expressed his displeasure with the current leadership, alleging that some "hypocrites" are still part of the Imran Khan-founded party, according to ARY News. At a public gathering in Kohat, the former federal minister cautioned the PTI's leadership against making "unilateral decisions and hypocritical statements," emphasising that the party was not beholden to any individual. "Our message to PTI leadership is that the workers and loyalists of the party should be supported, those who are the foundation of the party," Shehryar Afridi said, according to ARY News. He also questioned why his name had been taken off the party's Kohat Senate candidate list. "I would like to inquire of my leadership, Barrister Gohar, Shibli Faraz, and Omar Ayub, why my name was taken off the list," he asked. According to Afridi, the PTI included some "snakes" and "hypocrites," and anyone who undermined the party will be kicked out. He threatened to take legal action if his worries went unanswered, according to ARY News. The statements were made in the midst of escalating conflict among PTI leaders, who disagree on various issues pertaining to party policies. MNA Sher Afzal Marwat was stripped of important party positions a few days previously by PTI founder Imran Khan. Reliable sources disclosed that the choice was taken based on suggestions from PTI's core committee. Additionally, Marwat was taken off the list of people who were supposed to meet with the PTI founder at Adiala Jail. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Shibli Faraz, Barrister Ali Zafar, and Umar Ayub are the new focus persons. (ANI) The recent terror attack in Shangla district, targeting Chinese engineers, resulted in the halting of work on the 765 kV transmission line associated with the Dasu Hydropower Project, the Balochistan Post reported. The attack, which took place on March 26 in Bisham city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Shangla district, claimed the lives of five Chinese engineers along with one Pakistani citizen. "A suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a convoy of foreign nationals that was on its way from Islamabad to their camp in Dasu, Shangla," the report quoted the district inspector general (DIG) of Malakand as saying on April 4. Harbin Electric International Company Limited (HEI), the Chinese firm responsible for managing the project, issued a force majeure notification, expressing serious safety concern in Pakistan, according to the Balochistan Post. The attack not only brought the project to a standstill but also sparked concerns among international businesses over the safety of their employees in the area. According to the Balochoistan Post, Yu Hong, the project manager overseeing Lot-2 of the 765 kV Transmission Line Project, emphasised the adverse effects of the attack on the site progress, potentially resulting in additional delays or even a complete suspension of work Concerns have surfaced regarding the financial repercussions of the delay, given that the project is already behind schedule as per agreements with the World Bank, the report noted. In light of safety concerns and the notification by the HEI, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to visit China to express solidarity with his counterpart over the incident and discuss the prevailing situation, according to the report. Additionally, the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) has forwarded HEI's letter to ministries concerned for necessary action and record-keeping. The chief engineer and project director of Dasu has sought legal advice on how to proceed in light of HEI's concerns, emphasising the need to ensure smooth project execution and avoid further delays, the report stated. The setback underscores the challenges Pakistan faces in maintaining security for vital infrastructure projects and highlights the significant losses and failures in ensuring the safety of foreign workers and investment in the country, it noted. (ANI) A significant number of government hospital staff, including paramedics and nurses, assembled at Civil Hospital and marched through the main roads and streets of Quetta. According to Dawn, the alliance leaders Salam Zehri, Jamal Shah Kakar, Haji Shafaa Mengal, Lala Sultan, and others addressed the protesters. They expressed discontent, stating that rather than focusing on improving facilities in hospitals, the government is contemplating privatising them. The participants held protests, chanted slogans against the government, and criticised the plan, according to the report. The protesters demanded the removal of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and declared him 'incompetent', Dawn reported. They called for raising the standards of hospitals and ensuring the availability of free healthcare to the public, rather than transferring ownership to private entities. "Instead of giving hospitals private ownership, their conditions should be improved so that free healthcare can be made available to people," one of the protesters was quoted by Dawn a saying. They pledged to oppose privatisation and urged the government to reassess its decision. They also claimed that they met the provincial health secretary to discuss the issue while informing the authorities of their stance and reservations. Healthcare in Pakistan has been on life-support in the recent past. A report by Dawn in November 2023 claimed the closure of six hospitals in Pakistan after a funding request was denied. The source added that the situation may worsen further as a number of doctors, nurses, and other staff in the hospitals are either not getting their salaries or fear that their wages will be stopped next month due to the unavailability of funds. The country's health ministry requested the finance ministry release a supplementary grant of PKR 11.096 billion for the smooth functioning of hospitals, organisations, and ancillary departments of the ministry, Dawn reported. (ANI) Six months have passed since the Hamas terror group attacked Israel, killing thousands of people and taking hundreds of people as hostages. Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, recalled the October 7 massacre on Sunday and shared a picture of an infant, who has been in captivity for six months, stressing the need to concentrate on the people who can still be saved. Israeli envoy Naor Gilon emphasised that there were "horrible images" from that day, but he would prefer concentrating on who can still be saved. He further said that the picture of ' Baby Kfir Bibas' was taken from Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv, adding that the travellers left a card with his picture. "Today is 6 months to #October7massacre. There are endless horrible images from that day but I prefer concentrating on who we can still save. Baby Kfir Bibas is 6 months in captivity!! #BringThemAllHomeNOW Pic from @bengurionairpor. Travelers wrote him and left cards," Israeli envoy posted on X. https://x.com/NaorGilon/status/1776867786855244268 The Israel Defence Forces published data on Sunday on its operations in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Lebanon, highlighting everything from the number of terror operatives killed to the number of sites struck. Since October 7, 604 soldiers have been killed in combat, and 3,188 soldiers have been wounded, according to the Jerusalem Post. According to the IDF data, some 9,100 rockets crossed into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip, and 3,100 rockets crossed into Israel from Lebanon. The military further said more than 12,000 terrorists had been killed in Gaza throughout the last six months and 32,000 targets were attacked in airstrikes. Israel President Isaac Herzog posted on Sunday, "We mark six months since the cruel terror attack and the horrific massacre. Half a year since this crime against our sisters and brothers, against our state, this crime against humanity. Six months of a bloody and difficult war." "Half a year our sisters and brothers have been held by a cruel enemy, our hearts falter, day after day, minute after minute - with them, there. Half a year we, the entire people, accompany, support, embrace the families of the hostages. We never forget them or their loved ones," Herzog said. (ANI) In a poignant display of solidarity and urgency, Israel's capital city has been decked up with billboards bearing the faces of hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 attack. The visuals feature images of those still in captivity, alongside the rallying cry, "Bring them home now," serving as a stark reminder of the prolonged ordeal endured by these individuals and their families. Visuals from Israel's Ben-Gurion airport and around the city show pictures of hostages held by Hamas following the October 7th attack. Six months have elapsed since Hamas launched a brutal onslaught on Israel, resulting in widespread devastation and loss of life. Despite the passage of time, 134 hostages remain in Hamas' captivity, their fate hanging in the balance amidst ongoing efforts to secure their release. The Israel Defence Forces have withdrawn all ground troops from the southern Gaza Strip after a long four-month fight in the Khan Younis area, reported The Times of Israel. As the country marked six months of war against Hamas, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) published new data on its operations in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Lebanon, highlighting everything from the number of terror operatives killed to the number of sites struck. According to the data, more than 13,000 Hamas operatives and members of other terror groups have been killed by the IDF in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the war, in addition to some 1,000 terrorists inside Israel on October 7, when gunmen rampaged through southern communities, massacring some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 253 to Gaza. The data presented by the IDF further stated that the military has killed five Hamas brigade commanders and those of an equivalent rank, as well as more than 20 battalion commanders. Since October 7, in the West Bank, the IDF said that the troops have arrested more than 3,700 Palestinians, including more than 1,600 affiliated with Hamas. Israeli Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon has emphasised the importance of focusing on those still held captive, sharing a poignant image of an infant who has spent six months in captivity. "Today is 6 months to #October7massacre. There are endless horrible images from that day but I prefer concentrating on who we can still save. Baby Kfir Bibas is 6 months in captivity!! #BringThemAllHomeNOW Pic from @bengurionairpor. Travellers wrote him and left cards," the Israeli envoy said in a post on X. As Israel grapples with the ongoing repercussions of the October 7 attack, the nation remains steadfast in its commitment to securing the safe return of all hostages held by Hamas. With billboards at Ben-Gurion Airport serving as a poignant reminder of the urgency of this mission, the call to "Bring them home now" echoes louder than ever before. (ANI) Polk State College has graduated some 60,000 students since it opened its doors in 1964. Polk State College transformed the future of Polk County when it opened its doors in 1964. Sixty years and approximately 60,000 graduates later, the impact of Polk State is felt in all areas of the community. From healthcare professionals in hospitals and first responders answering calls for help, to educators inspiring in local classrooms and entrepreneurs innovating the businesses residents love to frequent, the highly skilled workforce Polk County enjoys today is largely composed of Polk State alumni. As the county rapidly grows with an estimated 45 people moving to Polk each day, Polk State is working proactively to respond to the increasing needs of residents and workforce demands. The development of the Polk State Haines City-Davenport Campus in the fastest-growing area of the county one of the fastest-growing regions of the nation is in direct response to community needs. The Polk State Haines City-Davenport Campus will house programs including health sciences, teacher education, hospitality and tourism management, and supply chain and logistics, which are booming in Northeast Polk County. The campus will also be home to Central Floridas first public higher education interdisciplinary simulation hospital. From Florida Polytechnic president Thank you, Florida legislators, for supporting Florida Polytechnic | Guest column The $51 million project has benefitted from $26.5 million in state investment since the acquisition of the property in 2009. The design and planning phase is nearing completion, and the college is awaiting the outcome of the 2024 Legislative Session to move forward with construction. Doors could open to students as early as 2025, bringing a Polk State education closer to home for thousands of students. Currently, the closest Polk State location is 30 miles roundtrip for residents of Northeast Polk. Within a 10-mile radius of the campus on U.S. 27, which is adjacent to AdventHealth Heart of Florida, are 80,000 residents with a high school diploma or some college, but no degree. Additionally, within the next decade, this area is expected to see an increase of 201,000 residents and 17,000 new jobs. Polk States longstanding track record of preparing students for success 70% of which remain in Polk County after graduation provides assurance that the Haines City-Davenport Campus will help ensure prosperity for a growing Northeast Polk and beyond. From Southeastern University president: Florida Legislature, thank you for believing in Polks college students | Guest column The Polk County Legislative Delegation and Polk State College District board of trustees have worked diligently through many legislative sessions to secure support for this critical development. Members of the district board of trustees also serve as shining examples of Polk State alumni success and influence on the Polk County community: Chair Teresa V. Martinez is a 1975 graduate and founder and President of the Institute of Spanish Communications; Vice Chair Cindy Hartley Ross is a 1979 graduate and owner of Social Graces; immediate past Chair Greg Littleton is a 1987 graduate and president and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust; and member Ashley Troutman is a 2001 graduate and financial adviser for Northwestern Mutual. Additionally, board member Ashley Bell Barnett benefited from dual enrollment courses with the college between 2001 and 2003 and board member Ann Barnhart served as a Nursing faculty member in 1990 and 1991. Beyond their professional accomplishments, the members of the district board of trustees dedicate countless hours to civic organizations across the community and illustrate how virtually every Polk County resident has a Polk State connection in one way or another. Angela Garcia Falconetti, president of Polk State College The colleges motto holds true: We are Polk! While community is no longer in the colleges name, Polk State remains committed to providing access to quality higher education and workforce training to Polk County residents. As Community College Month and Polk States 60th year are celebrated, the College looks ahead to an even brighter future with its Haines City-Davenport Campus bringing life-transforming opportunities closer to home for thousands more residents. Angela Garcia Falconetti is the president of Polk State College. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk State has been communitys college for 60 years | Guest column LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The staff at The Animal Foundation provided an update Friday on the condition of dozens of animals rescued from a hoarding situation last week. Dogs, guinea pigs, and rabbits were all recovering when 8 News Now spoke with the shelters chief executive officer about their care. Police find 30 dogs in Las Vegas hotel room; 2 accused of hoarding animals Its tragic, Lieutenant Thomas Healing of Boulder City Police said. Any case of animal abuse is terrible. The staff at The Animal Foundation provided an update Friday on the condition of dozens of animals rescued from a hoarding situation last week. (KLAS) Lt. Healing spoke with 8 News Now earlier this week about the shocking discovery of 51 guinea pigs and rabbits, 45 dogs, and several tortoises in both Boulder City and Las Vegas. 21 of the animals were dead and police said the rest were living in filth. Property owner faces charges related to animal hoarding It is so hard, Animal Foundation CEO Hilarie Grey said. And heartbreaking to see animals coming in in that condition. Police arrested 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 staff at The Animal Foundation provided an update Friday on the condition of dozens of animals rescued from a hoarding situation last week. (KLAS) Grey said now that the majority of the confiscated animals are in The Animal Foundations care, their focus is on helping them recover. We know that our job is to get them healthy, keep them safe, Grey said. A lot of the dogs that came in were very matted. Veterinarians, groomers, and other shelter staff have all been working hard to help the animals start a new life. When they get adopted later on, hopefully, these will too, Grey said. That is really where the magic happens. The staff at The Animal Foundation provided an update Friday on the condition of dozens of animals rescued from a hoarding situation last week. (KLAS) The staff at The Animal Foundation provided an update Friday on the condition of dozens of animals rescued from a hoarding situation last week. (KLAS) The staff at The Animal Foundation provided an update Friday on the condition of dozens of animals rescued from a hoarding situation last week. (KLAS) The staff at The Animal Foundation provided an update Friday on the condition of dozens of animals rescued from a hoarding situation last week. (KLAS) She told 8 News Now this is one of the many reasons the city shelter is ready to jump into action for any animal in need. We never know when its going to happen, she concluded. Grey told 8 News Now the animals confiscated are on hold for at least 10 days as the investigation continues. She said they will go up for adoption when they are cleared, but they are currently being treated by staff. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Don't be surprised if you get left behind when you're late back, says TikToker on the cruise that left 8 passengers stranded Don't be surprised if you get left behind when you're late back, says TikToker on the cruise that left 8 passengers stranded Eight passengers were left stranded on Sao Tome and Principe after missing a cruise ship's boarding deadline. The passengers took six days to rejoin the Norwegian Dawn cruise. A fellow passenger emphasized the importance of adhering to boarding times. A fellow passenger on the cruise that left eight people stranded on an African island says it's a good example of why you should be on time. After missing the boarding deadline, the eight people were stuck in Sao Tome and Principe, an island nation of some 220,000 people off West Africa. It took them six days to get back on the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship, as they missed a chance to re-embark in Gambia before finally getting on board in Senegal. In a Wednesday TikTok video, Gracie O'Connor, who said she is a fellow passenger on the ship though BI could not independently verify this gave her thoughts on the incident. O'Connor explained that Sao Tome was the cruise's only tender port. That means the vessel is too large for passengers to step off onto the dock, so small tender boats are needed to reach land. "You know, if you have to get on one of those lifeboats to get back on the ship, you better be there before the last tender," O'Connor said, adding that this was at 3 p.m. "If you've ever cruised before, if you've ever gone to ports, you know you don't really want to be on that last tender out, so you should've already prepped to be there way before that 3 p.m.," she added. "At least by 30 minutes or an hour." O'Connor has been posting TikTok videos of her time on board the cruise over the last two weeks for her 82,000 TikTok followers. She explained that cruise lines will hold the ship for passengers on an excursion organized by the company. But because the stranded eight went on a trip with an external firm, they should've made better plans to return. O'Connor said she made it back to ship two hours before the time of the last tender boat, while the stranded group "didn't make it any time close to the last tender," she said. The group must have been "seriously late" because the ship had time to send out another boat to drop off their passports, she added. Jill Campbell, one of the stranded passengers, told NBC News she believed Norwegian Cruise Line had fallen short in a '"basic duty of care." But O'Connor thinks the cruise line doesn't deserve all the criticism. The cruise operator previously faced criticism for removing Antarctica from a ship's itinerary after everyone had boarded. But the recent stranding is not as unique as that situation, since passengers are forewarned about the boarding deadlines. Read the original article on Business Insider As we kick off a new week, let's take a look back at the week that was. Top stories this past week included: What Somerset voters need to know about the annual Town Election before they cast their ballots on Monday. And here's what Westport voters need to know before their Town Election on Tuesday. An earthquake in New Jersey on Friday morning being felt all the way up here in Massachusetts. A 60-year-old Somerset man arrested last Friday for allegedly attempting to kidnap two 13-year-old girls on a walking path in Swansea was ordered held on $1,000 cash bail. Michael Nutbrown was in custody and his image obscured from cameras in the courtroom during the brief arraignment on Monday at Fall River District Court, where a plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf on one count of attempting to commit a crime. These were the most read stories of the week on HeraldNews.com: Where to watch the solar eclipse 2024: A guide to places and events in Fall River What are you doing for the eclipse on Monday? If you're looking to make plans to catch this celestial wonder, or if you need a pair of glasses to safely do so, we know a few events and places that you can check out. A partial view of the total solar eclipse is seen over Eugene, Ore., at 9:15 a.m. PDT on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. Here's a guide to eclipse events in the Fall River area, and where you can pick up some eclipse glasses. Where to watch the solar eclipse 2024: A guide to places and events in Fall River End of the line for South Coast Rail: MBTA to talk project's final stages at meeting The South Coast Rail team has invited the public to a community meeting to discuss the project, which is wrapping up construction. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 10, at 6 p.m., at Morton Middle School, 1135 N. Main St., Fall River. Heres what to expect and how to take part. 60-second read: End of the line for South Coast Rail: MBTA to talk project's final stages at meeting Things get cooking at Tiverton's Pine House Kitchen & Bar Tiverton foodies have been waiting for a while, but it looks like they won't have to wait too much longer: Food deliveries are coming in, staff is in place and chefs are "in house making magic together," according to a recent social media post, as Pine House Kitchen & Bar prepares to open up. The restaurant at 13 Crandall Rd. recently held a soft opening for friends and family. Jared Machado, owner of Pine House Kitchen and Bar, and Janae Machado, who will serve as manager, are ready to serve at the new Tiverton restaurant. They are seen here Monday, March 11, 2024. See what's on the menu, and when you can plan on visiting. New restaurant: Things get cooking at Tiverton's Pine House Kitchen & Bar. See what's on the menu. Treasures of the past: Find unique, vintage items at these Fall River area antique shops Antique shops are a treasure trove of the past, inviting not only to collectors, but to everyone who loves vintage things and a bit of history. Want to do a little local antiquing? Owner of Antiques at Olde Tiverton, RI Peter Lacasse hangs part of an old carousel in his shop on Main Road in Tiverton Monday Jan. 22 2024. Here's your guide to some Fall River area antique shops. Treasures of the past: Find unique, vintage items at these Fall River area antique shops Well-cared-for Freetown home on acre of land sells for over $500K The latest Greater Fall River real estate report featured a three-bedroom home in Freetown that sold for $550,000. On a corner lot in a cul-de-sac neighborhood, the Sandy Lane home was built in 1978 and has gleaming woodwork, French doors, well-maintained hardwoods, and pristine tiled flooring. Plus, there's an updated kitchen with ample storage, a fireplaced living room, a formal dining room, and a welcoming den. Check out this property, as well as other recent top-sellers. Weekly home sales: Well cared for Freetown home on acre of land sells for over $500K Herald News/Taunton Daily Gazette copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Herald News top stories: Where to watch solar eclipse in Fall River Nikol Pashinyan, Armenian prime minister, Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president, Antony Blinken, US secretary of state and Josep Borrell, EU high representative in Brussels, on Friday - Johanna Geron/Reuters The Kremlin has threatened Armenia with negative consequences after the EU pledged more than 230 million to help it loosen ties with Russia. Nikol Pashinyan, the Armenian prime minister, visited Brussels on Friday, meeting Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, and Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, in a display of his countrys diplomatic shift towards the West. We will make investments to strengthen Armenias economy and society, making them more robust and stable in the face of shocks, said Ms von der Leyen, pledging the money to build resilience among Armenian businesses and society. After the meeting, the Kremlin accused the West of looking for a geopolitical confrontation in the South Caucasus. Russias foreign ministry said attempts by the US and the EU to woo Armenia over the past 18 months were irresponsible and destructive. It said they would result in the most negative consequences for stability, security and economic development in the region, provoke the emergence of new dividing lines, as well as an uncontrollable increase in tension. Nikol Pashinyan, Armenian prime minister, in Brussels on Friday - Anadolu Azerbaijan accused Armenia of deploying forces along their volatile border after Mr Pashinyans Brussels meeting, which Armenia denied. Is Armenia following the path of Ukraine or is Armenia being pushed along the path of Ukraine? askd Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin speechwriter. Armenias relations with Russia have soured since it accused the Kremlin of reneging on pledges to protect it and instead greenlighting an attack last year by Azerbaijan on disputed territory controlled by ethnic Armenians. The Azerbaijani attack on Nagorno-Karabakh forced Armenia to cede control of the disputed region. Around 120,000 ethnic Armenians fled to Armenia. Since then, Mr Pashinyan has intensified talks with the West, signed arms deals with France and mounted a diplomatic push that included upgrading its embassy in London from a rented two-room office near Earls Court to a Pall Mall townhouse. This year, Armenian officials have even said they want to quit the Kremlins collective security treaty organisation a military alliance between Russia and several post-Soviet states and join the EU. 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 Hawaii license plates could look different in 2025 HONOLULU (KHON2) Hawaii is known as the Aloha State and officials are hoping to show their love for the Hawaiian language with a new requirement to include the okina on new license plates. Hawaii has seen the addition of the okina and other Hawaiian diacritical marks added to street signs in recent years, they are even required in official State and County letterheads and websites. The okina, a diacritical mark in the Hawaiian language, is a glottal stop. It can be seen in some local spellings of the states name, Hawaii. The Honolulu Department of Consumer Services said adding the okina to Hawaiis iconic license plates follows that same trend. So this is also consistent with that, said DCS director Kim Hashiro, and were really just trying to make sure that were representing the Hawaiian language as accurately as possible. The new worlds oldest man says the secret to his longevity is luck and this popular English dish It is illegal to have the okina on license plates under current law legislators are working on changing that and advocates said it is more than just a diacritical mark. Its the 13th letter in the Hawaiian alphabet. Our alphabet goes A, E, H, I, K, L, M, N, O, P, U, W, okina, said Hawaiian language advocate Hailama Farden. To leave out the okina is like leaving the C out of California. Some legislators tried to pass bills this session that would require Hawaiian language to be taught in schools, the proposed bills are no longer moving forward but one of their introducers is in full support of the okina bill. Its a step forward in the right direction. We have a long ways to go in restoring Olelo Hawaii as an official language, there are so many hills to climb but this is just one hill that were moving forward in the right direction. Rep. Diamond Garcia, (R) Varona Village, Ewa, Kapolei The proposal would only apply to license plates issued starting in 2025, so locals will not have to turn in their current plate if it passes. The bill is scheduled for a full Senate vote on Tuesday, April 9. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Erik Chaput and Russell DeSimone are the co-creators of the Dorr Rebellion Project website. The study of our nations past from just a few years ago to as far back as the Reconstruction era continues to shape the contours of American politics. For teachers tasked with engaging the next generation of voters, there are interesting historical parallels from a recent Supreme Court case to one over a century and a half ago stemming from the 1842 Dorr Rebellion in Rhode Island. In December 2023, the Colorado high court ruled that because former President Donald Trump had, in their understanding, directly aided an insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, he was ineligible to run for office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Trump appealed. In its ruling on March 4 in Trump v. Anderson, the U.S. Supreme Court put the former president back on the ballot. Despite the urging of a whos who list of American historians who wrote amicus curiae briefs outlining the original understanding of Section 3, the court charted a path to preserve the democratic order in a presidential election year. They did not explore connections between the insurrection on Jan. 6 and the Civil War. More: Maine just barred Trump from the ballot. Will RI's secretary of state follow suit? A study of Rhode Islands mini (and bloodless) civil war in 1842 will also help students explore complicated questions relating to the Supreme Court and democracy. For Providence attorney Thomas W. Dorr, the states failure to usher in a modern constitution, along with its neglect of voting reform measures, justified forceful action. In mid-May 1842, Dorr, believing himself to be the duly elected governor, took drastic steps to take control, including an attempt to seize the state arsenal by force of arms. Unlike the insurrection on Jan. 6, however, Dorr and his allies caused no damage to state property nor was anyone killed though a great deal of that was due to dumb luck. Former President Donald Trump delivers remarks about the Supreme Court's decision on the Colorado primary ballot at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., on March 4. In June 1844, Dorr was tried and convicted of treason. The Supreme Court eventually weighed in, though not on Dorrs appeal, but rather on a trespass case stemming from an overzealous militia during the short-lived rebellion. Luther v. Borden (1849) raised significant issues, ones that Dorr helped to manage early on from his jail cell. These included the possibility of whether or not the Supreme Court could decide between the legality of Dorrs government and the sitting government that put down his brief insurrection. If the justices retroactively ruled that Dorr was right and his opponents wrong, then the state, which finally adopted a new constitution in 1843, would have been thrown into chaos. The Luther case was argued in 1848, but the court waited until after the presidential election to hand down its ruling. Dorr wanted the Supreme Court to use the guarantee of the republican government clause in Article IV, Section 4 to justify his actions. Instead, the court, while acknowledging the unfortunate political differences in the state, said the guarantee was established by the sitting government sending representatives to Congress and the actions of President John Tyler at the time. More: 'A dangerous time in America': Political scholar looks at national, world politics The long-term impact of the ruling was that the guarantee clause became wholly nonjusticiable, something akin to what the court said a few weeks ago about Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. In Luther, the court, while certainly acknowledging the states antiquated political culture, did not get at the myriad of ways reform efforts had been squashed in Rhode Island. On March 4, the Supreme Court refused to discuss the elephant in the room of whether Jan. 6 constituted an insurrection and whether or not a former president played a role. The ruling hinged on whether or not Section 3 required Congress to act first to disqualify a federal candidate before a state could act. The recent past was not discussed. The issue of the peoples sovereignty continues to arise in moments of intense disagreement. Key participants will continue to frame their words and deeds within the ideology of democracy, exploiting ambiguities, and making the role of the teacher so vital as they set out to help students navigate this turbulent political landscape. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: A study of RIs mini civil war in 1842 will help students explore complicated questions relating to the Supreme Court and democracy. House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) said Sunday that Americans in the Middle East remain in danger amid escalating tensions following Israels alleged airstrike on an Iranian embassy last week. Fears over Iran targeting U.S. interests in the region were renewed last week after an airstrike on the Iranian Consulate next to Tehrans Embassy in Damascus, Syria, killed two senior members and five officers, per Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed revenge in a speech last week, prompting Israel and the U.S. to be on high alert for retaliatory attacks. Asked on CNNs State of the Union about the nature of the threat from Iran and if Americans are in danger, Turner said, Well, I think Americans in the area remain in danger. Remember, Iranian proxies have continued to attack U.S. troops in the area, again, with the Biden administration being slow to respond and ultimately responding to those attacks, he continued. Attacks by Tehran-backed proxies against American troops and bases in Iraq and Syria spiked after the start of the Israel-Hamas war but died down in early February when the U.S. launched a retaliatory assault against the militia groups. In that instance, Washington ordered the strikes after an attack by Iranian-aligned militants killed three U.S. service members at a base in Jordan in January. Turner pointed to the U.S.s movement of additional assets in the Middle East in recent months to prevent Iran from escalating the Israel-Hamas war into a wider, regional conflict. And, of course, the United States has moved additional capabilities and assets in the area to deter Iran from entering into this conflict directly with Israel, although their proxy is Hamas, which the conflict is directly with, he said. And Hezbollah continues to be a threat to Israel in Lebanon. But I think what were seeing here is, certainly, the consulate in Syria was a legitimate target from for Israel because Iran certainly is the source of which all this is coming, he continued. Tal Heinrich, a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Sunday reiterated the Israelis military claim that the strike was not a diplomatic mission of any sort of kind. She said Israeli intelligence found the building was a military base in disguise. Iran has a record of attacking embassies. Let me remind the viewers here if its the U.S. embassy in Tehran taking Americans hostage, if its the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires killing many, many people, youre the big state of the United States, were the small state in Israel. Turner called the strike against the embassy in Syria very unwise as the U.S. was working to keep Iran out of a wider conflict. As we were trying to put pressure on Iran to keep them out of this conflict, both with U.S. presence and with our response to the attacks on our own troops, this certainly does escalate the issue throughout the entire region, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Iran warns Israel its embassies are not safe after deadly Damascus strike Emergency service workers clear the rubble at a destroyed building struck in Damascus (ASSOCIATED PRESS) A top Iranian military adviser has warned Israel that none of its embassies are safe following a strike in Damascus last week, blamed on Israel, which killed 12 people including two elite Iranian generals. Regional tensions have threatened to draw the Middle East into a wider conflict as Israels war against Hamas marks six months. Israel has been preparing for an Iranian response to the strike without directly acknowledging its involvement. The remarks by general Rahim Safavi signalled that the attack on a diplomatic mission could be met with a similar response. None of the embassies of the (Israeli) regime are safe anymore, general Safavi, a military adviser to Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was quoted as saying by the semi-official Tasnim agency. Rescue workers search the rubble of a building used by the Iranian embassy in Damascus after the airstrike (AFP via Getty Images) General Safavi was speaking at a memorial ceremony in Tehran for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard generals who were killed in the strike which flattened an Iranian consular building in Damascus. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is prepared for any response. Whoever harms us or plans to harm us, we will harm them, he told a cabinet meeting. We follow that principle in practice, all the time as well as in recent days. The surging regional tensions came six months after the start of the war, which was sparked when Hamas militants charged from Gaza into Israel on 7 October last year, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking about 250 captive. Israel retaliated with fierce bombardments and a ground offensive that have killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities. Also on Sunday, Israels military announced it is drawing back forces from the 98th paratroopers division who have been operating in the area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, bringing Israeli troop levels in Gaza to some of the lowest levels since the war began. The Hamas stronghold has been the main focus of Israels offensive in recent months. The forces withdrew to recuperate and prepare for future operations, while a significant number remain elsewhere in Gaza, said Israeli military officials. Israel maintains troops in devastated northern Gaza and can send them south when needed. Israel has vowed a ground offensive on the southernmost Gaza city of Rafah, considered Hamass last stronghold. Buildings reduced to rubble in Khan Younis, Gaza, after the Israeli military withdrew most of its ground troops from the region (REUTERS) But the area shelters some 1.4 million people - more than half of Gazas population. The prospect of an offensive has raised global alarm, including from top ally the US, which has demanded to see a credible plan to protect civilians. The wars six-month mark has been met with growing frustration in Israel, where anti-government protests have swelled and anger is mounting over what some Israelis see as government inaction to help free the remaining roughly 130 hostages, about a quarter of whom are said by Israel to be dead. Negotiations in pursuit of a ceasefire in exchange for the hostages release were expected to resume in Cairo on Sunday. An Israeli delegation led by the head of the Mossad intelligence agency was due to depart for Cairo, according to an Israeli official. Israel is prepared for a deal. Israel is not prepared to surrender, Mr Netanyahu said. Instead of the international pressure being directed at Israel, which is only causing Hamas to harden its positions, the pressure of the international community needs to be directed at Hamas. Pressure rose for action now. This doesnt seem a war against terror. This doesnt seem anymore a war about defending Israel. This really, at this point, seems its a war against humanity itself, chef Jose Andres told ABC, days after an Israeli air strike killed seven of his World Central Kitchen colleagues in Gaza. Aid deliveries on a crucial new sea route to the territory were suspended. Humanity has been all but abandoned in Gaza, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said in a statement marking six months of war. The UN and partners now warn of imminent famine for more than one million people in Gaza as humanitarian workers urge Israel to loosen restrictions on the delivery of aid overland, the only way to meet soaring needs as some Palestinians forage for weeds to eat. Mothers who have given birth in Gaza since the war began are especially vulnerable. The Health Ministry in Gaza said the bodies of 38 people killed in Israels bombardment have been taken to the territorys remaining functional hospitals in the past 24 hours. Hospitals hae also received 71 wounded, it said. The ministry said 33,175 have been killed since the war began. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants but says two-thirds of the dead are children and women. Another 75,886 have been wounded. Israels military continued to suffer losses, including in Khan Younis, where the military said four soldiers were killed in a battle with militants. More than 600 Israeli soldiers have been killed since October 7, including 260 in the Gaza ground operation, according to Israels government. The international community was instantly outraged after seven food aid workers with the World Central Kitchen charity were killed by Israeli forces in Gaza earlier this month. But while the charitys founder, Jose Andres, continues to mourn the victims, the chef has expressed frustration that it took the death of foreign workers for much of the world to open its eyes to Israels military campaign that, six months in, has destroyed the enclave and ruined the lives of Palestinian civilians. On April 1, Israeli forces launched at least three airstrikes that hit a World Central Kitchen convoy that was delivering food and supplies to starving Palestinians facing a hunger crisis since Israel is blocking access to bring aid into Gaza. The strikes on the three cars killed seven humanitarian workers with the organization, six of whom were foreigners from mostly Western nations and one of whom was Palestinian. The attack instantly drew international outrage over Israels military offensive and the impact of its campaign on innocent lives in Gaza. The aid workers deaths have been widely covered in the media, and led world leaders like President Joe Biden Israels strongest ally to publicly threaten conditioning the U.S. governments support should Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuse to open more aid routes and change military tactics to avoid further civilian and humanitarian casualties. Israeli officials have described the several airstrikes as a mistake, a claim Andres and his charity continue to fiercely oppose as they maintain that the WCK logo was clearly visible on the convoys roofs and that the group consistently informed the military of their movements. John Flickinger the father of one of the victims, 33-year-old U.S.-Canadian dual citizen James Flickinger told The Associated Press that he believes the strike was a deliberate attempt to intimidate aid workers to stop the flow of humanitarian aid. Theres way too many cases now of humanitarians dying many civilians, women, children that the only thing they did was trying to get close by, to somewhere that they were giving them flour or bread, Andres told Martha Raddatz on Sunday during ABCs This Week. "This doesn't seem a war against terror. This doesn't seem anymore a war about defending Israel. This really, at this point, seems it's a war against humanity itself," Jose Andres tells @MarthaRaddatz after seven World Central Kitchen workers were killed. https://t.co/mAriVa9Xz5pic.twitter.com/64dUJ1j5ff This Week (@ThisWeekABC) April 7, 2024 This is not anymore about the seven men and women of World Central Kitchen that perished on this unfortunate event. This is happening for way too long. Its been six months of targeting anything that ... moves, he continued. This doesnt seem a war against terror. This doesnt seem anymore a war about defending Israel. This really, at this point, seems its a war against humanity itself. Until the WCK attack, the Biden administration publicly pushed very little against Israels military offensive that within half a year has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, flattened most of the territory, displaced most of the population of 2.3 million and caused a starvation crisis. The offensive began after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostage. In a way, Im sad that it had to be the killing of six foreigners that brings all this outrage. Sometimes history is written, unfortunately, in moments like this, Andres said. But if theres anything that the lives of these six heroes, brave souls, can bring, it is the real understanding of whats really happening in Gaza. The answer of why all the destruction cannot be because theres a Hamas operative in every building. We cannot be winning a war, destroying the lifehoods [sic] of 2 million people. This is not a way to create safety for Israel. This is not the way to create safety for the Middle East. This is not the way to create safety for a better tomorrow, he continued. I dont believe in higher walls. I believe in longer tables. What is good for me must be good for you. World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres calls on Israel to do more to protect civilians in Gaza, telling @MarthaRaddatz, This is not the way to create safety for a better tomorrow. I don't believe in higher walls. I believe in longer tables. https://t.co/5dhI4Yno3zpic.twitter.com/CDkY8fg3ED This Week (@ThisWeekABC) April 7, 2024 In response to the global outrage, Israel said it would launch an investigation into the WCK attack. An initial report released Friday said that the military dismissed two officers and reprimanded three additional individuals for their roles. The military said that the officers had mishandled critical information and violated rules of engagement. I want to thank, obviously, the IDF for doing such a quick investigation, Andres said. But at the same time, I will say something so complicated, the investigation should be much more deeper. And I would say that the perpetrator cannot be investigating himself. Pro-Palestinian activists have pointed out that the foreign aid workers deaths are devastating and deserving of outrage, however much of the world that stepped up to condemn Israel for its tactics including members of the U.S. government were quiet while the military killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. While the world is justifiably outraged at Israels targeted killing of Western humanitarian aid workers, there is silence when Palestinian men, women and children are slaughtered on a daily basis, with no accountability or investigations, Nihad Awad, national executive director for Muslim civil rights group CAIR, said in a statement. Israel killed the Western aid workers in the same way that it has been killing Palestinian civilians. The world has rightfully demanded accountability and an independent investigation, Awad continued. Palestinian deaths deserve a similar response and pressure on Israel to stop the genocide. Immediately after news broke of the airstrikes on the WCK workers, the charitys CEO released a blistering statement saying Israels attack was unforgivable. It is unforgivable, Andres echoed on Sunday. I will have to live with this the rest of my life. We all will have to live with this the rest of our lives. Ive seen firsthand what has been happening in Ukraine. Entire towns and cities being wiped out by [President Vladimir] Putin. But Prime Minister Netanyahu is doing this exactly the same. The best future we can be providing for our children is when we provide for the children of the people we dont know, the same future and the same hope we are trying to provide for our own, he continued. What is so difficult to understand about that? John Hood RALEIGH Because North Carolina is one of the seven states likely to determine the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, and also boasts highly competitive contests for governor and other statewide offices, local races may not be top-of-mind for most voters. Nevertheless, North Carolinians will elect hundreds of county and municipal officials this year which essentially puts the issue of adequate, affordable housing on the ballot. Unlike most of the issues featured in federal and statewide campaigns, housing policy doesnt generate predictably partisan debates. As Ive observed in previous columns, youll find both Democrats and Republicans who favor zoning reforms and other policies that facilitate higher-density development. Youll also find both Democrats and Republicans who oppose these reforms, expressing concerns about traffic, property values, and quality of life. On housing costs, North Carolina is doing better than most places. Last year, U.S. News ranked our state 17th in affordability, and recent upsurges in new construction have helped moderate or even reverse increases in average rents. Chuck McShane, director of market analytics for the real-estate research firm CoStar, reports that Charlottes projected 13.2% increase in multi-family units this year will be the largest of all major markets, making up 29.3% of all new housing inventory. Raleigh is also near the top of the list, with multi-family making up 12.5% of inventory. Nevertheless, for many new and not-at-all-new North Carolinians, finding an affordable place to live remains a challenge. Local officials have a major role to play in addressing this challenge, as do state lawmakers. They need to make it easier to build and sell a variety of housing options. That will, in turn, require a realistic and persuasive strategy for engaging folks who view these options with great skepticism. Tobias Peter, who codirects the American Enterprise Institutes Housing Center, has spent years developing such a strategy. He calls its Light Touch Density (LTD), defined as moderately greater density in areas zoned exclusively for single-family detached homes. As Peter argued in a recent presentation, the strategys policy applications depend on the particularities of a given market. In existing neighborhoods where home prices are already high, for example, a reasonable LTD policy would be to allow property owners to replace a single unit with a complex of between two and eight units. In the medium-cost neighborhoods that constitute most of the housing stock in North Carolinas metropolitan areas, Peter recommends allowing property owners to add units to the existing home, whether they be attached or detached. Other LTD reforms can be adopted across entire jurisdictions, including states. One would be a process for preapproving design standards for accessory dwelling units. Another is a shot clock a time limit on the permitting process so that if regulators act too slowly, applicants receive full or partial approval when the clock runs out. Even such light touches have opponents, of course. Peter advises housing advocates to engage them, gain a better understanding of their concerns, and respond in ways that reflect that understanding. To left-leaning residents, emphasize how higher-density infill will foster walkable communities and disrupt the vestiges of past discrimination. To right-leaning residents, emphasize LTDs respect for property rights and use of private rather than taxpayer dollars to ameliorate the housing crunch. As for those who dont really view the housing issue (at least) through an ideological lens, Peter argues that his light-touch strategy offers gradual change and avoids unintended consequences. The stakes couldnt be higher. University of Iowa professor Jerry Anthony has researched how housing issues interact with the broader economic health of American communities. In a study of the countrys 100 most-populous metros, Anthony found that decreases in housing affordability had a statistically significant negative effect on economic growth. Though pro-housing policies have often been seen as a social imperative, he concluded that they may well be an economic imperative also. North Carolina needs to get this right and North Carolina voters need to hear more about it during this years elections. John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His latest books, Mountain Folk and Forest Folk, combine epic fantasy with early American history (FolkloreCycle.com). This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: John Hood writes about Light Touch Density, affordable housing, N.C. Various members of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams Cabinet, including New Mexico Human Services Department Secretary Kari Armijo, will be in San Juan County later this week to participate in events designed to promote and help residents access state and federal government resources. The events are part of the Cabinet in Your Community the governor initiated in 2019, with secretaries of state agencies traveling together to various parts of New Mexico to meet with citizens and help them enroll in programs designed to benefit them and their families. The group will be in Farmington at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 11 for a resource fair at Animas Elementary School, 1612 N. Hutton Ave., followed by a town hall at 4 p.m. On Friday, the group will be at Shiprock High School on U.S. Highway 64 in Shiprock for a resource fair at 1 p.m., followed by a town hall at 2 p.m. Armijo said she has participated in Cabinet in Your Community events in the past and said they have been successful in leading state residents to enroll in programs ranging from child support and Medicaid to senior programs and vaccine programs, as well as helping them obtain state hunting and fishing licenses. Kari Armijo She noted that since the events typically take place in smaller communities, the number of new enrollees may not be high, but the Cabinet in Your Community tour stops allow her and her fellow secretaries to reach folks who might otherwise slip through the cracks. The program also offers the advantage of real-time enrollment, Armijo said, explaining that, in many cases, residents walk away from the events with all their paperwork complete, often with a program card in their hand. It takes as little as 10 or 15 minutes to apply for most programs her agency offers, she said, as long as residents come prepared with such essential documents as an ID, two pay stubs, their Social Security number and a utility bill. To enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a federal program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that the New Mexico Human Services Department administers in the state, there is an interview required that takes an additional 10 or 15 minutes, Armijo said. Those interviews also will be conducted on site during the stops in Farmington and Shiprock, she said. Armijo said many New Mexicans who are eligible for state or federal benefits dont take advantage of such programs because they assume they dont qualify, especially those who are working. But she said the income threshold for some of those programs especially Medicaid for children is as high as 400% of the poverty level. We do serve one million New Mexicans today, she said of her agencys reach, noting that equates to roughly half the states population. But that number could be higher. Armijo said that as one of the highest-poverty states in the country, New Mexico has significant issues with health-care access and food insecurity. She plans on addressing both those issues during the town halls in Farmington and Shiprock. The San Juan County stop is the first this year for the Cabinet in Your Community program, but the Cabinet secretaries will be making other appearances around the state this summer and fall, Armijo said. We want New Mexicans to know that their state government is here for them, and that were building stronger communities through accessible state resources, the governor stated in a news release announcing the Cabinet in Your Community events in San Juan County. Please join my administrations cabinet secretaries in Farmington and Shiprock April 11-12 to connect with state services and get the support you deserve. According to the news release, food boxes, books, backpacks and other resources will be distributed at the San Juan County events. Armijo also noted that there will be a series of events planned around the state to promote Turquoise Care the Human Services Departments managed care program for Medicaid that begins July 1 throughout the year. That tour begins with a stop in Carlsbad on Tuesday, April 9. 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: Gov.'s Cabinet in Your Community program coming to San Juan County MANHATTAN (PIX11) There are more than 100,000 people in the United States waiting for an organ donation in order to thrive. More than 8,000 are waiting in New York State alone. More than 1,500 people filled the pews of St. Patricks Cathedral in a moving ceremony in the 27th annual Remember & Rejoice ecumenical service honoring New York organ donors, the families of deceased donors and organ transplant recipients. NYC public school gym deemed unsafe after 4.8-magnitude earthquake: officials It is the single largest gathering of donor families and transplant recipients in the country. The event is sponsored by the Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO) with the support of LiveOnNY. One of the speakers up on the altar was Kristina Moon, the widow of FDNY firefighter Billy Moon, who tragically passed away in December 2022 and donated his heart, kidneys, lungs and liver to save five lives. It speaks to who Billy was. He had the foresight to be an organ donor and to save five peoples lives, Kristina Moon, Billys widow, told PIX11 News. They are now my extended family, she added. Three of those in Moons extended family were standing by side on the altar, including Patrick Reynolds, retired FDNY, who needed and received Billy Moons liver. Its very humbling, and in some ways, not surprising because members of the FDNY would do anything for fellow firefighters, Reynolds told PIX11 News. Her wife agreed. Never give up hope, Bridget Reynolds told PIX11 News. For many family members, like Patty Burke, whose brother David Farrell died less than two years ago, knowing he lives on through organ donations, helps her grieve. Live on New York came to the hospital and talked us through it, Burke told PIX11 News. Its a gift to us, a gift for life to go on like this, she added. The president and CEO of LiveOnNY said: 80% of New Yorkers say yes to donations, but it is actually their families that make the decision, Leonard Achan told PIX11 News. They want to help people live on, the head of LiveOnNY added. If youd like more information about donations, go to LiveonNY.org. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. (FOX40.COM) A couple from Redding was arrested on Tuesday after an investigation revealed they were responsible for the death of a 20-year-old Redding man by selling him a lethal amount of fentanyl nearly two years ago. The Redding Police Department said it identified Michael Horner, 29, and his wife Sandra Valenzuela, 30, as the people who delivered and sold fentanyl to 20-year-old Blake Bauder, who was found severely burned on the 3400 block of Capricorn Way in Redding on Sept. 27, 2022. Northern California man uses fake military uniform, 20-year-old image to scam people Around 2:15 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2022, the Redding Fire Department received reports of a residential fire, and upon arrival, found a dead man inside who was later identified as Bauder. Based on the suspicious nature of the incident, Redding police detectives responded to investigate, the Redding Police Department said on Facebook. Upon conducting their investigation, police said they learned that Bauder ingested a lethal amount of fentanyl and while holding a torch, lit the residence on fire. Detectives said they were also able to identify Horner and Valenzuela as the fentanyl dealers and filed felony charges against both suspects. On Tuesday, Redding detectives found and arrested the couple and booked them into a Shasta County jail for possession of narcotics for sale and involuntary manslaughter. Another Northern California county says no to new concealed carry law The arrest came two days before another Northern California county, Placer County, delivered the second murder sentence in California for a fentanyl-related death. It also came one day before deputies in Sacramento arrested two people who were found with a quarter-pound of fentanyl who had previous felony warrants out of Placer County. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. Other states are dealing with squatters. Heres why Utahns dont need to worry Texas homeowners Yudith Matthews and Abram Mendez hired an acquaintance to complete the tile work for their fixer-upper San Antonio home. In turn, they let him stay in the house for a few days and drew up a contract with the details. The worker was fired but he didnt leave the house. In an appearance on Fox News, Mendez talked about the problems the pair are facing because of the squatter. We dont have any protection. Theres legislators that are out there, such as Gov. (Ron) DeSantis, who are making headway, but we need more headway across America to protect us, the homeowners, because theres very little, Mendez said. Its really a gimmick, I think, for the municipalities across America to make money. In the recent weeks, the national conversation around squatters rights has been a cause of uproar for many. Last week, DeSantis signed legislation to restrict squatters rights in Florida and increase penalties for the violators. We are putting an end to the squatters scam in Florida, the Florida governor said. While other states are siding with the squatters, we are protecting property owners and punishing criminals looking to game the system. Does Utah have squatters rights? Like Floridians, Utahns dont need to worry about squatters. Squatters dont have rights in Utah. Were in one of the most landlord-friendly states, Peter Vanderhooft, a licensed paralegal practitioner in Millcreek, said. Tenants dont have very many defenses, especially if they are staying on the premises unlawfully, in which case, the landlord is automatically entitled to triple the amount of damages. In his practice, Vanderhooft said unless the renter has a legitimate claim, he advises them to reconsider going to court. I always tell my clients, Whats the value in pursuing this claim to you? Because is it to be right? Or is it to save money? he said. Once youve moved out, the claims for eviction go away. But then you have potentially a lease agreement, and you have unpaid rent that needs to be determined, he said. In Utah, the process of evicting a tenant is quick, and it is only accelerated if they dont know their rights, Vanderhooft said. What problems do landlords in other states face with squatters? While Utah homeowners are safe from squatters, landlords in other states have to jump through hoops. Alexandra Alvarado, the director of marketing and education at the American Apartment Owners Association, said she has seen an uptick in squatting across the country. She said although squatters have always been an issue, she has noticed an uptick in cases, which she attributes to a post-pandemic reaction to huge increases in rental prices. When people think squatters, they think somebody who just randomly moved in, she said. Thats one case. But other, more common scenarios revolve around the squatter having permission to live on that property, but either their lease expired or they stopped paying rent, and theyre refusing to move out. The pandemic also backed up eviction courts in some cities, especially in states like California and New York that had long eviction moratoriums. So, its more lucrative to be a squatter in that sense now than it was previously and its also harder for landlords to quickly evict them, Alvarado said. You cant simply turn off the water or the gas and change the locks, she said. You also cant just call the police, expecting them to be escorted out. What can landlords in other states do to protect themselves against squatters? Some landlords try offering cash for keys, where they pay the squatter to leave, but there is no guarantee it works, she added. Most of the time, squatters dont take really good care of the property, which means damages, said Alvarado. She said this issue is hyperlocal because there are no federal laws pertaining to squatters. The Biden administration shares a similar perspective. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked about the squatting problem during a Monday press briefing, Ultimately, this is a local issue and it is critical that that local governments take action to address it, she responded. But there are precautions homeowners can take, like installing security measures like cameras and alarms. A lot of landlords nowadays are remote. They dont even live in the same city where the property is, she said. If you have a listing on Zillow or apartments.com, people are going to know that nobodys living there and that could be a way that theyre going to get targeted. She advises visiting the property often or asking a property manager to do so. To avoid a tenant with intentions of overstaying, conduct thorough background checks and interviews, paying attention to any past evictions, Alvarado stated. A group of 25 people marched through Belleville on Saturday to protest the public display of symbols they say invoke white supremacy and hatred, including the Confederate flag and swastikas, like those in a neighborhood near Union Elementary School. The protesters included local activist JD Dixon and Belleville native Claire Howell, who said her best friends childhood home is located in the neighborhood where resident Stewart Lannert displays the Confederate flag, swastikas and references the enslavement of Black people on plantations in yard signs that express his political views. They marched through the street with police escorts from Union Elementary to Lannerts South 29th Street home, where he sat in the yard as they passed. The protesters continued to the fountain on Public Square in downtown Belleville, where a separate event was taking place. They carried signs reading, No racism in our neighborhoods and Fight white supremacy. The Confederate flag was created to represent the pro-slavery Confederate States of America during the Civil War. In an interview with the BND on Saturday, Lannert said he sees it as a symbol of American history and criticized similar protests that led to the removal of statutes of historical figures. I think we should honor history, good or bad, Lannert said. He said hes encouraging people to think for themselves with the signs referencing plantations. Another of Lannerts signs compares an Illinois politician to a Nazi. Lannert said the First Amendments guarantee of free speech allows him to display the signs. Dixon and Howell acknowledged that fact during Saturdays protest, but they said they wanted to speak out against the symbols display where Black children could see them. This is their own neighborhood, Dixon said. They deserve to feel safe. The protesters would like to see local ordinances created that would prohibit signs like Lannerts, according to Dixon. He said some of the protesters may attend a Belleville City Council meeting in the future to share their views with Mayor Patty Gregory directly. Organizers of the protest, including Empire 13 and Solidarity Coalition STL/Metro East, also used Saturdays event to raise awareness about a plan that conservative organizations have created for when a Republican president is elected, which the local groups oppose. The plan is designed to hasten the implementation of conservative policy, Kevin Roberts, president of conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation, told the New York Times Magazine in January. Dixon said the plan would roll back federal protections for civil rights, women and the LGBTQ community. Rep. Mike Turner agreed Sunday that some of his fellow members of Congress were parroting Russian propaganda in discussing the Russia-Ukraine war on the House floor. Speaking on CNN's "State of the Union," the Ohio Republican said: "There are members of Congress today who still incorrectly say that this conflict between Russia and Ukraine is over NATO, which of course it is not. Vladimir Putin having made it very clear, both publicly and to his own population, that his view is that this is a conflict of a much broader claim of Russia to Eastern Europe, including claiming all of Ukrainian territories as Russian." Turner was responding to a question from host Jake Tapper about a statement by Rep. Mike McCaul (R-Texas) in an interview with Puck News' Julia Ioffe that Russian propaganda had "infected" the Republican Party's base. "To the extent that this propaganda takes hold, it makes it more difficult for us to really see this as an authoritarian versus democracy battle, which is what it is," Turner said. Some House Republicans, most notably Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), have pushed to prevent Congress from approving more aid to Ukraine, with Greene threatening to hold a vote to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson should he hold a vote on Ukraine aid. Turner, for his part, firmly supports more aid for Ukraine in its devastating 2-year-old war against Russia. "We need to make certain that that we know that authoritarian regimes never stop when they start an aggression. Ukraine needs our help and assistance now," he told Tapper. Turner was also critical of President Joe Biden when it comes to his conduct of foreign policy. "Frankly, it seems that almost President Biden has been asleep at the the wheel as he has not responded to the crisis as it's unfolded," Turner said of Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas war. He did commend CIA Director William Burns for his ongoing diplomatic efforts on that front. "I put a great deal of faith in the work that he is doing," Turner said of Burns. Never before in our nations history have we seen a more significant and coordinated effort to advance the socialist agenda. Just a few years ago, these views were represented by fringe groups with limited political clout. Today, they are anchored within the Democratic Party, ingrained by academia, and legitimized by the media. Floridians know all too well the direct impact of the poverty and misery caused by socialism. We have seen the threat play out in the lives of countless Floridians who found refuge from socialism and the freedom to pursue their dreams in our state. Sadly, in Colombia, a leftist president threatens the institutional foundation of the country and the pillars of its successful free-market economy. In Venezuela, a country blessed with abundant natural resources, the dictatorship continues outlawing opposition and systematically violating human rights, leading to the financial destruction of a once prosperous nation. Cuba, the most dramatic example: once a thriving free-market economy, with its currency on par with the U.S. dollar, now lies in complete ruin after 66 years of collectivist rule. In Nicaragua, anyone who dares to raise their voice against the regime ends up like in Cuba and Venezuela: imprisoned or dead. There is no other way to look at it; socialism is destruction, poverty, oppression, and death. Throughout my time as the governor of Florida and since my first day as a U.S. Senator, Ive been constantly sounding the alarm on how the modern-day socialist agenda is a genuine threat to the Western world. Biden and the Democrats have had plenty of opportunities to act, but they have remained shamefully silent. During my recent visit to Miami, I stood with freedom fighters and victims of the Castro regime, demanding accountability and justice as Victor Manuel Rocha, a spy for the Castro regime, pleaded guilty to conspiring to act as a foreign agent in the U.S. I called for the immediate release of Jose Daniel Ferrer, as we heard from his family that is in critical condition at the hands of the illegitimate Cuban regime. We witnessed just three weeks ago as Cubans in Santiago took to the streets and how, again, the dictatorship limited internet access. And where was Joe Biden and the Democrats? Why werent they rallying the international community for condemnations or using available technology to break through the information blockade? Since my first day in the U.S. Senate, I have tirelessly fought to defend freedom and democracy in LATAM and protect the United States national security. I have led my colleagues in calling on President Biden to join our fight. Not only did Biden double down on his abandonment of Latin America, but he has also refused to meet with us or listen to what these freedom fighters are going through. Ive introduced the DEMOCRACIA Act, legislation to hold the illegitimate Cuban regime accountable with severe sanctions and actions in support of the cause of freedom, including options to provide unrestricted internet to the island. The Biden administration has allowed dictators to destabilize the region, spread socialism, and allow Iran, Russia and Communist China to expand their influence throughout our hemisphere. Biden has lifted sanctions on Venezuela and Cuba in the last five years. Weve seen our hemisphere becoming a more dangerous place because of Joe Bidens weakness, and we know that our adversaries are using Bidens appeasement to undermine Americas regional security interests. Joe Biden has not only failed Americans, but he has also failed the region. In a world where freedom hangs by a thread, this administration should have led every freedom-loving nation in defense of human rights and democracy, and there shouldnt be room for appeasement. It is time to take the threat of socialism seriously. As Americans, we have a great responsibility this November. We must elect leaders who defend the values that represent us and demonstrate support for the countries in our hemisphere fighting to get rid of socialism. Those who have refused to stand up for freedom will get the message loud and clear at the ballot box. Rick Scott, a Republican, is a former governor of Florida who currently serves in the U.S. Senate. He is seeking reelection in 2024. Gustavo Galvez, left, poses with his father, Gustavo Galvez of Provo, Utah, and Aleyda Irene Catalan Duran of Veracruz, Mexico, after the obtained tickets to the Saturday evening session of General Conference in the standby line at the Tabernacle on Temple Square on Saturday, April 6, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. This article was first published in the ChurchBeat newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Wednesday night. There was renewed energy on Temple Square on Saturday, when thousands of people lined up at the Tabernacle for standby tickets to attend general conference at the Conference Center. The standby line is back for the first time since October 2019, and it blessed the lives of about 3,000 people on Saturday. People have been in tears when they get tickets to the Conference Center, said Sister Kathy Ruggiero, a missionary helping manage the line. Theyve come from all over the world, and theyve all gotten in today. Elder Greg Mason, who directed the standby line, said 1,048 people got standby tickets for the morning session and 1,247 obtained tickets to the afternoon session. The people at the front of the line for the Saturday evening session were overjoyed. Aleyda Irene Catalan Duran clutched her standby ticket to the Saturday evening session with relief. It had been a long journey. First, she took a six-hour bus ride from her home in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, to the airport in Ciudad. She arrived in Salt Lake City on Friday, but on Saturday, she took the wrong bus and got lost. Then swirling snow flurries caught her in the open. When she finally made it to the Conference Center, she didnt know where to go to find a ticket. Thats right, she came to conference without a ticket, and she didnt know about the standby line, which was only announced midweek. She was seventh in line at the Tabernacle before the evening session. Ahead of her were six men from the East Bay Second Ward elders quorum in the Provo Utah South Stake. The quorums new president, Alex Palos, took the group fishing last weekend. Were doing activities to strengthen the quorum, he said. The group was first in line at 2:45 p.m. They waited in the cold until the doors opened at 4:45 p.m. with a mixture of patience and impatience, joked Juan Casco, who smiled happily and bounced on his feet to stay warm. Conference is special because I want to receive revelation for my family and for me, too, said another member of the group, Gustavo Galvez, who joined the church in 1997. I want to hear the prophets in person. Galvez brought his 17-year-old son who recently moved to Provo from Michoacan, Mexico, and now attends Spanish Fork High School. Neither had attended conference in person before. Its a beautiful experience for me to be here with my son and these brothers, Galvez said. I love this gospel. The first six people in the standby line for general conference tickets pose for a photo as the doors open at the Tabernacle on Temple Square on Saturday afternoon, April 6, 2024 in Salt Lake City. From left to right are Gustavo Galvez, Pedro Ajala, Jose Basilio, Gustavo Galvez, Juan Casco and Alex Palos of the East Bay 2nd Ward in Provo, Utah. The standby line begins 90 minutes before a session, said Mason, who is a wry, dynamic host. The doors to the Tabernacle open soon after. We take the standby line and make it a sitdown line inside the Tabernacle, he said. We wait for the Conference Center to tell us if there are empty seats, and then we give out tickets. Thats when the smiles start and the tears start flowing. Duran and the elders quorum group got their tickets 45 minutes before the evening session. Mason said he sent stragglers to the Conference Center as much as 30 minutes after the start of a session on Saturday. He missed working the standby line, which first was canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic, during which conferences were broadcast-only. Then the extensive renovation of the Salt Lake Temple impacted Temple Square and parking in the area. Its just a joy to be able to do this again, Mason said. Seriously, they do cry. Palos said the standby experience with his quorum members was fun. Its been wonderful, he said. We feel very grateful. My Recent Stories About the church During the leadership session of general conference on Thursday, the church announced the callings of 64 new Area Seventies and the release of 52. What Im reading The old Fifth Ward Meetinghouse, which was on the National Register of Historic Places, was torn down without a permit, authorities say. A committee has identified 13 Utah locations to serve as possible 2034 Winter Olympics venues. Behind the Scenes See the galleries of photos taken by our photographers at conference on Saturday here. One of the dearest is this example of brotherly love in the Quorum of the Twelve: Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, bends down to kiss Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, on the head as they exit after the Saturday morning session at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 6, 2024. This was the most popular vehicle in California last year: Edmunds SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) If you think of EVs when thinking of California, you arent wrong. Last year, the most popular vehicle sold in the state was a Tesla. Car shopping website Edmunds.com put together a list of the most popular vehicles in each state based on data collected during 2023. Targets car seat trade-in event returns for 2024: What to know The Golden State joined only six other states in the U.S. to make the Tesla Model Y its most popular vehicle in 2023. Growing in popularity over the past few years, the Model Y went from number 9 in 2022 to number 4 in 2023 nationally. Some CA vehicles set to lose carpool access The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV, and is the most popular EV in the U.S., Edmunds reports. Nearby Nevada, along with Washington State, Colorado, Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey, joined California as favorites of the Tesla Model Y, according to Edmunds.com. Disneyland is moving away from gas-powered cars for Autopia attraction Following the Tesla Model Y, the Top 5 Most Popular Vehicles in California in 2023 were: Across the country, the Ford F-150 was the top sold vehicle in the U.S. last year. Rounding out Edmunds list of the Top 10 Sold Vehicles of 2023: The Tesla Model 3 joins the Toyota Camry as the only cars that rank in the top 10, and is just the second Tesla and EV to break into the top 10, Edmunds reports. What are the cheapest Teslas? Some good news for those wanting to buy an EV, the IRS offers a clean vehicle tax credit for new EVs purchased in 2023 or after, along with a clean vehicle credit for used EVs. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Saturday night. The rocket lifted off at 7:25 p.m. and was visible for hundreds of miles away. The mission involved transporting 21 Starlink satellites into orbit, including six with Direct to Cell capabilities. After launching vertically, the Falcon began a gradual turn while continuing to climb into orbit. Following stage separation after liftoff, the Falcons reusable booster made a pinpoint landing back on the spaceport drone ship, Of Course I Still Love You, which is stationed in the Pacific Ocean. The first-stage booster on this particular Falcon 9 rocket had completed six liftoffs so far. The boosters have previously launched Crew-7, CRS-29, PACE, Transporter-10, and one Starlink mission. Starlink is SpaceXs satellite network designed to bring low-cost internet service to rural/remote communities. SpaceX launches a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on April 6, 2024. (SpaceX) SpaceX launches a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on April 6, 2024. (SpaceX) FILE In this May 30, 2020, file photo, a SpaceX Falcon 9, with NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken in the Dragon crew capsule, lifts off from Pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. For the first time in nearly a decade, astronauts blasted towards orbit aboard an American rocket from American soil, a first for a private company. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File) SpaceX launches a Falcon 9 rocket from a Southern California base. (SpaceX) FILE A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying Intuitive Machines lunar lander, lifts off from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., early Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Intuitive Machines reported Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, that its communicating with its lander, Odysseus, and sending commands to acquire science data. But it noted: We continue to learn more about the vehicles specific information regarding location, overall health and positioning. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File) SpaceX preparing to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Jan. 19, 2024. (SpaceX) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with the Dragon capsule and a crew of four private astronauts lifts off from pad 39A, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Sunday, May 21, 2023. (AP Photo/John Raoux) The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc on Dec. 22, 2017. (Credit: Robyn Beck / AFP / Getty Images) In this image provided by NASA, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Double Asteroid Redirection Test, or DART, spacecraft onboard, sits during sunrise, Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, at Space Launch Complex 4E, Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. (Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a payload of 40 satellites for OneWeb broadband communications, lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/John Raoux) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with the Dragon capsule and a crew of four private astronauts, lifts off from Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Sunday, May 21, 2023. (AP Photo/John Raoux) In this image from video provided by SpaceX, South Korea launches its first military spy satellite from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. Using SpaceXs Falcon 9 rocket, it was the first of five spy satellites South Korea plans to send into space by 2025 under a contract with SpaceX. The launch took place a little over a week after North Korea claimed to put its own spy satellite into orbit for the first time as tensions rise between the rivals. (SpaceX via AP) SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California on July 19, 2023. (SpaceX) SpaceXs mega rocket Starship launches for its third test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, March 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule with a crew of four on a mission to the International Space Station is seen during a time exposure as it lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Sunday, March 3, 2024. (AP Photo/John Raoux) SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket seen over Southern California on Mar. 18, 2024. (KTLA) After previous successful launches, Starlink now boasts over 6,000 functional satellites orbiting the Earth, about 342 miles above. The launches are part of the companys goal to build a giant constellation of broadband satellites across the globe. Elon Musk, SpaceXs CEO, told Business Insider he plans to eventually create a constellation of up to 42,000 satellites. The Falcon 9 rocket is the worlds first orbital class reusable rocket, according to SpaceX. The reusable vessel is designed to safely transport people and payloads into the Earths orbit and beyond. Saturday nights launch was the 32nd Falcon 9 flight in 2024. So far, the entire fleet of Falcon 9 rockets has clocked in 317 total launches, 275 landings and 248 reflights. Live footage of the launch can be seen in the video player above. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. In 2018 alleged misconduct led the City to enact the Accountability in Government Ordinance to protect against fraud, waste, and abuse. The ordinance (Municipal Code Section 2-179) created an Inspector-General and an Oversight Committee to keep a close eye on city spending. Both make sense: Las Cruces annual budget exceeds half a billion dollars. It spends this public money on a variety of salaries, contracts, supplies, and costs. With 1,600 employees, thats a lot for anyone to keep track of. This ordinance was mandatory. Provisions read, The committee shall consist of [three city resident members, one each from accounting, law enforcement, and professional management/business] . . .The mayor and one councilor . . . shall be nonvoting ex officio members. . . . As vacancies on the committee occur, the council shall appoint new members. . . . The committee shall meet at least four times per year. Peter Goodman Shall means what your father meant when he raised his arm in a ready-to-spank position as he told you to do something. Legally, it doesnt mean if you feel like it or if the wind is blowing just right, could you please . . . ? The city hasnt done it. Managements years-long delay in hiring the required inspector-general was widely reported. After a search, the City hired a really topnotch gent, whod been a GS-14 at the DEA, but perhaps Pili didnt exactly welcome him. He resigned while on probation. Pili then hired Charles Tucker, sans search, off the Oversight Committee. The committee functioned, but last met in September 2023. Chair Jack Eakman is its only current member. In a meeting last August, city councilors acknowledged what others had alleged, that Ifo Pili didnt much like oversight. Has the City really tried? It shouldnt be hard to find an accountant or a lawyer or ex-cop. Have they even called the Southern New Mexico Bar Association? The City tells me that it made efforts, but It was determined that the ordinance needs some revisions, and it would be better to make those revisions before appointing new members. Revisions will go to City Council at a future work session in the coming months. Translation: Later, kid! This wasnt a do-nothing committee. Eakman declined to discuss specifics or name names, calling that confidential (although I understand Ifo was meant to publish committee reports). I asked whether the committee had uncovered mismanagement and misappropriation of funds. He replied, Absolutely. And fraud, waste, and abuse. Whether that saved us $1 a year or $1 million, thats money not being recovered currently, and problems not being identified, because of management sluggishness. Basically: some city folks screwed up, or worse; investigators found the city wasnt keeping track of its money (our money) well enough and suggested an oversight committee; city council created one; but management has put the committee to sleep for now. Thats a problem. This committee is an important tool to spot and prevent carelessness and corruption. I hope councilors feel some urgency about it. One guessed revisions might include loosening the requirements, to facilitate appointing committee-members; but some future time in months doesnt sound urgent. Maybe a citizen or group will take some legal action to force Las Cruces to follow a Las Cruces City Ordinance calling for good-government. I hope Mayor Enriquez will light a fire under someone to get the Oversight Committee two more members soon. Drafting revisions shouldnt take six months. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Time to prioritize Oversight Committee member selection Ukraine staged a major drone strike on a Russian airfield home to Su-34 fighter-bombers. Su-34s have been responsible for launching devastating glide bomb attacks on the front lines. Reports are conflicted on the attack's outcome, and images suggest the attack may have been unsuccessful. Heading into the weekend, Ukraine launched what appeared to be one of its largest drone strikes of the war, targeting a Russian airfield home to fighter-bombers able to drop punishing glide bombs. Reports from both sides were conflicted on the effect of the strike. Regardless, the airfield and its aircraft were a high priority target for Ukraine, as its forces ramp up attacks on Russian soil. On Friday, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Morozovsk Air Base in Rostov, located almost 200 miles west of the Ukrainian border, as part of a multi-front strike also involving targets in Saratov, Kursk, and the Belgorod regions. Ukraine took credit for the attack and reported major damage and destruction. A Ukrainian law enforcement official told POLITICO that "the attack on Morozovsk airfield was carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine together with the military and the defense forces." "At least six fighter bombers were destroyed," that Ukrainian official said, adding that another eight airplanes were "significantly damaged" and 20 Russian soldiers were killed. Ukrainian sources did not go into detail on how the strikes were carried out. Videos taken from the ground showed multiple explosions at the base, as well as what looked to be Russian air defenses engaging the attacking Ukrainian drones. Additional footage of multiple large explosions in the vicinity of Russias Morozovsk Airbase during the Ukrainian drone attack tonight. pic.twitter.com/JdodizRDRP OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) April 4, 2024 Russia, as it typically does, had a different story. Rostov's Governor Vasily Golubev said on Telegram that the base's air defenses had repelled attacks and there was little damage and no injuries. "The electric substation suffered minor damage. About 600 residents were left without a power supply in the morning" Golubev said, adding that Russia shot down over 40 drones. Business Insider is unable to independently verify these claims. Early reports suggested Ukraine had destroyed Russian Su-34 Fullback fighter-bombers, which have been a menace for Ukrainian defenders on the front line, regularly dropping devastating glide bombs. An anonymous Ukrainian intelligence source told Reuters that the attack was an important one, while another official told NBC News hitting the Su-34s was "an important special operation that will significantly reduce the combat potential." But it remains unclear how successful this offensive counter-air operation was. The day before the attack, satellite imagery showed 29 jets visible across the airfield. Then, on Saturday, new photos suggested there was little damage to the base of aircraft. No planes were visibly destroyed, and the base showed little signs of damage besides a few craters indicating some sort of attack. A jet appeared to be using the runway, analysts observed. There are no visibly destroyed aircraft in new imagery of Morozovsk air base in Russia following recent Ukrainian drone strikes on the site. Many aircraft have moved since the strikes and today's imagery shows a plane using the runway. pic.twitter.com/TLdlKENJpY Brady Africk (@bradyafr) April 6, 2024 Although these photos suggest Ukraine's drones may not have accomplished their intended mission, they may also not tell the full story. The imagery may not be capturing all the details, such as smaller damage to Russian aircraft or other problems at the airfield. It's just difficult to tell. Regardless, Ukraine's strike is the latest on Russian soil, as Kyiv's forces also intensify strikes on military and energy infrastructure. Though there have been reports of calls to halt these attacks, Ukraine has said these facilities, which Russia has frequently targeted in Ukraine, are legitimate targets. Last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the US "neither supported nor enabled strikes by Ukraine outside of its territory." The attack on Morozovsk is significant as Ukraine appeared to be targeting Russian aircraft able to wreak havoc on its forces with glide bombs. Sukhoi Su-34 jet fighter performs during International military-technical forum "Army-2020" at Kubinka airbase in Moscow Region. MAXIM SHEMETOV/Reuters Glide bombs are large, heavy standoff weapons, meaning they can be released at a distance from a target. Unlike a conventional bomb, they are equipped with kits featuring flight surfaces that allow them to glide to their targets. That feature allows Russian aircraft to stay at a relatively safe distance from Ukrainian air defenses. Once launched, glide bombs have short flight times and can be hard to track and shoot down. Russia has been using these since last year to devastating effect, but it has ramped up use in the past few months. In mid-February, Russia used mass glide bomb strikes to overwhelm Ukrainian fortified defenses and help take Avdiivka. Toward the end of that months-long battle, Russia briefly achieved temporary and localized air superiority. Since the fall of Avdiivka, Russia's use of glide bombs has only increased. From March 18-24, just a six-day period, Ukraine said that Russia dropped 700 glide bombs on Ukraine. "Russia's main advantage on the battlefield is now the widespread use" of these bombs, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba said recently, adding that these weapons allow Russian forces "to destroy the targets of the strikes and advance through the ruins." He emphasized that really the "only way to counter this barbaric tactic is to shoot down aircraft that drop these bombs, which requires a sufficient number of modern air defense systems at the front." The only other potential option is to try to take out the planes on the ground. Russian Su-34 bombers used FAB-500 bombs with high-precision guidance hit Ukrainian fortifications and troops in the direction of Avdeevka area on March 08, 2024. Russian Defense Ministry/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images Ukraine's air defense network is currently stretched thin defending parts of the front line, civilian centers, and energy and military infrastructure. As Russia increases the size, amount, and intensity of its strikes, including using various types of missiles and drones, Ukraine is being forced to prioritize defending certain targets over others. This could be resulting in some areas, such as Kharkiv, being pummeled by attacks in recent weeks. As Russian air attacks ramp up and US military assistance remains tied up in Congress, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been sounding the alarm on the dire state of ammunition and his country's air defenses. In an interview on Saturday, he said Ukraine needs 25 Patriot air-defense systems to fully project itself from Russian attacks. Other comments in his interview, particularly about delays in security assistance, suggest Ukraine is being forced to "make difficult decisions about prioritizing certain aspects of its defense over constraining Russian military capabilities or preparing for counteroffensive operations," according to the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington DC-based think tank that has closely tracked the war. Read the original article on Business Insider Why suspicious deaths and violence plague the seafood industry and what we can do about it There is a certain romanticism about fishing, an ancient practice that brings to mind the Biblical Saint Peter, famously a fisherman, or perhaps the titular protagonist of Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea." Behind every fish, crustacean and other form of seafood we eat is a story, or how that food landed on our plates. In an ideal world, the process would be simple and direct. A lone fisher or group of happy fishers would go to the ocean, a river or lake, then haul in endless bounties of aquatic creatures. The workers would be treated with respect, the environment would be respected and the seafood would be carefully handled. But in reality, there are multiple steps between when seafood is caught and sold, during which workers can be exploited, pollution can be dumped in the environment and fish depleted, mislabeled or otherwise mishandled. Perhaps most strangely of all, the people who speak out against these things often wind up mysteriously dead. There was Emmanuel Essien, a 28-year-old fisheries observer who mysteriously disappeared in July 2019 while aboard the Chinese-owned vessel Meng Xin 15. Although the police said there were no signs of violence or any other crime, Essien's family insists his disappearance was linked to his reports of illegal fishing on a trawler, including environmentally unsustainable practices. That wasn't all; the Environmental Justice Foundation, which investigated Essien's apparent death, reported at the time that roughly 90% of Ghana's industrial trawlers are owned by Chinese companies that regularly abuse their workers by beating them, forcing them to work in unsafe conditions and paying substandard wages. Next Eritara Aati Kaierua, a fisheries observer in Kiribati, died under mysterious circumstances in March 2020 on a Taiwanese vessel in the Pacific Ocean, with Human Rights at Sea International investigating the matter and finding the state's official story to be highly flawed. Then in October 2023 another Ghanaian fisheries observer went missing, this time 38-year-old named Samuel Abayateye. He had been assigned to a South Korean vessel; his decapitated body washed ashore the coast of Ghana six weeks later. Instead of being limited to Ghana, the problem of fisheries observers facing physical danger is global in nature. While outright murder is relatively rare, violence is pervasive. A survey of fisheries observers in the United States found that roughly half had been harassed on the job, and the Association of Professional Observers (APO) routinely logs stories of people being threatened at knifepoint, locked in their rooms, raped, starved, forced to accept bribes or otherwise physically harmed while performing their professional duties. But these people being threatened are simply trying to ensure that seafood is safer for everyone. The fisheries observers exist to make sure companies do not worsen the dire problem of plastic pollution, which could overwhelm and eradicate much of ocean life by 2050. Plastic pollution is linked to various forms of cancer, as well as infertility, and studies show our seafood is full of plastic products. Fisheries observers also prevent catches from being mislabeled, a common practice known as fish fraud. In 2016 the non-profit group Oceana released a report which revealed that one out of five of the more than 25,000 samples of seafood that they tested from 55 countries were mislabeled. Worldwide Asian catfish, hake and escolar were the fish most likely victims. Nearly 60 percent of the time, the replacement fish were from species that could get certain consumers sick. In other words, the problems of the abused fishers and fishery observers very quickly become the problems of seafood consumers. Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes. "Violence in the fishing industry and fish fraud are two ends of the spectrum," Elizabeth Mitchell-Rachin from the APO Board of Directors said to Salon. "There is the catching of the fish. Then there is the consumers convenience of grabbing a can of 17g of protein off the shelf after a workout. Everything in between is an opaque mess." Even though consumers will think they are making responsible purchases if they see stickers saying a product is "bait to plate," "eco-friendly," "dolphin-free" or "wild-caught," those claims are frequently false. "It will always be a mess unless consumers start demanding transparency of the fisheries and accountability of managers who control the fishing," Mitchell-Rachin said. Ian Urbina, a journalist who authored The New York Times bestseller "The Outlaw Ocean" and founded the journalism nonprofit The Outlaw Ocean Project, said that consumers will need to insist on companies faithfully tracking the conditions on their fishing ships and in their processing plants. The Outlaw Ocean Project recommends solutions from enforcing existing laws to engaging in social auditing of fishing companies. If there is one edge that reformers have over industry abusers, it is that the public is generally unaware of how China which The Outlaw Ocean Project describes as "the superpower of seafood" and other countries behave unethically at sea. The full extent of the problem is simply not widely known. "Various types of crimes go hand in hand at sea," Urbina said, including "fish laundering, invading other nations' waters, using debt-bonded and trafficked workers, violence on crew, wage theft, criminal neglect (such as deckhands dying of diseases like beriberi)" and general abuse of workers. "All stem typically from captains and companies above them looking to cut corners for cost saving reasons," Urbina explained. "All also happens because downstream buyers have accepted not knowing their true supply chains." Mitchell-Rachin says that fishery resources need to start being publicly owned, with governments possessing broader authorities to regulate them. "The key is transparency," Mitchell-Rachin said. "Start with making all fisheries monitoring data publicly accessible as well as accountability of fisheries management practices. The devil is in the details." If the general public understood to ask about observer bycatch data, witnessed reports of violations, learning whether specific monitoring protocols are followed and other key pieces of information, ordinary citizens could play an active role in holding fishing companies accountable. For that to work, however, companies must be required to tell the truth. "You can say that you have an observer program, but without accountability and transparency at all levels, programs are vulnerable to corruption and obfuscation," Mitchell-Rachin said. "It seems instead that the laws are protecting the privacy of illegal fishers more than the rights of the fishery workers, including observers. We need more transparency, not less." David Hammond, a non-practicing barrister and executive director of Human Rights at Sea International, also told Salon that transparency is critical, albeit from a someone different vantage point. Hammond says that seafood consumers need to comprehend a "fundamental" fact about the people who put their favorite foods on their plates. The simple fact that they work at sea means that their basic human rights cannot be guaranteed as easily as if they worked on land. "The issue is one of transparency and accountability, and the context of what happens out at sea is not the same as what would happen on land, quite simply because of the environment," Hammond said. "On land if there's an issue you can invariably walk away." That option obviously doesn't exist in the middle of the ocean or, for that matter, even in countries like Indonesia, where indentured servitude still exists. Compounding the difficulty caused by the environment, there is a "lack of enforceability and oversight by constabulary forces, such as coast guards," Hammond explained, "who invariably operate within coastal jurisdiction or the 200 multiple-mile limit, which is the common exclusive economic zone around the world," which limits their effectiveness. "Most people simply do not understand the complexity of ocean governments," Hammond said. "They do not understand the fundamental principle that rights at sea often do not exist as they do on land. It is just not part of the common language." Until that principle is more widely understood, Mitchell-Rachin says, people like the families of the deceased fisheries observers will never feel as if they have received justice. "In the absence of transparency around these deaths and how they were investigated, they all become suspicious," Mitchell-Rachin said. "We're in contact with the families who have a right to know every aspect of, not only how their loved ones passed, but also about the job and what the government is or isnt doing to protect others. Most have come to us saying they just want to prevent another family from experiencing the same trauma." A brush fire in Council Bluffs that began Friday was still billowing clouds of smoke Saturday evening. The Council Bluffs Fire Department was dispatched to the fire directly south of the Veterans Memorial Bridge near the Missouri River at around 5 p.m. Friday, Assistant Chief Jim Wood told the Omaha World-Herald. After initially containing the fire, Wood said firefighters used back burning near the bridge and south of it to prevent the fire from spreading Saturday. The eastbound lanes of Veterans Memorial Bridge were closed Saturday afternoon, and Wood said the bridge would reopen once the smoke dissipates. Though the fire was still burning a large area of brush and logs, the fire was contained, Wood said Saturday evening. Also on Saturday, another fire was burning north of Council Bluffs in Crescent, sending smoke into Omaha, Wood said. King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid, and Prince Moulay Ismail, chaired, on Saturday at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, a religious vigil commemorating the blessed Laylat al-Qadr. After the Isha and Taraweeh prayers, verses from the Holy Quran were recited by the child Othmane Mchachti (11 years old, from the city of Fez), winner of the Mohammed VI National Prize for memorization, recitation, and chanting of the Holy Quran. The King was then greeted by the young reciter, to whom the Sovereign presented the Prize. This distinction reflects the great care with which King Mohammed VI has constantly surrounded the reciters of the Holy Quran and the Sovereigns constant desire to promote the memorization and learning of the Holy Book among young generations. Subsequently, Mohamed Bashar Arafat, Imam, lecturer, and president of the Civilizations Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (United States of America), delivered a speech before the Sovereign on behalf of the scholars who participated in the Religious Dialogues of the sacred month of Ramadan 1445 AH, expressing his sincere thanks and deep gratitude to His Majesty the King, Commander of the Faithful, for the reception and hospitality they received throughout their stay in the Kingdom. Bashar Arafat emphasized that these Religious lectures are an ideal opportunity for the community of scholars from around the world to discuss various scientific and jurisprudential issues, adding that it is also an opportunity for the present scholars to consult on responses to the new challenges facing societies in a context marked by accelerated changes on local and international levels. This religious vigil was marked by the conclusion of Sahih al-Bukhari, done by Hassan Farid, member of the local Council of Ulema of Berrechid, after the reading of Hadith Al Khatm, by Abdelhafid Talbi, member of the local Council of Ulema of Ain Chock. The Sovereign then presented the Mohammed VI Ahl al-Quran and Ahl al-Hadith Prizes respectively to Omar Mohcine, from the city of Casablanca, and Zineb Abou Ali, from the city of Rabat. King Mohammed VI also awarded the Mohammed VI Prize for Adhan and Tahlil, in its two categories, to Said Abou Alaich from the city of Guercif (Excellence Prize) and El Hassan Akhiar from the city of Tetouan (Honorary Prize). The Sovereign then awarded the Mohammed VI Prize for Quranic schools in its three categories to Abdellah El Hayane from Casablanca (Methodology of Learning Prize), Abdelkader Hammouch from Sidi Bennour (Performance Prize), and Nasser Ait Bouncer from Taroudante (Management Prize). On this occasion, the attendees offered prayers imploring the Almighty to preserve King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, to crown His initiatives with success, to guide His steps, to fulfill the aspirations that the Sovereign harbors for the progress of His faithful people, and to bless Him, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid, and all members of the illustrious Royal Family. The faithful also offered prayers for the souls of the Father of the Nation, the late King Mohammed V, and the late King Hassan II, may God have them in His mercy. This vigil took place in the presence of the Head of Government, the Presidents of the two Houses of Parliament, His Majesty the Kings Advisors, members of the government, representatives of the diplomatic corps of Islamic countries accredited to Morocco, senior officers of the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, scholars who participated in the Religious Dialogues of the sacred month of Ramadan, presidents of local Councils of Scholars, elected officials, as well as other civilian and military personalities. African heads of state gathered in Rwandas capital Kigali on Sunday (7 April) as the small African nation marks 30 years since the genocide orchestrated by armed Hutu that killed an estimated 800,000 people, mainly ethnic Tutsis. As Rwanda commemorates 30 years after one of the bloodiest massacres of the 20th century, President Paul Kagame led the rites in Kigali, lighting a remembrance flame, in a ceremony attended by heads of state, including Ethiopias Abiy Ahmed and South Africas Cyril Ramaphosa and other foreign dignitaries, including former President Bill Clinton. Its been 30 years since the genocide, which saw neighbors turning on each other between April to June 1994, tore apart their country. During a 100-day killing spree that started on 7 April 1994, more than 1 million people mostly from the Tutsi minority ethnic group, but also moderates from the Hutu majority who tried to protect Tutsis were systematically murdered by Hutu extremists. The subsequent rampage by armed Hutu men and the Interahamwe militia was triggered by the assassination of Hutu President Juvenal Habyarimana on the night of 6 April, when his plane was shot down over Kigali. Their mostly Tutsi victims were shot, beaten or hacked to death in brutal killings fueled by vicious anti-Tutsi propaganda broadcast on TV and radio. Remembering the genocide is significant in that it reassures the world that never again that such an event will happen anywhere on this continent or even anywhere (else) in the world, says Martin Mavenjina, a senior program advisor on transitional justice at the Kenya Human Rights Commission. Trade between Nigeria and neighboring Niger has bounced back since the West African bloc ECOWAS lifted sanctions on the latter coup-hit country, just as the president of the ECOWAS Commission admits Niger, Mali, Burkina Fasos withdrawal will cost the regional bloc as much as US$1 billion. In January 2024, the three countries led by military juntas announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing illegal sanctions imposed against them and accusing the regional bloc of becoming a threat to member states. But the President of ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, has now warned that the withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso from the bloc puts ECOWAS investments worth nearly US$1 billion at risk. Speaking at the inauguration of the 6th ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja (4 April) warned that on the economic and financial front, the withdrawal of the three states could result in default or suspension of all ECOWAS projects and programs in these countries, worth more than US$500 million. Meanwhile, after the sanctions against Niger were lifted in late February, trade has now resumed between Niger and Nigeria and a new Chinese-funded railway promises to boost the local economy further. Under ECOWAS sanctions traders and communities on both sides of the Niger-Nigeria border suffered, but experts say that the measures largely failed to achieve their aims. Instead, the only real result of the border closure was the devastation of local communities on both sides of the frontier with hundreds of millions of dollars worth of trade lost. But in recent weeks, a semblance of normality has reportedly returned to the border area, with business people being able to move freely between the neighboring nations. With the borders now open, the planned China-funded railway line promises to boost the trade further. The bumbling Algerian regime continues to embarrass itself and lose credibility by trying to deceive the regional and international community with its old dirty games and political machinations which are no longer working. The latest fumble and slap in the face of the reckless Algerian rulers came from Libyas Presidential Council which belied Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune remarks saying that he had reached an agreement with both Tunisia and Libya to form a new Maghreb entity, excluding Morocco and Mauritania. In a statement published by Al-Marsad newspaper, the Libyan Presidential Council said: We were surprised by President Tebbounes talk to the media about an agreement reached with him and Tunisia to form a Maghreb entity gathering the three countries. A Presidential Council source, cited by the daily, said the tripartite meeting (Algeria, Tunisia and Libya) convened in Algiers on the sidelines of a forum of gas exporting countriesfocused on joint security and economic cooperation, borders management and various other issues, especially the situation in Gaza. The Libyan Presidential Council affirmed that it stands on the same distance from all brothers in the Maghreb countries and supports their unity, sovereignty and the settlement of differences through constructive dialogue and rejects any dispute that will affect the region in general and Libya in particular. Two days ago, Head of Libyas Presidential Council, Mohamed Al Menfi conferred with Tripolis Foreign Minister on ways to activate the role of the Arab Maghreb Union as the ONLY entity gathering its five member countries: Morocco, Libya, Mauritania, Tunisia and Algeria. High winds closed highways overnight west of North Platte Saturday into Sunday and caused blizzard conditions in the far northwest of the Nebraska Panhandle. The National Weather Service recorded wind gusts more than 60 mph from south and west of North Platte overnight. A wind gust of 66 mph northwest of Grant was the strongest reported to the Lee Bird Office in North Platte. Interstate 80 was closed overnight from Big Springs to the Wyoming border because of the high winds. I-80 and U.S. Highway 30 opened up mid-morning Sunday. Further to the north, the storm front brought snow and blizzard conditions to Scottsbluff, Alliance and Chadron. Nebraska Highway 71 from Kimball to Gering and U.S. Highway 20 from Crawford to the Wyoming state line remained closed Sunday mid-day. Red Willow County Sheriff Kevin Darling was urging people not to drive west out of McCook on U.S. Highway 36 after blown dust and other debris caused visibility problems and several accidents. Darling said he had assistance from McCook Fire and Ambulance, the Red Willow Department of Roads and Hitchcock County Sheriffs deputies in controlling traffic flow and urging people not to travel the road. Only minor damage was reported in other parts of west-central Nebraska. The weather service reported a downed tree in Ogallala and roof damage to a home near Ansley. Some minor power outages were reported in west-central Nebraska. More were reported in the Panhandle, according to poweroutage.com, a website the tracks outages across the country. Thunderstorms rolled through central Nebraska mid-day Saturday, with hail reported north of North Platte near Ringgold in Lincoln County. Temperatures were in the mid-40s in North Platte at mid-day Sunday with steady 30 mph winds expected to continue throughout the day. The National Weather Service forecast calls for a low of 30 with blustery conditions in North Platte overnight into Monday. A high near 60 is expected Monday, but winds are expected to persist. Tuesday, the weather service is calling for sunny conditions with a high of 64. Relatives and supporters of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since the October 7 attack hold placards, wave Israeli flags, and display a caricature of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a demonstration in front of the Defense Ministry in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv on Saturday. Photo: Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images Weve received terrible news, Carmit Palty Katzir announced on Facebook on Saturday: Elad, her brother who had been held hostage by Hamas since October 7, was dead. Carmit already lost her father to Hamas gunmen that day and her mother had been held in captivity for over a month until she was released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Though she noted the militarys courageous operation to retrieve Elads body, Carmit excoriated her countrys leaders for allowing him to die in Gaza. He could have been saved if a deal had been reached in time, she wrote. Our leadership is cowardly and motivated by political considerations, and that is why that didnt happen. Protesters feel the same way. On Saturday, Israel was rocked by the largest demonstrations against the government since the war began six months ago. Some families of Israeli hostages marched to Benjamin Netanyahus home carrying photos of the captives, torches, and banners reading: WERE ALL HOSTAGES. Hostages, that is, of the prime minister and his incompetent government that failed to stop Hamas from killing some 1,200 people and taking another 250 hostage, more than half of whom remain in captivity. Six months later, and Netanyahu and his entire government fucked this up, and theyre still there, says Itzhak Amar, a taxi driver in Tel Aviv. Its a middle finger to all of us. Hes just hanging on by his fingernails. On trial for corruption, unwell (he underwent mysterious hernia surgery last week), and clinging to power, the 74-year-old leader is also trapped. Netanyahu refuses to entertain a commission of inquiry until after the war, a time he refuses to identify, presumably because that would finally be the end of his political career. In the past week, prominent family members of some of the hostages began to openly say Netanyahu was sabotaging any hope for their release. On Saturday night, Katzir and members of numerous other families accused him of torpedoing efforts to achieve a deal that would release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a cease-fire, which would likely fracture his coalition and lead its more radical members to bolt in protest over what they consider a precipitous end to the war. Rumors have circulated in Jerusalem for weeks that Netanyahu has been slow-walking negotiations by refusing to give his representatives real authority to make a deal with Hamas. On Thursday, President Biden urged the prime minister to empower his negotiators to conclude a deal to bring Israeli hostages home, according to the White House, in a stern call after Israeli forces killed seven members of the World Central Kitchen aid group delivering food to Gaza. Amar, the taxi driver, stopped outside Habima Plaza, once a tony hub surrounded by cultural institutions, now renamed Hostages Square, where the captives desperate family members camp out in tents. Poster-size portraits of their loved ones line the square, some adorned with pink hearts (the freed or the rescued) and some adorned by black ribbons (those killed). On Saturday, Elad Katzirs picture was covered in black. Families of the Israeli hostages march with torches and photos of their loved ones last week in Jerusalem. The sign reads: Were all hostages. Thousands of Israelis gathered around the Knesset to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, followed by a march led by the hostages families to Netanyahus residence on Azza Street demanding an immediate hostage deal and general elections. Protesters later clashed with the Israeli police at a barrier erected around Netanyahus house. Photo: Matan Golan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Netanyahus refusal to resign after presiding over the worst disaster in Israels history let alone fire a single minister, military, or intelligence official over it has left Israel feeling frozen in the amber of October 7. The war is not over in Gaza or at home, where some 200,000 Israelis remain displaced from the south and north due to threats from Hamas and Hezbollah, respectively. As the six-month anniversary approached, Israel braced itself for yet another attack, this time directly from Iran in retaliation for a general killed in Syria by the IDF last week. On Thursday, peoples phones in Tel Aviv told them they were in Damascus, or in some cases Beirut. The geolocation failure was caused by the Israeli army scrambling GPS signals to thwart any incoming Iranian missiles though the army failed to inform residents, prompting widespread confusion and massive traffic jams. If any snapshot symbolizes the desolation of Israelis over the past six months, it is the remarkable video of a confrontation between Reuma Kedem, a renowned Israeli fashion designer, and Yoav Gallant, Netanyahus defense minister. It was a chance meeting. Kedem lost her daughter, Tamar, as well as three grandchildren, son-in-law Johnny, and his mother, Carol, on October 7. On January 11, Kedem had returned to the destroyed community of Nir Oz to salvage some personal mementos. Behind their ruined home, she was surprised to find herself face-to-face with Gallant, who, like other Israeli ministers, no longer announces his whereabouts for fear of being jeered by the public but brought cameras to document his visit. Where were you? Kedem beseeched the defense minister, who stood silent and expressionless while she spoke, pointing to the destruction all around them. What are you doing? This trash government This wasnt fate. These were people who didnt do their jobs. . . . pic.twitter.com/7bypeNDlD5 | Itzik Elrov (@itzikelrov) January 10, 2024 Kedem, whose father was a founder of the IDFs vaunted cyber-intel Unit 8200, said that a single warning would have saved 1,200 lives. Tamar would have left after one phone call, she cried to Gallant, over and over again. Tamar would have left after one phone call. My heart is gone, she said. My heart was burned away. Speaking on the eve of the six-month anniversary of their murders, Kedem says, Theres been no change. Change for the worse. Even after her encounter with Gallant, which went viral in Israel, she says no one has called us. No one from the government. No minister. No deputy minister. No one. She believes the state itself has collapsed. It took me two weeks to find my daughters and grandchildrens bodies, she says, her voice a thin whisper. No one knows anything. We were abandoned completely, says Reuma Kedem. On October 7, she and her husband sheltered inside their home in Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha as Hamas attacked. She lost six members of her family. Today the Kedems are among those displaced from the countrys south. The prime minister has forsaken us. Hamas isnt our problem, she says. We are hostages in the clasp of Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, and Levin a list of Netanyahus more radical associates. Weve learned that we were completely abandoned, she says of the six months since October 7. Abandoned. Abandoned. Abandoned. While the West has worked hard to wean itself off of Russian fossil fuels in the wake of the countrys illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin is still raking in the rubles from strong nuclear sector exports. As a result, the Ukraine war grinds on as Russia has managed to sidestep much of the economic damage that sanctions were expected to deliver. However, while the Russian economy is surviving, it certainly isnt thriving. In order to stay afloat, Russia needs to explore more alliances and options for exports and trade partners. With no sign of relations with the West thawing any time soon, Russia seems to be betting big on the nuclear energy sector and nuclear fuel exports. The Kremlin also seems to be scouting out new economic alliances in emerging economies, and particularly in Africa. In general, energy ventures in African countries have enormous growth potential as the continent faces rapid industrialization paired with massive population growth. Nuclear offers a particularly alluring option to African nations that are faced with the stark challenge of growing their economies while leapfrogging over the development of the continents abundant fossil fuel resources straight to clean energy development and buildout. Nuclear offers reliable, baseload power without any carbon emissions, and doesnt have the energy security issues associated with the variability of renewable energies such as solar and wind power, which produce in accordance with weather patterns rather than to meet demand. This makes the addition of nuclear energy production capacity a particularly promising way forward for Africa, which already deals with significant energy security woes. Across the continent, about 600 million people lack access to electricity today. And even in countries that do have developed energy grids, such as South Africa, rolling blackouts are a common occurrence. All of this is to say that the African nuclear sector is likely poised for enormous growth. Over the past year, a number of African countries including Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya have announced plans to build nuclear reactors. This push comes as part of a broader global effort to increase investment in nuclear energy expansion as the climate change doomsday clock keeps ticking ever closer to midnight. Africas nuclear energy sector, in particular, has nowhere to go but up as nations across the continent need all the energy addition they can get. And Russia wants to capitalize on that enormous investment opportunity. On a global level, Russian state-operated nuclear energy firm Rosatom is one of the primary exporters of nuclear fuel, uranium enrichment services, and funding for the construction of new nuclear facilities. This last service is particularly critical in developing economies, as building a new nuclear plant is prohibitively expensive for nearly any private company, even in locations with strong economies and currencies. As a result, nearly one in five nuclear power plants on the planet is either in Russia or is Russian-built. And any expansion in worldwide nuclear power deployment is therefore a boon to the Kremlins bottom line. Already, Russia is making aggressive plays to get in on the ground floor of Africas nuclear energy revolution in what the Financial Times recently called a high-profile charm offensive. Rosatom recently publicized nuclear energy co-operation agreements inked with Mali, Burkina Faso and Algeria. This will build on Russias current construction efforts in Egypt, where Rosatom is already building a fourth reactor at the $30bn El Dabaa nuclear power plant. The plant, located outside of Cario, is one of the biggest nuclear construction projects in the world. In order to build the mega-project, Egypt has borrowed a hefty $25 billion from Russia, to be repaid over next 35 years with 3% annual interest. Some experts have warned that this is a dangerous dependence for emerging economies such as Egypt and other African nations. The drawback is that the country develops a strong long-term dependence on Russia to meet one of its most basic needs: electricity provision, says Hartmut Winkler, professor of physics at the University of Johannesburg. Leaning on a country that is currently at war, and therefore not the most reliable of trade partners, threatens disruption and ultimate termination of projects already in place. This is particularly troubling in the context of nuclear power plants, which take over a decade to build. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Natural gas prices are falling all over the world. There is abundant supply, and demand has been lukewarm this northern hemisphere winter, which was relatively mild. Indeed, the global gas market is in oversupply. This prompted Morgan Stanley to recently forecast a gas glut that we have not seen in decades. It was going to materialize as a result of strong growth in LNG production capacity, the banks commodity analysts said. They cited numbers showing that there was 400 million tons in such capacity to date, but another 150 million tons were under constructiona record wave of expansion. It appears the forecast was based on an assumption of not very strong demand growthbut it may be the wrong assumption. Because natural gas demand is set to grow, and grow quite robustly. At the same time, some producers, notably in the United States are already starting to withhold production, because of the low price of the commodity. Asia imported record volumes of liquefied natural gas last month, data from Kpler showed recently. The biggest buyers were China, India, and Thailand, with Indias LNG purchases up by 30% from a year earlier and Chinas 22% higher than in March 2023. Related: Wall Street Remains On The Sidelines as Oil Jumps to $90 That record would not have been possible had prices not fallenand prices had fallen because Europe was buying less LNG. The reason Europe was buying less LNG were its full gas storage sites. Winter was once again mild in Europe and it never got to exhaust the gas it had purchased in anticipation of the heating season. In fact, Europe saw record gas in storage as of the end of this heating season, and that contributed to the weakness of natural gas pricesalong with the depressed industrial activity on the continent. The fact that demand for LNG immediately rebounded as prices fell suggests that the longer they stay low, the stronger demand will get, especially among countries that have been trying to reduce their consumption of coal in favor of gas. There are a lot of these, under pressure from transition-focused governments that, though no fans of any hydrocarbons, acknowledge that natural gas has a lower emissions footprint than coal. Two years ago, Europe priced these countries out of the market. Now, with prices so low, they may well consider returning to it, driving higher demand. Supply, on the other hand, may not grow as much as Morgan Stanley expects. The banks analysts point to U.S. gas exporters that are planning a lot of new LNG capacity. But whether all of this capacity would end up getting built is another question. Tellurians Driftwood LNG project is one example. The facility has been in the works for years, but it has kept failing to secure the necessary long-term buyer commitments to proceed. The future of Venture Globals second LNG plant is also uncertainas is the future of all new LNG plants as the federal government paused new capacity approvals. Demand, meanwhile, may be set for even stronger growth, thanks to artificial intelligence. Data centers, which already consume substantial amounts of electricity, are about to become an even bigger drain on the grid as AI gets incorporated in more services. This will automatically mean stronger demand for natural gas for generationbecause wind and solar will not be able to handle the surge. Gas is the only cost-efficient energy generation capable of providing the type of 24/7 reliable power required by the big technology companies to power the AI boom, the founder of Energy Capital Partners, an investor in both alternative and hydrocarbon sources of energy, told the Financial Times recently. Doug Kimmelman added that gas will be critical for the power supply of data centers in the AI era. Demand for electricity from data centers, according to the International Energy Agency, is set to swell twofold from 2022 by 2026, potentially topping 1,000 TWh. This is a lot of electricity consumption and for all the pledges that Big Tech has made for using low-carbon energy to power its data centers, most of its actual energy comes from hydrocarbons, simply because there is no low-carbon energy that is available around the clock without interruptionand carbon credits can and are bought separately from the electricity they are tied to. All this means that the outlook for natural gas demand in the coming years is quite bullish. Low prices invariably stimulate stronger demand and in this case the ambition for lower emissions helps gas demand specifically grow even more strongly. Then there is the question of supply. It may look abundant now, but in a few months, U.S. drillers move to curb supply by drilling but not completing new wells will begin to be felt. Besides, no one can say how the next winter in the northern hemisphere will turn out. It may be mild, but it may be harsh. It is a little bit ironic that if the milder winters of the last two years were driven by climate change, Europe has climate change to thank for its lower use of hydrocarbons. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The technology is commercially viable and has the potential to revolutionize gold recovery from electronic waste.ETH Zurich researchers have recovered gold from electronic waste. Their highly sustainable new method is based on a protein fibril sponge, which the scientists derive from whey, a food industry byproduct. The researchers demonstrated this in their paper that has been published in the journal Advanced Materials. Gold recovery with an organic process. Image Credit: ETH Zurich. Click the study paper link for the largest view. Transforming base materials into gold was one of the elusive goals of the alchemists of yore. Now Professor Raffaele Mezzenga from the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich has accomplished something in that vein. He has not of course transformed another chemical element into gold, as the alchemists sought to do. But he has managed to recover gold from electronic waste using a byproduct of the cheesemaking process. Electronic waste contains a variety of valuable metals, including copper, cobalt, and even significant amounts of gold. Recovering this gold from disused smartphones and computers is an attractive proposition in view of the rising demand for the precious metal. However, the recovery methods devised to date are energy-intensive and often require the use of highly toxic chemicals. Now, a group led by ETH Professor Mezzenga has come up with a very efficient, cost-effective, and above all far more sustainable method: with a sponge made from a protein matrix, the researchers have successfully extracted gold from electronic waste. Selective gold adsorption To manufacture the sponge, Mohammad Peydayesh, a senior scientist in Mezzengas Group, and his colleagues denatured whey proteins under acidic conditions and high temperatures, so that they aggregated into protein nanofibrils in a gel. The scientists then dried the gel, creating a sponge out of these protein fibrils. To recover gold in the laboratory experiment, the team salvaged the electronic motherboards from 20 old computer motherboards and extracted the metal parts. Then they dissolved these parts in an acid bath so as to ionise the metals. When they placed the protein fiber sponge in the metal ion solution, the gold ions adhered to the protein fibers. Other metal ions can also adhere to the fibers, but gold ions do so much more efficiently. As the next step, the researchers heated the sponge. This reduced the gold ions into flakes, which the scientists subsequently melted down into a gold nugget. In this way, they obtained a nugget of around 450 milligrams out of the 20 computer motherboards. The nugget was 91 percent gold (the remainder being copper), which corresponds to 22 carats (4.4 grams). Economically viable The new technology is commercially viable, as Mezzengas calculations show: procurement costs for the source materials added to the energy costs for the entire process are 50 times lower than the value of the gold that can be recovered. Next, the researchers want to develop the technology to ready it for the market. Although electronic waste is the most promising starting product from which they want to extract gold, there are other possible sources. These include industrial waste from microchip manufacturing or from gold-plating processes. In addition, the scientists plan to investigate whether they can manufacture the protein fibril sponges out of other protein-rich byproducts or waste products from the food industry. The fact I love the most is that were using a food industry byproduct to obtain gold from electronic waste, Mezzenga said. In a very real sense, he observed, the method transforms two waste products into gold. You cant get much more sustainable than that! ** The yield of 4.4 grams is pretty significant with gold at about $2,250 per troy ounce (31.1 grams per troy oz) (more than $315.00) or so the day of posting. Plus there are other worthwhile metals to recover. One does wonder when the economic incentive will really hit the recoverable precious metals with a noticeable effort. The third world is still very much a dumping ground today. By Brian Westenhaus via New Energy and Fuel More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Photos by David Krigbaum () Recently my wife and I PCSed from Sasebo to Okinawa. We decided to end our time in Kyushu in style and roadtripped our way to the island. Thats right, we drove to Okinawa. Our 10-day trip culminated in an ocean-going ferry ride from Kagoshima City to Okinawa with stops along the way to see the Amami Islands. The Amami Islands are an archipelago partway between Kyushu and Okinawa. These little islands are what youre looking for in a tropical getaway theyre lightly populated yet geared for tourists with beautiful landscapes of sea, jungle and mountains, historic ruins and plenty of outdoor adventures. Traffic is nonexistent, lodging and food are very affordable and the people are among the friendliest weve ever encountered in Japan. It is possible to fly to all four of the Amami Islands the ferry stops at, but for us, driving with the car we will use in Okinawa made sense. Compared with flying taking the ferry is easier, cheaper, requires far less inappropriate touching by security personnel, plus, theres no unpleasantness because they felt the one-inch nail file on my toenail clippers was threatening. (Both true stories.) Theres also a certain adventurousness that comes with arriving via ship to a freight terminal on a remote island. Calling it a ferry is a misnomer as ocean-going ferries are more inter-island freight vessels with passenger service on the side. Its more akin to a cargo ship than the little boats which cross rivers and bays that come to mind when you say ferry. Two ferry companies service the same routes on alternate days, A Line (Maru A) and Marix. There is little difference between them in either service or cost and we used both during our trip. A full trip from Kyushu to Okinawa takes about 25 hours. They run on a constant loop, so there is one stop at each destination every day by one of the two companies. Arranging for a trip was easy but requires a Japanese speaker for easy navigation if dealing with the company. My wife called ahead of time to check the schedule and though we didnt make reservations we were able to show up an hour before boarding to purchase tickets. By calling ahead you can also see what special deals are available, such as unlimited stops during a set period. (Think bumming between islands for a week whenever you feel like.) An alternate choice is going online and buying tickets through an English-language ferry website like aferry.com. Since we brought a car we had to wait on the pier at Kagoshimas Shinkoku Port in our vehicle until it was time to drive aboard. We repeated this process two more times with no trouble at our two stops when we had to get back on. Sakurajima, Kagoshimas friendly neighborhood active volcano had been smoking for a few days and our car got covered in a fine layer of ash while waiting. The first leg of our trip to Amami Oshima was overnight, so the ferry boarded around 5 p.m. and took off about an hour later when it was dark. Price-wise, bringing a vehicle is only viable compared to flying when PCSing. Renting a vehicle once you arrive on an island is a better option if youre on holiday. From Kagoshima to Naha the ferry is less than $150 a person if traveling on foot, tickets between islands can be as low as $15. Bringing a car adds several hundred dollars to the equation. The ferries offer three classes of accommodations for visitors which correspond only to sleeping arrangements; all passenger areas are open to everyone. 1st Class is a private cabin, 2nd Class is a shared cabin and 3rd Class is Japanese style on the floor in a large open bay. The trips were smooth with the ocean only gently rolling us in a sleep-inducing and lackadaisical manner. Only on the overnight trip to Amami Oshima did we choose 2nd class accommodations, which entailed a rack in a cabin for eight. Its pretty similar to a navy berthing minus about 100 people and that odor. (You know the one.) Theres an open shelf for your bag and the ship also has smaller lockers for valuables that anyone can use. For our day cruises, Amami-Okinoerabujima and Okinoerabujima-Motobu (Okinawa), we chose 3rd Class accommodations as sleep wasnt that relevant though we did nap at one point. Dropping off cargo and passengers on schedule for these ferries means pre-dawn pitch black departures and us having to arrive an hour early for that. The mat and small pillow werent bad for the short rests. All ferries had open lounges and vending machines for food and drink, including alcohol. Each ferry has a cafeteria for hot meals, but these only operate during meal hours. Its not the Titanic so dont expect fine dining but the food here is still better than youd get on certain commercial airlines. A small gift shop also carries snacks and souvenirs. I spent most of our trips sitting at a table reading H.P Lovecraft, which in retrospect is not the best author for an open ocean voyage, and eating Japanese snacks Id brought with me. We stopped and spent days on Amami Oshima and Okinoerabujima, two islands with histories related to Saigo Takamori, the man who inspired The Last Samurai. On each island we had only 24 hours to see the Saigo-related historic sites and museums, take in the tropical countryside and learn a little about what made each island unique. On Amami Oshima we tried local black sugar-based shochu at a brewery and on Okinoerabujima, we explored the ruins of an ancient Ryukyuan castle overrun by the jungle. What the islands had in common were the people as everyone we met was consistently friendly, helpful and kind. On two occasions we were invited for tea simply because we stopped off at a nearby historic site. Another time we stopped by a museum that was closed due to the owner being out of town for a month, so the nearby local goods shop/minimart clerk sat us down for her homemade lemongrass tea, along with generous servings of their local sweets and a fresh papaya. And then when our 24 hours was up, off wed go on the ferry to our next little adventure. Depending on when you plan to travel, typhoons need to be kept in mind as from June to November they may affect ferry service. A very late season typhoon began developing while we were in Kagoshima so we pushed back our trip by a day to see how the weather would play out. The ferries were running but having endured rough seas on a submarine tender inching toward Hong Kong years ago, Id rather wait a day than experience that unpleasantness again. Rough seas at the island of debarkation may also make it impossible to get off and instead youll be taken to the next island. We were given a warning the seas may be too rough to land at Okinoerabujima, but our hotel on Amami Oshima told us that the ferry lines had been telling people that every day for a week and every day the ferries still landed. A Line (Maru A) Marix Line AFerry A brush fire in Council Bluffs that began Friday sent clouds of smoke into Omaha on Saturday evening. The Council Bluffs Fire Department was dispatched to the fire directly south of Veterans Memorial Bridge near the Missouri River at around 5 p.m. Friday, according to Assistant Chief Jim Wood. After initially containing the fire, Wood said the Fire Department used back burning near the bridge and south of it to prevent the fire from spreading on Saturday. The eastbound lanes of Veterans Memorial Bridge were closed Saturday afternoon, and the Fire Department planned to wait until the smoke dissipated to reopen the bridge, according to Wood. Though it was still burning a large area of brush and logs, the fire was contained, Wood said as of Saturday evening. Another fire was burning Saturday north of Council Bluffs in Crescent, Iowa, which was also sending smoke into downtown Omaha, Wood said. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of March 2024 China strives to build world-class business environment 10:11, April 07, 2024 By Li Haoran ( People's Daily What can a sound business environment create? As the first large chemical production base in China operated solely by a foreign company, BASF's Verbund site in Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong province has experienced rapid development. Photo shows the thermoplastic polyurethane plant in BASF's Verbund site in Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong province. (Photo from the official website of BASF China) Its first batch of production facilities started to be built in 2020, and this January, its thermoplastic polyurethane plant was put into operation. Such rapid progress is attributed to the government's efforts to improve market access and provide solid policy support, said an executive of BASF. "We had a global project that required certifications from over 10 departments, which would normally take at least a month to complete. However, thanks to the efforts made by the local government, we obtained these documents in three days," said an executive of a private enterprise in east China's Zhejiang province, expressing appreciation for the government's responsiveness and assistance in solving the enterprise's problems. A sound business environment is a prerequisite for unleashing the potential for economic growth and stimulating market vitality; optimizing business environment is key to boosting the confidence of entities and expanding opening-up. China has continuously strengthened the construction of a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment, to enhance its attractiveness to domestic and foreign factors of production. A staff member of a government service center in Nanming district, Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou province, records demands of an enterprise. (People's Daily Online/Zhao Song) In recent years, China has attached great importance to optimizing its business environment, and it has seen a significant rise in its global ranking in this regard. For instance, the country implemented a regulation on optimizing the business environment; the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council issued the Opinions on Accelerating the Construction of a Unified National Market; China released an action plan to steadily promote high-level opening up and make greater efforts to attract and utilize foreign investment. Recently, a series of measures have been implemented, sending a clear signal that China remains firmly committed to expanding high-level opening-up and continuously fostering a world-class business environment. These efforts include launching five new measures to facilitate entries of foreigners, revising the national negative list for foreign investment, and accelerating the implementation of 24 measures to stabilize foreign investment. Optimizing business environment is not just about offering "favors," but more importantly, building "trust." Stable expectations come from a convenient, efficient, stable and transparent business environment featuring fair competition, as well as credible policy measures. That's why some companies would rather bear higher land and labor costs than accept subsidies and incentives to operate in regions with relatively backward business environments. A self-employed individual receives business licenses at a government service center in Yuquan district, Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, March 7, 2024. (People's Daily Online/Ding Genhou) A 2023 survey on business environment conducted by the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, which covered 10,000 private enterprises, indicated improving satisfaction of private enterprises with the improvement in China's business environment. These enterprises also showed expectations for further optimization of the business climate in China. Currently, various regions in China are taking concrete measures to provide fertile ground for the growth and development of all kinds of business entities, promptly addressing their urgent concerns and expectations, and maintaining the stability and continuity of pro-business policies. Beijing proposed to make optimizing business environment a top priority, with an aim to build better the brand of "Beijing Service." Striving to learn businesses' experiences and feedback, Shanghai has revised its action plan for improving business climate for 7 times. Wuhan, central China's Hubei province, held a citywide conference on optimizing business environment, proposing to resolutely eliminate implicit barriers to market access. Facts have proved that a favorable business environment can provide solid support for the development of all kinds of business entities. China is resolutely committed to comprehensively deepening reform, implementing practical measures, and making every effort to optimize the business environment, so as to continuously boost market confidence and stimulate market vitality. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Pictures from the event A woman married her absent Dubai-based lover represented by a pillow yesterday in Abeokuta, Ogun state. We have all the photos below. According to social media reports, the womans fiance was for reasons currently unknown, unable to attend his own wedding, so a throw pillow was used to represent him. In the wedding pictures, his bride is seen gorgeously and tastefully dressed as she beams with joy. This wont be the first time a Nigerian woman is getting married to an absent abroad-based lover who was represented by images. But as usual, this ladys current wedding has drawn a lot of reactions online, with many Nigerians criticizing the move, while others expressed shock. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board ( JAMB ) has said it will investigate reported cases of inability of some candidates to do biometric verification as the 2019/20 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), commenced on Thursday. The boards Head of Media and Publicity, Dr Fabian Benjamin disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview on Friday in Abuja. Benjamin also said that the release of the results would not be immediate as the board was taking time to process before releasing them in order to avoid multiple cancellations. On the biometric verification, Benjamin said that the board was looking into all reported cases and would take a decision soon. We will look at the cases brought before us to know if they are actual challenges or part of malpractice. This is because we discovered that some candidates have done something they intend to take advantage of the biometric verification challenge as an excuse, so we need to be ascertain the genuiness of these cases. I assure you we are looking at it and would do something, NAN reports that the 2019/20 UTME which commenced on Thursday, April 11, nationwide was not totally hitchfree as some candidates complained of inability to be verified through the biometric process, either at the beginning or end of the exercise. However, NAN also reports that some centres recorded a smooth conduct of the process as over 1.8 million candidates who registered for the exercise were expected to sit for the examination from April 11 to April 15 in the 698 Computer Based Test (CBT) centres across the country. HRH David Akpa, the district head and traditional ruler of Bagaji Odo in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State, has stated that herdsmen were responsible for the attack in Agojeju-Odo community, resulting in the loss of 25 lives. The attack reportedly occurred on Thursday. The monarch, who spoke to DAILY POST on Saturday, said the community has been completely deserted. According to him, residents of the community have relocated to Bagaji Odo, Abejikolo, Acha and other neighboring communities over fear of further attacks. The herdsmen are behind the attack at Agojeju-Odo community which led to the death of 25 people. They came in their numbers and started killing people. They have been harvesting our crops, preventing our people from having access to their farms. Whenever they come, they will be asking are you from Agatu? and many more questions, the traditional ruler said. He called on the government to provide security for his people. The government should come to our rescue before things gets out of hand. Our people are being killed by this herdsmen. Those that have relocated to Bagaji Odo and are thinking of relocating out of here because there is information that these herdsmen are coming here to attack. One of the survivors of the attack, who gave his name as Joshua Salifu, narrated what happened. The herdsmen came at about 3:00 am on Thursday and started killing our people. I am yet to find my wife and my children. About 25 people were buried in our village. We dont know what is our problem with them. This is not the first time they are attacking us. They killed four of our people the last time before Thursdays incident. We could no longer go to our farms and the rainy reason is fast approaching. What are we going to do? The government should help us with adequate security so that we can go back to our community, he stated. It would be recalled that earlier in January 2024, yet to be identified gunmen attacked Agojeju-Odo community, killing four people. Chidi Odinkalu, a former Director-General of the National Human Rights Commission NHRC, clashed with the EFCC after Odinkalu criticized the arrest and arraignment of crossdresser Bobrisky. In a post shared on his handle on Thursday, Odinkalu wrote; The @officialEFCC shd be ashamed of themselves. The power of arrest & prosecution is a public trust that shd not be weaponized for the persecution of those whom they dont like. It is either @officialEFCC is evidently idle or this is clear #AbuseOfPower. The @officialEFCC shd be ashamed of themselves. The power of arrest & prosecution is a public trust that shd not be weaponized for the persecution of those whom they dont like. It is either @officialEFCC is evidently idle or this is clear #AbuseOfPower.https://t.co/fxQzD7MUJy Chidi Odinkalu, CGoF (@ChidiOdinkalu) April 4, 2024 Ystday, @NigeriaGov & @NERCNG hiked energy beyond the reach of most #Nigerians. Today, @officialEFCC orchestrates a lynching of #Bobrisky. Ppl who can no longer afford electricity are hailing them because, apparently Bobby is responsible for their povertyhttps://t.co/TTgvWIaItG Chidi Odinkalu, CGoF (@ChidiOdinkalu) April 4, 2024 The EFCC felt slighted by his comments and in a statement released on Friday, April 5, threatened to take legal action against Odinkalu. The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to some reckless commentaries made by a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu on the arrest of Idris Okuneye(a.k.a Bobrisky) by the Commission, describing it as evidence of idleness or an abuse of power . The Commission views such commentaries from Odinkalu as unbecoming of a former head of a major government agency. Okuneye was arrested and arraigned by the Commission on the basis of clear cases of abuse of the Naira to which he has pleaded guilty. Odinkalu has a right to free speech as a Nigerian but such a right should be exercised with decorum and responsibility. The Commission would not hesitate to take appropriate legal actions against such uncouth commentaries against its lawful mandate by anyone. Odinkalu is warned and advised to ventilate his rascally opinions more responsibly in future situations. Dele Oyewale Head, Media & Publicity April 5, 2024 EFCC PRESS STATEMENT Chidi Odinkalus Reckless Commentaries on EFCC The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to some reckless commentaries made by a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu on the arrest pic.twitter.com/rmkcJ5D3YD EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) April 5, 2024 Responding, Odinkalu said the EFCCs statement is self-evident that they are indeed jobless. It is now self evident that @officialEFCC is a shameless, #IdleAndDisorderly institution whose sole preoccupation is #AbuseOfPower. This is beyond unfortunate but entirely predictable. President Bola Tinubu will be in his home state Lagos for the celebration of Muslim festival of the Eid-El-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan month. Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity revealed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja. According to the statement, President Tinubu is set to depart Abuja to celebrate the Eid-El-Fitr festival in Lagos with members of his family. The festival is expected to hold on Tuesday or Wednesday next week depending on Lunar calendar heralding the new Islamic month of Shawwal. In deference to the solemn occasion, which marks the end of Ramadan, the President will observe the moment in prayers for Nigeria and with family, Ngelale said. The Presidential spokesman added that Tinubu would continue official duties during and after the Eid-el-Fitr holidays. NAN The Edo State Police Command has reiterated the ban on officers searching citizens phones during routine patrols and other operations, describing the act as an unprofessional conduct. The commands Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor disclosed this in a statement posted on the commands Facebook page on Friday. In the statement, the states Commissioner of Police, CP Funsho Adegboye, warned officers to desist from this act, as the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, had directed the punishment of erring officers. The statement read, This press release is to inform the general public especially the law abiding citizens of Edo State of the state police commands position regarding searching of citizens phones by operatives while on routine patrol, stop and search duties in the state. The Commissioner of Police Edo State, CP Funsho Adegboye, during a meeting with the commands strategic security managers, re-echoed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, on the ban on seaching of citizens phones while on patrol, raid operations, stop and search duties or other essential duties. He warned that on no account should police officers/operatives engage in searching citizens phones in line of duties. The statement added that CP Adegboye stated that officers can only be allowed to search citizens phones when executing court order from the court of competent jurisdiction as it empowers them to carry out such duties therein in the course of investigation. He warned the officers and men to desist from this unprofessional conduct of searching phones, stating that any officer caught doing so will face severe sanctions. The CP also urged the public to be patient with the police and report any officer who indulges in the unprofessional conduct. The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 arrested the General Overseer of CAC Freedom City Prophetic and Deliverance Ministry, Ilorin, Prophet Adeniyi Abiodun James, for allegedly defrauding a member of the church to the tune of N3,980,000 (Three Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira). The victim, Oluwole Babarinsa, had in a petition to the Commission, alleged that Prophet James called him out during a church programme sometime in 2021 that he had a revelation that he would travel abroad. According to the petitioner, the cleric, in the course of giving the revelation, asked him about his preferred country, to which he replied Canada. Thereafter, they reportedly struck an agreement to talk later in order to perfect arrangements for the trip. The prophet, he said, later told him that he had a friend in Lagos who could help him facilitate his relocation to Canada, but at a cost of N1.7million and N2.5million for processing of flight ticket and travel documents, respectively. The petitioner further disclosed that he had to sell some of his properties and took some loans before he could raise N3,980,000 which he gave the prophet to facilitate his quick relocation to Canada. After prolonged waiting with no result, the petitioner became agitated and began to query the prophets vision, prompting him to ask for a refund of his money. He said that all efforts and entreaties to the suspect to refund his money yielded no positive result. The suspect will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations. Related Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I personally write to express my deep concern regarding the recent series of decisions that seem to prioritize the interests of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the well-being of the Nigerian people. The removal of fuel subsidies and the gradual phase-out of electricity subsidies have led to significant hardships for millions of Nigerians, causing widespread economic instability, poverty, hunger and avoidable deaths. Your administrations decision to remove fuel subsidies on the very day of your inauguration was an unprecedented move that none of your predecessors attempted. And its disastrous consequences dealt a deadly blow to the lives of ordinary Nigerians who are yet to recover. The subsequent call by the IMF to phase out electricity subsidies has further exacerbated the situation, as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) increased electricity rates and your administration announced plans to eliminate remaining subsidies. Your government frequently asserts that it is financially constrained and unable to continue allocating billions of naira towards subsidies. One might question where these funds are being directed instead. Could it be towards the extravagant luxuries enjoyed by those in power? It is crucial that you, as our leader, come forward and explain the nature of the covenants you have entered into with the World Bank and IMF. We need to understand why you appear to prioritize the interests and instructions of these economic juggernauts over the welfare and cries of the Nigerians you were elected to serve. Sir, it is pertinent to realise that the economic policies advocated by the IMF and World Bank, which your administration is adopting, have historically led to the deterioration of economies in numerous underdeveloped and developing nations. These policies involve reducing or eliminating government spending on vital sectors such as education, energy, healthcare, environment and price subsidies on basic necessities. Additionally, they promote devaluing national currency, increasing exports by exploiting natural resources, lowering real wages, and subsidizing export-oriented foreign investments. Furthermore, they encourage liberalizing financial markets to attract short-term portfolio investments, leading to financial instability and foreign liabilities. Also, they advocate eliminating tariffs and import controls, resulting in increased import dependency, undermining local industries, and exacerbating external indebtedness. Your campaign slogan promised a Renewed Hope, but it seems that the hope you are renewing belongs to the World Bank and IMF at the expense of the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians. Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, holds an inherent dignity and autonomy that must be preserved unwaveringly, regardless of the individual or collective interests at play. As a leader, it is significant to steer clear of perpetuating a vicious cycle of deprivation and despair, which may potentially culminate in anarchy. Your role encompasses safeguarding the welfare of your people, and it is imperative not to overlook this responsibility while making decisions that impact the lives of millions. In conclusion, we urge you to reconsider your approach and prioritize the needs of the Nigerian people. We request a transparent explanation of your commitments with the World Bank and IMF, and we hope that you will reevaluate policies that seem to disregard the struggles of ordinary citizens. Your leadership has the power to bring about positive change, and we hope that you will make decisions that reflect the best interests of our nation. Sincerely, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, 06/04/2024. Related When sometime in 2008, the late Yinka Odumakin invited me to his 23, Sylvia Crescent, Anthony Village-office in Lagos, little did I know that a big surprise was waiting for me. A fine gentleman with a consistent commitment to the progressive bent, Odumakin had offered to pay me a visit but since it was unYoruba for leaders and elders to initiate the kind of visit he was envisaging, I opted for the opposite. And there I was, face-to-face, with the inimitable Odumakin and the irresistible Jimi Agbaje, aka JK. One thing led to another and I eventually became the pioneer Administrative Secretary of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), under the national chairmanship of Olawale Oshun. Notable members of the prestigious Group included Ayo Afolabi, former Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Babafemi Ojudu, Bisi Adegbuyi, Oye Oyewumi, Lai Oyeduntan, Olutola Mobolurin, Ademola Oyinlola, Tokunbo Ajasin, Jumoke Anifowose, Biodun Oyebanji, Zacch Adedeji and Agbaje. Among others were Kunle Famoriyo, Ropo Sekoni, Charles Akinola, Adedamola Dada and the now-deceased former Deputy Governor Funmilayo Olayinka of Ekiti State (1960 2013), Dipo Famakinwa (1967 2017), Bayonile Ademodi (1952 2020) and, of course, Odumakin (1966 2021). On March 26, 2024, Oshun clocked 74 years on the Planet Earth and a group of intellectuals in the Southwest under the leadership of Professor Lai Olurode converged on his Ijebu-Imushin country house in Ogun State to honour this man of many parts with a Roundtable Discussion on the Governance Crisis in Nigeria. Oshun has done well and he deserves to be celebrated. He has paid his dues but then, only an ungrateful heart would also say that God has not been good to this delightful ideologue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) bent. So, he has no reason to complain! Author, journalist and farmer, hes a former Chief Whip of the Federal House of Representatives and prominent member of the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). He was also a close ally of the late MKO Abiola, the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. As a matter of fact, Oshun was reportedly one of the few, prominent faces at the historic Epetedo Declaration on June 11, 1994. ARG under Oshuns leadership produced the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Strategy Roadmap which led to the formal inauguration of DAWN Commission by the Southwest governors in July 2013. It is important to note that ARG was formed with the stated intent of reuniting the feuding factions in Afenifere and as a necessary body to preserve the ethnic identity of the Yorubas. If one may therefore ask, how smooth has the journey of hope which the Group brought to the Yoruba race with its formation been and how many of its founding philosophical objectives have been realized? Looking around today, the mainstream Afenifere has become more of a wrong noise than communal togetherness. While one faction, led by Reuben Fasoranti, is obviously looking in the direction of E lo fokan bale, the other, headed by Ayo Adebanjo, is excruciatingly Obidient-compliant. Since the guardians of society are either dead or deep in slumber, Yoruba people have become deeply divided and thats to our collective hurt! Beyond its sequined glint, Yorubaland had expected Afenifere to serve as a very powerful research institution like the Chatham House in London. Though ARG has done one or two things along this line, it is unfortunate that what we now have is more of interest-leaders and self-servers who have developed an unsatisfying urge for political slots for their children and concubines thereby leaving the children of the poor with no future! And they have succeeded in doing that! And nobody, except the Stone of Israel, can put an end to it! In the days of Obafemi Awolowo, Adekunle Ajasin and Abraham Adesanya, the fear of Afenifere was the beginning of wisdom for any governor who wanted to access relevance in the zone, even beyond. How come that has faded away so soon? Where did the rain start beating the Yorubas and who are the giants and strongholds who want Yorubaland to not remain even stagnant but speedily moving backward? Has the Yoruba race arrived at the desired shore and whats the opium keeping the actors in deep sleep? Is the Yoruba progressive corporate world the way it should be? What efforts has Afenifere made to reverse the pains of the grinding penury in the midst of stupendous plenty that has now sadly become the lot of Western Nigeria? In the sincerity of his heart, would Awolowo have abandoned his people to their fate without proffering urgent, comprehensive and soul-saving solutions at a time like this? Agbonmagbe, now Wema Bank (1945)! Western Nigeria Development Corporation, WNDC (1949)! The Nigerian Plastic Company Limited (1954)! Western House (1958)! Western Nigerian Government Broadcasting Corporation, WNTV (1959)! Liberty Stadium (1960)! University of Ife (1961)! Cooperative Bank (1961)! Cocoa House (1964)! Lapal House (1978)! And many others! Whereas some leaders have been in charge of the destiny of Yorubaland for more than two decades with next-to-nothing to show for it, what Awolowo and his colleagues did with a shorter reign is what the children of Oduduwa have got as their inheritance till date. It is therefore unfortunate that successive leaders have only been feeding fat on the labour of these heroes past! Also, time was when the media space was controlled by the Southwest. Now, the zone is almost nowhere to be found on the media map. In the Banking sector, not much is happening! In the political space, the North has not lost its grip; and, in Agriculture, it has lost touch. But for Amotekun, the security situation in the Southwest would have been worse! So, whats happening? If we want to talk about Afenifere, we have to go back to the treaty that ended the Kiriji War and the formation of the West African Students Union (WASU). The foundation of Egbe Omo Oduduwa by Awolowo was a spinoff of WASU and it put together a level of work which led to the manifesto of the Action Group, Life more abundant; and it made a difference because were not just talking about Free Education which was the centerpiece but also the formation of the development financing institutions such as the WNDC, Western Nigeria Finance Corporation and Western Nigeria Housing Corporation, established in 1958. Yoruba leaders at the time followed the paths already embarked upon by the Brazilians. Of course, thats why Brazil is not looking for foreign investments. Brazil established the Brazilian Bank for Sustainable Development (BNDES) in 1952 and its now about the most powerful financing agent for development in the world. Every year, Brazil recapitalizes BNDES with about 1% of her foreign earnings. Thats why the Bank, according to the Financial Times of London, can give loans with up to 50 years tenor. Impliedly, a capitalized WNDC or Cooperative Bank would have made Olokola Deep Seaport in Ondo State the best outside of Freetown. Again, that a Yorubaman is Nigerias president does not mean the race should go to bed and start snoring! Already, the noise in town is that too many appointments are in the hands of the Yorubas and that it is because the president is of the Southwest extraction. So, let Afenifere visit Awolowos grave with a view to atoning for its sins before its too late. There and then, it should tie up with institutions like the Pension Fund to embark on serious capital projects that can give loans of up to 30 years tenor. But, wait a minute: what have been the roles of the Ministries of Regional Integration in the six states that make up the Southwest? If they have an agenda for DAWN, why cant they go back to it? *To be continued. Related In what will come across as a really startling development, a man who murdered his wife and dismembered her into more than 200 pieces had previously killed her pets in a gruesome manner, reports have show. Nicholas Metson, 28, stabbed Holly Bramley, 26, at least 4 times in March 2023 before dismembering her body and storing her body parts in the kitchen larder of a flat they shared in Shuttlesworth, Lincoln, UK Joking with police officers he said she might be hiding under the bed when they came to investigate her disappearance, Lincoln Crown Court was told. Metson then offered his school friend Joshua Hancock 50 to help with a job, which, it transpired, involved dumping Ms Bramleys remains in the River Witham in Bassingham. Some of her body parts were found in the river on March 25 by a member of the public, who initially thought they belonged to an animal until he noticed a human hand. Police made the findings more than a week after she was last seen walking into her flat on March 17. According to the Daily Mail, Metson had a history of being cruel to animals and previously killed their pets in brutal ways in order to punish Ms Bramley. A source told the publication that Metson once put their new dog in a washing machine, leaving his wife to find the dead dog inside with the drum still spinning. He also allegedly killed her hamsters by putting them in a food blender and microwave. Ms Bramleys mother Annette described Metson as an evil monster and described her daughter as beautiful, kind and loving, She added: Her last moments being filled with pain will haunt us forever. Her life was taken by someone who quite clearly has no regard for human life. We were prevented from seeing Holly in the years leading up to her murder. We were prevented from seeing her before her death and due to his monstrous actions, he made sure we were prevented from seeing her after her death. The court heard the pair had only been married 16 months when Metson killed Ms Bramley and were on the verge of separating. Metson told officers his wife had left their home on March 19 with two members of a local mental health crisis team. Police noticed a strong smell of bleach and ammonia in the flat, noticed a saw on a towel, bloodstained sheets in their bathroom and a large bloodstain on their bedroom floor. Metson initially denied killing his wife but changed his plea to guilty on February 23. He had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to pervert the course of justice by disposing of Ms Bramleys body. He now faces possible life imprisonment. The case continues The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended an Ilorin-based clergyman, Prophet Adeniyi James, on charges of allegedly defrauding a member of his church amounting to N3.9 million. A statement by the Commissions Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Saturday, said the Ilorin Zonal Command arrested James on April 2, 2024 for the alleged offence. It was gathered that James is the General Overseer of Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Freedom City Prophetic and Deliverance Ministry in Ilorin. Oyewale noted that the victim, Oluwole Babarinsa, in a petition to the Commission, alleged that James called him out during a church programme sometime in 2021, declaring that he had a revelation that he (Babarinsa) would travel abroad. The petitioner said the cleric, in the course of giving the revelation, asked him about his preferred country, which he replied Canada and they agreed to talk later in order to perfect arrangements for the trip. The petitioner said James later told him that he had a friend in Lagos who could help him facilitate his relocation to Canada, but at a cost of N1.7 million and N2.5 million for processing of flight ticket and travel documents, respectively. Babarinsa added that he had to sell some of his properties and took some loans before he could raise N3,980,000 which he gave the prophet to facilitate his quick relocation to Canada. After prolonged waiting with no result, the petitioner became agitated and began to query the prophets vision, prompting him to ask for a refund of his money. All efforts and entreaties to the suspect to refund his money yielded no positive result, EFCC spokesman said. The suspect would be arraigned in court after the conclusion of the investigations, Oyewale added. :Attends closing of Ramadan Tafseer at JIBWIS Jummaat Mosque, Kasuwan Shanu From Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu BAUCHI The Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau has solicited prayers to the administration of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to continue making sound decisions and implementing transformative policies and programmes that will create opportunities, uplift the lives of vulnerable thereby building a brighter future for the state. Speaking at the closing of 2024 Ramadan Tafseer of JIBWIS Jummaat Mosque, Kasuwan Shanu, Bauchi, Auwal Jatau believed that prayers would go along way towards assisting the administration to achieve its desire of uplifting and improving the lives of every resident for the socio-economic development of the state. The Deputy Governor pointed out that the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed has been working tirelessly to address the needs of its people in various sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security. According to him, Governor Bala Mohammed has exhibited exceptional dedication, unwavering commitment, and a forward-thinking approach in his duties as the governor of the state, saying that through his strategic policies and initiatives, Bauchi has witnessed tremendous progress and development. I would like to on behalf of my principal, His Excellency, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, express my sincere appreciation to the entire leadership of JIBWIS Jos National Headquarters for their unwavering commitment to fostering unity, promoting peace. Your devotion to the principles of Islam not only strengthens our individual faith, but also serves as a cornerstone for the harmonious coexistence of all residents within Bauchi state. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Imams, scholars, and preachers who have dedicated their time and wisdom to guiding us through the Tafseer sessions. Your profound explanations of the Holy Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) have provided us with invaluable insights, leading us to a deeper understanding of our religion and its significance in our lives. Auwal Jatau therefore acknowledged the tremendous support of the group to the present administration in the state and urged Muslim faithfuls to make good use of the lessons learned during in the blessed month of Ramadan for the betterment of the society. On his part, the Deputy Chairman ll of the JIBWIS Jos National Headquarters, Sheikh Saidu Hassan Jingir expressed gratitude to the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed in Bauchi for its huge investment in the promotion of religious knowledge and activities and assured him of the continued prayers of the group for the success of his administration. Related The chickens, the saying goes, always come home to roost. But some people would prefer to be Shakespearean by quoting the insightful words uttered by Marc Antony in William Shakespeares play, Julius Caesar, the evil that men do lives after them while the good is oft interred with their bones. The first is a long-established English idiom that was used as early as 1390 AD in Chaucers The Parsons Tale. It means that wicked deeds or words return to trouble their originator. In the second, spoken at Julius Caesars funeral, Mark Antony, referring to Brutus, Caesars murderer, was saying that when someone dies, the bad things they did continue to afflict the living, but the good things they did often do not, and therefore are buried along with the corpse. The first one tells us that the law of karma is for the living and that like Frankensteins monster, every wrong and everything not done with good intention, especially against people, always turns around to torment the doer. The second has now been overtaken by events, as we can see in todays world. The bad ones do not wait for the leaders death before they begin to haunt the person, as we shall soon see. Likewise, the good things they do, they leave them behind and we see them everywhere. Posterity is now, no longer tomorrow or left to be regurgitated by future generations. About four years ago, my friends from Kaduna started being ecstatic whenever we met, beating their chests and clapping wildly, sometimes with even their feet, and telling me that El-Rufai was doing wonders constructing roads and fly-overs, tunnels and bridges, even telling me that he constructed one fly-over with four roundabouts under it. I always did my best to calm them down. I would ask, with which revenue are the constructions being executed: locally generated or from the federation account? They would say he collected a foreign loan of hundreds of millions of dollars. And being smart, to get the loan, apart from local politics at the National Assembly, including ensuring that his lackey, now successor, was made chairman of a committee that could help facilitate the loan, he made someone from the loan givers an honorary adviser in his government. But this is for another day. Then I would ask them simple but pointed questions like which construction companies are doing the work? Who owned them openly and who owned them through blind trust as with Obasanjo and Transcorp? I will then ask by how much the roads, bridges and fly-overs would increase the states Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and service the loans collected. To all these questions, their faces looked blank. I believe that if a state must take a loan, then it should not go into servicing a lifestyle or financing projects that cannot repay the loan or improve IGR, except in the health sector. I told them that the way things were going, a time would come when the state would not be able to pay salaries and render basic services to the people, by which time the loan taker would have since left the stage. Those who do not know would start accusing the new government of incompetence, whereas it was the past government that made the state ungovernable. Fine, the roads and all have increased the value of houses and plots around them, and so what? In what way does that affect the poor man and his struggle to survive? The temporary appointments offered by the constructions are gone because the companies, not indigenous, have returned to base, boosting their areas of domicile. Utilised differently, those loans could have been used to resuscitate moribund industries and God knows Kaduna has a lot of them, build more, especially agro-allied ones. That would have offered direct and indirect employment to thousands of people who have dependents and eased the food insecurity in the land. The employed would pay taxes as that would have boosted the states IGR from which it can now embark on road constructions to open up rural and industrial areas and upgrade the infrastructure in the towns out of necessity. Without taking anything from the above, part of the loans can also go into building world-class hospitals that could turn the state into a medical tourist centre. Intra-town transport service, which may include light rails, could have been done. With massive employment at every corner, the crime rate in the state would have reduced significantly and the insecurity, especially incessant kidnappings bedevilling the state, wouldnt be as it is now. And so there is nothing wrong with Governor Uba Sani coming out to tell the citizens their situation: the state cannot pay salaries because out of its 10 billion share of the monthly dole outs, sadly, 7.5 billion goes into the payment of the debt of $587 million, 85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities it inherited from the government of Mr El-Rufai. Tragically, one of his sons, firing from all cylinders, instead of denting Uba Sani, ended up further soiling his fathers reputation. He claimed that the governor had deflected from his responsibilities and abandoned his duty as governor. These guys have realised that they are wholly incompetent and the only way to mask the nonsense is to deflect. From a governor who is always sleeping in Abuja to a litany of incompetent aides who were only rewarded for foolish political reasons, he vituperated. By accusing the governor of being incompetent and surrounded by incompetent aides, El-Rufais son is only pointing at his father for picking and handing over to an incompetent lackey as well as foisting incompetent aides on it, right from the deputy governor down. Many outgoing governors, or even presidents, go to extreme lengths to produce their successors, not necessarily because they are thinking of the continuation of any good work they are doing; they just to ensure that their flagrant abuse of the peoples trust is buried, at least for the time being. Now the people of Kaduna will feel the impact of the negative acts of selfish leadership. Many of them allowed themselves to be used, thinking they were fighting for Islam, while the Chief Jihadist was empowering himself, his family and friends. It is on record that some far-sighted senators who fought to stop the loan were denied return tickets, to the accolades of those now feeling the heat. Even when the then-governor boasted that he had done more than the Sardauna who did what he did without collecting loans, the same characters were nodding their empty heads like agama lizards. And now a lot of these gullible empty-heads are thinking of such a character as president! But this development, hopefully, will further entrench democracy in the country, as well as probity and accountability in governance. As long as leaders do not work with the fear of God, good intentions and the welfare of their people in mind, they will be having altercations with their anointed, even if they are their biological children. Hassan Gimba is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Neptune Prime. Related A man identified as Ebuka Nwaneri, has allegedly been beaten to death by a hotel owner and military personnel in Imo State, according to a report by TheCable. The man was reportedly beaten to death over a missing phone in the Umulogho community of Obowo LGA, Imo.. Sources said Nwaneri, a staff of the hotel, was accused of stealing the phone belonging to the military personnel who was a guest at the facility. Nwaneri was reportedly tortured and locked up in the hotels powerhouse where he died. The incident has led to a protest in the community as youths demanded justice for the late Nwaneri. The angry youths have threatened to bring the hotel down if those responsible for the deceaseds death were not apprehended. Meanwhile, Henry Okoye, police spokesperson in Imo, said the matter is being investigated. Aboki Danjuma, commissioner of police has directed the commands complaint response unit (CRU) domicile under the office of the PPRO to carry out a comprehensive investigation into this allegation and ensure that justice is served, Okoye said in a statement. Consequently, the victim is encouraged to contact the office of the commands public relations department via 08148024755 and assist in identifying the alleged officers. The Command under the leadership of CP Aboki Danjuma is highly committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability while discharging its lawful duties and will not condone any form of extortion or unprofessionalism by any of its personnel. The police have also arrested some youths as a result of the protest. In a statement, Chinagorom Cyriacus, president of the Umulogho Youth Assembly, called for peace while assuring that those arrested would be released. The leadership of Umulogho Youth Assembly has condemned in totality whatever led to the murder of Nwanneri Ebuka, an indigene of Umulogho who works at the hotel, the statement reads. We also want to assure the good people of Umulogho that the perpetrators of this inhuman act must be brought to book at all means. We want to urge all the youths to stay calm and not take laws into their hands. The leadership of the Umulogho autonomous community at all levels are working so hard to arrest the situation especially the ongoing massive arrest by the military. We finally urge the Nwaneri family especially Mr Udomba family to take heart while looking forward to securing justice for our late brother. On Sunday, Aloy Ejimakor, the Lead Counsel representing Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), elucidated why he holds the belief that the Biafra agitator cannot receive a fair trial. Ejimakor explained with Kanu cant get a fair trial while he is detained by the Department of State Services, DSS. He noted that a defendant cant get fair trial if there is no equality of arms between him and the prosecutor. Posting on X, Ejimakor wrote: A defendant can never have a #FairTrial if there is no EQUALITY OF ARMS between him & the prosecutor. The truth is that this equality of arms will never happen whilst #MNK is detained at the DSS. Kanu has been in the custody of the DSS since 2021, when he was arrested in Kenya and forcefully brought back to Nigeria to continue his trial. He was first arrested in 2015, in Lagos, shortly after he entered Nigeria on a visit and was later arraigned in 2016, alongside four others on offences bordering on treason. However, the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, of the Abuja Federal High Court in 2017, admitted him to bail in the sum of N100 million and three sureties in like sum on health grounds to enable him prepare adequately for his trial. The bail was however revoked in 2019 and a warrant of arrest issued against him, for jumping bail in late 2019 and abandoning his trial. But Kanu has maintained that he did not jump bail but fled the country for his life after soldiers allegedly attacked his familys home in Abia State, killing several persons in the process. Although, Justice Nyako had at the resumed trial struck out eight out of the 15 counts in the amended charge filed against him by the Federal Government, she however refused to admit Kanu to another bail. File photo used only for illustrative purpose No less than nine persons are now feared dead, and numerous others sustained injuries during a stampede that reportedly broke out at the residence of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko while distributing Sallah palliatives. However, there was no official confirmation from the relevant security agencies as they all kept mute on the development. The incident was alleged to have occurred on Thursdays night. Among the dead is said to be a volunteer operative with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) identified as Fatima Bala. A colleague of the deceased operative who spoke on condition of anonymity said she was attached to the Gawon Nama office of the agency. We lost her while rescuing a small boy caught off in the stampede. She rescued the boy but eventually lost her life because the crowd was unprecedented, the source said. Similarly, another officer who confirmed the incident told our reporter that, the deceased was no more with them but had gone to the area to visit a friend. She was once our volunteer staff. Our investigation revealed that, she was in the area to visit a friend. Unfortunately she was among the people that lost their lives during the stampede, he said Both the spokesmen of the Sokoto states commands of NSCDC and the police have declined comment on the matter. Meanwhile, the main opposition party in the state, People Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the police to investigate the matter to forestall its future reoccurrence. Sources at the Sokoto Specialist Hospital confirmed to our reporter that some of the victims were brought for treatment. A herdsman (File photo) Northern youths under the aegis of Coalition of Northern Group (CNG), has issued a 30-day ultimatum to President Muhammadu Buhari, to implement the Ruga policy across the country, warning that the group will resort to a line of action after the ultimatum. Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, CNG spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman with the full complement of the leaders of the coalitions, came hard on Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, accusing him of retracting and disassociating himself from the policy and apparently been obsessed by curious ethnic tendencies and haste to reassure his tribal lords. The group did not also spare former President Olusegun Obasanjo, southern governors, former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Femi Fani Kayode among many others for opposing the policy, just as they accused President Buhari administration of twisting and wobbling deceitfully around the visibly-stewing security situation in northern Nigeria especially the herders- farmers conflict. The concluding part of the communique read after several hours deliberation, read: While we warn all state governors that stand against the implementation of the Ruga initiative to desist and give peace a chance, we place President Buhari and the Federal government on notice that they must act to halt and completely stop this raging madness within 30 days beginning from today, Wednesday, July 3, 2019. The Nigerian security agencies are also placed on notice to check and bring under control the current unbridled inflammatory remarks by the southern leaders, in the same manner, they swiftly coined a tag of hate speech around the Kaduna Declaration. We warn the elders, political and religious leaders of southern Nigeria to urgently halt the inciting remarks that provoke hate against the North, keeping in mind that no single person or group has the sole monopoly of unguarded remarks that instigate hatred. For the avoidance of doubt, we advise the federal authorities and the southern leaders to heed the 30-day notice failing which we would most definitely be left with no option than to consider resorting to our decisive line of action, the group warned. Highlighting the observations that helped the group arrive at the conclusion, the spokesperson of the group said: For too long, enemies of the North both foreign and local have worked strenuously to ensure that the region remains backward, divided, weak, confused and bewildered by myriads of challenges and problems so it cannot survive long in the event of a breakup. This conspiracy has been perpetrated with the active connivance of some leaders from the North, accommodated by the cowardice of those that present themselves as northern political leaders today and feed on the negligence and insincerely of the federal authorities. Throughout the last four years, the administration of President Buhari has twisted and wobbled deceitfully around the visibly stewing security situation in northern Nigeria especially the herders and farmers conflict. The administration had proposed several conflicting and ill-designed approaches to the issue which was apparently only meant to buy time and never to be implemented. As evidence of an agenda that has its root and pattern in history, the latest approach similar to the ones operated by the Taraba and Benue state governments that aim to curb the movement of the herders and forestall further clashes with farmers were inadvertently interpreted in ethnic terms by southern Nigerian jingoists in high places. Instructively, Yemi Osinbajo, apparently obsessed by curious ethnic tendencies, and in a haste to reassure his tribal lords, quickly retracted by dissociating himself from the Ruga resettlement initiative announced by a government he is part of. Thus the proposal, whether by error or by design, provided the southern leaders the excuse to set their dogs of war against the Fulani communities domiciled in, or simply passing through, or grazing in the southern bushes. The stage for this scenario was systematically set by one-time President Obasanjo who, previously, flew the false kite of the existence of an agenda for the Fulanisation and Islamisation of the country which was immediately orchestrated by the cultural and political leaderships of the three zones that constitute the defunct southern region. Trouble-shooters like Femi Fani Kayode and his ilk typically saw it as an opportunity for the venting of their accumulated frustration and pent-up tribal and religious jealousies by inciting the southern people to arms for the ongoing carnage and mayhem against the Fulani. This was encouraged by the persistent hate-filled utterances by various shades of southern leaders and fuelled by the equally venomous sermons by their priests. The cleansing operation also derives inspiration and support from the damning remarks of their state governors who also emphatically denounce and reject every effort to share space with fellow Nigerian citizens of northern extraction. Yet neither Buharis presidency nor our northern leaders could have the courage to see any element of hate in the war tunes constantly sounded and danced to by these warmongering southern elites the way they were quick to coin the phrase hate speech against us barely two years ago, the group quipped. Speaking further, the group said: Having come this far, we restate our emphatic repudiation of the vilification of one ethnic and religious group or the other for whatever reason or justification and deem the targeting of the entire Fulani race for vilification, systematic dehumanisation, profiling, alienation or any action that will render them object of attack and persecution, not only immoral and illegal, but also abhorrent to our sensibilities and ordinary decency. Accordingly, we remind the nation that so long as the Fulani would not be allowed to enjoy their citizens right of living and flourishing in any part of this country including the South, no one should also expect us to allow any southerner to enjoy the same in northern Nigeria. We find it odd that some northern political merchants who could not rise to condemn what is happening to their kith and kins and do not deserve to be taken seriously, were busy going round in a bid to sell the conscience of the northerner to Bola Tinubu by shamelessly waging a campaign for a fraudulent shift of power to the South-West in 2019, the group noted. President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with Reuben Fasoranti, the Chairman of Afenifere, over the death of his daughter, Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, who was killed on Friday. Mrs. Olakunrin, 58, was reportedly killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen as she was heading to Ore Junction from Akure, Ondo State, when she was attacked and shot dead. However, the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, in a post on facebook said: President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, whose daughter, Mrs Funke Olakunrin was killed along Ondo-Ore road by those described as armed robbers by Ondo Police Command. He prays God to give Pa Fasoranti fortitude to bear the loss. The spokesperson for Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin had earlier, in a statement, said the killing of Mrs. Olakunrin was a declaration of war on Yoruba people. Whether deliberately or intentionally, this is clearly a declaration of war on the Yoruba. They shall hear from the Yoruba nation, he said. Giving details of the attack, Odumakin said: Yes. Mrs Funke Olakunrin, 58 years old, daughter of leader of Afenifere was coming from Akure this morning (Friday) to Lagos. When she got to Ore, shortly as she was to hit the express, Fulani herdsmen emerged from the bush, started shooting at her car, maybe they wanted to kidnap her or not, shot at her car and she died from gunshot while her maid who was with her in the car sustained gunshot injury. President Muhammadu Buhari It is now over four years since Muhammadu Buhari was democratically elected as president of Nigeria and now in the first year of his second tenure. From North to South, East to West, all we hear in the news is about massacre by bandits, attacks by herdsmen, ambush by Boko Haram terrorists, VAT increase, blocked border, increase in price of rice, WAEC certificate in army custody, corrupt government officials, yahoo boys and xenophobic attacks on our brothers and sisters in South Africa. Indeed, Nigerians are dying. Barely 5 years ago, there was a glimmer of hope with millions going to the polls to vote for Buhari. As I write today, the streets of Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Plateau, Jigawa, Abia, Enugu, Rivers, Osun, Ekiti, Bayelsa and the rest are littered with regrets. Thats where we are today under President Muhammadu Buhari. Personally, I feel a large brunt of this disastrous episode playing out in Nigerias history. For instance, I earn above N100k monthly but it seems like the money is insignificant. Just spending on food, clothing, transportation and family issues alone renders the pocket impotent to perform its financial duties. At the end of the day, I am forced to engage in other necessary means to survive. Just think of the plight of a Nigerian who earns N18,000 monthly. What will be his/her fate? I can only imagine. The constant devaluation of the naira by the Central Bank of Nigeria has continued to diminish the currencys purchasing power that someone with over N100,000 cant make a fair living. Cheap articles we bought for N1000 some years back are now being sold at staggering amounts. The cost of living in Nigeria has doubled, if not tripled. The choice of Buhari as President was indeed a huge mistake that will continue to haunt us. The only people benefiting today are his aides/ministers/party members and all those individuals who hold one political position or the other irrespective of the party they belong. This group of people have immunity and are not affected by the tribulations being visited on the masses as a result of governments bad decisions. The Tinubus, Osibanjos, Gbajabiamilas, Lawans, Orji Kalus, Femi Adesinas, Magus, Gandujes, El-Rufais, Ikpeazus, Aregbesholas, Emefieles etc do not feel a pinch of the suffering the poor masses are passing through daily because they have more than enough millions to go round five generations. These people do not know what Nigerians are passing through under Buharis administration or maybe they know but do not just care because they do not go the filling stations to buy fuel; they dont go to the market to buy food; they do not know any damn thing happening in the country because they have attendants stuffed with millions to run errands for them. When I think about the condition of things in Nigeria, it reminds me of my friend who openly condemns Big Brother Naija reality show as being profane, but secretly watches the show with unequaled passion. While Buhari supporters openly shout sai baba, secretly in their homes, they have not seen light for six days and counting. Some, their children are starving for days and cant go to school because of no money to pay for their school fees. Yet, they are ready to take N1000 to dance through the streets of Abuja shouting sai baba. It is this type of hypocrisy that has brought us this ugly far. We have refused to speak truth to our leaders. Sycophants who serve as advisers have refused to tell Buhari that things have fallen apart. While Buhari picks his teeth after a sumptuous meal in the comfort of his Aso Villa, the war against Boko Haram wages on with soldiers losing their lives almost on a daily basis. Yet, the government has continued to popularize the obvious falsehood that the terrorists have been defeated. Just two weeks ago, over 5 soldiers were brutally killed and 30 missing after Boko Haram terrorists attacked a military base in Borno state . This is just one out of such several attacks that has taken place since the beginning of this year alone. While Nigerians are suffocating under Buharis administration, the government instead of lessening the burden on the poor masses, has cooked up a horrendous plan to increase Value Added Tax from 5% to 7.2%. The implication of this new development is that prices of goods and services will skyrocket and the new minimum wage yet to be implemented will be meaningless. When companies are charged 7.2% VAT, it doesnt affect them because they pass the burden to the final consumer ie Nigerians. At the end of the day, Nigerians will be forced to pay exorbitant amounts for goods and services they buy. The government of Buhari has consistently brought up ill-conceived ideas that only bring suffering to the poor masses who will turn helplessly in their beds instead of protesting in the streets. It is still this same falsehood that Buhari sold to Nigerians when he increased petrol price while lying that the increase was necessary because he has removed fuel subsidy. It was later revealed by the Senate that Nigeria still pays billions of naira in subsidy. Not done yet, the Central Bank of Nigeria has re-introduced charges on bank deposits and withdrawals. Also, bank customers who use Point of Sale transactions (PoS) will now pay more following CBNs directive ordering banks to begin charging N50 stamp duty on individual transactions. This is as Nigerians have since been complaining of excessive charges by banks. Instead of stopping banks from placing arbitrary charges on Nigerians, it seems like the CBN is partnering with the banks to fleece Nigerians. I have personally noticed that Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) charges me N50 on any transaction to another bank and N2.50 as VAT whenever I use my mobile app to transfer money. When Nigerians like Omoyele Sowore tries to challenge the status quo and make the government realize that it is straying from the right path, the government wastes no time in calling him a terrorist and locking him away for weeks while life continues. The Nigerian Army, DSS and the police have become tools in the hands of President Buhari to harass, kill and silence any voice of dissent. The NY TIMES in 2018 shared a frightening video of Nigerian soldiers murdering unarmed Shiites in cold-blood in Abuja during a protest. The cowardly DSS and Police have on numerous occasions been used by the government to stop peaceful protests contravening section 39, 40 of the 1999 constitution . The question on the lips of Nigerians is: how did we get here? As bandits, Herdsmen and Boko Haram terrorists continue to lay siege in the north, the governments failure to re-strategize at a time soldiers are now becoming informants of kidnappers and stealing bullion van containing millions of naira, shows Buharis lack of wit and gross incompetence. The reshuffling of security chiefs is long overdue and it takes no seer to predict that Buharis boast that he will end Boko haram was just another mouth-whining balderdash. This is the reason why crime rate in Nigeria has tripled and places in the North known for religious piety have embraced crime with open arms. Herdsmen have now embraced kidnapping as the easy way out of poverty. Bandits are now rustling cattle, invading villages, raping and killing people and leaving mayhem in its wake. It is bloodshed in my beloved country and no one knows when all these will end. While Buhari junkets from one country to the other, one thing we are certain is that: Buhari does not care. These things do not give him sleepless nights or else he would have taken a proactive action. He would have shown action instead of staying in the comfort of Aso villa issuing deadpan statements. This is not what Nigerians begged for when they elected Buhari to be their president. Like every other politician, Buhari has shown that he is not different from the lot. For the average Nigerian man, the struggle continues. Alexander Thandi Ubani writes from Lagos. Hes an editor at Tori.ng A man identified as Thomas Kimeu Mulwa has been disarmed after he deflated a Catholic priests car tyres, alleging that he caught the clergyman with his wife in his matrimonial home in Kathonzweni, Makueni County, Kenya. According to reports, the man who is a licensed firearm holder, arrived at his house in aroune 2 am on Thursday morning and knocked on his door but there was not response from his wife, Susan Kivuva. Mulwa said he found a strange vehicle parked in his compound and on inquiring about its ownership, one of his servants told him it belonged to Father Wesonga Maloba of Gatundu Parish. The angry licenced firearm holder took out his gun and deflated the tires of the vehicle after his wife refused to let him in. When the scene was visited by police from Kathonzweni, Mulwa alleged that his wife Susan Kivuva was sleeping with Father Wesonga Maloba that is why she outrightly declined to open the door. He knocked on the door but there was no response. He was told by his servant that the vehicle belonged to a Catholic priestIn the process, he fired four rounds of 9mm deflating the four tyres, alleging that the priest was sleeping with his wife, the police report is quoted. The police reports indicate that the firearm was repossessed with 13 live ammunition after the officers visited the scene. The scene was visited by National Police Service officers from Kathonzweni sub-county. The firearm, make Ceska, has been repossessed with two empty magazines and 13 live ammunition, said police. Meanwhile, KanyiDaily recalls that a 68-year-old retired American teacher, Kathy Coll, sued a Nigerian Catholic Priest, Fr. Cyprian Duru, for allegedly raping her. Coll in a legal suit, detailed how Duru stopped by her home on the pretence of giving her a Christmas card and allegedly raped her. Kaduna State University (KASU) has expelled about 80 students accused of engaging in various forms of examination malpractices during the 2018/2019 academic session. The Coordinator of the Kafanchan campus of the institution, Prof Ahmed Ahmed, stated this on Wednesday during the 2019/2020 matriculation ceremony for new students in Kafanchan. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the matriculation of new students was done simultaneously in the Kaduna and Kafanchan campuses of the institution. Mr Ahmed noted that out of the 80 students expelled, 10 were from the Kafanchan campus. He described the development as sad, considering the stiff competition for admission into the institution. Ahmed said: With the increase in students population over the years, comes serious challenges, the most disturbing being the issue of examination malpractices. In the 2018/2019 session alone, about 80 students were expelled from the university for various examination misconducts; of this number, 10 came from the Kafanchan campus. This development is sad, given the stiff competition students have had to face in gaining admission into the institution. He also stated that the university was grappling with the menace of cultism as well as use of illicit drugs and banned substances, among others, adding that the institution had zero tolerance for such vices. As you take your oath this morning, I want to remind you that KASU has zero tolerance for all the vices mentioned earlier and you should steer clear of them. Face your studies, because that is what you are here for, and I wish you the best in your studies,he said. Also speaking, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Yohanna Tella, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Muhammad Tanko, said a total of 4,650 students were formally admitted at the ceremony, with 700 of them in Kafanchan Campus. Mr Tella enjoined the new students to make the most of the opportunity to study in the university, by being dedicated to their academic pursuit. You should count yourselves lucky to be among those admitted out of the thousands who applied to be here. We expect you to contribute your own quota towards the growth of this university by being dedicated to your studies and by maintaining law and order,he said. Mr Tella, however, identified inadequate facilities as one of the major challenges facing the university. He commended the state government for releasing funds to keep the institution running. ALSO READ: School Makes Students Wear Cardboard Boxes To Prevent Exam Malpractice [Photos] A Federal High Court Lagos has adjourned until March 7, for adoption of final addresses in the trial of former acting Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Calistus Obi, charged with N136 million fraud. On the next adjourned date, parties will adopt their addresses, while the court is expected to deliver judgment afterwards. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had preferred an eight-count charge against Obi, who was a former Executive Director, and later D-G of the Agency He was charged alongside one Alu Dismas, who was aide to a former D-G of NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi. The accused had each pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bails in the sum of five million Naira each, with sureties in like sums. The case could not be heard as earlier scheduled on the resumed date, and a new hearing date was consequently issued to parties. The EFCC had closed the case for the prosecution on Jan. 31, 2017. But the defendant had opted to file a no-case submission in its defence condensing that the prosecution failed to establish a case against him. In a ruling delivered on Feb. 21, 2017, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun had however, dismissed the no-case submission, on the ground that the defendant had a case to answer. She had then ordered the defence to open its case. The defence closed its case in October 2018 and the court had then adjourned for adoption of final addresses. In the charge, the accused were alleged to have committed the offences on Aug. 5, 2014. According to the EFCC, they allegedly conspired to convert the sums of money from the coffers of NIMASA, with knowledge that same were proceeds of stealing. The offences contravenes the provisions of Sections 15 and 18(a) of the Money Laundering Prohibitions (Amendment) Act, 2012. The Founder of the National Interest Movement (NIM), Dr. Abu Sakara Foster, has shared his views on alliance with John Alan Kyerematens Movement for Change (M4C) stating that the announcement of their collaboration was premature. Dr. Abu Sakara stated that the premature release of the press statement was prompted by uncontrollable circumstances that needed to be addressed promptly to prevent the perpetrators from shaping the narrative of the Alliance unfavourably. He further emphasized that leaving the narrative unaddressed could have resulted in undesired outcomes for their movement. It is to be expected that any attempt to forge a credible alternative based on mergers of entities with institutional structures and credible leaders will be resisted and sabotaged from within and without. The duopoly are not afraid of those playing wanna be Presidential candidates, they see them as talking heads without legs. Alan Kyerematen, founder and Independent Candidate for the Movement for Change announced a strategic partnership with the NIM on Thursday, April 4. This collaboration is said to operate under the banner The Alliance for Revolutionary Change (ARC). In the statement, Mr. Kyeremanten outlined the objectives of the Alliance, which is slated for official launch on Wednesday, April 17. The primary goal of the ARC is to rally Ghanaians from diverse backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on engaging the youth and women, in order to elect the first independent candidate as President of Ghana. In a statement, Dr. Abu Sakara indicated that in the coming week, they would provide details of the Alliance and a full list of the members that make up the alliance partners. We have talked to many people and entities that are willing to join the Alliance once we launch it. Others are still in the process of their internal consultations and will join later when they have taken their decisions and announced it to their members. The alliance has therefore been structured to leave room for growth as more members join. There are clear guidelines and conditions for entities and individuals that want to join the Alliance, this is to ensure that certain minimum criteria are met, he added. According to Dr. Sakara, the leadership of NIM had been fully aware of its role in the initiative for months and had participated in several meetings to reach this point. Now that the foundation is laid for the Alliance we shall reach out to our associate members and sister organizations to join us in this grand alliance for the transformation of Ghana. This Alliance will bring renewed hope to many Ghanaians that had almost given up on having any credible alternative with candidates of substance in the 2024 elections. The Alliance has several personalities of substance and renown that can partner Alan Kyerematen on the Presidency slate. Who that will be is not the focus of our attention at this time. For now we want to introduce Ghanaians to the Alliance, its purpose, immediate objectives and prospects for the 2024 general election, he stated. The NIM Founder said they also wanted to assess the Alliances potential added value to the options available in Ghana for now and the foreseeable future. READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW Sakara Speaks on Alliance. A statement released by M4C announced the conclusion of an agreement that will form the basis of the Alliance championed by M4C in partnership with the National Interest Movement. It stressed that other entities were an integral part of this Alliance, and details will be given in a proper press release next week pending the launch of the Alliance on April 17th. This premature press statement was occasioned by factors beyond our control that had to be curbed before the perpetrators pursued their own narrative of the Alliance. Left alone the narrative may have not ended favourably for us. It is to be expected that any attempt to forge a credible alternative based on mergers of entities with institutional structures and credible leaders will be resisted and sabotaged from within and without. The duopoly are not afraid of those playing wanna be Presidential candidates, they see them as talking heads without legs. In the coming week, we will provide you with details of the Alliance and a full list of the members that make up the alliance partners. We have talked to many people and entities that are willing to join the Alliance once we launch it. Others are still in the process of their internal consultations and will join later when they have taken their decisions and announced it to their members. The alliance has therefore been structured to leave room for growth as more members join. There are clear guidelines and conditions for entities and individuals that want to join the Alliance, this is to ensure that certain minimum criteria are met. The leadership of NIM have been fully aware of NIMs role in this initiative for months and have participated in a number of meetings to reach this point. Now that the foundation is laid for the Alliance we shall reach out to our associate members and sister organizations to join us in this grand alliance for the transformation of Ghana. This Alliance will bring renewed hope to many Ghanaians that had almost given up on having any credible alternative with candidates of substance in the 2024 elections. The Alliance has several personalities of substance and renown that can partner Alan Kyerematen on the Presidency slate. Who that will be?, is not the focus of our attention at this time. For now we want to introduce Ghanaians to the Alliance, its purpose, immediate objectives and prospects for the 2024 general election. We also want to assess the Alliances potential added value to the options available in Ghana for now and the foreseeable future. Thank you for your kind support and your continued belief that there is hope. Nil Despradum (Never give up hope). La luche continua has la victoria! (the struggle continues until victory is achieved). Dr Abu Sakara Foster Founder National Interest Movement 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 President for the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Ghana branch, Professor Ransford Gyampo has impressed upon President Nana Akufo-Addo to make the KPMG/SML report in his possession public. President Akufo-Addo has been handed the KPMG audit report regarding the revenue mobilization contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd (SML). The report was delivered to him on Wednesday, March 27, as announced in a Facebook post by Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications at the Presidency, on Wednesday, April 3. "The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Wednesday, 27th March 2024, received from KPMG its report on the audit conducted, at the behest of the President, on the transactions between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML). President Akufo-Addo is studying the findings of the audit report, and will, in due course, make his decisions known to the Ghanaian people", he posted. But critics have raised issues with the President's silence over the report, particularly why he failed to inform Ghanaians after receiving it. Speaking in an interview on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", Prof. Ransford Gyampo told host Nana Yaw Kesseh that "the President will be allowed to study the report in perpetuity" and that he should hasten to tell Ghanaians what it entails. "The President should understand that Ghanaians have a keen interest in this matter. Even if they forget, some of us will resurrect and remind them just for the purposes of keeping them on their toes that they should make the content of the report public and any person who is guilty should be punished", he cautioned. He also warned the President about the implications of his failure to declare the contents of the report. "President Akufo-Addo must be interested in thinking about the legacy that he will be leaving as President for his own party that has the quest to break the eight", Prof. Gyampo advised. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, which is nestled just steps from the sea on Phukets sunset coast, has continued to give back to the local community with an important initiative that will help hospital patients and underprivileged children to get a great nights sleep. The resort has teamed up with four caring organizations to provide 900 soft, comfy pillows to those in need. In partnership with Patong Hospital, the only public medical and healthcare facility in the town, a donation of 300 pillows will offer additional comfort to patients and their relatives when they require overnight stays. The remaining 600 pillows were evenly distributed between three highly worthwhile childrens charities. Two hundred pillows were donated to Child-Watch Phuket Foundation, which supports orphaned and homeless children, including those whose parents have been imprisoned, while a further 200 were delivered to the Phuket Special Education Center, which helps young people with learning and physical disabilities. The final 200 pillows were presented to SOS Childrens Villages Thailand, which supports kids who have lost their parents or relatives. Daryn Hudson, General Manager, Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, said: We are delighted to be able to give back to our local community by providing comfort and assistance to those in need. Through Marriott Internationals Serve 360 initiative, we are fully committed to making a positive impact in every direction and raising the quality of life for people in our destination. This pillow donation is the latest example of our strategy in action. We will continue to partner with like-minded organizations to positively impact disadvantaged people including children in Phuket in future. For more information about Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, please call 076 645 999 or visit www.fourpointsphuketpatong.com. For Thai customers, please visit our Thai website at www.th.fourpointsphuketpatong.com. AAG Development, an expert developer for over 30 years, and Bangkok Hospital Group Phuket Province have launched Naturale Phuket Private Pool Villas Care Connect, exclusive homes integrated with holistic health service in a prime location of Phuket on Soi Cherngtalay 1 near Bang Tao Beach. The luxury homes promote good health in every aspect, including design and materials for residents to live healthy. Under the concept of A Symphony of Luxury and Nature, the villas are designed for modern tropical resort living, suiting families across all generations. Universal Design principles tailor each detail to the needs of residents. Families of all ages can enjoy homes that help them stay well and live longer. Healthy materials protect from illness in a layout designed to prevent accidents. Fresh air and green surroundings with mountain views boost health and well-being. The partnership with Bangkok Hospital Group Phuket Province integrates innovative new services into villas to enhance healthcare. Care Connect lets residents directly contact expert hospital teams for general advice or support for ongoing needs. Home-based equipment enables initial checkups direct from Naturale Phuket Private Pool Villas. Residents can get an ambulance in an emergency with a 24-hour service center for their peace of mind. Bangkok Hospital Group Phuket Province is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and part of BDMS, Thailands largest network of private hospitals. The collaboration involves Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Bangkok Hospital Siriroj, Dibuk Hospital, and BDMS-Laguna Wellness Phuket. Dr. Lalita Kongseeha, Director of Bangkok Hospital Phuket, said: The expert hospital and medical services group is joining forces for the first time with the leading real estate developer, AAG Development, to provide unique services seamlessly integrated with homes. The group will provide holistic health services to the residents of Naturale Phuket Private Pool Villas. Specialized doctors and multidisciplinary teams will support residents with services from preventative healthcare to treatment for complex diseases under the supervision of the Center of Excellences. ARTEMES Health and Beauty Destination Phuket, an outstanding health and beauty center, will provide comprehensive health and beauty care. A mother and child center with specialist doctors will also assist residents. Care Connect, exclusive to Naturale Phuket Private Pool Villas, will provide peace of mind and promote healthy lifestyles and well-being. The integrated service will help residents live healthily, consult with health experts, monitor ongoing conditions, and get initial checkups from home systems at any time of day, linking to the hospital just as if they had the doctors right by them. Mr. Wirote Chongsujipan, CEO of AAG Development, said: Naturale Phuket Private Pool Villas meets the needs of residents in every dimension including sustainable health. Im delighted that the Bangkok Hospital Group Phuket Province is joining us to create safe and healthy family homes that boost wellness through design, materials, and integrated medical technology and innovations. Naturale Phuket Private Pool Villas are Phukets first and only homes with health services directly connected to Bangkok Hospital Group Phuket Province for safe living and peace of mind for all the family. The villas, with 3 or 4 bedrooms, are in the mountainside near Bang Tao beach. They are at once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a property that benefits you and your family and offers investment value. Prices for villas in Phase 1 start at 27.6 million baht. The collaboration is a key step for Phuket as a global wellness destination. Naturale Phuket Private Pool Villas is boosting family health and well-being for the first time by offering modern health services with easy access to care from Bangkok Hospital Group Phuket Province. Experience safe and healthy living with Care Connect services at the Naturale Phuket Private Pool Villas show unit on Soi Cherngtalay 1 every day. Call 080 959 7979 or find out more at www.naturalephuket.com 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: This image captures the moon passing in front of the sun during an eclipse on Jan. 30, 2014, seen in space by NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory. Credit: NASA/SDO As the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, draws closer, a vibrant community of enthusiastic amateur radio operators, known as "hams," is gearing up for an exciting project with the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) group. Our goal is clear and ambitious: to use the moon's shadow as a natural laboratory to uncover the intricacies of the ionosphere, a layer of Earth's atmosphere crucial for radio communication. This rare event offers an unmatched opportunity to observe the ionosphere's response to the temporary absence of solar radiation during the eclipse. HamSCI, a collective of citizen scientists and professional researchers, plans to seize this opportunity by conducting radio experiments across North America. Our mission centers on two main activities: the Solar Eclipse QSO Party (SEQP) and the Gladstone Signal Spotting Challenge. For the SEQP, amateur radio operators across the continent will aim to establish as many radio contacts (called QSOs) as possible before, during, and after the eclipse, creating a lively scene filled with radio signals. This effort will generate a vast network of observations on radio wave behavior under the eclipse's unique conditions. The SEQP, a competitive yet friendly event, encourages wide participation and adds an element of excitement. The Gladstone Signal Spotting Challenge, named in honor of ham radio operator Philip Gladstone for his significant contributions to radio science, adopts a focused approach. Participants will use special equipment to monitor select radio frequencies, aiding in our observation of the ionosphere's reaction to the eclipse. This crucial aspect of our project validates scientific models of the ionosphere and enriches our understanding of its interaction with solar radiation. Amateur radio enthusiasts of all backgrounds and skill levels are invited to join these events, united by a shared enthusiasm for scientific exploration and a collective curiosity about the upper atmosphere. Through the support of the amateur radio community, HamSCI demonstrates the profound impact of citizen science in contributing to our scientific knowledge. As the eclipse ends, our analytical work begins. We will delve into the collected data, interpret it, and publish our findings. These efforts are expected to significantly advance our understanding of the ionosphere and showcase the value of community involvement in scientific discovery. HamSCI is an organization that aims to inspire wonder and encourage people to participate in scientific discovery. The community of citizen scientists associated with HamSCI believe that the seamless fusion of science and amateur radio is an excellent example of what can be achieved when people come together, driven by curiosity and a passion for exploration. Provided by NASA 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: People preparing to watch Monday's total eclipse of the sun need to protect their vision during the event, eye doctors say. Powerful ultraviolet rays can do permanent damage to the eyes if people look directly at the sun as the moon is sliding into place before it, said Starr Schroeder, an emergency department nurse at Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center. Special solar viewing glasses are required to watch the solar eclipse progress, Schroeder said. "At no point during a partial eclipse is it safe to look at the sun without special eye protection," Schroeder said in a Penn State news release. "Not even the darkest sunglasses are safe." Observing a solar eclipse without proper protection can damage both the cornea and the retina, said Dr. Ajay Soni, a pediatric ophthalmologist at Penn State Health Children's Lancaster Pediatric Center. One potential condition is photo-keratitis, which is damage to the cornea from UV rays. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped covering at the front of the eye. "It's a sunburn on the cornea, and is quite painful because the cornea is so sensitive," Soni said. Soni added that patients typically recover on their own within a few days. A more serious risk is solar retinopathy, which can cause permanent eye damage. There's no pain associated with solar retinopathy, which causes scarring on the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye that perceives and transmits visual signals to the brain. Symptoms can include loss of central vision, blind spots, problems seeing colors, distorted vision or seeing wavy lines. There's no cure for solar retinopathy. Vision might recover during the hours and months following the injury, but there's often some degree of permanent impairment, Soni noted. Soni and Schroeder stress that the only way to observe a partial eclipse safely is through eclipse glasses rated as ISO 12312-2 compliant. "These filters are at least 1,000 times darker than regular sunglasses. They also offer more protection than welder's glasses," Soni said. Schroeder, who also serves as a solar system ambassador for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, has been handing out special NASA-approved solar viewing glasses to kids in the northwest corner of Pennsylvania. She plans to head back to her hometown in Indiana to watch the eclipse, and will hand out these eclipse glasses at a local YMCA ahead of the big event. Another way to safely view the partial eclipse is with a homemade pinhole projector, which keeps the sun behind the observer and projects an image of the eclipse onto a nearby surface, the experts said. Take two white paper plates and poke a tiny hole in the middle of one. Then, with your back to the sun, hold the hole-punched paper plate above your shoulder, allowing to sun to shine through the hole and over your shoulder. Hold the second paper plate in front of you, and you'll see projected an inverted image of the sun as it falls into eclipse. Soni noted that there will be a brief time when a full eclipse can be watched without eye protectionduring the total eclipse, when the moon completely covers the sun. That will last for about four and a half minutes, during which the afternoon will become night along the path of totality. "Once any part of the sun reappears, look away from it immediately and put your eclipse glasses back on before looking up at it again," Soni said. More information: The American Astronomical Society has more on safe solar viewers and filters for the eclipse. 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: A total solar eclipse April 8 will enter over Mexico's Pacific coast, dash up through Texas and Oklahoma, crisscross the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and New England, before exiting over eastern Canada into the Atlantic. Credit: AP Photo, File Clouds are likely to spoil the view of the total solar eclipse in Texas and other spots along the path in North America, according to forecasts on Saturday, Meteorologists this weekend are fine-tuning their predictions ahead of Monday's eclipse as spectators try to scope out the best places to watch the moon block out the sun for a few minutes. "Most of Texas doesn't look that great for seeing the eclipse," National Weather Service meteorologist Bob Oravec said Saturday. The best bet for clear skies: northern New England into Canada. Rebecca Aman traveled from Chicago to Dallas, figuring that Texas had the best odds for seeing the eclipse. "I'm definitely nervous," Aman said. But she's trying "to enjoy the weekend as a whole, and keep a positive spirit." The weather service is posting eclipse updates through the weekend What other spots might see clouds? Clouds could also block the view in parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York, the weather service's latest forecast shows There could be a clear patch from northern Arkansas to central Indiana, but there's still a lot of uncertainty about that section, Oravec said. "If you're going to get clouds, hope to get high clouds," Oravec said. "Higher clouds are betteryou can see through them." Oravec himself made reservations for three three spots: He's ditched Texas and Rochester, New York, and has opted to travel to Indianapolis from his home in Maryland. The weather service is warning that severe thunderstorms Monday evening and Tuesday in the Southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley would make travel difficult after the eclipse. The path of total darkness stretches from Mexico and Texas through Maine and parts of Canada. How do I safely view the solar eclipse? If clouds don't get in the way, viewers in the path wearing eclipse glasses will see the moon begin to slowly cover the sun until it is completely blocked, a period of darkness called totality, during which temperatures drop and the sun's corona will be visible. During totality when the sun is completely shrouded, it's fine to remove your glasses and look with your naked eyes. But before and after, certified eclipse glasses are essential to avoid eye damage. Cameras, binoculars and telescopes must be outfitted with special solar filters for safe viewing. How can I see the solar eclipse if it's cloudy or rained out? You can still watch the total solar eclipse online. Associated Press journalists will also bring live coverage of the eclipse from across the path, starting at 10 a.m. EDT with views from Mazatlan, Mexico, and other locations. NASA will stream telescope views of the sun and on NASA TV starting at 1 p.m. EDT. The Exploratorium museum, Time and Date and Slooh will also broadcast eclipse day views. 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: Photographs of neotype skulls for (a) Orcinus rectipinnus (USNM 594671) and (b) Orcinus ater (USNM 594672). Credit: Royal Society Open Science (2024). DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231368 More than 150 years ago, a San Francisco whaler noticed something about killer whales that scientists may be about to formally recognizeat least in name. Charles Melville Scammon submitted a manuscript to the Smithsonian in 1869 describing two species of killer whales inhabiting West Coast waters. Now a new paper published in Royal Society Open Science uses genetic, behavioral, morphological and acoustic data to argue that the orcas in the North Pacific known as residents and transients are different enough to be distinct species. They propose using the same scientific names Scammon is believed to have coined in the 19th century. Killer whales, found in all oceans, are currently considered one global species. The new proposed species would mark the first split of the ferocious apex predators, which, if approved, could have significant conservation and scientific implicationsin addition to furthering a decades-long quest to properly classify the whales. The two proposed species may look indistinguishable to the untrained eye, but there are subtle differences in their fins and markingsand many more unseen ones. They don't speak the same "language" or nosh on the same food. And they have no interest in hanging out with one another, despite often dwelling in the same waters. Most significantly, researchers say, their DNA shows clear distinction. Transientsalso called Bigg's killer whaleshunt seals and other marine mammals in small packs in expansive waters stretching from Southern California to the Arctic Circle. And they're not very chatty while they sneak up on preythey need to maintain stealth. They sport pointy, triangle-shaped dorsal fins with a solid white "saddle patch" behind it. Residents, meanwhile, stick to fishprimarily Chinook salmon. They love to gab and hang out with the family. In fact, most offspring stay with their mothers their entire lives. Because fish don't hear very well, they're free to chatter as they chow down. Residents hew closer to coastlines, from Central California to southeast Alaska, where salmon congregate. Their fins tend to curve back toward the tail and intrusions of black sometimes extend into their saddle patches. A third type of killer whale roams the Pacific, but less is known about it; these offshore whales live farther out and prey on sharks and other large fish. A recent study found evidence of another, previously unknown group in the open ocean. Taxonomy, the scientific discipline of naming and classifying animals, is how we break down critters into species. It's an intellectual exercise that has real-world consequences. "We're facing a global conservation crisis, losing species that we don't even know exist," said Phillip Morin, the new study's lead author and a marine mammal geneticist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Southwest Fisheries Science Center. If you think of killer whales as one speciesa big piethen killing some of them off here might not be a cause for concern, Morin said. But if you start parsing out species and subspeciesslices of the piethen it's suddenly possible to lose a unique, irreplaceable group. A portion of the fish-eating resident killer whalesknown as Southern Residentsis already listed as endangered in the U.S. and Canada. Salmon depletion from overfishing and habitat destruction has starved them, and only about 75 are left now. But if they're designated as part of a species, the International Union for Conservation of Nature will assess them (and transients) separately. Study co-author Thomas Jefferson, a marine mammal biologist, also with NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla, believes the residents would probably be categorized on the conservation union's Red List as threatened or endangered, possibly even critically endangered. About 20 years ago, when Morin first began his foray into the world of marine mammal genetics, he said there was agreement that the taxonomy of cetaceanswhich includes whales, dolphins and porpoiseswas "really poor." Classification of land animals is often done by measuring bones, but water dwellers are hard to collect and store. Researchers don't have extensive collections of whale skulls in museums from around the world, and it isn't necessarily ethical to acquire them. They needed other toolssuch as better genetics, drone recordings and satellite taggingwhich didn't exist yet. "The genetics has now finally come to the point where we can do this on a broad scale and get the kind of resolution and information that we didn't have," Morin said. Over two decades, researchers went from analyzing thousands to billions of base pairs of DNA from individual killer whales. The enhanced detail has allowed scientists to "look back through time," Morin said, and answer questions about which killer whale populations are closely relatedor notand when differences emerged. Based on their genetic analyses, Morin and his team estimate that transients diverged from other orcas between 200,000 and 300,000 years ago, while residents began to split off about 100,000 years ago. Only a small tissue sample is needed to analyze killer whale DNA to tell a big genetic story. "We can actually go out with a crossbow and collect a little teeny bit of tissue from a living whalejust shoot a little dart at it and collect a little bit of skin," Jefferson said. Of course, scientists in the 19th century dedicated to describing and categorizing whales didn't have access to this cutting-edge technology. Virtually nothing was known about marine mammals of the West Coast of North America in the mid-1800s, when Charles Melville Scammon, the whaler, began meticulously documenting and measuring cetaceans, Jefferson said. (Scammon bears no relation to Herman Melville, author of whale-centric "Moby Dick.") When Scammon's paper from 1869 describing a variety of cetaceans of the West Coast, including orcas, made it to the Smithsonian, he had "every reason to believe that his article would be well received," according to"Beyond the Lagoon," a biography of the seaman. He knew things no other zoologist did because of his proximity to the whales and keen eye. In a paper penned three years later, Scammon paints a vivid picture of killer whales, from their "beautifully smooth and glossy skin" to their "somewhat military aspect," even including drawings. He recounts a gruesome attack, seen in "Lower California," by a trio of killer whales on a gray whale and her baby. The orcas assaulted the pair for at least an hour, eventually killing the younger whale while exhausting the mother. "As soon as their prize had settled to the bottom, the trio band descended, bringing up large pieces of flesh in their mouths, which they devoured after coming to the surface," Scammon wrote. "While gorging themselves in this wise, the old whale made her escape, leaving a track of gory water behind." What Scammon didn't know was that his earlier manuscript would fall into the hands of Edward Drinker Cope, a naturalist who had a reputation for being overly ambitious and warring with colleagues for credit. Cope, secretary of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, slapped his own introduction on the paper with descriptions and Latin names of the orcas inhabiting the Northern Pacific. Because of rules governing the scientific naming of animals, Cope would forever be credited with the names believed to have been chosen by Scammon. Nevermind that Cope probably never saw a living killer whale. The paper also misidentified Scammon and gave him little credit. When the whaler saw it, he was furious, according to the biography. "It's a really, really strange and very weird and dramatic episode in the history of marine mammal biology, how these names came about," Jefferson said. Many of Scammon's observations turned out to be erroneous. Often he logged differences between male and female killer whales rather than differences between species, said Michael Milstein, a spokesperson for NOAA. But his inquiry set the stage for more rigorous research to come. Morin and his research team propose using the same Latin names from more than a century ago for the species they identified in their recent study. The researchers call transients Orcinus rectipinnus, noting that, in Latin, " recti means right or upright, and pinna means fin, feather, or wing, most likely referring to the tall erect dorsal fin of males." Residents, meanwhile, are labeled Orcinus ater. Ater means black or dark, according to the study, "which probably refers to the largely black color of this species." All killer whales are currently classified as Orcinus orca, a macabre nod to their vicious reputation. Some say Orcinus means "of the kingdom of the dead," a reference to Orcus, a Roman god of the underworld. There are also common, or informal names, to consider. The researchers suggest sticking with "Bigg's" for transients, honoring Michael Bigg, the father of modern-day orca research. The team plans to consult tribes who have a connection to the resident whales, including the Lummi Nation and Tulalip tribes of the Northwest, before settling on a common name, according to Milstein. "They decided not to try to rush it to match the paper, but to take the time to make sure it is done in a way that everyone understands and believes in," Milstein said. John Durban, an associate professor with Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute and co-author of the new study, said he supports using the name "Blackfish," which is used by some tribes in the Pacific Northwest. Complex rules govern the discipline of taxonomy, and typically a specimen must be designated as a reference point when it's first named. However, the original specimens studied by Scammon were destroyed or disappeared. According to Jefferson, one at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco was wiped out by the historic 1906 earthquake and subsequent fire. Another, believed to have been in Scammon's personal possession, can't be found. So the researchers found stand-ins at the Smithsonian. Whether the broader community of marine mammal biologists will accept the researchers' findingsand adopt Scammon's and Cope's nameswill soon be determined. The proposal is slated to go before a committee from the Society for Marine Mammalogy, which will vote in a few months on whether to greenlight designation of the species. Jefferson and another author of the new study sit on the committee and will recuse themselves from the vote. Even today, Scammon has to contend with detractors. Robert Pitman, a marine ecologist with Oregon State University who was not involved in the study, isn't "entirely happy" with the names put forth. The names were conceived "before science, by and large, especially biological science, had any rigor," Pitman said. "And then the descriptions that [Scammon] puts with those names are just so vague. I'm kind of doubtful that those names will stand." Names aside, he expects most marine mammalogists will be on board with the proposed species; many have suspected species-level differences among the well-studied whales of the Pacific Northwest. He said the case for splitting off the mammal-eating transients is particularly strong. The newly identified species are believed to be harbingers of more to come. Pitman, who has studied killer whales in Antarctica for over 10 years, said there's a similar divide between mammal- and fish-eating killer whales in those waters. There are five identified types, and Pitman thinks at least one will turn out to be a different species. Some look dramatically different. "And it'll probably be easier now that somebody's already made the first step in saying, "There's more than one species out there.'" More information: Phillip A. Morin et al, Revised taxonomy of eastern North Pacific killer whales ( Orcinus orca ): Bigg's and resident ecotypes deserve species status, Royal Society Open Science (2024). DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231368 Journal information: Royal Society Open Science 2024 Los Angeles Times. 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: Illustration of the effective light cones. Herein, we describe the interacting bosons by the Bose-Hubbard type Hamiltonian (1). We first consider how fast boson particles move to distant regions, as shown in Fig. 2. The light cone for the boson particle transport is proved to be almost linear up to logarithmic corrections (denoted by the blue shaded line), as shown in Result 1. Conversely, if we consider the propagation of the full information (see also Fig. 3), the speed can be much faster than the particle transport. The effective light cone is proved to be polynomial with time, and the exponent is equal to the space dimension D (denoted by the orange shaded line), where the mathematical form of the Lieb-Robinson bound is given in Result 2. We can explicitly construct a protocol to achieve the light cone using dynamics with time-dependent Bose-Hubbard type Hamiltonian. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46501-7 A new study by scientists from Japan explores the propagation of quantum information within interacting boson systems like Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs), revealing the potential for accelerated transmission unlike previously thought. Quantum many-body systems, like interacting boson systems, are fundamentally important as they find applications in various branches of physics. The propagation of information in quantum many-body systems is governed by the Lieb-Robinson bound. This quantifies how quickly information or changes propagate through a quantum system. When you make a change in one part of the system, the Lieb-Robinson bound describes the speed at which this change influences other parts of the system. In practical terms, it means that the effect of your initial change will spread outwards from its point of origin, affecting neighboring regions of the system. However, the Lieb-Robinson bound for interacting boson systems has long remained a challenge. The researchers, led by Dr. Tomotaka Kuwahara, the RIKEN Hakubi Team Leader at the RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing, address this challenge in their new Nature Communications study. Dr. Kuwahara explained the importance of their work to Phys.org, highlighting the importance of understanding quantum systems containing fundamental particles like bosons and fermions. "The boson systems have, in principle, no energy limit, which made the Lieb-Robinson bound in bosonic systems significantly challenging," he said. The Lieb-Robinson bound As mentioned earlier, the Lieb-Robinson bound provides a quantitative limit on how quickly correlations or influences can spread between spatially separated regions of a quantum system. What this means is that the propagation cannot be instantly everywhere and instead is limited to an effective light cone. Inspired by Einstein's theory of relativity, the light cone represents all points in space and time that a light signal emitted from an event can reach. This creates a double cone: one for the past and one for the future. The same applies to information propagation in quantum many-body systems, i.e., systems with more than two quantum particles. "The Lieb-Robinson bound sets a universal speed limit for how quickly information can travel in these systems," explained Dr. Kuwahara. According to the Lieb-Robinson bound, the propagation of information is limited and decays exponentially with distance or time. The specifics of the decay depend on the individual system and the interactions that can occur within the system. Formulated by Elliott Lieb and Derek Robinson in 1972, the Lieb-Robinson bound is only applicable for non-relativistic systems, which is to say that the information is traveling at speeds much less than the speed of light. The Bose-Hubbard model Interacting boson systems consist of many bosons (like photons). These systems, while common, present many challenges, such as long-range interactions between bosons and unbounded energy, making it hard to develop simulations and theoretical models. But, since the discovery of the BEC, models such as the Bose-Hubbard model have been developed to study bosonic systems. The Bose-Hubbard model is a theoretical framework used to understand how bosons behave when confined to a lattice structure, like atoms in a crystal. This model takes into account two main factors. First is the hopping of bosons from one lattice site to another, represented by the hopping parameter. Second is the on-site interaction parameter, representing the repulsive forces between bosons when they occupy the same site. This interaction energy increases as more bosons occupy the same site. These factors incorporate the interaction between the bosons, which is why the researchers chose the Bose-Hubbard model to investigate the Lieb-Robinson bounds in interacting boson systems. The upper limits The researchers chose to study the Lieb-Robinson bound for a D-dimensional lattice (interacting boson system) governed by the Bose-Hubbard model. They found three results for this system. Result 1 This result addresses the interaction of bosons within the lattice. The researchers found that the speed of boson transport is limited, even in systems with long-range interactions. This speed, though limited, does grow at most logarithmically with time, which is relatively slow. This finding provides crucial insights into the dynamics of boson systems, putting an upper bound on its speed. Result 2 This result focuses on the propagation of operators of the system over time. Operators are basically variables of the system, like momentum. As these operators propagate, they deviate from the ideal evolution, leading to the accumulation of error. This error propagation determines how fast information can propagate in the system. For example, if the error is large, it indicates that information propagation is slower or more constrained, as the approximation deviates significantly from the ideal evolution of the system. Similarly, if the error is small, then information propagation is fast. This aligns with the Lieb-Robinson bound, indicating the presence of an upper bound on error propagation. Despite the presence of an upper bound on error propagation, interactions among bosons induce clustering in specific regions. These regions, characterized by higher boson concentrations, facilitate accelerated information propagation along certain lattice paths or directions. This phenomenon aligns with the Lieb-Robinson bound. However, this acceleration is bounded and has a polynomial growth depending on the dimensionality of the system. Result 3 This result presents a way for simulating these systems using elementary quantum gates (like CNOT). The researchers provide an upper bound on the number of elementary quantum gates required for efficiently simulating the time evolution of interacting boson systems. Comparison with fermionic systems Fermionic systems show a finite speed limit for how fast information can propagate. Before this work, scientists assumed the same for bosonic systems, which is untrue. "The light cone spreads out much faster and is non-linear, i.e., speeds up over time. Specifically, if you're looking at a three-dimensional space, the distance 'information' can travel grows with the square of the time. So, in this sense, bosons can send information much faster than fermions can, especially as time goes on," explained Dr. Kuwahara. This depends on the number of bosons that can occupy the same state at the same time. Essentially, the more bosons that join in, the faster information can propagate. "But, since bosons can only move with a finite speed, it takes a bit of time for a lot of them to get together, leading to a limited speed of information propagation. Over time, as more bosons cooperate, the speed at which they can send information goes up," said Dr. Kuwahara. This work opens a new window into exploring interacting boson systems for information propagation. "I anticipate that the algorithm will be used to simulate condensed matter physics, which could lead to the discovery of new quantum phases. It should also prove useful in simulating quantum thermalization, helping to tackle the basic question of how closed quantum systems settle into a steady state over time," concluded Dr. Kuwahara. More information: Tomotaka Kuwahara et al, Effective light cone and digital quantum simulation of interacting bosons, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46501-7. Journal information: Nature Communications 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: On Monday, tens of millions of spectators across Mexico, the United States and Canada will witness the Moon completely obscure the Sun's light, a rare celestial spectacle that won't be visible for most of North America again until 2044. Just a single, unguarded glance at a solar eclipse can result in a lifetime of vision loss, eye health experts warn. On Monday, tens of millions of spectators across Mexico, the United States and Canada will witness the moon completely obscure the sun's light, a rare celestial spectacle that won't be visible for most of North America again until 2044. Medical literature is teeming with examples of people who suffered damage to their retinasthe layer of light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eyeand health professionals are offering advice on how to avoid becoming the next cautionary tale. Aaron Zimmerman, a clinical professor of optometry at the Ohio State University, told AFP that the dangers of sungazing during eclipses were discussed by the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, but it wasn't until recently that science really caught up with how eye injury happened. When it comes to eclipses, he explained, the main damage comes from "photochemical toxicity," where short, high-energy wavelengths of lightblues, violets and non-visible ultravioletstrigger chemical reactions that damage the rods and cones of the retina. Cue visits to the emergency department by people with complaints of blurry vision, changes in color perception, and blind spots, with the outlook for recovery far from certain. Human beings inherently look away from the sun because of the discomfort it causes, but during eclipses "you can psychologically override" that instinct, explained Zimmerman. A famous journal report about the 2017 US solar eclipse involved a woman in her twenties who presented to the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary after looking at the solar rim "several times for approximately 6 seconds without protective glasses" and then later with eclipse glasses. Hours later, objects started to look fuzzy and out of shape, colors became distorted, and she developed a central black spot in her left eye. An advanced imaging technique was able to show the damage at the cellular level which persisted on her follow up six weeks later. Map showing the areas where the shadow of the Moon will pass during the total solar eclipse in Mexico, US and Canada on April 8. 'Permanent blank spot' Young adults might be more susceptible, the authors of the paper said, because of larger pupils, clearer eye structure, or "poorer recognition of the dangers" of viewing eclipses with improper eyewear. "In some cases, it's just partially damaged and it may resolve so that you don't notice it anymore," Neil Bressler, a professor of ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins University and editor-in-chief of JAMA Ophthalmology told AFP. If recovery happens, it's normally within the first six months. "But in other cases, it can leave a permanent blank spot... and we don't have a treatment to reverse that. It's like brain tissue, once you lose it, it won't grow back," added Bressler. The best way to view the eclipse is with eclipse sunglasses, which block out 99.999 percent of light. Always go for genuine products. To test if your glasses are up to standard, "find the brightest light bulb in your homeand then look at that from up close and you should barely be able to see the light," said Zimmerman. If it's too late to procure specialist eyewear, then there are indirect methods, such as punching a pinhole into a cardboard and letting the light shine onto another surface, or even using the humble kitchen colander to the same effect. NASA's webcast is another option. Those fortunate enough to be in the "path of totality," under which the moon will fully block out the sun, can look up without glasses and admire the sun's outer atmosphere, or corona, glowing from behind the silhouette of the moon. But, said Bressler, the danger is not having protection before and after those precious moments, which can last anywhere from seconds to a few minutes, depending on your location. "You must know when it begins and use protection before that, and you may be enamored by looking at all this, but you must have some alarm to tell you it's about to end," he warned. 2024 AFP Officers of Qinzhou Port Customs check imported mangosteens at the Qinzhou Port in Qinzhou City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] After an eight-day voyage, a cargo ship loaded with 68 tonnes of mangosteens docked at the port of Qinzhou in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Having cleared customs swiftly, the fruits imported from Indonesia were transported to nearby provinces, as well as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta. As a pivotal hub along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, the port of Qinzhou witnesses a daily hustle and bustle of rail-sea intermodal trains delivering cargo from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries to China's inland regions. Launched in 2017, the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor is a trade and logistics passage jointly built by provincial-level regions in western China and ASEAN members. Today, thanks to the corridor, more and more fruits from Southeast Asia can reach the Chinese market and meet the growing and diversified needs of Chinese consumers. "In the past, our imported fruits were disembarked at Nansha District of Guangzhou," said Huang Liangsong, a staff member of Guangxi Zhengfan International Logistics Co., Ltd., adding that nowadays the import logistics of the port of Qinzhou are faster and more cost-effective thanks to the continuous expansion of foreign trade routes. "With the arrival of the fruit season, an assortment of ASEAN fruits will be shipped to the port this year," he said. To further spur the flow of agricultural products from ASEAN countries to the Chinese market, the port of Qinzhou has established several tropical fruit express lines as well as optimized cold chain, cold storage, and other supporting infrastructure. "We launched an express line from Laem Chabang of Thailand to Qinzhou which runs four times a week, and the fruits can reach China within three days," said Zuo Kongtian, an official with the Qinzhou Port area of the Guangxi Free Trade Zone. According to customs statistics, from January to February this year, fruit imports through Qinzhou Port -- mostly longan, coconut, mango and mangosteen -- totaled more than 3,300 tonnes, with a total value of 25.43 million yuan (about 3.51 million U.S. dollars), up 178.4 percent and 292.5 percent year on year, respectively. In addition, the establishment of a fruit trade center in collaboration with ASEAN countries in Qinzhou has also contributed to the efficiency customs clearance. "We have set up an inbound fruit 'green channel' to largely reduce the waiting time and to ensure streamlined customs clearance processes," said Cao Teng, an officer at Qinzhou Port Customs. Youyi Pass, over 200 kilometers from Qinzhou Port, is nestled on the China-Vietnam border in Guangxi. It saw 23.88 billion yuan worth of fruits imported in 2023, reflecting a 262.3 percent year-on-year increase, according to local customs statistics. Early April marks the first peak of the massive influx of tropical fruits via Youyi Pass, China's major land route to Vietnam and Southeast Asia, where trucks loaded with ripe durians and jackfruit form queues for customs clearance at this time of year. According to Wang Zhengbo, president of a Guangxi-based supply chain management company, business collaboration opportunities between China and ASEAN have continued to grow in recent years, boosting the demand for and the quantity and variety of goods in cross-border trade, as well as seeing continuous increases in freight volume. The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor is also an economic corridor featuring in-depth integration of transportation, logistics, commerce and industry, thereby creating significant opportunities for industrial cooperation among countries. "With the effective implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the acceleration of the construction of the land-sea trade corridor, economic and trade cooperation between China and the ASEAN will bring about new opportunities," said Zuo. Central DeWitt schools will pay nearly $61,000 to separate with outgoing superintendent Dan Peterson. Late last month, Peterson announced his resignation effective June 30, 2024 one year before his initial contract was set to expire. Per the separation agreement, Central DeWitt schools will pay Peterson's base salary for four months from July 1, 2024 to Oct. 31, 2024 and he will remain on the district's payroll for his health and dental insurance through Oct. 31. Beginning on Nov. 1, 2024, the district will offer Peterson continued health coverage via COBRA. Additionally, the district will pay for no more than 20 unused vacation days, which must be paid by Sept. 1, 2024. Beyond financial terms, the agreement also obliged the Central DeWitt School Board to develop a "mutually agreeable statement" with Peterson. Per the agreement, this is to serve as the "sole statement to media, staff and community" in reference to third-party inquiries about Peterson's resignation from Central DeWitt schools. The district and board will provide Peterson with "mutually agreed upon" professional letter of reference, and he'll work with the board to complete a "transition plan." The agreement explicitly does not, however, prevent him from requesting other references from district employees or board members. Also in Peterson's separation agreement was a 'covenant not to sue' provision and release of claims. He detailed his decision to resign after 16 years with Central DeWitt schools in a letter last Thursday: "This decision marks the end of a rewarding chapter in my career, one filled with challenges, accomplishments and the joy of working alongside such a dedicated school community," Peterson wrote, also offering his "deepest gratitude" to the Central DeWitt community, district staff and students. "It has been a privilege to witness your growth and achievements," he said. "As I prepare for this transition, I am filled with pride for what we have accomplished together and am confident that Central DeWitt will continue to excel and build on this strong foundation." As previously reported, Peterson's resignation follows a turbulent couple of years in the district. In June of last year, a Clinton County judge ruled that the Central DeWitt school board violated Iowas public meetings laws after board members, Peterson and other district leaders held a closed meeting for nearly two hours to discuss topics such as gender/sexuality and curriculum. This closed meeting, however, was labeled to evaluate Peterson's performance. While a superintendent's evaluation would permit a closed session, based on audio recordings, the judge determined that was not the actual topic of the meeting. Last month, Cody LaKose a former DeWitt High School teacher was sentenced to 45 days in jail for three counts of sexual exploitation by a school employee. In March of 2022, a former student reported to police that LaKose had groomed her and had a sexual relationship with her while she was a student in 2017, starting when she was a minor. Photos: Central DeWitt beats Davenport Assumption 4-0 in Class 3A baseball semifinal (7-10-23) Social Security and OIG held 5th annual National Slam the Scam Day. The following article appeared in a recent press release by Mark Hinkle, Social Security Press Officer. Its appropriateness I thought worth republishing here. The Social Security Administration and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) are partnered once again to raise public awareness about Social Security imposter scams during their fifth annual Slam the Scam Day (held last month on March 7) As public servants, we must use every tool at our disposal to raise awareness and protect the American people against Social Security imposter scams, said Martin OMalley, Commissioner of Social Security. Scammers use fear and deception to scare people out of their critical benefits. We urge everyone to protect their personal information, remain vigilant, do not give money, and report any scam attempts to oig.ssa.gov. Social Security scams where fraudsters mislead victims into making cash, gift card, or wire transfer payments to fix alleged Social Security number problems or to avoid arrest are an ongoing government imposter fraud scheme. Social Security impersonation scams have been one of the most common government imposter scams reported to the Federal Trade Commission. Social Security continues to make concerted efforts to address this issue, through extensive outreach and investigative initiatives. Criminals use sophisticated tactics to trick potential victims into disclosing personal and financial information. Typically, they use these Ps Pretend, Prize or Problem, Pressure, and Payment. For example, scammers pretend they are from Social Security in phone calls, texts, emails, and direct messages on social media, and claim there is a problem with the persons Social Security number. The scammers caller ID may be spoofed to look like a legitimate government number. Scammers may also send fake documents to pressure people into complying with demands for information or money. Other common tactics include citing badge numbers, using fraudulent Social Security letterhead, and creating imposter social media pages to target individuals for payment or personal information. On our fifth National Slam the Scam Day, we are just as committed as we were in 2020. The scammers have not stopped, and we will not stop in our commitment to increase public awareness of these pervasive scams, said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for SSA. We are grateful for the many partnerships we have formed over the last 5 years in support of this initiative and the collaborative efforts that have come forth. We must continue to work together to slam the scam. Social Security will never tell you that your Social Security number is suspended; contact you to demand an immediate payment; threaten you with arrest; ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone; request gift cards or cash; or promise a Social Security benefit approval or increase in exchange for information or money. Social Security employees do contact the public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, the agency calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, are already receiving payments and require an update to their record or have requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem with a persons Social Security number or record, Social Security will typically mail a letter. To report a scam attempt, go to oig.ssa.gov. For more information, please visit www.ssa.gov/scam and www.ssa.gov/fraud. Monday is total eclipse day, when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, plunging the sky into darkness. Richmond isnt in the path that will get a complete blackout, but that doesnt mean we wont see the impact if the weather holds up. Here are five things about what to expect. What is the path? The prime eclipse viewing area is the path of totality from southwest of San Antonio through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The impact is being felt far from there. In New York, the Yankees are delaying their game against the Miami Marlins after reconsidering the challenges of playing through Mondays solar eclipse. So rare are these events that researchers from Indiana University are also studying how birds will respond. Most wild animals, like most people, have never seen the sky quickly switch to night in the middle of the day, they wrote. What about the view from Virginia? Virtually the entire continent is poised to see at least some of the celestial event on Monday. For Richmond, about 83% of the sun will be obscured, according to NASA, peaking at 3:18 p.m. Schools in Henrico and Chesterfield counties, as well Richmond schools, have adjusted schedules because of the event. Dont look up Regardless of location, its a bad idea to look at the eclipse. The sunlight reappearing can cause serious damage to eyes. It is the sun, after all. Normally you cant look into the sun, said Robert H. Gowdy, a VCU physics professor, during an eclipse roundtable hosted by the Richmond Times-Dispatch last week. Your reflexes wont prevent it. The best option is to purchase approved eclipse glasses, which make viewing the event safe. What about the weather? Thats the big question. Clouds are expected in much of the eclipses path Monday thanks to storms that are moving across the central U.S., said National Weather Service meteorologist Marc Chenard. The uncertainty is still pretty high, Chenard said. For Richmond, Times-Dispatch Meteorologist Sean Sublette said well know more as the day goes on. For Monday, we do not see rain, but there will be some clouds in the mix, he said. What if I miss it? Mark your calendars. The next total solar eclipse that could be seen from the contiguous United States will be on Aug. 23, 2044. The Associated Press contributed to this report. From the archives: Coverage of Richmond's eclipses since 1854 The governors request for the syllabi from Virginia Commonwealth Universitys esteemed instructors endangers implementation, coinciding with legislative efforts to dictate curricula and distort history. We vehemently oppose Gov. Glenn Youngkins dismissal of racial issues and his attempts to erase Black history from education. His influence over VCUs curriculum through board appointments threatens academic integrity. VCU, which is pioneering a racial literacy requirement, has created courses that empower students to challenge institutional racism and promote equity. These courses, which are currently not mandatory, cover the social construction of race, types of racism, historical power structures and strategies to dismantle systemic racism to foster socially conscious professionals prepared for societal change. As a student at VCU, Ive witnessed the crucial importance of racial education. From unconscious biases in classrooms to resource disparities, racial literacy plays a pivotal role in addressing these issues. Discussions at VCU on race uncover stark disparities in lived experiences, underscoring the need to understand systemic inequities. Racial literacy is essential for all students, especially marginalized groups facing unrecognized biases. Gov. Glenn Youngkins stance on racial literacy and threats against education endanger the limited teachings students receive, worsening existing systemic problems. Safeguarding and expanding racial education is imperative for our university. From proposed budget cuts to programs benefiting Black students to focused attacks on any curricula mentioning race, we cant help but read between the lines. It is because we study history that we understand the consequences of the education system historically being weaponized against certain classes of people. The implication that materials referencing race are the real problem within schools only serves to undermine academic freedom, create division and distract from the chronic underfunding of our schools, colleges and universities. Rather than policing educators in their own classrooms or mandating what knowledge students have access to, we urge the governor to fully fund education. Findings from the General Assemblys Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commissions 2023 report determined that Virginia significantly underfunds its schools. The governors signature is the only thing standing in the way of the General Assemblys attempt to increase access and affordability to our colleges and universities with a $205.4 million investment and $40 million in support for historically Black colleges and universities. The hypocrisy of an administration that claims to champion education and freedom of speech on college campuses while attempting to encroach on the freedoms of qualified scholars to teach their own research and curricula is on full display. Additionally, this attack by the administration threatens state universities in other ways. These subjects and syllabi undergo extensive review by accrediting agencies, and the academic community has shared concerns that this pattern of attacks by the governors administration threatens the accreditation of these institutions. To resort to intimidation tactics to deter race-conscious programs from being implemented is an overstep on behalf of our government, which must be called out. Black people have the right to exist in every aspect of our education system as students, teachers and in our history textbooks. If we truly wish to produce a nationally competitive education system and workforce prepared for the 21st century, we must allow truth to be told and funding for education at all levels to be supported. We stand united and invite the governor to work with us. PHOTOS: First day of fall classes begins at VCU My past role as a hotel chef expanded my friend network, connecting me with people from countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and China. So, I dragged my Taiwanese friend, Lily, from Chiayi County to Taiwan Fan Bao at Golden Mile Food Centre to put its authenticity to the test. taiwan fan bao - golden mile food centre Now, there are a couple of other hawker stalls selling Taiwanese-inspired food at the same premises: Braise and Wen Li Taiwanese Food. taiwan fan bao - golden mile food centre Stepping away from the competition, Taiwan Fan Bao is an under-the-radar stall with a lower fan base as compared to the other two. What drew me to this stall was the availability of gua bao or what the stall calls pork belly buns. taiwan fan bao - golden mile food centre The stall is owned by a Singaporean lady together with a native Taiwanese. According to her, she went to Kaohsiung and learnt the art of making these dishes. The food adopts our local cai fan style, where youll be asked to choose 2 sides for each main. Lily shared that in Taiwan, instead of our localised vocal point-point system, the locals usually help themselves to whatever dishes they want and will be charged accordingly by the stall owners. What I tried at Taiwan Fan Bao taiwan fan bao - saba fish set I was torn between the Saba Rice (S$7.50) and Salmon Rice (S$8.50) and ended up with the former. It came with a heap of pearl rice, a slab of saba fish and a choice of either braised egg or tomato scrambled eggs. A side of dou miao (pea shoots) and beancurd completed the ensemble. taiwan fan bao - saba fish set pulled apart The skin of the fish glistened against the afternoon sun. With a gentle push of my fork and spoon, it fell apart easily like melted butter to reveal a moist, flaky centre. taiwan fan bao - saba fish closeup The meat was seasoned just right and it was perhaps one of the best saba fish Ive ever eaten (then again, maybe the past ones I had were horrible, haha) Lily nodded in agreement. Just be cautious of the bones, though there were fewer than usual. Lily said, In Taiwan, saba fish and salmon are considered pricier, so youll see chicken and pork belly being served more often than these two. taiwan fan bao - saba fish condiments The pieces of beancurd were strongly flavoured with dou ban jiang or fermented bean paste sauce which was acceptable to me, but that might not be the case for others who mind the taste. The pea sprouts provided a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast to the otherwise soft ingredients. taiwan fan bao - gua bao taiwan fan bao - gua bao closeup I then moved on to the Pork Belly Bun (S$3.50) or gua bao. During my first trip to Kaohsiung City, I was introduced to this uniquely-Taiwanese snack by our ex-interns and I can still remember vividly, my mind-blown encounter with it. I ordered 2 of them just because I refused to share. As gua bao is considered an old-school dish, its a street food thats getting harder to find at Taiwan night markets. I fear that in a few more years, this favourite snack of mine might just vanish altogether. taiwan fan bao - gua bao opened For the uninitiated, gua bao consists of a soft bun stuffed with braised pork belly, ground peanuts and salted mustard greens. My teeth bit into the bun and I found it to be soft like a pillow. However, Lily thought otherwise, saying that the buns are much softer in Taiwan. I was cracking up when she said that these buns feel like a memory foam pillow instead of feather duvet ones what a way to put it! taiwan fan bao - gua bao torn in half The fatty portion of the pork belly was creamy, delicate and instantly disintegrated in my mouth when I bit into it. The layer of ground peanuts were dusted with a little sugar, making it slightly sweet and crunchy. The only downside was that the pieces of salted mustard greens were slightly too salty, overpowering the entire bun just a bit. We took the liberty of giving our feedback to the owner, who gracefully accepted our honest input. She also told us that shell be making some changes moving forward. taiwan fan bao - braised pork set Our last dish, the Braised Pork Rice (S$5.50) came with a huge piece of cut-up pork belly, tomato scrambled eggs, oyster mushrooms and you mai cai (canola greens). taiwan fan bao - chilli Similar to the gua bao earlier, the pork belly was braised to perfection. If I had to nitpick, I would have preferred the meat portion to be even softer, even though Lily had no issues with it. The chilli reminded me of those served at chicken rice stalls; tangy with a little spice kick! taiwan fan bao - tomato scrambled Lily shared that tomato scrambled eggs were a staple in school kids lunch boxes all over Taiwan. Personally, Ive only had the version cooked by my friend from China, which is slightly drier. Wet and slightly mushed, I was greeted by the natural sweetness of the tomatoes which contributed to its sugariness. Its supposed to be slightly sweet so itll appeal to young kids, and goes extremely well with rice. This tastes just like my childhood, she added. taiwan fan bao - san bei mushrooms The oyster mushrooms were done in a san bei (3 cups) style but with mushrooms instead. Strips of ginger, basil leaves and red chillies accompanied the dish. The pieces were crunchy and had burst with multiple mini explosions in my mouth as I bit into them. Final thoughts taiwan fan bao - overview The portions at Taiwan Fan Bao were substantial and we found ourselves struggling to finish. Lily gave a thumbs-up, confirming that most of the dishes tasted authentic. It was a pity that the gua bao was slightly disappointing. Hopefully, it will be a better experience when I visit them again next time! For a different take on cai fan, why not give them a try and let me know what you think. Expected damage: S$5 S$12 per pax The post Taiwan Fan Bao: Taiwanese-style cai fan with saba fish, chicken thigh & $3.50 pork belly buns appeared first on SETHLUI.com. 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #14 Posted on 7 April 2024 by BaerbelW, Doug Bostrom, John Hartz A listing of 34 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 31, 2024 thru Sat, April 6, 2024. Story of the week Proxy measurement via Facebook "engagement" suggests a widely welcoming audience for Prof. Andrew Dessler's The Climate Brink article How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023. With our recent Earth surface temperature record gaining prominent media coverage including many direct remarks by scientists employing adjectives not normally found in scientific parlance it's not surprising that readers may appreciate an oasis of context and perspective of the kind Dessler provides. A couple of well supported key points come through in this treatment. Only a few years ago we saw a surface temperature graph remarkably similar to what's unrolling right now. Meanwhile, our recent experience remains within projections of climate models and can't truly be seen as an unanticipated outcome (do let's note: as usual we're seeing how climate models are fit for purpose and yield useful climate prognosis). Untreated in popularized analysis is the recent behavior of the world ocean's temperature. Given the much larger amount of energy involved and our general discomfort with hugely consequential mysteries of this kind, it would be helpful to have this gap plugged but that is a more fundamentally difficult scientific problem. Before March 31 March 31 April 1 April 2 April 3 April 4 April 5 April 6 Gigafact and Skeptical Science collaborate to create fact briefs, Skeptical Science, John Mason and Barbel Winkler. Together with Gigafact we are re-starting a collaboration to create short fact briefs based on our rebuttals. If you happen upon high quality climate-science and/or climate-myth busting articles from reliable sources while surfing the web, please feel free to submit them via this Google form so that we may share them widely. Thanks! Last year, a staggering 22 states across the U.S. banned gender-affirming care for minors. The conservative politicians behind this wave of legislation didnt care that it went against the near-unanimous medical consensus that parents and doctors ought to be able to decide, on a case-by-case basis, whether puberty blockers, hormones, or other interventions are whats needed for a given teen to flourish and live their life authentically. These lawmakers felt the consensus was wrong, that the government should take medical transition entirely off the table, at least until the kids grow up and can make informed, adult decisions. And in their eyes, there was a bonus: Removing the option of affirming care would surely lower the temperature in afflicted homes; it might well preserve the parent/child relationship until the threat hopefully passedtrans teens could no longer blame parents for not allowing them to transition. Parents were now free to say Theres nothing I can do. Youll simply have to wait until youre older. Of course, in 2024, the mask has come off. Last year, Florida got things rolling with a law that made it impossible for adults to get new HRT prescriptions. And since Jan. 1, one state (Utah) has passed a sweeping bathroom ban that makes travel to the state functionally impossible for trans people; another state (Ohio) considered a medical regime that would make it essentially impossible for adults to get their meds; and at least 10 states have proposed laws to end all legal recognition of trans identities (i.e., the entire idea of transitioning would be erased from the legal code, making it impossible, for example, to change our drivers licenses or birth certificates, use the correct bathrooms, or to run for office or use government services without outing ourselves as trans). Against this escalation, many trans teens justifiably worry that if they just wait, they might be waiting foreverbanning adult access to gender-affirming medical care is now clearly the endgame of the right. At this moment, trans peoples ability to exist as trans people in the U.S. is more in doubt than its been at any point in the last hundred years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For me, this poses a technical problem. My job is writing books for teens. I am trans; I write about and for trans teens in particular, and my stories have to assume that those teens have a life ahead of them. So, in this climate, what am I supposed to tell them and their parents about the future? I dont have a crystal ball, so I cant say how the legislative assault will play outwhich bills will die in committee, which laws will be successfully challenged in court, which will be on the books for decades. Nor can I be certain about how long or how powerfully this anti-trans backlash will reverberate in public opinion or media. Advertisement But what I can say for certain is this: While conservatives may think theyre holding families together with these bans, theyre actually creating a situation where even the most tepid or fitful gender exploration is now a high-stakes event that has the potential to rip families apart. Thats because the moment a teen starts exploring their gender identity, their parentsright off the bat, before they can talk honestly with their kid or come to terms with whats happeninghave to make decisions about how theyre going to protect (or not protect) their family from becoming a victim of an uncertain and hostile legal regime. Its traditional for young adult novels about heavy social issues to include an authors note giving information about how to find help if the reader needs help or support. If its about suicidality, itll be a link to a suicide hotline, for instance, or if its about queer/questioning youth, itll be a phone number for the Trevor Project. Advertisement I knew that when I was writing Just Happy to Be Here, my novel about a trans girl attending a fancy all-girls prep school in Washington, D.C., I wanted to write an authors note that spoke very directly to the kids in questioninstead of offering the hope of further support, I wanted to just straight-up give them some information they might need. And one of those major challenges faced by trans teens is uncomprehending or suspicious or just plain scared parents. To wit: My protagonist, Tara, lives in Virginia and isnt on hormones or puberty blockers, because her immigrant parents are afraid of attracting the wrath of a nameless governor who campaigned for office on an anti-trans platform. Advertisement Advertisement When I wrote the first draft of the book in 2021, Virginias governor was still a Democrat, and no state in the nation had yet banned trans medical care. My book was largely about the interpersonal dynamics of being a trans teenager. Contrary to portrayals on TV and in young adult novels, in real life, very few parents accept their childs gender identity unconditionally. Parents are predisposed to distrust their kids judgement. Advertisement Advertisement My 3-year-old daughter recently screamed at me because I couldnt help her fly: Make me fly for WEAL, FOR WEAL! she said, when I lifted her up high. The idea of her telling me Im really a boy is horrifyingly untoward. Parents can remember a time, not too long ago, when their kids were babies, and on bad days, their teens are still babies; it doesnt feel natural to delegate medical decisions to them. Advertisement Theres really no test for transness, so ultimately you only have your trust in your child. Its a tall order for parental types. Yes, the kid can and should go to therapy, but the therapist ultimately cannot be surer than the child themself can. Everyone is going to want the kid to be totally sure, absolutely sure, but even adults often arent sure! I was in my 30s when I finally transitioned, after waffling for a decade, and even then, I held off going on hormones for a year because of worries about health effects. But the moment I took them, I was sure that I was trans because my dysphoria finally cleared. For a person with dysphoria, medically transitioning remakes the world. I got much more social, threw myself into the mothering role, and wrote three books in as many years. If your kid has dysphoria, you should want them to transition, because they will flower, open up, become smarter, happier. The only trick is: Do they really have dysphoria? Or something else? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You might say: Why not wait until adulthood to get intervention? But often, trans children are not happy. They are not flourishing. They are depressed, unmotivated, or anxious. For them, adulthood wont truly arrive until theyre out from under the burden of dysphoria. And if a child does have gender dysphoria, then perhaps they could successfully transition in a few years (if adult transitioning remains legal in their state). But I can tell you from firsthand experience that the lost years have an impact on you. During those years I drank heavily, took drugs, binge ate, lost jobs and opportunities. The way I spent my pretransition years was not what most parents would wish on their kids. Moreover, the current regime in some states doesnt just curtail medical transition; there is also an attempt to block kids from even taking their first tentative steps down the road to transitioning. Recently proposed policy changes include prohibiting going by a different name, wearing cross-gendered clothes, and even confiding in teachers and therapists about a desire to transition. How can a newly minted adult make the choice to medically transition when for their whole childhood every attempt to explore their gender identity has been stymied? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My authors note was going to encourage genderqueer kids who want to medically transition to be gentle and understanding with their parents. Because the reality is, if your parents arent on your side, youre definitely not going to get any medical intervention. Advocates of trans care bans act like the status quo in blue states is that the schools and doctors will take away and forcibly trans your kids. That couldnt be further from the truth. Getting trans care is exactly like every other form of medical care. As a legal matter, clinics need parental consent before making medical interventions, and as a practical matter, getting into care requires not just consent but active advocacy from parents. Clinics have long waiting lists, they can be distrustful of teens self-narratives, and they often dont accept your insurance. Theres a learning curve for both parent and child that often brings them together and gets them used to the idea of transitioning. Advertisement Advertisement But many parents and teens no longer have the option of going on that journey together. In 2022, Glenn Youngkin took the governorship of Virginia, partly on the back of a ginned-up trans bathroom panic, and the fear of the parents in my book (which had initially been merely a pretext for their resistance) became frighteningly real. In early 2023 came the first trans care bans. At first it was only two bans. Then 10. Finally, 20. In the last version of my authors note, I wrote that there was no ban yet in Virginia, but it could come at any moment. (Although the state currently has no care ban, the Virginia Department of Education last summer issued model policies for school districts that would force teachers to misgender kids, out kids to their parents, and prevent trans kids from using cross-sex bathrooms.) Advertisement Advertisement The most important person in a trans teens life will always be their parents. And now parents not only have to worry about their kids, but kids also need to worry about their parents. I revised my book to take into account this fear of legal consequences: Tara is afraid to go on puberty blockers not just because she fears its the wrong decision, but because shes afraid itll open her parents up to state intervention and potentially get them deported. Because shes conscientious and doesnt want her family to suffer, Tara feels a strong internal pressure to deny her transness. And her anxious parents feed upon and emphasize those fears. They ask her, in effect, Are you sure? Are you absolutely sure? Well do it if youre sure, but you need to be totally sure, because it might cost us everything. Tara isnt being asked if she herself wants to bear the consequences of transitioning; shes also being asked if she wants it so much that shes willing to put her entire familys well-being on the line. Advertisement Advertisement In my book theres a happy ending, but for thousands of families, this conflict will end in a rupture. Parents who move states or risk legal consequences for their trans kids may come to resent their kids selfishness for being unwilling to wait a few years, while the teens who are left behind in anti-trans states will resent their parents both for the guilt trip and for the years unnecessarily chopped out of their childhoods. Advertisement Advertisement Both sides are right to be mad! The stakes are extremely high. However, their anger should not be directed at each other, but rather at the lawmakers whove forced them into this antagonistic relationship by passing legislation that forecloses the possibility of peaceably exploring the idea of transitioning together. Advertisement The burden on trans teens can only be eased once adults start understanding the life-changing power of gender-affirming care. In my novel, after Tara finally goes on hormones, she has the experience so many of us had, where weeks or days into our treatment we realize we can never live again without cross-sex hormones. The discrimination and legal consequences are a lot easier to bear once youre healthy, whole, and fully embodied. Its only at the end of the process, after kids have fully transitioned and become healthy and happy adults, that many families are able to understand the true tragedy of all the years of intervening delay. If anything gives me hope, its the fact that so many families across this country have already made such immense sacrifices, up to and including the risk of legal sanction, to support their trans children. Trans kids are unbelievably courageous, but no less courageous are the parents who are able to ignore their memory of that screaming 3-year-old saying MAKE ME FLY FOR WEAL! and instead pay attention to the very real, very serious teenager who comes to them saying, Hey, I think we need to talk Most fast-food workers in California will now be paid at least $20 an hour due to a new law that went into effect on April 1. It is aimed at giving greater financial security to employees in the historically low paid fast food industry. However, warnings have been made that the move will increase the cost of fast food in a state that is already known for high living costs. The legislation was passed in 2023 by Democrats in a bid to acknowledge the low pay in the fast-food restaurant trade, of which more than 500,000 people are employed in across California. The law applies to restaurants offering limited or no table service and which are part of a national chain with at least 60 establishments nationwide. Pay at $20 per hour is significantly higher than the overall state minimum wage of $16 an hour. It is also more than double the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. But the new law has attracted criticism from some fast-food companies, which claim they will be forced to raise the cost of products for consumers to fund the additional expense. A number of businesses have been looking to find loopholes as a means of avoiding paying the higher wage. Alex Johnson owns 10 Auntie Annes Pretzels and Cinnabon restaurants in the San Francisco Bay area. The fast-food restaurant owner says increasing the wages of his workers to $20 an hour will cost him around $470,000 a year. In order to fund the additional costs, he says he will have to raise prices from between 5% and 15%. Additionally, he is no longer hiring or taking on new locations in California. I try to do right by my employees. I pay them as much as I can. But this new law is really hitting our operations hard, Johnson told the Independent. I have to consider selling and even closing my business. The profit margin has become too slim when you factor in all the other expenses that are also going up. The rise in the minimum wage highlights the challenges businesses are under as they strive to look after workers to help generate a fairly paid, content and loyal workforce, while keeping prices at reasonable prices for consumers as the cost of living continues to rise. New York City leaders and small business owners are learning about the pitfalls of relying on AI the hard way. According to a report from the Daily Wire, the city introduced an AI-powered chatbot in October 2023 as a one-stop shop for assisting business owners with government operations. The objective was to answer questions posed by small business owners as they pertain to city laws and codes. However, the chatbot has been giving out illegal and rather absurd advice, including telling employers its acceptable to take workers tips and fire pregnant workers, while advising landlords to discriminate based on income. According to tests run by the Markup, the mistakes cover a range of topics, including housing policy, worker rights and regulations for businesses. Errors include telling landlords they can lock out tenants and ignore income sources like Section 8 vouchers, despite these actions being illegal in New York City. The chatbots inaccuracies extend to other areas, wrongly informing businesses they can operate without accepting cash and misguiding them on worker tip regulations. Some of the AIs responses bordered on absurdity. For example, one user testing the product was informed it was legal to serve restaurant patrons cheese that had been nibbled on by rodents. The chatbot, powered by Microsofts Azure AI, was expected to be a reliable source for navigating city regulations and avoiding penalties. However, its failure to provide correct information has raised concerns about its impact on small business compliance and legal standing. Granted, like other similar ai tools, New York Citys chatbot offers a disclaimer that it can occasionally produce incorrect, harmful or biased information. It also includes the caveat that its answers are not legal advice. Many, however, wonder if thats enough warning to continue employing the tool. But NYC leaders are sticking with the program, no matter how flawed it might be. Anyone that knows technology knows this is how its done, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said at a press conference. Only those who are fearful sit down and say, Oh, it is not working the way we want, now we have to run away from it all together. I dont live that way. Experts disagree, however. Theyre rolling out software that is unproven without oversight, Julia Stoyanovich, a computer science professor and director of the Center for Responsible AI at New York University, told the Associated Press. Its clear they have no intention of doing whats responsible. For the time being at least, the chatbot is still available to NYC small business owners. The question remains, though: Should they trust it? Like most other AI-based tools, its best to proceed with caution. The turnout in the runoff round was the second highest since 1999. Speaker of Parliament Peter Pellegrini (Hlas) became the Slovak president-elect on April 6, 2024 after defeating his rival Ivan Korcok in a runoff. In the picture, populist PM Robert Fico applauds Pellegrini's victory. (Source: TASR) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Speaker of Parliament Peter Pellegrini, who chairs the coalition party Hlas, will become Slovakias next president. Pellegrini received 53.12 percent (1,409,255 votes), while Korcok ended up in second place with 46.87 percent (1,243,709 votes). Korcok won the first round, which was a surprise to many. The Statistics Office ended the counting process at 2:00 on Sunday morning, when it announced on its website that all the votes had been counted. The predictions made by the dailies Sme and Dennik N on Saturday night confirmed shortly before 23:30 that former diplomat Ivan Korcok was no longer capable of outrunning Pellegrini. At that time, more than 80 percent of the votes had already been counted. The turnout in the runoff round reached 61.14 percent. This is the second-highest turnout since 1999, when the president was elected directly for the first time. Shortly before midnight, Korcok congratulated Pellegrini on becoming the president-elect and said that he hopes Pellegrini will act without orders coming from the government. Korcok has been a vocal critic of the current government, which has carried out purges in the police and cancelled the Special Prosecutor's Office to stop the investigation of high-profile corruption. It is attempting to change the Penal Code and to get the public broadcaster RTVS under its control. Dozens of people who served under the previous Smer-led governments have been convicted of corruption and other serious crimes. "I'm disappointed," Korcok also admitted. In response to the smear campaign waged against him by Pellegrini and his team several days before the runoff round, the former diplomat said: "I will never forget what you've done to me." Pellegrini and the ruling coalition portrayed him as a "war president". Korcok is a strong supporter of Ukraine, like President Zuzana Caputova, but Peter Pellegrini has been calling for peace in Ukraine a long time and opposing any military aid to the country. In his campaign, he also claimed that Korcok would send Slovak soldiers to Ukraine to fight in the war. However, this is not a presidential power. "Fear has decided the election," Korcok said. He noted that Pellegrini won despite the fact that his campaign was non-transparent. President Zuzana Caputova, whose term will end on June 15, also congratulated Pellegrini on Saturday night. After midnight, Pellegrini pledged that the ruling coalition will remain stable and said that he will support the government. He's been nicknamed a "minion" by the public since late 2023. During the post-parliamentary election talks, the Hlas chair claimed that he wouldn't be anyone's minion. Thus far, his party has supported all the moves announced by the Smer-led coalition. "I won't be an uncritical admirer of the government," he announced on Saturday night. Nevertheless, he repeated the government's position on the war in Ukraine, and that Slovakia will "remain on the side of peace, not on the side of war." Fico's cabinet halted military aid to its neighbour last year, but his cabinet continues to support commercial arms deals, including those concluded by state-owned firms. "I will advocate for Slovakia, as its interests hold utmost importance to me," the speaker of parliament also stated. Pellegrini, like PM and Smer party leader Robert Fico, believes that Slovakia cannot agree with everything the EU and NATO say. As for his campaign, he said that it wasn't based on marketing, nor on a fight against anyone. Pellegrini, who mimics the positions of populist PM Fico when it comes to the country's foreign policy, didn't respond to Korcok's accusations. Standing by the president-elect, Fico said, "Long live Peter Pellegrini, long live the president, long live the Slovak Republic." It's known that their relationship isn't ideal. Ahead of the second round, Fico said that Pellegrini was not "an ideal candidate". Fico ran for president in 2014. He lost to entrepreneur and philanthropist Andrej Kiska. He had received almost 900,000 votes, significantly less than Pellegrini's 1.4 million votes. Pellegrini had been Smer's top party official for many years. He left in 2020, two years after the murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and after Smer lost the 2020 parliamentary election, pledging that he would never sit in a government with Fico. Pellegrini then established his new party, Hlas, which Fico didn't like. Still, they formed a ruling coalition last year, also with the Slovak National Party. On early Sunday morning, Pellegrini ended his press conference with: "May God protect the Slovak Republic." Flash An armed "terror" attack targeted a police patrol unit in the southeastern Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchestan on Saturday, killing two law enforcement officers and injuring one other, the official news agency IRNA reported. The attack was carried out as the patrol unit was on duty in Kurin District in the province's Zahedan County, said the report. The IRNA identified the slain as conscripts Mohammad Roudabi and Ali Qassemi, both 20 years old, adding a manhunt had been launched for the perpetrators. Speaking to the semi-official Fars news agency, the provincial police commander, Doostali Jalilian, said the police forces had shot dead one of the "terrorists" in Mehrestan County, adding efforts were underway to arrest two other gunmen who had fled toward the mountains. Jalilian noted that a Kalashnikov rifle and some ammunition were also seized. Earlier this week, also in the province, 16 security personnel were killed in "terror" attacks by the Jaish al-Zulm group on public venues and military sites in Chabahar and Rask counties, according to Fars. The group has been listed as a terrorist entity by Iran. Bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan, Sistan and Baluchestan province has witnessed several terrorist attacks on both civilians and security forces over the past years. Peter Pellegrini will be the next president. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Welcome to your weekly commentary and overview of news from Slovakia, which this week we are sending out one day early. Peter Pellegrini has won the presidential election. Here is how it came about and what it means for the president-elect, his party, and his competitor in the run-off, Ivan Korcok. If you have a suggestion on how to make this overview better, let me know at michaela.terenzani@spectator.sk. Pellegrini is the president-elect The Fico-led ruling coalition will take control of the presidency come June. That is the main outcome of the presidential election run-off in Slovakia, which Peter Pellegrini won on Saturday, April 6, with 53.1 percent of the vote. His opponent, Ivan Korcok, received 46.9 percent. Pellegrini will take over the presidency from Zuzana Caputova, the incumbent, in June. Pellegrini won the Presidential Palace for the ruling coalition, but he also won a way out of the Robert Fico-led ruling coalition for himself. This time last year, and in the months that preceded the September parliamentary election, he had been eyeing the prime-ministerial chair by far the most powerful in Slovakias constitutional set-up. That did not work out, and he opted to join the coalition under his political patriarch Robert Fico despite the fact that the two men had not seen eye to eye since Pellegrini deserted Ficos Smer party to establish Hlas in 2020. Fico once labelled Pellegrini a traitor, but on election night the two men hugged in front of the cameras as they celebrated the latters election win. Pellegrinis presidency was part of a larger scheme not of his own design. Just a few months before he announced his candidacy, ahead of the September election, he was still saying that he felt young, full of energy and ready for an executive post. That was when he still believed had a shot at the premiership. Then came Hlass disappointing third place in the September parliamentary election, the return of Fico and with it a marked change of heart in Camp Pellegrini. Fearmongering won him the palace The Russian media have already mentioned peace talks in Bratislava. Speaker of Parliament Peter Pellegrini (r) hugs PM Robert Fico (l) after his win in the presidential election on the night of April 6, 2024. (Source: TASR) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Another obstacle in Robert Ficos rapid transformation of Slovakia according to the model of Orbans Hungary has disappeared, and Ukraine has lost a vote of support in NATO and the EU. This is how foreign media describe the results of the presidential election in Slovakia. Many emphasise that the winner is a close ally of Robert Fico, known for his pro-Russian views. Voters in Slovakia strengthened the influence of pro-Russian forces in Central Europe when they elected a candidate who opposes military and financial aid to Ukraine, The New York Times writes. Pellegrini copied Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans tactics from the 2022 election, when the government claimed that the opposition wanted to drag Hungary into war, the daily notices. The daily adds that Pellegrinis victory will make Robert Fico stronger, as he can now push his agenda without any opposition in the Presidential Palace. The New York Times points out that Fico returned to power, despite the fact that many considered his political career to be over after resigning from office, along with protests following the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak. Pro-Russian premiers ally Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share After the first round of the Slovak presidential election two weeks ago, Peter Pellegrini, who came second in the race, said that he wouldnt lead an aggressive campaign and attack his rival Ivan Korcok, who came in first. Pellegrini, Speaker of Parliament and leader of the coalition party Hlas, added that hed never influence certain groups of the population just to become president. Ive never done such politics, Ill never do it, he stated on March 23. Two days later, on March 25, Matus Sutaj Estok, the interior minister of Hlas, unexpectedly announced that the Security Council would convene an emergency meeting to discuss the situation of a high-risk and dangerous individual from Tajikistan who is being kept in a police facility in Secovce, a town situated outside Kosice. Pellegrini, who isnt a member of the Security Council, and Prime Minister and Smer party leader Robert Fico attended the meeting, which was reportedly held in response to the recent Moscow terrorist attack, in which a group of Tajik men opened fire in a local concert hall, and Frances decision to raise the terrorism alert level. The premier unusually allowed the minister to report the outcomes of the meeting. The man wouldnt have arrived in Slovakia had the country not been in chaos in 2022, Sutaj Estok said, suggesting that Korcok was co-responsible for the alleged chaos and the foreigners presence in the country. When todays opposition ruled Slovakia, the former diplomat had been serving as foreign minister for almost two years, from 2020 to 2022. Pellegrinis minister characterised the Tajik, who is believed to have permanent residence in Ukraine and was detained in Slovakia pursuant to an international arrest warrant issued by Tajikistan shortly after crossing the Slovak-Ukrainian border following Russias invasion of Ukraine, as a terrorist with ties to the Islamic State group. Sutaj Estok also claimed that there might be a sleeper terrorist cell in Slovakia. He then announced an increase in police patrols in busy areas, but the terrorism alert level wasnt raised. We have made a decision to monitor the situation over the next two weeks, the interior minister then stated. The ministers announcement came shortly after Pellegrini, who was widely favoured in the polls, was defeated by Korcok, a pro-Western politician, by a margin of 5.5 percentage points in the first election round on March 23. Around that time, the second round was already known to be held in two weeks, on April 6, at which point the monitoring of the situation was coincidentally expected to end. Two weeks after the ministers statement, the opposition insists that there is no proof that the man is the terrorist. It was scaremongering. Of course, it was engineered to coincide with the election date, Sloboda a Solidarita MP Juraj Krupa said on April 3, after the defence and security parliamentary committee meeting ended. The Tajiks name is believed to be Amriddin Holmurodov, an activist and critic of Tajikistans authoritarian regime. After the Slovak Supreme Court dismissed a request to send the man back to Tajikistan in January of this year, he was released. With his asylum application declined by Slovakia, he allegedly obtained temporary refuge and escaped to Germany. But in March, he was deported to Slovakia and placed in Secovce again, waiting to be deported to Ukraine in July. In the meantime, the minister keeps arguing that the Tajik is a terrorist, referring to information from one foreign intelligence agency. The Interior Ministry declined to say whether it was the Tajik one. Also, on April 3, Sutaj Estok said that there was another suspected terrorist in the country two years ago. The presidential campaign prior to the first round lacked major topics and seemed boring and invisible, but observers agree that the campaign ahead of the second round was markedly different. Due to Easter, a widely celebrated Christian holiday in Slovakia, and the three-day moratorium, which started on April 4 and ended on April 6, the two remaining candidates didnt have much time to campaign in a race that was expected to be close. While Pellegrini and the ruling coalition launched a smear campaign against Korcok, the ex-diplomat organised public gatherings around the country and fended off the verbal attacks via social media. Observers, including the Dennik N dailys political commentator Martin M. Simecka warned during the first election night of potentially harsher attacks coming from the Pellegrini camp. Fico and Pellegrini are masters at exploiting fear, Simecka said. Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok attends the defence and security parliamentary committee meeting on March 26, 2023. (Source: SME - Jozef Jakubco) Befehl from Germany and France Pellegrini, a pro-Western politician who increasingly used the Slovakia must not acquiesce to Brussels and Washington narrative in his campaign to win over nationalist and anti-NATO voters, already employed the scaremongering strategy during one of the very few televised debates prior to the first round. He asserted that if the right to veto in the areas such as foreign and security policy were abolished in the EU, France and Germany would likely issue a befehl (command) for Slovakia to dispatch 2,000 fully-armed soldiers to the Ukrainian frontline. Done. Nobody asks us for our opinion, Pellegrini said. In one of the final interviews before the second round, Pellegrini exploited fear again. He claimed to have seen how people in Sweden were given leaflets explaining what to do in case of war. The Guardian published the story five years ago. Oddly, Pellegrini has talked about making Slovakia peaceful and calm for months. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240406/whats-left-9-foreign-policy-under-the-left--1117772270.html What's Left 9: Foreign Policy Under the Left What's Left 9: Foreign Policy Under the Left Sputnik International Every country needs a coherent foreign policy. And its impossible to overstate the importance of the United States military and diplomatic posture. 2024-04-06T21:11+0000 2024-04-06T21:11+0000 2024-04-07T10:34+0000 analysis opinion us us hegemony foreign policy us foreign policy left-wing https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/03/1117710602_0:49:3072:1777_1920x0_80_0_0_4a95498c70698153990f3de12e645b67.jpg The US has the worlds second-largest and most sophisticated nuclear arsenal, exclusive comprehensive command over the oceans, perfect strategic geography, has nearly a thousand military bases overseas and is by far the biggest dealer of weapons and ammunition. And it uses them a lot: the US has been at war throughout all of its history since independence from Britain.Backed by this hard power, which is used to disrupt and overthrow governments, destroy infrastructure and economies, and generally wreak havoc and mayhem, the US deploys formidable soft power via its cultural and linguistic hegemony, which has established English as the worlds lingua franca. It determines whether up-and-coming nations are permitted to join the nuclear club or whether they can be recognized as sovereign countries. It controls a vast array of intelligence operations (including those purporting to work for other countries) and non-governmental organizations, which pull the strings of foreign-based media outlets. The US even hosts the United Nations.The US military, economic, cultural and diplomatic power is incalculably formidableand its reach is infinite.The Land of the Free has an awesome duty to exercise its massive power responsibly, intelligently, with restraint, and in service of the greater global good; sadly, the opposite has been true more often than not.When the Left takes over control of the nuclear missile silos, the defense budgets and the embassies circling the globe, everything must change radically.US President Jimmy Carter hinted at what is possible when he promised to prioritize human rights in foreign policy. Though he fell woefully short of his self-professed ideal, propping up brutal dictatorships like the Shahs torture regime in Iran and arming the far-right, anti-Soviet jihadis in Afghanistan, the US did not launch any wars or proxy conflicts during the late 1970s.First and foremost, the US must adopt a fully defensive military posture. Troops may only be deployed, and then aggressively, in the event of an invasion or armed incursionor imminent threat thereof, as defined under international lawof US soil.The US must never enter into any treaty or mutual-defense arrangement under which it might be legally or otherwise obligated to assist or intervene as the result of a conflict to which it is not a party. For example, the US should cancel its membership in NATO, a mutual-defense pact whose member states treat an attack on one as an attack on all, Three Musketeers-style. As the lead state that created NATO, it should encourage its dissolution as the type of dangerous interlocking alliances that triggered World War I.A defense-only defense policy will allow the defense budget to shrink to a small fraction of current levels, freeing up trillions of dollars to attend to urgent yet long-neglected domestic needs like fighting poverty and improving our schools. It will eliminate such misbegotten foreign adventurism as the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, covert participation in regime-change color revolutions, backing coups such as those that transformed Libya and Honduras into failed states, and the current doomed proxy war against Russia in Ukraine as well as its support of Israels war against the Palestinians. Countless lives will be saved and improved as a result. The US will acquire fewer enemies, thus reducing the possibility of future terrorist attacks. At home, it will see fewer hate crimes directed as those who seem to somehow be affiliated or related to whatever nation-state or ethnicity it happens to be designating as an enemy at any given time.A key part of a comprehensive swords-to-plowshares strategy is to close all of its hundreds of military bases around the planet and bring Americans troops stateside where they belong. This will bring an end to the perverse practice of stationing soldiers in a place where they are likely to provoke an attack only to then double- and triple-down on its presence in order to protect the previous force. Smarter not to station them there in the first place.When a foreign crisis or conflict seems to call for military intervention in order to restore law and order, as may be the case currently in Miami, to stop genocide as the US saw in Rwanda in the 1990s, or for some other benevolent reason free of self-interest, US involvement should be reluctant and carefully considered, and then, should be voted upon directly by the people rather than elected representatives. Then, should the US choose to be involved, any such action must be coordinated by the UN in conjunction with a coalition of other member states. The US is neither the worlds policeman nor its mob enforcer; it ought not to pretend otherwise.As the worlds foremost arms developer, dealer and distributor, the US is uniquely positioned to initiate and organize a bold new era of arms control and deescalation. A leftist US will unilaterally point the way forward by methodically dismantling its nuclear stockpile, while encouraging others to do the same. The US should join the international treaty banning the use of landmines. Similarly, it should forswear the manufacture, deployment and use of unmanned drone weapons, and ask the world to join in a global convention prohibiting assassination drones.A Left country prioritizes peace. Thus, it is absolutely imperative that a Left-governed United States establish and maintain full and, to the fullest extent possible, friendly, diplomatic relations with every other country, no matter what. Because it values and respects each nations right to self-determination, and which is not the place of the State Department to attempt to pressure or influence the political orientation or style of government of any other country. Whether or not the US agrees with a foreign states ideological, economic, religious or cultural attitudes is irrelevant; a leftist diplomatic corps is always willing to talk to anyone about anything and to remain available to assist US nationals traveling or living in other countries. In keeping with this openminded approach, the United States will end any and all economic and other forms of sanctions against all foreign governments, and promise never to deploy them in the future for any reason whatsoever, no matter how seemingly justified. Sanctions are coercive gangsterism. As the socialist government of Cuba plainly proves, they dont work anyway. And sanctions only affect ordinary people, never the elites.The US should never wield trade policy as a cudgel, such as imposing tariffs against imports from one producer but not another. While trade policy should always prioritize the protection of American companies and workers, tariffs and regulations should be applied uniformly to all imported goods without favor or disfavor to one or any group of producers.To the world, the US says: we wish to be your friends. And if we cannot be friends, we will at least do everything in our power not to turn ourselves, as we have done so often in the past, into your enemy.Next time, what the Left should do about law, order, policing and punishment.(Ted Rall (Twitter: @tedrall), the political cartoonist, columnist and graphic novelist, co-hosts the left-vs-right DMZ America podcast with fellow cartoonist Scott Stantis.) https://sputnikglobe.com/20240305/us-military-struggles-to-recruit-due-to-foreign-intervention-policy---former-army-colonel-1117136874.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240215/us-foreign-spending-bad-policy-lack-of-accountability-dangerous---election-candidate-1116796868.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240330/how-barack-obamas-minstrel-imperialism-gave-cover-to-us-foreign-policy---journalist-1117650502.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ted Rall https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125340_0:0:360:360_100x100_80_0_0_1ed1a3494a53cde87e19521c3658fe92.jpg Ted Rall https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125340_0:0:360:360_100x100_80_0_0_1ed1a3494a53cde87e19521c3658fe92.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 Ted Rall https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125340_0:0:360:360_100x100_80_0_0_1ed1a3494a53cde87e19521c3658fe92.jpg state of the us foreign policy, world policeman, us intervention policy https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/aukus-to-push-forward-with-expansion-despite-quarrels-between-allies-1117790806.html AUKUS to Push Forward With Expansion Despite Quarrels Between Allies AUKUS to Push Forward With Expansion Despite Quarrels Between Allies Sputnik International Defense ministers of the US, UK and Australia are set to announce on Monday the start of talks on new members joining the AUKUS security pact, reported the Financial Times. 2024-04-07T11:05+0000 2024-04-07T11:05+0000 2024-04-07T11:05+0000 world us joe biden japan aukus australia united kingdom (uk) fumio kishida china https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/07/1117790403_0:161:3069:1887_1920x0_80_0_0_23400c40ff1aa00fe3fc3abca5207464.jpg The US is pushing for Japan to be included in Pillar II of the AUKUS agreement, despite disagreements that have plagued the trilateral pact, the Financial Times reported.The defense ministers of the United States, Britain and Australia are expected to issue a statement on Monday announcing the start of talks on new members joining the security pact. The talks would be on the non-nuclear Pillar II of the trilateral security agreement, insiders were quoted as saying. Expansion of Pillar I is not on the table, they added.The statement comes ahead of a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House on April 10. The two sides are expected to announce closer military cooperation as Japan's prime minister pushes a massive defense buildup rationalized by US-driven claims of alleged threats from neighboring countries. A trilateral meeting between the US, Japan and the Philippines will follow on Thursday.Pillar II involves the sharing of a range of technologies, including underwater robotics, quantum electronics, cybersecurity and electronic warfare capabilities, hypersonic weapons, and defenses against them.Under the three-phase deal, Australia is expected to buy at least three Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines, with an option to acquire two more in the early 2030s. Before that, Canberra would host the "rotational force" of US and British submarines from 2027. In December 2023, the US Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which authorized the transfer of the Virginia-class submarines to Australia.From the beginning, there has been talk of other countries joining the Pillar II of AUKUS, with Japan being dubbed "Jaukus" for its potential membership. US Ambassador to Tokyo Rahm Emanuel wrote in the Wall Street Journal on Friday that Japan was "about to become the first additional Pillar II partner" in AUKUS.A Politico report in March quoted diplomats as saying that the Biden administration was "pushing really hard to get some things on AUKUS pillar 2 done now, before the US election" in November. The rush was apparently prompted by fears that if ex-President Donald Trump retook the White House, he might decide to either roll back or scrap the AUKUS agreement.But the upcoming announcement on the possible expansion is a "compromise between the allies," the outlet noted. Both Australia and the UK have reportedly balked at the idea of inviting Japan to join AUKUS. As it stands, the trilateral security cooperation pact faces complications that need to be ironed out, the report read.Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles indicated in February that AUKUS was "very much focused on working on new innovative technologies amongst the three countries" before any new members joined.US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell admitted that the US side was finding it "challenging to trilateralize" some of the development and co-production with the UK and Australia.Canberra and London have also previously raised concerns about Tokyo's lack of security systems to protect highly sensitive information. "Japan has taken some of those steps, but not all of them," Campbell stated.As for Australia, it sees the nuclear submarine program as a priority before expanding Pillar II, an insider was quoted as saying.As the Washington architects of this de facto anti-China alliance show an eagerness to expand it, with reports suggesting South Korea or New Zealand as likely candidates, opposition to the pact has grown. From the outset, China has denounced AUKUS as a demonstration of a "Cold War mentality." AUKUS could turn the Pacific into "an ocean of storms," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin warned last year.Russia expressed concern about the pact, saying the partnership would have a destabilizing effect on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and undermine international security in general.Incidentally, with respect to Pillar II, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's (ASPI) June 2023 assessment update suggests that China is ahead of the US and its allies in 19 of the 23 technologies relevant to that stage of AUKUS."China has become a serious competitor in the foundational technologies of the 21st century: artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, quantum information science (QIS), semiconductors, biotechnology, and green energy," as per the statement. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240320/biden-admin-pushing-hard-to-get-aukus-pillar-2-deals-with-japan-canada---report-1117445259.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230607/why-aukus-nuclear-sub-deal-will-stir-up-pacific-into-ocean-of-storms-1110982350.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240319/nz-flirts-with-aukus-pillar-ii-amid-chinese-concerns-1117419798.html japan australia united kingdom (uk) china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko 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 Svetlana Ekimenko us, uk and australia to announce talks on new members joining aukus, what is aukus security pact, japan may join non-nuclear ii pillar of the trilateral aukus security partnership, what is pillar 2 of aukus, will aukus expand, who may join aukus, aukus nuclear submarine deal, australia gets nuclear materials, non-nuclear asean, china aukus non-proliferation concerns, ssn aukus, us-australia technology sharing, nuclear technology, arms race in indo-pacific, nuclear arms race in indo-pacific, aukus, a trilateral pact between australia, the us and the uk, https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/france-to-procure-about-500-aasm-bombs-to-replenish-stocks---reports-1117788631.html France to Procure About 500 AASM Bombs to Replenish Stocks - Reports France to Procure About 500 AASM Bombs to Replenish Stocks - Reports Sputnik International The French Defense Ministry is preparing to order a new batch of about 500 AASM bombs from French company Safran to replenish stockpiles after Paris promised to supply Ukraine with 600 such bombs, La Tribune newspaper reported, citing sources. 2024-04-07T05:01+0000 2024-04-07T05:01+0000 2024-04-07T05:01+0000 world ukraine russia france french defense ministry sergey lavrov sebastien lecornu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/08/1115471598_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_fe01fae11aea63e88943e847fe22382b.jpg In January, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said that France would supply Ukraine with 50 AASM bombs per month throughout 2024, starting in January. Western countries have been providing military and financial aid to Kiev since the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. The Kremlin has consistently warned against continued arms deliveries to Kiev, saying it would lead to further escalation of the conflict. 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 warned that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine would become a legitimate target for Russia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240406/slovakia-committed-to-humanitarian-aid-not-bombs-for-ukraine---foreign-minister-1117772645.html ukraine russia france 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 french defense ministry, aasm bombs, supply ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/greta-thunberg-pads-arrest-record-twice-in-one-day-at-protest-in-the-hague--1117787777.html Greta Thunberg Pads Arrest Record Twice in One Day at Protest in The Hague Greta Thunberg Pads Arrest Record Twice in One Day at Protest in The Hague Sputnik International Thunberg was arrested the first time by local police and detained for a short time along with other protesters who tried to block a major highway. 2024-04-07T04:03+0000 2024-04-07T04:03+0000 2024-04-07T04:03+0000 world the hague greta thunberg protest netherlands dutch parliament https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/08/0a/1083567752_0:113:2160:1328_1920x0_80_0_0_ba93a2de002c9d931d3a44200a0b3b2e.jpg Greta Thunberg, a 21-year-old climate activist, was reportedly detained twice by police after she helped block roads near the Dutch parliament Saturday. The Swedish activist was taking part in a demonstration in The Hague for several hours this weekend.Thunberg was arrested the first time by local police and detained for a short time along with other protesters who tried to block a major highway. She was released and then joined another small group of protesters who were blocking a different road leading to the railway station. She was then detained a second time.The protestors under the umbrella of the group Extinction Rebellion attempted to block the A12 highway. Police at first prevented the activists from blocking the thoroughfare, however a small group succeeded in breaking away and subsequently took part in a sit-in on a main road. The group said they were planning to block the highway for the 37th time in an effort to put pressure on the Dutch government ahead of a planned debate on fossil fuels scheduled for June.A video posted online shows Thunberg being detained by police.Thunbergs popularity first grew in 2018 after she began staging weekly protests outside the Swedish parliament. She has been fined repeatedly in Sweden and the UK for civil disobedience in connection with protests. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231017/greta-thunberg-detained-during-protest-in-london-environmental-movement-1114264045.html the hague netherlands Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.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 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg greta thunberg, climate protest, the hague https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/iaea-chief-grossi-calls-drone-attack-on-zaporozhye-npp-violation-of-security-principles-1117802729.html IAEA Chief Calls Attack on Zaporozhye Nuclear Plant Violation of Security Principles IAEA Chief Calls Attack on Zaporozhye Nuclear Plant Violation of Security Principles Sputnik International Earlier in the day, Ukraine's kamikaze drones attacked the territory of the ZNPP right after an inspection carried out by IAEA experts, the plant's press service said. 2024-04-07T22:34+0000 2024-04-07T22:34+0000 2024-04-07T23:15+0000 world iaea drone attack zaporozhye zaporozhye npp zaporozhye region nuclear plant nuclear power plant https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/03/1107966138_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_6af983055b300aa035b823e55e8cf222.jpg The IAEA confirmed minor damage to the sixth power unit of the plant as a result of the drone attacks.Earlier in the day, Ukrainian kamikaze drones attacked the territory of the power station immediately after an inspection carried out by IAEA experts, the plant's press service said. The attack left three of the facility's workers injured, with one of them sustaining serious injuries, Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said.The IAEA had previously confirmed damage to the plant in a separate statement. "IAEA experts confirmed physical impact of drone attacks at ZNPP today, incl. at 1 of its 6 reactors," the agency said. "One casualty reported. Damage at unit 6 has not compromised nuclear safety, but this is a serious incident with potential to undermine integrity of the reactor's containment system."Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the international community must respond to Ukraine's attack, calling it "an act of nuclear terrorism."The Zaporozhye nuclear plant, constructed in the 1980s by the Soviet Union, is Europe's largest and one of the world's largest. The massive power station is reportedly now completely reliant on a single 750-kilowatt line for external power after previous attacks. A connection to outside electricity is necessary to ensure the plant is able to cool its reactors an interruption in the delivery of power could precipitate a catastrophic meltdown.Russia took control of the sensitive asset in March 2022 and it has endured Ukrainian fire ever since. Ukrainian drones, missiles, and artillery have all been used against the plant by Kiev, which has repeatedly attempted to reassert control.Kiev claims Russia is storing weapons at the power station and using it as cover to attack Ukrainian troops. Observers worry Ukraine may create a disaster at the plant, blaming Russia and spoiling newly-Russian territory. Kiev has repeatedly employed US-provided cluster munitions during fighting in the Donbass, raising the prospect of unexploded bomblets creating a hazard for decades to come. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240207/iaea-head-grossi-visited-zaporozhye-nuclear-power-plant-1116643109.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231230/unsc-to-discuss-ukraines-use-of-cluster-munitions-in-attack-on-belgorod---moscow-1115901734.html zaporozhye zaporozhye region 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 drone attack, ukraine, iaea https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/iranian-consulate-in-damascus-resumes-work-after-israeli-attack---reports-1117802084.html Iranian Consulate in Damascus Resumes Work After Israeli Attack - Reports Iranian Consulate in Damascus Resumes Work After Israeli Attack - Reports Sputnik International Iran's consulate in Damascus has resumed its work in a new building after a hiatus caused by Israel's deadly missile strike, Iranian media reported Sunday. 2024-04-07T20:43+0000 2024-04-07T20:43+0000 2024-04-07T20:43+0000 world newsfeed middle east ebrahim raisi israel iran damascus iranian foreign ministry islamic revolutionary guard corps (irgc) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/07/1117801927_0:194:2951:1854_1920x0_80_0_0_e2957a93641e0bfaa44fe69d5c17f505.jpg MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Iran's consulate in Damascus has resumed its work in a new building after a hiatus caused by Israel's deadly missile strike, Iranian media reported Sunday. The reopening of the diplomatic mission took place Saturday according to reports.On Monday, Israel carried out an airstrike on the consular annex of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, destroying the building. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said seven of its members had been killed in the attack, including two commanders. On Tuesday, the Syrian Health Ministry said the attack had also killed four Syrians and injured 13 more. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said it "reserves the right" to respond to the Israeli attack and "punish the aggressor." Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi also vowed that Israel would pay a "heavy price" for the strike. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240403/strike-on-iranian-consulate-sign-of-status-quo-as-us-allies-let-israel-cross-all-red-lines--1117724889.html israel iran damascus 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 iranian consulate, iranian embassy, iranian consulate syria, iranian consulate damascus, iranian consulate resumes work, iranian consulate strike, israel strikes iranian consulate https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/iraqi-militia-attacks-vital-target-in-strategic-israeli-port-city-of-eilat-1117799645.html Iraqi Militia Attacks Vital Target in Strategic Israeli Port City of Eilat Iraqi Militia Attacks Vital Target in Strategic Israeli Port City of Eilat Sputnik International Israel has faced a series of unrelenting missile and drone attacks from militias operating across the Middle East through the course of the war in Gaza. While most of the projectiles have been shot down by the country's powerful air defenses, some have managed to make it through. The city of Eilat has become one of the top targets. 2024-04-07T16:47+0000 2024-04-07T16:47+0000 2024-04-07T16:47+0000 world middle east benjamin netanyahu eilat israel iraq houthi militia https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103667/71/1036677149_0:263:5043:3100_1920x0_80_0_0_fa8f990ef0a55d46e9d26939bfb89243.jpg The Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced Sunday that it had attacked a vital target in the strategic Israeli port city of Eilat using a drone, reaffirming its commitment to continue pounding the enemys strongholds.The umbrella militia group, also known for its long-running campaign of rocket and drone attacks against US military bases in Iraq and Syria, did not elaborate on the nature of Sundays attack, or what vital target it was aiming at. A day earlier, the same group announced a drone attack on oil refineries in the northern Israeli port city of Haifa.The Times of Israel confirmed Sunday afternoon that air intrusion sirens had gone off in Eilat and the surrounding area. Later in the day, the Israel Defense Forces said the sirens were a false alarm.Situated on Israels southeastern coast and acting as the countrys gateway to the Red Sea, Eilat has come under repeated attack over the past six months both by Iraqi militias and Yemens Houthis, with the latter recently using a mysterious improved missile to pierce Israels powerful air defenses.On Monday, Eilat naval base took damage from a drone launched by the Iraqi Islamic Resistance, with the IDF confirming that was able to identify a suspicious aerial target, but proving unable to intercept it before it impacted in the Eilat Bay area, causing minor damage to a hanger and causing no injuries.With Israels ability to ship cargoes through the Red Sea paralyzed by a Houthi maritime blockade, Eilats port has suffered an 80 percent drop in revenues, prompting the administration to lay off half of the ports staff last month.Iraqi and Yemeni militias have vowed to continue targeting Israel until the IDFs campaign in Gaza is brought to a halt. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/us-reluctant-to-cut-off-israels-arms-pipeline-despite-gaza-deaths-1117788744.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240406/iraqi-shia-groups-take-credit-for-attack-on-israeli-oil-refineries-1117774108.html eilat israel iraq Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov 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 Ilya Tsukanov why is eilat being attacked, who is attacking eilat, israel, iraq, houthi Flash People wait to receive food relief in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on March 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) announced on Saturday that a delegation of its leaders would travel to Egypt on Sunday for talks on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a hostage-for-prisoner swap deal between the movement and Israel. "A Hamas leadership delegation, headed by Khalil Al-Hayya, will travel to Cairo on Sunday in response to a call from our brothers in Egypt," Hamas said in a statement. Al-Hayya is a member of Hamas' politburo and the movement's deputy chief in Gaza. Hamas said it would still adhere to "the position it presented on March 14," describing it as "natural demands to end the (Israeli) aggression" and saying it would not give up on them. The demands include "a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced individuals to their places of residence, people's freedom of movement, relief and shelter, and a serious prisoner swap deal," read the statement. The Hamas announcement coincides with a meeting in Cairo on Saturday to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage-for-prisoner swap deal between Hamas and Israel, according to Israeli media outlets. The meeting brings together CIA Director William Burns, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and head of Egypt's General Intelligence Service Abbas Kamel. During previous rounds of indirect talks, Hamas demanded a complete cessation of the war, while Israel agreed only to a temporary ceasefire and rejected Hamas' request to allow displaced civilians to return home. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/japans-semiconductor-industry-gets-lifeline-with-tsmcs-first-chip-plant-1117790588.html Japan's Semiconductor Industry Gets Lifeline With TSMC's First Chip Plant Japan's Semiconductor Industry Gets Lifeline With TSMC's First Chip Plant Sputnik International With TSMC's Kumamoto chip plant buzzing, its CEO Wei and Japan's premier underscores the semiconductor giant's role in Tokyo's revival of its crumbling chip industry amid huge investments and expansion plans. 2024-04-07T12:56+0000 2024-04-07T12:56+0000 2024-04-07T12:56+0000 asia newsfeed fumio kishida tokyo taiwan japan taiwan semiconductor manufacturing company (tsmc) toyota https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/04/01/1082509354_0:0:3073:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_f9f46b8c4fd7ef664042afe26c494e08.jpg Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has told Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida that it plans to hit a 60 percent domestic sourcing target for its first chip facility in the nation by 2030.TSMCs CEO, C.C. Wei shared this aims to Kishida on Saturday while the PM toured the companys plant in Kikuyo, Kumamoto Prefecture.Nina Kao, a spokesperson for the semiconductor company, specified that the objective concerns secondary materials used in the chip production process, excluding those integrated into the end products, and does not include machinery.Tokyo has pumped 476 billion ($3.1 billion) into TSMCs first factory, a joint venture partnership involving the Taiwanese semiconductor maker and indigenous Japanese companies like Denso, Sony Group and Toyota.Japanese authorities anticipate that TSMCs presence will enhance local suppliers' technological capabilities and business opportunities.TSMC said it plans to start shipping logic chips for camera sensors and cars from the first facility in Kumamoto by the end of this year.Additionally, Wei stated during his meeting with Kishida on Saturday that the chip manufacturer intends to construct its second facility in Kikuyo, Japan. Tokyo has pledged an additional 732 billion ($4.8 billion) in subsidies for TSMC to facilitate that expansion.Japan's reliance on TSMC underscores the pivotal role played by the worlds contract chipmaking giant in Tokyo's ambitious plans to rejuvenate its ailing semiconductor manufacturing industry, which is valued at billions. But Japan is betting on an overarching objective to foster a homegrown champion through the foundry venture Rapidus, led by seasoned industry experts and aiming for high-volume manufacturing of advanced chips on Hokkaido Island beginning in 2027.Research firm TrendForce projects that Taiwan will maintain control over about two-thirds of the foundry capacity for advanced processes by 2027, but its lead is expected to diminish due to aggressive US expansion.However, TSMC faces a significant problem in Japan: labor shortages, Soei Kawamura, a researcher in the business development department at the center, told the media.Over the past twenty years, the workforce in Japan's chip-related industries has fallen by around twenty percent. Estimates provided by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) suggest that major domestic chip companies must recruit an additional 40,000 employees within the next decade. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230810/why-is-tsmc-building-a-multibillion-dollar-semiconductor-chip-factory-in-germany-1112491419.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230721/taiwanese-semiconductor-giant-delays-arizona-plant-production-amid-us-china-chip-race-1112027823.html tokyo taiwan japan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.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 Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg tsmc, tsmc japan chip plant, local procurement, semiconductor, japan's chip industry, semiconductor investment, semiconductor technology, chip manufacturing technology, japan's labor shortages, chip supply chain, first japan facility https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/nicaragua-cuts-diplomatic-ties-with-ecuador-amid-fallout-from-mexican-embassy-invasion-1117786515.html Nicaragua Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Ecuador Amid Fallout from Mexican Embassy Invasion Nicaragua Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Ecuador Amid Fallout from Mexican Embassy Invasion Sputnik International Ecuador's highly provocative move has elicited condemnation across Latin America, with an Organization of American States (OAS) meeting scheduled to discuss the issue. 2024-04-07T00:51+0000 2024-04-07T00:51+0000 2024-04-07T04:33+0000 newsfeed jorge glas ecuador nicaragua world lenin moreno central intelligence agency (cia) neoliberalism https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/04/19/1095023939_0:88:3071:1815_1920x0_80_0_0_01e0303ad03e83bbd8da115ecccfaca5.jpg MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) - Nicaragua announced it had completely severed diplomatic relations with Ecuador Saturday over the storming of the Mexican embassy in Quito by Ecuadorian police. Armed security forces stormed the Mexican embassy Friday to arrest former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had taken refuge in the diplomatic mission. Mexico immediately suspended diplomatic relations with Quito, claiming Mexican diplomats had sustained injuries as a result of the incident. Managua had previously withdrawn its embassy from Quito in 2020 over hostile statements by Ecuadorian authorities.The highly provocative invasion of the embassy, considered sovereign Mexican territory under international law, provoked condemnation across Latin America. Chile, Cuba, Bolivia, and Venezuela issued statements expressing anger over the incident. Honduras proposed an emergency meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), a regional body promoted as an alternative to the controversial OAS.Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva declared his "solidarity" with Mexico, criticizing the violation of the embassy in "the strongest possible terms."Observers had hoped current leader Daniel Noboa would pursue a change in policy after narrowly winning the country's presidential election last year, but the arrest of Glas suggests Noboa is likewise committed to undermining Correa's "Citizens' Revolution" movement.Ecuadoreans believed the populist movement was in safe hands when former Correa ally Lenin Moreno was elected president in 2017. But Moreno radically altered government policy and legally persecuted Correas supporters.Morenos dramatic 180 caused many, including the countrys former foreign minister, to conclude Moreno had become an asset of the US Central Intelligence Agency.The discovery of Morenos hidden assets with the release of the Panama Papers solidified the impression the former president was being extorted.Economic instability has created an environment for organized crime to thrive in Ecuador, as in other Latin American countries where US-backed neoliberal policy has resulted in similar consequences. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240406/ecuador-detained-former-vice-president-jorge-glas-at-mexican-embassy-in-quito-1117775204.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/dollar-dependence-fueling-ecuadors-explosion-of-gang-violence---rafael-correa-to-sputnik-1116255280.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240120/gang-violence-bad-economics--cia-asset-as-president-whats-behind-ecuadors-crisis-1116281431.html ecuador nicaragua 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 ecuador, jorge glas arrested, mexican embassy invaded, quito mexican embassy stormed, daniel noboa neoliberal, daniel noboa arrested jorge glas, mexican embassy violation, ecuador political persecution, nicaragua ecuador statement https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/pellegrinis-win-in-slovakias-wont-allow-eu-to-drag-it-into-conflict-against-russia-1117798193.html Pellegrini's Win in Slovakia Won't Allow EU to Drag It Into Conflict Against Russia Pellegrini's Win in Slovakia Won't Allow EU to Drag It Into Conflict Against Russia Sputnik International In Peter Pellegrini Slovakia will finally have a president who does not support a pro-Western position, was not installed by the Americans, political observer Peter Marcek told Sputnik. 2024-04-07T17:34+0000 2024-04-07T17:34+0000 2024-04-08T00:02+0000 analysis slovakia russia nato peter pellegrini robert fico european union (eu) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/07/1117794385_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_b46b46d1db46c89e6024bc984fb8f864.jpg In Peter Pellegrini Slovakia will finally have a president who does not support the pro-Western position and was not installed by the Americans, political observer Peter Marcek told Sputnik.According to Marcek, both Fico and Pellegrini share the idea that no Anglo-Saxons should be able to dictate to us what we should do." Washington pursued its own goals by pushing Pellegrini's main rival, former foreign minister Ivan Korcok, for the presidency, argued the expert, in an effort to subordinate our will exclusively to their hegemony.Pellegrini said his victory meant the government would not have to face an opposition, opportunistic power centre. He vowed that he would "be a president who will support the government in its efforts for improving peoples lives."The politician returned to the position of Speaker of the National Council after the 2023 parliamentary election. His Voice Social Democracy party came third and became part of the three-party ruling coalition with PM Robert Ficos SMER-SSD (Direction-Slovak Social Democracy) and the Slovak National Party.Pellegrini announced his intention to run for president in January. He came second in the first round of voting in March, with 37.03 percent, trailing former Korcok who won 42.52 percent of the vote. But Pellegrini scooped up the floating voters to clinch the second round.Commenting on Fico and Pellegrini long-standing political alliance, Marcek pointed out that When the government passes laws and the president can veto them, it creates problems. But now the president and the prime minister will be on the same page."Pelligrini will be a president who will work well with Fico. They said at a press conference after the elections that they would support each other. They will cooperate very well this way," said the pundit.Bratislava can no longer support the Wests anti-Russian course, noted Marcek, who welcomed the "clear victory of Pellegrini."I am grateful to Russia because it is not just fighting for itself, to prevent NATO from approaching the borders of the Russian Federation," Marcek stressed. "Russia is fighting for us all, for the traditional family values, for improving the economic situation in the world. For good relations, and most importantly for peace and justice."Fico's government has been determined to chart an independent course against NATO's proxy war against Russia in Ukraine.Echoing his Hungarian counterpart Victor Orban's stance, Fico has opposed confrontation with Russia, and urged an end to military aid to Kiev. Hungary and Slovakia are the only two EU and NATO members to refuse to send arms to Ukraine.Pellegrini stated in an interview in March that the Slovak government had a realistic position on the conflict, and voiced surprise that some countries refuse to respect Slovakia's approach. He added that Slovakia is ready to help the Ukrainian side in demining territories and implementing civilian projects.The president-elect believes that the conflict in Ukraine has no military solution, advocates early peace negotiations and believes that arming Ukraine could ultimately lead to disaster.Most Slovaks want "a president who will defend Slovakia's national interests, who will not drag Slovakia into a war but will talk about peace, who... will put Slovakia's interests first," Pellegrini said.In contrast, Pellegrini's opponent Korcok, said: "I do not think Ukraine should give up part of its territory to achieve peace." He told reporters that "Peace cannot mean capitulation," and could only be achieved "immediately" on the condition that Russian troops withdraw.Fico responded by calling Korcok a "warmonger" on video ahead of the run-off. He claimed Korcok "will support everything the West tells him without hesitation, including dragging Slovakia into the war."But both Pellegrini and Korcok have reiterated that they would not allow the Slovak military to be sent to Ukraine. "Slovakia has made a decision that it will not send a single soldier to Ukraine in any event. And this is despite the criticism of this sovereign position of ours. On the contrary, we will insist that the only way to end the bloodshed is to have courage to begin peace talks between the warring parties," Pellegrini said after a meeting with Orban.On issues such as NATO membership for Ukraine, however, the two rivals took opposing stances. Korcok insisted that the final decision on Ukraines membership in NATO will be made by members of the alliance if the Ukrainian side meets the necessary requirements.But Pellegrini was adamant that there is no place for Ukraine in NATO, giving an unequivocal "no" to the question during a pre-election debate on the Markiza TV channel. "NATO, in my opinion, is the most aggressive group of armies, that only exist to foster wars all over the world, spearheaded by the United States. And Peter Pelligrini will absolutely not agree with this," Marcek said.Asked how Pellegrini's victory could affect European Union policies and if Slovakia might use its veto on issues such as aid to the Kiev regime, the political analyst said that Slovakia now had "new opportunities."Marcek slammed European governments that were "pro-American, pro-Brussels," adding that "They are for war against Russia.""Macron still wants to send soldiers to Ukraine. The government in the Czech Republic wants to continue the war, but the citizens do not," he said. "We say, 'We shall have none of this'." https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/ukraine-war-critic-pellegrini-wins-presidential-election-in-slovakia-1117786044.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240406/slovakia-committed-to-humanitarian-aid-not-bombs-for-ukraine---foreign-minister-1117772645.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240124/slovakia-hungary-undeterred-by-pressure-and-threats-over-ukraine-aid-1116354480.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240317/ukraine-conflict-natos-going-to-suffer-defeat-in-proxy-war-with-russia--analyst-1117387302.html slovakia russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko 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 Svetlana Ekimenko peter pellegrini wins, pellegrini slovakia, pellegrini ukraine, pellegrini russia, pellegrini peace, pellegrini anti-war, slovakia 2024 election, slovakia 2024 presidential election https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/russia-slams-transnistria-drone-attack-provocation-1117787281.html Russia Slams Transnistria Drone Attack 'Provocation' Russia Slams Transnistria Drone Attack 'Provocation' Sputnik International MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Moscow views a drone attack on a military unit in Moldova's breakaway region of Transnistria as a provocation aimed at aggravating the... 07.04.2024, Sputnik International 2024-04-07T02:25+0000 2024-04-07T02:25+0000 2024-04-07T02:25+0000 military newsfeed maria zakharova transnistria moldova russian foreign ministry ukraine https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/12/1117405936_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_bc2511c68d5ebd083310b2a909f850c8.jpg On Friday the Transnistrian State Security Ministry reported that a kamikaze drone had attacked a military unit in the region and caused minor damage to a radar station. "We consider this incident as another provocation aimed at aggravating the already tense situation around Transnistria," Zakharova said in a statement issued by the ministry. Moscow awaits a thorough investigation into all the circumstances of the incident, the statement read. A previous drone attack on a military base in Transnistria took place on March 17, according to the Transnistrian State Security Ministry. The security service said in January that foreign specialists were training combat groups in Moldova to allegedly carry out terrorist acts and sabotage of military facilities in Transnistria. Ukrainian troops were alleged to be among the fighters.In late May 2022 a series of terrorist attacks took place in Transnistria including at the headquarters of the state security ministry in Tiraspol, near a military unit located close to Parcani, in a radio and television tower near the village of Maiac, and in the military enlistment office in Tiraspol. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240229/ukraine-and-moldova-poised-to-ramp-up-pressure-on-transnistria-to-trigger-crisis-1117061939.html transnistria moldova 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 newsfeed, maria zakharova, transnistria, moldova, russian foreign ministry, ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/russias-lavrov-to-visit-china-on-april-8-9-for-talks-with-chinese-counterpart---moscow-1117790258.html Russia's Lavrov to Visit China on April 8-9 for Talks With Chinese Counterpart - Moscow Russia's Lavrov to Visit China on April 8-9 for Talks With Chinese Counterpart - Moscow Sputnik International Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit China from April 8-9 to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, and discuss bilateral and international issues, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday. 2024-04-07T07:51+0000 2024-04-07T07:51+0000 2024-04-07T07:51+0000 world sergey lavrov wang yi russia china russian foreign ministry https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/14/1115710735_0:0:3065:1725_1920x0_80_0_0_022c3b54cbbd892c0fc13946f2b8d206.jpg "On April 8-9, the official visit of Russian Foreign Minister S. V. Lavrov to China will take place and will include negotiations with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi," the ministry said in a statement. The foreign ministers will discuss a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation and interaction in the international arena, focusing, in particular, on joint work within the United Nations, BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, G20, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and other multilateral mechanisms and forums, the statement read. The talks will also include a "thorough exchange of views" on a number of topical and regional issues, including the Ukrainian crisis and the situation in the Asia-Pacific region. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240330/russia-china-trade-surges-by-92-mostly-settled-in-rubles-and-yuan---deputy-pm-1117661954.html russia 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 russian foreign minister sergey lavrov, russian foreign ministry, chinese counterpart, wang yi https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/security-council-to-discuss-palestines-request-for-full-un-membership-monday-1117787413.html Security Council to Discuss Palestine's Request for Full UN Membership Monday Security Council to Discuss Palestine's Request for Full UN Membership Monday Sputnik International The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will consider Palestine's request for full membership at the UN and its transfer to the UNSC Committee on the Admission of New Members on April 8, a schedule of meetings for next week revealed. 2024-04-07T02:37+0000 2024-04-07T02:37+0000 2024-04-07T04:43+0000 world newsfeed palestine un security council (unsc) united nations security council the united nations (un) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/1f/1115918660_0:287:3070:2014_1920x0_80_0_0_b76df5fa6118035ddf59e9af070068f6.jpg The presidency of the UNSC will hold consultations to discuss further actions on Palestine's request at 10:00 am local time (14:00 GMT) Monday, the schedule read. At 12:00 noon local time the presidency will convene the council's closed meeting to confirm receipt of Palestine's letter and transfer it to the relevant committee. UNSC members are not expected to make any statements at the meeting. Currently Palestine has only observer status at the UN, a recognition it has been granted since 2012. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240326/united-states-mocking-international-law-creating-world-of-the-jungle-1117569610.html palestine 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 palestine un membership, palestine full united nations membership, security council considers palestine membership, palestine united nations https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/solar-eclipse-to-be-eclipsed-by-bad-weather-while-cities-cash-in-on-celestial-show-1117787011.html Solar Eclipse May Be Eclipsed by Bad Weather As Cities Cash in on Celestial Show Solar Eclipse May Be Eclipsed by Bad Weather As Cities Cash in on Celestial Show Sputnik International Hotel prices in the US have skyrocketed and they all have one thing in common: theyre in the perfect position for viewing a total solar eclipse. 2024-04-07T02:10+0000 2024-04-07T02:10+0000 2024-04-07T04:14+0000 beyond politics science & tech astronomy solar eclipse hotel https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/07/1117786849_0:0:3641:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_9689c4f7f6344d35c516371fdc88dac3.jpg Some US hotels are dramatically raising prices and they all have one thing in common: theyre in the perfect position for viewing a total solar eclipse. But some guests may end up overpaying for an experience hampered by clouds and rain.According to a recent report, one modest hotel room in Saranac Lake, New York, is charging more than $600 for rooms even though their rates are normally as low as $99. A Super 8 motel in Illinois that usually charges $95 a night is charging $950 for a Sunday through Tuesday stay.Meanwhile, the cost of a two-night stay at a more prestigious hotel like the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas is currently $7,600 for April 7-9; a week later that cost will be just $1,329.Another hotel in Carbondale, Illinois, has sold out its rooms for the dates the total eclipse will be visible (April 7 and 8). The hotel said they had been sold out for months and also bumped up their prices in view of the high demand.And a travel agency said they had to rearrange lodging for more than 150 clients after hotel bookings they made two years earlier, at two Buffalo hotels, were canceled. Those rooms were $129 at the time and were canceled and resold for $450 or more. Chris Donnelly, the owner of Sugar Tours, said it was total price gouging.Manga Hotel Group, which owns the Aloft Buffalo Airport and Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo Airport said the room cancellations were due to a mistake of overbooking and that the canceled rooms were not resold as new reservations.However, the regions tourism bureau shot back at the hotel group and said it does not condone this business practice of canceling room bookings, adding that it is shameful that longtime customers and new visitors are being treated this way."According to an online legal forum, high prices do not always equate to price gouging. Retailers are allowed to raise the price of their products to match a supply and demand change. But price gouging is more specific to something that is an emergency, such as a pandemic or a natural disaster. US federal laws do not address price gouging, but some state laws do.Airfare has also increased to astronomical levels, with flights to Dallas-Fort Worth landing on the day of the eclipse costing $1,900. With prices like these, as much as $1 billion could be pumped into the economies of small towns stretching from Texas to Maine as tourists pay up for the celestial event. For viewing the solar eclipse, the path of totality will stretch across a 115-mile length of land that will cover the US cities of Dallas, Texas; Idabel, Oklahoma; Little Rock, Arkansas; Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Paducah, Kentucky; Carbondale, Illinois; Evansville, Indiana; Cleveland, Ohio; Erie, Pennsylvania; Buffalo, New York; Burlington, Vermont; and Caribou, Maine. Montreal and the Mexican cities of Mazatlan and Torreon will also be briefly enshrouded in darkness.However, poor weather could dampen the spirit of those hoping to view the total eclipse. For the cities of Dallas, Cleveland and Buffalo, cloudy skies are a possibility. But one meteorologist noted that clouds are one of the most difficult weather parameters to forecast, even just a few days ahead of time.Parts of Maine have the best chance of viewing the event with rare April temperatures peaking in the high 50s (Fahrenheit) on Monday and plenty of sun exposure. But these parts of Northern New England are the most rural and least populated, so traveling and staying in the area could be difficult. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240405/us-congresswoman-says-earthquakes-eclipses-represent-strong-signs-from-god-to-repent-1117765644.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.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 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg price gouging, capitalism, solar eclipse, astronomy, us economy, tourism https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/spain-slams-storming-of-mexican-embassy-in-ecuador-venezuela-criticizes-us-silence-1117802520.html Spain Slams Storming of Mexican Embassy in Ecuador, Venezuela Criticizes US Silence Spain Slams Storming of Mexican Embassy in Ecuador, Venezuela Criticizes US Silence Sputnik International The Spanish Foreign Ministry on Sunday characterized the storming of the Mexican embassy in Ecuador as a violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and called for reconciliation between Mexico City and Quito. 2024-04-07T22:27+0000 2024-04-07T22:27+0000 2024-04-07T22:27+0000 world newsfeed us jorge glas rafael correa ecuador mexico quito foreign ministry vienna convention on diplomatic relations https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/07/1117802359_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_2e8df8cbe316942d6c9408679c6b36ec.jpg MOSCOW, (Sputnik) - The Spanish Foreign Ministry on Sunday characterized the storming of the Mexican embassy in Ecuador as a violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and called for reconciliation between Mexico City and Quito. Late Friday night armed National Police stormed the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest former Ecuadorian President Jorge Glas, who had been sheltering in the diplomatic mission since December 2023. Mexico City broke diplomatic ties with Quito following the incident.Ecuador's act also violates the 1954 Caracas Convention on Diplomatic Asylum, to which the country is a signatory.Meanwhile Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil slammed "the complicit silence" of the United States and Canada on the storming of the embassy, calling it "shameful, but not surprising."Latin America will find a way to "restore justice," he added.On Saturday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called Ecuador's actions "an act of barbarism." He has been joined in his criticism by Argentina, the Bahamas, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, the United Nations, and the Organization of American States.Nicaragua joined Mexico in breaking off diplomatic ties with Ecuador over the incident.Glas was previously sentenced to five years in prison for bribery and criminal conspiracy before being released in late 2022. He was sentenced to six more years in December 2023 in a corruption case involving Brazilian construction company Odebrecht, currently known as Novonor.Glas took refuge in the Mexican diplomatic mission the same month before an official warrant for his arrest was issued. On April 5 Mexico granted Glas political asylum. Ecuador called Mexico's decision illegal and demanded the extradition of the politician.Critics say the forcible re-arrest of Glas is part of a persecution campaign against supporters of former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, who himself is living in exile outside of Colombia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240406/ecuador-detained-former-vice-president-jorge-glas-at-mexican-embassy-in-quito-1117775204.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240120/gang-violence-bad-economics--cia-asset-as-president-whats-behind-ecuadors-crisis-1116281431.html ecuador mexico quito nicaragua 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 ecuador storming of mexican embassy, arrest of jorge glas, spain criticizes storming of mexican embassy in quito, venezuela criticizes us and canadian silence https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/uk-sends-ship-to-eastern-mediterranean-to-support-aid-corridor-to-gaza-strip---govt-1117790003.html UK Sends Ship to Eastern Mediterranean to Support Aid Corridor to Gaza Strip - Gov't UK Sends Ship to Eastern Mediterranean to Support Aid Corridor to Gaza Strip - Gov't Sputnik International The United Kingdom has sent a Royal Navy ship to the Eastern Mediterranean to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery to the Gaza Strip, UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said. 2024-04-07T07:21+0000 2024-04-07T07:21+0000 2024-04-07T07:21+0000 world united kingdom (uk) eastern mediterranean gaza strip royal navy https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/18/1115785083_0:0:819:460_1920x0_80_0_0_2d26cfe90e6a570c5baa2da871c99818.png "A Royal Navy ship is now en-route to the Eastern Mediterranean to support international efforts to get life-saving aid to Gaza," Shapps said in a statement published by the UK government on Saturday. The ship deployment is expected to facilitate the establishment of an international humanitarian maritime corridor from Cyprus to the Gaza Strip and will start operations in early May, the statement read. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has allocated 9.7 million pounds sterling ($12.3 million) for the humanitarian deliveries to the conflict-torn enclave, the statement said. In October 2023, Cyprus proposed creating a maritime corridor to deliver aid to Gaza. The first ship left the port of Larnaca on March 12 and arrived in Gaza on March 15. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/uk-to-deploy-royal-navy-warship-to-ex-colony-amid-guyana-venezuela-dispute-1115784604.html united kingdom (uk) eastern mediterranean 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 eastern mediterranean, aid corridor, gaza strip, uk sends ship https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/ukraine-war-critic-pellegrini-wins-presidential-election-in-slovakia-1117786044.html Ukraine Critic Pellegrini Wins Presidential Election in Slovakia Ukraine Critic Pellegrini Wins Presidential Election in Slovakia Sputnik International Peter Pellegrini, an ally of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, is projected to win the country's presidential contest Saturday according to official vote tallies. 2024-04-07T00:01+0000 2024-04-07T00:01+0000 2024-04-07T04:15+0000 peter pellegrini robert fico ivan korcok slovakia ukraine presidential election world https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/06/1117786188_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_6a0085dcb42a0afd3794229b16602f61.jpg BRATISLAVA (Sputnik) - Slovak parliament speaker Peter Pellegrini, who opposes arms supplies to Ukraine, is projected to win the second round of Slovakia's presidential election with 54.32% of the vote.Pellegrini's opponent former Slovak Foreign Minister Ivan Korcok, who vocally supports Ukraine, received 45.67% of the vote. Korcok congratulated Pellegrini on his victory as the Slovak Statistical Office announced 96.05% of ballots had been processed early Sunday morning."I will do everything whether anyone likes it or not to ensure that Slovakia remains on the path of peace and not on the path of war," said Pellegrini, who had promised to "unite a divided Slovakia."The candidate claimed NATO and the European Union were "divided between those who are in favor of the continuation of the war [in the Donbass] at all costs, and those who demand the start of peace negotiations.""I belong to the latter," Pellegrini claimed.Pellegrini was himself previously Prime Minister of Slovakia from 2018 until 2020 and has served as a minister of education and state secretary for finance. He is a close ally of Prime Minister Robert Fico, a prominent anti-war voice in Europe.Pellegrini and Fico's left-wing opposition to the Russo-Ukraine war has proven to be a winning formula in Slovakia as Europe is rocked by protests over economic concerns. Much of the European opposition to the conflict has come from the right, with a few notable exceptions.The lawmaker previously worked as an economist and an adviser to a politician from Slovakia's social democratic party.Early data had indicated a close race with polling suggesting a narrow victory for the pro-EU Korcok, but Pellegrini maintained a consistent lead as votes were tallied Saturday evening. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240406/slovakia-committed-to-humanitarian-aid-not-bombs-for-ukraine---foreign-minister-1117772645.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240320/slovakias-pm-fico-in-eus-crosshairs-as-new-headache-1117453408.html slovakia 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 peter pellegrini wins, pellegrini slovakia, pellegrini ukraine, pellegrini russia, pellegrini peace, pellegrini anti-war, slovakia 2024 election, slovakia 2024 presidential election Flash Nicaragua on Saturday severed "all diplomatic relations" with Ecuador, following the assault on the Mexican embassy in Quito by Ecuadorian police to apprehend former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who took refuge in the embassy last December. In a statement, the Nicaraguan government expressed its "absolute rejection" and condemnation of the action by the Ecuadorian government, which it described as a "flagrant violation of international law" by forces that should protect the order and security of Ecuadorian citizens and their lives. Nicaragua withdrew its ambassador from Quito in 2020. With this statement on what happened on Friday night at the Mexican embassy in the Ecuadorian capital, it formalized "the rupture of all diplomatic relations." https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/ukraines-kamikaze-drones-attack-zaporozhye-nuclear-power-plant-right-after-iaeas-inspection-1117794018.html Ukraine's Kamikaze Drones Attack Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant Right After IAEA's Inspection Ukraine's Kamikaze Drones Attack Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant Right After IAEA's Inspection Sputnik International Ukraine's kamikaze drones have attacked the territory of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant right after an inspection carried out by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the plant's press service said on Sunday. 2024-04-07T11:48+0000 2024-04-07T11:48+0000 2024-04-07T11:48+0000 russia international atomic energy agency (iaea) zaporozhye ukraine ukrainian drone attacks on russia drone drone strike https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/1b/1111498991_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_0cd5be3500fb589efba82aed96f23c3a.jpg "Today, a kamikaze drone strike was recorded in the canteen sector located on the territory of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant. A truck unloading food was damaged ... Another strike was recorded in the cargo port," the statement read. The attack took place 20 minutes after IAEA experts inspected the nuclear power plant, the statement added. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/russia-appeals-to-iaea-as-kiev-risks-disaster-with-attacks-on-zaporozhye-nuclear-plant-1117787924.html zaporozhye 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 ukraine's kamikaze drones, zaporozhye nuclear power plant, iaea's inspection https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/us-led-naval-drills-prompt-heightened-tensions-in-south-china-sea-1117793847.html US-Led Naval Drills Prompt Heightened Tensions in South China Sea US-Led Naval Drills Prompt Heightened Tensions in South China Sea Sputnik International Joint naval drills by the US, Japan, the Philippines and Australia on Sunday prompted Chinas military to respond with its own heightened naval and air patrol in the South China Sea on Sunday. 2024-04-07T12:30+0000 2024-04-07T12:30+0000 2024-04-07T12:30+0000 asia us south china sea china us-china relations philippines naval drills https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/07/1117792728_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_3bd50e219b8336b3eeb66aafcbecb606.jpg Joint naval exercises by the US, Japan, the Philippines and Australia on Sunday prompted China's military to respond with its own increased naval and air patrols in the South China Sea on Sunday.The command noted that the military activities intended to sabotage the situation and create hotspots in the waters were well under control.The US, the Philippines, Japan and Australia had announced on Saturday that they would conduct a maritime cooperative activity on Sunday within what they referred to as the Philippine exclusive economic zone. This is the first in a series of such activities involving naval and air forces in waters claimed by both China and the Philippines.Japan deployed its destroyer, the JS Akebono, which included anti-submarine warfare training. Philippine warships, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz, joined the American USS Mobile and the Australian HMAS Warramunga, according to the Japanese Embassy in Manila.The purpose of the drills, according to a joint statement by the four allies, is to "uphold the right to freedom of navigation and overflight." US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his three counterparts reiterated that their countries view the 2016 international arbitration ruling against China as "a final and legally binding decision on the parties to the dispute."The ruling, issued by a tribunal in The Hague, found that China's so-called "nine-dash line" is invalid under international law. Dating back to the late 1940s, China has claimed that its "nine-dash line" demarcation gives it control over about 90% of the resource-rich South China Sea. However, there are overlapping claims by Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Chinese officials have refused to accept the 2016 ruling, saying it has no jurisdiction over the issue.Tensions have risen between Beijing and Manila over the disputed waters in the South China Sea. The Philippines - a key US ally in the region that hosts its military bases - accused Chinese ships of conducting dangerous maneuvers. Beijing, in turn, claimed that the Philippines was "roping in non-regional countries" to inflame tensions. China has also repeatedly warned that joint US military exercises undermine its security interests. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231225/beijing-castigates-philippines-extremely-dangerous-south-china-sea-incursions-1115803977.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240115/philippines-plans-south-china-sea-escalation-with-us-support-1116171762.html south china sea china philippines Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko 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 Svetlana Ekimenko china, philippines, south china sea, us-filippino drills, nato, disputed south china sea, us-china relations, asia-pacific region, biden's indo-pacific strategy, pivot to asia, containment of china https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/us-reluctant-to-cut-off-israels-arms-pipeline-despite-gaza-deaths-1117788744.html US Reluctant to Cut Off Israel's Arms Pipeline Despite Gaza Deaths US Reluctant to Cut Off Israel's Arms Pipeline Despite Gaza Deaths Sputnik International Despite the verbal rhetoric and politician fanfare coming from the White House about Israels actions in Gaza, the Biden administration shows no willingness to cut Tel Aviv off Washingtons weapons supplies. 2024-04-07T08:43+0000 2024-04-07T08:43+0000 2024-04-07T08:43+0000 world palestine-israel conflict us israel gaza strip benjamin netanyahu joe biden palestinians hamas congress https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/07/1117788421_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_839c5519094a107af701b5ec6c9326c9.jpg Despite the verbal rhetoric and political fanfare emanating from the White House over Israel's actions in Gaza, the Biden administration shows no willingness to cut off Tel Aviv from Washington's arms supplies. While Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take steps to minimize civilian harm in the war against Hamas, at no point during a recent phone call did he specifically threaten to limit US arms shipments, according to media reports.Biden "has the power to limit any foreign arms deliveries, even those previously approved by Congress," the New York Times noted. But there was no specific "or else" delivered by Biden to Netanyahu during their exchange, the outlet added, citing officials.The call itself was inevitable, prompted by a wave of outrage over Israel's deadly strike on the World Central Kitchen (WCK) humanitarian convoy in Gaza.The flood of official statements from the White House stands in stark contrast to the detachment the US has shown in the face of the escalating civilian death toll in Gaza since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict escalated in the wake of the Hamas attack on October 7.32,916 Palestinians have died since hostilities began, according to Gaza health officials.U.S. President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday that the strike on humanitarian workers and the overall humanitarian situation in Gaza were "unacceptable." White House national security communications adviser John Kirby said the US did not know whether American-supplied weapons were used in the Israeli strike.The continued supply of the worlds most advanced weapons technology will ensure that Israel has the ability to defend itself from all manner of threats, former President Barack Obama said at the time.Now, a growing choir of voices in Congress is demanding that the Biden administration either restrict or halt arms shipments to Israel.Forty members of the US Congress have sent a joint letter to US President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling for an end to the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel."We write to express our shared concern and outrage regarding the recent Israeli airstrike which killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including an American citizen. In light of this incident, we strongly urge you to reconsider your recent decision to authorize the transfer of a new arms package to Israel, and to withhold this and any future offensive arms transfers until a full investigation into the airstrike is completed," the letter read.The members of US Congress also called on Washington to ensure that future military deliveries to Israel, including already authorized transfers, are "subject to conditions to ensure it is used in compliance with US and international law," the letter added.Like several previous US administrations, the Biden team has been loath to impose any restrictions on US military aid to Israel. Israel has continued to purchase the anti-aircraft missiles, unguided and guided bombs, fighter jets and helicopters currently being used to pummel Gaza.Suffice it to recall that just hours after vetoing a ceasefire resolution at the United Nations in December 2023, the White House invoked an "emergency" provision to expedite a $106.5 million munitions sale to Israel.Biden is currently trying to push through an additional $14 billion in arms aid to Israel. This request, along with money for Ukraine, remains stalled in Congress.The publication noted the opaque nature of the entire process of US military aid shipments to Israel. Since the recent escalation in the Middle East, the State Department has continued to authorize arms shipments to Israel in accordance with orders previously approved by Congress.Furthermore, reportedly over a hundred weapons sales to Israel have been made since the Hamas attack bypassing congressional oversight due to a legal loophole. The latter means they could be processed without any public debate because they each fell below a specific dollar amount that requires the executive branch to notify Congress. Thus, the department only informs Congress if the tranche is valued at over $25 million, noted the outlet.In addition, over a hundred arms sales to Israel have reportedly been made since the Hamas incursion, bypassing congressional oversight through a legal loophole. The latter means that they could be processed without any public debate because they each fell below a certain dollar amount that requires the executive branch to notify Congress. Thus, the department only informs Congress if the tranche is worth more than $25 million, the outlet noted.Israel goes shopping for weapons either to the Pentagon or directly to US arms manufacturers, the publication clarified. In cases where the Defense Department provides the weapons, it is instructed by the State Department to issue a letter of acceptance to the buyer. Once the buyer signs it, it becomes a legal contract.Since October 7, US defense officials have been catering to Tel Aviv's military needs by drawing on American military stockpiles. Israel can sign direct contracts with American arms manufacturers, with such orders subject to State Department and/or Congressional review. Currently, Israel is awaiting State Department approval for just such a direct commercial request for 24,000 assault rifles. Recently fulfilled orders to Israel have included munitions such as 250- to 2,000-pound bombs, the NYT quoted an unnamed official as confirming.Three new Israeli arms orders reportedly exceeded the price threshold requiring congressional review. However, they were pushed through by Secretary of State Antony Blinken by invoking "emergency" authority. Two of the orders were for artillery shells and tank ammunition and were worth over $253 million, the report added.Currently, the State Department is seeking approval from lawmakers on congressional committees for a third order - $18 billion worth of F-15 jets ordered by Israel after October 7. The Biden administration is believed to be pressuring reluctant lawmakers to approve the order.While lawmakers could potentially resort to a resolution to block any attempt to bypass congressional review and push through such an order, POTUS could veto it. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240406/forty-members-of-us-congress-urge-biden-to-cease-offensive-arms-supply-to-israel---letter-1117776071.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240406/strike-on-aid-workers-in-gaza-us-knows-how-to-be-silent-on-israels-violations--analyst-1117776230.html israel gaza strip tel aviv Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko 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 Svetlana Ekimenko israel, palestine, us aid for israel, us weapons for israel, us military aid to israel, netanyahu, biden, erez land crossing, biden netanyahu phone call, biden withhold aid from israel, biden condition aid to israel, us frustration with the israeli armys actions in gaza, gaza strip, violence, humanitarian workers in gaza, war crime, israeli attacks, israeli strike on aid workers in gaza, israeli attack on wck aid workers, biden and netanyahu spat https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/watch-russian-sappers-destroy-explosives-near-mariupol-1117789171.html Watch: Russian Sappers Destroy Explosives Near Mariupol Watch: Russian Sappers Destroy Explosives Near Mariupol Sputnik International The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage showing Russian engineers destroying explosive devices near Mariupol in the Donetsk People's Republic. 2024-04-07T06:37+0000 2024-04-07T06:37+0000 2024-04-07T06:37+0000 video mariupol russia donetsk russian defense ministry russian army russia's special operation in ukraine https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/07/1117789013_96:0:1307:681_1920x0_80_0_0_1e25a549d18866e25d2a8fed31c53be9.jpg The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage showing Russian engineers destroying explosive devices near Mariupol in the Donetsk People's Republic. The de-mining engineers are working on the territories liberated by the Russian troops. They eliminate everything that can explode on the spot, while the rest is taken to a training area.Sappers of the Russian Army have destroyed about 5,000 explosive objects near Mariupol since the beginning of 2024. mariupol russia donetsk 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 Sappers of the Russian army destroyed about 5,000 explosive objects near Mariupol since the beginning of 2024. Sputnik International Sappers of the Russian army destroyed about 5,000 explosive objects near Mariupol since the beginning of 2024. 2024-04-07T06:37+0000 true PT0M17S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian sappers, donetsk people's republic, russian engineers, explosive devices https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/zelensky-agrees-to-rack-up-new-us-military-aid-as-debt-as-army-warns-of-critical-shortages-1117797129.html Zelensky Agrees to Rack Up New US Military Aid as Debt as Army Warns of Critical Shortages Zelensky Agrees to Rack Up New US Military Aid as Debt as Army Warns of Critical Shortages Sputnik International Congress is expected to return from its spring recess on Monday, with vocal anti-war and anti-Ukraine aid Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene saying she cant rule out House Speaker Mike Johnson agreeing to support a $61 billion US aid package proposed by the Biden administration last October. 2024-04-07T13:41+0000 2024-04-07T13:41+0000 2024-04-07T13:41+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine volodymyr zelensky lindsey graham ukraine kiev russia us congress congress https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/0d/1111857510_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_ede4b45847d23e6b2b9182764d85f80c.jpg Ukraine would like continued free-of-charge assistance from the United States, but would also agree to a loan, Zelensky has said.As for American assistance, it is critical in any case. I still believe we can get a favorable vote from the US Congress. Unfortunately, we have kind of become hostages in this situation, Zelensky said, suggesting that the Russia-Ukraine crisis has become a domestic political issue for the United States, even though its about the security of the world, and complaining about Congresss immature approach.Furthermore, if Ukraine was offered the choice of getting everything on credit today or free in a years time, we would say only today. We have one choice: to survive and win, Zelensky said.Zelensky did not reveal any further details on his conversation with the US senator, or who it was that he spoke to.However, infamous neocon senator Lindsey Graham is known to have met with Zelensky in Kiev in March to discuss Ukraines new mobilization law and the details of US assistance.Graham, known for highly controversial comments last year that US aid to Kiev was resulting in dead Russians and was therefore the best money weve ever spent, altered his position on assistance to Ukraine in February to more closely match that of GOP frontrunner Donald Trump, who proposed turning further US assistance to foreign countries into loans.President Zelenskys rhetoric regarding Western weapons aid deliveries has become more and more desperate in recent months. Last week, he warned that Kiev is not ready to defend against an expected major Russian offensive in the spring or summer, and complained that Ukraine lacked the rounds, artillery rounds, a lot of different things needed to stabilize the situation on the front, something he said would make Kievs partners really happy.Ukraine has reported severe shortages of howitzer shells and other munitions, with Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky acknowledging earlier this week that his military is facing a difficult situation, and that Russia has been capitalizing on its superiority in air power, missiles and artillery stocks. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240406/ukrainian-command-forces-soldiers-to-search-for-ammunition-in-swamps-1117781007.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240406/ukraines-top-general-admits-his-forces-backing-down-amid-lack-of-ammo-1117778802.html ukraine kiev russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov 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 Ilya Tsukanov does ukraine have enough ammo, does russia have more ammo than ukraine, what does zelensky want from the us Lip Reader A silenced the pacers in Buffalo Raceway's $18,919 Open on Saturday night (April 6) by putting in a devastating performance against six rivals. He beat Better Take It by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:53.2 over the fast track while Optical Illusion N was third. Since arriving from Australia, Lip Reader A has three victories in just five starts in the United States along with a second and third-place finish. The 1:53.2 was a career best in his brief stints thus far at Buffalo Raceway and Yonkers Raceway. Runrunjimmydunn N was the early pacesetter, but before the field hit the opening marker, Better Take It (Kevin Cummings) swooped by the leader and posted an opening split of :28. With an opening half of :56 in the books, Better Take It was preparing for the onslaught about to come from Lip Reader A. Sitting sixth rounding the clubhouse turn the final time, Lip Reader A began a giant brush down the backstretch, easily picking off horses one by one. With a quarter-mile to pace, Better Take It and Lip Reader A broke away from the pack and were ready for the duel down the stretch. It didn't take long, however, for Lip Reader A to show his dominance as he powered himself to the lead and left Better Take It in his wake. A final quarter of :28 sealed the deal for Lip Reader A. Co-owned by Vogel & Wags Nags LLC and Team Rice Racing, the 10-year-old gelded Lip Reader A (Sportswriter-Strike Lane) is trained by Maria Rice. The win upped his 2024 earnings to $36,729 and his career total to $209,246. Joseph Chindano Jr. topped the drivers with three victories on the card while Cummings and Jim Morrill Jr. each doubled. Racing will resume on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. with a 12-race program to be presented. (With files from Buffalo Raceway) In an interview done earlier in the evening, driver Jason Bartlett said he was confident in his chances with Admiral Hill in the Saturday, April 6 feature at The Meadowlands, a $37,162 Winners-Over Pace. But even Bartlett must have been surprised at how well his horse would do, given that this was his first start of the year while facing a tough bunch of older competitors. Shrugging off having to rough it first-over for the final half-mile, Admiral Hill, a four-year-old gelded son of Sweet Lou-Laura Hill, powered past his foes with ease, winning for fun in 1:50. Hes like driving a race car, said Bartlett after the race. We are expecting a lot of big things from him this year. In the early going, it was Big Skewy N, an Australian invader who was a good fourth in his North American debut a week ago in Red Right Hands 1:49.1 mile, making the lead in :27 at the quarter as Rockin On Venus settled into the pocket with Admiral Hill third. Big Skewy N reached the half in :55.1 and thats when Bartlett made a decision that would turn into a walk down victory lane. With Maximus Miki gaining from first-over on the rim, Bartlett opted to move off the rail and race in front of that sharp Dover Downs shipper. I thought there would be more action early, said Bartlett. I wanted to get [Maximus Miki] in front of me. I didnt want to move too early but waited long enough when I did. I just wanted my horse to be pacing hard at the wire. Admiral Hill moved swiftly after Big Skewy N and was just a length behind that one at three-quarters, timed in 1:23.2, before quickly moving to the lead at the head of the stretch. He then powered clear of the field in what was nothing short of a sparkling performance. At the finish, it was 1-3/4 lengths back to 3-1 second choice Maximus Miki with 7-2 third choice Big Skewy N third. I called on him and he was gone in the stretch, said Bartlett. I never pulled the plugs. Owned by Morrison Racing Stables and trained by Per Engblom, Admiral Hill returned $3.80 as the 4-5 public choice while notching his 10th career win from just 27 starts, upping his earnings to $301,646. A pair of carryovers will await multi-leg wager lovers on Friday. The 20-cent Pick-8, offered on races four through 11, will begin with a carryover of $2,873. Those with six correct selections collected $86.78. Those with five winners in the 20-cent Pick-6, which is available on races eight through 13, cashed in for $35.60, and many of those players will no doubt be involved next week when the wager starts out with $8,332 in the hat. With a big score in the last race, Joe Bohnarczyk walked away with the $2,000 grand prize after winning the tracks $5,000 live-money handicapping contest. Those finishing in the top five cashed. Bohnarczyk saved his best for last, connecting in the 14th dash with a $6 win ticket on Ferragamo Hanover (who paid $30.60) and a $10 exacta 1-2 ($211.20). His final bankroll was $1,147.80. Tim Tetrick and Yannick Gingras led the driver colony with three wins apiece. It only took four winning selections for one shrewd 20-cent Survivor Pick-7 player to cash in for a healthy $8,365.62. The third leg of the sequence was won by a 36-1 shot. Of the other six winners, the longest price was 9-2. All-source handle totaled $3,222,120 USD on the 14-race card, marking the 23rd time that betting has surpassed the $3 million USD mark from 27 programs this year. Racing resumes on Friday at 6:20 p.m. (With files from Meadowlands Racetrack) When a person is having a mental health crisis in North Carolina, often the fastest option for care is the nearest emergency department. But proper treatment and referral to one of the states psychiatric hospitals could be weeks away. Currently, 94 of North Carolinas 100 counties are designated as health professional shortage areas for mental health. Kelly Crosbie, director of the state Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, told lawmakers Tuesday that 68 counties do not have child and adolescent psychiatrists. Crosbie said North Carolina is making strides in its vision of moving people from crisis to care, but the state must bolster its behavioral health workforce. Mark Benton, chief deputy secretary for health with the state Department of Health and Human Services, said while there has been some improvement in the past year, recruitment and retention challenges can be seen over and over again in all three psychiatric hospitals. Benton said the vacancy rate at Morgantons Broughton Hospital is 32% or 499 positions. For Central Regional Hospital in Butner, its the same story with 32% of the positions vacant, the equivalent of 579 staffers. Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro has 24% of its positions unstaffed, 332 vacancies. Benton said equally troubling was the turnover rate individuals who come to work for the hospital, then leave within 12 months. At Broughton, the turnover rate is an alarming 46%. As a whole, roughly half of our vacant positions right now are covered by temps, Benton told the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services. Because of the high vacancy rate and reliance upon temp workers, the state is not able to staff all of the beds at its psychiatric hospitals. Its roughly about 100 beds in each of the three hospitals that comes in just shy of 296, Benton explained. What is interesting to note is that right now, the most recent data we have on individuals, both adults and children, who are waiting for placement, so they have been screened as needing inpatient psychiatric care, totals 225. If NCDHHS had the ability to fully staff and open all of the unstaffed beds, according to Benton, it could eliminate the waiting list for care across the state. What three things, if you had the power to change, would you change so that you could staff and open all of your beds? state Sen. Jim Burgin (R-Harnett) asked Robyn Whalen, who heads up Central Regional Hospital. We desperately need to raise our salaries for those staff members who are here 24-7, said Whalen. Labor market adjustment rates have helped in recruiting health care technicians. But for my registered nurses, it has been very difficult, Whalen said. Our salaries are ranging around $64,000, and for an agency, they can make over $110,000. Whalen said Central Regional is in an area where competing health care facilities can offer significantly more with added benefits. Again, Im not going to be a Duke. Im not going to be a UNC, but Im thinking like if we got to $70,000, we could make a good starting salary and raise our midpoints. But that will take some funding for that. Whalen said state hiring practices also could be smoother, with latitude to hire someone on the spot, especially in hard-to-fill positions. I remember when I started with the state, I was so proud, Whalen said. I still am every single day, and I want us to be a preferred employer. Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell) said the nursing shortage is bigger than just a states salary issue. If I brought in any of my local hospitals, they would all tell you the exact same thing. They cannot find a nursing workforce, he said. Hise suggested community colleges and universities could be doing more to maximize its number of health care graduates and then place those students where needed most. As for the private staffing concept, Hise said the state may be creating its own problems. I understand the emergency situation youre in, but theres no way out until you cut it off, Hise said. Because if youre a new nurse coming out, which path do you think youre going? You can go work for the staffing agency and make more for the same job than you can working for the facility and have more control over your hours and your process to those kind of things. Rep. Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke) said it was a case of everybody chasing after too few people and what was needed was some fresh thinking. Hise told his colleagues that the solution cant just be to make salaries competitive. We are not seeking nor asking that we match dollar for dollar for perhaps what Duke Hospital may pay one of their nurses or physicians and other staff, but we very much need to be in the ballpark, Benton said. Where we are is in one of the outlying parking lots right now, just to use an analogy. 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 Death toll from "terrorist attacks" in SE Iran rises to 15 Xinhua) 10:16, April 07, 2024 TEHRAN, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The number of security personnel killed in Wednesday's attacks in the southeastern Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchestan has reached 15 after five others succumbed to their wounds, the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Saturday. Among the fatalities, 11 were members of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and four were law enforcement officers, Fars added. In a statement, the IRGC reported that the attacks, which targetted public venues and military sites in Chabahar and Rask counties late Wednesday night, were carried out by "terrorists and armed bandits" with alleged links to foreign intelligence. The statement added that 18 "terrorists," identified as members of the Jaish al-Zulm group, were killed during the ensuing clashes with security forces. On Thursday, Iran's Deputy Interior Minister for Security and Law Enforcement, Majid Mir-Ahmadi, said that initial reports from the country's intelligence organizations suggested the "terrorists" were foreign nationals. He added that two other non-Iranian individuals, responsible for providing the "terrorists" with backup, had also been arrested. Jaish al-Zulm, designated as a terrorist entity by Iran, has been involved in many attacks against Iranian security forces and civilians in recent years, including a December 2023 strike on a police headquarters in Rask County that claimed the lives of 11 policemen and wounded seven others. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Flash At the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Sergey Lavrov, minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, will pay an official visit to China from April 8 to 9, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Sunday. Southwest Washington Republicans spoke about their priorities leading up to Novembers general election during a town hall last week in Battle Ground. The town hall was hosted by 19th District Rep. Jim Walsh, who is the state Republican chair, and 18th District Reps. Stephanie McClintock and Greg Cheney, and Joe Kent, candidate for U.S. Congress from Washingtons Third District. Joe Kents priorities Kent hopes to unseat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, in November. Kent said, if elected, one of his priorities would be securing the countrys southern border. Kent claimed he personally witnessed thousands of immigrants cross the border during previous visits. Kent criticized Gluesenkamp Perez for her role in supporting the proposed Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act in Congress. The act would include policy changes for border patrol agents to suspend entry of inadmissible immigrants and would secure billions of dollars for supporting the defense of U.S. allies, including Ukraine and Israel. Kent dislikes the bill for not making policy changes to prevent immigrants from claiming amnesty, which he called a loophole in the system. Kent said another issue in Congress is overspending toward overseas projects. Washington states education Conservatives in Washington state have been keeping a close eye on school board elections. Walsh said, since last fall, conservatives began to invest more into school board races in Washingtons swing-districts. The state party didnt give them money, but we did help them do their own fundraising, Walsh said. We did give them lists of political donors based on historical disclosure information (in) their area. We gave them good pitch letters, talking points (and) things to say when asking for contributions. McClintock celebrated the passing of Initiative 2081, also known as The Parents Bill of Rights, which will allow parents to opt their children out of sex education in public schools. The initiative also requires public schools to notify parents regarding their childs curriculum. Legislators also discussed Senate Bill 5462, which Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law. Effective June 6, the law will require school districts to adopt new curriculum to highlight contributions and perspectives of marginalized groups, including people with disabilities, ethnic, racial and religious groups, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Walsh told attendees that the state Legislature should find ways to improve reading, writing and math scores, calling the history curriculum narrow and specialized. Gun policies Walsh talked about House Bill 1903, which passed as law during the session. The law will put policies regarding reporting of stolen firearms in place for Washington. On the face of it, it doesnt sound that bad, but basically, it adds penalties (or) substantial fines if you dont report a stolen firearm within a certain timeline, Walsh said. ... I think its victimizing the victim. House Bill 2118 requires licensed firearm dealers to set up audio and visual surveillance of purchases. Walsh said the bill was designed to crush small gun dealers and claimed the policy violates two-party consent laws in Washington. Requirements including additional surveillance policies are not required for licensed firearm dealers making less than $1,000 a month. Climate policies Walsh then told the audience about House Bill 1589, which passed through the Legislature. The bill would speed up Puget Sound Energys (PSE) transition away from fossil fuels by requiring the company to move to 80% of their energy being renewable by 2030. Under the law, PSE is required to transition completely to clean energy by 2045. Walsh said the acceleration of PSEs transition to renewable energy would increase the companys electric and natural gas usage rates for its customers. Walsh announced that, on March 28, he filed an initiative to repeal the bill. The timeline is short. If it gets the signatures by July 5 of this year then it qualifies to be on the general election ballot this November, Walsh said. Its a very tight window of time. It will be a major undertaking to get it qualified. Walsh also spoke in support of Initiative 2117, which will be on the general election ballot in November. The initiative would repeal the states Climate Commitment Act entirely if approved. The 2021-approved act operates to reduce carbon emissions through allowances, which companies can purchase and trade at auctions, similar to stocks. Each year, the state reduces the amount of allowances, which raises the value and price. According to the Department of Ecology, under the legislation, a portion of auction proceeds fund alternative transportation and pedestrian improvement grants through the states Carbon Emissions Reduction Account fund each year. Shinhan Bank Vietnams 2023 net profit up 22% to $181 mln By Anh Minh Sun, April 7, 2024 | 8:00 am GMT+7 Shinhan Bank Vietnam, wholly owned by South Koreas Shinhan Bank, earned a net profit of VND4.52 trillion ($181.2 million) in 2023, up 22.1% year-on-year, with all major indicators showing improvements. This was the heftiest profit the bank has reported so far, according to its recently-released 2023 financial statement sent to the Hanoi Stock Exchange. A Shinhan Bank Vietnam transaction office. Photo courtesy of the bank. The banks return on equity (ROE) came in at 15.21% at the end of 2023, up from 14.69% a year earlier. Its equity increased 17.9% year-on-year to VND29.75 trillion ($1.2 billion) at the end of 2023. The Korean banks debt-to-equity ratio dropped to 4.64 times at the end of 2023 from 5.92 times a year earlier, translating into total liabilities of VND138 trillion as of end-2023. Its bond-to-equity ratio slid from 0.11% to 0.09%. The lenders total assets are estimated at VND167.77 trillion ($6.72 billion) as of end-2023, down 5.2% year-on-year. Its capital adequacy ratio (CAR) under the central banks Circular 41, dated in 2016, improved to 20.26% from 17.84%. The minimum regulatory CAR is set at 8%. HSBC Bank (Vietnam) Ltd., earlier this month reported a net profit of VND5.2 trillion ($207.5 million) in 2023, up 40.2% year-on-year, marking the largest 2023 profit by a foreign bank so far. Six casinos, 11 prize electronic gaming facilites to be inspected By Minh Hue Sun, April 7, 2024 | 10:48 am GMT+7 Vietnam's Ministry of Finance will this year inspect six casinos, 11 providers of prize electronic gaming services and 10 lottery companies to ensure legal compliance, according to the ministry. Under the laws, these companies operate in "conditional" business areas and are strictly managed. Topping the list of casinos to be inspected is the first facility to allow Vietnamese people through its doors on a pilot basis in Phu Quoc island off the southern province of Kien Giang. This casino, invested by Phu Quoc Tourism Development and Investment Joint Stock Company, recently announced an accumulated loss of VND3.72 trillion ($149 million) after four years of operation, due to large asset depreciation costs and interest payments. Other casinos under scrutiny are based at the Hoang Gia and Loi Lai hotels in the northern province of Quang Ninh, Aristo in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, Hoiana in the central province of Quang Nam, and the International Convention Center in the northern port city of Hai Phong. Inside the Corona Casino Phu Quoc, the first establishment to allow Vietnamese people through its doors on Phu Quoc island, southern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Vinpearl. For 11 companies providing prize electronic gaming services for foreigners, the finance ministry will inspect their compliance with regulatory business conditions and rules on money laundering prevention. There are 69 such facilities across the country. Vietnam has 63 lottery businesses and one computer lottery Vietlott, which has been operating since 2017. These companies are all state-owned enterprises. Thua Thien-Hue to become centrally administered city By Truong Hoa Sun, April 7, 2024 | 10:16 am GMT+7 Thua Thien-Hue, with its vision and innovation reflected in the province's newly-released plans, will soon become a centrally administered city, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Vietnam currently has five centrally administered cities, namely Hanoi, Hai Phong, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho. "The province will also become a heritage-urban area, a marine economic center, and a major hub for science-technology, education and training," he added. Chinh made the statement at an event on Saturday to announce the provincial plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050; the provincial urban plan until 2045, with a vision to 2065; and investment promotion initiatives. Hue used to be the feudal capital of Nguyen dynasty, Vietnam's last royal family (1802-1945) and famed for its royal mausoleums and other historic heritages. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the conference to announce a master plan for Thua Thien-Hue province, central Vietnam, April 6, 2024. Photo courtesy of Vietnam News Agency. Regarding development orientations and priorities, the PM asked the province to focus on three urban centers, three economic corridors, three growth drivers, and five development breakthroughs. Thua Thien-Hue should promote traditional growth drivers such as investment, export, and consumption. It should also create new growth drivers through the green economy, digital economy, circular economy, sharing economy, knowledge-based economy, climate change response, and sustainable development, he said. The province needs to strengthen investment in human resource development and connectivity with other regions at home and abroad through connecting transportation links, and production and supply chains, Chinh added. It must boost the development of strategic infrastructure that includes transportation, climate change response, digital infrastructure, healthcare, and education, while focusing on developing industrial production, applying science-technology, making innovations in production and business, and creating jobs for local people. Moving forward, the province needs to coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to complete procedures to become a centrally administered city and submit its proposal to the National Assembly at the year-end session, the PM noted. Thua Thien-Hue is also requested to develop marine economy, tourism economy and heritage economy in a green, digital and circular manner; improve the efficiency of the Chan May-Lang Co economic zone, Phu Bai international airport, Chan May deepwater port, Lang Co-Bach Ma area, Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon and the Complex of Hue Monuments. Under the provincial master plan, Thua Thien-Hue will become a centrally administered city in 2025 and a typical heritage city of Vietnam in 2030. By 2030, the locality's gross regional domestic product is expected to reach 9-10% per year, with industry-construction contributing 33-35%, and services accounting for 56%. Its urbanization rate is forecast to reach about 70%. At the event, Thua Thien-Hue authorities granted investment licences or in-principle approvals to 11 projects worth nearly VND9 trillion ($360.5 million), and investment research approvals to 10 others totaling VND120 trillion ($4.8 billion). Vietnam ranks second among 'promising' countries for Japanese manufacturers: JBIC By Tri Duc Sun, April 7, 2024 | 7:00 am GMT+7 Vietnam has been ranked second among the most "promising" countries for overseas business over the medium-term (next three years), according to a survey conducted by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) among Japanese manufacturers. In the 35th edition of JBICs "Survey report on overseas business operations by Japanese manufacturing companies" reviewing 2023, Vietnam recorded a score of 30.1, higher than 28.9 in 2022. India remained the top destination, scoring 48.6 versus 40.3 in 2022. Vietnam jumps two places in JBIC's 2023 "promising countries" ranking. Photo courtesy of JBIC. Commentating on the survey results in March, JBIC said India appears to be moving away from its image-driven evaluation as a promising country. Vietnam, which is expected to benefit from the de-China trend, ranked second for the first time, but the ratio of business planning in Vietnam by Japanese manufacturers (31.8%) was the lowest among the top 10 countries, suggesting that it may be "image-driven", JBIC added. Workers at a Toyota factory in Vinh Phuc province, northern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of the company. Vietnam overtook China and the U.S. to jump two ranks. China dropped from second place to third, as its score fell from 37.1 in 2022 to 28.4 in 2023. The U.S. lost one position after its score fell to 27.1 in 2023 from 32.2 in 2022. JBIC stressed the biggest issues in Vietnam are rising labor costs, unclear execution of the legal system, intense competition, and difficulties in securing management staff and technical/engineering staff. "However, all of the issues are below 40%, and there are no outstanding issues," the bank said. In terms of promising reasons, affordable labor and qualified human resources have improved. Some firms are positioning Vietnam as a production base alternative to China. Vietnam had attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) of $475.83 billion in 39,758 projects as of end-March, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment. Japan was the third-biggest investor, with 5,304 projects and registered capital of $74.38 billion. Vietnam tops Thailand as biggest durian exporter to China By Lan Do Sun, April 7, 2024 | 6:57 pm GMT+7 Vietnam has topped Thailand for the first time in durian exports to China, becoming China's biggest supplier of the fruit. The Southeast Asian country shipped 32,750 tons of durian to China in the first two months of this year, up 2.4 times year-on-year. According to Chinese Customs figures cited by the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, China imported 53,110 tons of fresh durian, an increase of 0.4% year-on-year. That means Vietnam accounted for nearly 62% of China's imports, up from 32% last year. China has purchased up to 90% of Vietnam's durian exports recently, the association said. Thailands durian exports to China fell more than 50% to take second place with 19,016 tons in the first two months of the year. The Philippines has also shipped fresh durian to China, but its market share is very tiny at around 1%. Vietnam exported 32,750 tons of durian to China in the first two months of 2024. Photo courtesy of VnEconomy. Vietnamese durian exports to China are typically priced at $4,916 per ton, less than Thailand's $6,133 per ton. Vietnams fruit and vegetable exports reached over $1.2 billion in the first three months of this year, up about 26% from the same period in 2023, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Fruit and vegetable exports are expected to increase by 15-20% this year, generating $6-6.5 billion in revenue. Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said that after the visit of Chinese General Secretary and President Xi Jinping to Vietnam last December, China opened its doors to frozen durians, allowing the fruits export turnover to grow strongly. In July 2022, Vietnam signed an important protocol on the export of durians to China. In 2023, Vietnam earned $5.6 billion from exporting fruits and vegetables, $3.63 billion of it to China, or 65% of the total. China spent more than $2 billion to purchase approximately 524,000 tons of durian from Vietnam, an increase of more than 11 times over the previous year. (TBTCO) - Ong Duong uc Quang - Pho Tong giam oc So Giao dich Hang hoa Viet Nam (MXV) nhan inh, voi kich ban cuoc xung ot giua Iran va Israel tiep dien voi tinh cuc bo, do vay, a tang nong tren thi truong co the se giam bot trong thoi gian toi. Gia xang dau trong nuoc se chiu mot so ot ieu chinh tang trong cac phien ieu hanh toi nhung a tang se khong qua lon. oi voi gia khi, thi truong co the se chi trai qua ot tang nhe khi giai oan mua ong ang toi gan. 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. PHOENIX Alleging Maricopa County lied, Kari Lake and Mark Finchem are making a last-ditch plea to the U.S. Supreme Court to consider their claim that voting machines are so inherently inaccurate that they should not be used in elections. But the justices wont be hearing the latest they have to say about that. There is evidence that Maricopa County provided false material evidence to lower courts about whether the legally required logic and accuracy tests were run on machines used in the 2022 election, attorney Lawrence Joseph told the justices in a supplemental filing to the high court. He also said the county used altered, and hence, uncertified software. Those allegations are not new. They were presented when Lake and Finchem asked the Supreme Court earlier this year to give them a do-over of their claims about the accuracy of the vote-tallying machines. What is new, said Joseph, is that they chose not to file a formal response to the petition to the high court. He contends that in waiving its response, the county is not just ignoring the new allegations but may be committing fraud on the courts if they knew the evidence used at trial was false. And if the county just learned of it from the filings of Lake and Finchem, he said, they are violating ethical rules by failing to respond. And Joseph said that, by itself, is enough for the high court to summarily grant their petition and send the case back for a new trial. The petition, however, was tossed out. There was no explanation. But Joseph told Capitol Media Services he believes the court clerk concluded that the waiver by the county of any response did not allow him to file additional claims. That doesnt mean the justices will rule against Lake and Finchem and their underlying bid for a new trial. In fact, they have agreed to review their claims later this month. But their decision not to accept what Joseph just filed means they wont consider his latest claim that the county lied. Instead, the justices will decide whether Lake and Finchem get a new trial based solely on the question of whether they got a fair trial the first time around based on the evidence they provided at that time. That could be difficult to prove given the extensive ruling by U.S. District Court Judge John Tuchi. He called their allegations of issues with voting machines little more than speculation on their part, backed only by vague allegations about electronic voting systems generally. In that 2022 lawsuit, the pair claimed that the machines that tally the paper ballots are unreliable because they are subject to hacking. They originally sought to have the ballots for the 2022 race in which they were running Lake for governor and Finchem for secretary of state counted by hand, calling it the most effective and presently the only secure election method. Tuchi refused, saying their claim was a long chain of hypothetical contingencies one that has never occurred in Arizona that would have to take place for any harm to occur. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the ruling, saying the pair never presented any actual evidence that machines used in Arizona had ever been hacked. Now Lake and Finchem, who are running for different offices this year, want a do-over of that trial, based on that alleged newly discovered evidence about the testing of the machines and the software. Deputy County Attorney Tom Liddy said theres nothing to support the latest claims that the pair hopes to use to get the Supreme Court to give them a new trial. Of course, their claims are not true, he told Capitol Media Services. Now, still with no actual proof of problems with the vote-tallying machine, Liddy said, they are hoping to sway the justices with those claims of new evidence that they didnt have when the case went to trial. They have no new evidence, just more baseless claims from witnesses who have no understanding of the election processes, equipment or the data they review, he said. And Liddy said the witnesses that they are relying on have no credibility based on their respective track records. And theres an even bigger hurdle for Lake and Finchem to overcome. Liddy pointed out that the role of the Supreme Court is to review the record of the trial, not to conduct a new trial or reweigh the evidence. There was no middle ground when it came to Sen. Robert S. Kerr. Everyone loved him. Or hated him. But people in both camps agreed that Bob Kerr was powerful in Washington, where he was known as the "Uncrowned King of the Senate" because of his enormous prestige and his committee assignments. When he died, he was the chairman of the Space Committee, the No. 2 man on the Finance Committee and the acting chairman of the Public Works Committee. Kerr often said he had been crowned many times by his colleagues but "with a crown of thorns." Former House Speaker Sam Rayburn, D-Texas, called Kerr the kind of man who "would charge hell with a bucket of water and believe he could put it out." Kerr's philosophy was that what was good for the state of Oklahoma was good for the nation and Bob Kerr. Detractors rearranged that statement to "what was good for Bob Kerr was good for the state and the nation." Kerr, who died Jan. 1, 1963, did not live to see the completion of the biggest project of his career, navigation on the Arkansas River. But his work on the program assured its completion, and river navigation from the Gulf of Mexico to Tulsa's Port of Catoosa became a reality. Known as "Mr. Oklahoma," Kerr was an American success story -- he was born in 1896 in a log cabin near Ada, at one time was so poor that he had to milk a neighbor's cow -- for half the milk -- to feed his family, and then became the richest person in the Senate, with a wealth estimated at $40 million to $55 million. Kerr's family moved to Ada while he was still a baby, and he attended Ada schools. He went to Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee and East Central State College at Ada. Kerr also became active in the Baptist church, an affiliation that, along with his backing of Prohibition, proved to be a powerful force in his Oklahoma political fortunes. He served in World War I as an Army field artillery second lieutenant and studied law after the war. He was admitted to the bar in 1922 and began a practice in Ada. Kerr made a fortune after he and a brother-in-law organized an oil drilling firm in Oklahoma City in 1925, fulfilling part of his early goals of having a family, making $1 million and becoming governor. When his partner, James Anderson, retired in 1935, Dean McGee joined Kerr, and they built Kerr-McGee Corp. The last part of that goal was accomplished in 1942 in his first political campaign when Kerr became the first native Oklahoman to be elected governor. He had been involved in politics earlier and had helped elect Leon C. Phillips as governor in 1938. Kerr and Phillips split two years later over President Franklin D. Roosevelt's campaign for a third term. Kerr supported a third term; Phillips opposed it. During his 1943-47 term as governor, Kerr developed national recognition by making the keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention -- the convention that nominated Missouri Sen. Harry S. Truman to be Roosevelt's fourth-term running mate. Kerr won a Senate seat in 1948. From the start of his service his slogan was "Land, Wood and Water," which became the title of a book he wrote. Kerr's only major political defeat came in 1952 when he was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for president. He had gained national attention for his support of Truman in the firing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War and thought he could win the presidency, but Adlai Stevenson became the Democratic nominee and the election was won by Gen. Dwight Eisenhower. He told a reporter shortly before his death that it was easy to get over that virus. Wearing galluses was Kerr's trademark, and he shunned formal dress. He once told a reporter that he had worn tails only once -- to a National Gridiron show in Washington. "And there's another chapter to that," he added. "The next time I wear 'em, I'll be all stretched out and folks will be coming by, saying, 'Don't he look natural.' " Photograph research by Rachele Vaughan. Like this column? Read all the columns in the Only in Oklahoma series from the Tulsa World Archive. Advocates working to secure millions in federal funding for Tulsa to become a tech hub got a recent political boost. But even before U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., met with leaders of Tulsa Innovation Labs last week, he said he was already on board. Its no sell. Anybody whos willing to invest in Oklahomas future thats easy to get behind, Mullin told the Tulsa World in an exclusive interview at Tulsa Innovation Labs location, 3 N. Cheyenne Ave., downtown. To invest, youve got to be going past what weve always done and look where the future is moving to, and I think thats what they are doing really good here, he said. They are looking at the tech hub and saying, Not only do we want to attract the manufacturing here, but what do we need to do to attract it. You just cant have the workforce. You just cant work with the universities and say, We need to produce these jobs. Then youre producing them to move out (of state). Youve got to have the industry willing to invest here, and to do that you have to have the infrastructure. What they (Tulsa Innovation Labs) are doing really good is taking all of that into perspective, and they are putting the money behind it to make it happen. There was no sales pitch (from Tulsa Innovation Labs). It was, How can we help? when we walked in the door, Mullin said of himself and a few staffers. The federal government in October named Tulsa a Tech Hub a designation that opens the door to up to $70 million in federal funding for a local consortium thats working to establish the region as a global leader in advanced autonomous technologies. Tulsa was one of 31 tech hubs selected by the U.S. Department of Commerces Economic Development Administration as part of a $500 million investment in strengthening the countrys economic and national security. The Tulsa Hub for Equitable & Trustworthy Autonomy, or THETA, will focus its work on such technologies as unmanned aerial systems, drones, cybersecurity and generative artificial intelligence. Tulsa Innovation Labs and other local partners are leading the THETA initiative. Tulsa is competing with other designated tech hub cities to obtain federal funding. The grant deadline was Feb. 29. U.S. Department of Commerce officials will determine where the funding will go based on grant applications. Principals are expecting to know by this summer if any funding for Tulsa is approved, officials said. Tulsa Innovation Labs was established by the George Kaiser Family Foundation. Depending on funding levels, the federal dollars could generate about $1.6 billion into the local economy and nearly 56,000 new jobs over the next decade, officials said. While the initial federal funding was believed to be about $75 million, it is now $70 million, said Jessica Remer, manager of marketing and communications for Tulsa Innovation Labs. However, she said that with additional state and local funding, Tulsa could receive up to $120 million. Diversifying the economy and AI Mullin, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, spoke privately for about an hour with Tulsa Innovation Labs Managing Director Jennifer Hankins and TIL Grants and Policy Director Justin Kits, before speaking with the Tulsa World. His visit was for a discussion about how THETAs initiatives will strengthen U.S. national security, protect Americans on the battlefield and unlock a wave of new local companies and good jobs, according to a news release. Weve been working on this for a year now, said Hankins, who was named one of the Tulsa Worlds people to watch in 2023. We are just so excited to have the senator here so we can show our opportunity for Tulsa to become a tech hub. Asked what Tulsas chances were for receiving federal funding, Mullin said: It just depends on how we lay it out and what the vision is, he said. Anythings possible, but weve got to make sure that its spent in a manner that is positive that isnt just a wing and a prayer but something that has a strong foundation, and I believe this (initiative) is moving in the right direction. Mullin also said the potential to continue to diversify the states economy only makes it stronger. He cited three economic strengths the state has currently: The energy sector, aerospace and agriculture. Two things that are very common in all those is: One they take a workforce ... and youve gotta have a strong work ethic; but two youve got to have technology, too. When you have someone whos focusing on those things, it does make us a very viable area. Weve got a lot that we can utilize to bring in industry. When you have an organization that willing to focus on that and break down those barriers, and highlight what we have, and bring everybody to the table its not a hard sell for me, Mullin said. I want to get into the boat and we all want to row in the same direction, and be successful for the state and for the city. Asked about artificial intelligence and the publics perception, he said: People fear things that they dont understand. Weve been using artificial intelligence since weve been using computers. Its just the technology has changed. Its on us to embrace it for the positive and educate on the negative, Mullin said. Its part of our world, its where were at. Either we embrace it or someone else will. Once we embrace the technology and not run from it ... we pull all the good out of it and leave the negative behind ... its going to advance things that we already do and make us more efficient. Many questions and answers about Tulsas tech hub initiative can be found at www.techhubtulsa.com/faq. For more information about Tulsa Innovation Labs, go to tulsainnovationlabs.com. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Vietnam shipped nearly 33,000 metric tons of durians worth US$161 million to China in the first two months of this year, overtaking Thailand to become the largest exporter of durians to the northern neighbor, the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association cited China's General Administration of Customs as saying. China imported over 53,000 metric tons of durians valued at $283 million in the two-month period. Vietnam reported an increase of 2.4 times in both the volume and value of durians shipped to China. Vietnam accounted for 57 percent of the total market share for durians in China, well above the 32 percent in 2023. Thailand came in second with more than 19,000 metric tons worth $120 million, plunging 50.3 percent in volume and 45.2 percent in value year on year. Besides Vietnam and Thailand, China also bought durians from the Philippines but with a mere $2.2 million. Despite taking a lead in durian exports, the average export price of Vietnams durians reached $4,900 per metric tons, lower than the $6,133 of Thailand. Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetables Association, said Vietnam has advantages in the abundant volume of durians and the availability of durians all year round. The short transport time between Vietnam and China helps reduce the durian prices, which is another advantage of Vietnamese durians. As of last year, Vietnam had some 110,000 hectares of durian farms with an output of 900,000 metric tons, double the area and output in 2019. In 2023, Vietnam exported more than 595,000 metric tons of durians with a value of $2.1 billion to China. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam condemns the attack on the Iranian Embassy in Syria that killed at least seven people on Monday, Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said at a press conference in Hanoi on Saturday. Hang stressed that all the buildings of diplomatic representative and consular offices must be respected and protected in line with international law. Vietnam calls on the related parties to refrain from using violence, resolve differences by peaceful means, avoid escalating tensions in the region and comply with international law, including the Vienna Convention 1961 on ensuring the life, security, and safety for the people, members of the representative offices and their families. The seven fatalities of the attack included Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a top commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps, according to a report by Reuters. Tehran accused Israel of carrying out the attack using F-35 fighter jets. The scene of the attack on the Iranian Embassy in Syria. Photo: Reuters Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Vuong Dinh Hue and his entourage left Hanoi on Sunday morning for an official visit to China from April 7 to 14 at the invitation of Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress of China. The visit is aimed at deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Vietnam and China, as well as the cooperation between their legislative bodies in particular, the Vietnam News Agency reported, citing deputy chairwoman of the NA Committee for External Relations Le Thu Ha. Accompanying the top Vietnamese legislator are Senior Lieutenant General Tran Quang Phuong, NA Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Vietnam - China Friendship Parliamentarians Group; Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang; NA General Secretary and Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong; and Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai, among other officials. The visit is important in maintaining high-level contacts, directing strategic orientations for bilateral relations as well as concretizing common perceptions between the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, stated Ambassador Mai. It also aimed to concretize six major directions of cooperation between the two countries, especially promoting higher political trust and consolidating a stronger social foundation. These six directions were mentioned in the Vietnam-China joint statement during the state visit of General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping to Vietnam in December last year. In an interview with Vietnamese press in Hanoi on Friday, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Hung Ba shared that the country looked forward to and highly valued the first visit by Hue to China. This is the first visit of a key Vietnamese leader to China after the two countries announced the building of the Community of Shared Future, which was achieved during the aforementioned visit to Vietnam by General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping. During Hues visit, the first face-to-face communication between him and Zhao, the two sides are expected to deepen the exchange of experience in legislation, witness a new cooperation agreement between the two legislatures and build a new high-level dialogue mechanism between the two legislative bodies, Ambassador Ba said. Like any bilateral relationship, the China-Vietnam relationship coexists with opportunities and challenges, the ambassador commented. I think the most outstanding feature of China-Vietnam relations is that opportunities far outweigh challenges, and through the efforts of both sides, some challenges can be effectively managed and transformed into opportunities for cooperation under certain conditions, he said. The biggest opportunity, Hung went on, is that both sides persistently implement the strategic direction of the two parties top leaders as well as the political guidance in the relationship between the two parties for the bilateral relationship. The traditional friendship between China and Vietnam was personally built and painstakingly nurtured by generations of senior leaders of the two parties, including President Ho Chi Minh and Chairman Mao Zedong, and is the most precious treasure of both sides, contributing to continuous cooperation between the two countries. Last year, China was Vietnam's largest trading partner while Vietnam was China's 5th biggest commercial partner. China steadfastly supports Vietnam in accelerating its industrialization and modernization process and is willing to actively participate in Vietnams economic transformation and upgrade, especially in energy transition. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! What you need to know in Vietnam today: Politics -- Vietnam always cherishes the partnership with Japan, expecting the latter to continue providing official development assistance (ODA) for the formers development projects, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang told her Japanese counterpart Komura Masahiro during a meeting in Tokyo on Saturday. Society -- The Peoples Committee of Binh Dinh Province, south-central Vietnam is seeking government support of some VND1.5 trillion (US$60 million) to expand Phu Cat Airport. -- Doctors at a hospital in Bac Lieu Province, southern Vietnam on Friday performed surgery to remove 15 kidney stones from the bladder of a 65-year-old Vietnamese man. -- A fire burned some 20 hectares of a sugarcane field ahead of harvest in Song Hinh District under the south-central province of Phu Yen on Friday evening, an official said. -- The administration of Thua Thien Hue Province in central Vietnam on Saturday broke ground on the Hue Vsico port project, as part of the Chan May deep-water port cluster. -- Extreme heat is forecast to weaken in many provinces and cities in the northern and central regions on Sunday, while residents in southern Vietnam will continue experiencing the scorching hot weather, according to the national weather center. Lifestyle -- Authorities in Phu Quoc City under the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang expect tourists to travel to Phu Quoc Island by speedboat during the upcoming holiday to celebrate the Reunification Day (April 30) and the International Workers Day (May 1). -- The Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival 2024 kicked off at the Municipal Theater of Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday evening, featuring the presence of hundreds of local and international artists. The first edition of the fest in the city will run until April 13. World News -- The wingtip of an empty Virgin Atlantic jet collided with a stationary British Airways airliner while being towed from a stand at London's Heathrow Airport on Saturday, Reuters reported. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Representatives of the investment and construction authority for the Thu Thiem New Urban Area in Ho Chi Minh City and the municipal Real Estate Association have rejected a rumor that the city would develop a 186-story building which was expected to become the tallest one in the world. The representative of the investment and construction authority for the Thu Thiem New Urban Area told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the information about a 186-story building in the new urban area was fake news. The approved tallest building in the urban area will have a maximum of 88 floors. The project is Thu Thiem observation tower complex whose investor is a joint venture of foreign firms called Empire City. However, the idea for the project has been launched and investment procedures for it have yet to be completed. Le Hoang Chau, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Association, also confirmed that the tallest building that the city had planned was the Thu Thiem observation tower complex project, not a 186-floor building. Earlier, news that Ho Chi Minh City would boast the worlds tallest skyscraper called TS Tower spread on social media. According to the rumor, the tower, which would have 186 floors and be 986 meters tall, would overtake Burj Khalifa in Dubai to become the tallest building in the world. It would be a new icon of Ho Chi Minh City and cement the position of the city in the global map. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Authorities in Phu Quoc City under the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang expect throngs of tourists to travel to Phu Quoc Island, dubbed Vietnams pearl island, by yacht during the upcoming holiday to celebrate the Reunification Day (April 30) and the International Workers Day (May 1). Yachts operate 28 rides daily to transport passengers from the mainland to the island, according to the administration of Phu Quoc City. The city is looking forward to seeing tourists take a yacht trip to the island to admire the sunset and enjoy their holiday there, said Huynh Quang Hung, chairman of the municipal administration. During the holiday, the city will continue tightening control over prices, and improving the quality of services and products to cement the position of the island as an ideal and safe tourist destination in Vietnam. Vo Van Phuong, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, experiences a squid-catching tour on Phu Quoc Island off Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre Many discounted tours are on offer, while thrilling experiences such as catching squid, exploring locals daily life, and hunting the sunset are expected to delight travelers during the holiday. Nguyen Van Linh, a tourist on Phu Quoc Island, said that catching squid at night is one of the most sought-after activities on the island. Both local and international tourists have opted to experience a squid-catching tour. I was so excited to catch a fresh squid, Vo Van Phuong, hailing from Ho Chi Minh City, recounted. A tourist takes a selfie with the sea on Phu Quoc Island. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre Kien Giang Province welcomed some 2.7 million tourists in the first three months of 2024, with 290,650 international tourist arrivals, up 49.5 percent year on year, a representative of the provincial Department of Tourism said on Saturday. Phu Quoc City alone served more than 1.6 million travelers, including 285,000 foreigners, and earned over VND6 trillion (US$244 million) in tourism revenue during the three-month period. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Highlights from Newmont's Completion of the $20 Million Global Community Support Fund Global Community Support Fund demonstrates commitment to social responsibility and strengthening community engagement DENVER, April 04, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM, TSX: NGT, ASX: NEM, PNGX: NEM) proudly announces the successful completion of the $20 million Global Community Support Fund (the Fund), established in April 2020 in response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the global pandemic. The objective of this fund was to provide critical financial resources to host communities where Newmont operates, targeting funds to address immediate impacts of the global pandemic while catalyzing long-term resiliency and future community development. "After almost four years since its launch, we are pleased to announce the successful closure of the Global Community Support Fund, which reflects our ongoing commitment to partnering with the communities where we operate," said Suzy Retallack, Chief Safety and Sustainability Officer at Newmont. "The Funds impact has been far-reaching, contributing to the collective efforts of communities to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic and innovate for greater resilience in the future." Over the past 3.5 years, Newmont has partnered with more than 420 local governments, medical institutions, charities, and non-governmental organizations to strategically allocate funds effectively. The $20 million Fund has been instrumental in supporting a wide range of initiatives, focused on health, food security and economic resilience: $1.4 million donated to the Regional Hospital of Cajamarca, providing ventilators, incubators, monitoring equipment, COVID-19 tests and personal protective equipment (PPE). $500,000 donation matched by the Colorado Health Foundation resulting in a $1 million total donation to the Colorado Community Support Fund to support community health and prevention for underserved populations in the state. $300,000 donated to the American Red Cross Global Disaster Preparedness Center to support research and local-level grants for emergency response community resilience. $304,000 donated to the Cree Trappers' Association in Quebec to provide food security to vulnerable people and employment for traditional harvesters in the nine communities of Eeyou Istchee. $734,000 donated to the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Ghana to establish two new laboratories in the host communities of Ahafo and Akyem along with COVID-19 tests and testing equipment to expand their testing capacity for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. $968,000 donated to Surinames Ministry of Health to launch the Recovery and Resilience Project in partnership with Crown Agents to strengthen Surinames health system, reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and COVID-19 burdens, and enhance emergency response capabilities. Story continues "As part of our commitment to addressing the challenges posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the impact of COVID-19 in Suriname, Crown Agents, the Ministry of Health and Newmont formed an impactful partnership on the Recovery and Resilience Project. Together, we worked to strengthen Suriname's health system, alleviate the burden of NCDs and COVID-19, and enhance emergency response capabilities," says Sarah Hepworth, Chief Programmes Officer at Crown Agents. "Our focus on strengthening NCD services, promoting vaccination uptake, and addressing healthcare worker hesitancy underscores our dedication to improving the well-being of the people of Suriname. Crown Agents is proud to collaborate with Newmont and the Ministry of Health to contribute to the health and resilience of Suriname." Newmont remains committed to its core values of safety, sustainability, and responsibility, and the successful implementation of the Global Community Support Fund underpins the companys purpose to create value and improve lives through sustainable and responsible mining. About Newmont Newmont is the worlds leading gold company and a producer of copper, zinc, lead, and silver. The companys world-class portfolio of assets, prospects and talent is anchored in favorable mining jurisdictions in Africa, Australia, Latin America & Caribbean, North America, and Papua New Guinea. Newmont is the only gold producer listed in the S&P 500 Index and is widely recognized for its principled environmental, social, and governance practices. Newmont is an industry leader in value creation, supported by robust safety standards, superior execution, and technical expertise. Founded in 1921, the company has been publicly traded since 1925. At Newmont, our purpose is to create value and improve lives through sustainable and responsible mining. To learn more about Newmonts sustainability strategy and initiatives, go to www.newmont.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240404566254/en/ Contacts Media Contact Jennifer Pakradooni Globalcommunications@newmont.com FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Biden meets with Australian PM Albanese and British PM Sunak at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego LONDON (Reuters) -The U.S., Britain and Australia are set to begin talks on bringing new members into their AUKUS security pact as Washington pushes for Japan to be involved as a deterrent against China, the Financial Times reported. The countries' defence ministers will announce discussions on Monday on "Pillar Two" of the pact, which commits the members to jointly developing quantum computing, undersea, hypersonic, artificial intelligence and cyber technology, the newspaper reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the situation. They are not considering expanding the first pillar, which is designed to deliver nuclear-powered attack submarines to Australia, the FT said. AUKUS, formed by the three countries in 2021, is part of their efforts to push back against China's growing power in the Indo-Pacific region. China has called the AUKUS pact dangerous and warned it could spur a regional arms race. U.S. President Joe Biden has sought to step up partnerships with U.S. allies in Asia, including Japan and the Philippines, amid China's historic military build-up and its growing territorial assertiveness. Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. ambassador in Tokyo, wrote in an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday that Japan was "about to become the first additional Pillar II partner". A senior U.S. administration official told Reuters on Wednesday that some sort of announcement could be expected in the coming week about Japan's involvement but gave no details. Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will likely discuss expanding AUKUS to include Japan when the president hosts the prime minister in Washington on Wednesday, a source with knowledge of the talks said. Australia, however, is wary of beginning new projects until more progress has been made on supplying Canberra with nuclear-powered submarines, said the source, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorised to speak to the media. OBSTACLES FOR JAPAN A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council and China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the FT report. A Japanese foreign ministry spokesperson said the ministry could not immediately comment. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has said they would "seek opportunities to engage close partners in AUKUS Pillar II" and any involvement of more countries would be decided and announced by the three partners, a spokesperson from his office said. Britain's defence ministry said it too would like to involve more allies in this work, subject to joint agreement. While the U.S. is keen to see Japanese involvement in Pillar Two, officials and experts say obstacles remain, given a need for Japan to introduce better cyber defences and stricter rules for guarding secrets. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, an architect of U.S. Indo-Pacific policy, said on Wednesday the U.S. was encouraging Japan to do more to protect intellectual property and hold officials accountable for secrets. "It's fair to say that Japan has taken some of those steps, but not all of them," he said. The United States has long said that other countries in Europe and Asia are expected to join the second pillar of AUKUS. The senior U.S. official said any decisions about who would be involved in Pillar Two would be made by the three AUKUS members, whose defence ministers had been considering the questions for many months, based on what countries could bring to the project. Campbell said that other countries had expressed interest in participating in AUKUS. "I think you'll hear that we have something to say about that next week and there also will be further engagement among the three defence ministers of the United States, Australia, and Great Britain as they focus on this effort as well," Campbell told the Center for a New American Security think tank. Campbell also said on Wednesday the AUKUS submarine project could help deter any Chinese move against Taiwan, the democratically governed island that Beijing claims as part of China. Biden, Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr are to hold a trilateral summit on Thursday. (Reporting by Shreya Biswas in Bengaluru, David Brunnstrom in Washington, Tim Kelly in Tokyo, Andrew Hayley in Beijing, David Milliken in London and Lewis Jackson in Sydney; Editing by William Mallard and Andrew Heavens) By Gilles Guillaume and Elizabeth Pineau PARIS (Reuters) - China's commerce minister Wang Wentao is due in Paris on Sunday for talks that are expected to cover China's fast growing export of cheap electric vehicles (EVs) into the European market. Four sources briefed on Wang's trip told Reuters in late March that the discussions would focus on a European Commission investigation into whether China's EV industry has benefited from unfair subsidies. European carmakers have a fight on their hands to produce lower-cost electric vehicles and erase China's lead in developing cheaper models. The European Commission, the bloc's executive arm which forecasts China's share of EVs sold in Europe could reach 15% of the market in 2025, says Chinese EVs benefit from huge state subsidies and is examining whether to impose punitive tariffs. China contests the claim its EV industry has boomed because of subsidies and has called the EU inquiry "protectionist". Analysts say factors, including China's dominance of the battery supply chain, innovation and cut-throat competition in a crowded domestic market have also reduced prices. Wang is due on Sunday to meet Renault chief executive Luca de Meo, who is also acting chairman of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), a person briefed on the meeting said. He is also expected to attend a dinner later on Sunday with executives from the cosmetics industry, two other sources familiar with the plans said. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has said he will hold talks with Wang on Monday. The Chinese trade ministry did not respond to a request for comment. European Commission investigators inspected leading Chinese automakers BYD, Geely and SAIC earlier this year as part of their inquiries. Paris backed the anti-subsidy probe. BYD's Europe chief executive Michael Shu will accompany Wang during his trip, said a person briefed on the matter. Representatives of SAIC and Geely were also due to accompany Wang, Reuters reported last month. BYD did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China launched its own anti-dumping investigation into brandy in January in response to Europe's EV probe. France accounts for almost all EU brandy exports to China. Wang will meet on Monday with the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC), a brandy trade group, along with company executives, said an association official. China has said it is selecting Martell & Co, Societe Jas Hennessy & Co, and E. Remy Martin & Co, as sample companies for its own investigation. Story continues Wang will also attend a China-Italy business forum in Verona, Italy, on Friday, alongside the country's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the Italian government said. (Reporting by Elizabeth Pineau, Gilles Guillaume, Mimosa Spencer and Leigh Thomas in Paris; additional reporting by Brendah Goh in Shanghai and Andrew Hayley in Beijing; Writing by Dominique Patton; Editing by Richard Lough and Ros Russell) MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's Orsk oil refinery suspended work on Sunday, after the city's dam burst on Friday night amid flooding in the surrounding Orenburg region, Russian news agency cited the plant's press service as saying. The refinery, located around 1800km (1100 miles) east of Moscow, close to Russia's border with Kazakhstan, has an annual capacity of six million tons of oil. State news agency RIA reported that the suspension of operations was aimed at avoiding ecological risks amid floods that have hit the surrounding Orenburg region, as well as nearby parts of Russia and Kazakhstan. (Writing by Felix Light; editing by Guy Faulconbridge) Where and when to see the solar eclipse in the UK A total solar eclipse will see much of North America plunged into darkness on Monday. (Getty) Parts of the Earth will be plunged into darkness on Monday thanks to a rare solar eclipse. Much of North America will see day turn to night thanks to the eclipse, which will also mean flares of the suns corona can be seen, resembling a diamond ring in the sky. It may also be possible to see planets and comets with the naked eye, and the eclipse could disrupt communications back on Earth. It may be possible to see a partial eclipse from the UK, but only from certain areas and in clear conditions. A total solar eclipse happens when the moon completely covers the sun, and observers are within the darkest part of the moons shadow. Monday's eclipse is the biggest since 2017, and an estimated 31.6 million people across North America will be in its path. As excitement build, various conspiracy theories have circulated, while experts have also reminded people what they should and shouldn't do in the event of a solar eclipse. Here is everything you need to know about Monday's eclipse: Who will be able to see a total solar eclipse this week? The eclipse will start North America shortly after 2pm EDT (7pm BST) on Monday (8 April), lasting two hours. The path of totality which means where the total solar eclipse will be fully visible will start shortly after 11am local time in Mazatlan, Mexico. From Mexico the total eclipse will last 4.5 minutes, and while this does not seem long, the maximum eclipse length possible is about 7-8 minutes. Can I see the solar eclipse from the UK? While North America will experience a total solar eclipse, the UK will only get a partial eclipse as the path of the total eclipse will end west of Ireland. But after sunset around 20% to 30% of the sun will be obscured by the moon hence a partial eclipse. Professor Don Pollacco, from the University of Warwicks Department of Physics, said that from Glasgow about 12% of the sun will be obscured at around 8pm (BST). Under clear conditions, people in Edinburgh might see a 6% obscuration. Dr Edward Bloomer, senior astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, said the UK is only going to get a small grazing of the eclipse in the west and north of the country. The proportion of the Sun that will be covered during the eclipse on Monday. (PA) Liverpool will only see a maximum of 3.1% coverage at 7.57pm when the sun is basically right on the horizon - the window is very small as the start and end times are 7.55pm and 8pm. Belfast will be treated to more of an eclipse with a maximum of 28.1% coverage at 8.10pm. However, the sun will be very low on the horizon, and the window is 7.55pm until 8.14pm. Stornoway in Scotland will see 33.7% maximum coverage at 8.13pm. The eclipse will start at 7.53pm and end at 8.23pm. Dr Bloomer said: Im afraid the south and the east are out of luck this time around. We wont ourselves get to see anything from the observatory, which were a bit sad about. Prof Pollacco said: The totality track ends in the Atlantic hundreds of miles west of Ireland at sunset. Going west the obscuration is greater, east less." How rare are total solar eclipses? Total solar eclipses occur every 18 months but the visibility path of seeing the full total eclipse is only around 80 miles, so if you are not located within that track it will not be visible. Prof Pollacco, who is travelling to the US to view the total solar eclipse, said: Total eclipses of the sun are amazing and feel quite magical. From the right vantage point, you can see the moon shadow rushing towards you at 1,000 miles an hour as totality approaches. When almost obscured as the suns light shines through valleys on the moons limb, you see the famous Bailys Beads (beads of sunlight emerging from the eclipse shadow) and, when the final valley is lit up, the Diamond Ring (which appears as a faint corona around the sun, as a glittering ring). At this time, turning off the sunlight has effects high up in the earths atmosphere, which may impact communications, and produce the strange shadow bands on the ground making the ground swirl around as you look at it. There is another in 2026 that is visible in northern Spain, tracking up to Iceland. But the next total eclipse of the sun visible from the UK is in 2090. Eclipses can be viewed using a "pinhole projector", or specialist glasses. (Getty) How should you view a solar eclipse? You should always use eye protection and follow normal advice not to look directly at the sun. Experts say the eclipse can be viewed safely through real solar eclipse glasses not 3D glasses or anything similar. But the safest, cheapest and arguably the most convenient way to view the event is by pinhole projection make a hole in a piece of card, hold it under the sun, and hold a piece of paper behind the card. Using this method, people should be able to see the shape of the sun projected on to the paper, taking away the need to look directly at the Sun. Prof Pollacco warned: With no protection you will at best damage your eyes, or you could blind yourself. Read more Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Eid al Fitr (2024) will be celebrated in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Palestine and other Arab States on Wednesday April 10, 2024, it is officially confirmed by the Royal Court. Tuesday April 9, 2024 2:20 AM , ummid.com News Network Eid ul Fitr 2024 Moon Sighting Live Updates: The Saudi Royal Court officially confirmed Tuesday April 09, 2024 as the 30th day of Ramadan and Wednesday April 10, 2024 as the first day of Eid al Fitr. "The Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Monday evening, Ramadan 29", Saudi Arabias Supreme Court said. "(Accordingly) Tuesday will be the final day of the holy month, and Eid Al-Fitr celebrations will commence on Wednesday, April 10", it said. The Crescent Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in Qatar also announced that Tuesday, April 9, 2024, will be the last day of the holy month of Ramadan. It further said that Wednesday, April 10, 2024, is the first day of the blessed Eid Al Fitr in Qatar. The moon-sighting committee in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also confirmed Wednesday April 10 as the first day of Eid al Fitr and Tuesday April 09, 2024 30th and the last day of the Muslim month of fasting Ramadan. Muslims in Palestine will celebrate Eid al Fitr on Wednesday April 10, 2024 amid the ongoing war. Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, who is in charge of Jerusalems Islamic holy places, including Al-Aqsa Mosque, has said that Tuesday is the last day of the fasting month of Ramadan. In a statement, Hussein expressed hope that before the next Eid, Palestinian freedom and independence will have been achieved and the brutal aggression against our people in Gaza will have ended. North America, Canada and Australia have have also announced Eid al Fitr 2024 celebrations on Wednesday April 10, 2024. Muslims in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will decide on Tuesday the exact date and time of Eid in the Indian subcontinent. 06:20 PM (Makkah Time): Astronomers in Saudi Arabia at the official Sudair and Tumair observatories the Shawwal 1445 H Moon is not sighted today. Accordingly, Tuesday April 09, 2024 will be the 30th day of Ramadan, and the First Day of Eid al Fitr will be on Wednesday April 10, 2024. A formal announcement by Saudi Royal Court to follow soon. 06:00 PM (Makkah Time): The main observatories in Saudi Arabia in Sudair and Tumair are ready for sighting of Shawwal 1445 AH Moon which will decide the first day of Eid al Afitr. The weather in Riyadh, Tumair and Sudair is a bit cloudy with rainfall reported in parts of Riyadh and most of the astronomers are of the view that it will be difficult to sight the creacent of Shawwal 1445 today. However Sudair observatory has proved them wrong on many occasions in the recnt past. If the New Moon is sighted today, Eid al Fitr will be celebrated in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Palestine, Jordan and other Arab states on Tuesday April 09, 2024. An official announcement from Saudi Arabia is most likely at around 06:30 PM Makkah Time. Meanwhile, North America, Canada and Australia have already announced Eid al Fitr 2024 celebrations on Wednesday April 10, 2024. [Al Majmah observatory in Sudair, Saudi Arabia] 11:00 AM (Makkah Time): Saudi Royal Court will sit today after Maghrib Salaha to analyse and confirm the Eid Moon sighting report if any. Given the sunset and moon rise and set timings and forecasts for April 08, 09 and 10, Eid moon is likely to be seen on April 9 and April 10. Accordingly, experts predict that Eid 2024 is likely to fall either on April 10 or 11. The National Calendar of Saudi Arabia, which is used by its government for planning events and national holidays, has marked Wednesday April 10, 2024 as the first day of Eid al Fitr. The Saudi declaration is followed by Birmingham's Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC), the organisers of the city's big Eid celebrations. Meanwhile, Eid Moon Sighting today coincides with the April 08 total solar Eclipse which will be seen in North America and other adjoining areas. Interestingly, Eid Moon sighting in 2023 was coincided with a " Hybrid Solar Eclipse ". 04:00 AM (Makkah Time): The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia, Ministry of Justice UAE, Religious Authorities and Moon Sighting Committees in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Morocco, Jordan and other Arab states in separate appeals issued Thursday called upon the local residents to sight the crescent, new moon, of the month of Shawwal 1445 AH today i.e. Monday 29th of Ramadan 1445 AH corresponding to April 08, 2024. "In case the Eid crescent or the new moon is spotted Monday local residents should report to the nearest court so that a decision to confirm the first day of Eid al Fitr 2024 is taken", they said. The Royal Court of Saudi Arabia called on whoever sights the crescent with naked eyes or through binoculars to report to a nearest court and register his testimony, or report to an authority of a region's centre in his area. As per the normal practice, the UAE has also announced the formation of a moon-sighting committee to spot the crescent. "The committee will meet after Maghrib prayers on Monday 29th of Ramadan 1445 AH corresponding to April 08, 2024 at Abu Dhabi Judicial Department to spot the crescent", the government sources said. Eid al Fitr 2024 Moon sighting Special arrangements have also been made and general appeals issued by the authorities in Qatar and other Gulf states including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Muscat, Yemen, Sudan, Egypt, Tunisia, Iraq, Syria and Palestine to sight the Eid Moon today on Monday 29th of Ramadan 1445 AH of the Islamic Calendar corresponding to April 08, 2024. "Eid will be celebrated on Tuesday April 09, 2024 if the new moon is spotted today. If the moon is not sighted today, then Tuesday will mark a regular fasting day and Eid will be celebrated on Wednesday April 10, 2024", Saudi Royal Court said. Australia to celebrate Eid on Wednesday The Australian National Imams Council has announced that Muslims in Australia will celebrate Eid al Fitr on Wednesday April 10, 2024. "The Australian Fatwa Council is pleased to announce to the Australian Muslim Community that Tuesday, 9th of April 2024, will be the last day of the Month of Ramadan 1445AH." "The Day of Eid Al-Fitr will be on Wednesday, 10th of April 2024, and the first day of the Month of Shawwal 1445AH", the Australian National Imams Council said in a statement. The government in Brunei, Singapore, Malayasia and Indonesia will make the Eid Moon Announcement Monday. Eid 2024 in US, Canada The Fiqh Council of North America recognizes astronomical calculation as an acceptable Shari method for determining the beginning of Lunar months including the months of Ramadan and Shawwal. "The Astronomical New Moon is on Monday, April 8, 2024 at 18:21 Universal Time. On April 8, there is no place on earth where at sunset the elongation is 8 degrees and moon is 5 degrees above the sun. Hence the first day of Shawwal is on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, inshaAllah", the council said. Muslims in Canada follow The Fiqh Council of North America, which utilizes the criteria of the European Council of Fatwa and Research (ECFR), to celebrate Eid and observe Ramadan fast. Accordingly, Canada will too celebrate Eid al Fitr on Wednesday. "The Muslim Association of Canada is pleased to announce that Monday March 11th, 2024 will be the first day of Ramadan 1445 Hijri and Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10th, 2024, inshaAllah", it said. Eid 2024 Moon Sighting in India, Pakistan Muslims in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal will sight the Eid moon on Tuesday April 09, 2024 and Ramadan 29, 1445AH in these countries. The French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) of France and the UKs Islamic Relief, Wifaqul Ulama have also made appeal to Muslims in the respective countries to sight the New Moon of the month of Shawwal 1445 on 09th of April 2024, the 29th Ramadan 1445. The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand will also sight the Eid moon on Tuesday April 09, 2024. Eid al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan - the month of fasting. In this month, Muslims across the world refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk. Special prayers, including Traweeh prayers, are offered all across the Muslim world. A huge amount of money and food are also donated in the Holy month of Ramadan to help the poor and needy. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. HCM CITY Southeast Asia saw nearly 43 million local threats targeting businesses in 2023, according to data from global cybersecurity company Kaspersky. Businesses in Viet Nam were the worst affected with 17.1 million incidents, followed by Indonesia with 14.6 million and Thailand with 4.7 million. Singapore recorded a 67 per cent increase in local incidents, from 300,000 in 2022 to 500,000, the lowest in the region. Statistics on local infections of user computers are an important indicator of the overall cyberthreat landscape, and include objects that penetrated the target computer through infecting files or removable media, or initially made their way onto the computer in non-open form (for example, programmes in complex installers or encrypted files). These statistics are produced by Kasperskys scans of files on the hard drive at the moment they were created or accessed and of removable storage media. Adrian Hia, managing director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky, said: Southeast Asia shows solid potential to become a major manufacturing hub globally. The region is also consistent in charting steady digital economic growth through the years. To be able to continue these feats, organisations, whether operating on IT or OT [operational technology] systems, should build their cyberdefences against sophisticated attacks that use the same old techniques and tactics. Protection against local attacks not only requires a security solution capable of treating infected objects but also a firewall, anti-rootkit functionality and control over removable devices, the company said, adding that by scanning systems with robust security solutions, organisations could prevent the spread of malware through files or removable media. VNS DHAKA With its rich culture, breath-taking landscapes, and fascinating historical sites Asia has countless destinations fit for a summer vacation. Many well-known tourist spots within the continent, however, are somewhat pricey. Thus, putting them out of reach for those on a tighter budget. With a wide range of affordable adventures, we have gathered all the information you need for your next budget-friendly summer getaway. So, put your travel plans in motion and get ready for an incredible summer in Asia! Cebu, Philippines Being one of the most affordable Southeast Asian vacation spots, Cebu is the Philippines' most popular tourist attraction. Pristine white-sand beaches, magnificent waterfalls, flourishing marine life, adventurous parks, and a variety of outdoor activities await travellers in Cebu. Landmarks like Magellan's Cross and Fort Santiago are essential sites for history buffs while Moalboal is the perfect island spot for divers and snorkelers. The tasty, affordable food on the streets of Cebu and travelling via the metro can save major expenses. Visiting Cebu for three to seven days is most affordable. The average cost of a weeklong vacation is around Tk 49,000 but the majority of tourists spend between Tk 22,000 and 82,000. It covers sightseeing, transportation, meals, and accommodation. Additionally, if one books early, round-trip flights from Dhaka to Manila could be between Tk 38,000 to 43,000. Goa, India Travellers looking for affordable Asian vacation should visit Goa, India's smallest state yet a popular destination. Here, they can unwind in beachside shacks and enjoy the relaxed pace of life. To get the adrenaline pumping, tourists can visit exciting venues, such as the Saturday Night Market, the lively seaside pubs, or the Anjuna flea market. The whitewashed churches, crumbling forts, and magnificent baroque architecture of Old Goa also captivate many. There are a variety of inexpensive transportation choices in Goa, including buses, taxis, and motorcycle rentals. With a budget of about Tk 3,000 to 8,000 travellers might engage in enjoyable activities. On average, tourists spend Tk 25,000 for a week in Goa, while the range is Tk 10,000 to 60,000. Flights from Dhaka to Goa, including a return journey, may cost as little as Tk 35,000. Siem Reap, Cambodia Located in Southeast Asia, Siem Reap is a gem with breath-taking temples, vibrant cafes, and serene canals. One of the most amazing sights in the world, Angkor Wat, can be reached from Siem Reap. Additionally, tourists may visit the Tonle Sap Floating Village and Siem Reap Night Market for an experience that combines modernity with the old. After a day of seeing the city, tourists should finish the visit with a foot massage and some Khmer food. Accommodation, approximately Tk 16,000, may be pricey here. However, tourists may only spend about Tk 8,000 per week on transportation and meals. A budget of Tk 10,000 would be good for seeing sights and having fun. A three-day vacation to Cambodia may be a reasonable investment, considering the estimated cost of Tk 45,000 to 50,000. As an additional expense, round-trip flights might cost about Tk 50,000. Nha Trang, Viet Nam One of Southeast Asia's cheapest destinations, Nha Trang, is perfect for beachgoers. With its stunning coastline, unspoilt coral reefs, and network of islands, this coastal jewel is home to an almost unmatched summer getaway. Tourists can indulge in mouth-watering fresh seafood, experience mud baths, and go snorkelling. Other than the scenery, Nha Trang also has several architectural monuments and cultural places including Thap Ba Ponagar. The Nha Trang holiday budget may support modest planning and amenities. There is a wide variety of reasonably priced rental homes on the market. Cafes serving Vietnamese food are also very inexpensive. Things like excursions may cost around Tk 10,000. Spending a week in Nha Trang for a single person will cost about Tk 30,000. From Dhaka to HCM City in Viet Nam, the cost of a round trip might range from Tk 54,000 to 66,000. Dushanbe, Tajikistan One can consider visiting Tajikistan's capital, Dushanbe, for a fantastic and economical Central Asia vacation. The city is charming in its own right, with its quirky Soviet-era artwork on walls and majestic buildings along tree-lined streets. Tourists can stroll around Rudaki Park, see the Ayni Opera, and learn about the city's history at the Museum of Antiquities and the National Museum. One of the best ways to further experience authentic local food and culture is to peruse the local bazaars. The price of a round-trip ticket to Tajikistan is about Tk 90,000. However, for as little as Tk 1000 to 1500, you may stay at a guesthouse or even someone's home. This often also includes supper and breakfast. Additionally, they may connect you with local drivers. The price may be around Tk 2000. In fact, a week's worth of travel in Dushanbe is readily manageable for one person for around Tk 38,000! The Daily Star/VNS HA NOI Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Vuong inh Hue and a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam left Ha Noi on April 7 morning for a six-day official visit to China. The visit is made at the invitation of Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China Zhao Leji. Accompanying the top Vietnamese legislator are Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of the committees Mass Mobilization Commission Bui Thi Minh Hoai; Senior Lieutenant General Tran Quang Phuong, NA Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Viet Nam - China Friendship Parliamentarians Group; Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang; NA General Secretary and Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong; Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai, among other officials. NA Chairman Hues visit is expected to create a strong motivation and momentum for the development of the relations between Viet Nam and China. This is the first visit to China by Hue as the NA Chairman, and also the first direct meeting between the heads of the two countries' legislatures after the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) and the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is taking place in the context that the two countries celebrated the 73rd anniversary of their diplomatic relations and 15 years of bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in 2023. VNA/VNS TOKYO The relationship between Viet Nam and Japan is currently at the finest development stage, with a historical milestone being the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in November 2023, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang told her Japanese counterpart Komura Masahiro during a meeting on April 5 in Tokyo. The Vietnamese official expressed sincere thanks to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for coordinating to organise visits and working sessions of high-level delegations of the two countries in recent times, and suggested the two sides continue to closely coordinate to ensure the success of visits by Vietnamese and Japanese high-ranking leaders in 2024. She called on the Japanese side to continue providing official development assistance (ODA) for Viet Nam's development projects. Deputy FM Hang expressed her gratitude to the Government of Japan for creating favourable conditions for overseas Vietnamese (OVs) living, working, and studying in Japan, calling for further support for the Vietnamese community in the coming time, including simplifying visa application procedures. She took the occasion to show her sympathies over the losses of lives and property that the Japanese government and people had to endure after the disastrous earthquake in the early days of 2024 in Ishikawa prefecture and surrounding areas of central Japan. Hang thanked Komura for attending the opening ceremony of the Ikebukuro Festival on April 6 to raise funds to support the victims, considering this a vivid testament to the sincere friendship between the peoples of the two countries. For his part, Komura agreed to continue promoting cooperation between the two countries in various fields within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges, saying that these are important foundations of the friendship between Viet Nam and Japan. He affirmed that he will closely coordinate to successfully organise high-level visits of the two countries' leaders in 2024, and expressed delight at the ODA projects funded by Japan that are contributing to Viet Nam's socio-economic development, stating his personal commitment to continue to bring ODA projects to Viet Nam. The two officials agreed to continue close coordination to address issues related to Vietnamese nationals' violation of Japanese laws, including enhancing education to ensure that the Vietnamese community in Japan strictly abides by local laws. On the same day, Deputy FM Hang chaired a seminar with Vietnamese experts and intellectuals in Japan. As part of her working visit to Japan, Hang also had a meeting with representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in the country, during which she highly valued efforts by the agency in implementing OV affairs, saying that this has contributed to strengthening the national solidarity bloc and fostering the good friendship between the peoples and the strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Japan. VNS National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong inh Hue is set to head a prominent Vietnamese delegation on an official visit to China from April 7 to 12, following an invitation extended by Chairman Zhao Leji of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China. Chinese Ambassador to Viet Nam Xiong Bo sat down with the Viet Nam News Agency (VNA) for an interview, discussing pertinent topics concerning the visit. NA Chairman Vuong inh Hue will visit China in the coming days. Could you please comment on the visit's significance for the relationship between the two countries? This will be the first official visit that Vietnamese NA Chairman Vuong inh Hue pays to China as the leader of the Vietnamese NA. China attaches great importance to and warmly welcomes this visit. The visit is an important interaction between high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and two countries with an aim to maintain and strengthen strategic exchanges, with the most important task being to accelerate the implementation of a series of important common perceptions reached between the top leaders of the two Parties, especially the important common understandings reached during the visit to Viet Nam by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President of China Xi Jinping last year. During the visit, Xi and the Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong reached a series of new important common perceptions, of which the most important is to maintain the high-level exchanges between the two Parties. The upcoming China visit by NA Chairman Hue is also a specific action to maintain high-level bilateral exchanges. At the same time, this will be the first visit to China by a high-ranking leader of Viet Nam since the two countries announced the building of a Viet Nam-China Community with a Shared Future which has a strategic significance, striving for the happiness of the people of both sides, as well as for peace and progress for humanity. Besides, this will be the first meeting between the highest leaders of Vietnamese and Chinese legislatures since the announcement of the Viet Nam-China Community with a Shared Future. This has key significance in promoting cooperation between the two countries across all fields, increasing experience exchanges between the two sides in Party building and national management, enhancing key cooperation in many areas, and deepening exchanges between the two legislative bodies. During this visit, the two sides are scheduled to sign a new cooperation agreement between the two countries' legislatures and establish a new high-level dialogue mechanism. In general, this visit is very significant and we expect that it will produce good results. How do you think the cooperative relations between the Vietnamese NA and the Chinese NPC have contributed to the overall development of the ties between the two countries over the recent past? Exchanges between the two countries' legislative bodies are an important component in the relationship between the two Parties and the two countries. In the process of developing bilateral relations, the two countries' legislative bodies have maintained close exchanges. In March last year, after the election of the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC of China, Chairman of the committee Zhao Leji had his first online meeting with NA Chairman Vuong inh Hue in his position as Chairman of the NPC of China. This official visit to China by NA Chairman Vuong inh Hue will be a continuation of the close exchanges between the two countries' legislatures. How do you assess the opportunities and challenges for the bilateral relations in the future? First of all, like any bilateral relationship, both opportunities and challenges exist in the China-Viet Nam relationship. There cannot be opportunities without challenges. I think the most outstanding feature of China-Viet Nam relations is that opportunities outweigh challenges by far, and through the efforts of both sides, some challenges can be effectively managed and transformed into opportunities for cooperation under certain conditions. Talking about opportunities, the biggest opportunity or the most basic advantage of China-Viet Nam relations is that both sides persistently implement the strategic directions of the top leaders of the two Parties and their political guidance in the relationship between the two Parties. Both sides attach importance to maintaining political security, which means ensuring the leadership of the Party and the safety of the socialist regime as their fundamental strategic interest. The two sides attach great importance to enhancing the exchange of experience in Party building, State management and national construction, assisting each other's major political agendas, and supporting the implementation of medium- and long-term goals. In addition, the traditional friendship of China and Viet Nam, built and nurtured by generations of veteran leaders of the two Parties, including Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and Chinese President Mao Zedong, becomes a valuable asset of the two sides, contributing to helping the two countries continuously strengthen cooperation, and a strong spiritual strength for us to jointly accelerate the cause of development. China and Viet Nam are extremely important economic and trade partners of each other. China was Viet Nam's largest trade partner, while Viet Nam was the fifth biggest trade partner of China last year. The two sides have close economic, trade and investment links. They boast a geographical advantage, their mountains and rivers are interconnected, with convenient transportation, similar cultures and close people-to-people exchanges. These factors are all huge opportunities for developing the China-Viet Nam relationship. However, cooperation in many fields between the two sides has yet to match the favourable conditions and huge cooperation potential between the two countries. During the visit to Viet Nam by Party General Secretary Xi Jinping last year, high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and the two countries achieved the goal of "better management and control of differences. In a high-level visit, reaching such a common perception is extremely rare. This demonstrates the will, determination and confidence of China and Viet Nam in candidly acknowledging and solving differences in a reasonable manner. Trade cooperation and investment have always been crucial to promoting relations between the two countries. How do you assess the achievements and progress of practical cooperation between the two nations? Economic cooperation, trade and investment between the two countries always maintain a strong momentum of development. Amidst the complex fluctuations and challenges in the world, sustaining this development momentum is by no means simple. Last year, amid a complicated external environment, the economic development of both China and Viet Nam faced numerous challenges, but they managed to maintain a growth rate of over 5 per cent, which is a noteworthy achievement. Meanwhile, bilateral trade did not experience an excessive decline. According to Chinas statistics, the two-way trade hit US$229.8 billion, with Viet Nam's exports to China increasing by 4.8 per cent. I want to emphasise that although Viet Nam's agricultural exports to China, especially fruits and vegetables, may not account for a large proportion, they hold significant importance in bilateral trade and are highly valued by Vietnamese leaders. China also attaches great importance to increasing agricultural imports from Viet Nam. Last year, Viet Nam's fruit and vegetable exports to China surged by 139.5 per cent, accounting for 65 per cent of Vietnams total export turnover of fruits and vegetables. In this, durian exports reached nearly 500,000 tonnes worth US$2.1 billion. We believe that Viet Nam's fruit and vegetable exports to China will continue to maintain this strong growth momentum this year. The export situation in the first quarter of this year was very favourable. Chinas investment in Viet Nam has also maintained rapid growth. Last year, China poured US$4.47 billion of investment into Viet Nam, up 77.6 per cent year-on-year, making it the fourth biggest foreign investor in Vietnam. During the visit to Viet Nam by Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping last year, the two sides achieved important common perceptions regarding strengthening practical cooperation, with top priority given to accelerating transportation infrastructure connectivity. Also, during his Viet Nam visit, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping emphasised that China firmly supports Viet Nam in speeding up industrialisation and modernisation, and is willing to actively participate in the process of transforming and upgrading Viet Nam's economy, especially in terms of energy transition. Leaders of many large energy and power generation companies in China have come to Viet Nam to conduct market surveys. Accelerating a shift and upgrade of energy holds significant importance for the sustainable development of Viet Nam's economy, promoting industrialisation, and realising the goal of net-zero emissions. Chinese enterprises can provide strong support to Viet Nam in such areas as policy consultation, technical services for energy transition and power development, as well as the development of wind and solar energy, energy storage, hydro energy, and other new energy sources. VNS BEIJING Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong inh Hue and the Vietnamese high-level delegation arrived in Beijing, China, on Sunday afternoon, beginning the official visit from April 7-12, at the invitation of Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress of China. Welcoming the top legislator and the delegation at Beijing Capital International Airport were Vice Chairperson of the NPC Standing Committee Wang Dongming, along with other senior officials of the NPC. The Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai, the embassy staff, and representatives of the Vietnamese community in China were also present to welcome the delegation. Accompanying the top Vietnamese legislator are Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of the committees Mass Mobilisation Commission Bui Thi Minh Hoai; Senior Lieutenant General Tran Quang Phuong, NA Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Viet Nam-China Friendship Parliamentarians Group; Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang; NA General Secretary and Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong, among other officials. This is the first visit to China by Vuong inh Hue as Chairman of the National Assembly, and also the first visit to China by a Chairman of the National Assembly of Viet Nam in five years. This is also the first direct meeting between the heads of the two countries' legislatures after the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China. It is taking place in the context that the two countries celebrated the 73rd anniversary of their diplomatic relations and 15 years of bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in 2023. The visit is of great significance in maintaining high-level contacts, implementing, and concretising the common understanding between the highest leaders of the two Parties and states; it not only contributes to strengthening cooperation between the two legislative bodies but also represents high-level strategic exchanges between the two Parties and states of Viet Nam-China. Two-way trade reached US$133.09 billion in 2020, $165.9 billion in 2021, $175 billion in 2022, and $171.9 billion in 2023, according to Viet Nam customs data. In the first two months of 2024, the figure hit $27.3 billion. Regarding investment, as of March 2024, China had invested $27.64 billion in Viet Nam with 4,418 valid projects, ranking sixth among the 145 countries and territories investing in Viet Nam. In 2023 alone, China invested $4.47 billion in Viet Nam, an increase of 77.5 per cent, ranking 4th among the foreign investors, but leading in the number of new projects. In the first quarter of 2024, China led in the number of the new FDI projects in Viet Nam, accounting for 27.8 per cent. VNS = HA NOI Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang on April 6 signed a decision approving a plan on the implementation of the Viet Nam-Laos agreement on mutual judicial assistance in civil matters. Decision No. 285/Q-TTg aims to effectively materialise the agreement, facilitate the handling of civil cases involving foreign elements by competent agencies, and raise the efficiency of cooperation in the field between the two countries. It stressed the need to ensure close coordination among competent Vietnamese agencies, and between them and their Lao counterparts. Under the document, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Supreme Peoples Court were given with specific tasks to accelerate the implementation work. Notably, the Ministry of Justice will coordinate with the others to review the implementation of the agreement triennially in line with the document. The funding for the implementation of the plan comes from the state budget in accordance with the 2016 Law on International Treaties, the State Budget Law and other sources (if any). The agreement was signed by Vietnamese Minister of Justice Le Thanh Long and his Lao counterpart Phayvy Siboualypha under the witness of the two Prime Ministers in Vientiane, Laos, on January 11, 2023, within the framework of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs visit to the neighbouring country on January 11-12. VNS NEW YORK Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai on April 5-6 (local time) met with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed during his trip to the US to attend the 2024 Vietnam Executive Leadership Programme (VELP) in Boston. Khai affirmed that Viet Nam persistently supports multilateralism and a world order based on international law and the UN Charter, advocates the central role of the UN in the global governance system to respond to common challenges and will contribute to major priorities of the UN in the coming time. "Viet Nam is determined to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and respond to climate change; supports the UNs initiatives to accelerate the realisation of sustainable development goals," he affirmed. He asked the UN to prioritise supporting Viet Nam in mobilising finance, transferring technology, and sharing knowledge and practical experience, especially in areas such as improving climate change response and adaptation, effective management of water resources, energy transition, innovation, and digital transformation. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said the world is entering an important period with many global challenges, requiring countries to uphold multilateralism and promote cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals. Acknowledging that Viet Nam is an important partner of the UN, she expected that the country will coordinate in implementing agendas, including climate change response, energy transition, digital transformation, maintaining food supply chains, promoting education, and ensuring inclusive development, and social justice, among others. She affirmed that UN organisations are ready to support Viet Nam in mobilising resources, helping the country accelerate the implementation of development goals, especially on energy transition and response to climate change. During his trip to Cornell Tech University under Cornell University, the Vietnamese Deputy PM spoke highly of the schools cooperation with Vietnamese universities as well as the quality of Vietnamese students at the university and asked the school to continue to promote cooperation and coordination in joint training programmes with major universities in Viet Nam. At a business discussion held by BCIU with the participation of nearly 20 large US businesses in banking, finance, technology, telecommunications, services, health care, and education, Khai praised the development of Viet Nam - US relations in all fields, with trade and investment relations as the pillars and driving forces, He also appreciated US enterprises' production and business investment activities in Viet Nam. The Deputy PM proposed that US businesses further expand operations in the Southeast Asian country, focusing on areas where Viet Nam has demands and US businesses have strengths; continue to propose, comment, and recommend policies on digital transformation, high-quality human resources training, infrastructure development, and information technology. "The Vietnamese Government commits to always accompanying and creating favourable conditions for foreign investors in general and US investors in particular to resolve difficulties and obstacles facing them in order to help them implement business and investment projects effectively and sustainably in Viet Nam," he stressed. Leaders of local enterprises said they look forward to learning more about Viet Nam's development strategy to invest more in Viet Nam, contributing to the development of Viet Nam- US ties and supporting Viet Nam's growth. VNA/VNS TOKYO A ceremony was held on April 6 in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, to launch the Day for Honouring Vietnamese Language 2024. Addressing the event, which aims to foster Vietnamese teaching and learning among the Vietnamese community in the country, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu affirmed that supporting and encouraging the community to maintain cultural identity and preserve the Vietnamese language are one of the key tasks of the embassy. The embassy and its community affairs board always create favourable conditions for teachers and Vietnamese language centres to promote the preservation of the mother tongue for generations of Vietnamese children in Japan. The ambassador asked the Vietnamese community in Japan to be more active in the Vietnamese language teaching and learning movement. He also hoped that more attention will be paid to researching and compiling a curriculum which is suitable for children living in the East Asia nation, adding that the Vietnamese language learning movement in Japan will develop strongly in the coming time, meeting the needs of the community. Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, who is also Chairwoman of the State Commission for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs (SCOVA), hailed associations in Japan for organising activities that help connect Vietnamese people at home and abroad and for their efforts to preserve the Vietnamese language. Hang affirmed that the SCOVA will accompany the Vietnamese community in Japan through providing textbooks and organising training courses on Vietnamese language teaching skills for teachers and volunteers. The same day, Deputy Minister Hang held working sessions with representatives of 10 Vietnamese associations in Japan during which they briefed about the outcome of their activities, including supporting each other to overcome difficulties, integrating into the host society, maintaining the Vietnamese language and national cultural identity as well as providing assistance to local residents who were affected by natural disasters. The representatives also proposed to strengthen the teaching and learning of the Vietnamese language, connect with mass organisations in the home country, and promote communications work with the goal of building a united, strong community in Japan. VNS NGHE AN A statue of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin will be positioned at the intersection of V.I.Lenin Avenue and Nguyen Phong Sac street in Vinh city, the central province of Nghe An to commemorate the 154th anniversary of the late Russian leader's birthday (April 22). Vinh city in Nghe An province the homeland of late President Ho Chi Minh - is the second locality, after Ha Noi, selected for the placement of Lenins statue. The statue, which weighs 4.5 tonnes and measures 3.6 metres in height, was crafted from pure copper in Ulyanovsk as a gift from the Russian city to Nghe An. Nghe An province and Ulyanovsk the native land of Lenin have boasted close relations since the 1990s. Ulyanovsk has named a square, an avenue and a school after President Ho Chi Minh. The erection of the statue is expected to contribute to creating a highlight for the urban landscape of Vinh city as well as deepening the relationship between Nghe An and Ulianov in the fields of investment, trade, health, education-training and tourism. Earlier in 2017, Ulyanovsk unveiled a 5m-tall bronze statue of President Ho Chi Minh in an area of 2,000 sq.m next to the Ho Chi Minh Boulevard in Zasniazhsky district. VNS PARIS - The Union of Vietnam Students in France (UEVF) held a charity fair at the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in Paris on April 6 to raise fund for residents and soldiers on Viet Nams Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly). The event attracted the participation of not only Vietnamese students, but also other representatives of the Vietnamese community in France. Proceeds from the fair, to last until April 14, will be used to buy seawater filters and seedlings for the soldiers and residents, or presented directly to them, said UEVF President Nguyen Phan Bao Thuy, adding the event is expected to offer an opportunity for Vietnamese students and young people in France to contribute to national construction and defence. Vietnamese Ambassador to France inh Toan Thang said the fair has helped strengthen solidarity among Vietnamese students and young people in the host country, and affirmed that the embassy always supports the unions activities. - VNS By Thanh Nga We were fortunate to visit Muong La, the mountainous district of Son La Province in the northwest, during a vibrant spring, when the mountains and forests were adorned with the blossoms of son tra, also known as assam apple. This journey filled us with excitement as we discovered a region blessed with breathtaking landscapes and rich historical and cultural treasures. Muong La lies some 40km northeast of central Son La City, and 300km northwest of Ha Noi. With its predominantly mountainous terrain at an average altitude of 500-700m above sea level, Muong La offers a diverse range of natural wonders that promise to captivate every visitor. As we ventured into the eastern and northeastern parts of the district, we marvelled at the majestic mountains that gradually gave way to lower terrain in the southern region and along the banks of the a River. This geographical diversity, coupled with the presence of the a and several large streams, creates a captivating landscape that has earned Muong La the reputation of being the hub of Son La tourism. In addition, the cool climate of the northwest region adds to the allure, making it an ideal destination throughout the year. Making the most of its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural identity, Muong La has focused on developing various forms of tourism, including cultural tourism, ecotourism, community-based tourism, and the exploration of archaeological relics. The district's tourism potential is accentuated by notable features such as the Son La hydroelectric power plant. Muong La boasts over 10 hot mineral water areas that draw in numerous tourists seeking relaxation and rejuvenation," Nguyen Van Tam, vice chairman of Muong La District People's Committee [district government] told Viet Nam News. "The district's lush forests, covering an area of over 60,000ha, offer an excellent opportunity for nature enthusiasts. Ngoc Chien Commune, in particular, boasts a remarkable natural forest area of over 85 per cent, equivalent to 18,000ha, making it an ideal tourist destination. While the Son La hydroelectric plant stands as a prominent attraction, it is just one among a collection of more than 10 large and small hydroelectric projects featuring artificial lakes on rivers and streams such as Nam Mu, Nam Chien and Nam Trai. The Son La hydroelectric plant, located in It Ong Commune approximately 40km from the city centre, was completed in seven years, becoming one of the largest hydroelectric plants in Viet Nam and Southeast Asia. Taking advantage of the expansive water surface of the plant's reservoir, Muong La has embraced the development of experiential tourism, offering visitors the opportunity to embark on sightseeing cruises, visit fish-rearing rafts on the lake, indulge in kayaking adventures, and savour the local cuisine and experience ethnic culture in the charming lakeside communities of Muong Trai, Hua Trai and Chieng Lao. Muong La is indeed a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural heritage. Apart from the hot mineral water springs in Hua It Village, Luot Village and Na Cua Village, the district is also blessed with limestone cave systems and archaeological sites that offer a glimpse into its rich history. Co Noong Cave, located in It Ong Town, is an archaeological site that leaves visitors awe-struck with its enchanting beauty. The cave is adorned with numerous multicoloured metallic stalactites and intriguing formations, creating a magical ambience. The view from the cave entrance is breathtaking, allowing visitors to observe the Son La hydroelectric project, It Ong Town, the Phieng Tin rubber plantation, the Muong La bridge, and the entire downstream area of the a. Meanwhile, Ngoc Chien Commune, situated at an elevation of 1,600 to 1,800m above sea level, is renowned for its scenic view of assam apple trees in blossom. The commune boasts pristine mountain landscapes and a cool climate that remains refreshing throughout the year. Exploring Ngoc Chien provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the unique and diverse cultures of the Mong and Thai ethnic minorities, who inhabit picturesque villages. The fairytale countryside, with its houses on stilts featuring hundred-year-old wood roofs and natural hot mineral springs, offers visitors enchanting experiences. The hot springs in Ngoc Chien are believed to offer various health benefits, such as alleviating skin diseases, rheumatism, cardiovascular ailments, and reducing stress. I find solace and relaxation in soaking in the thermal water after busy and stressful days, said visitor Nguyen Thi Diep from Ha Noi. According to Bui Tien Sy, the secretary of the communist party committee of Ngoc Chien, the commune has focused on developing various forms of tourism, including ecotourism, spiritual tourism, historical-cultural heritage tourism, and resort tourism. The commune has prioritised the development of infrastructure and aims to create a unique tourism chain that fosters cohesion between different localities, with the ultimate goal of sustainable tourism development. Another destination not to be missed is Cat Linh Village in Chieng Muon Commune, home to the Mong ethnics who possess distinct cultural features. The village, situated atop Pu Tha Kenh Mountain at an altitude of over 2,500m, is proud to have a landscape characterised by majestic mountains, lush forests, and terraced fields that stretch out in layers. This untamed environment is a haven for diverse wildlife, including monkeys, and is adorned with primaeval forests and abundant water streams that flow throughout the year. Muong La District takes pride in preserving and celebrating its traditional cultural heritage through various festivals such as Xen Ban, Xen Muong, Pang A, and the new harvest celebration festival. Traditional dances and folk games like stick pushing and cloth ball throwing are also cherished. The culinary culture of the region showcases the distinct flavours of the northwest mountains and forests, with dishes like grilled sticky rice, stir-fried bamboo shoots, grilled stream fish, black boned chicken, and wild vegetable salads. These cultural treasures serve as an advantage for Muong La in attracting investments in tourism services. Building upon its potential, the district has formed and developed a tourism and service economic triangle consisting of It Ong Town, Ngoc Chien Commune, and Chieng Lao Commune. Each locality offers unique features and specific tourist attractions. It Ong Town serves as the economic and cultural centre of the district, housing the Son La hydroelectric plant, historical relics of Pom Pat station, archaeological relics of Co Noong Cave, and hot water springs. Ngoc Chien Commune, with its fresh and cool climate, hot mineral springs, and assam apple flower festival, provides a distinct charm. Chieng Lao Commune, located about 25km northwest of It Ong Town, offers a huge lakeside area, the Huoi Quang hydroelectric plant, and Mt Khau Ung, making it ideal for ecotourism and fishing. To tap into its potential, Muong La District has launched a tourism development project for 2020-2025. Over the years, tours and tourist routes have been established, accommodation facilities have been developed and local cultural heritage and natural landscapes have been explored for tourism. These efforts have attracted a significant number of domestic and international tourists to the district. Several businesses have also shown interest in researching and developing investment plans in Muong La tourism business, thereby creating jobs for the locals. Since last year the district has welcomed about 140,000 visitors, generating a total revenue of nearly US$2 million from tourism. To ensure sustainable tourism development, Muong La District is strengthening investment cooperation in infrastructure development and creating regional connections with neighbouring districts in Son La and Yen Bai provinces. These efforts aim to highlight the natural beauty, ethnic culture, and tourism potential of these northwestern districts. VNS Uganda says anti-malarial drugs donated by China to help curb epidemic Xinhua) 10:31, April 07, 2024 Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zhang Lizhong (4th L) and Ugandan Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng (2nd R) attend the handover ceremony of the anti-malaria medicines donated by China, at the National Medical Stores in Kajjansi, central district of Wakiso, Uganda, on April 5, 2024. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua) KAMPALA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Uganda has said the anti-malaria medicines worth 1.1 million U.S. dollars donated by China will greatly help curb the epidemic in the east African country. Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng said the country last year experienced an upsurge in cases of malaria, which spread to more than half of the districts across Uganda. Aceng was speaking Friday after receiving the consignment of drugs from the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, Zhang Lizhong, at the National Medical Stores in Kajjansi, central district of Wakiso, a district in the Central Region of Uganda. "As a country we are at high risk of malaria due to our climatic conditions. Uganda is also the 3rd highest contributor of malaria cases (5.4 percent) and 7th highest contributor of malaria deaths globally (2.9 percent)," Aceng said. "Therefore, this generous donation of anti-malarial drugs will be helpful in the fight against malaria and control of the malaria epidemic, especially in prone areas," the minister said. According to the minister, the most affected populations included children, pregnant women and people who live in rural and hard-to-reach areas. She said between 2021 and 2023, the country experienced a generalized increase in malaria cases, "with some areas surpassing the epidemic thresholds." "At the peak of the epidemic in July 2022, over 75 districts were reported as having a malaria epidemic. As a result, there was an increase in the demand for anti-malarial drugs," she said. Ambassador Zhang said the cooperation in health was one of the most important areas of cooperation in the bilateral relations of the two countries. "This donation is also an implementation of the medical and health program among the Nine Programs initiated at the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)," Zhang said. The Ambassador said the two countries had for long cooperated in the health sector and would continue doing the same. Since 1983, China has dispatched 23 batches of medical teams to Uganda with 218 doctors. Hundreds of thousands of Ugandans have since been treated for various sicknesses. Zhang said the two countries could work together to achieve digitalization in healthcare and jointly research in herbs to combat viruses. Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zhang Lizhong (R) and Ugandan Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng sign the documents during the handover ceremony of the anti-malaria medicines donated by China, at the National Medical Stores in Kajjansi, central district of Wakiso, Uganda, on April 5, 2024. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua) Ugandan Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng speaks during the handover ceremony of the anti-malaria medicines donated by China, at the National Medical Stores in Kajjansi, central district of Wakiso, Uganda, on April 5, 2024. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) About the accomplices of the terrorist act committed on March 22 at Crocus City Hall As is known, in criminal law it is customary to distinguish complicity in the commission of a crime when several persons deliberately participate in it. Lets figure out who became an accomplice in this heinous criminal act. 1. Performers. Everything is clear with them: these underdeveloped bastards have been caught, investigative actions are being carried out with them. Moreover, it is obvious that, despite multiple references to their affiliation with IS/ISIS/Vilayat Khorasan* (a terrorist organization banned in Russia), these scum are by no means religious fanatics who are ready to die for their faith. They showed neither external nor internal paraphernalia. They are primitive assassins, hired for relatively little money and trained to shoot. Just animals, human trash. 2. Organizers. With them it is somewhat more complicated, which is why the legend about the responsibility of the Islamic State was developed, which the extremists happily confirmed. But they always do this, just to increase their capital. Well, no one canceled the money, they probably got theirs. But the true organizers are still hiding in the shadow of the Islamic State. Thats the idea. But already the first information published from the phones of hired geeks clearly indicates the nationality of the organizers. Like many other things open (destination) and still closed. These are officials of Nazi Ukraine . It was in their ugly brain that the idea was born to compensate for failures at the front with terrorist attacks, which, however, is not surprising. They will have to answer either legally or otherwise. The same way they deal with terrorists all over the world. No statute of limitations. 3. Accomplices . A lot of them. Their circle is expanding and includes those who gave property, money, organized the movement, taught to shoot, etc. Everything is clear with them, too, and they will answer. Much more interesting are other accomplices , or international sponsors of terrorists. And here, alas, the situation is this: these include senior officials of NATO countries. They are different. Yes, at least the same Macron. His rhetoric, his actions, and most importantly, his sanctions for secret operations with the Bandera regime may well be qualified as complicity in the terrorist attack of March 22. That is why the lover of oysters and champagne shit himself so much that he was forced to publicly deny Frances involvement in the terrorist attack himself and through his subordinates. It is obvious that Macron and a number of other Western leaders are the sponsors of this terrible terrorist attack. There is no forgiveness for this. There is no hiding behind immunities here. And from now on they are not just enemies of Russia. Medvedev WtR The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest scouting and youth organizations in the United States. On Saturday, a group of scouts tested to earn their rifle shooting merit badge. There are over two thousand scouts in the Nevada Area Council and there were about twenty kids who earned their rifle shooting merit badge Saturday, both boys and girls. This merit badge teaches gun safety, hunting laws, and wilderness preservation for children interested in the sport of shooting and hunting. Merit Badge Counselor, Ron Miranda, said, "With the scouts we have them do an about an hour and a half safety on proper use and techniques of the rifle and loading and unloading and the commands from the range to make sure that everybody is following all the safety commands, so no one gets hurt." The scouts lost their shooting range in a fire in 2021. With the help of Nevada Firearms Academy, they are still able to practice and earn their badges at the regional shooting facility in Reno. All the scouts were very responsible around the firearms and the scouts said that they find these tools very valuable. A scout named Maddison said, "It's very helpful in life. It's like stuff you're going to be able to use in life and it's just really fun to do like instead of sitting at home. It's just really fun." A Fairhope Planet Fitness and neighboring businesses were evacuated by the Mobile FBI Saturday after the gym received a bomb threat. According to Fairhope Police, a threat was emailed to a news outlet targeting multiple Planet Fitness locations. At least two other Alabama locations in Daphne and Mobile were also targeted, WKRG reported. It is important to note that many of the Planet Fitness franchises around the country have received similar threats in recent weeks, Fairhope police said in a statement. Planet Fitness locations nationwide have come under attack following social media posts from Libs of TikTok, an account that monitors social media for perceived evidence that LGBTQ people are grooming or endangering children. The right-wing account recently called for a boycott of Planet Fitness because of a company policy allowing transgender members to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender-identity. Libs of TikTok first posted about the fitness franchise on March 11, sharing a video of a customer complaining that there had been a man shaving in a womens bathroom. The account owner, Chaya Raichik, said in an interview with Washington Post reporter Taylor Lorenz that she is not responsible for the threats to businesses or individuals that she posts about. In 2022, employees and a volunteer at a Huntsville dog shelter received death threats after Libs of TikTok posted about a Drag Queen Story Hour that took place at the shelter. There have been recent reports of bomb threats to Planet Fitness gyms in Florida, Michigan and Connecticut. The nonprofit media monitor Media Matters said there have been at least 17 threats nationwide. The Fairhope location has since reopened. No bombs were found after a two-hour search by the FBI. Several rounds of storms are in the forecast for at least part of Alabama this week. And a lot of rain possibly up to 6 inches for some areas, according to the National Weather Service. The better chance for storms in Alabama will arrive on Wednesday afternoon and could last into Wednesday night. A tornado, damaging winds and heavy rain will all be possible, mainly for areas in south and west Alabama. Here is the Storm Prediction Centers severe weather outlook for Wednesday: Strong to severe storms will be possible in the areas in yellow on Wednesday -- mainly Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night.Storm Prediction Center However, isolated severe storms could also affect parts of north and west Alabama on Monday. The SPC has added a Level 1 out of 5 (or marginal) risk for those areas to its Monday severe weather outlook: Isolated severe storms will be possible in the areas in dark green on Monday.SPC A Level 1 risk means that isolated severe storms will be possible. More of the state will be affected by rain, which could be heavy at times and could flood the usual flood-prone areas. The National Weather Service is forecasting 4-6 inches of rain for parts of south and south-central Alabama in the window from Tuesday night until Thursday morning. Some of the cities forecast to see more rain include Mobile, Selma, Troy, Evergreen, Auburn and Alexander City. North Alabama is forecast to receive less than that but could also get 2-3 inches before its over, according to forecasters. However, the weather service cautioned that those areas at risk for the highest totals could change. Forecasters will be tracking a warm front that is expected to lift northward across southern Alabama on Wednesday. Areas along the front could be in line to get the most rain. NOAAs Weather Prediction Center has most of Alabama included in a risk for flash flooding from Wednesday into Thursday: Nearly all of Alabama will have a Level 2 out of 5 (or slight) risk for flash flooding on Wednesday into Thursday.Weather Prediction Center The threat for storms is expected to end by Thursday, but some light rain could linger in parts of the state as the storm system departs to the north and east. But there is good news: Things are looking drier and sunnier for next weekend, according to forecasters. The Great North American eclipse is Monday, April 8 and skywatchers with proper glasses, of course are ready to see the moon blocking out the sun during a solar eclipse. What you will see, how long it will last and when it will take place will depend on where you live. While all states in the contiguous U.S. will experience some level of the eclipse, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, as well as small parts of Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee are along the path of totality and will experience the greatest periods of darkness. In the U.S., the path of totality will start in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CT and will end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. ET (2:25 CT.) In those states, the periods of greatest darkness will reach up to 4 minutes, 27 seconds. Heres everything you need to know about the total solar eclipse 2024: 2024 eclipse primer Total solar eclipse on April 8: Why this eclipse will be much different than the 2017 version Scientists say the sun is approaching its maximum activity of its cycle this year, meaning it will be sending off more solar flares and eruptions from its surface potentially making this years total solar eclipse much more dynamic. Best places to watch the eclipse Total Solar Eclipse April 8: Map shows 15 best states to see Aprils total solar eclipse The path of totality will start in Mexico and move across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before heading out over the North Atlantic. Small portions of Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee will also experience almost the entirety of the eclipse. The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. The eclipse will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT. Where to see solar eclipse 2024: NASA eclipse map shows best places along path of totality During the eclipse, the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people in the path of totality will be able to see the suns corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the sun, NASA explains. Outside the path of totality, viewers will see a partial eclipse with the moon covering varying degrees of the sun. How much will you see where you live? April 8 eclipse in Alabama: How much coverage youll see in your city and when Although Alabama is not in the path of totality during the April 8 eclipse meaning we wont see total darkness when the moon covers the sun residents will see from 78 to 92 percent coverage, depending on location. Total solar eclipse path 2024: Search your city, ZIP code for best viewing times People viewing the eclipse from the path of totality will be treated to the ghostly-white outer atmosphere of the sun, known as the corona, when the moon completely blocks out the suns disk during the total eclipse, NASA explained. Along the path, the sun will be blocked out for about 4-and-a-half minutes. April 8 solar eclipse path of totality: What time does the eclipse start? Wondering how much of the eclipse you will see? NASA has a tool that lets you search by city or ZIP code to see complete eclipse details. You can use this tool to see when the eclipse will start and end in every state. Eclipse weather Alabama solar eclipse weather: Will skies be cloudy or clear? A big question, for a lot of the nation, is how clear the skies will be for prime eclipse viewing. An updated forecast from the National Weather Service looks like a mixed bag. The solar eclipse forecast for Monday from AccuWeather shows a mix of low to high amounts of cloud cover across the United States. Viewers in New Jersey can expect some increasing clouds, according to the latest forecast.AccuWeather.com Eclipse education Solar eclipse 2024 for kids: How to enjoy the event safely at home and in class From building your own safety glasses to taking scientific data, researchers say there are plenty of ways to make the upcoming solar eclipse a fun learning experience for children. Why are some schools closing for the solar eclipse? The April 8 total solar eclipse will have millions of people gazing toward the sky as the moon tracks its way in front of the sun. And while some schools have special events planned, others especially along the 15-state path of totality are closing their doors that day. NASA has a game to help kids learn about the solar eclipse: Play now To help kids learn about solar eclipses, NASA is launching Snap It! An Eclipse Photo Adventure. Eclipse safety Solar eclipse 2024: Where to get free glasses to watch April 8 total solar eclipse Skygazers planning to look at the eclipse through a camera lens or binoculars still need adequate eye protection. Without proper precaution, the suns rays can burn your retinas and cause severe eye injury. Solar eclipse is Monday: 7 things to do if youre driving that day Crowds eager to see the eclipse are expected to be huge. According to AAA, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio are the most popular cities for eclipse viewers, followed by Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo. In Dallas alone, Hertz rental car company said it is seeing six times more reservations than last year at this same time. Solar eclipse on April 8 prompts cell phone warning In addition to warnings about transportation systems, impacts on emergency service responses and fuel issues brought about increased demand, law enforcement said people should expect the cellular network to be strained. How to spot fake solar eclipse glasses Despite the ease of getting glasses, skygazers should be on the lookout for fake eclipse glasses. Real eclipse glasses are often designed with polyester film coated and coated in aluminum. Certified eclipse eyewear is designed to block all visible, and infrared light. Solar eclipse glasses must be from a vendor approved by the American Astronomical Society. FAA issues warning ahead of April 8 total solar eclipse The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a warning about possible travel disruptions related to the April 8 total solar eclipse. Cell phone warning for April 8 solar eclipse: Will you be able to use your phone? Warnings about traffic, flight congestion and emergency services are circulating ahead of the April 8 Great American Eclipse. Of particular note are concerns over cell phones and whether they will work during the eclipse. April 8 total solar eclipse: Texas officials warn people to stock up on food ahead of solar eclipse Mike Jones, Hays County, Texass direct of the Office of Emergency Services, said the area is expecting thousands of visitors to arrive to see the eclipse. To prepare for the crowds, Jones advised residents to stock up on groceries and fill up on gas. If they are out on the day of the eclipse, he recommends residents pack your patience. National Guard will be deployed for total solar eclipse on April 8 At the request of local emergency management officials, the Oklahoma National Guard will have members of the 63rd Civil Support Team available to assist local governments during the eclipse, including working with first responders with additional HAZMAT responses if needed. Total solar eclipse on April 8: How to safely look at an eclipse Except during the brief total phase of the eclipse when the moon completely blocks the suns bright face, its not safe to look at the eclipse without specialized eye protection for solar viewing, NASA said on its eclipse information page. If youre watching the eclipse directly, you will need solar viewing glasses also known as eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer. Eclipse fun Krispy Kreme is releasing a new doughnut in celebration of the solar eclipse The doughnut chain has announced its limited-time Total Solar Eclipse Doughnut an original Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut dipped in black chocolate icing and topped with silver sprinkles, piped with a buttercream made with Oreo pieces and a whole Oreo cookie in the center. April 8 total solar eclipse: Why you should wear red or green on eclipse day Experts have another recommendation if youre planning on watching the eclipse in a group or public place: Skip the neutrals and wear red and green. Sun Chips eclipse flavors: You will have less than 5 minutes to score limited-edition chips The chip brand is releasing Pineapple Habanero and Black Bean Spicy Gouda, a blend of ingredients with a nod to " sunny skies and bright days ahead while nodding to the moon with a cheesy touch. Sonic has new black drink for April 8 total solar eclipse and you get free eclipse glasses, too The drive-through chain is launching a limited-edition drink called Blackout Slush Float to give fans an out-of-this world experience. It has been more than 20 years since Alabama State Senator Vivian Figures found herself at odds with public health advocates over the Clean Air Act, adopted in 2003. But for the past two legislative sessions, Figures has seen old battles renewed inside the Statehouse halls, this time over the proposed regulation of the e-cigarette industry and its impact on minors. Figures has a partner this time around in a fellow Mobile Democratic politician, Rep. Barbara Drummond. She is the chief sponsor of HB65, a 39-page bill takes a comprehensive approach toward regulating the alternative nicotine industry, increases penalties for underage vaping and creates an annual permit for the states approximately 8,000 distributors of e-cigarette products. For the second legislative session, the battle is coming down to the wire before lawmakers adjourn for the year: Only 10 days remain in this springs session, and Drummond would like to see HB65 approved out of the Alabama Senate and sent to the governor for signature. It already received unanimous backing in the Alabama House. Last year, a similar plan failed to advance out of the Senate with its fate coming down to the final day of session. Alabama Representative Barbara Drummond (D-103) speaks to Mobilians at a legislative meet and greet on Jan. 22, 2024, hosted by Alabama Arise, a nonprofit working to improve the lives of those marginalized by poverty.Mary Helene Hall | mhall@al.com I think the momentum for this bill is good, said Drummond last week. What weve seen over the past summer in Alabama is that more and more of our kids are getting either sick or are dying and we dont know what the long-term effects (of vaping) are to them. My overall goal is to make sure we safeguard the welfare of our young people. She added, I am real, passionate about this. I dont want another young person to get sick or die in Alabama as a result of these products. To get the legislation through its final hurdle, Drummond will have to convince senators to support a measure that has opposition from some health groups that have long battled cigarette smoking. At least two of those groups the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association continue to express doubts about Drummonds proposal, saying further limits on vaping would be a windfall for Big Tobacco in a state that still struggles with smoking cessation and lung cancer rates. Figures, on Friday, said she is fed up with the opponents stemming from those legislative battles in the early 2000s. Sen. Vivian Davis Figures (D-Mobile) speaks to a colleague during the first meeting of the Alabama Senate for the 2023 legislative session in Montgomery, Alabama. AL.com/Sarah Swetlik I have no (fear) for the Heart, Lung, or Cancer organizations, Figures told AL.com on Friday, one day after legislation she sponsored in SB95, was unanimously approved by the Alabama House and sent to Gov. Kay Ivey which makes it illegal for anyone under age 21 to purchase, possess or use a vaping device. The three organizations are siding with manufacturers like Juul Labs, Inc., to oppose Alabama legislation aimed at curbing underage vaping. They worked behind my back while I was trying to (advance) the Clean Indoor Act which protected people from secondhand smoke years ago, Figures said. I dont know where their allegiance is. Is it to save lives? She added, The focus, for us, is to get children off of this addiction that is turning their brains and lungs into mush. This is the No. 1 problem in our school systems. So, yes, I question their motives. Their actions contradict what their goal is supposed to be which is to save lives. And that has been my personal experience. Debating penalties The only one of the three groups to respond on Friday was the American Heart Association, whose spokesman said the agencys goal is committed to improving the health of all Alabamians. The agency opposes HB95 because the organization believes Alabamas tobacco laws should hold so-called Big Tobacco and tobacco retailers accountable instead of punishing our youth. Unfortunately, Alabama continues to cater to Big Tobacco companies with legislation that benefits Big Tobacco and harms kids, said Jada Shaffer, senior government relations lead for the American Heart Association in Alabama. While pretending to address youth vaping, HB65 gives Big Tobacco companies the monopoly on selling e-cigarettes through an unnecessary nicotine delivery system certification and directory, all while further victimizing Alabamas youth through penalties. Drummond said she has worked with the different groups to amend her legislation from last years version that includes easing penalties on youths caught with a vaping device. For someone between ages 18-21, that includes a written warning upon a first violation, and eight hours of community service for a second violation. A third violation would lead to a potential fine of $100. For youths under the age of 18 who are caught with a vaping device, reasonable efforts will be made to notify parents or legal guardians. Drummond also said she agreed to add a representative with the Breathe Easier Alliance of Alabama to an advisory board that would be formed under the legislation. They wanted me not to have a penalty for repeat offenders, the kids, said Drummond. I have compromised. Ive probably worked with 25 special interests on this, and its not only just Alabama, but also with national attorneys. Shaffer said the penalties are still unwarranted. Kids already have a lifetime of punishment with a nicotine addiction, they dont deserve fines, community service and suspension from schools, said Shaffer. The legislation also includes annual permit fees of $150 for retailers that sell alternative nicotine products in Alabama, a one-time $50 filing fee. Registry concerns Ashley Lyerly, senior director of advocacy AL at the American Lung Association, said they applaud the inclusion of the $150 annual permit fee with the revenues earmarked for enforcement of underage sale laws and the prohibition of tobacco products through vending machines. But she said the new proposal repeals a state law that restricts limits on where specialty retailers of electronic nicotine delivery systems can locate their stores, such as near K-12 schools. This would allow the tobacco industry to continue preying on Alabamas youth, Lyerly said. The Heart Association and American Vape Manufacturers also share a concern over the administration of a registry, adopted in 2021, to include vaping products. Gregory Conley, director of legislative & external affairs with American Vapor Manufactures said if Alabama dedicated funding to enforce the registry, it would result in businesses closing. He said a similar scenario is playing out in Louisiana, where a state law banning stores from selling certain nicotine vaping products went into effect in March creating confusion among retailers over what they were allowed to sell. It is time for Alabama to acknowledge that its registry system for vaping products has been a failure, Conley said. Instead of putting a Band-Aid on a broken system, legislators should collaborate with small business stakeholders in Alabama to develop a practice solution that both addresses youth prevention and allows the states 40,000 adult vapers to access products they want to buy. Focus on youth Virginia Guy, executive director of the Drug Education Council in Mobile, speaks during a news conference on new legislation increasing the penalties for fentanyl trafficking on Monday, September 12, 2022, at Government Plaza in downtown Mobile, Ala. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). Virginia Guy, executive director of the Mobile-based Drug Education Council, said the primary goal for the lawmakers is to keep vaping devices out of the hands of youths, which she says that Figures bill accomplishes. The punishment is a citation and a recommendation that the citing agency make reasonable efforts to notify parents or legal guardians about the incident. My focus is not on adult vaping, she said. My focus is really on keeping that device out of the hands of kids. Thats the one thing we can all agree on is that these devices do not need to be in the hands of young people. Guy said she is hopeful that Drummonds bill, if adopted, will create a wider conversation among adults over the dangers of teenage vaping, adding that 90 percent of addiction begins in the teen years. (Drummonds) bill is the most comprehensive and regulates the vape industry, said Guy, adding that cigarette smoking among youths in Mobile County is not an issue. We havent seen a pack of cigarettes on a campus for years and years, she said. Maybe dip and chew. But there are vape devices everywhere. English News BFA Annual Conference 2024: Common challenges, shared responsibilities Alwihda Info | Par People's Daily - 5 Avril 2024 It is reported that this year's BFA Annual Conference kept embracing a green conference concept and continuously improved its services. The Boao near-zero carbon demonstration zone officially started operation on March 18, integrating various systems into a near-zero carbon operation management system, achieving intelligent operation and management. It ensured that all venues were supplied with pure "green electricity" during the conference. By Zheng Xiang, Wang Di, Wang Xiaobo, People's Daily The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2024, themed "Asia and the World: Common Challenges, Shared Responsibilities," was held in Boao, south China's Hainan province from March 26 to 29. In the face of a weak economic recovery, ongoing international instability, frequent extreme weather occurrences and natural disasters, as well as other severe challenges, the world is in urgent need of strengthening global cooperation. BFA secretary general Li Baodong said the BFA hopes to contribute Asian wisdom and strength to the world economy and global development. This year's event was arranged around four major topics: the global economy, social development, international cooperation, and scientific and technological innovation, covering dozens of topics in some 40 sub-forums and relevant activities. Nearly 2,000 participants explored how the world should unite and collaborate, face challenges together, jointly safeguard peace and stability, and achieve common development. The conference also focused on discussions surrounding topics such as Asian economic integration, green development, technological innovation, and digital economy. At the first press conference of the BFA Annual Conference 2024, the Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress Annual Report 2024 and the Sustainable Development: Asia and the World Annual Report 2024 were released. The reports said the global economy would continue to experience uncertainties and divergence in 2024; nevertheless, the momentum of Asian economic growth and regional economic integration will remain robust, and a promising overall economic performance is on the horizon. Participants in the event believe that the high-quality development of the Chinese economy and the cohesion of Asian development and cooperation have made various parties optimistic about the prospects for economic growth in the region, and confident in strengthening regional cooperation and sharing development opportunities. According to the Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress Annual Report 2024, the Asian economy will still maintain a relatively high growth rate this year, which is expected to surpass that of 2023, reaching around 4.5 percent. In terms of purchasing power parity, Asia's economic aggregate is expected to account for 49 percent of global GDP in 2024. The process of regional integration in Asia continues to advance, playing a crucial role in promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. The Belt and Road Initiative, the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, and the Concept of Cooperation Between Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States in the Development of Interconnectivity and the Creation of Efficient Transport Corridors have been deeply docked. The China-Europe freight train service has become a major international transportation artery connecting Asia and Europe. The China-Laos Railway has seen a thriving flow of passengers and cargo. The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway has maintained a high level of passenger traffic. Besides, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and other trade agreements have been successfully implemented. In the face of rising trade protectionism and economic fragmentation, the Asian economies have taken "hard connectivity" of infrastructure and "soft connectivity" of rules as key approaches to pragmatically promote regional economic integration, support economic globalization, and inject new impetus into the common development of regional countries. Climate change is one of the major challenges that the world is facing today as a whole, and promoting energy transition and achieving low-carbon development has become a global trend. According to the Sustainable Development: Asia and the World Annual Report 2024, energy transition is the key to embracing the green industrial revolution and achieving green development in Asia. Zhou Xiaochuan, vice chairman of the BFA, said that Asia possesses the world's core technologies for clean production and has gathered global investments in clean energy. It is actively engaged in green production, infrastructure construction, and finance and technology cooperation, Zhou added. Nishant Bhardwaj, Global Sector Lead - Renewable Energy at the Global Green Growth Institute, pointed out that China has provided significant support and assistance to other countries, particularly developing countries, in terms of clean energy technology, financing, and infrastructure. It is believed that through international cooperation, China will help these countries accelerate their energy transition, he said. It is reported that this year's BFA Annual Conference kept embracing a green conference concept and continuously improved its services. The Boao near-zero carbon demonstration zone officially started operation on March 18, integrating various systems into a near-zero carbon operation management system, achieving intelligent operation and management. It ensured that all venues were supplied with pure "green electricity" during the conference. 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) It is important to understand that censorship does not occur in a vacuum. It is a symptom of a worsening disease. It is an early indicator of the political repression to come. Like a canary in a coal mine, the criminalization of speech forewarns that State-sponsored terror and murder are not far away. First, certain words and thoughts are banned. Next, certain people are rounded up and imprisoned. Finally, certain enemies of the State are executed quite publicly. The imposition of fear supersedes the rule of law. Terrorism undergirds social order. Oppression replaces popular support. What is happening in the West today is a concentrated push for global communism. We could bicker about precise definitions whether we are under attack from Marxists, socialists, Leninists, Trotskyites, Maoists, or other revolutionaries but the end goal is clear. A small group of global elites seek to use ideological and economic leverage to centralize political power and direct all human activity. They seek the abolition of private property. They seek absolute control over individual lives and local communities. They are rebuilding twentieth-century totalitarianism with the privacy-destroying surveillance technologies of the twenty-first century. Most Western nations are working together to promote a public vision that achieves their private totalitarian goals. Governments do not care about hate speech; they are dedicated to seizing control of the press, punishing dissent, censoring political opposition, and regulating public debate. Governments do not care about climate change; they are dedicated to seizing control over all economic activity by first establishing a monopoly on available energy. Governments do not care about systemic racism, social justice, or income inequality; they are dedicated to maximizing social divisions and distorting the meaning of fundamental rights, so that they may undermine long-cherished personal liberties. Governments do not care about gun violence; they are dedicated to disarming their populations and making it impossible for them to fight back against tyranny. Governments do not care about minimizing vicious and costly wars; they are dedicated to distracting their citizens with false threats to their personal security. Governments do not care about maintaining the integrity and value of their monetary currencies; they are dedicated to printing and spending money that inflates household costs, taxes middle class savings, maximizes Wall Street profits, and increases welfare dependency. Governments do not need to create central bank digital currencies to stave off economic disaster; they are dedicated to creating economic disasters, so that they can justify a future communist system that runs on privacy-destroying CBDCs. We are right now in the middle of a war. It is as threatening to human civilization as the Cold War. However, it is rarely discussed except on the pages of alternative news media. By ignoring it, our compromised corporate press work to keep the war secret and the public confused. The most consequential war today is not flaring in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, or the Asia-Pacific. It is a quiet, chilling war raging between States that seek absolute control over society and citizens who insist on defending their constitutional rights and personal liberties. Everything Western governments do must be seen through the lens of this broader conflict. For two centuries, Marxists have debated and fought each other over a salient point: should they patiently wait for the supposed contradictions of free market capitalism to naturally usher in their communist Utopia? Or should they actively promote societal conditions that speed the revolution and their beloved fundamental transformation along? So sure of Marxs conception of historical materialism and its determinative impact on humanitys future, plenty of nineteenth and twentieth-century intellectuals urged steady restraint. They used democratic elections to elevate Marxist socialists into political offices, but they cautioned against the use of violence to accelerate a process that they understood as foreordained. Communist Utopia, however, is not foreordained, and the longer that Marxs disciples had to wait for their revolution, the more anxious they became. Patience evaporated because Marx has always been a false prophet. In order to create a Marxist future that is wholly unnatural, his followers eventually realized that coercion and violence are instrumental to their vision. Just like the Jonestown Massacre in Guyana, Marxism requires everyone to drink the Kool-Aid. And just as with Jim Joness astonishing cult, Marxism always leads to revolutionary suicide. Marxists cannot square their practical failures with Marxs theoretical promises yet stubbornly refuse to learn from the contradiction. Failed ideologues who push false visions of the future inevitably become more coercive and violent as failures pile up. This is Marxisms lasting mark upon history bloody stains and mass graves wherever it has been imposed. Some of Marxisms most staunch defenders reluctantly acknowledged this truth last century. Karl Kautsky a devout Marxist, colleague of Friedrich Engels, and influential theorist for Germanys Social Democratic Party excoriated Vladimir Lenins socialist revolution in Russia: Among the phenomena for which Bolshevism has been responsible, Terrorism, which begins with the abolition of every form of freedom of the Press, and ends in a system of wholesale execution, is certainly the most striking and the most repellent of all. Unable to accept that violence is inextricably linked to Marxism, Kautsky echoed the naive complaint that history cannot be hurried. Historys speed, however, has never been the source of Marxisms violence. Marxisms internal fallacies, disregard for personal freedom, and imposition of unnatural human relationships create the necessary conditions for terror, bloodshed, poverty, agony, and angst. What is important to understand is that the various Western projects active today all reflect this long conflict among Marxists about the best way to achieve their revolution. Sure, there still remain a few residual peaceniks in the faculty lounge who believe as Kautsky did that human societies will naturally evolve into Marxist Utopias and equitable communes from the sheer deterministic forces of historical materialism. There are far more, however, who believe political repression, terror, and violence are essential for success. Standing somewhere in the middle for the time being, at least are the great majority of governmental and non-governmental forces pushing demonstrable forms of Marxist socialism under the guise of public policies ostensibly meant to advance environmentalism, mass migration, pandemic preparedness, minority rights, or sustainable economic development in impoverished communities. We are familiar with their many names: the World Economic Forums Great Reset, the United Nations 2030 Agenda, the Green New Deal, the Build Back Better initiatives, George Soross Open Society Foundations, and the World Health Organizations Pandemic Treaty. There are many others, of course. Every perceived global problem provides Marxist socialists with an opportunity to solve that problem by constructing financial and governmental institutions that advance their revolution. They believe that they can speed up the progression of human history by creating painful conditions that justify communisms architecture. The vast majority of globalists who run central banks, newsrooms, intelligence agencies, administrative departments, legislative assemblies, religious nonprofits, and too many corporate boardrooms are all true believers. Make no mistake, when these Marxist globalists conclude that an increasingly popular resistance force within Western society threatens their long march toward domination, they will not throw up their hands in defeat, shrug, and concede, Well, thats democracy. In their twisted totalitarian minds, only ideological allies merit democratic respect or civil rights protections; ideological foes deserve dictatorial force and bloody despotism. Just as Lenin justified violent revolution and defended unrestricted power, based on force and not on law, todays globalists showed us who they are during the Reign of COVID Tyranny. Within a matter of weeks, they threw free speech, bodily integrity, religious freedom, due process, and economic liberty right out the window. In his short book, The Defense of Terrorism, Leon Trotsky argues that organized violence against opponents of the revolution is morally right. Todays J6 political hostages serve as a tragic testament that D.C. ignominiously agrees. Image: david__jones via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. Just days ago, NSC spokesman John Kirby assured the world of the administrations unwavering support for Israel in its fight for survival. President Biden authorized an arms transfer to Israel, including 1,800 MK-84 2,000-pound bombs, 500 MK-82 500-pound bombs, and 25 F-35A fighter jets. Days later, following tragic drone strikes in which seven World Central Kitchen ("WCK") workers perished, the president ...made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers," according to a White House readout of the call. "He made clear that U.S. policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel's immediate action on these steps. Citing fake casualty reports generated by Hamas and lies about restricted aid into Gaza, Nancy Pelosi and 37 leftist Democrat Congress members signed a letter to the president and Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating, we believe it is unjustifiable to approve these weapon transfers until the investigation into the airstrike is concluded And we again urge you to ensure that any future military assistance to Israel, including already authorized transfers, is subject to conditions to ensure it is used in compliance with U.S. and international law. All this is pretext by an administration that has released billions to Iran, the country that funds the proxy war from Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen against Israel, and which has done everything it can to hamstring Israeli forces from responding. The unfortunate death of the WCK team is hardly rare. The Israeli government responded more quickly and completely than we have during similar incidents, and it doesnt take a genius to see the Democrats playing to that significant portion of their base, which has revealed itself as deeply antisemitic. War is Hell The investigation of the incident revealed that a gunman was seen atop a WCK vehicle earlier, and another was suspected nearby. (It appears that this is normal going with Hamas-posted gunmen at food depot drops.) The logos on the WCK vans were invisible by night to infrared monitoring, and the officers in charge did not follow procedures, procedures set by a military that successfully has done everything possible to minimize incidental civilian casualties in circumstances where the enemys cynical plan is to use those civilians as shields. Khaled H. Zakariah, a native Egyptian with 14 years of experience in national security and counter-terrorism, points out a significant number of accidental killings of civilians by militaries, including ours, and notes that, if the U.K. and U.S. stopped selling arms to countries responsible, we would stop manufacturing or buying arms for OUR OWN military, which has repeatedly killed civilians by mistake in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and elsewhere. Heres his list of similar war zone accidents: Khair Khana wedding Afghanistan, 2008 47 civilians, including women and children Al-Adaala Camp Bombing Sudan 1998 -- (number of civilians killed unknown) Al-Majalah Airstrike, Yemen 2009 -- 41 civilians, including women and children Bola Boluk Airstrike, Afghanistan 2009 -- 27 civilians Sanaa Funeral Hall Strike, Yemen 2016 -- at least 140 people were killed and more than 500 injured Mansoura Airstrike, Syria 2017 -- deaths of at least 150 civilians, Amran Airstrike, Yemen 2015 -- at least 30 civilians killed Ghaziabad, Afghanistan, 2008 -- deaths of at least 90 civilians Most recently, under the Biden administration, in 2021, a U.S. drone strike in Kabul killed as many as 10 civilians, including seven children. The U.S. responded that it was a tragic mistake and no one responsible was punished. By contrast, Israel has achieved the lowest ratio of civilian casualties in the history of urban warfare. Israeli Defense Force chief Herzi Halevi reprimanded the head of IDF Southern Command, the Division 162 commander, and the Nahal Brigade commander. He also fired the Nahal Brigade commanders chief of staff. Martha MacCallum asked John Kirby why the U.S. was treating the WCK incident so much differently than it did the Kabul casualties and got back the response of a professional weasel: Kirby answered, Well, look, these are events that happened three years apart, two different geographic locations, two different countries, two different sets of circumstances, two different types of threat[s] that were being evaluated, and [two completely] different militaries that were involved, with two different chains of command. So, I think weve got to be careful comparing both events too closely. We, too, had an independent investigation, Martha, of that incident, and that independent investigator found that there was no need for personal accountability to be had, but did find that the U.S. military needed to make some systemic changes, procedural changes in how we looked at intelligence and acted on that intelligence. The Israelis, similarly, have said the same thing about this event this week with the WCK strike, that theyre going to make some systemic changes. Now, were glad to hear that and were going to be watching to see what those changes are and how they can put them into effect. But these are two different events. MacCallum then cut in to say, Theyre not that different though, John This was a trigger moment, it appears, for the White House, because, obviously, the momentum has been building to take a harder line against Israel and their tactics, but this was the event that really pushed things over the edge. And so, why is it so different, in terms of what Israel carried out, in the midst of war -- and these aid workers, and my heart breaks for them, as it does for the seven children who were with this man underneath this Hellfire missile -- but the aid workers know that they are in a war zone and that they are taking a tremendous risk, at risk of their own safety. Kirby responded, Yeah, well, first, again, two different incidents. I understand that there [are] similarities here. But it would be, I think, imprudent to try to compare two things that happened three years apart in two different conflicts. That said, the Israelis have said that they made a mistake here. They have come clean about what happened, and were going to be looking at their report to see what we think of it as well. And they said that theyre going to improve. They need to improve the de-confliction processes with the aid workers, and thats going to be important going forward. Here are some differences Kirby missed -- Kabul is thousands of miles away from us; Gaza is next door to Israel. Gazans just engaged in the most brutal deliberate attacks on Israeli civilians, and Hamas, the instigator of those attacks, is widely supported by the civilians there. Hamas has indicated great joy at Bidens remarks, continues to state it will not relent on attacking Israel, and, in fact, after Bidens remarks, resumed missile attacks on Israel from Gaza. After the administrations untoward criticism and the Democrat congressional letter, Hamas turned down yet another Israeli ceasefire offer, and Israel found and retrieved yet another Hamas hostage who had been killed while in captivity. Words are insufficient to convey my utter disgust at Biden, Kirby, Pelosi, the Squad, and those media that publish Hamas propaganda -- moral midgets all. At present, it seems unlikely that Americans will re-elect a frail, rapidly declining octogenarian to be our commander-in-chief. Still, one should never underestimate the Democrat partys uncanny ability to spread lies, cheat early and often, and simply steal elections by any means necessary. Should old, senile Joe Biden somehow get re-elected, his handlers will unfortunately have to make provisions for his rapidly accelerating dementia. Were talking simple things, like the elder shoes with huge soles and fake laces that Biden already sports. During his next term, as it gets harder and harder for the old coot to put one foot in front of the other, his handlers should insert wheels into those soles, like the Heelys brand shoes that kids wear. Ol Scranton Joe can then pretend hes walking while Dr. Jill or the Easter Bunny, if the good doctors not available simply pushes him. The White House staff installs a long wooden ramp from the South Portico to Marine One, and voila: youve got a photo op of our president briskly leaving the White House for yet another extended vacation, the floral nightmare Dr. Jills wearing providing all the visual distraction necessary. Speakings going to be a real problem in Bidens next term, too. He already garbles his words, yells angrily, whispers creepily, mixes up names and places, makes up apocryphal tales of personal glory, clears his throat after every third sentence...and its only going to get worse. The solution? Simple. Start having an experienced translator tell us in English what poor old Joes saying while he mumbles in the background at reduced volume. If necessary, give the translator a printed copy of Bidens intended remarks so the White House staff wont have to walk anything back the next day. And since this White House speaks only to its fellow lefties, perhaps have a second person elucidate what Bidens rambling on about with interpretive dance. Cant hurt. Rumor has it that way back in 2021, Pres. Biden was already incontinent, having pooped himself during a visit with the pope, causing the papal audience to run long due to the resultant wardrobe change. Whether thats true or not, sadly, its only a matter of time before dementia sufferers have trouble dressing themselves and become completely incontinent. Kill two birds with one stone, I say (or use a giant wind turbine if no stones are available). Behold: the presidential onesie! Target, no doubt right next to its transgender gear for toddlers, has a fine line of adult onesies. Bidens handlers should purchase a bunch and carefully paint each one with a faux blue suit, white shirt, and red tie. Should Joe need a rapid change for any reason, his Secret Service detail could flip him into a new onesie in under a minute. And if he only did #2, the trapdoor that the finest onesies feature allows any of Bidens minions to change his adult diaper, lickety-split. So simple, even KJP could do it! Should word of Bidens diaper-wearing leak out, as it were, his staff should then declare an Adult Diaper-Wearer Visibility Day, a day dedicated to erasing the terrible stigma attached to old folks who repeatedly foul their knickers. For extra political clout, they should choose December 25. As for Bidens appearance, its already poor and bound to get worse during his second term. Every candid photo of the president now shows slow Joe with his yap hanging open, drool from the corner of his mouth soon to follow. And when he opens his mouth to speak, no one can predict what nonsense will come out: trains across oceans, second helpings of Mass at a black church, conversations with dead foreign leaders, that sort of thing. During Bidens potential second term, his aides should just stock up on Krazy Glue and glue Joes lips shut whenever hes going to be out in public. No more gaping pie hole photos, and no more bizarre utterances without his English-language translator present. Its a win-win! Yes, the cyanoacrylate glues very strong, but in ten days or so, the dead epidermal cells will have been shed, and poor Joe can go back to eating solid food again, assuming hes still capable of eating solid food. The presidential barber could use that same Krazy Glue to re-attach Bidens hair plugs, as they increasingly give up the ghost and fall out. I must give props to those hair plugs, though. They look like the same ones Joe had planted decades ago! And that blank, squinty-eyed, what-the-hell-is-going-on look Biden now favors? Its only going to get worse, and you cant have that if youre the alleged leader of the free world. The, like, totally radical fix? Glasses. Duh. I mean, glasses even make Rachel Maddow look smart! Yes, it will be quite a challenge should the swamp somehow return a demented grifter to the White House. Bidens caregivers will have a long to-do list: sneakers with wheels, English-language translators, adult onesies, Depends, Krazy Glue, eyeglasses. So much to do in the event of a Biden victory, and so little time. New and creative thinking will be called for state dinners at Baskin Robbins; an outdoor escalator for Air Force One; and national addresses at two in the afternoon, after the drugs have kicked in and before the sun goes down. Perhaps a President for a Day policy could be instituted, where each day of the week, a different W.H. staffer gets to be president, making big decisions, writing social media posts as Joe Biden, and finding new and inventive ways to call white people, Trump-supporters, and traditional Catholics evil. Come to think of it, crusty Joes handlers may have already instituted that policy. Sad fact is, the average life expectancy of the dreaded white male is only about seventy-six years. That means, before the first Adult Diaper-Wearer Recognition Day of his second term is celebrated, Joe Biden will be eighty-two, a full six years over warranty. If I were the people currently pulling our puppet presidents strings, I would also start working on Kamala Harriss presidential acceptance speech. Because if Joe Bidens somehow re-elected, theyre going to need it. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. American education was visibly in decline in the 1950s. The 1955 book Why Johnny Cant Read by Jonathan Flesch was a bestseller and was already resisting the whole language approach to teaching reading, and it called for a return to phonics. A recent book by a regular AT contributor, Bruce Deitrick Price, entitled Saving K12: What Happened to Our Public Schools? How Do We Fix Them?, also bemoans the lack of phonics education and the new math. On the ideological front, a 1953 book by James B. Conant, entitled Education and Liberty; The Role of the Schools in a Modern Democracy, emphasized that schools should focus on strong intellectual skills. Although he was a strong advocate of public schools, which brought together students from all social classes, in this book, he expressed a belief that it may well be that the ideological struggle with Communism in the next fifty years will be won on the playing fields of the public high schools of the United States. Thus, we see that two great concerns of the 1950s that basic reading and math skills be retained and continuously improved, and that the USA through its schools would continue to reject communism were great goals to be advanced. Yet the exact opposite has happened: reading and writing skills have sharply declined, and the schools are hotbeds of leftist and communist thinking. American social and political mores have been diluted or are being overturned in alarming ways since the 1960s, and this has been accompanied by a corresponding decline in the verbal and math skill sets of the students. In short, dumbing down of students and leftism appear to be hand-in-glove processes. Having been a student-teacher myself in the Philadelphia public schools, I knew how dramatically backward the schools had become. In one class, I had asked the students who the president of the United States was, and the entire class mocked me for asking such a simple question. Of course, of course, they jeered, the president of the USA is Pres. Carter! When they stopped jeering, this young teacher threw a piece of chalk into the gutter of the blackboard and retorted, OK if you are so smart, whos the vice president of the U.S.? Not one hand went up. No one called out the answer. There was only a stupefied silence. There were four students in that 10th-grade class who literally were unable to write their names at the top of any classroom assignment, let alone write the classwork assignment. They were in 10th grade and totally illiterate. Fast-forward fifteen years to a high school in Brooklyn, N.Y. Its enrollment was 99% students from Caribbean families, mostly from Jamaica and Haiti, but with some from Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, and British Guiana, with a few from Africa (Nigeria and Ghana). There were violence, truancy, and cutting of classes of epidemic proportions. There were 18 full-time security guards and two full-time police assigned to the school. There were metal detectors and wanding of students for weapons when they entered the building. Students would be lined up to enter the school as late as 11:00 A.M. The high school was divided into three smaller themed high schools one for Business and Technology, one for Science and Math, and one for the Humanities and Performing Arts. The small schools movement is built in part around the idea of themed high schools as inherently motivating students by giving them a sense of a community of purpose. But despite the sense of purpose supposedly being inculcated by the smaller themed high schools, students continued to be slashed by razors in the hallways, engage in fellatio (for example, in a stairwell), fight daily all over the school, and remain truant and absent in sky-high numbers. One female student was shot in the leg when leaving school. Teachers were encouraged by administrators to literally call students who were not regularly attending first- or second-period classes to wake them up. (Alarm clocks were being turned off at an alarming rate.) One of my students who was 19 years old and in 10th grade went over to a first-floor window and jumped out. Another student refused to take her assigned seat until a piece of black, hardened gum (about ten years or more old) that was on the seat was removed. Also, a respected colleague from Africa who had two masters degrees from French universities was removed from class for supposedly spitting at a student when he had merely spit out a piece of paper that had been thrown at him and had stuck on his lower lip. Two other African-American teachers one an attorney and another a retired naval officer quit in disgust after only a few months in that environment. The themed schools did not seem to be particularly motivating. Now fast-forward another thirty years to the present opening of nine schools in NYC and the phony hoopla accompanying the opening. One of the high schools will enable students not only to complete high school, but to gain an associates degree (two years of college) at the same time. However, this educator taught in one such program at a two-year community college in NYC that was attended by high school students. Some of the writing was at a fifth- to seventh-grade level, but this teacher was told that I could at most give one C+, and the rest of the grades had to be B- or higher. When I did not follow that directive, I was not rehired. Another new themed high school will be called the Motion Picture Technical High School. One of those announcing the school said, There is an industry that wants more diverse voices, there is an industry that is asking for more people of color and women to explore these potential career paths. Instead of promoting the skills to be taught, the announcement promotes race and sex identity. So many of these schools should be called the High School of Race and Gender. The focus of these creative endeavors is upon identity politics and not upon the subject or the skills needed. Communism is built into society by a divide-and-conquer mentality, not by the unity of patriotism and staunch moral commitment to God and country. The new schools recently announced in New York do not reflect that philosophy. Students need a sense of unity that transcends race, sex, economic status, and religious affiliation (atheism is now posited by too many as a unifying force and religion as disunifying). We must return to educational values that motivated the country before progressive philosophy became dominant, a time when skills, cooperation, moral values, and national unity were valued. Image via Pxfuel. The Associated Press reports that Joe Biden threatened to cut support for Israel, and also demanded an immediate ceasefire with Hamas. Bidens message marks a sharp change in his administrations steadfast support for Israels war efforts, with the U.S. leader for the first time threatening to rethink his backing if Israel doesnt change its tactics and allow much more humanitarian aid into Gaza. It is clear that the Biden/Harris administration is grossly incompetent about the realities of war, including friendly fire. What is friendly fire? Friendly fire, also known as blue-on-blue fire, occurs when combatants mistake friendly troops and assets for enemies. (The convention of blue for friendly units, by the way, comes from Prussian war games of the nineteenth century because Prussian uniforms were blue. Helmuth von Moltke was apparently an avid Kriegsspiel player himself, and the purpose of these exercises was to give officers experience with game pieces rather than real soldiers.) All responsible firearm users know why they must identify their targets before firing, but this consideration becomes far more difficult in the fog of war. The biblical story of Gideon is highly instructive. One might wonder why Gideon sent about 99 percent of his army away before the battle and selected only the three hundred most disciplined men for a complicated night attack. The reason was quite likely that, during the confusion of a night battle, undisciplined men, or even disciplined ones who were suddenly awakened and could not get into formation, might stab one another in the confusion. Gideons men knew who was who; the other side did not. There are also numerous more recent examples. The Russian Baltic Fleet, while en route to its disastrous fate at Tsushima (1905), fired on British fishing boats it mistook for Japanese torpedo boats. The Russians also fired on one another, and apparently didnt ask how Japanese torpedo boats somehow got into British waters. This also is known as FUBAR, or F[ouled] Up Beyond All Recognition. During Operation Cottage in the Aleutian Islands during the Second World War, American and Canadian troops mistook each other for Japanese in a heavy fog and fired on each other. Twenty-eight Americans and four Canadians died as a result, and far more of both were wounded. The Japanese had meanwhile left long ago. I recall reading about a couple of incidents during the Second World War in which Americans fired on one another. In one case, once the mistaken identity was cleared up, a destroyer informed its target that it had ceased firing, but youll have to excuse the next four salvos. They are already on their way. In another, an American ship shot down an American bomber that was strafing it in another case of mistaken identity. General William Cohens The Stuff of Heroes: The Eight Universal Laws of Leadership describes an incident in the Vietnam War in which an American pilot fortunately disobeyed orders to attack what somebody else thought were communist troops. They were actually Americans where they had not been expected. Wikipedia offers a far more extensive list. During the Napoleonic Wars, HMS Superb sank two Spanish ships, Real Carlos and San Hermenegildo, with their own guns. Superb sailed between them, fired at both, and then went on her way to leave the two Spanish ships firing upon the apparent source of the mischief, which turned out to be each other. The British did know their classics, and they may have emulated the goddess Artemis in the story of two invulnerable (except to each other) giants who wanted to storm Mount Olympus. Artemis changed herself into a deer and ran between them to get them to throw their spears, thus dispatching both. At Waterloo (1815), British and Prussian gunners mistook each other for French and fired at each other. The reference adds that the Mexicans continued to lose men at the Alamo after all the defenders were dead, because they fired on each other in the confusion. While modern command-and-control methods have improved matters considerably during the past decades, mistakes still happen. Our own country has killed many Afghan civilians our side apparently mistook for al-Qaeda terrorists and their associates. We must, however, put the blame where it belongs: if al-Qaeda had not started a war on September 11, 2001, none of this would have happened. Israel apparently killed some of its own people, whom it mistook for terrorists, on October 7, 2023. The deaths of the World Central Kitchen aid workers, while obviously unfortunate, was simply another version of the same thing, and Israel is already investigating to determine what happened to prevent a recurrence. If Biden, Harris, Blinken, and so on do not understand the difference between friendly fire and terroristic violence, in which terrorists attack civilians intentionally, they are dishonest, unfit for their jobs, or both. We must also remember that if Hamas had not done what it did on October 7, 2023, none of this would have happened. Progressive Democrats Support Hamas The Biden administration is also pressuring Israel to accept a ceasefire with Hamas, which is exactly what Hamas wants. To put this in perspective, we did not accept a ceasefire with Japan and Germany in early 1942, when we were actually losing the war. Most of our Pacific Fleet had been sunk or disabled, and U-boats were wreaking havoc in the North Atlantic. Imperial Japan hoped, in fact, that we would accept peace in exchange for giving Japan control of the western part of the Pacific Ocean rather than use our industries to rebuild our Navy. We did not accept that deal. The United Kingdom had meanwhile lost most of its heavy equipment at Dunkirk, and one out of four Royal Air Force pilots was dying in the Battle of Britain. Hitler would have offered peace in exchange for control of Europe; Churchill wouldnt give it to him. The very idea that Israel should make peace with Hamas when Hamas is hiding in tunnels, holes, schools, mosques, and hospitals is therefore sickening. Numerous progressive Democrats have meanwhile expressed support for cutting aid to Israel, and we know where Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar stand: with the Palestinians. This is a strong argument to use your head and vote Red in November, with exceptions for centrist pro-worker Democrats. See Jonathan Tobins Outrage over aid-worker deaths is about saving Hamas, not civilians for further information. Civis Americanus is the pen name of a contributor who remembers the lessons of history and wants to ensure that our country never needs to learn those lessons again the hard way. The author is remaining anonymous due to the likely prospect of being subjected to cancel culture for exposing the Big Lie behind Black Lives Matter. Image via Pexels. Theres a famous story in American marketing circles about a pet food company that spent a fortune on a new dog food, but were horrified to find sales tanking. Theyd done everything right! What could possibly have gone wrong? As the story goes, a high-priced consultant was brought in. His verdict? The dogs dont like it. A similar story about electric vehicles (EVs) will probably one day be taught in business schools. For years, and particularly during the Mummified Meat Puppet Administration (MMPA) weve been told EVs are the future, and all manner of mandates, tax incentives, regulations and other expert manipulations have been pushed on Americans to see that EV future arrives no later than 2030. Unfortunately for the MMPA, the dogs dont like it: The electric vehicle (EV) push is eating into Fords profit margins as the company seeks to find the right mix between profitable vehicles consumers want today and the next generation of EVs that may be in higher demand as the markets preferences shift in the future. Ford Model e, the companys EV division, had a net loss of $4.7 billion last year with $1.6 billion of that in the last quarter and Ford's chief financial officer John Lawler explained during the companys earnings call on Tuesday that both "the quarter and year were impacted by challenging market dynamics and investments in next-generation vehicles." Ford expects to lose at least $5.5 billion, in 2024 which, like the $4.7 billion, is what theyre willing to admit at the moment. Thats real money even for Ford, and despite MMPA demands, theyre a publicly traded company with fiduciary obligations to their stockholders. It has taken Ford awhile to remember that. Theyve claimed to have reduced EV production by 50%, but have laid off 66% of their F-150 Lightning production force. EVs, it turns out, are bottomless money pits, as Rivian has discovered. Theyre laying off workers, and their stock has plummeted. Apart from the real and insurmountable problems all EVs have, Rivians price structure is deadly. The average EV price is $67,000. The cheapest Rivian model starts at $70,000, which means a reasonably well-equipped Rivian approaches $100,000. Not many Americans, unless theyre buying one for greenie street cred, and have all the conventionally powered vehicles they need, can afford that. Rivian isnt alone: Fiskers stock plunged this week as investors worry about the companys ability to survive amid a cash crunch. The auto company also said it would slash 15% of its workforce. In its original incarnation, Fisker went bankrupt in 2013, disappearing the 529 million the Obama Administration loaned it, even though they knew Fisker was going under. Fisker, in its former and current incarnations, made luxury vehicles most Americans couldnt remotely afford. It appears Fisker is days, not months, from going under again. General Motors has postponed its EV production plans, and 50% of Buick dealers have opted for buy-outstheyre going out of businessrather than invest in the equipment and training necessary to sell and service EVs. Ford and other makers have canceled or postponed EV battery making ventures, some with the Chinese, and even the MMPA is starting to worry, at least a little, about Chinese EVs and espionage: During an interview aired on Fridays [02-23-24] broadcast of CNBCs Closing Bell: Overtime, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said that we Probably need to take more action to keep Chinese electric vehicles from flooding the market and stated, I have national security concerns about electric vehicles. [skip] By the way, I have national security concerns about electric vehicles. An electric vehicle has sensors and semiconductors. They know whos driving it, where theyre driving, huge amounts of data. Chinese EVs on our road, is that data going back to Beijing in ways that undermine our national security? Graphic: X screenshot. A Biden Cabinet Secretary saying that about China?! Thats probably an indication of Joe Bidens sinking political capitol and worries about losing political power rather than much concern about America. Electric Vehicle Derangement Syndrome is every bit is debilitating as Trump Derangement Syndrome. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently contradicted reality and Raimondo. Appearing on Foxs American Reports, he argued America is moving towards EVS. and his only worry about Chinas EVs obliterating American auto manufacturing has nothing to do with national security. He wants to out-produce China, even though China can severely undercut American EV prices. Rational people understand economic reality: Americans dont like EVs, and what they dont like, or cant afford, theyre not going to buy. The MMPA, however, cant even keep its arguments, economics, or the necessities of national security, straight. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. Dennis Prager brought up an important topic: What has ever replaced Judeo-Christian values and been morally superior? As he phrased it, if you get rid of X, you would assume that Y is better. Otherwise, why get rid of X? So what has worked out better? Its becoming obvious now that the fascist far left is following the Martin Niemoller poem. First, they came for the Jews, and now theyre coming for Christians. So what wondrous Utopia from the title of a book written 500 years ago about a socialist society would the ruling-class left like to impose on us proles in place of our value system? You dont hear many details on what they have planned just as you dont hear leftists boast about being socialists these days. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. John Adams That quotation should tell you all you need to know about the compatibility of the lefts socialist national agenda with our Jewish and Christian value system, and why leftists are out to destroy it and replace it with something far worse, but fantastic for their dreams of pure power. The lie from the far left is that religion is backward, from a time before the understanding of science and reason. They want to grow beyond it much like what they did during the French Revolution, except that, as Dennis Prager explained, that became a real bloodbath. This is because every society is going to be based on some sort of spirituality, so something is going to fill the void. As author John Daniel Davidson outlined in an interview with Glenn Beck, the idea that the future will be this secular, woke utopia is totally wrong. If we lose our Jewish and Christian value system, the only alternative is to become pagan instead of secular, as is being sold by the socialists. In the video, the author explains the pagan ethos: Nothing is true. Everything is permitted. A radical subjectivity about man, about God. About our natures. About what we can become and what we can do. And so what determines what public policy should be, or what determines what is right, isnt based on any universal claims about human nature. Or the image of God. Man being created in the image of God. Its based on force and coercion. And thats how pagan societies have always been. Thats why theyre slave societies. The pagan societies of the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany in the 20th century were characterized by force and coercion, along with a rejection of human nature and the idea of human rights. Its important to emphasize that there are only two basic ways that human beings interact with one another: moral reason and force. If you want something from someone, you either must use reason and exchange something for his cooperation or force him to do your bidding. Force or freedom based on moral law thats it. When you dont have any basis in moral law, everything redounds to force and coercion. As the author explained in a piece in The Federalist: The principles Americans have always asserted against this kind of moral and political tyranny freedom of speech, equal protection under the law, government by consent of the governed depend for their sustenance on the Christian faith, alive and active among the people, shaping their private and family lives as much as the social and political life of the nation. If we dont have the moral reasoning of our Jewish and Christian value system to undergird our system of limited government, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, everything will devolve down to the lowest common denominator of force. Were already seeing some of the worst effects of this loss of values, from the devaluation of property rights to the verbal coercion of lies. Rather than seeing a wonderous woke Utopia and secular society, well have the worst of a pagan cult without basic human rights. This new society call it pagan America will be marked above all by oppression and violence, primarily against the weak and powerless, perpetrated by the wealthy and powerful. In pagan America, such violence will be officially sanctioned and carry the force of law. We will have a public or state morality, just as Rome had, which will be quite separate from whatever religion one happens to profess. It was, after all, Christianity that united morality and religion, and without it, they will be separated once more. What you believe wont really matter to the state; what will matter is whether you adhere to the public morality whether you offer the mandatory sacrifice to Caesar, so to speak. And if you dont, there will be consequences. If youve been keeping track, this is yet another similarity between the Nazis and the national socialist Democrat party. As weve stated before, weve figured out why they always admonish the pro-freedom side about looking too closely at how leftists and Nazis are so similar. Youre not supposed to examine all of the commonalities that are piling up, because Trump is Hitler or something never mind that it doesnt make logical sense. Leftists want people to think that getting rid of our value system will be progress in moving to a new age of enlightenment. But logic shows that it will have the opposite effect, sending society backward to a time when the man with the biggest stick ruled the kingdom. The experience of the last century of the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany should be enough of a warning not to follow the leftist playbook once again. D Parker is an engineer, inventor, wordsmith, and student of history, the director of communications for a civil rights organization, and a longtime contributor to conservative websites. Find him on Substack. Image via Pexels. According to The Washington Free Beacon, medical students at UCLA were reportedly recently ordered to say a non-secular prayer to the ancestors. Guest speaker Lisa Gray-Garcia instructed students to get on their knees and touch Mama Earth with their fists during a mandatory course titled Structural Racism and Health Equity. According to a couple of students present at the time, at least half of the students complied. That is terrifying. When told to do something, we just reflexively obey now? Apparently, this is no longer America, or at least a place no longer populated by Americans. The Beacon noted that Gray-Garcias prayer also included a benediction for black, brown, and houseless people who die because of the crapitalist lie of private property. Lie of private property? Guess that explains the lefts affinity for squatters. She (they?) also informed the kneeling medical students that Mama Earth was never meant to be bought, sold, pimped, or played. (Apparently, Mama Earth is a stick in the mud. A real old fuddy-duddy. No fun at all.) Gray-Garcia was wearing a keffiyeh during the class and led the young scholars in chants of Free, Free Palestine, as faculty and staff looked on in silence, The Beacon reported. It also noted that Gray-Garcia, a self-professed poverty scholar, referred to modern medicine as white science and inveighed against the occupation of Turtle Island, which is you guessed it her preferred term for the United States of America. Finally, stated The Beacon, Gray-Garcia asked the students to stand for a second prayer, adding, This time, nearly everyone rose. Pardon me while I vomit. There dont seem to be many Daniel Boones, Lewises and Clarks, John Waynes, Sergeant Yorks, or George Washingtons around anymore. Hell, at this point Id settle for the Marlboro Man. Courage is the virtue that guarantees all others. Groupthink can lead to mass atrocities and the destruction of society. (Such as the Holocaust.) We were not meant to be lemmings. Independence used to be the hallmark of Americans, our birthright, our essence. Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, once exclaimed, I have sworn, on the altar of God, eternal hostility to all forms of tyranny over the minds of man. Those UCLA medical students should have laughed at Gray-Garcia and walked out. That would have been a sign of a healthier republic. Image: Pkd2016 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0. Anybody notice what happened in Ecuador over the last day or two? According to the Associated Press: MEXICO CITY (AP) Diplomatic relations between Mexico and Ecuador dramatically imploded after Ecuadorian police burst into Mexicos embassy in Quito and arrested Jorge Glas, Ecuadors former vice president. Glas, arrested late Friday, had been convicted on charges of bribery and corruption and remains under investigation for other potential crimes. Following the arrest, leaders from across the Americas voiced outrage at the incident and Mexicos president announced he was breaking diplomatic ties with Ecuador. The harrumphing was big on this one, with Mexico cutting ties with Ecuador, and its ally Nicaragua following suit. Tut-tutting followed from all the leftist regimes in the hemisphere, hypocritically claiming some kind of fealty to international law and the Vienna Convention on Consular Affairs, enacted in 1963, which was supposed to render embassies sovereign territory and unbreachable by the host country. They sure as heck aren't saying much about the ongoing collapse of democracy in Venezuela with all those violations of international treaties. But the hypocrisy was thick on this one. Very bad places such as Iran do this kind of thing, overrunning the U.S. embassy in 1979 and taking its personnel hostage. None of these critics from the region -- Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Chile, et al. cut relations with Iran for that one. There also was Cuba, which overran the Ecuadorean embassy looking for dissidents seeking asylum within it in 1981. Nobody makes Cuba a pariah state for this, either. Indeed, Mexico is now blackmailing the U.S. to drop all sanctions on that hellhole regime as one of its conditions for halting the migrant flow from its borders. Nobody complained about Cuba's breach in 1981, at least not the way they are screaming about Ecuador now. While raiding an embassy is not a terribly good idea, sometimes good places do comparable sovereign violations, too, such as when Colombia breached Ecuadorean territory in 2007 during a spectacular military raid that blew out FARC Marxist narcoterrorist leader Raul Reyes hiding out in Ecuador at the time, and then marched in and took his computers; or in 2004 when they slipped agents into Venezuela in order to capture FARC commando Rodrigo Granda hiding out in Caracas, having their own local agents stuff him into a car trunk before driving him back to Colombia. Mexico's continuously breaches into U.S. sovereign territory with its military, as well as its officials ushering in millions of migrants through to Joe Biden's open border. In this case, it would have been better if Ecuador had not done this as it's a small country and likely to face some kinds of isolation as a result. It's better to never raid an embassy no matter what the cause, and it appears that Ecuador's conservative president, Daniel Noboa, may have been badly advised. Or else, he could see somehow, that with weak Joe Biden around, all the global rules are off. It's fair to say that Ecuador's conservative government was probably provoked in Mexico's bid to shield its corrupt and convicted former leftist vice president from any consequences for his corruption and crimes. Mexico has been throwing its weight around a lot these days, blackmailing the U.S. over migrants and demanding a $20 billion ransom from the U.S. as "development cash" for Central America to solve "root causes" of migration and the U.S. dropping sanctions on Venezuela and Cuba or else the flow from Mexico would continue, as Mexico's president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told 60 Minutes recently. They also interfered prominently in Peru's affairs as a leftist president there last year was deposed. All the same, it represents a breach in international norms. The U.S. should stand by Ecuador based on the hypocrisy of its enemies and the meddling of Mexico, but don't count on that until Joe Biden is out of office. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License President Obama often spoke of the fundamental transformation of America. What the (former?) president didnt explicitly state, and what some still fail to understand, is that the Democrat party has been fundamentally transformed in recent years...in large part due to his efforts. It, in turn, has fundamentally transformed the United States. And not for the better. JFK and Truman, like them or despise them, wouldnt recognize it. In fact, they would disdain and mock todays Democrat party, as it would them. It has morphed from a party ostensibly for working people into one of, by, and for elites nationally and globally. (Okay, it has always advanced policies detrimental to black people, but in most other important respects, it has changed.) The party that spawned the Truman Doctrine, the policy of providing aid to countries threatened by communism and totalitarianism, has now been given over to the Biden Doctrine, the policy of badgering our closest allies (such as Israel) and giving aid, succor, cash, and billions in top-shelf military hardware to those who despise us (such as Iran, the Afghani Taliban, and Hamas). This is the strangest doctrine imaginable, and an existential threat to national security. And yet, the party still holds the power in Washington, D.C. The Biden Doctrine, even if unstated, is also at odds with JFKs promise to the world that the United States would pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty. Today, the Democrat party is hell-bent on extinguishing the freedom and liberty of its political opponents here at home, as well as those of a large percentage of American citizens. Quite the difference. Speaking of citizens, the Biden Doctrine actively dismisses them in favor of illegal aliens undocumented migrants newcomers, using citizens tax dollars to pay for health care, hotel stays, credit card accounts, cell phones, and suchlike for those who break the law by entering our country without going through the application and naturalization process. That is truly stupefying. Not only is the Great Replacement Theory a fact, but American citizens are paying to negate their future votes, if not functionally erase themselves entirely. Thats quite a doctrine one unlike any that proceeded it in Western history. If Biden wins re-election this November, his doctrine will have somehow prevailed...and the formerly United States will be fundamentally transformed. Permanently. Image: Sean Naber via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. Last weekend, a young widow and her one-year-old son were the latest consequence of lawlessness in our blue cities. A man with a long criminal record shot a police officer. It reminded us of a couple of things: First, criminals will always find guns, no matter how many laws or gun control speeches we hear. Second, some criminals need to be in jail rather than sitting in a car waiting to kill someone. This is the legacy of soft-on-crime policies and blaming guns rather than criminals. A few days, A.G. Garland went public telling us about numbers and crime. It fell flat because speeches about numbers dont keep people safe. This is an editorial from The Washington Times: With policies like that, there is good reason to question statistics claiming that lawlessness is on the decline. Police just arent responding to calls or counting incidents as they once did. For instance, big cities like New York and Los Angeles didnt even bother turning in data to the FBI for use in the agencys 2021 statistics. The public knows the rosy numbers dont reflect reality. A Gallup survey last year found an 11% increase in the number of people afraid to walk alone at night near their home since Mr. Biden entered the White House. As a result, a Rasmussen poll from February gave Republicans a 13-point edge over Democrats on handling crime. So A.G. Garland can say whatever he wants, but the public is screaming, Wheres the beef? A.G. Garland moves around the country protected by officers with machine guns, but the grandmother walking to the bodega is not so lucky. She has to deal with lawless youths who attack and rob for the hell of it. As long as our blue cities tolerate crime and protect criminals in the name of social justice, the public will not feel safe. Its not very complicated. In fact, its as simple as taking back the streets, or what law and order Joe told us. Take back the streets, Mr. President, or no one is going to believe what your A.G. is saying about crime. PS: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos. Image: Tony Webster via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped). In the esteemed role of chief executive officer of the United States, the paramount duty is unmistakably the safeguarding of our nation's security. This is a sacred trust, a commitment to the citizens of our great country to protect them from external threats and ensure their safety and freedom. It is a role that defines the presidency and one that demands unwavering resolve and vigilance. Sadly, intelligence from some of our three-letter agencies admits that terrorist attacks on United States soil are imminent. What do they know that we dont? Think about it. They know terrorists are on our soil, but theyre not saying how they got here. Duh Ask any third grader which border they likely came over from and theyll likely tell you from our southern border. But it gets worse. Who is going to be in charge of fighting these terrorists when they attack our infrastructure and cause so much damage that it makes 9/11 look like a stroll through Central Park? But unlike George W. Bush, whose popularity soared to 90% after 9/11, Biden will be met with even mainstream Democrats who will want to ride him out of town on a rail. Why? Innately everyone will know the blame clearly falls on Bidens shoulders. And for once, even the Blame Trump First crowd will actually shut up because they will be too busy ducking for cover. Think about it. Who on earth would want the culprit who let in these terrorists be the one allowed to clean up the mess? Under the leadership of President Joe Biden, our nation has seen unprecedented lapses in its security protocols in a thinly veiled open borders policy aimed at recruiting newly minted Democrat voters! Let us be clear: the primary role of any government is to protect its citizens. When it fails in this most basic duty, it must be held accountable. It is not enough to express outrage or to offer condolences. Action must be taken to ensure that such failures are not repeated. The responsibility for these security breaches lies at the feet of President Biden. It is under his administration that these terrorists found their way onto our soil, exploiting the very openness and freedom that define our nation for their nefarious purposes. In light of these grave failures, we must demand more than just answers. We must call for accountability. President Joe Biden, as the head of the government and the one ultimately responsible for our nation's security, must acknowledge these failures and accept the consequences. In any other context, such egregious lapses would demand resignation or removal from office. Why should the presidency be any different? Therefore, it is with a heavy heart but a firm conviction that we call for the immediate resignation of both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, and install President Mike Johnson as a caretaker president entrusted with enforcing free and fair elections in November, when we see President Trump once again holding the reins of our Republic. Michael Letts is founder of InVest USA a travel organization that provides bulletproof vests to police departments that have been defunded. Even the subheadlines are substandard at the Washington Post. In Gazans go hungry as aid groups step back (04/04/24), the subheadline reads, Israels war has wrecked Hamas civilian rule, with no alternative in place. The anti-Israel bias at the Post is as clear as the clearest day. It is not Israels war. To say so exposes the authors animus against Israel, ignoring how this war started and who the perpetrators were. To remind The Washington Post, on October 7, thousands of Hamas combatants followed by Gazan civilians stormed through the borders of Israel, murdering; mutilating civilians, including children and babies; and taking hundreds of hostages, including babies. Nice sleight of hand, Washington Post, in redirecting to implicate Israel. It is Hamass war on Israel, no matter how many times the Post repeats its canard. It begs one to ask, is the Post on the Hamas payroll? It is known that one of the authors of the article, Hajar Harb, applauded the massacre of Jews on October 7 in a since deleted X post. Usually there are lies in every sentence when the Post writes about Israel but in this subheadline, the paper has outdone itself. There are multiple lies in one sentence! The subheadline references Hamas civilian rule. What a misnomer! It is Hamas terrorist rule, not civilian rule! The subheadline ends by saying there is no alternative [to the situation] in place. How about the obvious? Demand that Hamas put down their weapons and release the hostages, and all will be well for the Gazan people. Why does that obvious answer not register for what was once a proud newspaper? Lastly, the Post has been publishing article after article, including this one, claiming that Gaza has been pushed to the cusp of famine. It is not difficult to see the plight of the average Gazan, but how could the Post claim that Gazans have been on the cusp of famine for months on end? This blood libel against Israel started nearly right after the war started. Meanwhile, with all the sympathetic articles about the Gazans and they deserve sympathy absent are articles about the hunger, torture, and rape of the Israeli hostages, at least five of whom are Americans, that continues to this day! The Post is silent about the condition of the hostages and silent about demanding that Hamas surrender. The Washington Post where integrity dies in darkness. Dr. Michael Berenhaus is a freelance activist who works to combat anti-Israel bias in the media. He has been widely published in news sources such as The Economist, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. WaPo headquarters image: Daniel X. O'Neil via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. Should a semiautomatic handgun be carried with a round in the chamber? Yes. Next question? Its an issue much on the minds of many, because Americans have been buying guns at the rate of more than a million a month for more than 50 months. Most of those handguns are semiautomatic. Full disclosure: I learned to shoot handguns with revolvers, attaining expert status, but as semiautos evolved, becoming not only as reliable as revolvers, and with the advent of Glocks, which took over the police and civilian markets, became expert with those as well. Ive fired and owned every trigger mechanism, single action as in the 1911 and P-35 Hi-Power, double action, double action only and striker fired as in Glocks. Other than the 1911 and Hi-Power, Ive never used the safety on any other semiautomatic Ive owned, and have been entirely safe in so doing. Why not the 1911 and Hi-Power? Theyre early 1900s single action designs with cocked hammers and light triggers with short travel. I had the grip safeties on my 1911s pinned in the off position. John Moses Browning, Americas greatest firearm inventor, did not include a grip safety on the Hi-Power, which he invented after the 1911. Graphic: S&W M&P 22 Compact with manual safety. Author. Here's the ultimate consideration: any gun is safe if the trigger finger is kept in registerstraight and in contact with the frame, outside the trigger guarduntil fractions of a second before its necessary to pull the trigger. After the trigger is pulled, so long as immediate follow-up shots arent required, the trigger finger immediately returns to register. A secondary concern is always using holsters that completely cover the trigger guard and trigger so its difficult to accidently pull the trigger when drawing. Its equally important to always keep the trigger finger in register when reholstering, and to look to ensure neither clothing nor anything else can get in the way and pull the trigger. Graphic: Glock 19, no manual safety. Author. But safetiesnegligent discharges Consider revolvers have no manual safeties, yet no one argues they should. How do they differ from chambered semiautos? They have long, heavy double action trigger pulls, which some people consider a safety feature. In a sense, thats true, but it also makes accurate shooting difficult. Any firearm with a long, heavy trigger pull will be much harder to master, to shoot well, than a firearm with a shorter, lighter trigger pull. The New York City Police Department requires 12-pound triggers on all handguns, and their shooting statistics reflect that dubious choice. Why would any police force require bad triggers? Theyre more afraid of officers making negligent discharges than missing bad guys and accidently shooting citizens, which all too often happens. Also, that choice closes off the option of proper training. To be sure, a handgun with a shorter, lighter trigger pull is easier to shoot well than the opposite. Glocks have standard 5.5-pound triggers, and while their travel isnt as short, or as light as some 1911s, its a good compromise, as around 70% of the nations police have discovered. Another important factor to consider is if one relies on a manual safety, one must learn how to flick it off milliseconds before firing, and how to flick it back on when firing ceases. In training students carrying 1911-based handguns, Ive found many have never mastered this, despite the 1911s safety being nearly ideally placed for most people. Many manual safeties are not nearly so ergonomic, nor so properly designed as to allow quick and positive deactivation and activation. Smith and Wesson makes many models available with or without a manual safety. In our litigious society, that speaks volumes. Another vital factor is competent training, more than basic marksmanship training. An instructor competent in teaching such concepts as how to carry ones handgun and spare magazines, how to properly draw and reholster, proper grip and stanceI recommend Weaverbasic malfunction clearance drills, and if one prefers to use a manual safetytheres nothing inherently wrong with that--exactly how and when to manipulate it, is essential. If youre afraid of your handgun, thats a sure sign you need that kind of training. By afraid, I dont mean you have a healthy respect for the consequences of mishandling a firearm. Thats essential too, particularly for professionals, who can sometimes become a little lax. If youre not completely confident in your knowledge of how your handgun functions, how to clean it, and how and when to employ it, you need sufficient training to gain that confidence. Once again, carrying a modern semiautomatic with a round in the chamber is entirely safe, even if the handgun does not, by design, have an external, manual safetyso long as one keeps the trigger finger in register, and follows the other, basic, universal safety rules. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. Danielle Collins secured back-to-back tournament wins with a 6-2 6-1 victory over Daria Kasatkina in the Charleston Open final. After winning the Miami Open last week, Collins earned her 13th successive victory in style as she dropped just three games in her latest triumph. The American, who moved up to 15th in the world rankings, needed just 77 minutes to dismiss her opponent without facing a break point in the whole of the contest. No stopping DANIMAL Danielle Collins races to her fourth career title and extends her match win streak to 13!#CharlestonOpen pic.twitter.com/tcHTNFYEEt wta (@WTA) April 7, 2024 Collins said: I had a lot of matches in Miami and I had a lot of matches here. I had, at one point in this tournament, two matches in one day, which is not easy to pull off. I dont know if Ive done that before as a professional. I feel like the last time I did that was like in 12-and-unders. So to be able to physically battle and push myself to a new limit gives me a lot of confidence. Ive been so happy to be, obviously, playing at the level that Ive been playing, but to be able to back it up two weeks in a row has just been fantastic. Gusts of up to 70mph could hit parts of the UK as Storm Kathleen moves away. Wind and rain warnings are in place after Kathleen, the 11th named storm of the 2023/24 season, brought disruption to weekend travel, with strong winds battering parts of Scotland. Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna said unsettled conditions and more wind and rain are expected through Monday and into Tuesday. There will be some bright weather around on Monday However, the next area of low pressure will arrive from the southwest, bringing an increasing chance of showery rain, especially across England and Wales Here is the #4cast pic.twitter.com/0o3N5fwrMb Met Office (@metoffice) April 7, 2024 He said: Storm Kathleen is moving off the scene now but there is low pressure gathering once again towards the South and South West. It is this area of low pressure that will bring more wind and rain to pretty much all of the UK through Monday into Tuesday. As for Monday, we will see some brightness for a time across the South and East of England but there will be showery bursts of rain working up from the South as we go through the day. Certainly into the afternoon, some of those bursts will turn quite heavy, whereas Northern Ireland will get off to a fine start and see some rain arriving later in the day. Temperatures across the northern UK are set to reach about 12C, while in the South and South East it will not feel quite as warm, amid outbreaks of rain. Saturday was the warmest day of the year so far with a maximum temperature of 20.9C in Santon Downham, Suffolk. It beat 19.9C recorded in Achfary, Sutherland, on January 29. Yellow weather warning issued Strong winds across parts of Wales and northwest England Tuesday 0100 1500 Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/op4PSK8TPo Met Office (@metoffice) April 7, 2024 Sundays top temperature was 17.8C in Weybourne, Norfolk. Strong winds and large coastal waves may cause some disruption, according to Met Office yellow weather warnings covering parts of England and Wales for the start of the new week. In the South West, which is covered by a Met Office yellow weather warning for wind from 6pm on Monday to 6am on Tuesday, gusts are forecast to reach 40-50mph widely and 60-70mph along exposed coasts in places such as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Parts of southern England will see strong winds and high spring tides as 40-50mph gusts are forecast for inland regions, while there is potential for 60mph along the most exposed coastal spots. Residents in the South West and London and the South East are also set for unsettled conditions. Yellow weather warning issued Strong winds for parts of southern England, combined with high Spring tides Tuesday 0100 1200 Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/IsefguvWK1 Met Office (@metoffice) April 7, 2024 A spell of strong onshore winds looks set to hit parts of the England Channel coastline overnight on Monday and into Tuesday morning, according to the Met Office yellow warning for wind which runs from 1am to noon on Tuesday. Hazardous coastal conditions and some travel disruption may also hit north-west England and Wales on Tuesday, which is covered by a yellow warning for wind from 1am to 3pm. Some heavy and persistent downpours could cause flooding affecting transport and homes and businesses, according to a warning across parts of Scotland from 1am to 6pm on Tuesday. Some areas could see 20-40mm of rain, and there is a slight chance one or two spots could see 50-60mm. The warning, covering Central, Tayside & Fife, Grampian, south-west Scotland, Lothian Borders and Strathclyde, adds: Given the saturated ground in this region following recent heavy rainfall, the rainfall totals quoted above have the potential to cause greater impacts than would be typical. Manchester United dented bitter rivals Liverpools title hopes as Mohamed Salahs late spot-kick salvaged a 2-2 draw in Jurgen Klopps final trip to Old Trafford. Three weeks on from Erik ten Hags men edging an FA Cup classic at the end of extra-time, this age-old rivalry resumed in a similarly chaotic clash in the Premier League on Sunday. Luis Diaz put dominant Liverpool into a deserved half-time lead against stumbling United, only for Bruno Fernandess 45-yard jaw dropper and a magnificent Kobbie Mainoo effort to turn the match on its head. The points are shared at Old Trafford. #MUNLIV pic.twitter.com/9CjmLaZiTf Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 7, 2024 Salah levelled with a late penalty after Aaron Wan-Bissaka brought down Harvey Elliott, but the Reds could not eke out a winner as Ten Hags men successfully put a spanner in their old foes title charge. It was the 27th point Klopps comeback kings have won from a losing position but may not be enough, putting them level with leaders Arsenal on 71 points but substantially behind on goal difference. Liverpool will be praying a costly Old Trafford draw does not go on to cost them the title like it did five years ago. This match started as the tie three weeks ago ended, with Alejandro Garnacho racing through to round Caoimhin Kelleher and score inside 71 seconds. Liverpool miss out on the chance to go top of the Premier League after a 2-2 draw with Man Utd Advantage to @Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/frjXP0zhUS Premier League (@premierleague) April 7, 2024 But the flag quickly went up as the teenager had strayed offside when being put through by Fernandes and United would go on to fail to register a first-half shot as their intense start dramatically tailed off. Andre Onana produced a strong hand to stop Dominik Szoboszlai after Uniteds makeshift, injury-hit backline with Willy Kambwala making only his second start creaked for the first time. The Liverpool midfielder had another two chances, with Andy Robertson driving across the face of goal before the away sides 23rd-minute opener. Robertsons corner from the right was flicked on at the near post by Darwin Nunez, with Uniteds lax defence punished as the inexplicably open Diaz volleyed into the ground and beyond Onana. Diazs acrobatic finish put Liverpool ahead at Old Trafford (Martin Rickett/PA) It was no less than the visitors deserved, but the hosts could have levelled almost immediately had someone attacked Casemiros header back across goal from a free-kick. Liverpool looked determined to capitalise on that let-off. Onana twice denied Salah, who slashed another chance into the Stretford End after Nunez curled over. United supporters frustration was palpable and grew when Casemiro kicked the ball out of play after Diaz went down injured. The goalscorer did not even require treatment and was soon threatening to extend Liverpools lead which they continued to threaten when the second half got under way. United continued to flounder but used a get of jail free card in spectacular fashion as their first shot brought a 50th-minute leveller. Jarell Quansahs misplaced pass was picked off by Fernandes, who hit an outrageous, first-time effort from 45 yards that flew beyond Kelleher and bounced home. Kelleher excellently denied a Rashford cross-shot after Virgil van Dijk deflected a Garnacho shot just over as the hosts looked for a quickfire second. But they were not in control and Liverpool wasted a gilt-edged chance, breaking with five men against what had been two defenders, only for Nunez squander a chance at the back post. Both managers turned to their bench before another moment of individual quality had Old Trafford shaking in the 67th minute. Mainoo collected the ball at the halfway line and drove forward, playing to the left and running into the 18-yard box. The teenager demanded the ball, turned into space when he received it and brilliantly bent home to spark bedlam. United fans chanted Jurgens cracking up as Garnacho saw a shot saved on the break and Joe Gomezs deflected attempt was stopped. Onana denied Diaz and Old Trafford cheered as Salah missed the follow-up, but the visitors were not to be denied for long. Salah earned a point from the penalty spot (Martin Rickett/PA) Wan-Bissakas challenge on substitute Elliott led referee Anthony Taylor to point to the spot, with Salah stepping up to send Onana the wrong way in the 84th minute. Liverpool piled on the pressure as United wobbled, with Diaz lashing over from six yards. But it was not all one-way traffic and Kelleher stopped Antony from sealing another stunning winner, with Elliott seeing an even latter shot denied. Mikel Arteta believes Kai Havertz is benefitting from feeling the love at Arsenal and has challenged the forward to maintain his red-hot recent form. Germany international Havertz endured a slow start to his Gunners career following a 65million summer switch from Chelsea but has registered five goals and four assists in his last seven Premier League outings. The 24-year-old was instrumental in his title-chasing sides 3-0 win at Brighton on Saturday, doubling their lead following Bukayo Sakas first-half penalty before setting up Leandro Trossard to complete the scoring. Introducing your POTM for yesterday's win at Brighton An all-action display from our Kai pic.twitter.com/jBUSZiFNtJ Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 7, 2024 Arsenal are in a three-way tussle for the title with Liverpool and Manchester City and manager Arteta knows Havertz is central to their chances of ending the clubs 20-year wait to be champions. Hes certainly having a huge impact on the team, said Arteta. I think his overall performances have been really good and now his numbers in terms of goal contributions, are really, really high. He needs to maintain that level. Hes got some fantastic players around him. We have tried to create the right environment for him, which I think is very important for any player. Kai Havertz scored Arsenals second goal at the Amex Stadium (Gareth Fuller/PA) We have given him confidence, hopefully weve given the love that he needs. He has the appreciation from the rest of the players and the staff at the club and now our supporters for sure. Havertz managed only one goal and one assist in his first 19 Arsenal appearances in all competitions, prompting doubts about the decision to sign him. He now has nine league goals in 23 starts this season, in addition to five assists, and is thriving playing as a central striker. Bukayo Saka 33' (pen) Kai Havertz 62' Leandro Trossard 86' @Arsenal moved back to the top of the Premier League table with a 3-0 away win over Brighton pic.twitter.com/yYwmof8XYb Premier League (@premierleague) April 7, 2024 A lot of the time players decide where they have to play, and we can have certain ideas, but then you see certain relationships and some things flow, said Arteta. And when it flows, you have to let it go, and I think Kai at the moment is flowing and hes feeling really comfortable there, the rest of the team is comfortable with him there and things happen naturally. Arsenal impressively ended Brightons 12-match unbeaten home record to register a 10th win in 11 top-flight games in 2024. Their final seven fixtures included tricky away trips to Wolves, north London rivals Tottenham and Manchester United. Arteta feels a standout display at the Amex Stadium gives the Gunners increased belief for their remaining away matches. Yes it does, because this is a really, really tough place to come and win in the manner and the form that weve done it, he said. So hopefully yes, and we can carry on doing what were doing. Brightons hopes of a second successive season in Europe were dealt a blow by the comprehensive defeat. Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has a lengthy injury list (Gareth Fuller/PA) Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi believes his team are paying a heavy price for a lengthy injury list containing Kaoru Mitoma, Solly March, James Milner, Billy Gilmour, Adam Webster, Jack Hinshelwood and Evan Ferguson. We can lose against Arsenal at home, he said. We can analyse the performance, we can analyse the improvement of our players and we couldnt say anything because if we play without Mitoma, March and all the other injured players we have to accept the result, keeping the focus on the last games we have to play. David Lammy giving a speech Photograph: Neil Hall/EPA The shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy, has said he has serious concerns about a breach in international humanitarian law over Israels actions in Gaza as far too many people have died. At least 33,037 Palestinians have been killed and 75,668 others have been injured in the Israeli military offensive, according to the Palestinian health ministry, six months on from the 7 October Hamas attack in southern Israel, during which about 1,140 people were killed and 240 others were taken as hostages. The conflict has opened a rift within Rishi Sunaks cabinet, with the foreign secretary, David Cameron, warning the UKs support for Israel is not unconditional. But the deputy prime minister, Oliver Dowden, said Israel was being held to incredibly high standards. The day after the 7 October attack, Lammy said Israel must do what it must do, but within the bounds of international law. Other senior Labour figures noted at the time that Israel must always have the right to defend itself. But speaking on Sunday, Lammy said: As we sit here six months later, I think it is important to reaffirm that a life lost is a life lost whether that is a Muslim or a Jew. Let me begin because Elad Katzir, one of the hostages, we now know is dead and we saw protests in Israel overnight. It is important to remember that there are well over 100 hostages, some may no longer be alive, in Gaza. And this story began with that horrific event on 7 October, Lammy told Sky News Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips programme. He added: I think it is serious when we have senior judges who are on our supreme court who raise issues about the clear risk of breaches in international law, former head of the MI6 Sir Alex Younger says the same, and of course, Ive said that I have serious concerns about a breach in international humanitarian law in regard to this. For that reason Lammy has reiterated a call for Lord Cameron to publish any legal advice the UK government had received and to reveal whether Downing Street had instructed him not to do so. Lammy suggested on issues of war, a Labour government would publish a summary of legal advice, as the Sunak government did after the UK took action against the Houthis. But the shadow foreign secretary refused to back a call from the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, and Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, for the UK to ban arms sales to Israel immediately. Labour will push for an end to arms sales only if legal advice provided to ministers shows continued sales could risk the UK breaching international law. Cross-party MPs, including 50 Labour MPs, have piled pressure on the government to act after seven international aid workers, including three British citizens were killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Monday. Lammy has accused Cameron of dodging scrutiny on the UKs arms sales to Israel and urged him to appear in the Commons to answer MPs directly on arms export licences. Cameron warned on Saturday night that Britains support for Israel was not unconditional and cautioned Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the attacks that killed aid workers must never happen again. But Dowden has taken Sunaks line of standing by Israels right to defend its security while urging people to remember the trauma Israelis are suffering. The deputy prime minister said Britain was not giving the IDF carte blanche, adding: The manner in which some people are seizing on this issue and trying to hold Israel to incredibly high standards, of course it is right that we hold Israel to high standards, but I just think there is a bit of relish from some people about the way in which they are pushing this case against Israel. He later suggested on BBC Ones Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show that the UK would stop arms sales to Israel if it was found in breach of international law. Dowden insisted there were no government plans to change export rules, after the Observer obtained a leaked recording of the Conservative chair of the Commons foreign affairs select committee, Alicia Kearns, saying the government had received advice from its own lawyers stating that Israel had breached international humanitarian law in Gaza but had failed to make it public. Diana Johnson's amendment means women would not be prosecuted if they end a pregnancy beyond 24-week legal limit - ER PRODUCTIONS LTD/GETTY IMAGES More than half of the public oppose MPs plans to decriminalise abortion ahead of a major vote that could liberalise the law for the first time in a generation. Exclusive polling shows 55 per cent of adults agree that it should remain illegal for a woman to abort a healthy baby after the current 24-week time limit. Only 16 per cent, fewer than one in six, agreed with the plans whilst 29 per cent said they preferred not to say or did not know. More women than men believed it should remain a criminal offence, by a ratio of 57 per cent to 54 per cent. Seven in 10 adults (71 per cent) also agreed a year-long jail sentence for a woman last year who aborted her baby at between 32 and 34 weeks was about right or too short. Only 20 per cent thought it too long. The data, based on polling of 2011 adults, marks the start of what is expected to be a passionate debate over what could be the first major changes to abortion law in more than 30 years. Two amendments one liberalising the abortion law and one tightening it have been tabled to the Criminal Justice Bill which is due to return to the Commons after the Easter recess. If they are allowed to proceed by Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker, all parties have said their MPs will be allowed a free vote as an issue of conscience. One amendment, laid by Diana Johnson, Labour chair of the home affairs committee, would mean women would no longer be prosecuted if they ended their pregnancies beyond the 24-week legal time limit. It has so far gathered cross-party support from 35 MPs. Women can be jailed under the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act if they have an abortion outside set circumstances. As well as the mother of three jailed last year for an illegal abortion, about 100 women have faced police investigations since 2019. Under the amendment, the 1861 law would no longer apply to women ending their own pregnancies although they would still have to abide by the requirements of the 1967 Abortion Act and the 24-week limit would remain intact. Doctors and nurses would still face prosecution if they assisted an abortion after 24 weeks. It would bring England and Wales into line with Northern Ireland, where abortions were decriminalised in 2019. It is backed by the Royal Colleges of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, of GPs and of Midwives and the British Medical Association. An amendment by Diana Johnson, Labour chair of the home affairs committee, has gathered cross-party support from 35 MPs - PA IMAGES/ALAMY A YouGov poll showed 55 per cent of MPs also supported the change although the new polling by Whitestone Insight suggests MPs may be out of step with public opinion. It shows that more people are against than for decriminalisation across all age and social class groups. The second amendment, put forward by Caroline Ansell, the Tory MP, and backed by 36 MPs, would cut the time limit from 24 to 22 weeks, on the basis that the survival rate for extremely premature babies born at 23 weeks has doubled from two in 10 to four in 10. Twenty two weeks is now recognised by the British Association of Perinatal Medicine as the point of viability outside the womb. A poll by ComRes (now Savanta) found that 60 per cent of the public and 70 per cent of women support a reduction in the time limit to 20 weeks or below. Critics of the decriminalisation proposal claim it would fuel late-term DIY procedures by pregnant women. Catherine Robinson, a spokeswoman for Right to Life UK, said: It would likely lead to a tragic increase in the number of babies lives being ended through late-term abortions performed at home, as well as the lives of many more women being endangered. This extreme and radical abortion law has no place in the UK. This polling clearly shows that the public do not support this change to the law. We are calling on MPs to reject Johnsons amendment. Miriam Cates, co-chair of the New Conservatives group of MPs, who has backed a reduction to 22 weeks, said decriminalisation would remove any consequence for a pregnant woman who decided to terminate their baby after the current 24 week limit. Of course women who face unwanted late-term pregnancies should be offered help and support, but in a civilised and compassionate society we must not change the law to remove all rights and value from an unborn baby just a few weeks or days before birth, said Ms Cates. Ms Johnson has disputed the criticism, saying there is no evidence of a rise in late-term abortions since decriminalisation in countries including Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Australia or Canada. This amendment is only taking women out of the criminal justice system. If you look at somewhere like Texas which has very restrictive laws, they dont criminalise women. They go after the abortion providers. We are out of step even with those countries that have stricter abortion laws, she said. Ms Johnson suggested that women who took abortion pills to have late miscarriages were women in the most vulnerable and difficult circumstances. It may be domestic abuse, coercive control. They may have been trafficked. The question is: do you believe they should be brought before the criminal law or should they be offered help and support, she said. Nikol Pashinyan, Armenian prime minister, Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president, Antony Blinken, US secretary of state and Josep Borrell, EU high representative in Brussels, on Friday - Johanna Geron/Reuters The Kremlin has threatened Armenia with negative consequences after the EU pledged more than 230 million to help it loosen ties with Russia. Nikol Pashinyan, the Armenian prime minister, visited Brussels on Friday, meeting Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, and Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, in a display of his countrys diplomatic shift towards the West. We will make investments to strengthen Armenias economy and society, making them more robust and stable in the face of shocks, said Ms von der Leyen, pledging the money to build resilience among Armenian businesses and society. After the meeting, the Kremlin accused the West of looking for a geopolitical confrontation in the South Caucasus. Russias foreign ministry said attempts by the US and the EU to woo Armenia over the past 18 months were irresponsible and destructive. It said they would result in the most negative consequences for stability, security and economic development in the region, provoke the emergence of new dividing lines, as well as an uncontrollable increase in tension. Nikol Pashinyan, Armenian prime minister, in Brussels on Friday - Anadolu Azerbaijan accused Armenia of deploying forces along their volatile border after Mr Pashinyans Brussels meeting, which Armenia denied. Is Armenia following the path of Ukraine or is Armenia being pushed along the path of Ukraine? askd Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin speechwriter. Armenias relations with Russia have soured since it accused the Kremlin of reneging on pledges to protect it and instead greenlighting an attack last year by Azerbaijan on disputed territory controlled by ethnic Armenians. The Azerbaijani attack on Nagorno-Karabakh forced Armenia to cede control of the disputed region. Around 120,000 ethnic Armenians fled to Armenia. Since then, Mr Pashinyan has intensified talks with the West, signed arms deals with France and mounted a diplomatic push that included upgrading its embassy in London from a rented two-room office near Earls Court to a Pall Mall townhouse. This year, Armenian officials have even said they want to quit the Kremlins collective security treaty organisation a military alliance between Russia and several post-Soviet states and join the EU. Police say the land search operation took place in an extremely remote area of WA with challenging terrain. Photograph: Aaron Bunch/AAP A man has been found in relatively good condition after becoming separated from a group of people who reached a remote pocket of the Kimberley coastline in Western Australia by boat. A source confirmed to Guardian Australia that nine individuals had broached Australias mainland but did not confirm what nation they had arrived from. The Australian Border Force said it did not comment on operational matters, continuing a longstanding tradition established by the Coalition in 2013. A spokesperson for the home affairs minister, Clare ONeil, also said they would not comment on operational matters. Related: Western Australia boat arrivals: what are the current laws and policies on asylum seekers? According to the Western Australian police force, an unknown vessel carrying a group of people landed in a remote area of the Kimberley on Friday 5 April. One person became separated from the group, police said. In a statement on Sunday, WA police confirmed it had found the man during a land operation in an extremely remote area with challenging terrain. A number of WA Police resources were deployed to the Mitchell Plateau area this morning to continue search efforts for a man reported to have been missing in the area since Friday, it said. During a preliminary ground appreciation, WA Police officers located the man standing on a track not far from the Truscott Air Base. It has been confirmed the man was part of a group that arrived to Australia via an unknown vessel. WA police said it was unknown how or why the man had become separated from the group, but he was in relatively good condition and receiving medical treatment from a doctor at the Truscott Airbase. The shadow foreign minister, Simon Birmingham, was asked about the arrival on Insiders, following reports in The Australian that the group appeared to be of Chinese descent. Pressed on whether Chinese people seeking protection should be placed into a special category, Birmingham said consideration of protection is done according to the legal frameworks around refugee environments. He then pressed the federal government on its response, noting it was the third boat since November that appears to have made it to the Australian mainland. Potentially not even making it to the Australian mainland but off-loading passengers and then departing without any detection, he said. This is a big indictment on the Albanese government if that is the case. The incident follows the detection of more than 40 asylum seekers in a remote part of Western Australia in February. About 30 people were discovered at Beagle Bay, while, a short time later, about 13 individuals were found at an Indigenous campsite at Pender Bay. Authorities believed both groups arrived on the same boat, although Pender Bay is about 25km north of where the first group was found. All individuals were transported to Nauru for processing. In November, a group of 12 people who arrived on the Western Australian coast were taken into ABF custody. Labor has maintained the core planks of Operation Sovereign Borders, including offshore detention and turning boats back where safe to do so. Speaking in February, ONeil said Labors commitment to the policy was absolute. Every person who has attempted to reach Australia by boat since I have been minister is back in their home country, or in Nauru, having wasted thousands of dollars and having risked their lives, she said. A submerged indicator passing 6 metres under the Windsor Bridge in Sydneys west on Saturday. Photograph: Jenny Evans/Getty Images Hundreds of residents in Sydneys north-west have been ordered to flee their homes after heavy rain caused flooding in the Hawkesbury-Nepean River catchment. The New South Wales government has announced assistance measures after heavy rain on Friday and Saturday prompted authorities to open the spill gates at Warragamba Dam. Evacuation orders remain in place for several towns and suburbs along the Hawkesbury, including parts of Agnes Banks, Freemans Reach, north of Bligh Park and the western Richmond Lowlands. Related: Mans body found in flood water in western Sydney Blue skies reappeared over Sydney on Sunday, but about 350 homes with about 960 residents were still subject to the evacuation orders. The NSW emergency services minister, Jihad Dib, said on Sunday the NSW State Emergency Service had also rescued about 200 people from flood waters since Friday. Its fairly blue skies behind me, but that doesnt mean that the water danger is over, that the threat of flood is over, Dib said. As we talked about yesterday, theres a thing called the blue sky flood, where all of the water that feeds from the tributaries into the local catchment areas basically comes together. The SES said 2,700 homes had been subject to evacuation orders during Friday and Saturday, but that most had been able to return on Sunday. The SES commissioner, Carlene York, said there were still a lot of roads cut and theres still a lot of danger out there. What were moving to today is to assess the damage at those different communities across the state that have been affected by this significant weather event, she said. And as soon as its safe, we will be lifting those evacuation orders so that people can go into their houses and start cleaning up all their properties. York warned people to remain cautious, particularly after dark, while flood waters remained high and roads were closed. Weve had way too many rescues required to go and assist people to get out of those flood waters, and theres been a lot of vision of people being on the roofs of their cars and some really dangerous situations where my SES volunteers have been placed in danger, she said. The federal and NSW governments announced on Sunday that disaster assistance funding would be made available to flood-affected residents in the Blue Mountains, Camden, Hawkesbury, Kiama, Liverpool, Penrith, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly and Wollongong local government areas. Work to assess the impact of flooding across the state is being conducted as quickly as possible, with disaster declarations like these a crucial first step in unlocking assistance, Dib, said. The SES has continued to work throughout the night to reach out to communities and Im confident that with the work theyve been doing, that we are being incredibly proactive. The rain on Friday and Saturday earlier caused landslips, flash flooding and a house in Wollongong to be swept into a creek. Investigations on Sunday will also continue into the death of a man found in water in Penrith. While the threat appears to have eased, communities on Sydneys fringes will be nervously watching river levels on Sunday. Further river rises and moderate to major flooding is expected along the Hawkesbury River on Sunday, after the week ended with 200mm across much of the catchment. The river was expected to peak above the major flooding level at North Richmond on Sunday morning, albeit 2 metres below the peaks reached in major floods in 2021 and 2022. More than 107 warnings were in place late on Saturday night, with 32 emergency alerts still in place on Sunday morning. Cloudy conditions and scattered showers are forecast for the hardest-hit areas on Sunday, including Sydney and Wollongong. The weather systems final hurrah was expected to hit the north-east of the state, as the coastal trough brought thunderstorms, possibly severe, on Sunday. Meanwhile, heavy rain is expected to drench parts of Queensland on Sunday, with up to 200mm tipped to fall in the south-east of the state. A major flood warning is in place for Warrego River in the states south-west. Flood warnings are also in place for Eyre Creek, Weir River, Balonne River, Moonie River and Norman River. Both the Nindooinbah and Moogerah dams, more than 100km west of the Gold Coast, have started spilling excess water. William Wragg has reportedly been a victim of an alleged spear-phishing attack on MPs. Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian The honeytrap scandal in Westminster brings to mind Bertrand Russells observation about democracy having at least one merit, namely, that a Member of Parliament cannot be stupider than his constituents, for the more stupid he is, the more stupid they were to elect him. For William Wraggs constituents in Manchester, though, it must come as a consolation to discover that they are not the only ones who could fall for phishing messages, though theirs are more likely to come via email from distressed Nigerian heiresses rather than on encrypted platforms such as WhatsApp, which give its users an illusion of privacy and safety. But while the embarrassment of a few Westminster insiders provides endless opportunities for tabloid amusement, it masks a more serious problem: the way the pathological addiction to WhatsApp of Britains ruling elite has undermined democratic institutions and conventions. One of the most compelling lessons of the Covid experience was seeing what happened when an administration responds to a crisis by resorting to what its critics (and even Boris Johnsons one-time communications chief) described as government by WhatsApp. Related: Police launch inquiry after MPs targeted in apparent spear-phishing attack In his evidence to the Covid inquiry, Sir David Omand (a former head of GCHQ and one-time permanent secretary at the Home Office) called for an end to reliance on a platform that might suit gossip and informal exchanges but is inappropriate for important decision-making. Grownup government and making intelligent strategic choices involves dealing with complexity and nuance. Neither fits neatly into a WhatsApp exchange. This point was underlined by some of the exchanges seen by the inquiry, including one in which Dominic Cummings is complaining to the then prime minister about the tardiness of the rollout of the UKs Covid testing. Johnsons reply: Totally [redacted] hopeless. What is also significant is that there was no official record of this conversation, which means that Britains hitherto excellent system for keeping public records of discussions within government between ministers, civil servants and their advisers is being undermined. When future historians working on this period in the UK go to the Public Records Office, they may find inexplicable gaps in the documentary record. Even more extraordinary is that the Cabinet Office insistence in 2021 that ministers and civil servants are required by policy to set instant messaging chats to delete automatically still stands, having survived an appeal for judicial review in 2022. Perhaps the targets of the honeytrap spear-phishing exploits were unaware of this. More likely, though, is that many MPs and policymakers innocently believe that moving their exchanges from email to WhatsApp means that they are free from the torment of freedom of information requests. If that is indeed what they think, then the Information Commissioners Office has bad news for them: theyre not. Protesters with placards and torches gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday night - Ariel Schalit/AP Three people were wounded in a car-ramming as 100,000 people took to the streets of Israels second city to call for elections and a deal to release hostages. Police said a car had hit three people as the biggest protests in Israel since the Oct 7 Hamas attacks took place in Tel Aviv on Saturday night. The driver was arrested. The injured citizens are receiving medical treatment and the driver will be transferred for investigation, police said in a statement. Tensions in Israel are high as more than 130 hostages remain in Gaza six months into Israels war on Hamas, and more than 600 Israeli soldiers have died. However, hostage negotiations appeared to be going nowhere as the government began its annual spring recess on Sunday. Benny Gantz, a member of Israels war cabinet who last week called for elections and hopes to take over from Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, defended the protesters. Referring to accusations that have been made, Mr Gantz, the favourite to take over from Mr Netanyahu if elections were to be held, said: Comparing the protesters to our enemies and accusing them of wanting to assassinate the prime minister is a lack of national responsibility. Protests took place around the country, including outside the presidents residence in Jerusalem. Outside the military headquarters in Tel Aviv, thousands gathered and held torches in honour of the remaining hostages. The families of some of the hostages gathered outside the Labour Union, where anti-government protesters held placards targeting Mr Netanyahu. One read: Netanyahu is the main obstacle for the [hostage] deal, while another said: The blood of our sons and daughter is on your hands, Netanyahu. Nadav Salzberger, one of the protest leaders, said the vast majority of people in Israel agreed that Hamas must be defeated, the hostages must be returned, and elections must be put forward. He said the ramming incident reflected the actions of a small and violent minority, encouraged by irresponsible rhetoric from [Right-wing government] coalition members, that is growing more and more violent. He added: But it is a minority, and we know that Israelis are united in the battlefront, even while debating politically at home. Mr Salzberger said that taking a recess while the hostages are still in Gaza and soldiers are falling daily would fuel tensions. The Knesset is in recess, but we are only getting started. The Israeli spirit will not break, and this amazing nation deserves a better government, he said. Scotlands hate crime bill, which came into force on 1 April, has been used by far-right agitators encouraging people to mass report complaints. Photograph: Katherine Anne Rose/The Observer Neo-Nazi and far-right agitators are exploiting Scotlands new hate crime law to make vexatious complaints en masse in an attempt to overwhelm police systems. A prominent figure in Englands white nationalist movement is among those urging followers to spam Police Scotland with anonymous online reports, the Observer has found. The leader of a far-right group one of several fringe organisations being assessed by the UK government under its new extremism definition promoted a private channel on the encrypted messaging app Telegram that includes a call to action urging members to mass report. Posts in the channel instruct members to log cases of supposed anti-white hate, which they say includes a statement on the police forces website that young men aged 18-30 are most likely to commit hate crime. This public targeting of a group deeply offended us and thus we will report it as a racially motivated hate crime, the channel administrator wrote. Messages have also been posted directing the groups 284 members to mass report tweets from members of the public, including one from a former local councillor who said that those most impacted by hate crime were people of colour, disabled people, LGBT+ people, because its probably happened to them. The administrator of the hate crime reporting group said the message was offensive and singled out white men as evil. At the very least, we want to overwhelm them with reports to waste their time [so that] they eventually give up the whole system, they wrote, adding that people could report without using their name and even if they didnt live in Scotland. The efforts by far-right actors to overwhelm Police Scotland comes after a week in which the countrys new hate crime legislation faced fierce criticism. The law, which came into force on 1 April, says a person commits a criminal offence if they communicate material or behave in a way that a reasonable person would consider to be threatening or abusive, with the intention of stirring up hatred, based on a list of protected characteristics. These include someones age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity and variations in sex characteristics. It also includes a crime of stirring up hate based on race, colour or nationality, which was already illegal but is now part of the new act. The Scottish government says the law gives more protection to victims while protecting free speech. But it has faced controversy for omitting sex from the list of protected characteristics it covers. Ministers say this is because a standalone bill tackling misogyny is in the works. Critics also claim the law will stifle free speech, with high-profile figures including JK Rowling, Joe Rogan and Elon Musk among those to have publicly attacked it. After Holyrood minister Siobhian Brown said people could be investigated for misgendering someone online, Rowling dared police to arrest her over tweets she posted describing transgender women as men. Police Scotland said the tweets were not criminal. Yesterday, Rowling posted a 700-word statement on X outlining her views on gender issues and her concerns that womens rights are being dismantled. This weekend, Scotlands first minister, Humza Yousaf, the leader of the SNP, defended the legislation, telling the PA news agency that deliberate misinformation was being peddled by some bad actors falsely claiming that it was now a criminal offence to make derogatory comments based on the characteristics covered in the act. A government spokesperson added that the law had a high threshold for criminality and would not prevent people expressing controversial, challenging or offensive views. Yousaf also warned people against making vexatious complaints. While official figures have not yet been released, Police Scotland reportedly received nearly 4,000 reports in the new laws first three days. Many are understood to have been lodged against Yousaf himself over comments he made four years ago about a lack of non-white people in top jobs in Scotland. The first minister said he was not surprised by the deluge and that when legislation is first introduced there can sometimes be a flurry of vexatious complaints. But he said he was very, very concerned about how many were being made, adding that people should desist because they are wasting valuable police resources and time. Police Scotland said it had seen a substantial increase in reporting since the law came into effect but that this had not affected frontline policing. It is understood to have drafted in extra staff, paying them overtime to cope with demand. Related: Scotlands new hate crime law: what does it cover and why is it controversial? Imran Ahmed, from the Center for Countering Digital Hate, said it was extremely ironic that the law was being weaponised by the same racist and misogynistic bad actors that had prompted its creation. He said the flurry of complaints from far-right activists was proof that the law had failed to hit the right target and that the Scottish government had sought to prosecute speech rather than social media platforms. The problem is the proliferation of hate speech on social media and the ways in which these platforms profit from, and give superpowers to, every hate group out there, he said. Before the law came into effect, the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS) warned of its impact on police resources. Ch Supt Rob Hay, president of the ASPS, said in a letter to Holyroods justice committee that he was concerned the law would be weaponised by an activist fringe across the political spectrum which could divert police resources from more serious crimes. Lecturer says it is known that William Shakespeare acted in his own plays - Hulton Archive/Getty Images William Shakespeare played a jealous husband in a 1598 drama by fellow playwright Ben Jonson, an academic has suggested. Dr Darren Freebury-Jones, a lecturer in Shakespeare studies at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford-upon-Avon, said he had identified striking similarities between phrases recited by Thorello in Jonsons Every Man in His Humour and those in Shakespeares Othello, Hamlet and Twelfth Night, written between 1600 and 1603. Mr Freebury-Jones said it was known that Shakespeare acted in his own plays, as outlined in the 1623 First Folio, but there are no details about the roles he took. It is believed that he played the ghost of Hamlets father as well as Adam, Orlandos favourite servant, in As You Like It. The lecturer said there had previously been little documentary evidence about the specific roles Shakespeare took as an actor. Mr Freebury-Jones told the Guardian: What Ive found are some really interesting connections in terms of language, which suggest that Shakespeare was, perhaps unconsciously, remembering his own lines. I cant say that Shakespeare definitely played Thorello, but this is new evidence. No ones ever discovered it before. I think it makes an interesting, quite compelling case. Its great to bring attention to Shakespeare as an actor, as well as a playwright. Acting was absolutely crucial to his literary career. Ben Jonson wrote Every Man in His Humour in 1598 - Lebrecht Collection The research involved an electronic database called Collocations and N-grams, which compared the texts of more than 500 plays dating from 1552 to 1657, showing whether particular phrases were rare or unique. Mr Freebury-Joness discoveries will feature in a forthcoming book, Shakespeares Borrowed Feathers: How Early Modern Playwrights Shaped the Worlds Greatest Writer, to be published in October. He said the grammatical patterning and likenesses of thought between some of the lines in Shakespeares own plays and those of Thorello renamed Kitely in Jonsons revision suggested that Shakespeare was intimately familiar with that role. He added: In Jonsons play, youve got Bianca, unfortunate wife of the jealous Thorello, who suspects shes having an affair. She says: For Gods sake, sweetheart, come in out of the air, to which Thorello responds with an aside: How simple and how subtle are her answers? In Hamlet, Polonius asks: Will you walk out of the air, my lord?, to which Hamlet responds: Into my grave. Polonius says: Indeed, that is out oth air. He then offers an aside: How pregnant sometimes his replies are. The corresponding structures and similarities in context are striking. Is this a case of Shakespeare remembering one of his cue-lines and an aside? Citing another example, he said Thorello stated: Spite of the devil, how they sting my heart, while for Marias speech in Twelfth Night, Shakespeare wrote: La you, an you speak ill of the devil, how he takes it at heart. Melania and Donald Trump arriving at a fundraising dinner for the ex-President's campaign - Lynne Sladky/AP Donald Trump raised $50.5 million (40 million) at a Florida fundraiser over the weekend, reportedly shattering the record for a single campaign event. His haul was more than double the $25 million Joe Biden raked in at Radio City Music Hall in New York last month. Experts believe the 2024 presidential election will be the most expensive in US history, with the competing campaigns having already raised more than five times what they had at the same point in 2020. Tickets for the inaugural leadership dinner, held at the Palm Beach home of hedge fund manager John Paulson, cost between $250,000 and $814,600. Special guests included three of Mr Trumps former rivals for the nomination: Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina; entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and North Carolina governor Doug Burgum. The amount raised surpassed the $30 million which had been predicted ahead of the event by the Trump campaign. Donald and Melania Trump with event hosts John and Jenny Paulson - Alon Skuy/Getty Images Mr Trump hailed the success on his Truth Social social media channel. Biggest night in Fund Raising of ALL TIME!!! Will double up the Biden number of last week at Radio City. People are desperate for change. They want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! he wrote. The haul will also go some way towards paying the former presidents massive legal bills as he tackles a blizzard of civil and criminal litigation. Under an agreement with the Republican National Committee, the first $6,000 of each donation goes towards Mr Trumps presidential campaign and the next $5,000 towards a political action committee which has been footing the bill for the legal costs. You cant run for president without enormous amounts of money, Professor Christopher Galdieri, of the politics department at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, told The Telegraph. Biden has been outpacing Trump and he is playing catch up, he added. Mr Biden currently has $192 million cash in hand and Mr Trump $93 million. Prof Galdieri continued: There are a lot of folks who like his tax policies more than what they are hearing from Biden. Trump was outspent by Hillary Clinton in 2016, but he still won. While there is a law of diminishing returns, nobody wants to be the campaigner who says they want to do it on the cheap, you want to raise as much money as you can. Max Verstappen returned to winning ways in dominant fashion as the world champion cruised to victory at the Japanese Grand Prix. Having retired last time out in Australia, it was normal service resumed for the Dutchman at Suzuka where he led home a Red Bull one-two as Sergio Perez finished second. Verstappen twice led into the first corner off the line after the race was restarted following a first-lap incident. From there he controlled the pace of the race and the result never looked in doubt, with Verstappen taking the chequered flag and the fastest lap to open up a 13-point lead at the top of the drivers championship as he aims for a fourth successive title. Max Verstappen led from the front in Japan (Hiro Komae/AP) Perez did well to overcome a minor threat from Ferrari as Carlos Sainz took the last step on the podium with a strong strategy enough for him to leapfrog Lando Norris, with McLaren misjudging a call to pit the Briton early for his final stop. A strong showing from Ferrari saw the sister car of Charles Leclerc come home fourth ahead of Norris, while the fight for the minor points places proved to be the most exciting battle of the afternoon. Fernando Alonso hung on to take sixth for Aston Martin with a late push from George Russell seeing him pass the second McLaren of Oscar Piastri on the closing lap to secure seventh. Lewis Hamilton had said after qualifying that his Mercedes felt better than it had in the last three years but he struggled for genuine pace and had to settle for ninth as home favourite Yuki Tsunoda took the final point, coming in 10th for RB. It was very nice, Verstappen said of the win. I think the critical bit was of course the start to stay ahead and then the car just got better and better throughout the race. Everything just went really well, pits stops went really well, it couldnt have gone any better. It was a little hiccup of course in the last race but I am happy that we are back on top. Verstappen shot off the line, only for a red flag to drop as Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon came together with both crashing into the tyre wall. With the barrier being repaired, there was a delay of 28 minutes before a standing start got the race back under way. The hard compound tyre was proving difficult for some on the grid, most noticeably Hamilton as he waved past team-mate Russell before falling behind other cars in and around him. Sergio Perez was second (Hiro Komae/AP) With Hamilton continuing to drop down the field, Norris got past Perez in the first round of pit stops only for a call to pit early for his last set of tyres proving costly. Norris questioned the decision but it was made in an attempt to ward off a potential late push from Russell, although he then pitted himself instead of staying out as McLaren clearly predicted. Leclerc was running long but ran wide to allow Perez back up to second and when he eventually pitted his Ferrari colleague Sainz took third and kept hold of it to join the impressive Red Bulls on the podium. Nico Hulkenberg was 11th and Lance Stroll 12th while Kevin Magnussen, Valtteri Bottas, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly and Logan Sargeant were the final finishers. Sargeant survived a late trip into the gravel as Williams would have been watching the laps through their fingers with Albon having already crashed out and no spare chassis available after a string of recent incidents. Oli McBurnie grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser as struggling Sheffield United twice came from behind to snatch a point in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea. Thiago Silvas opener was cancelled out by Jayden Bogles equaliser, but it looked like the Blues would come away with maximum points when Noni Madueke put them 2-1 up, only for McBurnie to level at the death. Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder restored McBurnie and Ben Osborn to his starting line-up, while Ivo Grbic kept his place in goal despite an error which resulted in a goal at Liverpool on Thursday night. Chelsea made three changes to the one that started their 4-3 midweek victory over Manchester United, with Silva, Madueke and Trevoh Chalobah all recalled. Silva marked his 100th Premier League start with the opening goal in the 11th minute. It was a far from convincing strike as he met Conor Gallaghers corner on the volley, but the ball crept just inside Grbics right-hand post. The home side had their first chance when McBurnie intercepted Silvas attempted pass and played the ball back to Ben Brereton Diaz, whose effort from inside the area was blocked by a defender. Gustavo Hamer then forced a save from Djordje Petrovic, firing in a shot which had the keeper scrambling down low to his left to keep the ball out. Hamer was the architect of the Blades equaliser, playing a superb ball to find Bogle whose shot from a tight angle on the right-hand side of the area went in off Petrovic. Brereton Diaz threatened shortly after the restart, running at the defence before seeing his shot blocked. The Chile international then created a great chance, sending over a cross which was headed wide by his strike-partner McBurnie under pressure from Chalobah. As the hosts continued to enjoy a good spell, Hamer sent a drive narrowly wide of Petrovics right-hand post. Madueke restored Chelseas lead in the 66th minute, receiving the ball from Cole Palmer and cutting inside before firing past Grbic. Palmer then saw a dipping effort turned over the crossbar by Grbic. Nicolas Jackson threatened to put the visitors further ahead before a last-ditch tackle from Anel Ahmedhodzic inside the area snuffed out the danger. Petrovic had to be at full stretch to keep out Jack Robinsons looping header in the closing stages. But an equaliser came in the third minute of time added on when Hamers header was knocked on by Cameron Archer into the path of McBurnie who fired into the net from close range. A series of playing cards designed by the late Dame Vivienne Westwood to raise awareness about environmental and political issues are to go up for sale to raise funds for Greenpeace. Before her death in December 2022, the pioneering fashion designer and activist conceived the idea which takes 10 of her digital graphics which highlight messages close to her heart and sees them printed on large-scale autographed cards. These limited-edition playing cards will now go under the hammer with the auction house Christies, who announced the posthumous project on what would have been Dame Viviennes 83rd birthday. The posthumous project was announced on what would have been the pioneering fashion designers 83rd birthday (CHRISTIES IMAGES LTD 2024/PA) They will be sold in a portfolio which contains 10 digital prints that have been printed on Hahnemuhle Museum Etching 350gsms paper and signed with pencil. The first portfolio, which will be presented in a unique linen-covered, hand-embroidered box, will be going to auction on June 25 with an estimate price of 30,000 to 50,000. Titled The Big Picture Viviennes Playing Cards, the project has been created by The Vivienne Foundation in aid of environmental charity Greenpeace. Among the collection is a card which features a black and white photo of a young Dame Vivienne with short, spikey hair which has the words ME PUNK written across it and save the world printed along the border. Another features a skull and cross bone design over a red and green coloured map of the world with the words too fast to live / too young to die marked over it alongside handwritten notes making reference to uninhabitable land. The designer often featured playing cards in her campaigns and designs, with her idea to use them for her Climate Revolution project originally conceived in 2017. For the project, she designed a set of playing cards using strong graphics to convey a culture-led economic strategy to save the world. The project has been created by The Vivienne Foundation in aid of environmental charity Greenpeace (CHRISTIES IMAGES LTD 2024/PA) The Vivienne Foundation said: Throughout her lifetime Vivienne used her voice to lead a relentless fight for justice. Continuously highlighting the corruption in the world and trying her best to make the world a better place. It was Viviennes ambition prior to her death to raise a significant amount of money for Greenpeace to help them protect our rainforests and oceans and save the planet from climate change. Vivienne felt passionately driven to act when she learned about the Democratic Republic of Congo wanting to open up its precious rainforests for oil exploration and development. The foundation, which is the owner and custodian of Dame Viviennes art work and copyrights, also thanked those who helped bring the fashion designers wishes to life and that it was proud to be part of collaboration. The limited-edition playing cards will now go under the hammer with the auction house Christies (CHRISTIES IMAGES LTD 2024/PA) John Sauven, former executive director of Greenpeace UK, added: Vivienne was well known as a rebel for most of her life but rarely without a cause. For Vivienne, activism was her life. She didnt compartmentalise it. Fashion here, campaigning there. In fact, she always said everything is connected. Fashion. Art. Education. Activism. And she managed to fuse it all together in extraordinary ways. Vivienne has left us the playing cards, an important work of art, that enables her ideas to live on in all of us. Murray Macaulay, the head of prints & multiples for Europe at Christies, hailed The Big Picture project as the late, great designers clarion cry for urgent action. Juxtaposing slogans with a cut and paste aesthetic, and characteristic wit, Viviennes Playing Cards have been beautifully translated into print from the original digital files by Red Breast Editions, he added. In the tradition of the polemic of print, it is a powerful provocation to collectively step-up to the challenges we face. A lifeboat volunteer who jumped into the sea to save a young girl has revealed that pockets of air trapped under her coat helped keep her afloat before the rescue. Andrew Sykes was on board the RNLI lifeboat that reached the girl and pulled her out of the water within eight and half minutes of receiving the emergency call on Saturday evening. The operation was mounted after the girl was swept out to sea from the east pier of Dun Laoghaire Harbour in Co Dublin at around 8.20pm. The incident came amid rough seas as Storm Kathleen hit Ireland. Mr Sykes, a volunteer helm with the RNLI, said the stormy conditions made the rescue operation difficult. With the high winds and storm we were experiencing, with large waves and surge coming off the pier, to get alongside her was extremely difficult. She would be pushed one way and we would be pushed another, he told the PA news agency. After two attempts to reach the girl from within the boat, Mr Sykes entered the water to grab hold of her and help her onboard. He said she was calm and alert and was lying on her back in the water with her arms out wide. Mr Sykes said the air trapped in her coat was crucial. She had a jacket on and capsules of air had become trapped in it those kept her afloat, he said. Ed Totterdell, lifeboat operations manager at RNLI Dun Laoghaire Lifeboat Station, and lifeboat volunteer Andrew Sykes (RNLI/PA) Ed Totterdell, lifeboat operations manager at Dun Laoghaire Lifeboat Station, praised the skills of the crew members involved in the rescue. It showed the talent of the crew on board that they were able to do it, they were ready for it, he said. After being pulled from the water, the girl was taken to hospital for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. The Coast Guard, RNLI, Garda, ambulance service and Dublin fire brigade were all involved in the operation. The Coast Guards Rescue 116 helicopter was also deployed. Dun Laoghaire Fine Gael TD Jennifer Carroll MacNeill praised the extraordinary efforts of the rescuers. Fianna Fail TD Cormac Devlin described the rescuers as heroic. Thank you and I hope that the young girl is recovering well, he posted on X, formerly Twitter. In a statement on Sunday, the Garda said: Gardai assisted emergency services in the rescue of a female child who had gone into the water at Dun Laoghaire harbour yesterday evening. The child was rescued from the water by emergency services and taken to hospital in south Dublin to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Around 34,000 customers lost electricity supply on Saturday as Storm Kathleen swept across the island, with orange wind warnings in effect in southern and western parts. A few thousand customers remained without power overnight but by Sunday afternoon almost all had had their supply restored. A yellow wind warning covering Donegal, Mayo and west Galway was lifted at 4pm on Sunday. Democrats scored a tactical win this week after No Labels, a group that had been pushing for a potential third-party presidential bid, announced it was dismantling its effort this year. Democratic strategists, party officials and activists had kept close tabs on the centrist group, trying to monitor their movements and assess their money as they sought to recruit a prominent rival to President Biden and former President Trump. But after bypassing several of their deadlines to unveil a candidate, leaders finally said theyre calling it quits, prompting Democrats worried about a third-party threat to breathe easier for now. Big news. And good to see, said Doug Gordon, a Democratic operative and political strategist. It shouldnt have taken 30 people turning them down, and tens of millions of dollars spent, for them to realize what was clear all along, they had no path to winning and would only play the role of a spoiler. The unity group, which had been struggling publicly for months, appeared nearly in shambles before leaders said that they were stopping their involvement in the race. They mostly focused on getting on enough state ballots to give to a candidate who could challenge Biden and Trump, making their path easier to the general election. Their messaging emphasized the dissatisfaction among many Americans with the two leading choices. Democrats in particular were concerned that the group would suck potential votes from Biden in November if they managed to find a leading candidate who appealed to independents and disaffected Republicans. The group plowed through an exhaustive list of names, spanning the political spectrum but focusing intently on anti-Trump Republicans as a counter to the presumptive GOP nominee. After a number of recognizable figures like former Govs. Larry Hogan (R), Chris Christie (R) and Nikki Haley (R) turned them down, Democrats and Republicans both began to question if they had a realistic way to put forth a credible challenger. No Labels has always said we would only offer our ballot line to a ticket if we could identify candidates with a credible path to winning the White House, the group said in a statement Thursday. No such candidates emerged, so the responsible course of action is for us to stand down. For many Democrats, the news came with a huge sense of relief, as well as validation that their opposition work had paid off. An assortment of operatives have focused on third-party threats this cycle, with several paying close attention to No Labels. They saw the groups significant amount of money which became a source of criticism for its opaque funding sources as one indication that the group could push ahead with ballot efforts despite not having identified a candidate. Many Democrats and some Never Trump Republicans feared that leaders including CEO Nancy Jacobson and top pollster Mark Penn would move forward and keep extending their deadlines with just seven months until voters head to the polls. In response, strategists worked to mount opposition research and public relations campaigns against the group, arguing how their long-shot goal of unity would likely result in a boost to Trump. The anti-No Labels faction was one of the more fascinating coalitions formed in recent cycles. Influential figures on the progressive left joined with moderates in the party to fight against them, while formerly staunch conservatives and Republicans against Trump banded together as well. No Labels: The haters said we couldnt do it. And the haters? They were right, quipped Leah Greenberg, the co-executive director of Indivisible, on the social platform X. They even nailed the tiny details. Frankly, its amazing. In a Friday call, Democratic leaders from Third Way, a top centrist think tank, and MoveOn, a progressive political advocacy organization, said that they shared an agenda of keeping No Labels off the ticket, a task that required months of coordination. The threat was enormous, said Matt Bennett, who serves as senior vice president of public affairs at the group he co-founded. Bennett spearheaded the effort and got MoveOn to join on. For a long time, it appeared it was going to be very, very difficult to stop them. The group started eyeing a third-party attack effort dating back to when Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now an independent, was still a Democrat in the race. Bennett said he and allies decided that they had to make the case publicly and privately to the people who mattered the most about the potential No Labels had to help Trump. He told diverse figures in politics that this was a path to nowhere and that their operation was in no way adequate to get across the finish line to 270 electoral votes. This is not a safe place to park a vote, he told people. Soon after No Labels made the announcement to close up shop, it didnt take long before the groups leaders started expressing personal preferences about the two leading candidates. Joe Cunningham, the groups national director, told Fox News in an interview: I would vote for Biden over Trump. While the No Labels question is no more, Democrats wasted no time before pivoting to focus on Kennedy, whos now running in the third-party lane against a Biden-Trump rematch. Kennedy has been a lesser priority until recently. No Labelss decision to stand down means the collective firepower of the Democratic operatives working to stop them is now being redirected to Kennedy. Hopefully RFK Jr. comes to the same conclusion, Gordon said. And soon. Although, I doubt the Trump donors propping up his bid would allow that. Rahna Epting, the executive director of MoveOn, said in the joint briefing that her group harnessed the power of their extensive activist network, collecting 100,000 signed petitions from their members. Just like we organized against No Labels, were going to organize against [Kennedy], Epting said. His run, like No Labels, is nothing more than a spoiler. While the spotlight is now on Kennedy, Democrats are still watching No Labelss next moves. Cunningham coming out in favor of Biden could be the start of more anti-Trump engagement, Epting suggested. It is only sensible to use the tens of millions of dollars they raised to join to defeat Donald Trump, Epting said. This victory against No Labels is just the start. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A fellow actor introduced Edward Norton to his wife, Shauna Robertson Steve Granitz/FilmMagic Shauna Robertson and Edward Norton attend the premiere of 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery' on November 14, 2022 in Los Angeles Edward Nortons wife is no stranger to show business. The Golden Globe-winning actor is married to Shauna Robertson, who has produced a number of comedies including Elf and worked with Judd Apatow. Discussing Robertson with the Los Angeles Times, Apatow said, She is the rare woman who always wants to take the joke farther than any man wants to go. All nudity in my films is a result of Shauna pushing me and calling me a wimp. If it wasnt for her I would be making Bratz 2. While Robertson has been open about her career, she and Norton are more private when it comes to their personal life. So much so that the pair quietly tied the knot, and news of their secret wedding wasnt reported until after the birth of their first child a year later. In an interview with The Independent in 2015, Norton said, I would say personal life, family life, you want to balance things, but its an interesting paradox because being an actor is not a thing you do all the time ... Whereas before my ambition was almost unilaterally focused on acting, its not any more. Here's everything to know about Edward Nortons wife, Shauna Robertson. She grew up in Canada Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic Edward Norton and Shauna Robertson arrive at the 12th Annual Warner Bros. and Instyle Post-Golden Globe Party on January 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. According to the Los Angeles Times, Robertson grew up on a farm outside of Toronto. Norton described his wife as a Canadian farm girl on the SmartLess podcast in 2022. She dropped out of high school Robertson left high school at the age of 16 to move to Los Angeles to work as an assistant to filmmaker Mike Binder, who had attended a camp in Canada with her mother, per the Los Angeles Times. Although her career didn't take off right away, this move kicked off her celebrated work in producing. She is a producer Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Edward Norton and Shauna Robertson attend the 'Charles James: Beyond Fashion' Costume Institute Gala on May 5, 2014 in New York City. Robertsons producer credits include Elf, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Pineapple Express, Knocked Up, Superbad and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. She told the Los Angeles Times that having hippy parents was her biggest preparation for producing. Its good early training to have an incredibly irresponsible family, she said. It forces a young person to take responsibility, to be organized. She and Norton were introduced by a Hollywood star Jeff Vespa/V1/WireImage Edward Norton and Shauna Robertson attend the 2010 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 7, 2010 in West Hollywood, California. Norton revealed on the SmartLess podcast that his The People vs. Larry Flynt costar Woody Harrelsonand his wife introduced him to Robertson. We met in London," the Fight Club actor recalled during the 2022 episode. "Woody Harrelson and his wife introduced us. Woody was doing Night of the Iguana on the West End ... I was rehearsing a movie in New York and I was getting a little aggravated with the process and they were like, 'Can you do another day tomorrow? In a passive-aggressive move, Norton said he couldnt and booked a ticket to London to see Harrelson. Smartless co-host Will Arnett pointed out, And then it changed your life, to which Norton replied, Yeah. She and Norton had a private wedding D Dipasupil/FilmMagic Edward Norton and Shauna Robertson attend the 'SNL' 40th Anniversary Celebration on February 15, 2015 in New York City. Norton is said to have popped the question during a trip to India in 2011. The Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery star reportedly got married prior to the birth of his first child. Various sites reported in 2013 that Norton and Robertson had secretly tied the knot in 2012. She and Norton welcomed their first child together in 2013 Jeff Vespa/WireImage Edward Norton and Shauna Robertson attend the 87th Annual Academy Awards on February 22, 2015 in Hollywood, California. The couples son, Atlas, was born in 2013, according to reports at the time. Over the years, Norton has been seen in New York City with his son. She and Edward Norton co-founded a fundraising platform Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Shauna Robertson and Edward Norton attend the 9th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony on April 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Norton and Robertson were among the co-founders of CrowdRise. They, along with Robert and Jeffrey Wolfe, co-founded the platform in 2009 to raise funds for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust. Crowdrise is now part of the fundraising platform GoFundMe. Speaking to PEOPLE in 2015, Norton called CrowdRise a happy experience every day. The Birdman star said, Literally every single day, every single month, people are using it to express their own determination to do something good in the world. Its like hundreds and thousands of millions of people rallying in these really creative and innovative ways to support causes and charities they care about, or to raise direct support for friends and loved ones who are in crisis in some way. Shes joined Edward Norton at premieres and the Met Gala Theo Wargo/Getty Shauna Robertson and Edward Norton attend the "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between" Costume Institute Gala on May 1, 2017 in New York City. Robertson and Norton have attended high-profile events together over the years, including the 2014 Met Gala in New York City, as well as the Venice Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival and movie premieres including Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. She has left producing behind In 2009, Robertson decided to step away from producing. I wanted to have other chapters in my life, she explained to The Hollywood Reporter in 2014. I was planning on just moving to Italy and doing a lot of yoga or something. Instead, she and her then-boyfriend, Norton, launched CrowdRise, which she told Glamour was very satisfying for me." Robertson added, And just slightly more enjoyable than telling fart jokes." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. BeautifulSignatureIG / MEGA Matt Lauer made a rare appearance with his girlfriend of five years, Shamin Abas, at Don Lemons wedding in New York City on Saturday, April 6. The couple were two of the approximately 140 guests who attended Lemons nuptials to his longtime partner, Tim Malone, at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States ambassador to the United Nations, officiated the ceremony with the likes of Ana Navarro-Cardenas, Sunny Hostin, Tamron Hall, Luann de Lesseps, Clive Davis, Joy Behar, Sara Haines, and Alec and Hilaria Baldwin attending. Former Today anchor Lauer, 66, wore a navy suit jacket and a white-and-blue patterned shirt as he held hands with Abas outside the venue. The businesswoman opted for a striped dress with a coordinating cardigan and sparkling tan top. Lauer and Abas have been dating since 2019, following his divorce from ex-wife Annette Roque after more than 20 years of marriage. The couple originally separated following Lauers termination from NBC for alleged sexual misconduct in 2017. Lauer was fired after a former NBC employee, who was later identified as Brooke Nevils, said he sexually assaulted her, which Lauer denied. After the initial allegation, multiple women came forward with accusations of their own against the former morning show host. Most Shocking Talk Show Scandals: GMA's Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes, More Lauer recently reunited with his Today coworkers for the first time since his firing at the wedding of former show producer Jennifer Long in New York City on December 9. He attended the event with Abas, and Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker were all in attendance. Former GMA3 journalists Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes, who were let go by ABC in 2022 over fallout from their workplace romance, were also seen at the nuptials. BeautifulSignatureIG / MEGA According to a source, Guthrie, 52, has not been interested in any sort of friendship with Lauer. She refused then, and still does to this very day, to listen to what Matts got to say, the source told Us Weekly in 2020. From the second the story came out, he feels Savannah jumped on the opportunity to bury him. Its a betrayal in Matts eyes. Lauer has kept a relatively low profile since his scandal, though a source exclusively told Us in July 2022 that he was still clamoring for a comeback. The insider added that Lauer was hopeful about a podcast deal since he understands his TV career is over, and his children Jack, 22, Romy, 20, and Thijs, 17, have been more accepting of his career plans. A Guide to the 'Today' Show Hosts' Families: Meet Their Kids and Spouses On Saturday, Lemon and Malones wedding ceremony included a unity candle lighting with their mothers, readings and speeches from Malones nieces and sisters, and an Irish blessing in honor of Malones familys heritage, according to People. After the ceremony, the couple and their guests made their way to the Polo Bar for some dancing, dinner and dessert. Lemon, 58, and Malone, 39, wore custom double-breasted suits designed by their stylist at Suit Supply Lemon in green velvet and Malone in blue. The former CNN anchor and his husband plan to honeymoon in the southern coast of Italy in June. US banks added more net new branches in 2023 for the first time in a decade. That bet on new brick-and-mortar locations isn't letting up so far in 2024. Last year banks added 94 net new branches across the US, according to new data released this week by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. That was the first annual period since 2012 they opened more than they closed. It ended a decade-long consolidation of physical locations around the country triggered by the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, which forced many banks to cut costs and reduce the size of their footprints while also relying more heavily on digital banking to connect with customers. Banks still have a long way to go to make up for all the locations they shuttered. The number of US branches was 69,684 at the end of 2023, down from 82,461 in 2012. This year a number of sizable banks have announced plans to add back more. They include Pittsburgh lender PNC Financial Services Group (PNC), Cincinnati lender Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB), and industry colossus JPMorgan Chase (JPM). The reason some banks are making new bets on physical branches is that they view the physical locations as ways to grab new wealth management and small-business customers without making acquisitions of rivals that might not pass muster with antitrust regulators, according to some industry observers. "The largest banks have been constrained from making domestic acquisitions, encouraging expansion into new domestic markets by opening new branches," said Eric Rosengren, former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Wealth management a big focus for many banks looking for alternative revenue sources beyond lending "tends to require more personal contact" that only a branch can provide, he added. The recent turnaround is surely affected by the expansion of the biggest bank in the US, JPMorgan. It opened a net number of 110 branches in 2023 and this year announced plans to build 500 new branches over the next three years while renovating another 1,700. "You're going to see our network grow versus shrink over the next couple of years," JPMorgan Chases CEO of consumer banking Jennifer Roberts told Yahoo Finance. A JPMorgan branch in Georgia. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) (Jeff Greenberg via Getty Images) There was a time when branch expansion was a key strategy for all banks with ambitions to operate beyond their hometowns. The number of brick-and-mortar bank branches in the US steadily rose for seven decades starting in the 1940s, according to FDIC data, as regulators began allowing banks to build across state borders and reach for coast-to-coast networks. Then the industry made a dramatic U-turn following the 2008 financial crisis, a retrenchment aided by the rise of online banking and widespread use of devices like Apples iPhone that allowed customers to deposit checks remotely. Banks invested heavily in the technology needed to make the online banking experience easier as they pulled back on branches. "You could suddenly walk around with a bank on your phone," Allen Tischler, a senior vice president covering financial institutions for Moodys Investor Service, told Yahoo Finance. The utility of branches experienced another blow during the pandemic as lockdowns forced people to do all of their banking online. More than 2,400 branches closed in 2021, the most since the 2008-2009 financial crisis. What is notable about the 2023 reversal is that it came during a year of extreme turmoil for the industry. Three sizable regional lenders were seized by regulators, triggering widespread panic about the safety of other midsize lenders across the country. A run on deposits aided by the ease of online banking contributed to those failures. The rescuers that picked up the assets left by the failed banks did close some branches, shedding what they didnt need. First Citizens (FCNCA), for example, closed 18 branches and other offices after purchasing the majority of assets seized from Silicon Valley Bank. New York Community Bancorps (NYCB) subsidiaries also recorded 16 net branch closings after purchasing the majority of Signature Banks assets. A Silicon Valley Bank branch in downtown San Francisco last year. (Kori Suzuki/REUTERS) (REUTERS / Reuters) Even JPMorgan closed 21 First Republic branches last year after acquiring the failed operations of that San Francisco lender last May. Those locations had "relatively low transaction volumes and were generally within a short drive from another First Republic office," a spokesperson for JPMorgans consumer bank said. Last year banks closed the most branches in New York state (96), followed by Virginia (74). They opened the most new ones in Connecticut (74), followed by Washington (50). The banks that closed the largest number of branches last year were some of the biggest: Wells Fargo (287), PNC (241), US Bancorp (220), and Truist (122). But PNC this year announced it will be opening 100 new branches by 2028. The strategy is focused on closing the banks less profitable branches so it can build out in hotter markets. Bank executives call this strategy branch "optimization." Scott Siefers, a bank analyst for Piper Sandler, calls it the "give a penny, take a penny" approach. PNC said in a February press release it will be building new locations in Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, and San Antonio to improve "the convenience and reach of its coast-to-coast branch network." JPMorgan said in a separate February press release that its new locations are designed to expand its footprint in places like Boston, Charlotte, Washington, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia. All will offer wealth management as well as lending services. "Even wealthy people like to visit their money," JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said during a CNBC interview in February, noting that 900,000 people visit the banks branches every day. David Hollerith is a senior reporter for Yahoo Finance covering banking, crypto, and other areas in finance. Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices. Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Taylor Hill/FilmMagic Don Lemon and longtime partner Tim Malone are officially married. The former CNN anchor, 58, and his fiance, 38, wed on Saturday, April 6, in New York City. Im a last-minute person and most things I just dont worry about, Lemon told People days before the ceremony. But this one Im secretly worried about, but Im letting Tim take the reins because hes a good planner. Lemon added, Ill be writing questions for like the U.N. ambassador and hell be saying, Oh, when are they going to put the buttons on our jackets? Its an important question, but Im just like, Huh? What? So he has a million questions, but usually he gets it done without me even answering. The ceremony was held at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in midtown Manhattan and officiated by Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States ambassador to the United Nations. Celebrity Weddings of 2024: Stars Who Got Married This Year Shes a friend, and it means that much to us, Lemon said of Thomas-Greenfield. In attendance at the wedding were about 140 guests. The ceremony also incorporated marriage traditions from both Lemon and Malones cultures. Malones two sisters led the guests in a big Irish blessing. At the end of the ceremony, the newlyweds jumped over a broom, paying respect to the symbolic way enslaved people in the American South recognized their marriages. Amy Sussman/Getty Images The couple hired out the entire bottom floor of Ralph Laurens Polo Bar (where they had their first date) in Manhattan for the weekend, a source confirmed to Us ahead of the wedding. The source also shared that among the celebrity guests expected to attend include Clive Davis, Joy Behar, Matt Laur, Sex and the City creator Darren Star, Tamron Hall as well as Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, among others. Leading up to their nuptials, the couple has been sharing their pre-wedding festivities via Instagram. Lemon and Malone even received a pre-wedding call from Vice President Kamala Harris, which was captured in a video and posted via Instagram Story. Lemon also shared a photo via Instagram Story of three little tuxedos and harnesses for the couples three dogs. We know 3 guests ready to get this party started, Lemon captioned the photo. Additionally, April 6 also happens to be Malones 40th birthday; Malone thanked his followers for all the love and well wishes via Instagram on Saturday. CNN Anchor Don Lemons Ups and Downs 40th birthday aside, Malone told People that it was important for him and Lemon to have a large, traditional wedding. We wanted to make a public statement and we wanted to involve our loved ones, Malone explained. We obviously could have easily gone to city hall. We could have used Covid as a perfect excuse to do something really quiet. But I think this is also a message. For I dont know what percent of our guests, on both sides, but for a lot of them its going to be their first gay wedding. The couple began dating in 2016, almost a year after they first met in Bridgehampton, New York, at Almond Restaurant. Lemon announced their engagement in 2019. He gave me a present on his birthday. How could I say no? he wrote via Instagram alongside a photo of a Daddy Will You Marry Papa dog collar. Its weird to say fiance, but my fiance is a really great guy. Hes really sweet, the Don Lemon Show host shared in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly in April 2019. He was so vulnerable when he was asking me [to marry him]. I didnt think it was real. (Malone is a real estate agent at Douglas Elliman.) Celebrity Couples Who Prove That Love Isnt Dead His entire body was shaking, and he said, I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. And I said, Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh, are you serious? This is real! And I saw the box and I said, All right, Lemon told Us. Its been an amazing experience. Lemon came out as gay in his 2011 memoir Transparent. The journalist also admitted to Us that, after getting engaged, the relationship between him and Malone felt different. It feels real. Not that it didnt feel real before, he said in 2019. I grew up thinking that my relationships would never be public, let alone get married, and now I can get legally married. My relationship is public and I have started thinking about children. So Im a real late bloomer! A true late bloomer. The bus full of University of South Carolina students was heading to New Orleans when a tire blew out and the driver was ejected from the vehicle Mississippi Highway Patrol/Facebook The aftermath of the bus crash on Interstate 10 in Mississippi earlier this week A college student who helped fellow students narrowly avoid significant injuries during a severe bus crash is being hailed as a hero. On Friday, April 5, a group of University of South Carolina students were making a nine-hour journey to a fraternity formal in New Orleans when the accident occurred at around 3 p.m. on Interstate 10 in Hancock County, Miss., CNN reported. Per local affiliate station WLOX, the driver lost control of the bus after a tire blew out, according to Bay St. Louis Police Chief Toby Schwartz. The driver then stood up to hold onto the steering wheel, but the bus tipped onto two wheels. The bus then came back down onto all four wheels, which caused an impact that shattered the windshield and ejected the driver from the vehicle, before the fast-acting student jumped up, grabbed hold of the steering wheel and brought the bus to a stop, the outlet reported. Mississippi Highway Patrol/Facebook Images of the I-10 bus crash "According to what students said, she stood on that steering wheel with every ounce of energy to keep that steering wheel straight," Schwartz told the outlet, recalling the driver's actions. The charter bus was carrying 56 students most of them members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at the time of the crash, according to CNN. Nine students were taken to a local hospital by ambulance, and one student and the driver were airlifted out of the crash in critical condition, according to a statement released on Facebook by Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) Troop K. Mississippi Highway Patrol/Facebook The accident scene "MHP Troop K extends its sincere gratitude to all the agencies who collaborated at the scene of the Charter Bus Crash on Interstate 10 in Hancock County," the patrol unit wrote in the statement. "Your swift response and cooperation are deeply appreciated and are a true testament to your dedication to public service." Schwartz described the student's actions in stopping the bus as "heroic" to WLOX. "Because of the bus driver's quick actions, and then the student's quick actions, right now we dont have any fatalities," he added. 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 University of South Carolina later released a statement about the crash to WLOX, saying they were working with authorities to assist the students. "The University of South Carolina was informed [Friday night] of an accident in Mississippi involving a charter bus carrying USC fraternity members and their guests traveling to an event in New Orleans," the university said. "USC is working closely with local authorities on the scene to obtain updates on our students and to assist in whatever capacity we can. Our thoughts go out to the students involved in the accident and those affected by it." The crash is now under investigation by the MHP, CNN reported. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Spending week after week living in a kennel with just a few minutes of exercise and play each day has got to get old. In fact, it's a wonder how more shelter dogs don't go stir crazy in such a small space, but it' all due to the hard work and heartfelt care of animal shelter staff and volunteers. Thanks to them, dogs like Hank who have been in the shelter for almost a year are somehow still in high spirits. Hank is merely days away from watching his first shelter-versary pass by, but his friends from Livingston County Humane Society are determined to find him a home before then. They even shared a sweet video on March 26 encouraging potential adopters to come and meet him. And why wouldn't they? He seems like such a happy dog! OMG--how cute is he? Hank's gorgeous tricolored fur looks beautiful wherever he goes, but I don't think there's a dog lover out there who could resist him while he's carrying around that gigantic dog bone. He looks so proud of his treasure, but he's more than willing to set it down if that means getting more attention from his visitors. Related: Longest Residents at Charlotte Humane Society Have People Choked Up According to Hank's online profile, he's two years old, 35 pounds, and is estimated to be a terrier mix. He first arrived at the Illinois animal shelter on April 14, 2023, and has an affinity for dog toys, dressing up, and hanging out with the shelter volunteers. If you don't believe me, you need to see this sweet video that the shelter made about him in January. He's going to make someone a very happy dog owner! He seems like such a happy, easygoing guy, and he even does well walking on a leash. What else could you ask for in a rescue dog? Helping Shelter Dogs Adjust at Home When you bring home a shelter dog, things won't seem 'normal' right away. Everyone will be adjusting to the new dynamic in your home, after all, so you'll need to extend grace to yourself and your new dog for the first few months. As a rule of thumb, animal experts recommend new pet parents follow the 3-3-3 rule. This rule explains how long it can take for rescue pets to reach certain milestones in their new home, but the actual timeline can vary from one animal to another. Long story short--a bumpy beginning with a rescue pet is completely normal, and you'll both be feeling relaxed soon enough. If more potential adopters knew about this rule, I wonder if more dogs like Hank would be adopted! 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. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Sunday that reforms by Israel after its deadly strike on an aid convoy in Gaza last week have to be verified over time to restore "confidence." Seven workers with the World Central Kitchen, or WCK, were killed in the attack, which Israel has described as a "terrible" mistake. The Israeli government and military took some notable steps in response, including allowing more aid into Gaza and disciplining officers. "We need to see change over time," Kirby told ABC News "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz. "So, these announcements, Martha, they're very welcomed and they're good. And they are some of the things that the president asked specifically for Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu to do in terms of opening up additional crossings, allowing more trucks in, getting the deconfliction process in place." "But now we have to judge it over time, we have to see past the announcements and see if they actually meet these commitments over time, in a sustained and verifiable way, so that confidence can be restored not just between aid workers and [Israel's forces], but between the people of Gaza and Israel," Kirby continued. Initially staunchly supportive of Israel after the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas that sparked the current war, President Joe Biden has grown more vocally critical of Israel's military campaign in Gaza -- including pressing Netanyahu last week after the strike on the WCK workers. Israeli officials have repeatedly defended their military operations in Gaza, insisting they take steps to curb civilian deaths while allowing aid to flow in that cannot benefit Hamas. In a move hailed by the White House, Netanyahu last week allowed for more aid to flow into Gaza after a conversation with Biden in which the president voiced his outrage over civilian deaths in Gaza. "This increased aid will prevent a humanitarian crisis and is necessary to ensure the continuation of the fighting and to achieve the goals of the war," an Israeli official told ABC News last week. On Friday, the Israeli military released a report on its investigation into how the WCK strike occurred -- finding that the decision to hit the aid convoy was a "serious violation" of their rules and noting that the team that carried it out lacked sufficient evidence to do so, twice violating operating rules. In response, the Israel Defense Forces said they dismissed two officers, suspended two commanders and reprimanded three others. "This is a tragedy. It was a terrible chain of errors, and it should never have happened. The IDF takes full responsibility for this regrettable loss of life," an Israeli military spokesman told reporters on Friday. Chef Jose Andres, who founded WCK, has lambasted the conduct of Israel's forces in Gaza as they pursue Hamas fighters and he has called for an outside investigation of the strike. Kirby on Sunday reiterated the White House's condolences for the WCK deaths, saying, "The president shares that grief and sorrow." PHOTO: White House national security communications adviser John Kirby speaks during a press briefing at the White House, on April 4, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Evan Vucci/AP) Pressed by Raddatz on whether he also wants an independent investigation, Kirby said the administration is examining the results of Israel's probe. "We're looking at the investigation right now, Martha. We haven't come to any conclusions one way or another. This was an investigation that was done sort of akin to like an inspector general. So, it was outside the chain of command. But again, we're working our way through that," he said. He declined to weigh in on the Israel military's claim that because it was night, the WCK branding on the top of the vehicles wasn't visible to drone operators just before the strike last week, which Andres disputes. "There were white cars. That logo is very colorful. Even in a dark night, I guarantee you that those drones could be seen," Andres said in a separate interview with Raddatz. More broadly, Raddatz asked Kirby if Israel's forces were following "legitimate rules of engagement" in destroying three vehicles after claiming that at one point they saw a suspected gunman in the convoy. "I think again, we're gonna have to work our way through this investigation and the decision-making process that goes in -- not just one, but then three strikes and what the intelligence was telling them, at least what they believed it was," Kirby said. "We know from our own experience that the intelligence you get and you process and you analyze may not always be accurate, and you act on that intelligence," he said. "I don't want to sound like a broken record, but what really matters is they make the deconfliction changes [to reduce mistakes] and the communication changes so that this doesn't happen again," Kirby said. Aid groups like WCK could well curtail their work in Gaza, compounding the humanitarian problems there, in light of the Israeli strike, Kirby said. "We've got to make sure that they feel safe and secure getting into Gaza and distributing that aid," he said. Overall, while the president and top administration officials have increasingly warned of potential consequences if Israel doesn't shift its approach to civilians in Gaza, Kirby declined to preview what some of those actions could be, saying he didn't want to get out ahead of Biden "or close down his decision space" when pressed by Raddatz. However, Kirby indicated that the U.S. will continue to be a major partner in supplying military support to Israel for its defensive needs. "Israel has a right to defend itself and I think it's important to also remember, they live in a tough neighborhood. We're all focused on the fight in Gaza as we rightly should be. But they're facing threats from Iran and from Iran-backed groups all through the region. We've got to make sure that they're ready for this," he said. Raddatz highlighted a timeline of growing casualties in Gaza alongside America's growing criticism of Israel's tactics. "So why do you think anything will change?" she asked Kirby. "I'm glad you brought that timeline up because it shows the degree, the growing degree, of frustration that we've had with the way these operations are being prosecuted and the way that the Israelis are acting on the ground in terms of civilian casualties," Kirby insisted. "So we have been increasingly frustrated." ABC News' Julia Cherner, Meredith Deliso, Meghan Mistry and Dana Savir contributed to this report. Israeli reforms after strike on aid workers must be verified to restore 'confidence,' White House says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com In the court of public opinion, Jennifer Crumbley is a damned woman. For raising a school shooter. For being a cold mom. For not crying enough or crying too much. For booze bingeing, having an affair and loving horses more than her family in the prosecutors' telling and not being home enough for her child. It's a narrative the prosecution has hammered away at for more than two years, though the embattled mother's lawyer and family are trying to dispel that image as they plead for a judge to show mercy when she sentences Crumbley for her role in the 2021 Oxford High School shooting committed by her son. Crumbley and her husband, James, are the first parents in America to be held criminally responsible for a school shooting by their child. They are to be sentenced Tuesday for their separate convictions on four counts of involuntary manslaughter one for each classmate their son murdered. In a rare and unconventional request, defense attorney Shannon Smith has offered to let her client live in her guest house on a tether to spare her from going to prison. Jennifer Crumbley, left, is hugged by her attorney Shannon Smith after viewing the surveillance video of Crumbley's son perpetrating the shooting at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021 in the Oakland County courtroom of Judge Cheryl Matthews on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. Jennifer Crumbley is being tried on four counts of involuntary manslaughter for the four students killed by her son, Ethan Crumbley, in a 2021 shooting at Oxford High School. Jennifer Crumbley is not the woman the prosecution has portrayed her to be, Smith argues, and has suffered enough already: She has been locked up for 23 hours a day for more than two years, with no contact with her son or husband. "The victims and their families have suffered beyond what words can explain," Smith argues in her sentencing memo but adds: "Mrs. Crumbley has also suffered significantly." Defense lawyer: Jennifer Crumbley 'in reality has lost everything' She lost her family life, home, career, reputation, many friends and most notably, her son: Ethan Crumbley, who was 15 when he carried out his massacre, pleaded guilty to his crimes and is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. "She in reality has lost everything," Smith maintains. "And she is saddled with extra baggage knowing the horrific acts her son did to others and always second guessing every choice she made as a parent." She added: "Mrs. Crumbleys son is, in reality, gone forever." And locking up his mother doesn't change anything or fix anything, Smith argues, maintaining Jennifer Crumbley can work remotely while on house arrest, and will not have any contact with the victims or their families. "Further prison time does nothing to protect society Mrs. Crumbley is not a threat to the community," Smith wrote, adding: "Putting Mrs. Crumbley in prison does nothing to further deter others from committing like offenses. There is no person who would want the events of November 30, 2021, to repeat themselves." 'A sexist and misogynistic attack on a mother' And despite what the prosecution has said about Jennifer Crumbley her lawyer and family maintain she was a loving and involved parent who monitored her son's studies, enrolled him in multiple sports, taught him to ski, took him on trips, camping, kayaking, bragged about and posted his artwork on social media, and was the breadwinner who worked two jobs to meet her family's needs. "Criticizing Mrs. Crumbley for being 'rarely home' is a sexist and misogynistic attack on a mother. Its certainly not criminal, nor would it be expected to lead to criminal behavior by a child, particularly when it was a two-parenthousehold where Mr. Crumbley mostly worked from home and was very close to home even when he was DoorDashing in between jobs," wrote Smith, who also scoffed at the prosecution's claim that Jennifer Crumbley has shown "a complete lack of remorse by minimizing any role she had in the matter." "The fact of the matter is that Mrs. Crumbley did have a minimal role in the matter," Smith wrote in her sentencing memo, which echoed the arguments she has made all along: What happened to the Crumbleys could happen to any parent in America. Shannon Smith, left, attorney for Jennifer Crumbley, holds up a photo of Crumbley with one of her horses during testimony in the Oakland County courtroom of Judge Cheryl Matthews on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. In the end, Smith argues, the Crumbleys were manipulated by a teenage son who hid his dark side from his parents and later from school officials, revealing it only after committing his act of terror that no one, she stressed, saw coming. "Any gross negligence on her part can only be found to be parenting mistakes that any parent could make," Smith wrote. "The shooter manipulated his parents to buy a gun, made detailed plans to commit a school shooting that he kept from his parents even according to his own admission at his sentencing found the hidden weapon where his father had stored it, stole the weapon, took it to school, was confronted about concerning drawings, liedeffectively enough to convince school officials it was really a non-issue, and chose to open fire on his classmates and teachers." Smith argued that while Jennifer Crumbley "obviously never shot or killed anyone," the actions or inactions that she is criticized for "are easily actions any parent could take, especially when dealing with a child who has never exhibited disciplinary issues or mental health issues to them, aside from typical arguments between parents and teenagers over little things like missing school assignments." An Oakland County jury, however, disagreed, and convicted her in February of four counts of involuntary manslaughter, concluding her actions and inactions caused the deaths of four students murdered by her son. On Tuesday, Jennifer and James Crumbley will learn their fate before Oakland County Circuit Judge Cheryl Matthews, who will sentence them for their part in the deaths of Tate Myre, 16; Hana St. Juliana, 14; Madisyn Baldwin, 17, and Justin Shilling, 17. Jennifer Crumbley's family rallies for leniency Each count carries a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years, though the sentences are expected to be served concurrently. The prosecution, in sentencing memos filed last week, sought 10- to 15-year prison sentences for both Crumbleys. Both Crumbleys are asking to be sentenced to time served. In an 80-page sentencing memo filed late Friday, Jennifer Crumbley's lawyer, mom, dad, pastor and several other relatives pleaded with the judge to show Jennifer Crumbley mercy, maintaining she is not the neglectful mother as she has been portrayed. "Contrary to how the prosecution and media depicted Jennifer, Ethan was the focus of her life," her father, a retired schoolteacher in Florida, wrote in a letter to the judge, stressing that his daughter "was absolutely distraught" after the shooting. "She was devastated that people were hurt and killed, scared and appalled by what Ethan did, worried about him, terrified by threats and the public's outrage with her," the father's letter states, noting he has spoken to his daughter numerous times during her incarceration. "I can hear in her voice how this has taken an emotional and mental toll on her health. She has undeniably suffered and been punished." Mother: Jennifer Crumbley wishes 'she were the one dead' In closing, the father, whose name was blocked out in the letter due to continued fears for his safety, pleaded with the judge: "I am requesting that you can find it in your heart to extend some mercy." Jennifer Crumbley's mother, also a former schoolteacher, asked for the same, stressing that her daughter and the entire family is heartbroken over the tragedy. "She has spent countless hours on the phone with us devastated, crying hysterically and wishing she were the one dead, not the children," her mother wrote, noting this has taken an especially hard toll on her, given her job as a teacher. "All of us still cannot reconcile with what Ethan did," Jennifer Crumbley's mother writes in her letter. "Jennifer, along with us, will never be the same. We will have to live the rest of our lives heartbroken for the families, community and for the students and staff for the excruciating pain Ethan has caused." Her mother added, "She was so paralyzed with fear, and for the first time in her life, she did not have a safe place to go. We were the ones recommending for her to take the money out of the bank, so she could stay safe until they both turned themselves in the morning with their attorneys." This latter comment challenges the prosecution narrative that the Crumbleys emptied their bank accounts after the shooting because they were fleeing to avoid prosecution, a particularly sore point with the defense. Jennifer Crumbley's parents also told the judge that their daughter could live with them in Florida, should she be sentenced to house arrest. 'Mrs. Crumbley was damned no matter what she did' In her sentencing memo, Smith rehashed much of the trial, and held strong to her defense that Jennifer Crumbley never saw any signs that her son was mentally struggling, that he would ever hurt himself or anyone else and that she never knew of his plan to shoot up his school. She especially lashed out at the prosecution for its handling of the case from the get-go, alleging it made up a story that her client was fleeing, when, she maintains, that wasn't the case, then portrayed her client as a horrible mother. "(T)he prosecution repeatedly characterized and continues to present Mrs. Crumbley as a selfish, callous, evil person and horrible mother who ' prioritize[ed] her own convenience over the safety to everyone in the school that day,' " Smith writes. "Mrs. Crumbley was damned no matter what she did or did not do." For example, Smith argues, Jennifer Crumbley's reaction to the tragedy was criticized "at every turn" during trial. "The prosecution certainly tried to convey that Mrs. Crumbley did not care enough about what was going on, that she did not cry enough, and that she did not behave the way a mother of a school shooter would behave despite the fact that there really is no formula about how a mother of a school shooter would behave after such a shocking and disturbing event was committed by their child," Smith wrote "Ironically, as trial progressed, when Mrs. Crumbley did cry, watching the videos of her sons horrific actions for the first time, the prosecution objected that 'she was crying.' " Smith also sought to explain her client's testimony at trial, when Jennifer Crumbley told the jury that looking back, she would not have changed anything. Smith said her client was referring to what she knew before the shooting that she would not have acted differently because she had no idea her son was planning to shoot up the school. Lawyer: Of course shooter's mom would do things differently In hindsight, however, Smith stressed that Jennifer Crumbley would have done a lot of things differently which Jennifer Crumbley also stated in an interview with state officials preparing her presentencing report. At trial, when I was on the stand I was asked if I would have done anything differently, I testified that I would not have and that is true without the benefit of of (sic) hindsight that I have now. With the information I have now, of course my answer would be hugely different. There are so many things that I would change if I could go back in time," Jennifer Crumbley said in the interview. Smith argued that by expressing grief for herself or her family, Jennifer Crumbley "is taking nothing from thevictims in this case." "It is possible to be sad for the victims AND the Crumbleys," Smith writes. "While this is a situation that has always been certain to end in disappointment for everyone, there is nothing that can rewind the events of November 30, 2021, which created irreparable damage, unimaginable loss and a nightmare that will continue for eternity." Two juries, however, have sided with the prosecution's assessment that the Crumbleys ignored a child who was mentally spiraling, bought him a gun instead of getting him help and never disclosed that gun to the school when given the chance. "The prosecution has put on a narrative that they are righteous and virtuous throughout this case. As they have done this, they have misled the public and the media from the beginning of this case and through trial," Smith wrote, noting her client will appeal her conviction. A look at Jennifer Crumbley's life in jail Among those who hoped Jennifer Crumbley would be exonerated is her former cellmate, a young woman who shared a cell with Crumbley for 17 months. "I loved Jenn from the moment we met," the former cellmate wrote the judge. According to her letter, when she arrived at the Oakland County jail, she was 18, the youngest inmate at the jail. Jennifer Crumbley greeted her with a basket containing snacks and other items. The woman said she did not know what to think of the woman at first she had friends who were affected by the tragedy at Oxford High, and she knew of Jennifer Crumbley only from the news. But Jennifer Crumbley quickly became her mother figure, a woman who supported her when she got teased by other inmates, despite the taunts she put up with in jail herself. She recalled seeing inmates scream threats toward Jennifer Crumbley, and Crumbley walking over to an inmate one day "in tears and expressed how sorry she was and how she wishes she could change everything her son had done." During their time in jail together, the woman said Jennifer Crumbley who promised the young woman's mother she would look after her colored with her, taught her how to cook, held her as she cried and tried to help her through difficult times. For the cellmate's mother, this meant everything, as she also wrote the judge a letter, to let her know about the Jennifer Crumbley who she believes saved her daughter's life. The two women's names also were withheld. "Mrs. Crumbley was there for my daughter when I could not be," the mother wrote. "If not for Mrs. Crumbley, I know my beautiful daughter would have tried to attempt suicide many times. ... I love her with all my heart." Contact Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jennifer Crumbley's lawyer seeks mercy for sentence Joe Manganiello and Sofia Vergara attend the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 12, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Cindy Ord / Getty Images for Vanity Fair) (Cindy Ord) Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello have reached an agreement in their divorce, nearly seven months after filing. The couple's divorce will proceed uncontested, according to documents obtained by TODAY.com. The docs also state that Vergara and Manganiello have entered a written agreement regarding their property and their marriage or domestic partnership rights. That agreement was approved April 4, according to documents filed with Los Angeles Superior Court. The court ordered the end of their marriage on that same date. Per the documents, spousal support is terminated for both Vergara and Manganiello. Property division and responsibility of attorney fees are laid out in a written agreement between the former couple. Ever since the couple split in July 2023, fans wondered what went wrong in their marriage. Vergara sat down for an interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais and opened up about her split from Manganiello. My marriage broke up because my husband was younger; he wanted to have kids and I didnt want to be an old mom. I feel its not fair to the baby. I respect whoever does it, but thats not for me anymore, the America's Got Talent judge explained. Vergara already has one child, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, from a prior marriage and said she isn't interested in welcoming another at this stage of her life. "I had a son at 19, who is now 32, and Im ready to be a grandmother, not a mother. So, if love comes along, he has to come with (his own) children. Im almost in menopause; its the natural way of things," she said. "When my son becomes a dad, let him bring the baby to me for a while and then Ill give it back to him and go on with my life; thats what I have to do." After nearly eight years of marriage, Manganiello filed for divorce on July 19, 2023, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split. Per court documents, Manganiello listed the date of separation as July 2, 2023. The two have a prenup and spousal support will be paid according to their agreement. In August, Vergara's "America's Got Talent" co-star Howie Mandel cracked a joke about her divorce during an episode of the show. It happened after ventriloquist and magician Brynn Cummings performed with her puppet and asked judge Heidi Klum to set the puppet up on a date. If I have one word of advice, if youre looking for eligible bachelors, you should have talked to Sofia because shes in the market right now," Mandel joked. In response, Vergara screamed "Yes!" as she threw her hands into the air. The Modern Family star and the True Blood star began dating in July 2014. They went on to get engaged just six months later in December of that year. In November 2015, Vergara, 51, and Manganiello, 46, had a star-studded wedding in Palm Beach, Florida. The pair shared photos on Instagram of their fairy-tale day, which included her Modern Family co-stars and celebrity friends like Reese Witherspoon, Pitbull and Channing Tatum. During a 2018 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Manganiello shared how he fought to win Vergara over. While she was filming a movie in New Orleans, he went to visit her and showed her an issue of People magazine where he was on the cover and called the Number One Bachelor in the World. He told Vergara, I know you just got out of this long-term relationship and if you need to be single then I understand. Like, Im not gonna like it, but Ill get over it. But before you answer, I wanna show you something. I reached into my bag and put down the magazine and I said, Numero uno, he continued, sharing how she picked up the magazine and opened it. And she said, Im seeing who else is on the list. However, he won her heart. People who follow the couple on social media were speculating a split after her 51st birthday in July 2023 when Manganiello shared a grainy photo of her for her birthday, writing, Feliz Cumpleanos Sofia!!! Am I the only one who doesnt like the way it sounds? Sofia.... not even My love, My beloved wife, one person wrote, while another added, Something is off. Cold message for her and has two stories about his dogs birthday. And sofia has not even said thank you. Joe, I hope you guys are ok, that was a very different(cold) happy birthday wish to your wife, compare to previous ones! another person commented. This article was originally published on TODAY.com LONDON (Reuters) - The U.S., Britain and Australia are set to begin talks on bringing new members into their AUKUS security pact as Washington pushes for Japan to be involved as a deterrent against China, the Financial Times reported. The countries' defence ministers will announce discussions on Monday on "Pillar Two" of the pact, which commits the members to jointly developing quantum computing, undersea, hypersonic, artificial intelligence and cyber technology, the newspaper reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the situation. They are not considering expanding the first pillar, which is designed to deliver nuclear-powered attack submarines to Australia, the FT said. AUKUS, formed by the three countries in 2021, is part of their efforts to push back against China's growing power in the Indo-Pacific region. China has called the AUKUS pact dangerous and warned it could spur a regional arms race. U.S. President Joe Biden has sought to step up partnerships with U.S. allies in Asia, including Japan and the Philippines, amid China's historic military build-up and its growing territorial assertiveness. Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. ambassador in Tokyo, wrote in an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday that Japan was "about to become the first additional Pillar II partner". A senior U.S. administration official told Reuters on Wednesday that some sort of announcement could be expected in the coming week about Japan's involvement but gave no details. Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will likely discuss expanding AUKUS to include Japan when the president hosts the prime minister in Washington on Wednesday, a source with knowledge of the talks said. Australia, however, is wary of beginning new projects until more progress has been made on supplying Canberra with nuclear-powered submarines, said the source, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorised to speak to the media. OBSTACLES FOR JAPAN A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council and China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the FT report. A Japanese foreign ministry spokesperson said the ministry could not immediately comment. A British defence ministry spokesperson also had no immediate comment. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has said they would "seek opportunities to engage close partners in AUKUS Pillar II" and any involvement of more countries would be decided and announced by the three partners, a spokesperson from his office said. While the U.S. is keen to see Japanese involvement in Pillar Two, officials and experts say obstacles remain, given a need for Japan to introduce better cyber defences and stricter rules for guarding secrets. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, an architect of U.S. Indo-Pacific policy, said on Wednesday the U.S. was encouraging Japan to do more to protect intellectual property and hold officials accountable for secrets. "It's fair to say that Japan has taken some of those steps, but not all of them," he said. The United States has long said that other countries in Europe and Asia are expected to join the second pillar of AUKUS. The senior U.S. official said any decisions about who would be involved in Pillar Two would be made by the three AUKUS members, whose defence ministers had been considering the questions for many months, based on what countries could bring to the project. Campbell said that other countries had expressed interest in participating in AUKUS. "I think you'll hear that we have something to say about that next week and there also will be further engagement among the three defence ministers of the United States, Australia, and Great Britain as they focus on this effort as well," Campbell told the Center for a New America Security think tank. Campbell also said on Wednesday the AUKUS submarine project could help deter any Chinese move against Taiwan, the democratically governed island that Beijing claims as part of China. Biden, Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr are to hold a trilateral summit on Thursday. (This story has been corrected to say AUKUS formed in 2021, not 2023, in paragraph 4) (Reporting by Shreya Biswas in Bengaluru, David Brunnstrom in Washington, Tim Kelly in Tokyo, Andrew Hayley in Beijing, David Milliken in London and Lewis Jackson in Sydney; Editing by William Mallard and Andrew Heavens) Fifty years ago, the nations psychiatrists effectively put gay peoples mental health and their very place in society to a vote. Five months prior, on Dec. 15, 1973, the 15-member board of the American Psychiatric Association had voted unanimously, with two abstentions, that homosexuality should no longer be considered a mental illness. The epochal elimination of the homosexuality diagnosis from the APAs influential bible, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM, made the front page of The New York Times and The Washington Post. The Chicago Gay Crusader ran the cheeky, if world-weary, banner headline, 20,000,000 Gay People Cured! Many outlets covered the APAs decision to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. (The Chicago Gay Crusader / Windy City Times) But the policy shift was met with dismay by prominent APA members who remained wedded to their conviction that homosexuality was a pathology warranting reparative treatment. They prompted a ballot referendum of the organizations rank and file to repeal the boards vote. On April 8, 1974, the APA reported the tally: 58% of the more than 10,000 members to cast a ballot had supported upholding the vote. Gay people remained cured. It was a sea change in LGBTQ rights, said the APAs current president, Dr. Petros Levounis, who as an openly gay man represents a prime product of that change. Loosening psychiatrys grip on homosexuality Those two crucial votes were the culmination of years of both external gay-activist pressure on the APA and an internal reform campaign, fueled by the myriad civil rights movements that bloomed out of the 1960s. These revolutionaries sought to release the repressive grip that Freud-descended psychoanalysis held over postwar American society. Psychiatry really set the conditions within which people had to make sense of themselves, said Regina Kunzel, a professor of history and womens, gender and sexuality studies at Yale University, referring to the period, from about 1940 through the 1970s, when psychoanalysis dominated the psychiatry field and enjoyed its cultural and political zenith. Kunzel is the author of a new academic text, In the Shadow of Diagnosis: Psychiatric Power and Queer Life, in which she argues that historians have underrecognized psychiatrys sweeping influence over the perception and treatment of gays and lesbians during the mid-20th century. The word power is littered across the pages of Kunzels tidy and at times harrowing account of the mistreatment and torment sustained by gay and gender-nonconforming Americans at the hands of the psychiatric establishment. Psychiatrists, Kunzel asserts, were not merely interested in caring for distressed patients or exerting their influence on the culture at large. They also sought to bolster their own power and authority by proclaiming subject-matter expertise regarding homosexuality and enforcing the heterosexual nuclear family as a Cold War-era bulwark against the existential threat of communism. Psychiatry wasnt just doctors in hospitals, in clinics, said Kunzel, who sourced copious documentation of gay people being locked in such asylums for years against their will. They really made bargains with the state to enhance their authority. Psychiatrists did so by partnering with the military to weed homosexuals out of the armed forces, and with the criminal justice system to aid in the policing and sodomy prosecutions of gay people. Their pathologizing of homosexuality also influenced the federal governments campaign to flush gays from the civil service during the Lavender Scare (recently depicted in the limited series Fellow Travelers). This swell of criminalization of gay Americans came in the wake of the Kinsey reports and their bombshell findings. In 1948, Alfred Kinsey published Sexual Behavior in the Human Male, shocking Americans with his finding that 37% of men reported a history of sex with other men. The cultural backlash to Kinsey was driven at least in part by psychoanalysts. Demonstrators Protesting Treatment of Gay People in the Military (Bettmann / via Getty Images) As a countervailing anti-psychiatry movement eventually began to take hold, psychiatrists stoked homophobic anxieties with one hand while offering a solution reparative therapy, also known as conversion therapy with the other, fueling a feedback loop that bolstered their central and supposedly indispensable place in society. Gay activisms ascent thus became dependent on psychoanalysis decline. The Mattachine Society, founded in 1950, saw the APAs categorization of homosexuality as a disease as the linchpin obstructing gay liberation. Off the couches and into the streets! became a popular liberationist slogan, emphasizing that gay people were not mentally ill and were a force to be reckoned with. Psychiatry legitimized a great deal of horrors By defining homosexuality as a pathology the diagnosis appeared in the DSMs first edition in 1952 the APA legitimized a great deal of the horrors, said Andrew Scull, a sociology professor at the University of California, San Diego, and an expert on the history of psychiatry. Such horrors, many of which were imposed by coercion or during forced institutionalization in the name of curing homosexual urges and behaviors, included lobotomy, insulin shock, whats now known as electroconvulsive therapy and aversion-therapy treatment (including the use of emetics and electric shocks, including to the genitals). One company that made shock-therapy devices even had a regular booth at the APAs annual conference. In 1970, the year after the Stonewall uprising, infuriated gay activists began infiltrating these conferences and raucously demanding an end to such mistreatment and the delisting of homosexuality as a psychiatric disorder. In 1972, a gay psychiatrist stunned conference attendees when he appeared on a panel anonymously dressed in an oversize tuxedo, a ghoulish mask and a wig and spoke of the anguish of working in the profession from within the closet. Barbara Gittings, Frank Kameny and John Fryer (Dr. H. Anonymous) at the American Psychiatric Associations 1972 national convention in Dallas. (Kay Tobin / New York Public Library) During this same period, Kunzel writes, the APA top brass was seeking to defend psychiatry as an evidence-based science in the face of mounting attacks on the fields legitimacy. So when gay advocates presented to the organization newer research suggesting that homosexuality was not a sickness but a normal variant of human sexuality, they found a receptive audience among key APA leaders. Organized psychiatry was scuttling for safety, Dr. Richard Pillard, who at the time was a young APA member and a very rare openly gay psychiatrist, recalled in Cured, a recent documentary about this moment in the organizations history. Dr. Lawrence Hartmanns APA membership also dates back to that era. Speaking about the appeals he and others made to the organizations leadership to reconsider its stance on homosexuality during this historic window, he said: It took some persuading. Sometimes science and politics can cooperate. Even as he remained professionally in the closet, Hartmann in 1970 helped found what became an influential group of APA members who sought to reform and modernize the organization and make it more responsive to the array of recent sociopolitical upheavals. Hartmann recalled his crucial efforts to master the bylaws and byzantine bureaucracy of the APA. He marshaled through the proper internal channels a position paper he had written with Pillard arguing for the APA to remove homosexuality from the DSM and become an actual champion of gay civil rights. Ultimately, Hartmann got the measure passed by the APA assembly and sent on to the board for the pivotal, and successful, December 1973 vote. At that time, the APA also put its weight behind civil rights protections for gay people and supported the repeal of state sodomy laws then on the books in 42 states and Washington, D.C. (When the Supreme Court finally struck down all such statutes in 2003, 14 states still had them.) With various populations, it was taken as a sign of a reasonable scientific health that a large organization could be open to real discussion and real rethinking, said Hartmann, who gradually came out as gay over the next two decades and served as president of the APA from 1991 to 1992. The sea change Asked about his own reaction 50 years ago to this sea change in the APA, Hartman said, We at the time didnt know what it would mean. It turned out to be very influential. Thats putting it mildly. The full parade of barriers to gay civil rights including housing and employment discrimination, laws governing sex between consenting adults, and the bans on gay people immigrating, adopting children and marrying all hinged on whether gay people were defined as constitutionally well or as psychologically sick, clinical pariahs at a time when all manner of psychiatric disorders were magnets for stigma and discrimination. And so, the APAs policy change sent off shockwaves that continue to course across the legal landscape. The APA did not, however, make a clean break from pathologizing homosexuality with the 1973 board vote. As a compromise in the face of resistance, the leadership allowed for a new diagnosis to enter the DSM at that time: sexual orientation disturbance, for people who were distressed over their homosexuality, including those who wished to change it. This diagnosis was then replaced by ego-dystonic homosexuality in 1980. That diagnosis was struck in 1986; but at that time, the symptom of marked distress about ones sexual orientation was newly included in the diagnosis of sexual disorders not otherwise specified. That last vestige of pathologized homosexuality wouldnt finally be deleted until 2013. Critics say those various diagnoses helped legitimize decades of conversion therapy efforts. Research that began to emerge in the mid-1990s ultimately discredited this practice, which although still carried out, is now widely condemned as harmful and ineffective by mainstream mental health professionals and is banned for minors in 22 states and Washington, D.C. The new frontier Kunzel is among those who look at homosexualitys decadeslong evolution in the DSM and see at least a partial parallel to the more recent effort to depathologize transgender identities. Transsexualism first entered the manual in 1980, enraging many trans activists for, they argued, turning their identity into a sickness. This was replaced in 1994 by gender identity disorder an effort by the APA to mitigate stigma that nevertheless left many trans people unappeased. Then, in 2013, that diagnosis was replaced by the current gender dysphoria, which distances the source of distress from the core sense of self and attributes it more to societys stigma toward gender nonconformity. Today, there is sustained pressure on the APA to discard the gender dysphoria diagnosis and, just as with gay and lesbian people, totally depathologize trans people in the eyes of psychiatry. However, because receiving hormones and transition-related surgeries is key for many trans people to fully realize their identities, and given that insurance companies require a diagnosis to cover such treatment, a tension remains that may prove irreconcilable. Levounis, the current APA president, declined to take a position on what should become of the gender dysphoria diagnosis. Its a very active debate within our field, Levounis said. Unlike other discussions within the APA of yesteryear, we do involve a lot of lived experience in our work people who are transgender, including psychiatrists and nonpsychiatrists alike, who do help inform us in these discussions. Hartmann said the effort to depathologize homosexuality has a mixed relevance to the present, very lively and argumentative field of gender identity one in which he hopes to see further research that will yield clearer insights. Surveying the fruits of his own efforts five decades ago to strike homosexuality from the DSM, Hartmann said, I think it has helped an enormous number of peoples self-esteem. I think it has helped them face real problems in their life, including psychiatric problems. I think it has helped them fight for justice in other realms. And I think there are some people who came around and became thoughtful about what other things are unfair. For more from NBC Out, sign up for our weekly newsletter. Many big businesses in America have a running legislative wish list: a series of bills designed to push more products and services out to the masses for public consumption with less oversight and overhead. For fitness empires, the list might include a bill designed to avoid basic property taxes under the guise of leveling the playing field with not-for-profits, like the YMCA. For weapons manufacturers, it might include a bill shielding them from civil liability under state laws when their products are used to open fire on schoolchildren. All these businesses need is a conduit one or more skilled lawmakers who can ram the bill from the CEOs desk through both legislative chambers and over to the governors desk, then back through the Legislature for veto override if necessary. But think about how omnipotent a corporation would be if it didnt even need a conduit to get its wish list passed: a corporation so powerful that no elected official would dare wage battle for fear of being squashed like a bug on the windshield of a 50,000-pound driverless semitruck hauling hazardous materials down a crowded highway at 70 miles per hour. Companies like Walmart come to mind. Speak of the devil, Walmart and its autonomous trucking startup companion, Gatik, decided last year they wanted to start running their driverless truck experiments on Kansas roads. The idea was raised in the 2022 legislative session, and by the end of May, Gov. Laura Kelly had signed Senate Bill 313 into law. If you blinked, you probably missed it. Driverless vehicles, like artificial intelligence, are both promising and scary at the same time. They have the potential both to improve our world and to wreck lives. Careful oversight is crucial to avoid the latter. For this reason alone, the frantic speed at which driverless vehicles got the green light to operate in our state is deeply troubling. And how it came to be is just as troubling. The message was delivered to House members early in the 2022 session that Walmart was pushing autonomous vehicles and the bill needed to pass. Weve seen bills hit the ground running with vigor before. But the fact that few questions were being asked by anyone was concerning as was the bill itself. For those tracking the bill, it seemed to morph and evolve constantly, getting increasingly larger in scope and magnitude after each hearing. The first version came through the Senate Transportation Committee labeled as Senate Bill 379: An Act concerning motor vehicles; relating to autonomous motor vehicles; providing for the use and regulation thereof. It came up for hearing on Feb. 2 and only authorized 10,001-plus-pound autonomous commercial vehicles to operate in the middle mile a fixed, repeatable route involving the intrastate commercial movement of goods in a business-to-business capacity. For Gatiks part, their lobby was a well-oiled machine. They had plenty of help from Walmarts paid lobbyists under the Capitol rotunda, but their own team made slick presentations from skyscrapers via WebEx at standing desks near large windows. Gatik is highly focused on safety, they assured lawmakers. The problem with this assurance is that the safety decisions arent made by lobbyists giving planned speeches into cameras behind standing desks the decisions that decide life and death are made in the heat of battle by engineers and executives, who must determine whether spending more money to run more tests is good for the bottom line. The bill had enough opposition that the hearing was spread over multiple dates in February, and some lawmakers seemed to feel that the complexity of the technology and the magnitude of the legislation made it important to avoid rushing things. S.B. 379 stalled in committee, but Walmart pushed forward, undeterred. The legislation reemerged as Senate Bill 546 under a similar name. It came up for hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee on March 10 and was passed out of committee with some amendments. It was then amended again by the full Senate before passing on March 23 by a 24-12 vote. On March 29, S.B. 546 came before the House Transportation Committee. By this time, the bill had been amended to increase the weight limit to 34,000 pounds on tandem axles through July 1, 2025, and to add a requirement that a conventional human driver be present in every driverless-capable vehicle providing transportation services (e.g., Uber) for the first 24 consecutive months. But the middle mile restriction was gone travel was now extended to the public highways of this state. And no liability insurance was required beyond the states basic minimum limits. Questions were again raised about the complexity of the bill, the number of jobs that would be lost to computers and the safety risks of allowing the testing and eventual operation of these driverless vehicles on our roadways. S.B. 546 stalled in the House committee, and Walmart pushed forward, undeterred, with a new plan. Enter Senate Bill 313. It was originally filed in the 2021 legislative term as An act concerning roads and highways; designating a portion of United States Highway 69 as the Senator Tom R. Van Sickle Memorial Highway. Following its progress from that point forward requires a great deal of patience and concentration. S.B. 313 was originally introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation, where it sat for the remainder of 2021. When the 2022 term started, the bill came up for committee hearing on Feb. 15. On Feb. 17, a committee report was filed, recommending the bill be passed as amended with some minor changes that had nothing to do with autonomous vehicles. The bill passed the Senate as amended on a 40-0 vote. The bill was then referred to the House Committee on Transportation on March 1 and came up for hearing on March 8 two days before the second pass at autonomous vehicles, S.B. 546, came up for hearing in Senate Transportation. The House Committee made one extremely minor edit and recommended the bill be passed. The committee report was again adopted on March 21, but no final action was taken to vote on the bill in the House. The autonomous vehicle bill, S.B. 546, was still alive in House Transportation at the time, and was about to come up for hearing there on March 29. S.B. 313 sat idle with its proposed honorary highway in Linn County until late April, when a House-Senate conference committee submitted a report on the bill on April 27. Before the report could be submitted, a motion was passed in the House to suspend ordinary deadlines for the submission of legislation. The committee recommended gutting all 21 lines in the bill about honorary highways and replacing them with hundreds of lines about autonomous vehicles. The title was changed as well to reference autonomous vehicles and not memorial highways. One thing was clear: This new version of S.B. 313 had a rocket behind it. The gut and go came at blinding speed. The House and Senate both adopted it the same day. As with the last time the bill resurfaced, the new language was even more robust and detailed. There were provisions about advisory committees, law enforcement reporting, and lots of other clever things. Where the changes came from and who suggested them is not clear: No one else was in the room when it happened. As with the prior version, the middle mile restriction was gone and driverless-capable vehicles were authorized on the public highways of this state. S.B. 313 then went to the governors desk on May 6. A week later, the bill had the governors signature on it. On May 13, 2022, self-driving vehicles became a real thing in Kansas. It had been three months since Walmart and its partner first broached the topic of allowing self-driving vehicles to test and operate on our roads and highways. Lots of confusion ensued over this enormous piece of legislation and a small number of hearings were even held none of which resolved the confusion. But self-driving vehicles were on Walmarts wish list, and Walmart would not be denied. A totally different bill about memorial highways was gutted and replaced with Walmarts bill, which became more expansive each time it stalled under a different bill number. What happened with self-driving vehicle legislation was hardly unprecedented. This process replays itself over and over, year after year. Only the companies, wish lists and bill numbers change. But this is a democracy. Our government doesnt have to work this way. If were all on board with these new laws, theres no problem. But what if it all comes at us so hard and fast that we cant even decide if were for or against it? As long as they have us asleep at the wheel, well need these self-driving vehicles. Ponka-We Victors-Cozad contributed to this article. Blake Shuart and Victors-Cozad are members of The Eagle Community Editorial Advisory Board. Shuart is an attorney and Victors-Cozad served in the Kansas Legislature from 2011 until January of this year. GOP Rep. Mike Turner said Sunday that Russian propaganda has taken hold among some of his House Republican colleagues and is even "being uttered on the House floor." "We see directly coming from Russia ... communications that are anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia messages, some of which we even hear being uttered on the House floor," Turner, chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said in an interview on CNN's "State of the Union." "There are members of Congress today who still incorrectly say that this conflict between Russia and Ukraine is over NATO, which of course it is not," he added. Turner's office did not immediately respond to NBC News' request for clarification about which members of Congress he was referring to. His comments come on the heels of remarks House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul made this week about how Russian propaganda has taken root among the GOP. McCaul, a Texas Republican, told Puck News that he thinks "Russian propaganda has made its way into the United States, unfortunately, and its infected a good chunk of my partys base." Turner and McCaul each tied Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin, to other authoritarian leaders, including President Xi Jinping of China and Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea. "[The propaganda] makes it more difficult for us to really see this as an authoritarian versus democracy battle, which is what it is," Turner told CNN, adding, "President Xi of China, Vladimir Putin himself have identified as such." McCaul described explaining to colleagues that the threat of Russian propaganda is similar to threats made by other U.S. adversaries. "I have to explain to them whats at stake, why Ukraine is in our national security interest," he said. "By the way, you dont like Communist China? Well, guess what? Theyre aligned [with Russia], along with the ayatollah [of Iran]. So when you explain it that way, they kind of start understanding it." The committee chairs' remarks about Russian propaganda came as they spoke about the need for Congress to approve more military aid to Ukraine. "Ukraine needs our help and assistance now, and this is a very critical time for the U.S. Congress to step up and provide that aid," Turner told CNN. The House in recent months has stalled on efforts to pass Ukraine aid, with Speaker Mike Johnson refusing to put an aid package the Senate passed in February that would provide resources to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan on the House floor. Last week, Rep. Don Bacon said on NBC News' "Meet the Press" that he had commitments from Johnson and McCaul that they would allow a bipartisan Ukraine military aid package to advance to a vote. Rep. French Hill echoed this point on CBS' "Face the Nation" Sunday morning, saying he believes Johnson will bring Ukraine aid to the floor "immediately after completing the work on [the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act] and FISA's extension that deadline of April 19 makes it a priority for the first few days we're back." "I believe he's fully committed to bringing it up to the floor immediately thereafter," Hill added. But Bacon, R-Neb., also warned that Johnson could face a vote to oust him from the speakership if he moves forward with Ukraine aid. On Sunday, Turner downplayed the notion that Johnson's position was at risk over Ukraine aid. "I don't think he's at any risk," Turner said. "I think that what people have been referring to as the 'chaos caucus,' those individuals who are seeking attention for themselves and trying to stop all of the important work in Congress, are now seen as merely disruptive." Democrats have signaled that they could join several Republicans in helping to save Johnson's speakership if a motion to vacate, such as the one filed by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene just before the House left for a two-week Easter recess, were brought to a vote. DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian travelled to Oman on Sunday on the first leg of a regional tour, the ministry said, almost a week after a suspected Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. "Amirabdollahian is travelling to Oman as the first destination of his regional tour at the head of a political and parliamentary delegation. Bilateral and regional issues such as Gaza will be discussed," the ministry said. Suspected Israeli warplanes bombed Iran's embassy compound in Syria on Monday in a strike that Iran said killed seven Revolutionary Guards commanders, including three senior members. The United States is on high alert and preparing for a possible attack by Iran targeting Israeli or American assets in the region in response, a U.S. official said on Friday. Israel' military has escalated airstrikes in Syria against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, both of which support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Israel typically does not discuss attacks by its forces on Syria. Asked about the strike last week, an Israeli military spokesperson said: "We do not comment on reports in the foreign media". (Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Editing by Andrew Heavens) Thousands of Russians have been evacuated from their homes after an embankment dam broke in the southern region of Orenburg, near Kazakhstan, authorities said. The dam in the city of Orsk could not contain the flow of water of the Ural river and broke in two places, local authorities told TASS. At least three people have died as a result of the flooding, according to Russian state news agency TASS. Authorities have reported that 4,208 people in the region have been evacuated, including 1,019 children, and 495 temporary accommodation centers for 82,200 people are being prepared, according to TASS. Three people are reported to have died so far. - Russian Emergencies Ministry via Reuters As of Saturday morning, the level of the Ural river was nearly double the level the dam was designed to handle, according to regional authorities. The dam failure occurred because the hydraulic structure was not properly maintained, and a criminal investigation has been opened, the regional prosecutors office said. The dam was protecting the city from the waters of the Ural river. By Saturday morning, the water had reached several districts of the city, flooding nearly 2,400 residential buildings, TASS reported. A state of emergency is in effect in Orenburg, the head of the Orenburg region Sergey Salmin said in a Telegram post Saturday. This situation leaves us no choice; overnight the [river] level may reach a critical level. I demand that everyone immediately leave their houses in the flood zone. Rescuers make their way in a flooded residential area in the city of Orsk. - Russian Emergencies Ministry via Reuters Those who refuse to leave the danger zone voluntarily will be evacuated forcibly, with the participation of police officers, he added. Orsk, a city of 230,000, lies near Russias border with Kazakhstan. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described the flooding as one of Kazakhstans largest natural disasters in 80 years, according to Reuters. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) Rwandan President Paul Kagame blamed the inaction of the international community for allowing the 1994 genocide to happen as Rwandans on Sunday commemorated 30 years since an estimated 800,000 people were killed by government-backed extremists. Rwanda has shown strong recovery and economic growth in the years since, but scars remain and there are questions about whether genuine reconciliation has been achieved under the long rule of Kagame, whose rebel movement stopped the genocide and seized power. He has been praised by many for bringing relative stability but vilified by others for his intolerance of dissent. Kagame led somber commemoration events in the capital, Kigali. Foreign visitors included a delegation led by Bill Clinton, the U.S. president during the genocide, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The killings were ignited when a plane carrying then-President Juvenal Habyarimana, a Hutu, was shot down over Kigali. The Tutsis were blamed for downing the plane and killing the president. and became targets in massacres led by Hutu extremists that lasted over 100 days. Some moderate Hutus who tried to protect members of the Tutsi minority were also killed. Rwandan authorities have long blamed the international community for ignoring warnings about the killings, and some Western leaders have expressed regret. Clinton, after leaving office, cited the Rwandan genocide as a failure of his administration. French President Emmanuel Macron, in a prerecorded video ahead of Sundays ceremonies, said that France and its allies could have stopped the genocide but lacked the will to do so. Macrons declaration came three years after he acknowledged the overwhelming responsibility of France Rwandas closest European ally in 1994 for failing to stop Rwandas slide into the slaughter. It was the international community which failed all of us, whether from contempt or cowardice, Kagame said in a speech after lighting a flame of remembrance and laying a wreath at a memorial site holding the remains of 250,000 genocide victims in Kigali. He also shared the story of a cousin whose family he tried to save with the help of U.N. peacekeepers. She did not survive. We will never forget the horrors of those 100 days, the pain and loss suffered by the people of Rwanda, or the shared humanity that connects us all, which hate can never overcome, U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement. Rwandas ethnic composition remains largely unchanged since 1994, with a Hutu majority. The Tutsis account for 14% and the Twa just 1% of Rwanda's 14 million people. Kagames Tutsi-dominated government has outlawed any form of organization along ethnic lines, as part of efforts to build a uniform Rwandan identity. National ID cards no longer identify citizens by ethnic group, and authorities imposed a tough penal code to prosecute those suspected of denying the genocide or the "ideology behind it. Some observers say the law has been used to silence critics who question the governments policies. Rights groups have accused Kagames soldiers of carrying out some killings during and after the genocide in apparent revenge, but Rwandan authorities see the allegations as an attempt to rewrite history. Kagame has previously said that his forces showed restraint in the face of genocide. Kagame said Sunday that Rwandans are disgusted by critics who have questioned and revised the history of the genocide. Rwandans will always challenge it, he said, adding that preventing another genocide requires political measures such as those now in place. Our journey has been long and tough," he said. "Rwanda was completely humbled by the magnitude of our loss, and the lessons we learned are engraved in blood. But the tremendous progress of our country is plain to see and it is the result of the choice we made together to resurrect our nation. He added, The foundation of everything is unity. That was the first choice to believe in the idea of a united Rwanda and live accordingly. A night vigil will be held later on Sunday as part of a week of remembrance activities. Naphtal Ahishakiye, the head of Ibuka, a prominent group of survivors, told The Associated Press that keeping the memory of the genocide alive helps fight the mentality that allowed neighbors to turn on each other, killing even children. Mass graves are still being discovered across Rwanda 30 years later, a reminder of the scale of the killings . Its a time to learn what happened, why it happened, what are the consequences of genocide to us as genocide survivors, to our country, and to the international community, said Ahishakiye. He said his country has come a long way since the 1990s, when only survivors and government officials participated in commemoration events. But today even those who are family members of perpetrators come to participate. Kagame, who grew up a refugee in neighboring Uganda, has been Rwandas de facto ruler, first as vice president from 1994 to 2000, then as acting president. He was voted into office in 2003 and has since been reelected multiple times. A candidate for elections set for July, he won the last election with nearly 99% of the vote. Rights activists and others say the authoritarian Kagame has created a climate of fear that discourages open and free discussion of national issues. Critics have accused the government of forcing opponents to flee, jailing or making them disappear while some are killed under mysterious circumstances. Kagames most serious political rivals are his Tutsi ex-comrades now living in exile. Though mostly peaceful, Rwanda also has had troubled relations with its neighbors. Recently, tensions have flared with Congo, with the two countries leaders accusing one another of supporting armed groups. Relations have been tense with Burundi as well over allegations that Kigali is backing a rebel group attacking Burundi. And relations with Uganda are yet to fully normalize after a period of tensions stemming from Rwandan allegations that Uganda was backing rebels opposed to Kagame. After eight months of searching for their lost dog, a San Diego family has been reunited with their canine best friend after she turned up 2,000 miles away in suburban Michigan. The dog's mysterious cross-country journey started last July, when Elizabeth Houman posted to Facebook that her family's beloved terrier mix, Mishka, went missing from an auto shop where her husband works. "We will do anything to get our baby back," Houman said on her post offering a cash reward to find their pup. "We believe someone has taken her because she is chipped." Mishka, a 3-year-old street dog the Houmans adopted from Mexico, was prone to wander around the neighborhood, but she was usually returned in a matter of minutes by a neighbor. After two days of Mishka being missing, Houman knew this was more serious. Houman never lost hope she said over a Zoom call Friday. She continued the search, passed out hundreds of missing dog fliers to the neighborhood and her sister even flew out to help canvas local encampments where they advertised the cash reward. There were no leads to Mishka's whereabouts until last week when Houman received a call from the Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society in Harper Woods, Mich. Officers there picked up Mishka police say a resident described her as an "amiable and social" stray dog and took the long lost pet to their local pet adoption agency. "It is not uncommon for our police officers to be called for lost or stray animals, but we have never encountered a situation where the dog traveled 2,000 miles," said Jason Hammerle, director of public safety for Harper Woods police. Coincidentally, the Houmans were going to be traveling to the Midwest to visit family in Minneapolis when they received the call that their pet had been found. Houman said when they landed around midnight last week, her husband immediately drove 10 hours to reunite with their dog. "When [my husband] picked her up, she started jumping in her cage," said Houman. "She knew exactly who he was." The Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society credited the reunion to a smooth pass off between Harper Woods police and their facility and that Mishka had been microchipped so they could find the Houmans. "This is a tale that Hollywood would love to tell," the Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society said on their Facebook page where they recapped the happy series of events in a video. "The synergy between a municipality and it's local animal shelter shines brightly." The Houmans were surprised that Mishka appeared no worse for the wear after months of being gone, although they said she's suffering from some separation anxiety. With Mishka back, Houman said the family has been cleared by the vet to fly with her back home to San Diego. Once back in California, Houman wants to share the magic of their pup with others. "I was planning to get her certified to go to children's hospitals because she's so loving and caring," Houman said. While she spoke, Houman's 5-year-old daughter was flicking Mishka's ears and bear hugging her while the pet remained unfazed. "She can put up with a lot. She's never once growled at Lily, snipped nothing," Houman said. "She's just the most sweetest and special dog ever." 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. Six months ago, armed terrorists burst across the border from the Gaza Strip into Israel and unleashed a devastating massacre, during which 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage by Hamas. What followed has been a war that on some level everybody appears to be losing. That reality will be writ large Sunday in the vigil for the hostages still not returned, on the streets of Tel Aviv where protesters will gather, in the rubble of Gaza where the dead pile up, and in the Egyptian capital of Cairo, where negotiators will once again try to hash out a cease-fire. Israel's war in the Gaza Strip has killed more than 33,000 people, most of them women and children, according to the Palestinian enclaves health ministry. Israel says it has two primary aims: to free the remaining 130 mostly Israeli hostages; and to destroy the Hamas militant group that led the attack on Oct. 7, a goal that critics say is too ambitious or impossible. Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip. (Ariel Schalit / AP file) Palestinians pray over bodies. (Mohammed Dahman / AP file) Meanwhile Israel has become increasingly isolated internationally, with even its closest ally, the United States, demanding that it do more to help protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza, where more than 1 million people are now thought to be on the brink of famine. Israels killing of seven aid workers has put that global condemnation into overdrive, with prominent voices in Europe and the U.S. now calling for the suspension of arms sales. At home, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the subject of mass street protests calling for his removal over his handling of the war. The movement includes many family members of the hostages who say he has prioritized his own political future allegedly extending the war to stave off a political ousting, not to mention his legal troubles over rescuing their loved ones. On Saturday night, tens of thousands gathered in Tel Aviv in an anti-government protest that police later forcibly dispersed. And many inside Israel and abroad fear the country may be on the brink of a direct conflict with Iran, after months of bubbling violence culminated in a suspected Israeli strike killing Iranian commanders in Tehrans consulate in Syria. Image: (Ariel Schalit / AP) Mourners gather around the coffins at a funeral. (Ariel Schalit / AP file) There is no victor in this kind of war, said Yossi Mekelberg, an associate fellow at Chatham House, a London-based think tank. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic in every sense of the word, and yet Israel is getting more embroiled in Gaza, but also Iran. Then theres the hostages: God knows how many of them are still alive. Meanwhile Israel is really pushing itself into becoming a pariah state. Gazas humanitarian nightmare has provoked months of mounting outrage around the world: In addition to the more than 33,000 dead, 45% of buildings have been destroyed, 1.9 million people have been displaced, and some 300,000 people are trapped in northern Gaza, forced to live on an average of 245 calories per day 12% of the recommended intake according to the charity Oxfam. But it was Israels killing of six international aid workers and one Palestinian working for the World Central Kitchen organization that appears to have tipped the balance from rhetoric to action a fact that many saw as the latest sign the plight of the Palestinians does not provoke the urgency it should. People gather around the carcass of a car used by aid group World Central Kitchen. (AFP - Getty Images) Last week, President Joe Biden told Netanyahu in a by-all-accounts tense phone call that Washingtons continued support depended on Israel doing more to protect civilians and aid workers. In Europe, the backlash has been even more severe. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was appalled by the killings; and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock posted to X that there were no more excuses for not letting aid into Gaza a tone unthinkable months ago for a country that has traditionally backed Israel unconditionally because of the Holocaust. That Western pressure is being brought to bear just as Israel faces a rising danger of direct conflict with Iran. People show solidarity with Palestinians. (Carl Court / Getty Images) Since Oct. 7, it has traded rocket fire with Hezbollah, a militant group and political party based in Lebanon thats backed by Tehran and tooled up with tens of thousands of rockets. Israel has also apparently carried out strikes on Iranian personnel based in Syria, although it does not directly admit this. One of these strikes last week killed two senior commanders with Irans powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, leading Biden administration officials to fear that Iran might feel compelled to retaliate by striking inside Israel. Neither Israel nor Iran wants a direct military conflict with the other, most experts agree, but the scope for miscalculation and escalation is substantial. Hamas, which is also backed by Iran, has lost what some analysts estimate to be about 10,000 fighters a third of its force and almost all of its rocket arsenal. Yet many of its commanders are still believed to be at large and it retains substantial minority support in Gaza. Palestinians line up for a meal. (Fatima Shbair / AP file) Hamas and other groups such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad still hold some of the 130-plus hostages still unaccounted for in Gaza, but at least some of them are believed to have been killed. Survivors have detailed torture and sexual assault at the hands of their captors. Netanyahus dual promises of toppling Hamas and returning the hostages may already be impossible. And yet he has staked his political future on this very outcome. He is already on trial for graft and other allegations, all of which he denies, and now he faces mass street protests at home from Israelis angry at his handling of the war, although most people there support the war against Hamas generally. In every corner, there are parties for whom the past six months have either been damaging or devastating, according to Mekelberg of Chatham House. It doesnt look like anyone is winning right now, he said, but there are many, many losers. Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. People across the United States will be looking to the sky on Monday to witness a total solar eclipse. Others will be listening to it. And to Harvard University astronomers working to transform the rare sight into sound, the eclipse should create a symphony. We mapped the bright light of the sun to a flute sound, said Allyson Bieryla, an astronomer at Harvard. Then it goes to a midrange, which is a clarinet, and then during totality, it kind of goes down to a low clicking sound, and that clicking even slows down during totality. The scientists designed a boxy device a bit larger than a cell phone that converts light into audible tones in a process called sonification. The sounds change based on the intensity of the light, allowing people with blindness or low vision to follow the progress of the eclipse. The device is called a LightSound, and hundreds of them will be at eclipse-viewing events on Monday. That image of totality is breathtaking and so it is visual, but that doesnt mean thats the only way you can interpret things or experience them, said Bieryla, who runs the LightSound Project. And for someone without sight, they need a different sense to experience it. Converting light into sound The idea for LightSound was born during the last total eclipse in the United States in 2017. Bieryla started the project with astronomer Wanda Diaz-Merced, who experiences blindness and relies on similar technology to do her research. They created three prototypes one in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and two in Kentucky. The current version of LightSound is the result of some tweaks and fine-tuning since those prototypes, but sonification has always been at the heart of it. The device uses a light sensor to take in data in the case of an eclipse the data is light intensity, Bieryla said. Those numbers, the light intensity values, are then assigned an instrument sound using a MIDI synthesizer board in the device, she said. This allows the tones to change as the moon blocks the sun and Earth gets dark, so people with blindness can interact with the eclipse in ways they couldnt previously. The LightSound device, designed by Harvard University astronomers, will help make the eclipse more accessible for the visually impaired by turning light into instrument sounds. - Courtesy Ohio Department of Natural Resources Fast-forward to 2024, and the project has grown. Changes after the 2019 and 2020 total solar eclipses in South America, such as primarily using a printed circuit board instead of wires, made the device easier to build. With the help of local communities, the project was quickly able to scale up production, Bieryla said. The LightSound team hosts workshops in which anyone can learn to assemble a device. Instead of producing 20 in a day, we were producing 200 in a day, so it was a huge, huge improvement, Bieryla said, emphasizing that the community element is what made this project successful. She said they built and distributed about 900 devices for the 2024 eclipse, which went to sites in Mexico, the United States and Canada. Of those hundreds scattered across the United States, 29 devices were sent to Ohio state parks and wildlife areas that are in the path of totality. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources partnered with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, or OOD, to provide LightSound to dozens of eclipse-watch parties. Bernadetta King, program manager at the OODs Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired, said people are excited to be fully included at eclipse events not in a separate place but immersed with everyone else as event organizers will plug the device into speakers. Sometimes when you make something better for people with disabilities, you inadvertently make it better for everybody, so why dont we just think that way to begin with? King said. Even the people that would be viewing the eclipse through glasses are hearing about this and say, Oh, this is cool. Bernadetta King, program manager of the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired at Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, visits Alum Creek State Park, north of Columbus, Ohio. The park is one of the places receiving a LightSound device for Monday's eclipse. - Courtesy Ohio Department of Natural Resources King, who also experiences blindness, said she feels people with vision-related disabilities are not often top of mind. Devices such as the LightSound could also be an opportunity to keep pushing sonification technology in other ways, she said. This is kind of a foot in the door to open an area that has traditionally not been considered when you think about people who have blindness and vision impairment, King said, mentioning previous applications of sonification in weather, space and other science fields. Other inclusive eclipse efforts If you are not near an eclipse event that has a LightSound, the American Council of the Blind is hosting a virtual stream of the sound of various devices along the path of totality. The Eclipse Soundscapes app is another resource for those who are visually impaired. The project, part of NASAs Citizen Science initiative, will collect multisensory observations and recordings from people around the country. In the app, there is a tool that uses vibrations and audio tones to convey each stage of the eclipse in addition to narrated descriptions. The project said the tool is designed for you to hear and feel astronomical phenomena. Additionally, NASA partnered with the National Park Service and Earth to Sky on activities, including a webinar series to prepare interpreters for the event. National parks involved in the partnership will have elements for the blind and low vision, neurodivergent children, the physically impaired, and those with hearing impairments at watch parties across the country, the space agency said. As for Bieryla and her team, theres always another eclipse somewhere. Once this one is over, they will ship LightSounds to the next location. Because her small team cant build devices for the whole world, the next goal is to teach people across the globe how to hold workshops. She said she hopes initiatives such as LightSound inspire young scientists. Im hoping that there is a blind child that maybe experiences this device and says, I want to do astronomy, Bieryla said, and we need to have those resources in place for that student to be successful. Dont miss out on upcoming eclipse and space stories! Follow the Astronomy topic to see the latest stories in your personalized feed with your free account. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Tennessee could soon become the latest state to require public school students to watch a three-minute computer-generated video on fetal development created by an anti-abortion group. The state Senate passed the legislation, commonly known as the Baby Olivia Act, in a 21-6 vote Thursday and the bill is now headed to Republican Gov. Bill Lees desk. Under the proposed law, schools must incorporate the video, or an equivalent, into their family life curriculum. This curriculum will cover topics such as human growth, development, and sexuality through a a high-quality, computer-generated animation or high-definition ultrasound of at least three minutes in duration that shows the development of the brain, heart, sex organs, and other vital organs in early fetal development. Produced by the anti-abortion group Live Action, the animation, which depicts a baby through different phases of development, has sparked criticism among experts who say the video is medically inaccurate and can have significant consequences. Rep. Gino Bulso presents a bill on the House floor to prevent Pride flags from being displayed in schools during a legislative session in Nashville, Tennessee, on February 26, 2024. - George Walker IV/AP Republican Rep. Gino Bulso, who sponsored the House bill, argued in March the video was medically accurate and approved by a committee of medical professionals and experts. However, Tennessee House Democrats said they had research from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists they believed debunks that statement. Like much anti-abortion misinformation, the Baby Olivia video is designed to manipulate the emotions of viewers rather than to share evidence-based, scientific information about embryonic and fetal development, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) told CNN in a statement. Many of the claims made in this video are not aligned with scientific fact, but rather reflect the biased and ideologic perspectives of the extremists who created the video. ACOG is strongly opposed to the spread of misinformation about reproductive health. State Minority Leader Sen. Raumesh Akbari said the video doesnt deserve a place in the curriculum. Students deserve unbiased, medically accurate sex education that helps them make healthy and safe decisions, Akbari said. This legislation achieves none of those goals. House Democrat Rep. Aftyn Behn argued the pro-life video is incredibly problematic and goes against Bulsos views on education. To use your own words Representative Bulso, when you were asked about a controversial piece of legislation you carried a few weeks ago, you said a school is a place where a child goes to learn, not a place where a child goes to be indoctrinated, Behn said. The House passed HB2435 with a 67-23 vote in March. Medical expert says video is medically inaccurate and disregards the mother The narrated film claims to provide a chronological account of what takes place during the different stages of pregnancy. The video begins with the fertilization and implantation of an egg and proceeds to show the embryonic and fetal development of a fetus. Republican Sen. Janice Bowling, who sponsored the Senate bill, said on Thursday she favored the legislation introduced by Bulso. Baby Olivia is a medically accurate, animated glimpse of human life in the moment of fertilization. This scientifically accurate video shows her growth as she progresses from one developmental stage to the next in preparation for her continued life outside the womb and, I repeat, this is one of the choices that teachers may choose in showing this type of information, Bowling said. Dr. Daniel Grossman, a professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of California, San Francisco, disagrees and points out multiple inaccuracies and said the lack of accurate medical information is concerning. The claim that life begins at the moment of fertilization is not a medical fact. In medicine, a pregnancy begins when a fertilized egg implants in the wall of a uterus, he told CNN. This would mean the timeline in the video dates the stages of pregnancy two weeks earlier, making it sound like the fetus is more developed than it actually is. So, the stage the fetus is in at 11 weeks in the video is actually a depiction of a 13-week old fetus, Grossman says. I think the danger of having biased and inaccurate information like this in schools is that it is being used to form and influence public opinion that ultimately affects the legality of abortionand potentially IVF, contraception, and other medical care, he added. The part of the video where the babys heartbeat is discussed is also not entirely accurate, Grossman says. The video claims the babys heartbeat can be heard at three weeks, and while rhythmic contractions of the cardiac tube can be seen on ultrasound at 5-6 weeks, according to Grossman, the heart does not fully form until 9 weeks. The video also claims a fetus can survive at 20 weeks with a lot of help outside the womb, however only 10% of babies born at 22 weeks survive long enough to be discharged from the hospital, according to Grossman. There is very little mention of the woman in whose body the embryo is developing, including how she may feel about the pregnancy and how it may be affecting her health, he added. Noah Brandt, vice president of communications for Live Action, the anti-abortion group that produced the video, says the group consulted with a panel of medical doctors including experts in embryonic and fetal development for the project. The group also says each doctor endorsed this presentation. Lila Rose, founder and president of Live Action expressed gratitude for the bills passage: I applaud the Tennessee state legislature for passing the Baby Olivia Act, a crucial step toward educating students about the amazing process of human development in the womb I look forward to Governor Lee swiftly signing this bill into law, setting a precedent for other states to follow in prioritizing comprehensive education on human development. Rep. Justin Jones raises his hand to be called on to speak on bill HB 2716 at the Tennessee State Capitol building during a general session in Nashville, Tennessee, on February 26, 2024. - Seth Herald/Reuters Tennessee Democratic Rep. Justin Jones said in a recent phone interview with CNN the new legislation was an attempt to merge religious beliefs with science and to confuse students with medically inaccurate information. It is shameful that this is what they are pushing in our schools when we are facing the situation where our schools are underfunded, our teachers are already being forced to ban history, to ban books about critical race theory, or about diversity, and yet theyre going to push this propaganda into our schools to present a view that is not factually accurate. Jones also said GOP representatives voted against an amendment that would allow parents to opt their children out of watching the video. CNN reached out to Lees office about the bill and whether it would be signed into law. If signed, the law will go into effect immediately starting with the 2024-2025 school year. CNN also reached out to Planned Parenthood for comment. This bill comes two years after the state of Tennessee banned abortions at all stages of pregnancy, even in cases of rape and incest. The ban only makes an exception if a pregnant womans life and body are at serious risk. Tennessee will join North Dakota in the adoption of the Baby Olivia bill. Similar legislation has also been under consideration in Iowa, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Missouri. CNNs Ryan Young and Dianne Gallagher contributed to this story. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Alexandra Ulmer (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign said a major fundraiser in Florida on Saturday raked in a massive $50.5 million as the former president seeks to replenish diminished coffers in his rematch against Democrat Joe Biden. The event, his biggest fundraiser yet, is a much-needed boost for Trump, who has been routinely outraised by Biden and is in the midst of a financial squeeze due to ballooning lawyer fees and legal payouts from his criminal and civil court cases. The dinner, hosted at billionaire hedge fund manager John Paulson's Palm Beach home, will allocate a portion of the money to be raised to a fundraising group that has spent tens of millions of dollars on Trump's legal fees. While Trump has struggled to get some major traditional Republican donors on board, he retains the support of some heavy hitters. Co-hosts on Saturday, for example, include hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer and his daughter and conservative activist Rebekah, investor Scott Bessent, and casino mogul Phil Ruffin, according to the fundraiser invitation seen by Reuters. "People are just wanting change. Rich people want it, poor people want it," said Trump in comments ahead of the fundraiser, flanked by his wife Melania Trump, who has largely stayed away from the campaign trail so far. Biden spokesperson Ammar Moussa said on social media site X that billionaires had flocked to Trump's event due to tax preferences. "The ultra-wealthy are really mad at Joe Biden for making them pay their fair share," he posted. Paulson has been floated by Trump as a potential Treasury secretary, according to two sources. Bessent has also been floated for the role, one of those sources said. In a statement on Saturday, Paulson said the "overwhelming support" at the dinner, which 100 guests were expected to attend, was a sign of enthusiasm for Trump. Trump spoke for roughly 45 minutes, touching on the economy and the southern border with Mexico, fundraiser George Glass, Trumps former ambassador to Portugal, told Reuters. "He also talked a lot about the unification of the party." The Republican candidate's camp stressed the haul was double what Biden raised last month in an over $25 million star-studded fundraiser with Democratic former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. The numbers will not be confirmed until filings are submitted to the Federal Election Commission. Campaigns sometimes exaggerate fundraising hauls to drive momentum. Trump's campaign said last month that it would be unable to match Biden's fundraising totals this year. His campaign, together with a joint fundraising committee, pulled in $20.3 million in February, compared with the more than $53 million raised by Biden's re-election effort that month. For Trump, "it will be important to figure out ways to continue this fundraising momentum with a combination of large/small dollar events," said Republican strategist Ron Bonjean. FINE PRINT More money is not always an indication of success, however. Trump beat Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016 after she raised $769.9 million, far more than the $433.4 million he raised. Trump, who clinched the Republican presidential nomination last month, can now raise money with the Republican National Committee (RNC), which his daughter-in-law co-chairs, ahead of the Nov. 5 election. The Trump 47 Committee, a new fundraising tie-up with the RNC, directs funds to Trump's Save America leadership group before anything goes to the RNC, the invitation shows. The Trump 47 Committee is asking top donors to contribute up to $814,600 per person. The first $6,600 of any person's contribution would go to Trump's presidential campaign, according to the invitation. A maximum of $5,000 per person would then be allocated to Save America. After Save America gets its share, the RNC would get a cut of up to $413,000. In the cases of the biggest contributions, a raft of Republican state parties would get funds too. (Reporting by Alexandra Ulmer. Additional reporting by Gram Slattery; Editing by Ross Colvin, Hugh Lawson and William Mallard) By Tom Balmforth and Yuliia Dysa KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine could run out of air defence missiles if Russia keeps up its intense long-range bombing campaign, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned in remarks aired on Saturday. The Ukrainian leader's starkest warning to date of the deteriorating situation faced by his country's air defences follows weeks of Russian strikes on the energy system, towns and cities using a broad arsenal of missiles and drones. "If they keep hitting (Ukraine) every day the way they have for the last month, we might run out of missiles, and the partners know it," he said in an interview that aired on Ukrainian television. Zelenskiy, who has been appealing to allies for weeks to rush in more air defences, said that Ukraine had enough stockpiles to cope for the moment, but that it was already having to make difficult choices about what to protect. He singled out in particular the need for Patriot air defence systems and said Ukraine needed 25 of them. The sophisticated U.S. air defence system has been vital during Russian attacks with ballistic and hypersonic missiles which can hit targets within a matter of minutes. His remarks followed a fresh spate of attacks that Ukrainian officials said killed civilians. Two Russian missile and drone strikes, one in the early hours of Saturday and a second in the afternoon, killed eight people and wounded at least 10 more people in northeastern Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city. In the eastern region of Donetsk, artillery shelling killed four people in the village of Kurakhivka including a 38-year-old woman and her 16-year-old daughter, and a 25-year-old man in the village of Krasnohorivka was killed, while in Odesa in the south, a missile strike killed one civilian. Ukraine's largest private power company DTEK says the strikes had hit 80% of its generating capacity and the grid has introduced rolling blackouts to stabilise the system. 'WE WILL AGREE TO ANY OPTIONS' The battlefield momentum has moved against Ukraine in recent months as Kyiv grappled with a slowdown in military assistance from the West and in particular from the United States. "The situation is difficult, but nevertheless stabilized. The enemy does not advance: when it takes steps forward, ours repel (them), and it retreats. On the contrary, our guys are taking some steps forward," he said. Zelenskiy said he still believed that a major aid package would be approved by Congress where it has been stuck in deliberations since late last year facing determined Republican opposition. "I still believe that we can get a positive vote in the United States Congress," he said. Asked by the interviewer about the possibility of Ukraine receiving the package in the form of a loan, he said: "We will agree to any options." He added that some artillery shells were being supplied to Ukraine under foreign initiatives that he did not name and that they were being used for defensive operations. "We don't have shells for counteroffensive actions, as for the defence - there are several initiatives, and we're receiving weapons," he said. The interview was recorded next to a military fortification in northeastern Chernihiv region, which borders Russia. It was not clear exactly which day the interview was recorded, but Zelenskiy met with a bipartisan group of members of Congress in the region on Friday. (Reporting by Yuliia Dysa in Kyiv and Elaine Monaghan in Washington Writing by Tom BalmforthEditing by Mark Potter, David Evans and Marguerita Choy) Mexico is breaking diplomatic ties with Ecuador after police raided its embassy in Quito to arrest former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had been seeking asylum there. Confirming the move in a statement to CNNE, a foreign ministry spokesperson said all Mexican diplomatic staff would leave Ecuador immediately. Mexico decried the raid as an outrage against international law, while the United Nations voiced concern. Under diplomatic norms, embassies are generally considered protected spaces. A rift between the two Latin American countries had been growing for several days, culminating Friday in Mexicos decision to grant political asylum to Glas, who served as vice president under leftist ex-President Rafael Correa between 2013 and 2017. Convicted twice on corruption charges, Glas says he is the subject of political persecution and had been sheltering inside the embassy. But on Friday, Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, on his official X account, said he had been informed that police from Ecuador forcibly entered the embassy and took Glas who was a refugee and processing asylum because of the persecution and harassment he faces. Video from the scene showed police officers massing around the embassy, some armed. A statement released by Ecuadors government on X also confirmed the arrest. Glas was sentenced to imprisonment by the Ecuadorian justice system, the statement from Ecuadors government read, and was arrested tonight and placed under the orders of the competent authorities. He had been granted diplomatic asylum contrary to the conventional legal framework, the government said. Glas has since been transferred to a maximum-security prison in Guayaquil known as La Roca, the national prisons agency SNAI announced Saturday. He had most recently been accused by Ecuadorian authorities of embezzling government funds meant to help rebuild after a devastating 2016 earthquake. What you have just seen is an outrage against international law and the inviolability of the Mexican embassy in Ecuador, Roberto Canseco, head of chancellery and policy affairs of the Mexican embassy, told a reporter from CNNE, calling Glass arrest totally unacceptable. It is barbarism, Canseco added. It is impossible for them to violate the diplomatic premises as they have done. Former Ecuador Vice President Jorge Glas speaks during an interview at his office in Quito on September 12, 2017. - Dolores Ochoa/AP At a news conference Saturday, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld said the decision to raid the Mexican embassy and arrest Glas was made in the face of a real risk of imminent escape. Sommerfeld also accused Mexico of violating the principle of non-intervention by letting Glas stay in the embassy and evade an order to appear before authorities in a corruption probe. The minister dismissed Mexicos claim that Glas was being politically prosecuted, saying: For Ecuador, no criminal can be considered a politically persecuted person when he has been convicted with an enforceable sentence and with an arrest warrant issued by the judicial authorities. Mexico plans to lodge a complaint with the International Court of Justice to denounce the Ecuadorian polices actions, the spokesperson for Mexicos foreign secretary added. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alicia Barcena said there had been no prior contact with Ecuadors foreign ministry about the arrest and Canseco was physically attacked during the raid. Video shows Canseco scuffling with police outside the embassy and being dragged to the ground. Adding to current tensions was Lopez Obradors apparent criticism of Ecuadors recent elections, saying the 2023 run-off vote took place in a very strange manner and suggesting presidential candidates had used the media, presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencios assassination and overall violence in their favor while campaigning. After that comment, Ecuador declared Mexicos ambassador to the country persona non grata, meaning they would have to leave the country in short order. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was alarmed by the forced entry, according to a statement on Saturday, saying the violations jeopardize the pursuit of normal international relations. His spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said Guterres reaffirmed the cardinal principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel. The dramatic rupture in relations sent shock waves through the region, with Latin American leaders swiftly condemning Ecuadors raid on the embassy. In a statement, Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Glass right to asylum had been barbarically violated and called for an urgent examination of the breach of the Vienna convention by a member state conducted by international bodies, including the Organization of American States. Nicaragua also said Saturday it would break all diplomatic relations with Ecuador following the raid. Eric Farnsworth, a former US State Department official who now heads the Washington office of the Council of the Americas and the Americas Society, called Ecuadors move impulsive and unnecessary. It turns a criminal into a victim and gives opponents a rally point against (Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa) whom they despise, he wrote on X, adding it ignites a state-to-state crisis with Mexico at a tough time. Ecuador, once seen as an island of peace in the region, has been convulsed by violence in recent years as powerful drug trafficking organizations established operations throughout the country. After violence broke onto the streets in January, Noboa took the extraordinary step of declaring an internal armed conflict in the country, ordering Ecuadors armed forces to neutralize members of more than 20 gangs, which he labeled as terror groups. The underlying story here is Latin American leaders who increasingly believe its necessary to violate the constitution, said Brian Winter, editor-in-chief of Americas Quarterly, or in this case break diplomatic convention because of the emergency generated by organized crime. CNNs Ana Maria Canizares, Ivonne Valdes, Abel Alvarado, Duarte Mendonca, Richard Roth, Chloe Liu and Juan Paz contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Bhopal: Defence minister Rajnath Singh has come out strongly in favour of the 'One Nation, One Poll' initiative during his address to BJP workers in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh on Saturday. He stated that it would bolster the country's strength and democracy. Singh emphasised that implementing the 'One Nation, One Poll' policy would empower voters to make informed choices and curb political malpractices like horse-trading. Accusing Congress and its allies of sowing discord among communities, Singh reaffirmed BJP's commitment to fair and inclusive governance, devoid of caste or religious bias. Highlighting the Modi government's track record, Singh asserted that it has maintained a clean slate in terms of corruption allegations, unlike the previous UPA regime where several ministers faced imprisonment due to corruption charges. Singh lauded BJP's track record of fulfilling its electoral promises, citing examples such as the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing concerns about national security, Singh assured that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country's borders are secure. In addition to Singrauli, Singh also addressed a rally in Sidhi, underscoring BJP's commitment to its principles and accomplishments during its tenure. All Indian military personnel, whether they be jawans or officers, swear allegiance only to the Constitution of India, and not to any national leader, party or even government. The sacred oath, I swear by God that I will safeguard and honour the Constitution, has remain unchanged, irrespective of many attempts to usurp, appropriate or even degenerate the institution towards partisan ends, by all ruling parties since Independence. It has occasionally been tantamount to misusing the noble doctrine of civilian control over the military, though the leadership and conduct of those in uniform, with the likes of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, Gen. K.S. Thimayya, Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh, Field Marshal S.H.F.J. Manekshaw and others have invariably steered the institution towards its constitutionalist anchorage. Many from the uniformed fraternity have subsequently transitioned to the political realm such as Maj. Jaswant Singh, Squadron Leader Rajesh Pilot, Maj. Gen. B.C. Khanduri, etc -- and yet each conducted their successful politics without invoking their foundational calling or suggesting any institutional preference towards any ideological or partisan flag. It is to their credit, that irrespective of their personal partisan choices, they refrained from affixing or extrapolating partisanship to the constitutionally apolitical institution. There have indeed been some cases of individual derelictions but by and large the Indian armed forces were spared the societal passions, morass and divides that could diminish the dignity and efficacy of the sword arm of the nation that was proudly inclusive, secular and non-discriminatory. In a politically charged environment, where politicians harbour scant respect for this sort of institutionalised restraint, rectitude and distance, the armed forces must stand ramrod straight as the custodians of constitutionalist traditions -- they simply cannot allow an unwarranted agenda or express opinions on matters (however pressing and resonating in civil society) that are best handled outside of the Army cantonments. It is for a good reason that politics, partisanship, or even covertly political topics are amongst the most discouraged topics of conversations amongst armed forces personnel. Sadly, of late we have seen an unusual access, un-restraining or civilising (in a non-military context) of the tradition-bound institution which did proudly bear its own quirks of regimentations and service norms that may have seemed anachronic or even dated to those outside. Importantly, these traditions were rooted in history (even if it were to be colonial), were charming, and brought incalculable elan and uniqueness to the institution which stood in good stead, whenever the armed forces were put to the test. Yet, it remained the most progressive, transformational, and forward-looking institution, without succumbing to divisiveness, as is the wont of Indias civil society. So, while the civil-political realm debates and devises the new policies (howsoever contentious), the armed forces typically retained a deliberate distance from expressing any opinion on matters that were beyond its remit, cultural ethos, and naturality. It is with this backdrop that the strange move by the Army authorities in Jammu and Kashmir to host a seminar on Navigating legal frontiers: Understanding Indian Penal Code 2023 and the quest for a Uniform Civil Code made for some disconcerting optics. Thankfully, better sense eventually prevailed, and the event got cancelled, presumably owing to the well-meant backlash from commentators, veterans and even state politicians who were concerned about the unwarranted initiative (from the militarys perspective) that has already divided the country on partisan lines. There are many serious issues in the country that could also involve the families of serving personnel of the armed forces -- such as the farmers protests, the Manipur riots, the protests over reservations, but it is not befitting of the institution to be seen to have an institutional view on these issues, owing to a combination of constitutional wiring, historical precedence and simple good sense that has withstood the test of time. To be seen debating issues like Uniform Civil Code by the armed forces is playing with fire. The hard line between politics and the armed forces must not get blurred. There are many social outreach programmes that the Army joins in the restive Kashmir Valley, but none of these have (or should have) any semblance of partisan angularity. Such healing outreaches by the Army are usually welcome by ordinary citizens who are caught between various forces -- from unhinged politicians or even across the border -- but that is not the same as discussing the merits or demerits of, say, the Uniform Civil Code by serving military personnel. Ultimately, whatever decision is taken by the political system and ratified as per constitutional means will be adhered to by the armed forces, whatever be the personal views of the armed forces personnel. It is with this acute sense of responsibility that the seniormost officer in the US armed forces, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, had publicly apologised for his unintentional presence at an event that could be construed as political. He had said, I should not have been there, and later clarified that my presence in that moment and in that environment created a perception of the military being involved in domestic politics. He went on to insist: We who wear the cloth of our nation come from the people of our nation, and we must hold dear the principle of an apolitical military that is so deeply rooted in the very essence of our republic. The same thing holds true for all personnel of Indias armed forces. We really have a historic opportunity to establish lasting peace in the South Caucasus. Armenia is committed to the peace agenda and approaches all issues constructively in negotiations. We have already reached a number of mutual agreements in our negotiations on the signing of a peace treaty. Unfortunately, there are two main issues where the visions of the parties are still far from each other, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan told Armenias Public Television late on Saturday. He said the first sticking point concerned the mutual recognition of territorial integrity and the further border delimitation process, while the second was the vision of the unblocking of transport links and infrastructure in the region. We had agreed several times at the highest level, at least three or four times there were meetings where the parties agreed, reaffirmed the recognition of each others territorial integrity on the basis of the [1991] Alma-Ata Declaration and agreed that the border delimitation will take place on the basis of the Alma-Ata Declaration. It is also strange for me that when we try to reflect this agreement, to refer to this declaration in the context of territorial integrity and border delimitation in the draft treaty, we see reluctance on the part of Azerbaijan, Mirzoyan said. He expressed hope that in the near future the sides will be able to reach a stronger mutual understanding on this issue. Commenting on the April 5 trilateral meeting in Brussels between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian, Mirzoyan said that no military component was discussed there. As a result of the meeting, the European Union and the United States unveiled an aid package to Armenia to show support for its efforts to deepen ties with the West. Von der Leyen and Blinken said the aid will help the South Caucasus nation increase its resilience and diversify its economy, which is heavily dependent on Russia. Mirzoyan also stressed that the statement issued by the parties after the meeting referred to no military component. However, increasing the resilience of Armenia eventually becomes the resilience of the security sphere, and we plan in the future to interact more closely with the European Union and deepen our bilateral relations, for which there are corresponding directions, Mirzoyan said. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Friday denounced the United States and the European Union for holding high-level trilateral negotiations with Armenia, saying that they are directed against Azerbaijan. Tensions along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan began to grow hours after the Brussels meeting, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire. Both sides reported shooting at various sections of the heavily militarized border during the nights of April 5-6 and April 6-7. In a statement issued on Saturday, Armenias Foreign Ministry said that the intention of Azerbaijans sporadic fire was to goad Armenian units into responsive measures, potentially to validate further escalation. It called on Azerbaijan to desist from actions conducive to such escalation. 7 April 2024 16:00 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more In a bid to reduce its dependency on the oil and gas sector and foster economic diversification, Azerbaijan is set to undertake a comprehensive review of its tax policy, according to a recent report by Fitch Solutions. The international credit ratings agency forecasts a significant rise in GDP per capita for Azerbaijan, predicting an increase from USD 8,612.0 in 2023 to USD 16,999.0 by 2033, citing potential upside risks stemming from currency stability. This positive outlook underscores the nation's commitment to steering its economy towards sustainable growth. "We expect nominal rising incomes and consumption to provide some support for the diversification of the economy away from the oil and gas sector. These factors will be particularly important for the sustainability of the economy over the long term, as an overreliance on energy exacerbates the risks of Dutch disease. The government is aware of the need for economic diversification and plans to introduce several measures to mitigate this risk," Fitch Solutions noted. Key among these measures is a fundamental restructuring of the non-oil tax policy, including the introduction of a flat tax system and a reduction in the value-added tax (VAT). These changes aim to create a more conducive environment for the growth of medium-sized companies, thereby promoting a more diversified economic landscape. "In addition, the government currently has several ambitious plans to improve infrastructure, particularly in energy and transport. These factors will aid the development of a competitive non-energy sector, which will support economic growth," the agency added. The emphasis on infrastructure development aligns with Azerbaijan's broader strategy of modernizing its economy and enhancing its competitiveness on the global stage. By investing in key sectors such as energy and transport, the government seeks to lay the groundwork for a thriving non-energy sector, capable of driving sustainable economic growth in the years to come. The proposed overhaul of the tax policy reflects a proactive approach by Azerbaijani authorities to address structural vulnerabilities and capitalize on emerging opportunities. By diversifying revenue sources and fostering an environment conducive to business growth, Azerbaijan aims to build a more resilient and dynamic economy, capable of withstanding external shocks and ensuring long-term prosperity for its citizens. As the nation embarks on this ambitious journey of economic transformation, effective implementation of these reforms will be paramount. Close collaboration between the government, private sector, and international partners will be essential to navigate potential challenges and unlock the full potential of Azerbaijan's economy. In conclusion, Azerbaijan's decision to review its tax policy comprehensively underscores its commitment to economic diversification and sustainable growth. With careful planning and execution, these reforms have the potential to reshape the country's economic landscape, laying the foundation for a more prosperous and resilient future. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 7 April 2024 20:57 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more As the Western forces approach the South Caucasus, Iran's mask drops down getting its real insidious intentions to be revealed. The April 5 meeting that discussed the West's plan to change the status quo in the South Caucasus met with dissatisfaction by the regional states. But except Iran alone... We remember that just a year ago, when the Zangazur issue was being discussed between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Iran's unnecessary interference was remembered with a famous expression: "The territory of Armenia is our red line." Tehran still swallow its words that it uttered in fury and rage at Baku. The territories of Armenia came under the influence of the United States and the European mission, not Azerbaijan. Thus, the United States brought NATO forces Irans biggest nightmare - to the territories of Armenia, where military exercises took place under the instruction of American officers. Nevertheless, Iran had no reaction to it, at all. Iran, which is trying to create a senseless scandal by calling a cattle farm in Azerbaijans Zangilan "a military base of a foreign country", does not express any concern to the fact that the European mission that controls the borders of Armenia from the north to the south is in the region, that is, right face to face with Iran near its border. It seems that Iran avoids the strong Azerbaijan factor more than the arrival of the Western forces in the region. If it were not so, Iran would not have initiated the transfer of arms and ammunition to Armenia in secret ways. The Iranian embassy in Azerbaijan has not yet clarified the information that has been spread about the cargo planes belonging to Iranian airlines carrying weapons to Armenia since the end of March. However, official Tehran knows that no secret operation can escape the attention of Azerbaijan. A few days ago, the weapons transported to Armenia on the Iranian Boeing-747 cargo plane were certainly not intended to attack Israel or the United States, but only to support the provocation directed against Azerbaijan. Further to Tehrans nefarious policy, a few days ago, it once again tried to draw attention to the Israeli-Azerbaijani relations by spreading information about the targeting of the Israeli embassy in Baku. However, this maneuver, which is Iran's traditional method, was aimed at Azerbaijan, not Israel. Iran expresses a number of opinions and statements about Palestine and even sends empty messages full of threats to Israel. However, it is no secret that all this is just bluff. Iran has never been an Islamic country and has never helped any Muslim country. Responding to the murder of tens of thousands of Muslims in Palestine with only "statements" also shows the absence of Iran's courage and exposes its hypocrisy. If this is not the case, then why does it expresses that it is an enemy of the United States and in fact engages in secret commercial activities? Both in diplomacy and in normal neighborly relations, this is even worse dishonesty and duplicity. The insincerity of Iran's "Muslim brotherhood" appeared with its disloyalty while supporting to Armenia. When the territories of Azerbaijan were under occupation, the Tehran regime was silent and ignored the Armenian vandalism in Garabagh, as well as the crimes committed against the local community. Although Armenians, insulted mosques in Garabagh over the last 30 years, Iran, which calls itself an Islamic state, sent fuel to Armenia. But why was it helping a country that turned those mosques into pig and animal sheds? After the end of the Armenian invasion, Iran repeatedly sent a sabotage group to Garabagh by secret means and tried to cause provocations through their mediation. This was an example of Iran's hostility to Azerbaijan in the region after 2020. Even now, Iran has been playing a secret game with the United States and does not interfere in the West's policy in the Middle East and the South Caucasus in exchange for condoning illegal oil sales. Conducting secret US-Iran meetings in the Gulf countries, children of people represented in the Iranian government studying in the US, doing business activities, etc., all these make Iran shut its mouth and blind to the ongoing threat approaching to the South Caucasus. --- Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews Deputy Editor-in-Chief; follow him on @ElnurMammadli1 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Profile: Ma Shitu -- centenarian, renowned author who persisted in writing Xinhua) 10:33, April 07, 2024 This file photo taken on July 1, 2022 shows renowned Chinese writer Ma Shitu in southwest China's Sichuan Province. He passed away on the evening of March 28, 2024 at the age of 109. (Xinhua) CHENGDU, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The body of the renowned Chinese writer Ma Shitu was cremated on Thursday in the city of Chengdu in the southwest of China. He passed away on the evening of March 28 at the age of 109. Born in 1915, Ma was a prominent writer, poet, and calligrapher. He was known for novels such as "Qingjiang Epic" and "Ten Amazing Stories," with a story from the latter adapted into the award-winning film "Let the Bullets Fly." He once talked about his longevity, saying: "I've lived to be 106 years old. I can still eat and walk, and have a clear mind. It seems I may still live on." During his early years, he studied at the department of Chinese language and literature at the National Southwestern Associated University, under the tutelage of famous Chinese scholars of the 20th century such as Wen Yiduo, Shen Congwen, and Zhu Ziqing. He joined the Communist Party of China in 1938. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, he held several offices in southwest China's Sichuan Province, overseeing the construction of Chengdu's sewer system, and projects that preserved the forest at the famous Jiuzhaigou scenic spot and countered grassland desertification. Despite his busy work schedule, Ma persisted with his writing endeavors. He believed that hard work enriched one's life and enabled one to contribute more to society. Even when his vision severely deteriorated after reaching the age of 100, Ma continued to write, completing several books during this time. Huang Lixin, president of the Sichuan People's Publishing House, witnessed firsthand the dedication of this writer even after reaching 100 years of age. The publishing house published Ma's book on oracle bone inscriptions. "For the publication of this book, Ma spent almost every minute apart from eating and sleeping reviewing the manuscript word by word with a magnifying glass," said Huang. "Ma Shitu's literary path provides multiple perspectives and insights for contemporary Chinese literature," Tie Ning, chairperson of the China Writers Association, once commented. "His style originates from folk traditions, from which he constructed an artistic space with modern sensibilities and Chinese characteristics, through creative transformation and innovation." Ma was also an accomplished calligrapher. He often auctioned his calligraphy works and donated the proceeds in support of young literary talents. Ma Shitu's daughter, Ma Wanmei, said that earlier this year, despite his illness, her father had still wished to hold a calligraphy exhibition in Beijing, meet old friends, and donate the proceeds to young students. Now, the renowned writer has passed away, but his literary works, as well as his resolute and optimistic personality, will live on and continue to inspire future generations. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) 7 April 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Chairman of the Azerbaijan State Tourism Agency Fuad Naghiyev has discussed the prospects of tourism cooperation with the Chairperson of Saint Petersburg's Tourism Development Committee Sergey Korneev. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the creation of joint tourism routes, investment opportunities, educational programs, and the development of relations among the tourism companies in line with the Roadmap for the Development of Tourism Between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation in 2024-2026. The sides also touched upon the issues related to hosting marketing events in 2024, participating in exhibitions, organizing workshops and presentations, and opening a tourism representative office in Moscow to promote Azerbaijan's tourism potential in Russia. Note that tourism between Azerbaijan and Russia has been steadily growing in recent years. Speaking to Azernews on the issue, an expert in tourism, Rahman Quliyev, said that taking into account that there are restrictions on the access of Russian citizens to some countries against the background of the Russia-Ukraine war, of course, we should take advantage of this situation in the right way. We must provide our best service for the flow of Russian citizens to Azerbaijan to be regular and permanent. "Russia is a strategically important state for Azerbaijan. Azerbaijanis and Russians are close peoples. There is also the language factor. It is very important for Russians that Russian tourists can comfortably visit Azerbaijan, and travel throughout the country. Also maintaining a high level of public order in Azerbaijan is important for Russian tourists. They continue their journey in Azerbaijan very comfortably. In this regard, we are expanding our relations with Russia. Of course, most of these relationships are bound with the economy, and tourism is another branch of it. Investors are among the tourists who come here. As I mentioned before, there were historical and friendly relations between Russia and Azerbaijanis. We, as Azerbaijan, have always demonstrated our neutral and humane position. Therefore, every tourist coming to Azerbaijan should be warmly welcomed and sent off as a guest of Azerbaijan," the expert said. He pointed out that tourism is one of the important sectors in the economy. As a result of the far-seeing purposeful policy of the country's leadership, today Azerbaijan live and maintain friendly relations with neighboring countries, except for Armenia. He emphasized that it is as a result of the successful policy of the head of the country, Ilham Aliyev, that tourism, like other sectors of Azerbaijan's economy, is developing. "Therefore, we must put all our efforts to attract Russian tourists to the country. Because we were not able to make Azerbaijan known in the world in terms of tourism before, we lived in war conditions. However, today our territorial integrity has been restored and our territories have been freed from occupation. We will also rebuild the tourism infrastructure in the liberated territories. Therefore, we should use the experience of our Russian colleagues and Russian friends. As we know, there are thermal sanatoriums like Kislavodsky in Russia, where we can gain more experience as well. We are moving towards improvement. As time is evolving, new equipment is invented. Therefore, the experience of our Russian colleagues in terms of thermal sanatoriums is important for us," the expert added. --- Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 7 April 2024 10:02 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more The U.S. Embassy has announced that the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA) is soliciting applications from Azerbaijani citizens for a masters degree program in journalism and media management offered by its Caucasus School of Journalism and Media Management, Azernews reports, citing US Embassy in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The coursework will be taught by local professors with international experience and visiting instructors from the United States and European universities. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State. The overall goal of the program is to build professional journalism and media management skills in the South Caucasus. Up to five Azerbaijani participants will be selected for the program, which will be offered over the course of four semesters from September 2024 to June 2026. Students interested in journalism, media, communications, graphics, photojournalism, content development and other related fields are welcome to apply. The students will study in Tbilisi, Georgia from September 2024 until December 2025 and will work on their diploma portfolio in January-June 2026. Students will be expected to return to Georgia for the defense of their thesis/final project in July 2026. While studying at GIPA, students will have access to computers, audio and video equipment, and a journalism library. GIPA students are eligible to participate in the Erasmus+ Exchange programs and receive funding for one semester education at a different European university but will be required to work closely with GIPA to ensure they complete the GIPA program requirements if they choose to do so. The program curriculum provides a hands-on, experiential approach to learning the latest techniques for fact-based, professional reporting and writing for print, online and broadcast media. Coursework also includes media management techniques and relevant topics including business management, legal issues, and media ethics. The U.S. Embassy in Baku provides tuition support and financial assistance for the duration of students studies in Georgia (three semesters) for students who demonstrate financial need. The selection process requires the submission of an application package (see details below) and an English-language interview with the admissions committee in Baku. Strong English language skills, as demonstrated at the oral interview, are required. The deadline for submission of the application packet is May 5, 2024. A full application packet should include the following: 1. Application Form 2. Three Reference Letters 3. Statement of Purpose (minimum 300 words) 4. Copies of Diplomas * 5. University Transcripts 6. Copy of ID Card or Passport * Note: Recent graduates who have not yet received their diploma may still apply and submit a letter from their university confirming their graduation. They will need submit a diploma by August 01, 2024. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 7 April 2024 10:44 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more The April 5 US-EU-Armenia trilateral meeting in Brussels hurts peace and stability in the region, reads a statement by the Community of Western Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing Community. The community stressed that the meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen took place despite serious protests from the Azerbaijani government and public, as well as sensible circles of the international community. "It is clear from the information disseminated following the meeting that the European Union and the United States have decided to provide significant financial assistance to Armenia. By assisting Armenia rather than Azerbaijan, the only party affected by the conflict, the EU and the US are encouraging this country, which has destroyed and polluted Azerbaijani territories with mines. It also encourages Armenia to launch new attacks against Azerbaijan," the statement reads. The statement notes that despite appeals by the Western Azerbaijani Community, the issue of the return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia was not put on the agenda of the meeting, which shows the hypocrisy of the US and EU on the issue of human rights. "The community calls on the EU and the US to stop the policy of double standards and not to take steps that aggravate the situation in the region. If the EU and the US are really interested in respect for human rights and peace in the region, they should support not Armenia, which is pursuing a militaristic policy, but Azerbaijan, which is facing destruction and a mine problem, and facilitate the return of Western Azerbaijanis to their ancestral homeland," the statement reads. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 7 April 2024 11:05 (UTC+04:00) The discovery of the remains of a family, victims of discrimination and ethnic cleansing, after 32 years in a cemetery found in the Khojaly district, underscores Armenia's commission of war crimes and its violation of international humanitarian law norms, Azernews reports. We periodically recall that the Armenian side, in gross violation of international law norms, denied the families of nearly 4,000 Azerbaijani civilians lost during the conflict the right to receive any information for nearly 30 years. Additionally, they have yet to provide any information about mass burial sites to Azerbaijan," said Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) Sabina Aliyeva as she commented on the issue of emerging more facts related to crimes against humanity committed by Armenia. Thus, two individuals whose identities have been recently confirmed - Basira Maharramova and Vagif Maharramov, who went missing during the Khojaly genocide committed by the Armenian armed forces in February 1992, have been buried today, she added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 7 April 2024 11:26 (UTC+04:00) US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mark Libby shared a post from Beshbarmag mountain, Azernews reports. My family and I will never forget the natural beauty and spiritual atmosphere of Besbarmaq Mountain, Ambassador Libby noted. The ambassador's visit underscores the significance of Beshbarmag as a captivating natural landmark in Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 7 April 2024 12:08 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more "The opening of Azerbaijan's embassy in Israel is an indicator of the increasing strength and closeness of Baku-Tel Aviv relations." Azernews reports that this was noted by Israel's ambassador to Azerbaijan, George Dick, in his post commemorating the 31st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Israel. "Today, on April 7, we celebrate the 31st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Azerbaijan. Just a year ago, we celebrated the opening of Azerbaijan's embassy in Israel. This stage underscores the growing strength and closeness of our relations. Here's to a future filled with even brighter prospects for our friendship!" the diplomat wrote. It is worth noting that on December 25, 1991, Israel officially recognized Azerbaijan's independence, becoming one of the first countries to do so. The following year, diplomatic relations between the two countries were established. In 1993, the Jewish state opened an embassy in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan's diplomatic mission in Israel was established at the end of 2022 and began its activities in March 2023. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 7 April 2024 13:11 (UTC+04:00) The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Azerbaijan expressed concern over the detention of well-known eco-activist Greta Thunberg in The Hague, Azernews reports. "We are disturbed by the detention of the prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg during peaceful demonstration in The Hague. As a COP29 presidency we call on the Dutch authorities to respect the freedom of expression of climate protestors, and release those detained," the ministry said in a post on X. Earlier Greta Thunberg was detained at a protest in The Hague. The proterters oppose fossil fuel subsidies and the climate policies of the outgoing Dutch government. In protest, they tried to block a road intersection and the A12 motorway. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 7 April 2024 15:17 (UTC+04:00) The President of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has approved the Memorandum of Understanding envisaging the exchange of initial information for the facilitation of transit customs procedures within the framework of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project between the governments of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye. According to Azernews, this matter has been highlighted in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkiye, which publishes new legislation and other official announcements. "On August 18, 2022, based on Article 5 of Law No. 244 and Articles 2 and 3 of Presidential Decree No. 9, a decision was made to approve the additional "Memorandum of Understanding on the exchange of initial information for the facilitation of transit customs procedures within the framework of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Government of Georgia, and the Government of the Republic of Turkiye," the document states. It should be noted that the Memorandum was signed by the Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan on behalf of the Azerbaijani government, Shahin Baghirov, who temporarily performs the duties of the chairman, Rza Tuna Turagay, Deputy Minister of Trade of Turkiye, and the head of the Customs Administration, and Levan Kakava, Director of Revenue Service on behalf of the Georgian government. The purpose of the document is to implement the electronic exchange of initial information for the facilitation of customs procedures regarding goods transported in transit through the territories of all three states within the framework of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 7 April 2024 15:49 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more The Western Azerbaijani Community responds to the provocative views expressed by the European Union's spokesman Peter Stanon in his interview with the Armenian service of "Azadlq" Radio on April 6, 2024, Azernews reports. The statement reads: "The EU official extensively discusses the importance of the principle of territorial integrity in response to questions about Armenia and seemingly tries to demonstrate their adherence to international law. He also raises the issue of creating conditions for the return of ethnic Armenians to Azerbaijan. A simple question arises where was the EU when Armenia occupied 20% of Azerbaijani territories over 30 years? Why does the EU remain silent about the continued occupation of 8 Azerbaijani villages by Armenia? Why doesnt the EU address the issue of the return of the 300,000 Azerbaijanis expelled in the last wave of ethnic cleansing in Armenia and the mass destruction of Azerbaijani cultural heritage in Armenia? It appears that the rights of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia are less relevant now because some time has passed since their expulsion. Exploiting the longing of Western Azerbaijanis for their homeland for over 30 years is the greatest injustice against them. All this proves the ethnic and religious selectivity of the EU. The EU is neither sincere about human rights nor about international law. The EU's policy is based on using the rights of Armenians in Azerbaijan as an outdated excuse to provoke Armenia against Azerbaijan. We strongly reject the EU's provocative approach and demand an end to it. There should be no discrimination in the return issue, the principle of reciprocity should be respected, and the return of Western Azerbaijanis who have been waiting for more than 30 years should be prioritized as a matter of urgency." --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 7 April 2024 22:17 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more The Azerbaijani Army officer, severely injured in the anti-terror measures has died from injuries in a medical facility, Azernews reports, citing Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan. On September 19-20, 2023, Lieutenant Bagirov Ulvi Hanifa oglu, an officer of the Azerbaijan Army, who was seriously injured during the anti-terror measures in the Karabakh economic zone, has died on April 7, 2024 in the medical institution where he was treated. The leadership of the Ministry of Defense expresses deep condolences to the family and relatives of the martyred officer and asks for patience. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 7 April 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The Slovak company Klein Vision announced that it had sold a license for the production and sale of flying cars for the Chinese market to Hebei Jianxin Flying Car Technology, located in Cangzhou, Hebei Province of Northern China, Azernews reports, citing foreign media outlets. Designed for use on the ground and in the air, the device is capable of transforming from a car into an airplane in 3 minutes with a flight speed of up to 300 kilometers per hour and a flight range of more than 1,000 kilometers. The vehicle received a "Certificate of Airworthiness" from the Slovak Transport Authority after completing 70 hours of rigorous flight tests in accordance with the standards of the European Aviation Safety Agency. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 'Sinister' graffiti daubed on the walls of a house in the Sicily Park area of south Belfast. 07/04/2024 A man whose south Belfast house was daubed with graffiti telling him he is not welcome in the area after he spoke out against racism has said that he feels personally targeted but knows it does not represent the neighbourhood as a whole. Takura Donald Makoni (48) woke up on Sunday morning to find the words Taura not welcome spray painted on the walls of his home in the Finaghy area. Police are treating the criminal damage as a hate crime and believe that it occurred some time between 2am and 4am. Its something that I dont welcome, but I understand the behaviour so to speak from working in the public sector, said Mr Makoni, who works with the African & Caribbean Support Organisation in Northern Ireland. The person tried to write my name and even the wording that was used the last time I spoke out, it was about people not being welcome in this area so for me, it feels like Im being personally targeted. The father-of-four openly condemned racist posters that popped up on lampposts in the area last month, which were calling for the Housing Executive to stop housing illegal immigrants. The placards stated: "We have had enough of undesirables and immigrants being placed into our community." Similar signs were also seen in west Belfast, Belvoir and Newtownards. Mr Makoni had reported the signs to police and had then said that he did not believe they expressed the views of the majority of people in Finaghy, and he reiterated that point again following the recent vandalism to his home. Since Ive spoken out about this, Ive received overwhelming support from people within this area of south Belfast, including messages from my childrens school teachers, local politicians, local shop owners and neighbours, he told The Belfast Telegraph. It [the graffiti] really came as a surprise because Ive received overwhelming support. For me, it doesnt represent what people in this neighbourhood think of us or people like us; it represents the thoughts of probably an individual. Mr Makoni added that he has already received calls of support from Claire Hanna MP, Kate Nicholl MLA, and the PSNI Chief Inspector for Belfast, further noting that the police have checked in on him several times. I dont feel in any way intimidated or afraid. My main concern, which is also why I spoke out a month ago, is for members of the community who dont have the voice to speak out, who are afraid to speak out, or who may not have contacts like I do, he said. My intention by speaking out is to bring attention to these issues so that people understand, there are probably 28 hate crimes that have happened today, and Im just one of them. The other 20-odd may have gone unreported Really, coming out and speaking out is not for my personal sake, its for members of the community who dont get to voice their concerns, as well as those who dont get to have their concerns resolved. Alliances Kate Nicholl described the incident as "an appalling and sinister attack which was designed to threaten Takura for speaking out. Those behind it do not represent South Belfast which is a community of compassionate, kind and welcoming people, she continued. "However, that does not diminish its impact on those people who are being targeted. It creates fear and it is completely unacceptable. "I have reported this graffiti to the PSNI and I would urge anyone with any information to contact them urgently. "It's time for all parties to come together and condemn racism. It is always left to the same people to speak out and if were serious about tackling this we need to do so together. Our next meeting of the Assembly's All-Party Group on Ethnic Minority Communities will be with key representatives to discuss how we can shut this down." Chief Inspector Mark Conway said: "We are treating this as a hate-motivated crime and our enquiries are ongoing. The sentiment expressed is unacceptable and I am appealing to anyone with information that could assist enquiries to get on touch on 101 quoting reference 498 07/04/24." Irish unity is a legitimate political aspiration but will not be a priority for incoming Taoiseach Simon Harris. In his first interview since taking over as leader of Fine Gael following the shock resignation of Leo Varadkar, Mr Harris set out his position on a united Ireland. The UKs support for Israel is not unconditional, Lord David Cameron has suggested. The Foreign Secretary placed further pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the killings of three British aid workers in an air strike by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). Writing in the Sunday Times six months on from the October 7 Hamas attack which sparked the conflict in Gaza, Lord Cameron issued a warning over Israels compliance with international law. John Chapman, James Henderson and James Kirby (World Central Kitchen/PA) It follows Rishi Sunaks own message to Israel, in which he said Britain continues to stand by the Middle Eastern nations right to defend its security, while adding the UK remains appalled by the aid workers deaths. John Chapman, 57, James Jim Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, were the three Britons who died in air strikes carried out by the IDF on an aid convoy on April 1. The IDF described the incident as a grave mistake stemming from a serious failure, and dismissed two officers as a result. But Lord Cameron said there is no doubt where the blame lies, adding: This must never happen again. Sunday marks six months since the October 7 attack in which Hamas militants breached the barrier between Gaza and Israel and attacked military bases and civilian communities. More than 1,100 people were killed in the attack, with 250 more captured as hostages by Hamas, approximately 130 of whom remain in captivity. It was the trigger for Israels military action in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 33,000 Palestinians, according to the territorys Hamas-run health authority, as well as mass displacement of the population and a humanitarian crisis. The Prime Minister said Israeli wounds are still unhealed and insisted Hamas must return its hostages. Mr Sunak added: We continue to stand by Israels right to defeat the threat from Hamas terrorists and defend their security. But the whole of the UK is shocked by the bloodshed, and appalled by the killing of brave British heroes who were bringing food to those in need. The UK had been straining every sinew to get aid into Gaza, he added, while calling for an immediate humanitarian pause in the fighting, leading to a long-term sustainable ceasefire. A Royal Navy ship is to be deployed to the eastern Mediterranean to help launch a new sea corridor for supplies, alongside 9.7 million in UK funding, the Government has announced. Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy (Lucy North/PA) David Lammy, Labours shadow foreign secretary, called for Israeli hostages to be returned home and condemned the intolerable death and destruction of the IDFs military campaign. But in contrast to the Prime Minister, he called for an immediate ceasefire. In recent weeks, the Government has come under pressure to reveal whether it has received legal advice about continuing arms sales to Israel. Mr Lammy insisted the Government must unequivocally commit to complying with international law in this conflict, including following the licensing criteria governing arms sales. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden has suggested the UK would stop arms sales to Israel if it was found to be in breach of international law (Jordan Pettitt/PA) The UK would stop arms sales to Israel if it was found to be in breach of international law, Oliver Dowden has suggested. The Deputy Prime Minister said the UK would not supply those arms if it was unable to legally do so. It comes amid mounting pressure on ministers to reveal what legal advice they have received on continuing arms exports to Israel. Mr Dowden said the Israelis had made big mistakes during the war, but would not be drawn into revealing the content of advice to ministers. The issue has gained traction in recent days amid the political fallout following the killings of three British aid workers by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), an attack it admitted was a grave mistake. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said the UK will not supply arms to Israel if it cannot do so legally (Jordan Pettitt/PA) There does however appear to be a divide within Government over the strength of approach towards Israel. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has warned that Britains support for Israel is not unconditional, amid continuing concerns over its Gaza campaign. But Mr Dowden suggested Israel is held to a higher standard than other countries, and some of its critics relish pushing a case against the Middle Eastern nation. The Deputy Prime Minister was asked by the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg if the Government would stop arms sales if it received legal advice that Israel was in breach of international humanitarian law. He replied: If it is the case that we cant lawfully, in accordance with the Act do so, of course we wont supply those arms, but that is precisely the position, for example, even in respect of the United States or any other country around the world. We rightly hold ourselves to a high standard, and we hold the countries to whom we export arms to a high standard, and I think that is what you would expect. And it contrasts so strongly, our adherence to very high values, with the appalling atrocities that have been committed by terrorist organisations against Israel. Mr Dowden would not reveal details of what legal counsel Lord Cameron has received on the matter, but said the Government receives periodic advice updates. Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch makes the final decision on arms export licences, based on advice from the Foreign Secretary. Mr Dowden insisted the UK has not given the IDF carte blanche and has held robust conversations with Israels leaders following the killings of British aid workers John Chapman, 57, James Jim Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47 on April 1. Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said he has serious concerns about a breach in international humanitarian law by Israel (Jordan Pettitt/PA) On whether the UK should continue to supply arms, the Cabinet minister told Sky News: The manner in which some people are seizing on this issue and trying to hold Israel to incredibly high standards of course it is right that we hold Israel to high standards, but I just think there is a bit of relish from some people about the way in which they are pushing this case against Israel. Mr Dowden said he would not go so far as to suggest this is coded antisemitism, but said people need to remember the trauma Israelis are suffering. Of course Israel has made mistakes, and made big mistakes, and we should hold them to account for that, but we are holding them to a very high standard, he added. This stands in contrast with Lord Cameron, who said there is no doubt where the blame lies for the attacks, adding in a Sunday Times article: This must never happen again. Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy told Sky News he has serious concerns about a breach in international humanitarian law by Israel. The Tottenham Labour MP urged Lord Cameron to reveal what legal advice he has received, and asked him to make an unconventional appearance at the threshold of the House of Commons to answer MPs questions on the ongoing conflict. Sunday marks six months since the October 7 attack in which Hamas militants breached the barrier between Gaza and Israel and attacked military bases and civilian communities. More than 1,100 people were killed in the attack, with 250 more captured as hostages by Hamas, approximately 130 of whom remain in captivity. It was the trigger for Israels military action in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 33,000 Palestinians, according to the territorys Hamas-run health authority, as well as mass displacement of the population and a humanitarian crisis. The head of the UNs atomic watchdog agency has condemned a drone strike on one of six nuclear reactors at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, saying such attacks significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident. In a statement on social media platform X, Rafael Mariano Grossi confirmed at least three direct hits against the main reactor containment structures took place. This cannot happen, he said. 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 He said it was the first such attack since November 2022, when he set out five basic principles to avoid a serious nuclear accident with radiological consequences. Officials at the plant said the site was attacked on Sunday by Ukrainian military drones, including a strike on the dome of the plants sixth power unit. Russia blamed Ukraine for the attack, but the UNs International Atomic Energy Agency did not attribute blame. Kyiv officials made no immediate comment. According to the plant authorities, there was no critical damage or casualties and radiation levels at the plant were normal after the strikes. Later on Sunday, however, Russian state-owned nuclear agency Rosatom said that three people were wounded in the unprecedented series of drone attacks, specifically when a drone hit an area close to the sites canteen. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Sunday that its experts had been informed of the drone strike and that such detonation is consistent with IAEA observations. In a separate statement, the IAEA confirmed the physical impact of drone attacks at the plant, including at one of its six reactors. One casualty was reported, it said. Damage at unit six has not compromised nuclear safety, but this is a serious incident with potential to undermine the integrity of the reactors containment system it added. The power plant has been caught in the crossfire since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and seized the facility shortly after. 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 IAEA has repeatedly expressed alarm about the nuclear power plant, Europes largest, amid fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe. Both Ukraine and Russia have regularly accused the other of attacking the plant, which is still close to the front lines. The plants six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday called the drone attacks on the plant a very dangerous provocation. This is a very dangerous practice that has very bad, negative consequences in the future, Mr Peskov said during his daily conference call with reporters. An official at Energoatom, Ukraines atomic energy company, blamed Russia for the attacks, saying they were a provocation orchestrated to malign Ukraine. The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the record. Also on Sunday, three people were killed when their house was hit by a Russian projectile in the frontline town of Huliaipole in Ukraines partly occupied south-eastern region of Zaporizhzhia, regional governor Ivan Fedorov said. Later on Sunday, two people were wounded in another shelling of Huliaipole. Separately, three people were wounded in Russian shelling in Ukraines north-east region of Kharkiv, according to regional governor Oleh Syniehubov. In Russia, a girl died and four other people were wounded when the debris of a downed Ukrainian drone fell on a car carrying a family of six people in Russias Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said. International leaders have condemned Ecuador after police in Quito broke into the Mexican Embassy to arrest former vice president Jorge Glas, who had been granted political asylum(Cesar Munoz/AP) International leaders have condemned Ecuador after police in the countrys capital broke into the Mexican Embassy to arrest a former vice president who had been granted political asylum. The raid late on Friday prompted Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to break off diplomatic relations with Ecuador, while his governments foreign relations secretary said the move will be challenged at the World Court in The Hague. Police broke through the external doors of the embassy in Quito to arrest Jorge Glas, who had been residing there since December. He had sought asylum after being indicted on corruption charges and it had been granted hours earlier. The break-in was widely condemned. People protest outside the Ecuadorian Embassy in Mexico City after police broke into the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest Jorge Glas (Ginnette Riquelme/AP) The Organisation of American States in a statement reminded its members, which include Ecuador and Mexico, of their obligation not to invoke norms of domestic law to justify non-compliance with their international obligations. The Spanish foreign ministry, in a statement on Sunday, said: The entry by force into the Embassy of Mexico in Quito constitutes a violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. We call for respect for international law and harmony between Mexico and Ecuador, brotherly countries to Spain and members of the Ibero-American community. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said: The United States condemns any violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and takes very seriously the obligation of host countries under international law to respect the inviolability of diplomatic missions. He called on both countries to resolve their differences. Honduran President Xiomara Castro, writing on X, formerly Twitter, characterised the raid as an intolerable act for the international community and a violation of the sovereignty of the Mexican State and international law because it ignores the historical and fundamental right to asylum. Ecuadors Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld said the decision to enter the Mexican Embassy in Quito was made by President Daniel Noboa (Dolores Ochoa/AP) Diplomatic premises are considered foreign soil and inviolable under the Vienna treaties and host country law enforcement agencies are not allowed to enter without the permission of the ambassador. People seeking asylum have lived anywhere from days to years at embassies around the world, including at Ecuadors in London, which housed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for seven years because British police could not enter to arrest him. Alicia Barcena, Mexicos secretary of foreign relations, on Friday posted on X that a number of diplomats suffered injuries during the break-in. She said Mexico will take the case to the International Court of Justice to denounce Ecuadors responsibility for violations of international law. She also recalled Mexican diplomats. On Saturday, Glas was taken from the attorney generals office in Quito to the port city of Guayaquil, where he will remain in custody at a maximum-security prison. People who had gathered outside the prosecutors office yelled Strength as he left with a convoy of police and military vehicles. Glass lawyer, Sonia Vera, told the Associated Press that officers broke into his room and he resisted when they attempted to put his hands behind his back. She said the officers then knocked him to the floor, kicked him in the head, in the spine, in the legs, the hands, and, when he couldnt walk, they dragged him out. Ecuadors former vice president Jorge Glas had sought asylum in the Mexican Embassy in Quito after being indicted on corruption charges (Dolores Ochoa/AP) Ms Vera said the defence team was not allowed to speak with Glas while he was at the prosecutors office, and it is now working to file a habeas corpus petition. Authorities are investigating Glas over alleged irregularities during his management of reconstruction efforts following a powerful earthquake in 2016 that killed hundreds of people. He was convicted on bribery and corruption charges in other cases. Ecuadors Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld told reporters on Saturday that the decision to enter the embassy was made by President Daniel Noboa after considering Glass imminent flight risk and exhausting all possibilities for diplomatic dialogue with Mexico. Mexico granted Glas asylum hours before the raid. Ms Sommerfeld said it is not legal to grant asylum to people convicted of common crimes and by competent courts. Mr Noboa became Ecuadors president last year as the nation battled unprecedented crime tied to drug trafficking. He declared the country in an internal armed conflict in January and designated 20 drug-trafficking gangs as terrorist groups that the military had authorisation to neutralise within the bounds of international humanitarian law. A military vehicle transports former Ecuadorian vice president Jorge Glas from the detention centre where he was held after police broke into the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest him (Dolores Ochoa/AP) Will Freeman, a fellow of Latin American studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said the decision to send police into Mexicos embassy raises concerns over the steps Mr Noboa is willing to take to get re-elected. His tenure ends in 2025 as he was only elected to finish the term of former president Guillermo Lasso. I really hope Noboa is not turning more in a Bukele direction, Mr Freeman said, referring to El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, whose tough-on-crime policies have been heavily criticised by human rights organisations. Thats to say, less respectful of rule of law in order to get a boost to his popularity ahead of the elections. Mr Freeman added that whether Glas was abusing diplomatic protection is a separate issue from the decision to send police to the embassy. We see a pattern of that in Latin America, with politicians abusing embassies and foreign jurisdictions, not to flee prosecution but to flee accountability, he said. The Mexican Embassy in Quito remained under heavy police guard after the raid the boiling point of recent tensions between Mexico and Ecuador. Glass lawyer said she fears something could happen to him while in custody considering the track record of the countrys detention facilities, where hundreds of people have died during violent riots over the past few years. Those killed while in custody include some suspects in last years assassination of a presidential candidate. In Ecuador, going to jail is practically a death sentence, Ms Vera said. We consider that the international political and legal person responsible for the life of Jorge Glas is President Daniel Noboa Azin. Israels military quietly drew down troops in devastated northern Gaza earlier in the war (Leo Correa/AP) Israels military announced it has withdrawn its forces from the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, wrapping up a key phase in its ground offensive against the Hamas militant group and bringing its troop presence in the territory to one of the lowest levels since the six-month war began. But defence officials said troops were merely regrouping as the army prepares to move into Hamass last stronghold, Rafah. The war in Gaza continues, and we are far from stopping, said the military chief, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi. Local broadcaster Channel 13 TV reported that Israel was preparing to begin evacuating Rafah within one week and the process could take several months. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is prepared for any response (Abir Sultan/Pool/AP) Still, the withdrawal was a milestone as Israel and Hamas marked six months of fighting. Military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity under army policy, said a significant force remained in Gaza with freedom of action to continue targeted operations including in Khan Younis, a Hamas stronghold and hometown of the groups leader, Yehya Sinwar. AP video in Khan Younis on Sunday showed some people returning to a landscape marked by shattered multi-storey buildings and climbing over debris to explore crumbled, dusty remains. Israel has vowed a ground offensive on the southernmost Gaza city of Rafah, considered Hamass last stronghold, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday told his Cabinet that victory means elimination of Hamas in the entire Gaza Strip, including Rafah. But Rafah shelters some 1.4 million people more than half of Gazas population. The prospect of an offensive has raised global alarm, including from top ally the US, which has demanded to see a credible plan to protect civilians. Allowing people to return to nearby Khan Younis could relieve some pressure on Rafah. White House national security spokesman John Kirby told ABC the US believes that the partial Israeli withdrawal is really just about rest and refit for these troops that have been on the ground for four months and not necessarily, that we can tell, indicative of some coming new operation for these troops. People in Tel Aviv protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government (Ariel Schalit/AP) Israels military quietly drew down troops in devastated northern Gaza earlier in the war. But it has continued to carry out air strikes and raids in areas where it says Hamas has resurfaced, including Gazas largest hospital, Shifa, leaving what the head of the World Health Organisation called an empty shell. The six-month mark has been met with growing frustration in Israel, where anti-government protests have swelled and anger is mounting over what some see as government inaction to help free about 130 remaining hostages, about a quarter of whom Israel says are dead. Hamas-led militants took about 250 captives when they crossed from Gaza into Israel on October 7 and killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Several thousand protesters called for a hostage deal now at a rally outside the Knesset in Jerusalem, organised by hostages families. Negotiations in pursuit of a ceasefire in exchange for the hostages release were expected to resume in Cairo on Sunday. An Israeli delegation led by the head of the Mossad intelligence agency was due to depart for Cairo, according to an Israeli official. People take part in a protest in Tel Aviv against the Israeli government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas (Ariel Schalit/AP) Israel is prepared for a deal. Israel is not prepared to surrender, Mr Netanyahu said, and asserted that international pressure on Israel is only causing Hamas to harden its positions. Pressure rose for action now. This doesnt seem a war against terror. This doesnt seem anymore a war about defending Israel. This really, at this point, seems its a war against humanity itself, chef Jose Andres told ABC, days after an Israeli air strike killed seven of his World Central Kitchen colleagues in Gaza. Aid deliveries on a crucial new sea route to the territory were suspended. Humanity has been all but abandoned in Gaza, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said in a statement marking six months of war. The UN and partners now warn of imminent famine for more than one million people in Gaza as humanitarian workers urge Israel to loosen restrictions on the delivery of aid overland, the only way to meet soaring needs as some Palestinians forage for weeds to eat. 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 Mothers who have given birth in Gaza since the war began are especially vulnerable. The Health Ministry in Gaza said the bodies of 38 people killed in Israels bombardment had been brought to the territorys remaining functional hospitals in the past 24 hours. It said 33,175 have been killed since the war began. It does not differentiate between civilians and combatants but says two thirds of the dead are children and women. Israels military continued to suffer losses, including in Khan Younis, where the military said four soldiers were killed. More than 600 Israeli soldiers have been killed since October 7, including 260 in the Gaza ground operation, according to Israels government. A tent camp housing Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive is seen in Rafah (Hatem Ali/AP) Concerns about a wider regional conflict continued as a top Iranian military adviser warned Israel that none of its embassies were safe following last weeks strike in Damascus blamed on Israel that killed two elite Iranian generals and flattened an Iranian consular building. None of the embassies of the (Israeli) regime are safe anymore, General Rahim Safavi, a military adviser to Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was quoted as saying by the semi-official Tasnim agency. Israel has not directly acknowledged its involvement. Mr Netanyahu said Israel was prepared for any response. Whoever harms us or plans to harm us, we will harm them, he said. Russias government has declared flooding in the Orenburg region a federal emergency (Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service/AP) Russias government declared flooding in the Orenburg region a federal emergency on Sunday, state media reported. The floods, caused by rising water levels in the Ural River, have forced more than 4,000 people, including 885 children, to evacuate, the regional government said. State news agency Tass said a further 2,000 homes were flooded, taking the total in the area to nearly 6,300. Emergency workers rescue a local resident after part of a dam burst, causing flooding, in Orsk, Russia (Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service/AP) Russias Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenkov arrived in Orsk one of the hardest-hit cities on Sunday to supervise rescue operations. I propose classifying the situation in the Orenburg region as a federal emergency and establishing a federal level of response, the minister said, according to RIA Novosti. Orsk, less than 13 miles (20km) north of the border with Kazakhstan, suffered the brunt of the floods, which caused a dam to break on Friday, according to Orsk Mayor Vasily Kozupitsa. By Sunday morning, 4,500 residential buildings in the city with a population of 200,000 were flooded and evacuation efforts were continuing, Tass said. A Russian Emergency Ministry worker carries a dog during an evacuation of local residents in Orsk (Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service/AP) A criminal probe has been launched to investigate suspected construction violations that may have caused the dam to break. Local authorities said the dam could withstand water levels up to 18ft (5.5). On Saturday morning, the water level had reached 30.51ft (9.3m) and was still rising, Mr Kozupitsa said. On Sunday, the level in Orsk reached 31.82ft (9.7m), according to Russias water level information site AllRivers. Officials in Orsk reported on Sunday that four people had died, but said their deaths were not related to the flooding. The floods, caused by rising water levels in the Ural River, have forced more than 4,000 people to evacuate (Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service/AP) Officials in the regional capital (also called Orenburg) some 155 miles (250km) away from Orsk, wrote on Telegram on Sunday that the situation in the city was getting worse, as water levels increased by 11.02in (28cm) compared with the previous day. More than 1,300 homes were flooded and 428 people had been evacuated, they said. Footage from Orsk and Orenburg showed water covering the streets dotted with single-storey houses. The designation of the situation as a federal emergency reflects the risk of flooding beyond the Orenburg region. An emergency worker carries belongings of evacuated residents (Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service/AP) Russias Ministry for Emergency Situations evacuated around 820 people in the neighbouring Samara region, the ministrys regional directorate said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had spoken with Minister Kurenkov, as well as the heads of the Kurgan and Tyumen regions, located in the Ural Mountains area, to discuss the situation and the need for early adoption of measures to assist people and their possible evacuation. Preventative evacuation began on Sunday in two districts of the Kurgan region, the regional department of Emergency Situations Ministry wrote on Telegram. The Ural River, about 1,509 miles (2,428km) long, flows from the southern section of the Urals into the north end of the Caspian Sea, through Russia and Kazakhstan. Justice delayed is justice denied for loved ones betrayed by legacy act Victims campaigner Raymond McCord among relatives behind new film that tells their harrowing stories of loss Raymond McCord in The Victims' Stories Ivan Little Sun 7 Apr 2024 at 11:00 Its not the sort of homecoming that Raymond McCord would ever have wanted. Indian stunner: Kaitlyn Clarke on flying flag for NI at Miss World finals in Mumbai Primary schoolteacher had a ball although she couldnt wait to get back for roast dinner Miss NI Kaitlyn Clarke in traditional dress in India John Toner Sun 7 Apr 2024 at 08:00 Beauty queen Kaitlyn Clarke has returned from Miss World 2024 hungry for success and a good roast dinner. Craigavon strongman accused of domestic abuse given permission to compete in $350k competition This weekends event in the Caribbean will be shown on Amazon Prime Sean O'Hagan Paul Higgins Sun 7 Apr 2024 at 09:50 A strongman accused of domestic abuse has had his bail varied to take part in a contest in the Caribbean. Fraudster back in court over illegal advert on Belfast apartment block Case centring on contested signage at Lisburn Road site dates back to 2017 Dream Apartments on the Lisburn Road, Belfast Christopher Woodhouse Sun 7 Apr 2024 at 08:40 Businessman Tom Smyth is being brought to court accused of illegally displaying an advert for his Dream Apartments business on one of his own buildings. I was turned down for Game of Thrones, says Line of Duty star Martin Compston Line of Duty star wasnt asked back after his initial audition for pilot episode of HBO fantasy epic Martin Compston in Belfast's Duke of York with manager Paul O'Hare David O'Dornan Sun 7 Apr 2024 at 22:00 Line of Duty star Martin Compston has revealed he was knocked back after an audition for Game of Thrones. Pictured: Inside the Belfast flat so squalid a neighbour had to move out Resident in downstairs flat unaware of what lay above...then her ceiling began to leak Rubbish in the flat above Xenia Godfrey's home Christopher Woodhouse Sun 7 Apr 2024 at 10:50 These are the shocking conditions in which a man was living potentially for years before it was discovered by his housing association. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Rain likely. Low 43F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Rain likely. Low 43F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. SANDISFIELD Every day at dawn and dusk for about two weeks, Marilyn Scaglione heard mewling from the woods near her house in Sandisfield. I felt so bad for it, Scaglione said, who went out looking for the source. On Thursday night, she was hiking in the woods with Techie, her 3-year-old Rottweiler rescue. She nearly tripped over the small animal in her path. It was Techie who stopped her from doing so. Scaglione's attempted rescue bears lessons for those who come across young or injured animals. Sometimes the best course isn't the most obvious. It just seemed so sad and alone, she said. It was alone, it was on the ground, and it was dragging its back legs. An opossum den was nearby and her dog found a dead opossum within it. Techie, who was a guard dog, didnt try to harm it. Hes a big love ball, Scaglione said. He probably thought he had a new friend. Scaglione picked up the young animal, walked 10 minutes back to her house and made a beeline for her computer to contact friends through social media about next steps. I didnt know what to do with it, Scaglione said. She typed with one hand and held the animal in the other. Her son took photos, which she posted with her question. Advice began pouring in, and she located one of Berkshire Countys 11 licensed wildlife rehabilitators who agreed to accept the young animal. As she made the drive, Scaglione donned a baby sling, holding the wheel with one hand and keeping a hand on the kit with the other. It didnt try to bite me or anything like that, she said. It was very calm. Dave Wattles, black bear & furbearer biologist for the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, said the state Environmental Police contacted MassWildlife about this case Friday. If it was still in the possession of the individual, we were going to seize the animal, he said. Obviously only a licensed rehabilitator can possess wildlife legally. So we wanted to make sure, particularly if the animal was a coyote, that it wasn't in the hands of the public for very long. Coyotes habituate easily to humans making it difficult to release them back to the wild. This animal, though, turned out to be a red fox kit, six to 10 weeks old, and things didnt turn out well. The young animal later regurgitated and died. Foxes feed regurgitated rodents to their young. Particularly because of the presence of the dead opossum nearby, there's speculation the kit may have been poisoned. Its entirely possible that the parents consumed a rodent that had been poisoned, Wattles said. In the case of a small animal like a pup that doesn't have a well-developed immune system, those poisons can accumulate very quickly leading to complications and potentially death. Wattles said mammals arent the only wildlife vulnerable to this particular threat. Owls, eagles and other birds of prey have also been poisoned by eating rodents that consumed poison. Its also possible the fox kit may have been abandoned, or even rejected, by its parents, but thats not typical of young animals found alone this time of year. I can't tell you the number of young wildlife that likely are not orphaned, that are basically kidnapped by the public, he said. Many species leave their young alone for extended periods of time while they forage or they get food to the young to bring it back. Thats what fox[es] and coyotes do. Deer will leave their fawns alone. Rabbits will leave their nests alone. Bare-handed contact with a wild animal may lead to an unintended result for the human and the animal: Potential exposure to rabies, leading the state Department of Public Health to order an animal euthanized in order to test it for that disease. That's why it's best to contact someone who knows what they're doing so that they don't do something that's going to harm the animal long term, Wattles said. People who take in a wild animal sometimes will sometimes feed it the wrong stuff, which can harm an animals digestive tract long term. It's not as simple as just grabbing an animal and saying, I'm going to help it. It's best to get it into the hands of someone who knows what they're doing sooner rather than later, he said. Wattles advises the wisest course of action may be to allow nature to take its course. Leave the animals alone, Wattles said. It's the best thing for them to do. The state offers further guidance on what to do if you find a young animal alone that might be sick or injured at bit.ly/43PDWh9. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Cost should not be the overbearing factor in consideration of a united Ireland, Simon Harris has insisted. The Fine Gael leader and incoming taoiseach said despite his view that reunification should not be a priority at the present time, he said he remained committed to the objective and hoped he would see it achieved in his lifetime. Advertisement Mr Harris told reporters on Friday that achieving a united Ireland was not where his priorities currently lie. On Sunday he was asked about that stance and also on the findings of a new study from the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) that suggested unification could cost the Government 20 billion a year for 20 years, with a 25 per cent increase in taxation potentially needed to shoulder the costs of uniting the North and the Republic. Instinctively, I want to see a united Ireland and cost isnt the overbearing factor, Mr Harris told RTE in response to the reports findings. Advertisement But he stressed his priority was harnessing the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement and building better cross-border relations. Mr Harris, who is set to become taoiseach on Tuesday, will attend a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council in Armagh on Monday. Advertisement It will be outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkars last political engagement before formally tendering his resignation to the President, Michael D Higgins, on Monday evening. Mr Harris said he would not be dismissive of the IIEA report but said its findings had prompted a lot of scrutiny. Theres a dynamic effect to any economic change, but the point is the Good Friday Agreement provides a way forward for peoples political aspirations, he told RTEs The Week In Politics show. The priority right now, in my view, for the people on the island of Ireland is to live in peace, live in prosperity, get to know each other better, cooperate and collaborate. Advertisement Fine Gael leader Simon Harris speaking at the 82nd Fine Gael Ard Fheis (Brian Lawless/PA) In a later interview with RTEs This Week programme, Mr Harris was asked if he was turning his back on Fine Gaels founding principle of seeking a united Ireland. Let me be clear, I want to see a united Ireland, I believe in a united Ireland, it is in the title of my party, he said. Advertisement He added: Its my personal political aspiration that we would see one in my lifetime but Im one person, as taoiseach of this country, should I be given that honour next week, my immediate priority will be on ensuring that we can see the full potential and beauty of the Good Friday Agreement in peace and prosperity across this island and closer relationships with our nearest neighbour in the UK. And I think thats where the focus should be right now. Mr Harris said peace on the island was enduring but cautioned that it could be chilly and frosty at times. So, I want my focus to be on practical areas of cooperation and collaboration and getting to know each other better, he added. A six-year-old girl is recovering after being rescued from the sea at the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire in Dublin last night. The Coast Guard rescue helicopter 116 was part of a multi-agency response involving the RNLI, gardai and Dublin Fire Brigade. Advertisement The alert was raised by members of the public shortly after 8pm last night. RNLI operations manager Ed Todderdell said their rescue team navigated difficult conditions - getting into the water in just six minutes to bring the young girl to safety. Mr Todderdell told Newstalk: "Andy Hayes on helm, and we had Garry Hayes and Alva Smith. Not only that, but there's a whole backup that goes with it, down at the station we had lots of people who were ready with first aid kits, blankets, when the boat came back in with the little girl on board. "The team could transfer her very quickly, get her into the warm, and our own team could start basic first aid while the fire brigade arrived about two minutes later." The incident occurred as Ireland was being hit with heavy rain and winds due to Storm Kathleen. A Dublin man appeared in court completely nude and refused to wear clothes after his "emotional support" cat went missing during a traffic stop arrest. The facts of the case were laid bare when Joseph Davis (51) appeared before Judge Marie Quirke at a weekend sitting of Dublin District Court. Advertisement Mr Davis, of Ashington Mews, Dublin 7, was charged with Road Traffic Act offences of failing to give gardai his details and not keeping the car stationary during an alleged incident on Friday at Dunsink Drive in Finglas. Judge Quirke heard the motorist refused to wear his clothes when brought to the courthouse. She remanded him in custody with consent to 200 bail, directed medical attention and asked gardai to find out what happened to his cat, Oliver. Mr Davis entered the stunned courtroom naked with his hands over his private parts, but within seconds he stood with arms outstretched to argue his case after rejecting the services of a lawyer telling him to "f*** off". Advertisement Judge Quirke told him to sit down, but he stood and claimed he had been stripped and humiliated as he demanded an opportunity to speak. Garda Eva Mahedy said the accused made no reply to the charge at Finglas station, where he was offered bail but refused to sign his bond. She added that there was no objection to his bail, but the gardai sought a 100 cash lodgement. "I don't see his wallet on him today," the judge remarked, at which Mr Davis interjected, "you don't see f***ing anything". Advertisement The court sergeant informed the judge the man had his property, including his clothes, and "he just won't put them on". Mr Davis went on a tirade but was warned that anything said must be relevant to the case. "Let me tell you my story. This is relevant; this is my story. What happened yesterday. I was travelling with my companion pet Oliver, he normally comes into this court. I was dropping off legal documents pertaining to a legal case in the High Court." He remained on his feet throughout the nine-minute hearing. Advertisement Mr Davis called gardai scum, maintaining he tried to show them the documents and that he had been bashed. He claimed he had been lent the car involved in the alleged offence and demanded, "now, where is my emotional support animal?" The court heard a doctor attended him in the Garda station and gave him advice, but the accused claimed he was seen by someone who did not speak "f***ing English". He said he was stressed because his emotional support animal was missing. Mr Davis, who is unemployed, banged on the glass barrier in front of the dock and called out: "Where is my emotional support animal?" Advertisement The judge was told that Mr Davis was previously allowed to bring the cat to court with him, provided he kept it on a leash. Judge Quirke described it as "an impossible situation"; Mr Davis agreed and said, "Please, I need to find my animal. I'm lost without him, and he is lost without me". Judge Quirke set his bail and directed immediate medical attention while he remained in custody. While escorted from the courtroom, he replied that he did not need a doctor, just his pet. The judge assured him, "all that will be looked into". He has yet to plead to the charges and will appear at Cloverhill District Court on Tuesday. A lifeboat volunteer who jumped into the sea to save a young girl has revealed that pockets of air trapped under her coat helped keep her afloat before the rescue. Andrew Sykes was on board the RNLI lifeboat that reached the girl and pulled her out of the water within eight and half minutes of receiving the emergency call on Saturday evening. Advertisement The operation was mounted after the girl was swept out to sea from the east pier of Dun Laoghaire Harbour in Co Dublin at around 8.20pm. The incident came amid rough seas as Storm Kathleen hit Ireland. Advertisement Mr Skyes, a volunteer helm with the RNLI, said the stormy conditions made the rescue operation difficult. With the high winds and storm we were experiencing, with large waves and surge coming off the pier, to get alongside her was extremely difficult. She would be pushed one way and we would be pushed another, he told the PA news agency. After two attempts to reach the girl from within the boat, Mr Skyes entered the water to grab hold of her and help her onboard. Advertisement He said she was calm and alert and was lying on her back in the water with her arms out wide. Mr Skyes said the air trapped in her coat was crucial. She had a jacket on and capsules of air had become trapped in it those kept her afloat, he said. Advertisement Ed Totterdell, lifeboat operations manager at RNLI Dun Laoghaire Lifeboat Station, and lifeboat volunteer Andrew Sykes (RNLI/PA) Ed Totterdell, lifeboat operations manager at Dun Laoghaire Lifeboat Station, praised the skills of the crew members involved in the rescue. It showed the talent of the crew on board that they were able to do it, they were ready for it, he said. After being pulled from the water, the girl was taken to hospital for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement The Coast Guard, RNLI, Garda, ambulance service and Dublin Fire Brigade were all involved in the operation. The Coast Guards Rescue 116 helicopter was also deployed. Dun Laoghaire Fine Gael TD Jennifer Carroll MacNeill praised the extraordinary efforts of the rescuers. Fianna Fail TD Cormac Devlin described the rescuers as heroic. Thank you and I hope that the young girl is recovering well, he posted on X, formerly Twitter. In a statement on Sunday, the Garda said: Gardai assisted emergency services in the rescue of a female child who had gone into the water at Dun Laoghaire harbour yesterday evening. The child was rescued from the water by emergency services and taken to hospital in south Dublin to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Around 34,000 customers lost electricity supply on Saturday as Storm Kathleen swept across the island, with orange wind warnings in effect in southern and western parts. A few thousand customers remained without power overnight but by Sunday afternoon almost all had had their supply restored. A status-yellow wind warning covering Donegal, Mayo and west Galway was lifted at 4pm on Sunday. As we say hello to the warmer months, now is the time to put away your corduroy trousers, thermal tops and heavy coats and give your wardrobe a seasonal update. But what menswear looks are trending this spring? Nick Drewe, retail and trend expert from online platform Wethrift, predicts mens fashion this season will continue to lean towards a more retro look, blending nostalgia from the Eighties, Nineties and early Noughties with some fresh updates. Advertisement Personal stylist Daniel Johnson (daniel-johnson.com) agrees: Fashion is cyclical, old trends come back around, and right now that trend is without doubt the Nineties. Tapping into trends doesnt have to mean buying everything new, however. And you certainly dont need to be buying things you dont think youll wear beyond one season. Johnson adds: Buy to last, buy pre-loved. Attitudes towards buying clothes have changed significantly, especially with eBay sponsoring Love Island. The throw-away culture is dwindling and the buy less, buy better quality idea is setting in. Preloved designer clothing is something to look at if you want to wear a designer piece that youll keep forever. Relaxed silhouettes Advertisement Vintage vibes are here to stay (Alamy/PA) Looser fits and more casual proportions will take a lead, such as relaxed-fit jeans, shirts and outerwear. These slightly oversized styles embody the laidback and effortless style reminiscent of the Nineties and early Noughties. Sonny Grant-OSullivan, director and master tailor at clothing atelier Grant and OSullivan, says: The shift towards comfort and functionality post-pandemic has kept relaxed silhouettes in the spotlight. Brands like Loewe and Isabel Marant have been pivotal in bringing this comfortable yet stylish aesthetic to the forefront. Experts say this style reflects a growing demand for fashion that seamlessly blends style, comfort and practicality. Advertisement To make this trend more everyday, pair relaxed trousers or an oversized blazer with more fitted items to maintain structure, suggests Grant-OSullivan. This works well for most body types, emphasising comfort without sacrificing style. Baggy Nineties looks are in (Alamy/PA) And if you want to nail the Nineties vibe, Johnson says: What this means is bigger, wider silhouettes. Wider cuts on jeans are firmly in, think Levis 501s rather than skinnys. Bermuda shorts instead of tailored slim fits. Hoodies instead of jackets. Advertisement Covid made us all more relaxed in our clothing choices. After a few years of either fluctuating between extreme comfort or being suited up, comfort and style have found a good balance; think knitted polo shirts with denim jeans and bomber jackets, rather than blazers and trousers, he adds. If you are to wear tailoring, make it unstructured and relaxed. Drewe suggests channelling your inner Justin Timberlake, with baggy acid-washed jeans and a matching denim jacket, saying you can layer this outfit with a vest underneath for a stylish yet lightweight look this spring. Dont fancy going too head-to-toe baggy? Jennifer Lemm, founder and embroidery expert at The One Stop Embroidery Printing Co, says: I suggest you try and pair oversized outerwear with slim-fit bottoms to maintain neat proportions, and dont be afraid to experiment with colour combinations to add visual interest. When wearing relaxed clothes, I would aim to balance the loose fit with more structured pieces to avoid looking sloppy. Veeraj Haria-Shah, founder of clothing brand Coconut Residence, says overshirts and mid-weight chore jackets or shackets are a great addition for this look, adding: These bridge the gap between casual and smart-casual attire, making them essential additions to any wardrobe during transitional weather. Advertisement Bold prints Nows the time to experiment with prints and patterns (Alamy/PA) Bold prints, including floral and abstract patterns, have made a significant comeback this season too. Grant-OSullivan says designers like Gucci and Versace showcased these patterns on the runway, embracing a more vibrant and expressive approach to menswear. Designers appreciate bold prints for their versatility and ability to inject personality into any outfit, Grant-OSullivan adds. Theyre seen as a celebration of individuality and a departure from more traditional, subdued menswear. For everyday wear, incorporating bold prints in statement pieces like a shirt or a bomber jacket is bang on. Pairing these with solid colours helps maintain a balanced look, if youre keen to avoid anything too overpowering. Vibrant colour The future is bright (Alamy/PA) Following seasons dominated by neutral tones, more vibrant colour schemes have emerged as a refreshing change in menswear, championed by designers such as Dries Van Noten and Prabal Gurung. Grant-OSullivan says: These colours reflect optimism and a forward-looking attitude. Designers appreciate their ability to make a statement and uplift the wearers mood. How colourful you go is a personal choice. But even the colour-cautious can experiment with brighter looks. Lemm suggests: For pastel colours, try adding them into accessories like your trainers or hats for a subtle pop of colour. Just make sure you dont overpower the outfit. You could also consider integrating vibrant hues with neutral basics to keep your look accessible. For example, a bright top can really complement classic denim or khaki bottoms, which results in a balanced and versatile everyday look. Linen and lightweight wool Raid pre-loved platforms for quality woollens (Alamy/PA) As we move into the warmer months, fabrics like linen and lightweight wool provide comfort and breathability, with brands such as Zegna often emphasising these materials for their combination of elegance and practicality. Appreciated for their natural fibres and sustainability, these materials are favoured for spring and summer collections, says Grant-OSullivan. Drewe suggests: Crochet cardigans are a great alternative that you wont overheat in once we see warmer climates. For example, you can opt for a plain crochet pattern for a day-to-day casual outfit at work, or a more colourful patterned cardigan if you want to stand out. These looks can be styled in a number of ways too, from formal suits to casual blazers or trousers. Stylists recommend pairing them with cotton shirts for a classic and breathable outfit suitable for all occasions. Vests and denim Double or triple denim, anyone? (Alamy/PA) Theres nothing more simple than a plain vest but Drewe predicts well see a lot of men sporting this wardrobe staple this spring and summer. Their versatility is perfect for the unpredictable weather throughout spring, as you can layer them during colder periods, or style with shorts or jeans as the warmer weather hits, adds Drewe. He recommends pairing a simple white vest with a statement jacket for a more dressed-up look, or you can keep it casual by layering with a sweater. Reviving the classic Nineties retro look, the double denim trend has made a full-circle comeback too and this is a great combo to pair with a simple vest. Israels military announced it has withdrawn its forces from the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, wrapping up a key phase in its ground offensive against the Hamas militant group and bringing its troop presence in the territory to one of the lowest levels since the six-month war began. But defence officials said troops were merely regrouping as the army prepares to move into Hamass last stronghold, Rafah. Advertisement The war in Gaza continues, and we are far from stopping, said the military chief, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi. Local broadcaster Channel 13 TV reported that Israel was preparing to begin evacuating Rafah within one week and the process could take several months. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is prepared for any response (Abir Sultan/Pool/AP) Advertisement Still, the withdrawal was a milestone as Israel and Hamas marked six months of fighting. Military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity under army policy, said a significant force remained in Gaza with freedom of action to continue targeted operations including in Khan Younis, a Hamas stronghold and hometown of the groups leader, Yehya Sinwar. AP video in Khan Younis on Sunday showed some people returning to a landscape marked by shattered multi-storey buildings and climbing over debris to explore crumbled, dusty remains. Israel has vowed a ground offensive on the southernmost Gaza city of Rafah, considered Hamass last stronghold, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday told his Cabinet that victory means elimination of Hamas in the entire Gaza Strip, including Rafah. But Rafah shelters some 1.4 million people more than half of Gazas population. The prospect of an offensive has raised global alarm, including from top ally the US, which has demanded to see a credible plan to protect civilians. Allowing people to return to nearby Khan Younis could relieve some pressure on Rafah. Advertisement White House national security spokesman John Kirby told ABC the US believes that the partial Israeli withdrawal is really just about rest and refit for these troops that have been on the ground for four months and not necessarily, that we can tell, indicative of some coming new operation for these troops. People in Tel Aviv protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government (Ariel Schalit/AP) Israels military quietly drew down troops in devastated northern Gaza earlier in the war. Advertisement But it has continued to carry out air strikes and raids in areas where it says Hamas has resurfaced, including Gazas largest hospital, Shifa, leaving what the head of the World Health Organisation called an empty shell. The six-month mark has been met with growing frustration in Israel, where anti-government protests have swelled and anger is mounting over what some see as government inaction to help free about 130 remaining hostages, about a quarter of whom Israel says are dead. Hamas-led militants took about 250 captives when they crossed from Gaza into Israel on October 7 and killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Several thousand protesters called for a hostage deal now at a rally outside the Knesset in Jerusalem, organised by hostages families. Advertisement Negotiations in pursuit of a ceasefire in exchange for the hostages release were expected to resume in Cairo on Sunday. An Israeli delegation led by the head of the Mossad intelligence agency was due to depart for Cairo, according to an Israeli official. People take part in a protest in Tel Aviv against the Israeli government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas (Ariel Schalit/AP) Israel is prepared for a deal. Israel is not prepared to surrender, Mr Netanyahu said, and asserted that international pressure on Israel is only causing Hamas to harden its positions. Pressure rose for action now. This doesnt seem a war against terror. This doesnt seem anymore a war about defending Israel. This really, at this point, seems its a war against humanity itself, chef Jose Andres told ABC, days after an Israeli air strike killed seven of his World Central Kitchen colleagues in Gaza. Aid deliveries on a crucial new sea route to the territory were suspended. Humanity has been all but abandoned in Gaza, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said in a statement marking six months of war. The UN and partners now warn of imminent famine for more than one million people in Gaza as humanitarian workers urge Israel to loosen restrictions on the delivery of aid overland, the only way to meet soaring needs as some Palestinians forage for weeds to eat. It's has been six months since the dramatic escalation of hostilities in Israel and Palestine resulting in unbearable pain and suffering. The @IFRC has supported both @Mdais, in Israel, and the @PalestineRCS through months of catastrophic and ever-escalating violence and hunger. pic.twitter.com/FfyQDmP8rw IFRC (@ifrc) April 7, 2024 Mothers who have given birth in Gaza since the war began are especially vulnerable. The Health Ministry in Gaza said the bodies of 38 people killed in Israels bombardment had been brought to the territorys remaining functional hospitals in the past 24 hours. It said 33,175 have been killed since the war began. It does not differentiate between civilians and combatants but says two thirds of the dead are children and women. Israels military continued to suffer losses, including in Khan Younis, where the military said four soldiers were killed. More than 600 Israeli soldiers have been killed since October 7, including 260 in the Gaza ground operation, according to Israels government. A tent camp housing Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive is seen in Rafah (Hatem Ali/AP) Concerns about a wider regional conflict continued as a top Iranian military adviser warned Israel that none of its embassies were safe following last weeks strike in Damascus blamed on Israel that killed two elite Iranian generals and flattened an Iranian consular building. None of the embassies of the (Israeli) regime are safe anymore, General Rahim Safavi, a military adviser to Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was quoted as saying by the semi-official Tasnim agency. Israel has not directly acknowledged its involvement. Mr Netanyahu said Israel was prepared for any response. Whoever harms us or plans to harm us, we will harm them, he said. Rwandan President Paul Kagame blamed the inaction of the international community for allowing the 1994 genocide to happen as the central African country marked 30 years since an estimated 800,000 people were killed by government-backed extremists. Rwanda has shown strong recovery and economic growth in the years since, but scars remain and there are questions about whether genuine reconciliation has been achieved under the long rule of Mr Kagame, whose rebel movement stopped the genocide and seized power. Advertisement He has been praised by many for bringing relative stability but vilified by others for his intolerance of dissent. Mr Kagame led sombre commemoration events in the capital, Kigali, on Sunday. Rwandan President Paul Kagame delivers his speech in Kigali to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1994 genocide (Brian Inganga/AP) Advertisement Foreign visitors included a delegation led by Bill Clinton, who was US president during the genocide, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The killings were ignited when a plane carrying then-president Juvenal Habyarimana, a Hutu, was shot down over Kigali. The Tutsis were blamed for downing the plane and killing the president, and became targets in massacres led by Hutu extremists that lasted more than 100 days. Some moderate Hutus who tried to protect members of the Tutsi minority were also killed. Rwandan authorities have long blamed the international community for ignoring warnings about the killings, and some Western leaders have expressed regret. Advertisement Bill Clinton, who was US president at the time of the genocide, led a delegation of foreign visitors (Brian Inganga/AP) Mr Clinton, after leaving office, cited the Rwandan genocide as a failure of his administration. French President Emmanuel Macron, in a pre-recorded video ahead of Sundays ceremonies, said France and its allies could have stopped the genocide but lacked the will to do so. Advertisement Mr Macrons declaration came three years after he acknowledged the overwhelming responsibility of France Rwandas closest European ally in 1994 for failing to stop Rwandas slide into the slaughter. It was the international community which failed all of us, whether from contempt or cowardice, Mr Kagame said in a speech after lighting a flame of remembrance and laying a wreath at a memorial site holding the remains of 250,000 genocide victims in Kigali. He also shared the story of a cousin whose family he tried to save with the help of UN peacekeepers. She did not survive. US President Joe Biden said in a statement: We will never forget the horrors of those 100 days, the pain and loss suffered by the people of Rwanda, or the shared humanity that connects us all, which hate can never overcome. Advertisement Rwandan President Paul Kagame lights a memorial flame at the Kigali Genocide Memorial (Brian Inganga/AP) Rwandas ethnic composition remains largely unchanged since 1994, with a Hutu majority. The Tutsis account for 14% and the Twa just 1% of Rwandas 14 million people. Mr Kagames Tutsi-dominated government has outlawed any form of organisation along ethnic lines, as part of efforts to build a uniform Rwandan identity. National ID cards no longer identify citizens by ethnic group, and authorities imposed a tough penal code to prosecute those suspected of denying the genocide or the ideology behind it. Some observers say the law has been used to silence critics who question the governments policies. Rights groups have accused Mr Kagames soldiers of carrying out some killings during and after the genocide in apparent revenge, but Rwandan authorities see the allegations as an attempt to rewrite history. Mr Kagame has previously said his forces showed restraint in the face of genocide. Tanzanias President Samia Suluhu Hassan, centre, and other dignitaries laid wreaths at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in the Rwandan capital (Brian Inganga/AP) The president said on Sunday that Rwandans are disgusted by critics who have questioned and revised the history of the genocide. Rwandans will always challenge it, he said, adding that preventing another genocide requires political measures such as those now in place. Our journey has been long and tough, he went on. Rwanda was completely humbled by the magnitude of our loss, and the lessons we learned are engraved in blood. But the tremendous progress of our country is plain to see and it is the result of the choice we made together to resurrect our nation. He added: The foundation of everything is unity. That was the first choice to believe in the idea of a united Rwanda and live accordingly. A night vigil will be held later on Sunday as part of a week of remembrance activities. Naphtal Ahishakiye, the head of Ibuka, a prominent group of survivors, told the Associated Press that keeping the memory of the genocide alive helps fight the mentality that allowed neighbours to turn on each other, killing even children. Newly discovered skulls and bones of some of those who were killed in the 1994 Rwanda genocide as they sought refuge inside a church in Nyamata (Brian Inganga/AP) Mass graves are still being discovered across Rwanda 30 years later, a reminder of the scale of the killings. Its a time to learn what happened, why it happened, what are the consequences of genocide to us as genocide survivors, to our country, and to the international community, said Mr Ahishakiye. He said his country has come a long way since the 1990s, when only survivors and government officials participated in commemoration events. But today even those who are family members of perpetrators come to participate. Mr Kagame, who grew up as a refugee in neighbouring Uganda, has been Rwandas de facto ruler, first as vice president from 1994 to 2000, then as acting president. He was voted into office in 2003 and has since been re-elected multiple times. A candidate for elections set for July, he won the last election with nearly 99% of the vote. Rights activists and others say his authoritarian regime has created a climate of fear that discourages open and free discussion of national issues. Rwandan military personnel salute as dignitaries lay wreaths at the Kigali Genocide Memorial (Brian Inganga/AP) Critics have accused the government of forcing opponents to flee, jailing or making them disappear while some are killed under mysterious circumstances. Mr Kagames most serious political rivals are his Tutsi ex-comrades now living in exile. Though mostly peaceful, Rwanda has also had troubled relations with its neighbours. Recently, tensions have flared with Congo, with the two countries leaders accusing one another of supporting armed groups. Relations have been tense with Burundi as well over allegations that Kigali is backing a rebel group attacking Burundi. And relations with Uganda are yet to fully normalize after a period of tensions stemming from Rwandan allegations that Uganda was backing rebels opposed to Kagame. Russias government declared flooding in the Orenburg region a federal emergency on Sunday, state media reported. The floods, caused by rising water levels in the Ural River, have forced more than 4,000 people, including 885 children, to evacuate, the regional government said. Advertisement State news agency Tass said a further 2,000 homes were flooded, taking the total in the area to nearly 6,300. Emergency workers rescue a local resident after part of a dam burst, causing flooding, in Orsk, Russia (Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service/AP) Russias Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenkov arrived in Orsk one of the hardest-hit cities on Sunday to supervise rescue operations. Advertisement I propose classifying the situation in the Orenburg region as a federal emergency and establishing a federal level of response, the minister said, according to RIA Novosti. Orsk, less than 13 miles (20km) north of the border with Kazakhstan, suffered the brunt of the floods, which caused a dam to break on Friday, according to Orsk Mayor Vasily Kozupitsa. By Sunday morning, 4,500 residential buildings in the city with a population of 200,000 were flooded and evacuation efforts were continuing, Tass said. A Russian Emergency Ministry worker carries a dog during an evacuation of local residents in Orsk (Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service/AP) Advertisement A criminal probe has been launched to investigate suspected construction violations that may have caused the dam to break. Local authorities said the dam could withstand water levels up to 18ft (5.5). On Saturday morning, the water level had reached 30.51ft (9.3m) and was still rising, Mr Kozupitsa said. On Sunday, the level in Orsk reached 31.82ft (9.7m), according to Russias water level information site AllRivers. Advertisement Officials in Orsk reported on Sunday that four people had died, but said their deaths were not related to the flooding. The floods, caused by rising water levels in the Ural River, have forced more than 4,000 people to evacuate (Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service/AP) Officials in the regional capital (also called Orenburg) some 155 miles (250km) away from Orsk, wrote on Telegram on Sunday that the situation in the city was getting worse, as water levels increased by 11.02in (28cm) compared with the previous day. Advertisement More than 1,300 homes were flooded and 428 people had been evacuated, they said. Footage from Orsk and Orenburg showed water covering the streets dotted with single-storey houses. The designation of the situation as a federal emergency reflects the risk of flooding beyond the Orenburg region. An emergency worker carries belongings of evacuated residents (Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service/AP) Russias Ministry for Emergency Situations evacuated around 820 people in the neighbouring Samara region, the ministrys regional directorate said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had spoken with Minister Kurenkov, as well as the heads of the Kurgan and Tyumen regions, located in the Ural Mountains area, to discuss the situation and the need for early adoption of measures to assist people and their possible evacuation. Preventative evacuation began on Sunday in two districts of the Kurgan region, the regional department of Emergency Situations Ministry wrote on Telegram. The Ural River, about 1,509 miles (2,428km) long, flows from the southern section of the Urals into the north end of the Caspian Sea, through Russia and Kazakhstan. Rwandans are commemorating 30 years since the genocide in which an estimated 800,000 people were killed by government-backed extremists, shattering the small East African country which continues to grapple with the horrific legacy of the massacres. Rwanda has shown strong economic growth in the years since, but scars remain and there are questions about whether genuine reconciliation has been achieved under the long rule of president Paul Kagame, whose rebel movement stopped the genocide and seized power. Advertisement Mr Kagame, who is praised by many for bringing relative stability but vilified by others for his intolerance of dissent, will lead sombre commemoration events in the capital, Kigali, on Sunday. Foreign visitors include a delegation led by Bill Clinton, who was US president during the genocide, and Israeli president Isaac Herzog. Rwandan president Paul Kagame lights a memorial flame at the Kigali Genocide Memorial during a ceremony to mark the 30th anniversary of the genocide (Brian Inganga/AP) Advertisement Mr Kagame will light a flame of remembrance and lay a wreath at a memorial site holding the remains of 250,000 genocide victims in Kigali. The killings were ignited when a plane carrying then-president Juvenal Habyarimana, a Hutu, was shot down over Kigali. The Tutsis were blamed for downing the plane and killing the president, and became targets in massacres led by Hutu extremists that lasted more than 100 days in 1994. Some moderate Hutus who tried to protect members of the Tutsi minority were also killed. Rwandan authorities have long blamed the international community for ignoring warnings about the killings, and some Western leaders have expressed regret. Advertisement Mr Clinton, after leaving office, cited the Rwandan genocide as a failure of his administration. Rwandan president Paul Kagame and his wife, first lady Jeannette Kagame, lead other dignitaries as they arrive for the ceremony in Kigali (Brian Inganga/AP) French president Emmanuel Macron, in a pre-recorded video ahead of the Sundays ceremonies, said on Thursday that France and its allies could have stopped the genocide but lacked the will to do so. Advertisement His declaration came three years after he acknowledged the overwhelming responsibility of France Rwandas closest European ally in 1994 for failing to stop Rwandas slide into the slaughter. Rwandas ethnic composition remains largely unchanged since 1994, with a Hutu majority. The Tutsis account for 14 per cent and the Twa just 1 per cent of Rwandas 14 million people. Mr Kagames Tutsi-dominated government has outlawed any form of organisation along ethnic lines, as part of efforts to build a uniform Rwandan identity. National ID cards no longer identify citizens by ethnic group, and authorities imposed a tough penal code to prosecute those suspected of denying the genocide or the ideology behind it. Advertisement Some observers say the law has been used to silence critics who question the governments policies. Rights groups have accused Mr Kagames soldiers of carrying out some killings during and after the genocide in apparent revenge, but Rwandan authorities see the allegations as an attempt to rewrite history. Mr Kagame has previously said his forces showed restraint in the face of genocide. Newly discovered skulls and bones of some of those who were killed in the 1994 Rwanda genocide as they sought refuge inside a church in Nyamata (Brian Inganga/AP) The president is expected to give a speech, and a night vigil will be held later on Sunday as part of a week of remembrance activities. Naphtal Ahishakiye, the head of Ibuka, a prominent group of survivors, told the Associated Press that keeping the memory of the genocide alive helps fight the mentality that allowed neighbours to turn on each other, killing even children. Mass graves are still being discovered across Rwanda 30 years later, a reminder of the scale of the killings. Its a time to learn what happened, why it happened, what are the consequences of genocide to us as genocide survivors, to our country, and to the international community, said Mr Ahishakiye. He said his country has come a long way since the 1990s, when only survivors and government officials participated in commemoration events. But today even those who are family members of perpetrators come to participate. Mr Kagame, who grew up as a refugee in neighbouring Uganda, has been Rwandas de facto ruler, first as vice president from 1994 to 2000, then as acting president. He was voted into office in 2003 and has since been re-elected multiple times. A candidate for elections set for July, he won the last election with nearly 99% of the vote. Women survivors weave grass and thread bowls outside their home at Mybo reconciliation village in Nyamata, Kigali (Brian Inganga/AP) Rights activists and others say his authoritarian regime has created a climate of fear that discourages open and free discussion of national issues. Critics have accused the government of forcing opponents to flee, jailing or making them disappear while some are killed under mysterious circumstances. Mr Kagames most serious political rivals are his Tutsi ex-comrades now living in exile. Though mostly peaceful, Rwanda has also had troubled relations with its neighbours. Recently, tensions have flared with Congo, with the two countries leaders accusing one another of supporting armed groups. Relations have been tense with Burundi as well over allegations that Kigali is backing a rebel group attacking Burundi. And relations with Uganda are yet to fully normalise after a period of tensions stemming from Rwandan allegations that Uganda was backing rebels opposed to Mr Kagame. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign said a major fundraiser in Florida on Saturday raked in a massive $50.5 million (46.5 million) as the former US president seeks to replenish diminished coffers in his rematch against Democrat Joe Biden. The event, his biggest fundraiser yet, is a much-needed boost for Mr Trump, who has been routinely outraised by Mr Biden and is in the midst of a financial squeeze due to ballooning lawyer fees and legal payouts from his criminal and civil court cases. Advertisement The dinner, hosted at billionaire hedge fund manager John Paulson's Palm Beach home, will allocate a portion of the money to be raised to a fundraising group that has spent tens of millions of dollars on Mr Trump's legal fees. While Mr Trump has struggled to get some major traditional Republican donors on board, he retains the support of some heavy hitters. Co-hosts on Saturday, for example, include hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer and his daughter and conservative activist Rebekah, investor Scott Bessent, and casino mogul Phil Ruffin, according to the fundraiser invitation seen by Reuters. "People are just wanting change. Rich people want it, poor people want it," said Mr Trump in comments ahead of the fundraiser, flanked by his wife Melania Trump, who has largely stayed away from the campaign trail so far. Advertisement Biden spokesperson Ammar Moussa said on social media site X that billionaires had flocked to Mr Trump's event due to tax preferences. "The ultra-wealthy are really mad at Joe Biden for making them pay their fair share," he posted. Mr Paulson has been floated by Mr Trump as a potential Treasury secretary, according to two sources. Mr Bessent has also been floated for the role, one of those sources said. Republican presidential candidate, former US president Donald Trump and former first lady Melania Trump arrive at the home of billionaire investor John Paulson on April 6th, 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida. Photo by Alon Skuy/Getty Images In a statement on Saturday, Mr Paulson said the "overwhelming support" at the dinner, which 100 guests were expected to attend, was a sign of enthusiasm for Mr Trump. Advertisement Mr Trump spoke for roughly 45 minutes, touching on the economy and the southern border with Mexico, fundraiser George Glass, Mr Trumps former ambassador to Portugal, told Reuters. "He also talked a lot about the unification of the party." The Republican candidate's camp stressed the haul was double what Mr Biden raised last month in an over $25 million star-studded fundraiser with Democratic former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. The numbers will not be confirmed until filings are submitted to the Federal Election Commission. Campaigns sometimes exaggerate fundraising hauls to drive momentum. Mr Trump's campaign said last month that it would be unable to match Mr Biden's fundraising totals this year. His campaign, together with a joint fundraising committee, pulled in $20.3 million in February, compared with the more than $53 million raised by Mr Biden's re-election effort that month. Advertisement For Mr Trump, "it will be important to figure out ways to continue this fundraising momentum with a combination of large/small dollar events," said Republican strategist Ron Bonjean. Fine print More money is not always an indication of success, however. Mr Trump beat Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016 after she raised $769.9 million, far more than the $433.4 million he raised. Mr Trump, who clinched the Republican presidential nomination last month, can now raise money with the Republican National Committee (RNC), which his daughter-in-law co-chairs, ahead of the November 5th election. The Trump 47 Committee, a new fundraising tie-up with the RNC, directs funds to Mr Trump's Save America leadership group before anything goes to the RNC, the invitation shows. The Trump 47 Committee is asking top donors to contribute up to $814,600 per person. The first $6,600 of any person's contribution would go to Mr Trump's presidential campaign, according to the invitation. A maximum of $5,000 per person would then be allocated to Save America. After Save America gets its share, the RNC would get a cut of up to $413,000. In the cases of the biggest contributions, a raft of Republican state parties would get funds too. Pressure is mounting on the Albanese government to bolster consumer protections for airline passengers, as federal independent MPs echo calls for an aviation ombudsman and better compensation for flight delays and cancellations. Victorian independent MP Monique Ryan said airlines cared more about profits than consumer protections and its time the government steps in. The Albanese government faces mounting pressure to bolster consumer protections for airline passengers ahead of the release of its aviation white paper. Credit: James Alcock She said she was waiting for clear answers about how the Albanese government plans to protect passengers from the poor corporate behaviour of the aviation sector. When you buy a flight, you buy a flight at a specific time not one a day later, she said. It is part of the airlines business model to make it extremely challenging for passengers to seek compensation. That has to stop. Last weekend, Tony Abbott, who as prime minister appointed only one woman to his first cabinet, told this masthead the Liberal Party needed to pick more women MPs. Even Tony, it seems, has realised that the Coalition under Peter Dutton cant bloke their way back into power. Tony Abbott. But actions speak louder than words. Just last month, Abbott was in Adelaide, speaking at an event organised by firebrand conservative Senator Alex Antic, who has made a name for himself fighting the political battles that matter most to Middle Australia like drag queens and vaccine mandates. The discussion was billed as a fascinating opportunity to mingle with the former prime minister, and hear about the Abbott years from the man himself. Last we checked, there was just one full Abbott year he was rolled shortly before what would have been his second anniversary in the Lodge. 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: Police are investigating the alleged leaking of intimate images of Tziporah Malkah, who modelled under the name Kate Fischer in the 1990s, after former Seven network producer Taylor Auerbach told a court he had been involved in distributing images of a semi-naked woman. But The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age have seen a complaint, lodged by Auerbach against the former model four years ago, alleging Malkah posted other highly intimate images and information about him on social media. Former Seven Network Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach alleges Tziporah Malkah leaked an intimate image of him in 2019. Credit: AAP Malkah, 50, told The Sunday Telegraph she had made an official report to NSW Police after being dragged into Bruce Lehrmanns sprawling defamation trial. In this particular case, an individual with whom I was once vaguely acquainted, has decided to use images of me in his personal vendetta against a former male friend and colleague of his. This is completely unacceptable, Malkah told the paper. A Queensland police officer will go to trial in July for the alleged 1999 rape of his colleague after a Christmas party. Anthony John Clowes, who is still with the QPS but was suspended after he was charged in 2021, is accused of raping a female police officer in Gladstone. Clowes and the officer were working from the Gladstone Criminal Investigation Branch at the time of the alleged incident, a District Court judgment states. The female officer alleged she awoke to Clowes raping her after a Christmas party. The following morning, the officer told her officer in charge, now Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder, she had to go to Brisbane. She said she later phoned Rohweder, and alleged she had been raped by Clowes. Despite the recent bout of unfortunate publicity surrounding Bruce Lehrmanns alleged penchant for cocaine and sex workers, the former Liberal Party staffer is still top billing for an event being organised by #MenToo advocate Bettina Arndt. The presumption of innocence has been tossed aside in favour of believe-all-women justice, says Arndt in the promotional material for the Restoring the Presumption of Innocence conference to be held at an unnamed location in the Sydney suburb of Rushcutters Bay in June. Bettina Arndt at her home in 2018. Credit: Joshua Morris Controversial barrister Margaret Cunneen, SC, a strong supporter of Lehrmann, is also speaking at the conference, to be held the same month as Lehrmanns committal hearing for an alleged sexual assault in Toowoomba is set to start. Lehrmanns lawyers have indicated he intends to plead not guilty. Arndt has been one of Lehrmanns central supporters, and friends claim she had been helping to raise funds for Lehrmann. I know she was trying to help him out financially as he was completely skint, said one, who asked not to be named for fear of retribution from other Lehrmann supporters. Want to fly business class to Europe with an Asian stopover for less than the price of a direct flight? Writing a recent report on the number of Australians visiting the Philippines revealed what looked to be an unbelievable business-class fare from Manila to Milan, return in May from just $3267. Thats aboard Emirates, rated the third-best business class at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards. You can fly Emirates business class to Europe at a bargain price from Manila. How could that be possible? Further digging has turned up a couple of Asian stopovers where the price of a return business class flight to Europe seems almost too good to be true, but the prices below are from the airlines own websites, not third-party sites with dozens of caveats. (When we refer to direct flights below, we are talking about those that involve only stopping for a few hours en route to Europe. The airline industry defines direct flights and non-stop flights differently. (Read more about it here.) Where the bargains are Jerusalem: Israels military has announced it has withdrawn its forces from the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, wrapping up a key phase in its ground offensive against the Hamas militant group and bringing its troop presence in the territory to one of the lowest levels since the six-month war began. Isreali defence officials said troops were merely regrouping as the army prepares to move into Hamas last stronghold, Rafah. The war in Gaza continues, and we are far from stopping, said the military chief, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi. Palestinians flee from the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza after an Israeli ground and air offensive in late January. Credit: AP Israeli broadcaster Channel 13 TV reported that Israel was preparing to begin evacuating Rafah within a week and the process could take several months. Still, the withdrawal was a milestone as Israel and Hamas marked six months of fighting. Military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity under army policy, said a significant force remained in Gaza to continue targeted operations including in Khan Younis, a Hamas stronghold and hometown of the groups leader, Yehya Sinwar. Latin American Countries Unite in Support of Mexico After Ecuador's Controversial Embassy Raid (Photo: Dolores Ochoa / Public domain) Latin American governments have rallied around Mexico after Ecuadorian police stormed the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas. The controversial politician, who had been granted asylum by Mexican authorities, was seized in the late Friday night raid, causing outrage in Mexico City and prompting the suspension of diplomatic relations with Quito. Glas, 54, had been residing in the embassy since December, seeking political asylum from a preventive arrest warrant related to another corruption case. Mexico had granted his asylum request earlier on Friday, just hours before the unusual diplomatic incursion and arrest took place. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador strongly condemned the raid, labeling it an "authoritarian" act and a breach of international law and Mexico's sovereignty. Under international law, embassies are considered the sovereign territory of the country they represent, making Ecuador's actions a severe violation of diplomatic norms. The government of Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa defended the move, arguing that Mexico's asylum protections for Glas were illegal due to his existing corruption charges. Glas, who served as vice president under the leftist government of Rafael Correa between 2013 and 2017, has complained of political persecution, a claim that Ecuador's government denies. Sonia Vera, Glas' international lawyer, stated that his legal team is seeking help from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the United Nations Security Council, and the General Assembly. Video footage circulating on social media showed Glas being taken by police convoy to the airport in Quito, flanked by heavily armed soldiers, before boarding a plane en route to a jail in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. Governments across the political spectrum in Latin America, including Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Uruguay, have sharply criticized the storming of the embassy. Photos on social media, including one posted by Cuba's foreign minister, appeared to show the embassy's wall being scaled by armed police or soldiers, although Reuters could not immediately confirm the authenticity of the images. Brazil's government condemned Ecuador's actions as a "clear violation" of international norms prohibiting such raids on foreign embassies, stressing their solidarity with Mexico. The Brazilian foreign ministry emphasized that Ecuador's move "must be subject to strong repudiation, whatever the justification for its implementation." In an interview with local broadcaster Milenio, Mexico's top diplomat, Alicia Barcena, expressed shock at Ecuador's incursion, adding that some embassy personnel had been injured in the raid. She stated that Glas had been granted asylum after an exhaustive analysis of the circumstances surrounding the accusations he faces. The Mexican foreign ministry has announced its intention to file a complaint with the United Nations' International Court of Justice for "grave violations of international law." The Washington-based Organization of American States issued a call for dialogue to resolve the escalating dispute, emphasizing the need for "strict compliance with international treaties, including those that guarantee the right to asylum." Colombian President Gustavo Petro argued in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Latin America "must keep alive the precepts of international law in the midst of the barbarism that is advancing in the world." Petro's government noted that it will seek human rights legal protections for the now-detained Glas. Ecuadorian authorities had unsuccessfully sought permission from Mexico to enter the embassy and arrest Glas, who was sentenced to six years in prison in 2017 for taking bribes from Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht in exchange for government contracts. In 2020, he was convicted again of using money from contractors to fund campaigns for Correa's political movement, receiving an eight-year sentence. The unprecedented breach of diplomatic protocol has sent shockwaves through the international community, with regional leaders and diplomats expressing their solidarity with Mexico and condemning Ecuador's actions. As the situation continues to unfold, the long-term implications for diplomatic relations between the two countries and the broader Latin American region remain uncertain. Glas' attorney, Sonia Vera, expressed fears for her client's safety while in custody, citing the track record of Ecuador's detention facilities, where hundreds of people have died during violent riots in recent years. "In Ecuador, going to jail is practically a death sentence," Vera said, holding President Daniel Noboa Azin responsible for Glas' life as an "international political and legal person." The Mexican Embassy in Quito remains under heavy police guard following the raid, which marks the boiling point of recent tensions between Mexico and Ecuador. As the international community closely monitors the situation, the breach of diplomatic norms and the potential consequences for regional stability have become a cause for concern and condemnation. A Palestinian woman argues with Israeli border police officers who arrived to force her stop building a house, in Susya village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank August 11, 2020. (Photo: REUTERS/Mussa Qawasma ) Israel has withdrawn a significant portion of its ground troops from southern Gaza, leaving just one brigade in the battered enclave six months after the war began. The move comes as both Israel and Hamas, the Islamist movement that controls Gaza, prepare to send delegations to Egypt for fresh talks on a potential ceasefire. The Israeli military has been gradually reducing its presence in Gaza since the start of the year, primarily to relieve reservists and in response to growing pressure from its ally, the United States, to improve the humanitarian situation in the region. The pressure has intensified following last week's killing of seven aid workers. While the military spokesperson did not provide specific details on the reasons for the troop withdrawal or the exact numbers involved, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the soldiers would be preparing for future operations in Gaza. The remaining Nahal Brigade, consisting of a few thousand soldiers, will be tasked with preventing Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza and conducting "precision" strikes across the territory. Both Israel and Hamas have confirmed their intentions to send delegations to Egypt for talks. Hamas is seeking an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, while Israel has stated that, following any truce, it would aim to topple Hamas, which is sworn to its destruction. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that there would be no deal without a hostage release and that he would not cave to international pressure. Hamas, on the other hand, insists that any agreement must include freedom of movement for residents across the Gaza Strip. According to Israeli tallies, more than 250 hostages were seized and approximately 1,200 people were killed during Hamas' Oct. 7 attack. The health ministry in Gaza reports that more than 33,100 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive. Around 130 hostages are still being held in Gaza. When asked about the troop withdrawals, Israel's Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi told reporters that the military was adapting its methods to what has been and will be a long war. Defence Minister Gallant reiterated that Israel will press on with the war until Hamas no longer controls Gaza or threatens Israel as a military group. Palestinian residents of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, which has come under Israeli bombardment in recent months, reported seeing Israeli forces leaving the city center and retreating to eastern districts. Medics said they found at least 12 Palestinian bodies in the area, and some residents who had been sheltering in Rafah began returning to their neighborhoods after the Israeli troops left. Imad Joudat, a 55-year-old resident living with his eight-member family in a tent in Rafah, expressed hope for a happy Eid al-Fitr holiday, which starts mid-week. "The occupation withdrew forces from Khan Younis, the Americans are pressuring after some foreigners were killed, and Egypt is holding a big round with the Americans, the Israelis, Hamas, and Qatar. This time we are hopeful," Joudat told Reuters via a chat app. Israel is facing increased pressure from the United States, with President Joe Biden demanding improvements in humanitarian conditions in Gaza and efforts towards a ceasefire. Biden has also stated that U.S. support could depend on these actions, marking the first time he has sought to leverage U.S. backing to influence Israeli military behavior. The U.S. is a major supplier of arms to Israel. In addition to the pressure from the U.S., Biden has urged the leaders of Egypt and Qatar to pressure Hamas to agree to a ceasefire and hostage deal ahead of the fresh round of talks in Cairo. This stock has been delisted. Data presented here are the latest available. This stock has been delisted. Data presented here are the latest available. IAG Glass Compan Asahi Glass Company Tokyo promoted by IAG Company Ltd.(formerly known as Indo-Asahi Glass Company) to revive Sodepore Glass a sick unit which went into liquidation. Under the technical guidance of Asahi Glass the company started manufacturing sheet glass including thinner varieties of 1.1 mm thickness (substantial amounts of which are required by the defence and civil health services) as also for ophthalmic lenses and de-siliconised icon products. Asahi Japan holds a 39.76% stake in the company.The product range of the company was later widened to include tinted glass and figured glass of low fragility and exquisite designs of thicknesses of 2 mm and above in thickness. Further the product-m ... Read More IAG Glass Compan - Key Fundamentals PARAMETER VALUES Funds Owning this Stock Scheme Name Amount Invested ( Cr) No Of Shares Net Asset (%) Research Reports Date Broker Action Prices() Report Data Not Found Stock Strength Y ear Low/High () 0.00 0.00 A ll time Low/High () 1.50 350.00 Share Price Returns Period BSE NSE SENSEX NIFTY % % % This stock has been delisted. Data presented here are the latest available. 1. What's the Hexaware Tech. share price today? Hexaware Tech. share price was Rs 81.25 at close on 2nd Jul 2007 . Hexaware Tech. share price was up by 0.00 % over the previous closing price of Rs 470.75 . Hexaware Tech. share price trend: Last 1 Month: Hexaware Tech. share price moved down by % on _ Last 3 Months: Hexaware Tech. share price moved down by % on _ Last 12 Months: Hexaware Tech. share price moved down by % on _ Last 3 Years: Hexaware Tech. price moved down by % on _ 2. How can I quickly analyse the performance of the Hexaware Tech. stock? The performance of the Hexaware Tech. stock can be quickly analysed on the following metrics: The stock's PE is _ Price to book value ratio is _ Dividend yield of _ The EPS (trailing 12 months) of the Hexaware Tech. stock is Rs _ 3. What is the market cap of Hexaware Tech. ? Hexaware Tech. has a market capitalisation of Rs - crore. 4. What is Hexaware Tech. 's 52-week high/low share price? The Hexaware Tech. s 52-week high share price is Rs 471.30 and 52-week low share price is Rs 0.00 . 5. Is the Hexaware Tech. profitable? On a consolidated basis, Hexaware Tech. reported a loss of Rs crore on a total income of Rs crore for the quarter ended . For the year ended , Hexaware Tech. had posted a loss of Rs - crore on a total income of Rs - crore. 6. Which are Hexaware Tech. s peers in the sector? Hexaware Tech. s top 5 peers in the sector are undefined, undefined, undefined, undefined, undefined, undefined . 7. Who owns how much in Hexaware Tech. ? Key changes to the Hexaware Tech. shareholding are as follows: The Mazda CX-60 was off to a rough start. Despite being branded as the face of Mazdas premium push, it faced mixed reviews and was the subj...